A Very Bad Game

Last week, after a poor showing in the Utah game, many Cougar Fans had less than kind things to say about Max Hall.  Though, no one would represent this showing as a good thing, I thought that an examination of Hall’s performance overall, and comparisons to great Cougar Quarterbacks, might bring a little perspective to the last week.

Hall’s 6 Interceptions:

Multiple Interceptions is not a stat any quarterback strives for, but many have suffered.  One of Steve youngs first games included 5 picks to Georgia, and Ty Detmer had two awful showings at Hawaii, including 4 interceptions in the 1990 game that occurred on the same day he won the Heismann trophy.  Most professional quarterbacks have had an occasional really poor outing, so it would seem unfair to judge him on the basis of one game.

Junior Year Stats

I thought it might be nice, for comparison sake, to compare his junior year statistics with those of a couple of other great BYU QB’s.

Statistically, Hall’s Performance can rank with some of the best BYU QB’s.  Add to that, the fact that Max has helped produce back to back 10-2 regular seasons, Cougar faithfull should be grateful to have him at the helm. With Hall, Pitta , Collie, and Unga returning next year, and the addition of Jacobsen, and hopeful return of Manase Tonga, the Cougar Offense could be as solid as ever, at least at the skill positions.  Also, given the fact that most of our tough games (at least in conference) are at home next year, BYU is poised to make another run at the goals of an undefeated season, and possible BCS bowl birth.

So Where Does He Fit?

Though, no one is ready to crown Max as the greatest BYU QB ever, He has shown that he has an above average ability to lead them to victories.  He still has one more season to raise his game, and take his place among the Cougar Quarterbacking Elite.

Nov 27th by Jim

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Utah 48- Cougs 24

A couple of post game ramblings. (If I can do so without swearing).

Defense played better tonight.  This one was not all their fault. (Though, I still hate giving receivers too much space).

Hats off to the Ute Defense.  They were ready and baited Hall into passing in the flats, and were ready to jump the routes.  Hall needs to work on looking off his receivers.  We may have survived the first two or three…..  But that was the key to the game.  If we take better care of the ball, I think we win that one.

I am Glad Whittingham is a Ute.  I would be embarrassed to have him running up the score in a rivalry game.  (History usually shows that to come back to bite you next year.) I just would have expected more class than that from a former Cougar. Will he be a Ute next year?  If he is smart, he will take the big bucks when they are offered, and with the number of openings out there right now, he will probably get a call or two.  Especially if the Utes can win their BCS game.

Can’t feel too bad about a 10-2 season, and a bowl game. Not the way we wanted it, but it could be much worse. (If you do, think back to the Crowton days.)

Not happy to have to deal with a year of Yewtness!

I have always found it funny that Yewts always have to work so hard to prove their yewtness to Cougar Fans.  Now we have to deal with it for a whole year. Oh Well… I guess Harline is no longer open!

No Highlight Video this week

Vegas or Poinsettia ?  Does it really matter?  Cougs need to find some defensive help for next year.  A Bowl game win will go a long way to helping me feel better about this year again.

Nov 22nd by Jim

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Holy War - BYU vs Utah

Nov 22nd by Tyler

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Here’s the Hi-Def Version in Quicktime format:

Click Here to Watch Hi-Def Version of this Highlight Video

Here’s the Low-Def version from YouTube:

Nov 18th by Tyler

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BYU vs Air Force has long been a tale of two philosophies: passing vs. running. The Falcons are about the last vestige of the once popular veer option offense. They still run that with military precision and copious chop-blocking. (for more on chop blocks see Gooch) http://deepshadesofblue.com/keeping-your-feet-against-the-air-force-cut-blocks/

Offense:

The Falcon offense throws for a lowly 85 yards per game, but chews up 275 on the ground. They do this behind a veteran O-line. Newcomer Asher Clark broke loose for 136 yards last week against Colorado State! Although QB Tim Jefferson doesn’t throw much, when he does, he can produce big plays. Last week he was 6 of 8 for 171 yards. The secondary needs to be careful not to bite too hard on the run and get caught watching the play from behind. The Falcon offense utilizes speed & discipline with a healthy mix of misdirection and play action passing.

