Tempering Expectations

A good friend of mine, Shane, has discovered the secret formula to approaching a BYU football season: no expectations.  Fortunately for him, he discovered this prior to last season.  While those who didn't do such a good job managing expectations watched the offense implode as Bronco touted his hard-working, blue-collar, "guy who just competes" QB go 5-4 as a starter.  With 3 of those games decided by the fact that BYU needed a kicker who was only slightly healthier/better than its QB (and didn't have one).

Now, BYU approaches the 2013 season, with new hopes, a more difficult schedule than usual, and some concerns on both sides of the ball.  Many, especially in Provo, have become enamored with the coaching changes, the "go fast, go hard" mentality, and the return of potential All Americans in Kyle Van Noy and Cody Hoffman.  But there is one thing to remember: other teams had players working hard and coaches coaching hard in the offseason as well.

BYU's offense, by all accounts, should be better at getting yards than last year.  Taysom Hill has a better arm than Riley Nelson.  His receivers all have an additional season of experience under their belt.  Jamaal Williams is bigger and stronger.  The offense is designed to move faster and get more plays called each game.  The yards will come, about that I have no doubt.  There should be big plays too, something that was generally absent in the Riley Nelson era.

However, will the points follow?

That is where minding your expectations matters.  BYU opens on the road against a lightweight of an ACC team.  But it's still a road game.  And it's still an ACC team.  Next up is a team that has plenty of  NFL-potential on D in Texas.  Then, after a bye, they face the Jedi Mind Tricks of the Utah Utes.  [Two years ago, you could almost hear Star Lotulelei telling Jake Heaps "you don't want that football" followed by a fumble, and then again as Heaps reached down to pick it up Star says "you don't want that football" and then again in the end zone "you want me to have that football" and, sure enough, Utah 7, BYU 0.  Last year was not too different.]

None of those games are going to be easy.  BYU might win 2 or 3 of them, they might even win a couple by multiple TDs, but they won't be easy.  And that probably isn't the most difficult 3-game stretch of the season.  Can BYU produce in the red (er, blue) zone this year?  Last year, turnovers, miscues, and poor kicking cost BYU a lot of points.  This season, I still worry about turnovers and miscues, particularly with so many moving parts.  The O is planning to play 3-4 RBs, 6 WRs, 3 TEs, and 8-10 OL.  It only takes one of them to make a mistake to cost BYU points.

My point is: manage your expectations going into the difficult schedule BYU is facing this season.  It will make for a happier season.  Regardless of the outcomes of the games, you will be happier and surprised at potentially positive outcomes, instead of frustrated with potentially negative ones.

I love Taysom Hill.  You could tell last season that, mentally, he had it.  If his knee injury didn't impact the mental edge he possessed, BYU might have a great season (assuming they at least have two bodies to play at cornerback).  Heading into the season, however, expect wins against Middle Tennessee and Idaho State.  Beyond that, just enjoy the ride.