Obviously the big talk in Cougar Nation, if people are still tuned in after yet another season "ends" in September, is around the QB situation. That's all well and good. If Riley's healthy he'll play, unless he's ineffective, and then they'll say he's unhealthy and yank him...k, enough about that (and go Hill, in case you wanted to know which side of it I'm on).
I want to talk about the defense today. I watched one of the more inspired efforts I've ever seen from a BYU defense last Thursday night (and the Saturday night before too). BYU's D was put in bad situations time after time and came through on each occasion. Though, let's be honest, it helped that Boise State refused to kick FGs. I saw one of the great defenses in the country competing their butts off. The offense produced nothing, however, and BYU lost the game 7-6.
Fast forward to Saturday. I saw a team with my own eyes that has a championship caliber defense (well, really it's the front 7, I suspect OU will show how poor the secondary is here in about a month) and an atrocious/abysmal offense. Yet, in a game with essentially similar offensive numbers, the championship defense won. How did they win? When the offense wasn't producing, the defense produced! Turnovers were the key that fueled Notre Dame's victory over Michigan, in spite of an offense that produced less than 200 yards in 58 minutes.
People point out that BYU lost its last two games because they were -7 in turnovers those two games. In spite of defensive dominance, the one problem no one is talking about was that BYU was only -7 b/c the defense failed to produce a single turnover. That's not good enough if BYU wants to get to that next level: if BYU's D had forced 1 turnover in each of those games, BYU still would have been -5 in turnovers, but they would have been 2-0. I'm firmly convinced of that.
BYU's D is limiting yards and points, forcing punts, and getting off the field quickly. But when an offense struggles, a championship-level defense flips the field. They pick up a fumble and return it 47 yards for a TD. They pick off a pass and rumble 30+ yards to the end zone. Or just pick off ANY pass or recover ANY fumble. For as good as BYU's D has been, they haven't been a championship D. That's why BYU fans are clinging to the hope that BYU can still go 8-4 against what now looks like a much more difficult schedule with Utah State playing really well, Oregon State being ranked, Notre Dame sitting in (or just outside) the top ten, and SJSU receiving more votes in the polls than BYU (it only takes one to do that these days).
On a side note, I got to sit in on a (very candid) meeting with ND Hoops Coach Mike Brey today. I love being in South Bend. He got me so excited about something I've never given a rat's pooh-shooter about: Notre Dame basketball. The guy is a stud. He's sharp. He's honest. He's real. He did scare the crap out of me about how good St. Joe's is (whom BYU plays in Brooklyn in November). I am now an Irish b-ball (and Mike Brey) fan.
I'm still working on the football fan thing, it's tough overcoming a decade of being a hater, but I have to say, the atmosphere for Michigan-ND at night was pretty amazing. I spent the second half sitting right next to the recruits. They looked really impressed with the environment as well. Torii Hunter's son committed to ND right after the game. David Robinson (who was 2 feet away from me at one point on Saturday afternoon) also had a son commit recently. It's definitely a great venue to take in a game. I recommend it. I even have a couch for those interested in attending (though this year's BYU game the couch is already spoken for, but Stanford, Wake Forest, Pittsburgh...)!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
BYU Opponents Predictions, Week Four
Miami at Georgia Tech
The U's speed on defense can prevent big plays for GT, but ultimately defending the option is about discipline. GT 27, Miami 20.
Oregon State at UCLA
Beavers played some solid run D against Wisconsin. But UCLA presents an entirely different and more dynamic rushing attack. UCLA 27, Oregon State 17.
Colorado at Washington State
I think Wazu is building some momentum. Colorado has none. Wazu 38, CU 10.
Wyoming at Idaho
If this game happens and nobody sees it, did it really happen? Idaho 20, Wyo 17.
Utah State at Colorado State
How do the Aggies respond after heartbreak last week at Wisconsin? Well, probably with a blowout win against an overmatched CSU Rams team. Utah State 31, CSU 13.
Michigan at Notre Dame
Michigan proved they are not there yet after utter destruction against Alabma. The Irish have to avenge last year's absolute collapse in the 4th quarter. This is only the second night game in the last 20 years at Notre Dame. It's going to be hopping. I'll make sure of that! Notre Dame 34, Michigan 17.
San Jose State at San Diego State
I know most people don't care about this one but I'm quite intrigued by the matchup actually. SDSU prepares for a move to the Big East. SJSU played Stanford tougher than USC did. I suspect there will be a lot of points here. SDSU 38, SJSU 34.
New Mexico at New Mexico State
In the rivalry game, who knows what can happen. I think Walker for NMSU understands the importance of this game more than old Bob at UNM. NMSU 23, UNM 15.
