After watching BYU's opening game against Tennessee Tech, I have the same thoughts about the team: there are some very good players, on a very good defensive team, that is going to struggle to score points against good defensive teams, especially on the road.
The next three opponents (Georgia State, Florida State, and ND/Saint Joe's) all seem to be good defensive teams. Other such non-conference opponents coming up later in the year are Montana, Utah State, and Virginia Tech. That isn't to say there aren't quality opponents out there on the schedule: certainly Iowa State and Baylor are formidable opponents, playing at Weber State is difficult as well, but BYU won't lose any of those games b/c those teams play outstanding D.
Georgia State will give BYU more grief than Tennessee Tech was able to, but ultimately the altitude and the crowd probably help BYU score enough points to beat them away (I think a pace towards 72 points would be enough to keep the game in hand throughout). However, Florida State and ND/Saint Joe's will not be played in the friendly confines of the Marriott Center. BYU will probably be lucky to put up 65 points, based on what I've seen from BYU and what I know of their personnel. So those games will come down to BYU's ability to get stops. Win them both and there are opportunities to start something special. Lose them both and an NIT berth awaits. A split and BYU can continue to stay on the bubble!
I think BYU wins tonight about 74-65. They'll need Davies to step up and dominate the paint against a bigger guy, they'll need to do better at the free throw line, and they'll need to get more than 3 offensive rebounds to help break Georgia State's zone D!
What a start. Looks like we are still going to struggle with in your face pressure.
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