I was originally going to write a blog entitled “BYU: Legitimate Threat.” It detailed why BYU deserved to be placed in a BCS bowl game in the post-season. It is obvious and extremely unfortunate that I cannot post that. Thursday night, BYU played TCU in a game that recalled back to the days of Gary Crowton and Matt Berry. I have not been so annoyed with a football game since Boise State beat Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl (and I’m an Idahoan, so I feel fine about being a BSU hater). But more specifically, I haven’t been so frustrated watching a BYU game since BYU lost to Utah in 2005.
My analysis of the game won’t be kind. But, after I will definitely try to uplift and possibly inspire. I hope I can offer some optimism to the Cougar Nation and prove to the doubters that the team can rebound and take their place as a legitimate team in the national scheme of things.
Coach Mendenhall seems to be a soft spoken but stern man. He has high expectations for his team as evidenced by his motto for the year: The Quest for Perfection. Ever since Gary Crowton left in a maelstrom of the football team’s various BYU honor code violations, Mendenhall has emphasized discipline, spirituality, tradition, and honor. He expects only the best from his boys on and off the field. And I can’t even imagine what it would be like for those young men to walk into the locker room after that virtual failure at TCU and look into the face of Bronco Mendenhall. I doubt that he would yell at them. I can imagine he would wear a look something like that of a disappointed father and proceed to say something about how much they had let themselves down.
The BYU Campus newspaper, The Daily Universe, has weekly ratings for the various teams after the games. They are on a grading scale similar to what one would expect in school; an A for an exceptional performance and all the way down to an E (because BYU doesn’t give F’s for failing, just E’s) for a poor showing. Friday’s paper gave the defense an E. I credit the two defenses for TCU’s win. TCU was practically flawless. They are known for their ability to completely shut down the run. But the most impressive part of their defense was the fact that they stopped Max Hall and his receivers. BYU’s offensive line was unaccustomed to the speed of the defensive line and linebackers, giving up more sacks than they had all season. The defensive backs were fast and skilled. Their coverage was exceptional at forcing Max Hall into throws he didn’t want to make, intercepting the ball twice and not allowing any touchdowns through the air.
The BYU defense was utterly deplorable. They were outstripped, outrun, and just flat out outplayed. Run defense? None. Pass defense? Ha! This week, if Bronco doesn’t put the fear of God into those boys, UNLV might find a way to trample them. UNLV has talent and if they watch that tape closely enough, this week might be another nightmare week. But I have the feeling BYU won’t let another game like TCU happen again.
One thing is for sure: the Cougars didn’t come to play. TCU was prepared. BYU was not. They let their previous great play get to their heads. I know, along with everyone else that was at the UCLA game, how dominantly they can play. In other words, it’s up to BYU to rebound. This game should give them the heavy dose of humility they need. Cross your fingers they can show UNLV what they are REALLY made of. Think on the bright side! At least now those people will stop throwing tortillas on the field when the Cougars score.
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