Utah at Arizona State
We saw how BYU responded against Boise after the excruciating loss, i.e. with an even more excruciating loss. How will Utah respond after the win? Well, I don't know what to expect from Utah's offense, but I suspect they'll break a few more big plays than they did last week. ASU though has a lot more big-play potential than the Utes. Ultimately, the Sun Devils wear Utah down after the emotional game last week. ASU 27, Utah 17.
Nevada at Hawaii
I think Nevada has the better team, Hawaii has the homefield. Hawaii 24, Nevada 21.
The U's speed on defense can prevent big plays for GT, but ultimately defending the option is about discipline. GT 27, Miami 20.
Oregon State at UCLA
Beavers played some solid run D against Wisconsin. But UCLA presents an entirely different and more dynamic rushing attack. UCLA 27, Oregon State 17.
Colorado at Washington State
I think Wazu is building some momentum. Colorado has none. Wazu 38, CU 10.
Wyoming at Idaho
If this game happens and nobody sees it, did it really happen? Idaho 20, Wyo 17.
Utah State at Colorado State
How do the Aggies respond after heartbreak last week at Wisconsin? Well, probably with a blowout win against an overmatched CSU Rams team. Utah State 31, CSU 13.
Michigan at Notre Dame
Michigan proved they are not there yet after utter destruction against Alabma. The Irish have to avenge last year's absolute collapse in the 4th quarter. This is only the second night game in the last 20 years at Notre Dame. It's going to be hopping. I'll make sure of that! Notre Dame 34, Michigan 17.
San Jose State at San Diego State
I know most people don't care about this one but I'm quite intrigued by the matchup actually. SDSU prepares for a move to the Big East. SJSU played Stanford tougher than USC did. I suspect there will be a lot of points here. SDSU 38, SJSU 34.
New Mexico at New Mexico State
In the rivalry game, who knows what can happen. I think Walker for NMSU understands the importance of this game more than old Bob at UNM. NMSU 23, UNM 15.
Utah at Arizona State
We saw how BYU responded against Boise after the excruciating loss, i.e. with an even more excruciating loss. How will Utah respond after the win? Well, I don't know what to expect from Utah's offense, but I suspect they'll break a few more big plays than they did last week. ASU though has a lot more big-play potential than the Utes. Ultimately, the Sun Devils wear Utah down after the emotional game last week. ASU 27, Utah 17.
Nevada at Hawaii
I think Nevada has the better team, Hawaii has the homefield. Hawaii 24, Nevada 21.
Friday, September 21, 2012
On Further Review, 9/21/2012
There were a few things about BYU that we learned last night. I let my fandom show a lot in posts and rants the past week or two. But realistically, what can BYU fans really expect out of a program with an honor code as strict as BYU's? We have some great players. Bronco is putting as great of a group of personnel as I've ever seen at BYU.
BYU didn't lose the game b/c of the failed 2-point conversion. I don't like the call. I do like the fact that Bronco wanted to show his faith in the young QB, but I think he showed a lot of disrespect to his defense that kept BYU in the game with stand after stand. He robbed them of an opportunity to win the game. That's the real negative in my mind: taking the defense out of the game and putting it in the hands of an untested guy. But, like I said, that call didn't lose BYU the game: BYU's offense and the 5 turnovers lost BYU the game. Anyway, enough fluff, now to my 3 lessons.
1. Riley's leadership isn't universal. Rewind one year to the debacle that was BYU's first 5 games. Jake Heaps was turning it over in bunches. People said he had lost the team. In steps Riley Nelson and he leads the team to miraculous comebacks.
It's easy to "lead" when you aren't the one screwing up. Last night, it was Riley Nelson with his head down pacing the sideline. In steps Taysom Hill to clean up Riley's mess. It's easy to be the guy that comes in to fix someone else's mistakes, it's a lot harder to lead when you are the guy. Riley's leadership was absent in the 3rd quarters at Utah and Boise. He could not rally the troops around him because he was the problem, not the solution. Is Taysom now the solution?
I think there are probably a lot of BYU fans like me that feel that there is no reason not to play him. The goal this season had to be a BCS game with 29 seniors and one of the top D's in the country. Riley proved unworthy. Now they have to reshift focus and prepare for next year. That's just my personal opinion: if BYU goes 6-6 or 10-2 with Riley Nelson, they play in the Poinsettia Bowl and they have to rebuild next year. If BYU goes 6-6 or 10-2 with Taysom Hill, they play in the Poinsettia Bowl and they have an experienced QB heading into next season. Maybe that will be enough to keep Cody Hoffman and Kyle Van Noy for their senior seasons. Riley proved he can lead BYU to victories over teams BYU should beat. But he has yet to beat a team that BYU wasn't significantly better than. In the 50-50 games, he's 0-fer. Beat Utah State, San Jose State, Oregon State, Idaho State, Idaho, Hawaii, Tulsa, Washington State, Weber State. He lost to TCU (because of his turnovers), lost to Utah (because of his inability to calm/lead the O), and lost to Boise State (because of his turnovers).
