SB Nation - Scott Johnson

Beaver Beatdown: BYU Throttles Oregon St., 44-20

Layton — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:58:01 -0000

More photos » by Daniel Gluskoter - AP

(AP Photo/Daniel Gluskoter)

Ah, that was nice.

The 2009 Las Vegas Bowl proved to be a tremendous bookend to another tremendous year for BYU football, a season that started with a miracle win against Oklahoma, a regular season that ended with a super-sweet overtime win over Utah, and another 11-2 season.

Thanks seniors for four incredible years, unmatched by any period at BYU. We'll miss you.

On a breezy night (sarcastic understatement), BYU proved to be the better, more aggressive team from the get-go. And how sweet is it to beat up on Pac-10 schools? Considering this team was ranked in the top 20 and one quarter away from the Rose Bowl, this is real sweet. Probably more impressive than that win in Dallas in early September...

Speaking of that win against the Sooners, as I was watching the Cougar D stifle OSU, it was almost a carbon copy in terms of effort, speed and aggression. Say what you will about the defense, but when they have a month to focus and prepare on one opponent they play extremely well. They held arguably the best player on the field, Jacquizz Rodgers, to 63 yards on 18 carries--the same guy who averaged 115 yards per game this season. This was the guy who was supposed to blow the game wide open for the Beavers. His brother, James Rodgers, had over 1,000 receiving yards this season: tonight (against a small, slow BYU secondary) he managed only 30 yards.

Almost as a side note, they held OSU QB, Sean Canfield, to 19-40 for 168 yards and forced him to throw a costly interception--a ball that was hawked by Scott Johnson. This is a guy who had completed 70% of his passes all year.

And if anybody's thinking the BYU defense was this productive only because OSU was disappointed to be playing in Las Vegas and not Pasadena, think again. Oregon St. guard, Gree Peat said, "Emotionally we were ready for this game. We came in here and expected to win. It didn't work out that way. That's a credit to BYU. They came ready to play. There are no excuses for the loss."

As for the Cougar offense, though it wasn't his best night, Max Hall was, again, good enough. Given the conditions, he was excellent. We knew going into the game he would have a big advantage against OSU's inexperienced and patchy secondary, and he delivered by throwing three TDs and no interceptions. Once again, the leading receivers the Dennis Pitta and Andrew George, combining for 9 receptions, 91 yards and 1 touchdown. When BYU absolutely had to have a first down, Hall found those guys--just like he's done all year. Throw in the production of Harvey Unga and Manase Tonga and the Cougars proved why their offense is so hard to stop.

By the way, Max Hall became only the second BYU quarterback to win two bowl games in a career. The other QB to do such a thing? A guy by the name of Jim McMahon.

So, what does this win mean? In the grand scheme of things, probably not a lot. BUT, the MWC continues to prove it can play on any stage with anybody in the nation. By dismantling a second-place team from a BCS conference, another feather is placed in the cap for future ammunition in the execution of the pathetic criminal system known as the BCS. It's too bad TCU won't be able to fire the gun this year...

BYU now has won 11 games in three of the last four years, and won 10 in 2008. Since 2006, only four other programs have put together such a record. When this senior class began their journey four years ago the entire focus was to return BYU to its past glory and dominance. Not only did they do it, but they've exceeded it. BYU is program that has been built to last, to stay relevant, and perhaps now, is ready to take football in Provo to the next level. One day that crystal football will have to be coming back to BYU...

Seven Cougars Selected All-MWC 2009

sroufe — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:12:15 -0000

More photos » by George Frey - AP

BYU's Jan Jorgensen tackles CSU's Leonard Mason on Sept. 26th. Jorgensen, the "Hammer from Helper", is the MWC all-time sack leader with 29. He has recorded 6.5 sacks and 56 tackles in 2009. (AP Photo/George Frey)

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Jan Jorgensen, Dennis Pitta, Matt Reynolds, and Harvey Unga were awarded All-Conference First-Team honors today. Andrew George, Max Hall, and Andrew Rich were selected to the All-MWC Second-Team. Additionally, six Cougars earned Honorable Mention status: Coleby Clawson, Brett Denney, Scott Johnson, Brian Logan, Riley Stephenson and R.J. Willing. Johnson and Matt Bauman were named Academic All-Americans last week as well. Congratulations to each of these student-athletes!

