Season Prediction: Cougs

The first week of College Football is upon us and I will now endeavor to give my prediction for how BYU will fare this year.

Let me start out by saying that this is the year I've been looking forward to for 2 years. I knew we had a pretty good team last year but I salivated thinking about this team. Now some things have tempered my eagerness and excitement. A new O line for sure is a big question mark. I think BYU will have a very talented O-line, but perhaps more than any other position on the field this is a group of guys that needs to play well together. This might take a few games. Also, if there are any more significant injuries on the O-line, this could be a long season. The other question is the defensive backfield. At the start of camp they looked to be the most improved. A few injures have brought that down a bit. I think the perceived starters will be good to go but might not be as sharp off the bat since they had to miss a few weeks of fall camp. The good news is the JC transfers look to be very good, they just need to learn the system. I think Aguire will be very good and Corby Eason has the speed to make him a factor on any play. The biggest question is whether or not Robbie Buckner can recover to his first week of fall camp form when he looked amazing.

BYU's D-line looks to be the best it's been in some years and should be a sacking machine with Jan Jorgensen the all time MWC sack leader. The LBs are a very solid group that loves to hit and should do well.

On the offensive side I am excited. Hall should have a great year and I think he just needs a TCU moment like Beck had in 2006 where he proves to himself that he can win difficult games. He will plenty of early opportunities. Having said that, if Hall gets injured it will be a huge blow. I love what Riley Nelson brings but he can't produce at Max's level yet. I WOULD like to see both line up in the backfield at the same time and throw the D off from time to time, as Riley can pass and run.

RBs should be very solid esp with Tonga in at FB again. Harvey is as healthy as he's ever been and should have a great year.

All that being said, if the O-line can gel quickly and protect Max and if the offense stays injury free this could be a very good year.

Now for my prediction. I have struggled between being realistic and optimistic. Even as I type this I don't know what I'm going to put next. I believe BYU will go 11-1. I can't believe I just wrote that. Actually I had typed 10-2 but I fixed it. Believe me it needed fixing. After writing all the reasons why we would drop 2 games I realized our Offense will be great this year and should win every non-OU game. Unfortunately, BYU just won't have what it takes to beat OU the first week. Maybe if we could have played them later. Anyway, I'll preview that game later this week (I do think we have a chance, just not a very good one). Now I really REALLY think BYU can beat FSU, TCU and Utah at home. But all three might be a tall order. If BYU has a bad day for any of those games it will be a loss. That being said, BYU's much improved Defense will surprise many this year and the Offense will be an absolute beast with so many weapons it will be much less predictable than last year and very difficult to stop. Unfortunately, FSU will not do as well as I want them to and BSU will go undefeated taking them to the BCS bowl and BYU will get yet another invite to the BYU, uh, I mean Las Vegas Bowl.

And BTW, this is the year BYU kills Utah. 42-17.

MWC Must Win Games

The Mountain West is coming off a spectacular year in which it made a significant case for automatic BCS inclusion. That makes this year absolutely essential for another good year. Each team plays a decent non-Conference schedule, but the best team they play against may not be the MUST win. Here are my arguments for each teams single most-important game.

Air Force: Nicholls State, @Minnesota, Navy, @Army
Must Win: Minnesota
While Navy is an important game because Navy and Air Force have comparable talent, but a win over a BCS school and the Big-10 would be great for the conference and for Air Force's development. Minnesota should be a solid program again this year, they won't be the best in the Big-10 but should finish middle of the pack, similar to where Air Force should finish in the MWC.

BYU: Oklahoma (@Dallas), @Tulane, Florida State, Utah State
Must Win: Florida State
While the biggest win would be against Oklahoma, the reality is everyone expects BYU to lose so it won't be a "the MWC sucks" if the Cougs lose. The real test and most important game is at home against Florida State. According to the pre-season rankings, they are comparable teams and BYU get them at home in the altitude. BYU has had a tough go recently against non-conference ranked teams. It is time for them step up. It will be a fun game with a prolific offense against a stout defense. A BYU win will further legitimize the MWC.