2. It's unfortunate that Riley is not the guy. The pieces are there defensively. The defense is not a top 15 D like I stated before the game. That is one of the absolute top 5 defenses in the country. BYU is -5 in turnovers and the BYU D doesn't give up a point. The BYU offense manages 100 yards through 2.5 quarters and BYU only loses the Time of Possession battle essentially by the last possession where Boise ran out the clock. The special teams were solid too, at least on punts and punt returns. No opportunities to kick field goals or kick off, thanks to Riley's turnovers.
The defense is unreal.
3. Doman isn't ready for prime time yet either. BYU attempted just 3 passes over 15 yards the entire evening. I know BYU fans remember the "fade" days of Robert Anae, but at least it forced defenses to defend the entire field occasionally. It's just a touch throw. It's low risk but the odds are against you of completing it as well. BYU didn't even TRY to make Boise State for its steady diet of man coverage. I won't say the play calls were suspect, b/c he did reasonably well considering he has an incapable offensive line. But every once in a while you HAVE to go deep, even if it's just to show that you can. And who knows, with Cody Hoffman maybe you even get a big play or pass interference out of it.
It's just a shame that BYU didn't try it a single time. Who knows how the outcome might have changed...
BYU didn't lose the game b/c of the failed 2-point conversion. I don't like the call. I do like the fact that Bronco wanted to show his faith in the young QB, but I think he showed a lot of disrespect to his defense that kept BYU in the game with stand after stand. He robbed them of an opportunity to win the game. That's the real negative in my mind: taking the defense out of the game and putting it in the hands of an untested guy. But, like I said, that call didn't lose BYU the game: BYU's offense and the 5 turnovers lost BYU the game. Anyway, enough fluff, now to my 3 lessons.
1. Riley's leadership isn't universal. Rewind one year to the debacle that was BYU's first 5 games. Jake Heaps was turning it over in bunches. People said he had lost the team. In steps Riley Nelson and he leads the team to miraculous comebacks.
It's easy to "lead" when you aren't the one screwing up. Last night, it was Riley Nelson with his head down pacing the sideline. In steps Taysom Hill to clean up Riley's mess. It's easy to be the guy that comes in to fix someone else's mistakes, it's a lot harder to lead when you are the guy. Riley's leadership was absent in the 3rd quarters at Utah and Boise. He could not rally the troops around him because he was the problem, not the solution. Is Taysom now the solution?
I think there are probably a lot of BYU fans like me that feel that there is no reason not to play him. The goal this season had to be a BCS game with 29 seniors and one of the top D's in the country. Riley proved unworthy. Now they have to reshift focus and prepare for next year. That's just my personal opinion: if BYU goes 6-6 or 10-2 with Riley Nelson, they play in the Poinsettia Bowl and they have to rebuild next year. If BYU goes 6-6 or 10-2 with Taysom Hill, they play in the Poinsettia Bowl and they have an experienced QB heading into next season. Maybe that will be enough to keep Cody Hoffman and Kyle Van Noy for their senior seasons. Riley proved he can lead BYU to victories over teams BYU should beat. But he has yet to beat a team that BYU wasn't significantly better than. In the 50-50 games, he's 0-fer. Beat Utah State, San Jose State, Oregon State, Idaho State, Idaho, Hawaii, Tulsa, Washington State, Weber State. He lost to TCU (because of his turnovers), lost to Utah (because of his inability to calm/lead the O), and lost to Boise State (because of his turnovers).
2. It's unfortunate that Riley is not the guy. The pieces are there defensively. The defense is not a top 15 D like I stated before the game. That is one of the absolute top 5 defenses in the country. BYU is -5 in turnovers and the BYU D doesn't give up a point. The BYU offense manages 100 yards through 2.5 quarters and BYU only loses the Time of Possession battle essentially by the last possession where Boise ran out the clock. The special teams were solid too, at least on punts and punt returns. No opportunities to kick field goals or kick off, thanks to Riley's turnovers.
The defense is unreal.
3. Doman isn't ready for prime time yet either. BYU attempted just 3 passes over 15 yards the entire evening. I know BYU fans remember the "fade" days of Robert Anae, but at least it forced defenses to defend the entire field occasionally. It's just a touch throw. It's low risk but the odds are against you of completing it as well. BYU didn't even TRY to make Boise State for its steady diet of man coverage. I won't say the play calls were suspect, b/c he did reasonably well considering he has an incapable offensive line. But every once in a while you HAVE to go deep, even if it's just to show that you can. And who knows, with Cody Hoffman maybe you even get a big play or pass interference out of it.
