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BYU Quarterback Jake Heaps Post Washington Win

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BYU QB Riley Nelson after Washington Win

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BYU vs CSU Video

This week is an important week in the transition to next year’s football team.

Goings:

Gone to hopefully greener NFL pastures is Cougar wideout, Austin Collie.  I have been watching Cougar football for a lot of years, and Collie is probably the best wide receiver ever to play at BYU.  He has the complete package, at least at the college level.  He was a deep threat, good in possession situations, and could create space and keep the defender off of him.

Collie has been Max Hall’s favorite target, and set many records while at BYU. He tied the NCAA-record of 11 straight games of 100 yards or more receiving. He also became the school’s all-time leader in career receiving yards (3,255), receptions (215) and touchdown catches (30).

I will miss his one handed grabs, stiff arms, and jaunts into the end-zone…. at least in Cougar Blue.

Also, going from next years schedule, Arizona State.

Comings:

Opening next years schedule is Oklahoma in the brand new, Dallas Cowboy facility.  This will be a great opportunity to put BYU on a national stage, early in next years campaign.

This is also the weekend that most Cougar football recruits are in town for their official visit.  Already, this weekend has seen the commitment of Kyle Van Noy added to, what looks to be possibly the best BYU gridiron recruiting class of all time (at least, according to recruiting service rankings).  Scout.com has this class currently ranked at 33rd in the country, and BYU still has a shot at 5 star linebacker Manti Te’o, and 4 star o-lineman, Xavier Su’a-filo.  They are also hoping to land the LT’s (Linebacker LT Filiaga, and D-lineman LT Tuipolotu), an extra JC CB or two, and probably another speedy RB.

How BYU is able to fill the holes left by graduating seniors, and improve defensive production will probably determine the cougars ability to make a run at another conference title next year, and possible run at our turn at a BCS game.

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Comings and Goings

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.

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Max Hall’s Place in Cougar History

Holy War - BYU vs Utah

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Holy War Game Day

I know that this headline is contrary to popular belief. TCU has one of the best defenses in the country. BYU, on the other hand, has struggled a bit on offense the past two games.

So What Am I Smoking?

Earlier, I accused whoever does the Daily Herald grades for the New Mexico game of being on some kind of mind-altering substance during his evaluation. So, you have the right to question my state of mind as well. But I see some things that give me hope that the offense could return to early season form this week.

TCU’s Aggressive Defense

Early in the season, teams tried to put the pressure on and get to Hall. Our O-line kept them off and Hall picked apart their secondary and linebackers. TCU likes to bring the pressure and does it well enough to have the #1 defense in the nation. They usually play a kind of 4-2-5 defense with safety types who are quick and athletic. These same athletes sometimes act as linebackers, sometimes act as safety’s, and sometimes act as corners. This leaves their corners in a lot of man coverage.

When Teams have Brought Pressure

BYU’s line has slowed up the opposing pressure. Hall has made the reads. Collie, Pitta, Reed, and Unga have all made big plays (who do you choose to shut down and who do you choose to expose?). I have confidence in our line to protect Hall against TCU’s highly touted defense. I have confidence in Hall to make the right read. And I believe, that unlike the last two games, the Cougars will be totally ready for this one.

Numbers

Over the last three meetings with TCU, BYU has averaged 381 yards passing, 90 yards rushing, and 36 points per game. While last week, CSU held TCU to 151 rushing and 166 passing and 13 points. If BYU’s Offense does what they have in the past, and their Defense can produce close to CSU’s numbers, (and I think they can) it could be a big win.

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Cougar Offense could have a Big Night

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

Win the Turnover Battle

The Cougars have been great in the turnover category. If my numbers are right, BYU has lost 7 turnovers, but gained 17.(+10). That’s +2 per game. Add to that, New Mexico QB, Brad Gruner has completed one sixth of his passes to opposing defenses. However, the weather looks to be wet, and the ball slippery. If the cougars can maintain a balance, or come out ahead in turnovers, they should be fine.

Score Early and Often

New Mexico is one dimensional and has to be able to run the ball and eat clock to have a chance in this game. If BYU can score early and often, New Mexico will have a hard time keeping pace.

Spread the Ball

Early in the season, the cougar offense was dominant because of Hall’s ability to read the defense and spread the ball to the right receiver. Once Michael Reed went down, Hall has locked onto Pitta and Collie, and tried to force balls into coverage. If they can get back to balancing their offense, they are unstoppable. They will also need to throw to compensate the run in this game, as New Mexico has held the opposition’s running games to low numbers. If BYU’s Passing game is working, it will spread out the defense and open holes for Harvey et. al. to also be successful.

Don’t give up the Big Play

The other hope that New Mexico is to get a couple of cheap scores. That will allow them the chance to grind out the clock and control the tempo of the game. If the Cougs do what they usually do, and don’t give them any cheap easy scores, it should be a cougar victory.

The Prognosticater’s Prediction: BYU 35-21

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Keys to the New Mexico Game

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!