Colorado State: @Colorado, Weber State, Nevada, @ Idaho
Must Win: Nevada
This was a tough one. Colorado is pretty important as the only BCS team on the schedule. But I think people recognize that CSU is still rebuilding their program and they are given little chance to beat Colorado (though I think they have a great shot). Nevada on the other hand is at home and against the WAC's 2nd best team. Games like this are essential to the conference. While a win may not get much attention, a lose will be used against the MWC. The problem is, it will be a tough win. Nevada has one of the best QB's in the country and I would argue are a fringe Top-25 team. It would be a satisfying win for the Rams

New Mexico: @Texas A&M, Tulsa, New Mexico State, @Texas Tech
Must win: @ Texas A&M
Tulsa was almost the choice for the same reasons as CSU's above, but the fact that the Lobos have two Big-12 games, one against a pretty bad one, means that UNM needs to win one. The chances they beat TT are slim, and A&M in College Station is rough, but they can do it. Critics of the MWC are consistently saying that while the MWC has three great teams, the rest of the conference is weak. This schedule is a chance for UNM to either prove the critics wrong or right. The only gimme game is NMSU, but if they can go 3-1 against this sched it will be a great success.

San Diego State: @UCLA, Southern Utah, New Mexico State, @ Idaho
Must win: UCLA
This one was opposite the others, I didn't think any really fit the bill. SDSU shoule beat SUU, NMSU, and Idaho. I suppose that NMSU is the toughest, and maybe that is the must win, but seriously, how can NMSU be a "must win"? UCLA on the other hand will probably whip up on the Aztecs (I don't have the highest opinion of SDSU), but then again SDSU took Notre Dame to the wire last year, they should be much improved this year with Brady Hoke and Rocky Long at the helm. I actually wouldn't be too surprised at the upset. Furthermore, a win @UCLA continues the MWC's dominance over the Pac-10.

Texas Christian: @Virginia, Texas State, @Clemson, Southern Methodist
Must win: @Clemson
I love this schedule, though I would like to see an upgrade on Texas State. While a win @UVA would be a nice win, we expect it and it should happen (maybe that actually makes it a must win?), @Clemson is against a comparable team and a great challenge. TCU is considere a top-3 non-BCS team with BSU and Utah, if the MWC and all non-BCS's everywhere want to prove they belong, these are the kind of games that must be won. It won't be easy, but it would be great.

UNLV: Sac State, Oregon State, Hawaii, @Nevada
Must Win: Oregon State
If this game were on the road, I would say the must win would be @Nevada, but the fact it is in Vegas (and hopefully the OSU students will be 'distracted') makes this a somewhat winnable game. Certainly OSU is a better team, but UNLV has an experience QB and seems to be a team on the fringe. This is the kind of game that they need and the MWC needs. However, of all the "must wins" so far, I think this is the longest shot.

Utah: Utah State, @San Jose State, @Oregon, Louisville
Must Win: @Oregon
Simply, the Utes claim to be among the nations best programs, this is a game they need to win. Autzen Stadium is a tough place to get a win, but the Utes have proven they can go in and win these. Certainly the odds are against them, Oregon and Utah are comparable teams teams talent wise and the home field gives Oregon the edge. The Utes can further legitimize last year's success with a win there. (But I'll tell you, that SJSU game scares the daylights out of me.)

Wyoming: Weber State, Texas, @Colorado, @Florida Atlantic
Must Win: @ Florida Atlantic
This is a schedule with two wins and two losses, no chance they beat Texas, little chance they beat Colorado and they should handle Weber and Florida Atlantic pretty easily. The most likely upset is at the hands of Florida Atlantic, so by default that is the must win. But I'm not happy about it. All that being said, no one expected the Pokes to go into Knoxville last year and knock off the Vols, but they did. I wouldn't be terribly surprised if they did the same to Colorado, but that would be icing on the cake, rather than a must win.

Overall there are some fun match-ups this year. It is great that our teams are playing the two best Big-12 teams and a handful of other BCS teams. So long as we win the games we should win, pull-off a few upsets, and don't "ACC" our inner-conference play we should be good to go with another successful year and BCS buster.

What if Utah and Colorado Jumped to the Pac-10?