It's just a shame that BYU didn't try it a single time. Who knows how the outcome might have changed...
Thursday, September 20, 2012
BYU at Boise Recap...
I am incredulous. BYU does nothing all night, they finally move the ball, then refuse to go to OT with all of the momentum. Ballsy to go for the win, but you have a frosh QB in there seeing his first action. Nothing more to say.
On second thought (over an hour later), I do have more to say...not ballsy to go for the win. You have a freshman QB seeing his first significant minutes. Boise State has no faith in its kicker. Your defense is playing amazingly well. The game will go to OT if you take the XP. If you miss it, you have no timeouts left and it only takes one first down for Boise to ice the game (which they got, so it's easy to say that). I think it's an OK call, if you have two timeouts and if you don't put the ball on the left hash so everybody and their dog knows it's a QB roll right (unless you take all the flow right and throw back to the left???). Of all the times in the world I WISH the OL would have false-started, that was one of them! False start, kick the XP. Go to OT. With the momentum. Win the game. Who knows, with that D, maybe you go 11-1! I'd be shocked if BYU wins 9 now...too bad b/c it's a dang good D. Too bad that the 29 seniors have to live with two losses like the two BYU has. Now they play the rest of the season knowing they are playing a crap MWC team in the crap Poinsettia Bowl. Hopes, dreams, expectations all gone now. Given that, what do you all think: play Taysom now?
On second thought (over an hour later), I do have more to say...not ballsy to go for the win. You have a freshman QB seeing his first significant minutes. Boise State has no faith in its kicker. Your defense is playing amazingly well. The game will go to OT if you take the XP. If you miss it, you have no timeouts left and it only takes one first down for Boise to ice the game (which they got, so it's easy to say that). I think it's an OK call, if you have two timeouts and if you don't put the ball on the left hash so everybody and their dog knows it's a QB roll right (unless you take all the flow right and throw back to the left???). Of all the times in the world I WISH the OL would have false-started, that was one of them! False start, kick the XP. Go to OT. With the momentum. Win the game. Who knows, with that D, maybe you go 11-1! I'd be shocked if BYU wins 9 now...too bad b/c it's a dang good D. Too bad that the 29 seniors have to live with two losses like the two BYU has. Now they play the rest of the season knowing they are playing a crap MWC team in the crap Poinsettia Bowl. Hopes, dreams, expectations all gone now. Given that, what do you all think: play Taysom now?
4th Quarter Thoughts
1st Offensive Possession
Can't expect much on 3rd and long. And we didn't get much. Not a bad attempt, man coverage, getting Hoffman on a crossing route, but at some point, BYU needs to take a shot deep.
Much better punt coverage tonight, for sure.
1st Defensive Possession
The D continues to deliver solid pops, even this late, on a quick turnaround, getting demolished on time of possession.
Man, big time play on 3rd. And lucky bounce...too bad it didn't go sideways and out of bounds, gained another 20 yards on it. Not much chance for the BYU O unless they do something different. Doman needs to earn his paycheck here. I don't have much faith here. I think BYU has to throw the ball deep on this possession. Boise has NO RESPECT for BYU's ability to throw the ball down the field.
2nd Offensive Possession
D was playing for the pass there, backed off. Young QB, this is bad...historically bad.
Good toughness by Taysom. Cut upfield and went for the first down. Nice.
Another penalty...yikes, BYU.
Man...open WRs twice. Even Nelson could have made those throws. Haha. BYU just can't catch a break. Stephenson had a HUGE punt called back for a review. Coming back from the commercial, watch him shank or Boise block it...man, the pessimism is coming out in full force tonight. Good old BYU football.
A lot of "bad luck" tonight. BYU needs to get off their butts and MAKE some good luck. Do something different, throw ONE deep pass to Hoffman 1-on-1. Hit a TE on a post. Anything.
2nd Defensive Possession
BYU D has been huge on 1st downs all night. Problem is it sets up passing situations...lucked out with a dropped pass (and called offensive PI...).
And another great bounce on a punt. I think you have to go with Riley. This situation is too big for the frosh. Backed up inside the 10, down 7, 4th quarter.
The BYU I know turns it over here and loses this game 14-0. Is this BYU team better than that? They haven't looked like it...
3rd Offensive Possession
FINALLY! Take a shot deep and good things happen. Looking more like a BYU offense.
