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Bronco Mendenhall Press Conference After Washington Win

Post from: BYU Sports Guy

BYU vs CSU Video

Every year, about this time, grown men spend long hours in Internet chat rooms, hoping, predicting, praying, and cursing because of one thing, recruiting stars.

Recruiting sites such as Scout.com and Rivals.com, rate high school recruits by using a system of stars. Five stars is the highest ranking and, of course, one star is the lowest. But what do these stupid little pointy things really mean?

How Stars are Awarded

So what kind of things are recruiting services looking at when rewarding recruits with the cinco digit delights?

One of the first things that recruiters look at is current talent level. These are the kids that are the stars of the High School Football scene. They make the plays, and seem to have “it”. They are performing well at their current level. But not all high school stars have what they need for the next level.

They also look at how they think this kid will transfer to the next level. Is he fast enough? Is he too short? Does he have the body type and mentality for College football?

Third, they look at NFL potential.  Does the kid look to have the raw materials to develop into a contributor in Professional football?

So this produces a variety of kids who have stars for a variety of reasons.  Some may be playing at a high level, but tapped out their potential.  Others have tons of potential, but it is still raw and undeveloped.

What the Stars Don’t Measure

Work Ethic:  This is probably the single biggest reason that many a 2-star athlete has put in a 4-star career, and vice versa.  A kid may have a ton of potential, but if he is lazy and unwilling to develop that potential, it remains just unrealized potential.

Character and Attitude: Is the kid a primadonna or a team player.  Does he bring synergy to field, or discord.  Are his actions on and off the field an example or a distraction.  Character is huge, especially at a school like BYU.  If the kid can’t keep the honor code and stay in school, it doesn’t matter how much talent he has, we won’t get to see it.

Academics:  Many a talented athlete have had their careers derailed, or side tracked because they couldn’t either qualify for school, or remain qualified once they got into school.  Again, it seems that almost every year, there is a kid who committed in February, but couldn’t qualify in September.  Some are able to go the JC route, get a little maturity and help, and come back to contribute for 2 years at Division 1. There are also many who disappear, never to be heard from again.

So What Does it all Mean?

Ultimately, no matter how excited we get on Letter-of-Intent Day, the value of any recruiting class may not totally be known for a few years.  At BYU, this is delayed even longer by missionary service.  So we can debate and claim to have a better class than the rest of the MWC put together, but we won’t know if that is true till we match up at some future date.

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The Stars Have It

What We Know

We are not a top 10 team.  Our offense has become predictable, and is not executing like it did early in the season.  Our defense is so afraid to give up big plays that it will hand out small plays by the dozen.

Offensive Weaknesses

Our O-line got out maneuvered by pure speed and was allowing TCU to get pressure with few linemen rushing.  Our game plan did not utilize the running game effectively.  Our receivers were not able to get much separation.  Whether that was execution or a scheme I don’t know.  I suspect it was a combination of both. Hall also threw into a lot of coverage.  Often the man he threw to was actually double covered.  The defense seemed to know what he wanted to do and was ready when he did it.

Defense

The biggest disappointment for me was that TCU could move the ball pretty much at will.  I think our inside linebacker play is not what it has been the last few years, and our corners play too soft.  I understand that some coverage causes them to play off the receiver a bit, but when you are freely giving up third downs, you need to tighten things up a bit.

Now the Good News

Actually, as bad as the game went, take away the turnovers and the Cougars are probably still in it.  My hope is that this loss will focus the team to correct whatever they need to get back to earlier season form.  It is hard to go undefeated, as can been seen each week as teams drop from the ranks of the X-0 stats.

I remember that during the run for the superbowl, Steve Young’s niner team lost a game to Philly 44-3.  It was a case of some early mistakes and turnovers, leading to players pressing too hard to make big plays and making bigger mistakes.  I think something similar is what happened to us last Thursday night.  But like that niner team, if the Cougs can right the ship to get back on track and “get their head in the game” or (insert your own trite saying here.).  Then they still have a chance to finish out the season strong, perhaps win a share of the conference title (with some help against TCU). BYU can still finish the year ranked, and begin next season with hopes like those we shared in September.