There has been some talk - when I say talk, I mean random web chatter that likely has no merit whatsoever - that Utah and Colorado are being considered for the Pac-10. Certainly I think that if Utah got the invite they would do it in a heartbeat. Colorado is another question, though I think they would ultimately do it. For Utah the benefits are obvious - they get to play Pac-10 teams, get BCS money, better recruits, etc.

However, there are also negatives as I see it. In the Pac-10, Utah would not be the class of the conference or if they started near the top it would be tough to maintain it. Really, in the long run they would be comparable to Cal, ASU, and Oregon State; mid to high level team with the occassional conference champ. But they would never reach "National Power" status.

I personally would prefer them to stay in the MWC and help it become a BCS conference. Therein they could own the conference or at least share it the same way Texas and Oklahoma share the Big-12. They would have a better shot at becoming on par with such teams in the long run. Additionally, the more BCS teams the better.

But more interesting to this development would be the impact on BYU. I would love to see both the U and the Y in the Pac-10 or both in the same BCS conference. Don't mess with the rivalry. There is a lot of talk that the Pac-10 doesn't want BYU due to their Sunday rules, conservative school, and lack of major graduate research programs. I think it is bunk and that the national following BYU has would be a major benefit.

I wonder how it would affect the BYU programs. Would the fans be even that much more bitter at Utah? Would the annual game still be played. Would BYU become second fiddle in the state for the first time...ever?

However all would not necessarily be lost for BYU. If Colorado jumped to the Pac-10 the Big-12 would have a spot to fill. I think that spot would come down to TCU or BYU. The Big-12 has already shown some interest in BYU in the past as well. I think BYU would get the nod over the TCU due to the other Texas schools not wanting yet another BCS school in Texas stealing 4 and 5 star recruits and the fact that BYU brings in the western television market, has a strong following in California that could open the door for Big-12 recruiting, and their national following. I think that if BYU got the invite from the Big-12, BYU fans wouldn't be bitter or upset, though we would all be worried about the state of the annual Holy War.

Breakout Time!

I predict that Mr. Chambers will have a big season. Should be one of the new stars on the BYU Offense. I mean, look at the picture! He could life the entire West stand!

Utes, Cougs, Frogs, and Broncos all in AP Top 20!

Giddy Up! Every poll so far has had Utah, BYU, TCU, and Boise State in the Top 25, but this is the first to put them all in the Top 20. For at least BYU and TCU, and maybe Utah if their schedule is good enough, this pre-season ranking could be high enough to get them into the BCS Championship game should they run the table. Let's hope the MWC doesn't have a let down year. We need to continue to win big games and beat up on BCS foes. I will be cheering hard for ALL MWC teams in their Non-Conf games. Oh, another note, no Big-East team in the Top-25, Pitt is closest at #27. What a joke the Big East and the BCS are.

14. Boise State
17. TCU
19. Utah
20. BYU

(Note I include BSU in these posts because, let's be honest, they will be in the MWC in the next couple of years and we need them to do awesome as well (just not as awesome as current MWC teams).

I Freakin' Love Defense

The highlight of the Sugar Bowl last year for me was not the 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter (though that was awesome), but it was the aggressive, swarming defense. Is there anything that makes a game more fun than sacks, interceptions, and fumbles? Utah's D completely dominated all facets of Bama's D last year.



Sweet!

Interceptions

While pondering JR's poll to the right, I have to ask myself, who will throw more TD's for Utah in this year's Holy War - Jordan Wynn or Max Hall.



J.R., Don't tell me you didn't see this coming?

Tough Choices

While pondering Steve's loaded question of a poll to the left (How awesome will Utah be VS how bad will BYU suck?), I found it difficult to make a choice. Because on the one hand BYU will be much better than Steve thinks and should be decently competitive against OU (which I hope means staying within 14 points). So I want to say that USU will get blown out worse. On the other hand, you have to have SOME kind of an offense to blow a team out. So how can I say that USU will get blown out worse? I finally decided that USU's offensive ineptitude (I once saw a USU QB pitch the ball to the Ref to avoid a sack) will lead to silly turnovers at their own 5 yard line 3 times all resulting in TDs. So I guess USU will lose by more. I never hated Utah before I met a fan named Swint. I can't wait to play you guys this year.