Man, where has this been all night. Excitement. Mixing things up. Pass, Option, QB Draw. Biggest play of Taysom Hill's career for sure. 4th and 3. Thursday night. On the road. ESPN broadcasting it nationally. I'm curious to see what Doman draws up for the young buck. I hope it's not a designed QB run. I don't want to see a rollout either. In the pocket pass, tuck it if you need to. Tough call. Doman's got to make it. People will question him until the end of time if he gets it wrong.
Nice play by Hoffman on that catch. That's balls.
Wow...why Bronco? That's a bad call.
Go to OT...no timeouts...have to get a three and out and then kick a FG...three and out, well, maybe. Drive and FG...nope.
3rd Defensive Possession
Too bad on the return. Too bad on the play-action pass. Too bad. Bronco showed confidence, which is nice...but you can show confidence by letting him win in OT...the first down ended it. I don't know why they aren't just taking a knee...
Can't expect much on 3rd and long. And we didn't get much. Not a bad attempt, man coverage, getting Hoffman on a crossing route, but at some point, BYU needs to take a shot deep.
Much better punt coverage tonight, for sure.
1st Defensive Possession
The D continues to deliver solid pops, even this late, on a quick turnaround, getting demolished on time of possession.
Man, big time play on 3rd. And lucky bounce...too bad it didn't go sideways and out of bounds, gained another 20 yards on it. Not much chance for the BYU O unless they do something different. Doman needs to earn his paycheck here. I don't have much faith here. I think BYU has to throw the ball deep on this possession. Boise has NO RESPECT for BYU's ability to throw the ball down the field.
2nd Offensive Possession
D was playing for the pass there, backed off. Young QB, this is bad...historically bad.
Good toughness by Taysom. Cut upfield and went for the first down. Nice.
Another penalty...yikes, BYU.
Man...open WRs twice. Even Nelson could have made those throws. Haha. BYU just can't catch a break. Stephenson had a HUGE punt called back for a review. Coming back from the commercial, watch him shank or Boise block it...man, the pessimism is coming out in full force tonight. Good old BYU football.
A lot of "bad luck" tonight. BYU needs to get off their butts and MAKE some good luck. Do something different, throw ONE deep pass to Hoffman 1-on-1. Hit a TE on a post. Anything.
2nd Defensive Possession
BYU D has been huge on 1st downs all night. Problem is it sets up passing situations...lucked out with a dropped pass (and called offensive PI...).
And another great bounce on a punt. I think you have to go with Riley. This situation is too big for the frosh. Backed up inside the 10, down 7, 4th quarter.
The BYU I know turns it over here and loses this game 14-0. Is this BYU team better than that? They haven't looked like it...
3rd Offensive Possession
FINALLY! Take a shot deep and good things happen. Looking more like a BYU offense.
Man, where has this been all night. Excitement. Mixing things up. Pass, Option, QB Draw. Biggest play of Taysom Hill's career for sure. 4th and 3. Thursday night. On the road. ESPN broadcasting it nationally. I'm curious to see what Doman draws up for the young buck. I hope it's not a designed QB run. I don't want to see a rollout either. In the pocket pass, tuck it if you need to. Tough call. Doman's got to make it. People will question him until the end of time if he gets it wrong.
Nice play by Hoffman on that catch. That's balls.
Wow...why Bronco? That's a bad call.
Go to OT...no timeouts...have to get a three and out and then kick a FG...three and out, well, maybe. Drive and FG...nope.
3rd Defensive Possession
Too bad on the return. Too bad on the play-action pass. Too bad. Bronco showed confidence, which is nice...but you can show confidence by letting him win in OT...the first down ended it. I don't know why they aren't just taking a knee...
3rd Quarter Thoughts
I realize this is tough to follow. These are my notes as I'm watching...I should probably do that a little differently and go possession by possession??? Maybe I'll try it in the 4th Q.
Offense
Riley is officially holding BYU back. Another "bad luck" turnover. But at some point, three unfortunate turnovers on the QB is 3 turnovers on the QB.
I like Doman showing trust in Jamaal Williams by giving him the ball the first play after the turnover.
Riley strikes again. I don't believe in calling for a change, but SOMETHING has to change. Take a deep shot? Run a trick play? Or...bring in Taysom.
OR...fumble...wow.
Taysom Hill showing a little green...gotta throw that away and not take a sack.
False Start...man, the OL is awful. No holes. Big-time penalty. Almost followed up with a stupid penalty too...only one time out left now, that could come back to haunt BYU, especially the way the O is playing.
The OL is just getting worked over all night.
I am SO SICK of our Offensive Line. THEY SUCK!
Man...this is killer.
Does Tiny Tim get another chance in the 4th? This is eerily similar to watching the Broncos last season. But Tebow never got yanked and put back in. I think next possession has to be Riley's if Taysom can't convert. This is big time now, you have to bring the experienced guy back in the game.