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Now that My Prozac has Kicked In

Because I had to work Saturday, I initially missed much of the New Mexico game. Looking at the score, I had to wonder “What went wrong?” I read the Daily Herald’s grades for the game, http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/284116/163/ and figured I had a good idea of what happened. Then I turned on my DVR and watched the Game.

What Was the Herald Guy Smoking?

I don’t know who writes that review for the Herald, but I don’t ever remember reading a game review that I thought was more off base. Here are a few examples:

Herald Grade: O-Line, C

Really? I mean, New Mexico is famous for coming after you with crazy stunts, lots of disquised coverage, and agressive play. they hardly touched Max all game, and though Harvey didn’t have his usual running lanes, still had enough seams to get 96 yrds rushing. How in heck did they merit a C? Maybe an A-, or I could have even understood a B+, But there was nothing average about their performance.

DH Running Backs, C+

The Lobo’s defense has limited opponent running games. Watching the game, they are quick to the ball and swarm. But Unga had one of the gutsiest performances I have watched. He was working hard and making the most of what was there. And Fui made some awesome lead blocks. I would grade the running backs at no worse than a B

DH Defensive Line C+

The reason given was “A tough game for the D-Line, which lost more battles than it won against New Mexico’s physical running game. When BYU did manage to stop the run, it was the linebackers shooting gaps” Do they not understand that in this defense, the lines job is to engage the O-line and let the linebackers fill the gaps and make the stops? (see Quinn Gooch http://deepshadesofblue.com/unm-post-game-wrap-up/#more-1591 ). They also made some big plays in the game, and ultimately only gave up 3 points. Again, D-line, a solid B

The rest of the Herald Grades were OK. But those three were way off.

Why did the offense Struggle?

I credit the Lobo Defense. Their Corners played tough and, out side of a couple of plays, limited the Cougars yards after the catch. Example, our offense attempted a couple of short throws with runs for yardage on third downs, but the lobos were there to deny the run part and stop those drives. The Lobo offense controlled the clock and limited our offensive opportunities. . But when they needed to, the offense was able to put together enough drives to win the game by 18 points. (Man are we getting spoiled to be upset about that.) Max Hall’s numbers were solid, and Austin Collie had a record setting day in total yardage. Andrew George also had two touchdown catches. It was also good to have Michael Reed back in the lineup with a couple of solid catches. I give the QB & Recievers a B+

Linebackers

I thought they did a good job of keeping the running game in front of them, and not giving up huge plays. Particularly in the second half when they started bringing an outside linebacker behind the line of scrimmage, and catching the back as he hesitated at the line. It did look like there were some times when they got caught over pursuing or trapped on the ends, and gave up some yards. Clawson has a motor (maybe even turbo-charged) and Nixon is always solid, and good for a couple of big plays. I loved the gang tackles an piles on plays. B+

Secondary

I thought the secondary played pretty solid. No big plays down the field. They did look soft and gave a lot of room, but not totally understanding assignments, I am guessing that this was the game plan to position themselves to help with the running game. Not sure if they executed up to Bronco’s expectations, but again, three points given up. Nice tip and pick by Fowler and Tafuna. B

Special Teams

Maybe the best outing for Santiago ever, or at least one of the better ones. Typically made the Lobos go the length of the field and helped us win the battle for field position. Outside of a missed field goal by Sorensen, good outing B+

Great Warm Up

I think this game helped them in their preparation for the TCU game this year. TCU is strong defensively, and likes to run the ball. BYU has liked Thursday night games with TCU. Hope this week’s is the same.

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My New Mexico Report Card

Linebackers

David Nixon provided a solid starter to build a linebacking corp around. But before practices could even hardly get going, they lost Terrance Hooks to injury and later, an early season injury cost them Vic So’to. But fortunately, linebackers Shawn Doman, Matt Bauman, Jadon Wagner, and CJ Ah You all returned with significant playing experience. A good group of starters, but very little depth.

Secondary

With no returning starters from the secondary, safety’s Kellen Fowler and David Tafuna, having significant playing time, were counted on heavily to ancor this group. Backup Brandon Howard, and walk-on Scott Johnson filled out the roster.

Bring in the Reinforcements

Just like an old-time western movie, just when you look to be in trouble, in comes the cavalry. New names like Bradley, Rich, Clawson, Putnam, Pendelton, Sorensen, Te’o, Alisha, and Pritchard came rumbling onto the scene. this group of reinforcements filled out the depth charts, are seeing significant playing time, and making great contributions to the defensive effort.