Movin' On Up!

Look to the right. BYU is now ranked #13 for the 2010 recruiting class. That's because Kahuku's Kona Schwenke just got upgraded to a 4 star recruit. I am expecting at least one maybe two more upgrades soon. A.J. Moore was just named to the Best of the West 300 list so he should gain a star! Also expect at least one more commit (I'm hoping it starts with a Q and ends with an uezada!)

Louks to Nevada

Corbin Louks, the recently demoted 3rd string QB for Utah, has decided on transferring to the University of Nevada. It should be a pretty good fit for him as Colin Kapernick is a Junior and could feasibly leave after this season should he have the kind of year everyone is expecting. Louks's style is similar to Kapernick's and thus, should have a reasonable chance of starting next season should Kapernick leave after this one. Corbin has to sit out this season then will have two remaining years of eligibility left.

OL - BYU's Weakness

I've been thinking about BYU's O-line for the past few days and all of the problems they have there. Dick Harmon at the Deseret News wrote about it today and I thought I would link it for you here.

O-line is THE most important realm on the field. If you have a bad O-line, your QB can't throw and your RB's can't run. BYU still has some really good players, if inexperienced; it's not like they are San Diego State or something, but they aren't going to be better than last year's unit. In fact their lone experience O-lineman is injured and may not be back before the OK game. If their O-line can't figure it out or only marginally do, they are looking at the worst season in the past few years as a team.

Sure, the skill positions on offense are fantastic and the defense should be better than last year's, but if the O-line sucks they will not only lose to Oklahoma, but get killed. They will also lose to FSU, TCU, Utah, and maybe even Air Force.

Do I expect this all to happen? Certainly not, and, despite being a Utah fan, I don't want it to happen. I do think though that if the O-line is mediocre this season BYU goes 9-3 with certain losses to OK and TCU, and probably split FSU and Utah.

The problem that BYU will have against all four of those teams is that each of them boast strong defenses (though Oklahoma's isn't great considering the teams reputation). TCU with Jerry Hughes will tear up the Y line, Utah's linebacker core is among the best in the country and will blitz the Y like crazy, and FSU (like most ACC schools) have strong defense and mediocre offense (which is why I think BYU wins that game).

There is reason for BYU fans to be optimistic, but I would rather have Utah's concern at QB and maybe CB, than BYU's on the O-line.

Props from ESPN

For once ESPN is giving BYU some credit. They even rank us in the top 20! I disagree with the assumption that we are going to lose to FSU. I really think that will go in BYU's favor. Our D is going to surprise a lot of people and after playing OU we'll be plenty prepared for an athletic team like FSU. Plus, we are simply better.

It's Wynn

Jordan Wynn was named the #1 QB on the Utah depth chart, with Terrance Cain #2, and Corbin Louks #3. I am fairly surprised, though like I wrote previously, it was somewhat expected. I think it is a gamble for the team, but I have the utmost faith in Coach Whit and his staff. They have certainly earned the benefit of the doubt.

For the Utes this could mean big things. We have our QB for at least the next three seasons, maybe four depending on how he plays. That is a big deal. It provides stability and continuity.

This season for the Utes, Wynn's strong arm will be a big benefit. I don't know how effective of a runner he is, but I've got to think that he is pretty good, or else the Utes wouldn't have recruited him for our offense.

I hope it is the right choice, I am thrilled that we start out against Utah State and San Jose State before heading to Oregon. Hopefully, Wynn will be well entrenched by that game.

It is an exciting time for the Utes and their future.

I Think Wynn may be the Guy

I have been pretty set in my mind that Corbin Louks would be the starting QB next season. He has experience and seems to be perfect for the spread offense. But following the coverage this week, especially after the scrimmage yesterday, I am beginning to think the Utes may go with Jordan Wynn.

Gordon Monson of the SL Tribune thinks that Wynn is the best overall QB in camp, despite not having any college experience. He questions whether or not Wynn as a true freshman could stand-up to the pressure in, say, Autzen Stadium against the Ducks. He also added that the coaches have a lot of enthusiasm for Wynn's potential.

In the scrimmage yesterday, he threw a TD or two and had pretty good poise. The other QB's also played well, and all also had the lapses of judgement.