Defense:

Air Force typically has run a 3-4 defense this year, similar to the Cougars but with more blitzing. Air Force has limited opposing offenses to 136 on the ground and 167 through the air. However, good offenses have been able to exploit them this year and BYU’s offense is probably the league’s best.

In Addition:

Air Force averages 361 yards per game on offense while the Cougars average 451. The Cougs also average 36.2 points per game vs the Falcons 28.6. BYU also has seemed to have the Falcon’s number in recent years and has historically played the wishbone as well as anybody. The Falcons have lost 9 straight to ranked opponents.

Keys to the Game:

The Key to stopping the option is to stop the Fullback. If the Cougars can do this successfully, then the Falcons will have a long day. But if they let them get 4 or 5 yards each carry then the Cougars will be hard pressed to stop the Cadets. As far as Air Force Defense goes, they will just have to pick their poison. If they try to stop Harvey and Pitta, they will leave the nations top WR in single coverage. If they double Collie, then Unga and Pitta could have big days. Unga’s health is also a question, although a small one I bet the Cougars won’t publicly talk much about to keep the Falcons a little uneasy. If Harvey is unable to go, BYU could become easier to defend.

The Guru’s Guess: BYU 38 – AF 24

Nov 13th by Jim

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Here’s the Hi-Def Version in Quicktime format:

Click Here to Watch Hi-Def Version of this Highlight Video

Here’s the Low-Def version from YouTube:

Nov 10th by Tyler

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I have to say, that for once, the game came out pretty much as I expected.  The score was about what I predicted and the only surprise to me was that the Cougars were not able to run better against the Aztecs. But then, they really didn’t need to. Here is a Review of the Cougars 41-12  pounding of the Aztecs

Offense:

Max Hall had an 83% completion rate, hitting 25 of 30 for 319 yards.  The Aztecs were able to get 3 sacks, and disrupt the running game with an assortment of run-blitzes.  BYU only rushed for 101 yards, but found Unga on a couple of passes.  Harvey basically sat out the second half after getting banged up, and could have returned, but was not needed.  This gave some carries to seniors Wayne Latu and Fui Vakapuna.  The receivers had a good day.  Collie was his usual 9 catches for 126 yards and 2 TDs.  Michael Reed had one his best outings, particularly since being injured.  He went 5 for 97, and what looked to be a long score until an aztec shoe-string tackle ended it at the 6 yard line.  Pitta added 5 for 60, and Adrew George added a couple of nice catches including a back of the end-zone touchdown.

Defense:

The Defense helped cause some big turnovers (4).  David Nixon was everywhere and was playing as a man possessed.  BYU’s secondary did an admirable job, and Andrew Rich was good in his first significant minutes as a cornerback.  The Defense held the Aztecs to 282 total yards with only 163 passing, and 119 rushing.  Several of those came on gadget plays, or after the second string defensive line was in.  For a decent part of the game, it looked as if they might pitch another shut-out.  I have been impressed with the improved coverage of the secondary in the last three games, and though they still give up too many plays, they are doing a better job of being in position to contest passes and occasionally make plays.

Overall:

A good win for the Cougars.  They looked more relaxed in this game and seemed to be having fun.  They set a BYU record of 18 straight home victories, and are now back in control of their efforts to claim a third straight MWC title.  It was fun to see the Seniors honored.  The Cougars will have a big task in replacing their offensive line next year.