The Future

Bronco and company have put together recruiting efforts that should keep the team, and especially the defense strong for years to come. Coach hill and his staff are doing an excellent job of teaching technique and developing performance. Colby Clawson looks like a beast and Putnam, and Bradley have also made some big plays. Given that the Defense should only lose Fowler, Tafuna, and Nixon, that side of the team should have answered the question for next year as well.

By the Numbers

After four games, the Defense is holding opponents to a per game average of:

Rushing: 107 yrds

Passing: 196 Yrds

Touchdowns: 1.25

Points: 11

Take-aways: 3

This Cougar defense has put up two straight shut-outs, and those with the first string sitting on the bench by the end of the third quarter.

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The Questions Answered!

Video on this Kid

I was impressed with the first video I saw of this kid. But it wasn’t on the basketball court. It was in a presentation by the LDS Church General Young Men’s Presidency. Tyler was serving as his wards Teacher’s Quorum President, and their meetings were video taped to show how to correctly work with Aaronic Priesthood Presidencies. Tyler stood up and took control as quorum president and ran things the way they should be run. I know, I know, when you put a camera on a group, they tend to step and and perform. I was assured, however, by Brother Burgess (another great Alpine, Utah name), and uncle to Sam Burgess, that this was how they functioned all the time. I was impressed with his leadership skills.

Numbers on the Court

His numbers on the court would also bare this out.

Points per Game: 21

Rebounds: almost 5 per game

Assists: 3.1

Steals: 1.5

Accolades

He also brings with him a long string of recognitions.

2 time 5A MVP

2 time 1st team All State

Deseret News Mr. Basketball for the State of Utah

Utah Gatorade Player of the Year

1 of 100 Seniors Nationwide invited to NBA Player Association Camp

Excited

Cougar fans everywhere are excited to see him follow in his father’s (Marty Haws) footsteps. I don’t ever remember a kid who has gotten so much fan attention for so long. Coach Dave Rose will be happy to have Haws in the House. I will be looking forward to seeing him on the hardwood in cougar blue!

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Haws in the House!

The name “Max Hall” has been all over the air waves this fall. And deservedly so. Hall’s statistics this year cry for attention from Heisman voters, and are helping to fuel media attention for the University. I mean, look at these numbers after 4 games.

Attempts 144

Completions 107

Yds 1284

Int 2

TD 15

That’s over 74% completion rate with 7.5 touchdowns per Interception. But The man who is getting “Maximum Air” will be the first to tell you, he’s not the only reason.

It all Starts Up Front

A quarteback is only as good as his offensive line, and BYU may have an outstanding one this year. Coming in to the year, the only starter from last year to not be returning was Sete Aulai. And Tom Sorenson was lined up to take his place. But when Sorenson was lost in the pre-season, the cougars had enough depth to move Dallas Reynolds to center, and bring in his “little” brother Matt to replace him at tackle.

The Best

Coach Mark Weber called them ” The best offensive line since I’ve been at BYU”. Having coached for 27 seasons, at schools such as UCLA, North Carolina and Fresno State, Coach Weber has seen some pretty good talent. He even went on to say they have the potential to be the best line he has ever coached.

By the Numbers

The Statistics for 2008 would support Coach Weber in his accolades for this bunch. After 4 games, 0 sacks (though it could be argued there should have been one in the UNI game), 0 holding penalties, and only a hand full of hits on the quarterback. For a team that throws as much as the cougars, those are some awesome stats.

The Running Game

But it’s not just the protection and success of the passing game that is impressive. Harvey Unga and crew are putting up some great numbers on the ground as well. In fact, the most impressive thing to me was the way that the cougars were able to run against Washington and UCLA. They have not had great ground games against any BCS schools in quite a while. They are allowing Unga to run with Maximum Power!

Recognition

Offensive Line is a position where few see when you do your job, and everyone notices if you don’t. They will walk by the line of reporters waiting to interview Max, or Harvey, or Austin, or Dennis. They will then quietly smile to themselves knowing they are the guys that make it all possible.