I think the biggest problem going forward for Louks is the question of whether or not he can throw. He had a few good passes reportedly and a few bad ones. We know he can run, but it is the passing game where there are question marks; and that is what being a QB is.

As for Terrance Cain, I think he is guaranteed the back-up spot. Essentially, that is what JC QB's are, they are the experienced QB with not a lot of upside, but are consistent and can manage the game.

So the battle appears to be for starter or third string.

While if all things were equal on the field, I would go with the most experienced guy -- Louks. Coaches are often more risky and there is some consensus that if all is equal go with the youngest -- Wynn. I think the coaches may go with the latter, though I really have no idea.

Judgement Day I is Here

Today, the Utes are holding their first scrimmage of the season. Coach Whitt announced that the battle for the starting QB position will be whittled down from three to two following the scrimmage.

I think Jordan Wynn is likely to be the odd man out. But I do know he has been throwing well. Ultimately, I think the job is Corbin Louks' to lose; and if all things remain equal, the starter will be him. In order for Wynn or Cain to overtake him they will really have to out-perform Louks.

Really, all I care about is winning. So whatever player helps us win, is who I want out there.

If Only BYU Fans Could Be This Cool

Steve has pointed out how nerdy BYU fans. He's right. I wish we could be as cool and dignified as the following Utes.

I bet this guy had so many dates after this day!

Maybe if we take a lesson from the Ute nation we can be this classy!

GET PUMPED!

Committing to the Truth X 2!

Drew Phillips, stand out RB from Alabama has committed to the true football team today at noon. This is a great get for the Cougars whose 2010 class only lacked an exciting RB. See his video in the post Running Down a Back. I learned today that Drew last year at the Alabama Track Finals posted the 4th fastest 100 meter dash in the state. He currently runs a 4.38 40. I like a good bruising back but as NCAA Football 2010 is teaching me, speed kills. Welcome to the true football team Drew. You are now enlisted till the evil red foe is vanquished...again and again and again. Thanks again to BYU's Recruiting Director Jake Heaps!

I just learned that Zac Stout's teammate Alani Fua (3 star DT/TE/OLB from Oaks Christian) just committed to the true team as well. He has had offers from Ohio State and Oregon State among others but gained a testimony of the truthfulness of BYU Football and made the right decision. Alani was going to call Bronco and commit on Monday but he didn't want to bother the coach on Family Night. We are getting serious talent and serious character. What a class BYU has racked up for next year! Below is a video of Alani for your viewing pleasure!

Stoked I'm Not a Cougar

Ahh BYU, they are a funny bunch in good 'ole Provo, where, let's be honest, there's not much to do (I know, I lived there once). Quite regularly the Cougs give us something to laugh at them about and ask ourselves, WTF?

(Kudos to Blocku and UteFans)

A few years ago there was the slip and slide:



Now there is this:

Isn't standard operating procedure that if you are going to take pics near a pool that there should be chicks around? Let's just say, this doesn't look "straight".

BYU may want to hire some outside consultants. (or at least invite the girls soccer team to photo shoots)

Pads Go on Tomorrow

So the first 5 days of training camp are finished and the Utes can really get down to business tomorrow as it is the first day of full pads. Some note, observation, and RUMINT:

• No separation in QB situation yet, Thursday is the first scrimmage. Whittingham plans on whittling the group to two following it. I think Wynn will be the odd man out and will red-shirt (at least that is what I would do)
• The kicking situation is concerning, but Coach is in no rush. He will get that situated after the QB's are settled.
• Zane Taylor played Center the other day, moving from his normal Right Guard position. Is this permanent? Walter Watts played RG most of the time.
• Looks like Sylvester is a BEAST. Talk of all-american honors this year.
  
• Asiata also is looking great. He lost some weight apparently and is quicker and stronger. Really worked hard in the off-season.
• Team looking to speed-up offense, as if it needed anymore speed. Last year, they averaged about 70 plays per game, they are looking to up that to 80. This means conditioning will be huge. Speed and wearing out the opponent looks to be a primary strategy. I like it. (With how soft the Cougs have been of late, we should have no problem wearing them down!)