It should also be noted that Pitta was one of only three players (Jeremy Kerley and Jerry Hughes, TCU) in the conference to be a unanimous selection. For Pitta and Jorgensen this was their third time on the All-MWC First-Team.

TCU had an incredible 15 selections between the 1st and 2nd teams and nearly swept the player/coach of the year awards. The Utes also finished with six players on the All-MWC First-Team.

2009 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL FIRST-TEAM
Offense
Pos.	Player	Cl.	School
QB	Andy Dalton	Jr.	TCU
WR	David Reed	Sr.	Utah
WR	Ryan Wolfe**	Sr.	UNLV
RB	Harvey Unga	Jr.	BYU
RB	Eddie Wide	Jr.	Utah
TE	Dennis Pitta**#	Sr.	BYU
OL	Matt Reynolds	So.	BYU
OL	Erik Cook	Sr.	New Mexico
OL	Marshall Newhouse	Sr.	TCU
OL	Marcus Cannon	Jr.	TCU
OL	Zane Beadles*	Sr.	Utah
PK	Ross Evans	So.	TCU
PR/KR	Jeremy Kerley*#	Jr.	TCU
Defense
Pos.	Player	Cl.	School
DL	Jan Jorgensen**	Sr.	BYU
DL	Jerry Hughes*#	Sr.	TCU
DL	Koa Misi	Sr.	Utah
DL	John Fletcher	Sr.	Wyoming
LB	Carmen Messina	So.	New Mexico
LB	Daryl Washington	Sr.	TCU
LB	Stevenson Sylvester	Sr.	Utah
DB	Reggie Rembert	Jr.	Air Force
DB	Rafael Priest	Sr.	TCU
DB	Nick Sanders	Sr.	TCU
DB	Robert Johnson	Sr.	Utah
P	Adam Miller	Sr.	New Mexico
--Two-Time First-Team Selection *--Three-Time First-Team Selection #--Unanimous Selection
2009 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL SECOND-TEAM
Offense
Pos.	Player	Cl.	School
QB	Max Hall	Sr.	BYU
WR	Vincent Brown	Jr.	San Diego State
WR	DeMarco Sampson	Sr.	San Diego State
RB	Joseph Turner	Sr.	TCU
RB	Jared Tew	Jr.	Air Force
TE	Andrew George	Sr.	BYU
OL	Nick Charles	Sr.	Air Force
OL	Peter Lusk	Sr.	Air Force
OL	Caleb Schlauderaff	Jr.	Utah
OL	Jake Kirkpatrick	Jr.	TCU
OL	Zane Taylor	Jr.	Utah
PK	Erik Soderberg	So.	Air Force
PR/KR	Dion Morton	Sr.	Colorado State
Defense
Pos.	Player	Cl.	School
DL	Wayne Daniels	Jr.	TCU
DL	Ben Garland	Sr.	Air Force
DL	Johnathan Rainey	So.	New Mexico
DL	Cory Grant	Jr.	TCU
LB	Tank Carder	So.	TCU
LB	Mychal Sisson	So.	Colorado State
LB	Brian Hendricks	So.	Wyoming
DB	Andrew Rich	Jr.	BYU
DB	Anthony Wright	So.	Air Force
DB	Tejay Johnson	Jr.	TCU
DB	Chris Prosinski	Jr.	Wyoming
P	Brian Stahovich	So.	San Diego State
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Andy Dalton, Jr., QB, TCU
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jerry Hughes, Sr., DE, TCU
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jeremy Kerley, Jr., KR, TCU
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR Austyn Carta-Samuels, QB, Wyoming
COACH OF THE YEAR Gary Patterson, TCU