Defense
Really solid D. I can't say enough about how hard and well those guys are playing. With NO SUPPORT from the offense, in fact, I would call it NEGATIVE support from the O, Boise has scored exactly 0 points on them.
BYU took a chance on 3rd and long by bringing the blitz, since they were converting them anyway, got burned for a first down.
Kaveinga dropped another easy pick. That's two or three on the season? BYU D needs to stand after that, it's killer to give up points after that. Well-played by BYU D.
Quick kick: well-played by Boise State. Would have liked to see a goalline view on that though if it crossed the goalline. And, wish we had...fumble...
Man...BIG 3rd down stop. Please kick...please kick...please kick...if I'm Boise, play-action pass and hit a TE on an out route. Wow...QB sneak. Kyle Van Noy. Go, O!
Another huge defensive stand. 4th down stop. Again. It's now up to the future of BYU football: Taysom Hill.
Special Teams
Stephenson needs a BIG kick here. Last year, he would shank this. Let's see if this year is different. Nope...bailed out by the Broncos getting a penalty.
Other
LOVING Bronco's enthusiasm. He needs to show something. His team needs something different from him tonight I think.
Offense
Riley is officially holding BYU back. Another "bad luck" turnover. But at some point, three unfortunate turnovers on the QB is 3 turnovers on the QB.
I like Doman showing trust in Jamaal Williams by giving him the ball the first play after the turnover.
Riley strikes again. I don't believe in calling for a change, but SOMETHING has to change. Take a deep shot? Run a trick play? Or...bring in Taysom.
OR...fumble...wow.
Taysom Hill showing a little green...gotta throw that away and not take a sack.
False Start...man, the OL is awful. No holes. Big-time penalty. Almost followed up with a stupid penalty too...only one time out left now, that could come back to haunt BYU, especially the way the O is playing.
The OL is just getting worked over all night.
I am SO SICK of our Offensive Line. THEY SUCK!
Man...this is killer.
Does Tiny Tim get another chance in the 4th? This is eerily similar to watching the Broncos last season. But Tebow never got yanked and put back in. I think next possession has to be Riley's if Taysom can't convert. This is big time now, you have to bring the experienced guy back in the game.
Defense
Really solid D. I can't say enough about how hard and well those guys are playing. With NO SUPPORT from the offense, in fact, I would call it NEGATIVE support from the O, Boise has scored exactly 0 points on them.
BYU took a chance on 3rd and long by bringing the blitz, since they were converting them anyway, got burned for a first down.
Kaveinga dropped another easy pick. That's two or three on the season? BYU D needs to stand after that, it's killer to give up points after that. Well-played by BYU D.
Quick kick: well-played by Boise State. Would have liked to see a goalline view on that though if it crossed the goalline. And, wish we had...fumble...
Man...BIG 3rd down stop. Please kick...please kick...please kick...if I'm Boise, play-action pass and hit a TE on an out route. Wow...QB sneak. Kyle Van Noy. Go, O!
Another huge defensive stand. 4th down stop. Again. It's now up to the future of BYU football: Taysom Hill.
Special Teams
Stephenson needs a BIG kick here. Last year, he would shank this. Let's see if this year is different. Nope...bailed out by the Broncos getting a penalty.
Other
LOVING Bronco's enthusiasm. He needs to show something. His team needs something different from him tonight I think.
2nd Quarter Thoughts
As with the first quarter thoughts, there is no organization here. Just throwing crap out there.
Offense:
Offense:
First play of the quarter: power run with the FB leading. Not sure I like 2nd play of the
quarter!
Now we know why Nelson isn’t confident…needs more air under it…no
PI called, could have been according to the rulebook…they called the chop block according to the rulebook...haha
Finally didn’t target Hoffman on 3rd down, and
they finally converted on a passing play.
Nelson is getting ridiculous on the rollouts…stop calling
them!
Keep feeding Alisa in the 2nd half, maybe not on
the 2-minute drive…
I don’t know how BYU will score. Nelson can’t be trusted with the football.
Defense:
3rd and pass kills if BYU doesn’t get sacks. Never seem to make the play with the
secondary. Even on 3rd and
17, have to hold them to 10 yards or less…
Run D continues to play solid, can’t let up and give up a
big one. Wow…next play after writing
this, Broncos bust one…
The D has to stop momentum b/c Riley isn’t generating any:
coverage sack, well-played screen, missed hold and 10 yards…too much, told Lilo
7 or fewer on that 3rd down play…dropped 8 on 4th and
made the play!
Special Teams:
Broncos special teams clearly sub-par this season, punting
poor, refusing to kick FGs...