Just for fun!

McKay Jacobsen Back in Form

Any worries about McKay shaking off his missionary rust have bee allayed. McKay Jacobson was the winner of the Conditioning Challenge today being the first player to reach the Y for the Y Mountain Run. Good to have you back!

Also, O'Neil Chambers had a big play first day of camp. This is gonna be a good year for him!

First Days of Ute Camp

So the only sources we have for what is going on in Utah's fall camp is what the team releases to the media as they are closed practices. Fortunately, Lya Wodraska at the Salt Lake Tribune is blogging much of it. So here are some highlights from Days 1 and 2:

-Coach was happy with how team looked. They came out energized, "Apparently they made a lot of progress this summer. Things were a lot sharper going into this fall camp than they were going into spring ball." - Coach Whit

-No movement on QB situation. All looked good today. (What did you expect when there were no pads or hitting?)

-JC transfers Ray Magee and Maxwell Lacy were the only players not at camp. There status won't be known for a couple weeks.

-"Whittingham also singled out freshman Latu Heimuli, who he predicts could have a big impact at defensive tackle this season." Sweet, nothing like Freshmen who make an impact!

There were other highlights, but I don't need to rehash all of Lya's posts. Go there and check it out yourself.

Happiness in the Coaches Poll Too!

Once again BYU, Utah and TCU all land in a preseason 25 poll this time the USA Today Coaches Poll. I would like to say right here though that I believe there should be no poll until after 4 weeks of play.

1. Florida

2. Texas

3. Oklahoma

4. USC

5. Alabama

6. Ohio State

7. Virginia Tech

8. Penn St

9. LSU

10. Miss

11. Oklahoma ST

12. California

13. Georgia

14. Oregon

15. Georgia Tech

16. Boise St

17. TCU

18. Utah

19. Florida State

20. North Carolina

21. Iowa

22. Nebraska

23. Notre Dame

24. BYU

25. Oregon State

Hey, there's Cal! Good to see FSU highly ranked and Oregon too. The MWC gonna have some quality wins (I hope!) Question: Does BYU find itself back in the top 25 if it loses to OK then wins against Tulane and FSU? Or will it take longer?

TCU, Utah, BYU all in NBC's Top 25!

TCU comes in at 12 (the highest non-BCS), Utah at 21, BYU at 25. Expectations are certainly higher this year for the MWC, let's not let them down. (note: Where's Cal??)

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. USC
4. Oklahoma
5. Ohio State
6. Bama
7. GA Tech
8. Ole Miss
9. Ok State
10. LSU
11. Penn St.
12. TCU
13. VA Tech
14. Oregon
15. Boise State
16. UNC
17. Cincinatti
18. Michigan State
19. Georgia
20. Florida State
21. Utah
22. Notre Dame
23. Kansas
24. Tennessee (!?!?!?!?)
25. BYU

Cougar Camp Opens...Time to Get Awesome!

So fall camp is finally here. I can stop pretending to admire if not enjoy baseball! So with the Cougars the number one story of Fall Camp and indeed this year is Max Hall. I know. He's the starter and no one else is even close. So why the focus? Because BYU's last 10 Senior QBs have all won the conference title. Read that again. In the last 35 years if you were a senior QB at BYU and you were the starter the whole season you won the conference championship. Read about it here. So Max has a lot to live up to. 3 years ago in Fall Camp John Beck threw 0 interceptions. Can Max rise to that level? I think he has what it takes. He is very talented and extremely competitive. Last year ended in a downer as he threw too many  interceptions down the stretch. I think he has something to prove and he's gonna come out and do it. On the 25th anniversary of BYU's National Title this could once again be a special year. BYU plays a schedule that would allow them, if undefeated, to have a shot at the big game. Do I think that will happen? Probably not. OU will just be too much. But it should be a great season and Hall will be great likely winning the MWC Offensive player of the Year as predicted.

Now onto the keys of Camp:

1. Who will back up Harvey? Unga should once again post a 1000 yard season. He is as healthy as ever and should tear it up. Behind Harvey there are questions. JJ DiLuigi had an impressive spring but had trouble holding on to the ball last year. Malosi T'eo looked good in Spring camp. If he has regained enough of his pre-mission form he could sneak into the 2 spot. And then there's Kariya. He was fairly reliable last year but not outstanding. Who will step up?