2009 HONORABLE MENTION
Air Force:	John Falgout, Sr., LB; Brandon Geyer, Sr., P; Ryan Gonzales, Sr., OL; Chris Thomas, Sr., DB.
BYU:	Coleby Clawson, Sr., LB; Brett Denney, Sr., DL; Scott Johnson, Sr., DB; Brian Logan, Jr., DB;Riley Stephenson, Fr., P; R.J. Willing, Sr., OL.
Colorado State:	Adrian Martinez, Sr., OL; Nick Oppenneer, Sr., DB; Cole Pemberton, Sr., OL; Shelley Smith, Sr., OL; Tim Walter, Sr., OL.
New Mexico:	Kendall Briscoe, Sr., DL.
San Diego State:	Davion Mauldin, Sr., KR; Jerry Milling, Sr., LB.
TCU:	Evan Frosch, Jr., TE; Antoine Hicks, So., WR; Jeremy Kerley, Jr., WR; Ed Wesley, Fr., RB; Jimmy Young, Jr., WR.
UNLV:	Jason Beauchamp, Sr., LB; Joe Hawley, Sr., OL; Matt Murphy, Jr., OL.
Utah:	Joe Phillips, Jr., K; Sean Sellwood, Fr., P; Sealver Siliga, So., DL; Mike Wright, Sr., LB.
Wyoming:	David Leonard, Jr., WR; Austin McCoy, So., P; Mitch Unrein, Sr., DL.

2009 Mountain West All-Conference Football Team Announced

Jeremy Mauss — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:54:10 -0000

As expected TCU lead the way with all-conference selections, but they ran away with 15 first and second team selections which more then doubles second place BYU with seven spots. The Horned Frogs also took home three of four player of the year awards, and coach of the year -- the one loss was freshman of the year which went to Wyoming's QB Austyn Carta-Samuels.

Some irony in the list is that New Mexico had the first team punter; he did have the most chances to impress. A choice that was not expected when the season started was Utah RB Eddie Wide who ran for over 1,000 yards but was to be the back up before Matt Asiata tore his ACL in the Louisville game.

The offensive player of the year award went to TCU's QB Andy Dalton while the defensive award went to TCU's DE Jerry Hughes. The rest of the awards are after the jump.

2009 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL FIRST-TEAM
Offense
Pos.	Player	Cl.	School
QB	Andy Dalton	Jr.	TCU
WR	David Reed	Sr.	Utah
WR	Ryan Wolfe**	Sr.	UNLV
RB	Harvey Unga	Jr.	BYU
RB	Eddie Wide	Jr.	Utah
TE	Dennis Pitta**#	Sr.	BYU
OL	Matt Reynolds	So.	BYU
OL	Erik Cook	Sr.	New Mexico
OL	Marshall Newhouse	Sr.	TCU
OL	Marcus Cannon	Jr.	TCU
OL	Zane Beadles*	Sr.	Utah
PK	Ross Evans	So.	TCU
PR/KR	Jeremy Kerley*#	Jr.	TCU
Defense
Pos.	Player	Cl.	School
DL	Jan Jorgensen**	Sr.	BYU
DL	Jerry Hughes*#	Sr.	TCU
DL	Koa Misi	Sr.	Utah
DL	John Fletcher	Sr.	Wyoming
LB	Carmen Messina	So.	New Mexico
LB	Daryl Washington	Sr.	TCU
LB	Stevenson Sylvester	Sr.	Utah
DB	Reggie Rembert	Jr.	Air Force
DB	Rafael Priest	Sr.	TCU
DB	Nick Sanders	Sr.	TCU
DB	Robert Johnson	Sr.	Utah
P	Adam Miller	Sr.	New Mexico
--Two-Time First-Team Selection *--Three-Time First-Team Selection #--Unanimous Selection
2009 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL SECOND-TEAM
Offense
Pos.	Player	Cl.	School
QB	Max Hall	Sr.	BYU
WR	Vincent Brown	Jr.	San Diego State
WR	DeMarco Sampson	Sr.	San Diego State
RB	Joseph Turner	Sr.	TCU
RB	Jared Tew	Jr.	Air Force
TE	Andrew George	Sr.	BYU
OL	Nick Charles	Sr.	Air Force
OL	Peter Lusk	Sr.	Air Force
OL	Caleb Schlauderaff	Jr.	Utah
OL	Jake Kirkpatrick	Jr.	TCU
OL	Zane Taylor	Jr.	Utah
PK	Erik Soderberg	So.	Air Force
PR/KR	Dion Morton	Sr.	Colorado State
Defense
Pos.	Player	Cl.	School
DL	Wayne Daniels	Jr.	TCU
DL	Ben Garland	Sr.	Air Force
DL	Johnathan Rainey	So.	New Mexico
DL	Cory Grant	Jr.	TCU
LB	Tank Carder	So.	TCU
LB	Mychal Sisson	So.	Colorado State
LB	Brian Hendricks	So.	Wyoming
DB	Andrew Rich	Jr.	BYU
DB	Anthony Wright	So.	Air Force
DB	Tejay Johnson	Jr.	TCU
DB	Chris Prosinski	Jr.	Wyoming
P	Brian Stahovich	So.	San Diego State
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Andy Dalton, Jr., QB, TCU
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jerry Hughes, Sr., DE, TCU
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jeremy Kerley, Jr., KR, TCU
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR Austyn Carta-Samuels, QB, Wyoming
COACH OF THE YEAR Gary Patterson, TCU