Other:
Penalties are killer…but I question a few of them…
Are you kidding, me Joe Sampson!
Yes, two great D’s facing off tonight, but this is an
offensive crap fest right now…
1st Quarter Thoughts
Literally no organization of thoughts, these are just my own notes on the first quarter.
Defense
The DL is controlling the play through one quarter. Broncos OL not getting much push.
With that control over the OL, LBs are filling well: they're continually in the backfield.
Offense
Early on, Riley staring at Hoffman.
Finally got a couple to Apo. Close call on an illegal touching, then a bad throw on a quick screen prevented him from getting the first down.
BYU had a "trick" formation but was forced to call timeout. Come on, Doman!
Nelson isn't confident on those rollouts, better to keep him in pocket?
On 3rd and 2, BYU tries a power run with no FB?
No worries when you have Taysom Hill on 4th down.
Special Teams
BYU obviously worked on punt coverage this week!
Punt return team practiced the fake too! Getting Ziggy with it.
Does their punter suck or do they fear Falslev that much? Maybe they do, faked it too!
Other
Great teams take momentum after a missed chip shot field goal. Not BYU...
Defense
The DL is controlling the play through one quarter. Broncos OL not getting much push.
With that control over the OL, LBs are filling well: they're continually in the backfield.
Offense
Early on, Riley staring at Hoffman.
Finally got a couple to Apo. Close call on an illegal touching, then a bad throw on a quick screen prevented him from getting the first down.
BYU had a "trick" formation but was forced to call timeout. Come on, Doman!
Nelson isn't confident on those rollouts, better to keep him in pocket?
On 3rd and 2, BYU tries a power run with no FB?
No worries when you have Taysom Hill on 4th down.
Special Teams
BYU obviously worked on punt coverage this week!
Punt return team practiced the fake too! Getting Ziggy with it.
Does their punter suck or do they fear Falslev that much? Maybe they do, faked it too!
Other
Great teams take momentum after a missed chip shot field goal. Not BYU...
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Wednesday Waffle, 9/19/2012
Sorry for the lack of a Tuesday Tidbits. I was still too sickened (by the two-minute lapse in concentration that resulted in a 17-point swing and ultimately cost BYU the game...) to go back and sort through the stats for interesting trends.
Today, I am waffling on something that I have mentioned before: the Holy War. I personally do not feel that either team NEEDS the game to be played. Utah proved last season that it needs to schedule more free wins after it's 4-5 Pac 12 record. [Insert joke here about BYU being a free win for the Utes.] BYU proved again last Saturday that they are not capable of playing its usual type of football against Utah. Last year it was the 7 turnovers. This year it was the 12 penalties and the fumble turned Utah TD and the residual TD Utah scored b/c BYU pouted instead of manning up.
Utah will almost never be ranked by the 3rd week of the season. It just won't happen very frequently. I think it's only happened twice in their history, but maybe I'm mistaken and it's 3 times. Yet, in the rivalry game, even a ranked and obviously better BYU team struggles against Utah (see 2009, 2006, 2001, I'll leave 2012 as an open debate for now). The cost of the loss is much worse than the benefit from a win. If BYU wins, they beat the 5th-8th best Pac 12 team. But, because of the rivalry, the chances of losing to Utah are much higher than they are against the other 5th-8th best Pac 12 teams. Utah has figured out the key to beating BYU: just don't screw up and wait for BYU to make fools of themselves.
Both teams are near capacity on average for their home games, so they don't need the boost in attendance that comes from playing the game. Both teams are playing good teams, so they don't need the additional quality opponent. Utah would like to replace BYU with teams it can beat more easily, like Utah State (haha), to ensure that even on a down or rebuilding year they have an easier time making a bowl game. Assuming BYU can schedule games against teams like Georgia Tech or the Arizona schools, (i.e. teams equal to Utah in terms of quality, but that won't "get up" for the BYU game as much as Utah does), then they could easily look to replace Utah on the schedule.
Now, I don't believe this is the case for BYU. I don't think BYU will be able to continue to get quality games to replace Utah. In this regard, I think BYU needs to try to push forward with it. But I don't like it. The cost and risks are too large and the reward is too small for BYU, but for Utah as well. Take this year for example, Utah beat a ranked BYU team and everybody in the country that saw any highlights from the weekend knows it. Yet, Utah barely moved up at all in the polls, and, in fact, is behind BYU is one of the polls. If Utah had lost the game, they would have no chance to be ranked again the rest of the season.
Not to mention the frustration BYU fans feel in watching the Cougars revert back to dumped teenage girl from Sandy status (see my post 3rd quarter rant from Saturday night: http://mo-knows-sports.blogspot.com/2012/09/3-quarters-in-im-done-again.html).