2. The WR rotation. Now that the best BYU WR ever has moved on to the NFL (good luck Austen!) and Michael Reed has graduated there are some slots to fill. I see this as a boon. Last season everyone knew the ball was going to Collie. Hence all the interceptions. This year we should spread it around and look more like the 06 team. There will be plenty of weapons. McKay Jacobsen is back from his mission and all reports are he is in great shape. He was a phenom his freshman year and is reportedly the 2nd fastest player on the team (that could change with Corby Eason inound, more later). McKay will likely be one of the wideouts stretching the field. O'Neil Chambers had a great Spring catching everything thrown at him. His size and athleticism should allow him to have a breakout year. Andrew Rich also figures into the equation. He showed a lot of promise in Spring and eyes will be on him.

3. Restocking the O line. BYU lost 3 of their 4 starters. Fortunately the returner is Dallas Reynolds. He is a stud. He will protect Max's blindside. Now the question is who will step up and fill out the rest of the line. BYU always fields a good O line so I'm not too worried but they will be tested early against one of the best D lines in the country at OU.

4. Fixing the backfield. BYU admittedly had a weak secondary last year. They look to fix that will several Juco recruits and maybe a freshman or two. My faves are Lee Aguire at CB and Corby Eason at S. Corby Eason runs a 4.29 40. That will make him far and away the fastest cougar. It's about time we started adding some serious speed to our D. Eason and Aguire both could have a huge impact. Another possibility is that Craig Bills (4 star stud from Timpview) will see some playing time. That kid hits like a ballistic missile. All that being said I think the backfield is the biggest story line of camp. If Hall has an outstanding camp will it be because our D still sucks? I hope not. LBs will be stacked, DE's looking solid, now we just need a backfield to come together.

5. Schemes and Play Calling. Now that Bronco has handed over all the Defensive play calling duties to Jamie Hill (with the exception of critical downs where he reserves the right to take control), are we gonna see a scheme change or a more aggressive D? The words 4-3 have been floated around. We'll see if that happens. With our LBs this year I think we'll stay at the 3-4. But I hope we aren't so predictable. BYU started last season looking so good on D (11 straight shutout quarters including the 59-0 pounding of UCLA) but as each game passed chinks appeared. Brian Johnson recently said that they knew what BYU was doing on D every down. We can't play man cover every single down and expect to win. Time to be more unpredictable at D.

Anyway, it's finally here and BYU will beat Utah because my post was longer than Steve's. Go Cougars!

Ute Camp Opens...Time to Get Serious

LOL

Alright folks, the day we have all been waiting for is here...ok, the day we have all been waiting for is Sept. 3rd when the Utes open the season against Utah State, but this is still a great day!

So here are the Questions / Storylines heading into camp:

1. Who is going to be the starting QB?
The Utes have Louks, Cain, and Wynn in the wings. Louks has the most experience in a Ute uniform and was the perceived starter before spring camp. Cain has the most college playing experience coming from the JC ranks, and Wynn is a talented freshman. After the spring all were even according to Coach Whit. Some say that if all things are equal play the youngest. I don't know if I agree. I lean towards Louks for now. More to come on this in future posts.

2. Offensive line lost a lot, will they gel in time?
No reason to believe they won't. The Utes have a ton of talent, despite some inexperience. Zane Beadles is a beast and will be the anchor of the line.

3. Can the Utes stay hot after a stellar 2008?
The Utes will certainly take a step back, it is highly unlikely they go undefeated again. Their schedule is much more difficult. But they can win the MWC. It will be a fun race to watch between them, TCU, and BYU.

4. Can Coach Whit keep the team grounded and focused?
Don't know if he needs to, they seem pretty focused on their own. They had a fantastic spring camp, Coach was pleased. They are a hard working bunch and all recognize that they have earned nothing yet for this year. It has to be done on the field.

5. Can Vroman fill Sakoda's shoes?
I don't think there are any tougher shoes to fill than Sakoda's. He was largely the anchor of the team; arguably the MVP. I expect our kicking game to take a step back, hopefully it doesn't cost us a game. This is probably the scariest hole to fill on the team. I'll be rooting for you Vroman!