2009 HONORABLE MENTION
Air Force:	John Falgout, Sr., LB; Brandon Geyer, Sr., P; Ryan Gonzales, Sr., OL; Chris Thomas, Sr., DB.
BYU:	Coleby Clawson, Sr., LB; Brett Denney, Sr., DL; Scott Johnson, Sr., DB; Brian Logan, Jr., DB; Riley Stephenson, Fr., P; R.J. Willing, Sr., OL.
Colorado State:	Adrian Martinez, Sr., OL; Nick Oppenneer, Sr., DB; Cole Pemberton, Sr., OL; Shelley Smith, Sr., OL; Tim Walter, Sr., OL.
New Mexico:	Kendall Briscoe, Sr., DL.
San Diego State:	Davion Mauldin, Sr., KR; Jerry Milling, Sr., LB.
TCU:	Evan Frosch, Jr., TE; Antoine Hicks, So., WR; Jeremy Kerley, Jr., WR; Ed Wesley, Fr., RB; Jimmy Young, Jr., WR.
UNLV:	Jason Beauchamp, Sr., LB; Joe Hawley, Sr., OL; Matt Murphy, Jr., OL.
Utah:	Joe Phillips, Jr., K; Sean Sellwood, Fr., P; Sealver Siliga, So., DL; Mike Wright, Sr., LB.
Wyoming:	David Leonard, Jr., WR; Austin McCoy, So., P; Mitch Unrein, Sr., DL.

No. 18 BYU edges pesky Aztec squad 38-28

Sam (sdsuaztec4) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 02:19:34 -0000

More photos » by Denis Poroy - AP

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Final - 10.17.2009	1	2	3	4	Total
BYU Cougars	7	14	7	10	38
San Diego St. Aztecs	7	7	7	7	28

Complete Coverage >

In the classic David vs. Goliath match-up, this time Goliath won the day, but not without a valiant effort from San Diego State. In a game where the Cougars were favored by 17 points, many expected a blowout win for the far superior BYU team. What actually happened was reminiscent of an old school BYU and SDSU offensive shoot-out. San Diego state was able to keep step for most of the game, but in the end, BYU's offense was just too good to stop. BYU had beaten the Aztecs by an average score of 45-14 in their past 5 meetings; SDSU's big play passing offense kept them in the game, but in the end, BYU was just too good.

BYU's 6-1 (3-0) offense, lead by QB Max Hall and RB Harvey Unga, was able to put on 512 yards of total offense against the San Diego State defense. This was mostly due to BYU's tremendous ability to convert on 3rd down, no matter what the circumstances. Although BYU was 1-3 on 4th down, which gave SDSU two opportunities to get back into the game, BYU was an incredible 15-21 (71%) on 3rd down. BYU continued to do what they have done all season, not giving up on drives and finding a way to convert on third down. BYU's multitude of offensive weapons allowed them to do this; they continued to punch SDSU in the nose drive after drive. Max Hall rarely threw up-field, and Unga rarely broke off a huge run, but Hall lead methodical and surgical drives that wore SDSU's defense out.

Max Hall was 27-39 for 346 yards and 3 TDs, no INTs.

Harvey Unga had 81 yards on 26 carries and 1 TD

Dennis Pitta, Andrew George, and Bryan Kariya each caught a TD for the Cougars. George led them with 4 catches for 75 yards, Pitta had 6 catches for 72.

On the flip side, BYU stopped San Diego State from establishing any running game, but their secondary was a huge liability as Ryan Lindley continued to have big play after big play against them. The Aztecs managed 322 passing yards and a whopping 14.6 yards per completion. That being said, a huge INT by Scott Johnson of Ryan Lindley in the endzone near the end of the first half was a huge momentum changer in the game. Instead of SDSU taking a 21-14 lead late in the 2nd Qtr, Max Hall drove down the field to score with one second remaining to make it a 21-14 BYU lead at halftime. BYU managed only one sack all game, which came in the final minutes when SDSU was throwing desperation passes.