Today, I am waffling on something that I have mentioned before: the Holy War. I personally do not feel that either team NEEDS the game to be played. Utah proved last season that it needs to schedule more free wins after it's 4-5 Pac 12 record. [Insert joke here about BYU being a free win for the Utes.] BYU proved again last Saturday that they are not capable of playing its usual type of football against Utah. Last year it was the 7 turnovers. This year it was the 12 penalties and the fumble turned Utah TD and the residual TD Utah scored b/c BYU pouted instead of manning up.
Utah will almost never be ranked by the 3rd week of the season. It just won't happen very frequently. I think it's only happened twice in their history, but maybe I'm mistaken and it's 3 times. Yet, in the rivalry game, even a ranked and obviously better BYU team struggles against Utah (see 2009, 2006, 2001, I'll leave 2012 as an open debate for now). The cost of the loss is much worse than the benefit from a win. If BYU wins, they beat the 5th-8th best Pac 12 team. But, because of the rivalry, the chances of losing to Utah are much higher than they are against the other 5th-8th best Pac 12 teams. Utah has figured out the key to beating BYU: just don't screw up and wait for BYU to make fools of themselves.
Both teams are near capacity on average for their home games, so they don't need the boost in attendance that comes from playing the game. Both teams are playing good teams, so they don't need the additional quality opponent. Utah would like to replace BYU with teams it can beat more easily, like Utah State (haha), to ensure that even on a down or rebuilding year they have an easier time making a bowl game. Assuming BYU can schedule games against teams like Georgia Tech or the Arizona schools, (i.e. teams equal to Utah in terms of quality, but that won't "get up" for the BYU game as much as Utah does), then they could easily look to replace Utah on the schedule.
Now, I don't believe this is the case for BYU. I don't think BYU will be able to continue to get quality games to replace Utah. In this regard, I think BYU needs to try to push forward with it. But I don't like it. The cost and risks are too large and the reward is too small for BYU, but for Utah as well. Take this year for example, Utah beat a ranked BYU team and everybody in the country that saw any highlights from the weekend knows it. Yet, Utah barely moved up at all in the polls, and, in fact, is behind BYU is one of the polls. If Utah had lost the game, they would have no chance to be ranked again the rest of the season.
Not to mention the frustration BYU fans feel in watching the Cougars revert back to dumped teenage girl from Sandy status (see my post 3rd quarter rant from Saturday night: http://mo-knows-sports.blogspot.com/2012/09/3-quarters-in-im-done-again.html).
Sunday, September 16, 2012
National Title Contenders
Two more teams go by the wayside. Longshot BYU and the final Big Ten hopeful Michigan State went down, in two completely different fashions. Sparty was outplayed from the get-go and got creamed at home by someone still on this list. BYU went on the road at their rival and, well, anyone reading this probably knows how the story goes, as it's been going on three years in a row. They outplay Utah for more than half the game and give up the ghost in the second half. They were a stretch anyway.
Alabama
Clemson (at Florida State)
Florida
Florida State (Clemson)
Georgia
Kansas State (at Oklahoma)
LSU (at Auburn)
Notre Dame (Michigan)
Oklahoma (hosting Kansas State)
Oregon
South Carolina (Missouri)
Stanford
TCU
Texas
USC
West Virginia
I leave USC on the list, even with the loss, because they can still beat Oregon twice or Oregon once while beating Stanford in the Pac 12 Title game. I don't believe the ACC loser survives. I am also not sure the Oklahoma-Kansas State loser can survive the loss without a conference championship game, since other "losers" have a chance to go 12-1, where Big 12 champ could only be 11-1...
UCLA is trying to play their way onto this list, but I think playing a freshman QB will eventually cost them a close game or one on the road. Three weeks in, half of the teams are eliminated from contention. The regular season is a playoff...
Alabama
Clemson (at Florida State)
Florida
Florida State (Clemson)
Georgia
Kansas State (at Oklahoma)
LSU (at Auburn)
Notre Dame (Michigan)
Oklahoma (hosting Kansas State)
Oregon
South Carolina (Missouri)
Stanford
TCU
Texas
USC
West Virginia
I leave USC on the list, even with the loss, because they can still beat Oregon twice or Oregon once while beating Stanford in the Pac 12 Title game. I don't believe the ACC loser survives. I am also not sure the Oklahoma-Kansas State loser can survive the loss without a conference championship game, since other "losers" have a chance to go 12-1, where Big 12 champ could only be 11-1...
UCLA is trying to play their way onto this list, but I think playing a freshman QB will eventually cost them a close game or one on the road. Three weeks in, half of the teams are eliminated from contention. The regular season is a playoff...
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