Last note: No mention here of the defense? Because they are awesome! No concerns there (except maybe at CB, but we will live).

MVP...of Everything

Jake Heaps recently won QB MVP at the Rivals sponsored Top Gun camp. Congrats Jake! I think he could start building a neat fort out of his MVP trophies. Several months ago he won QB MVP and Camp MVP at the Stanford Nike Camp. This is the camp where I get the feeling that Jake and Ross Apo made their BYU pact. Then last month Jake won MVP of the Elite 11 camp going up against the best prep QBs in the nation. Not only did he win MVP but best vocal leader, best football IQ and most likely to have an immediate impact awards. He also totally represented, wearing BYU gear during the whole camp. He gets what it's all about. So that's 3 camps, 3 MVP awards. Make no mistake. Jake is the real deal. I can't wait to see Jake in action! The future's so bright I gotta wear shades!

Running Down a Back

I'm worried about BYU at RB. I know. Harvey is a stud and should have another 1000 yard season and become BYU's all time rushing yards leader (sorry Curtis Brown, I still love you!). But Harvey only has this year and maybe next. I'm not convinced he will be a great NFL back. Probably a bit too slow. But he might try for the draft after this year. Good luck if he does. I hope he doesn't. Here's why. BYU's current backups have not shown yet that they are ready to step into the starting position. I really hope JJ DiLuigi and Malosi T'eo have breakout years and can step up. But nothing has show me that they are ready. BYU has a good RB in Adam Hine coming into the 2009 class but he is going on a mission immediately. Likewise BYU has a few good backs coming into 2010 but they also have mission plans. We need a back who can come into 2010 and make an immediate impact the way Harvey did in 2007. That being said here is a rundown of the RBs BYU is courting:



Joshua Quezada is a stud from California. He averages over 10 yards per carry in a very competitive league. He recently visited BYU and Utah and likes both a lot. He wants to be a business major. BYU of course has a stellar business school. I hope that helps. Also, some schools are recruiting Joshua as a safety but BYU wants him as a back. Joshua says he isn't going anywhere unless he can play HB. He loves BYU's offensive scheme. Says it's a lot like his current school with the HB getting a lot of passes as well as carries. He wants to make a visit to SDSU before he commits anywhere but says BYU and Utah are his frontrunners. I feel BYU has the best chance of landing him compared to the other 2 HBs below. I'm giving us a 50/50 shot at Quezada.



Drew Phillips might be the most exciting prospect. This kid is amazing and he can do it all. He can run like a mad man and he has a crazy good throwing arm for an HB. Think of the trick plays you could run with an athlete like this. He says BYU is one of his front runners but I get the feeling he is waiting for an offer to another school. He went to camps at Alabama (his home state) and also Michigan. He would take a Michigan offer in a heartbeat and has even expressed that he could maybe play for MSU as well. I don't see BYU getting Philips but if his other offers don't come and BYU gets down to just 1 scholarship (they only have 3 left right now) he might pull the trigger.



Brandon Bourbon is probably the most sought after back in this group. In his last year at HS he ran for over 2400 yards. That's one season. He recently took a visit to Stanford and loved it. He hasn't ruled out visiting BYU and still could but he has indicated that he could commit to Stanford soon. I'm hoping the fact he hasn't pulled the trigger yet is a good sign. I think part of the reason for that is I'm pretty sure Jake Heaps (BYU's new unofficial recruiting assistant) is talking to him on a regular basis and trying to get him to be a Cougar. It would be great if he did. BYU really needs one of these kids to commit. Again I think Quezada is the most likely candidate but unfortunately I could see BYU missing out on all of them. All we can do is wait and see! Go Cougars!

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!

It appears that Phillips is on the verge of committing. He has been in touch with BYU's Recruiting Director Jake Heaps and I'm pretty sure the decision has been made. If this happens I think Bourbon will pull the trigger for Stanford. Man I hope that doesn't mean Quezada will go to Utah! Josh! We still want you at BYU! But if you don't become a Cougar I think SDSU will be an up and coming team! Anyway, expect news next week!