The starting five
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
Matt Reynolds LT 6-6 315 Freshman Provo
Ray Feinga LG 6-5 334 Senior West Valley City
Dallas Reynolds C 6-6 332 Senior Provo
Travis Bright RG 6-5 327 Senior Queen Creek, Ariz.
David Oswald RT 6-8 330 Senior Sandy

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Maximum Security

The Story

Yesterday, on Quinn Gooch’s blog, (http://deepshadesofblue.com) there was posted an excellent article about a secret meeting held between a group of defensive players, and then interim AD, Tom Holmoe. This article is a must read for any cougar fan, and gives great insight into the backroom dealings and player interactions in the hiring process of coach Mendenhall.

The Rest of the Story

There is another piece of the hiring story, that I learned from a friend close to the program. Apparently, when Bronco first interviewed, His loyalty to Coach Crowton led him to treat the interview, not so much as an employment opportunity, but as a forum to try to convince the group that they had not given coach Crowton a fair chance, that the program was making some progress, and that they had made a mistake in letting him go. (I don’t know the specifics, but that was basically how it was relayed to me.) I was told that after his first interview, Bronco figured he probably wouldn’t be considered after that discussion. And the offer was made to Kyle Whittingham.

The Second Interview

But when “Benedict Whittingham” turned his back on the program, fertilized his goatee, and moved into his office up north, Bronco got another opportunity. (No doubt, helped greatly by the secret meeting that Quinn Gooch referred to.) This time, Bronco went in with a new focus. Armed with a vision, he was also prepared to make his case to be the guy, to turn the perceived negatives into strengths, and to take the program back to greatness. The rest is well know to Cougar fans young and old.

What Might have Been

I have often asked myself, what might have happened had coach Crowton been given a few more years, or had coach Whittingham taken the job, where would the program be? It’s possible that coach Crowton may have figured out the unique aspects of BYU and turned things around. I think we can look at the U and see what Whit would have done. (Glad we dodged that bullet.) But I think we can all be grateful that whatever the back story, or elements that played into it, Coach Mendenhall was the eventual, and totally right choice to put the cougars back on top.

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The Secret Meeting

We Should Have Expected a Slow Start

After last weeks big, unexpected, blow-out win over UCLA, how could they not have had a let down.  I mean, all the press, accolades, interviews, and expectations, how could they not have felt that all they would have to do is walk into the stadium and show up against Wyoming.  Even with Bronco, trying his best to keep the weekly routine consistent, and prepare the Pokes, the same as every other game. These guys are still human.  I have always maintained that you can’t get up for every game.  Actually, not a bad week to come out a bit unfocused…. cause you could obviously do that and still get a big shut-out.

The D Looks Good, But have they been Truly Tested?

Let me say that I am impressed with the Defense pitching Back to Back Shut-outs.  I think they have a lot of talent on the squad.  I am especially impressed with the quality of the young players on the squad and think we have as much depth as we have ever had there. But I have to wonder if they have really been tested yet?  After last weeks shutdown of UCLA , I thought I had the answer to that question.  But after this week, I am not sure if the bruins were as tough as I thought they might have been. therefore, we might not have a true assessment of the d until New Mexico or TCU 

 We Missed Reed More Than I Thought We Would.

I always knew Reed was talented.  But I guess I missed the point that there is also an element of timing and trust with Hall, that does not yet exist with the combo plate of Hafoka/Ashworth/Chambers .  It just seemed in the game, that Hall was locking in on Collie/Unga/Pitta and not looking for anyone else.  Now, It’s not bad to focus on some of the best receivers that the Cougs have ever had, but it looked like he was throwing into coverage on several occasions and I have to think that someone else had to be open. Hopefully, another two weeks will help chemistry develop so that by the late part of the season, we have more weapons available, and trust enough to use those weapons.

Was that a good win?

Any win is a good win.  Being 11th in both polls shows some improvement, but the cougs will have to prove their dominance against some better talent. They were able to come out flat, after a week of hype and distractions, and still dominate.  Judging from post game comments, they know they need to be better prepared and better focused.  I imagine that Bronco/Anae/Hill et. al, won’t let them soon forget that fact.  So now they have some time to heal up, fix some things, a game against the Aggies to get back into the flow of things, and then, hopefully, hit the ground running toward a BCS Bowl Bid.

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Post Game Reflections