Nov 09th by Jim

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Last Year:

In 2007, the Cougars came into Qualcomm Stadium as the conference Champs.  SDSU ranked about where they rank this year in giving up rushing yards, and our running game led by Harvey Unga (with a little help from his friends) put up 313 yards rushing that day

This Year:

Since the Idaho game, the Aztecs have given up about 385 yards per game in rushing.  Even the lowly Wyoming Cowpokes put up 378 yards rushing last week.  SDSU’s defensive line has been decimated by injuries, so Unga and crew should have another hay-day.  Also, when the Cougar running game is on track, it usually opens up the passing game.  I don’t see the Aztec D being able to slow down the Cougar O, unless they can force some turnovers.

On the other match-up, the Aztecs haven’t run the ball very well this year, but do have a decent passing game.  Given that BYU’s secondary is also beat up,  this will be the Aztecs’ only hope.  It may be good for BYU to try to get other guys into the rotation in the secondary and get them some experience, before meeting the Falcons and the Utes.

The Guru’s Guess:  BYU 47-17

Nov 08th by Jim

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Sometimes we need to remember who’s boss in our rivalry against the University of Utah. cougarfan20 has posted a fun highlight video of the 1989 “Ute Massacre” game on Youtube (just this week) and I wanted us to watch and remember, we still own them.

Warning: The music is “Cotton-Eyed Joe”…if that isn’t in your ability to stomach, turn the sound down…

Nov 08th by Tyler

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I had to work Saturday, so I missed much of the game live. I know I’m late with all of this but here it is. After watching it on DVR, I have a few thoughts

O-line:

O-line started out slow. Early on, the running game was a little sluggish, and the rams got some pressure on Hall. As the game wore on, however, the line stepped up, gave protection, and created some holes for Unga.

Hall

Other than turnovers (ouch), Hall had a nice game! He made some good throws and moved the ball down the field. The Cougs should have won with some breathing room if it wasn’t for those turnovers. I will still take Hall as my QB almost any day. I love that he doesn’t get rattled by mistakes, but just bounces back and makes the next play. Hall put up 389 yards passing and 5TD’s

Receivers:

Receivers took some big hits but still held on to balls. Reed is starting to look comfortable in the offense again; Collie, Pitta and George all had great catches. Even Reed White had a nice catch. Great outing from all of them. Pitta: 175 yards, 2 TD’s. Collie: 156 yards, 3 TD’s. Wow!

Running Backs:

Harvey got a chance to get things rolling, including a bust through the line and out run the DBs for 40 yards and a touchdown. Harvey got more effective later in the game, as he clearly adapted to the CSU defense. Fui blocked well and had a couple of nice runs himself. He is still hard to bring down. Even though they stacked the box and brought a lot of safety help on the run game, Unga had 143 yards rushing plus a 14 yard catch.

Defense:

OK, I know some of you would say, there was no defense. And this was not our best defensive outing, but there are a couple of things of note.

D-Line

D-line struggled more than just a bit in this game, especially early on. I think that ever since our secondary and middle linebackers have been exposed (TCU game), there has been more pressure for the rush to come from the front 3. Jan Jorgensen seems to be most effective when he is left on the outside and not flanked by a LB on the line. They have to find a NEW way to get some pressure on opposing QB’s

Linebackers:

Linebackers had maybe their worst game this year. Clawson disappeared and was getting beat on his corner. Even our favorite LB, Nixon, was not as effective as he usually has been. I hope I never have to say “has been” about Nixon again. That guy’s got talent.

Secondary:

One thing that gives me some hope for our secondary is that they seem to be in coverage more to make plays. CSU ran a lot of comeback routes that are hard to defend, but our secondary is contesting more passes and occasionally making some noteworthy plays. The loss of Johnson will really hurt us though, especially now that we’re late into the season. Too bad we lost G Pittman!

Overall:

An exciting game for fans. A character building experience for the team. (I love that they have the confidence to march down the field and score at the end of games…..just wish they didn’t have the need.) Let’s just get back to blowing people out and shutting them down. That was fun too!

Nov 06th by Jim

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