Keys to the New Mexico Game

BYU will face what may be one of the best opponents they’ve seen so far this season. So what are the keys to a Cougar victory?

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