San Diego State 2-4 (0-2) continued the season's theme as they played a good game but was unable to finish on either offense or defense. The defense forced BYU into a lot of 3rd downs, but was unable to stop them. The offense was unable to convert on 3rd down themselves, which a multitude of Ryan Lindley passes dropped by receivers that would have converted. Ryan Lindley threw a huge INT in the end zone that would have given the Aztecs a late first half lead. On the positive side, sophomore QB Ryan Lindley was back in form, going 21 for 33 for 298 yards, 3 TDs, and one INT. His big throws kept the Aztecs in the game, tying the game 21 to 21 early in the 3rd Qtr after a 4th down stop by SDSU's offense. After being down 35-21, and yet another 4th down stop, Lindley was able to throw another TD to cut BYU's lead to 7, at 35-28. That is far as SDSU would get. Once again, the inability to establish a running game forced the Aztecs to rely on the capable arm of Lindley, and he came up with an impressive outing considering he had no running game to lean on. The Aztecs actually out-gained BYU on a per play basis, 6.8 yards per play to 5.6, but BYU was able to finish and SDSU not not.

Walter Kazee was the leading rushers 28 yards on 9 carries.

Demarco Sampson caught 2 TDs for the Aztecs, with Alston Umuolo catching the third. Vincent Brown, one FBS's leading WRs, caught 8 balls for 147 yards.

SDSU's defense, which looked decent at times, was absolutely dominated. BYU put up 166 rushing yards are 346 passing yards. The inability to stop BYU on 3rd down absolutely killed them. This would have been a different game had this not been true. BYU has done this all year to everybody they've played though, they are up there tops in the nation on 3rd down conversions. It speaks to their offensive style. Unless BYU plays an undisciplined game on offense, which they rarely, if ever do, they are impossible to stop. SDSU needed to win the turnover battle to have a chance in this game, which is something they failed to do. Max Hall was able to do a good job of keeping to the game plan, throwing underneath and letting his receivers get they YAC yards.

In conclusion, BYU continued to dominate on offense, if not on defense, and were able to withstand a strong effort from an inferior SDSU team. BYU, who plays at home next week against TCU, looks to shore up their defense against a strong TCU team. This game will likely determine the conference winner, as well as TCU's BCS hopes. San Diego State travels to Colorado State and hopes to continue putting up strong efforts, but hopes that this time it gets them into the "W" column. Coach Hoke has shown great improvement, but now wins are what matters. A road win would go great lengths for the Aztecs.

BYU Travels to San Diego State for a Vacation... I mean a Football Game

Jeremy Mauss — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:49:10 -0000

More photos » by Patrick Semansky - AP

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Next Game

BYU Cougars
@ San Diego St. Aztecs

Saturday, Oct 17, 2009, 3:00 PM PDT
Qualcomm Stadium

TV: The Mtn

Complete Coverage >

This is a game that has the chance to provide as a warm up for the big TCU matchup next week. BYU may rest some players such as RB Manase Tonga and DB Scott Johnson to prevent more serious injury. There is a little talk of this being a trap game, but the Aztecs are so far down in terms of talent and depth that this should not near that category. Now, if BYU was playing Air Force or Colorado State before TCU then there is a point.

This game should provide another example of how good BYU is and more importantly the voters and computers in the polls. A blowout is neccassary to impress and the 17 point spread needs to be obliverated and the margin of victory needs to be in the mid 20's or more.

San Diego State who for the past 15 years have been at the bottom of the WAC or MWC, but it looks that new head coach Brady Hoke is making slight improvements. Those improvements are not really being seen this year because Hoke brought in a more pro style offense which is a complete 180 from the spread offense that former coach Chuck Long was using during his tenure. The problems with that start up front on the line where in the spread offense the line is more of a pass blocking line which needs the lineman to be more agile and a little smaller. Now, compare that with the pro style offense that puts the quarterback under center and requires the line to be a run blocking line.

The new offense is also why QB Ryan LIndley is struggling with nine picks on the year. His struggles come from him being in the shotgun since high school and his first two years in the Aztec program. Real results from the team may not come till late in this year and next year. Getting the athletes is one thing, but also reteaching a style of play for the offense is another which takes a while.

The offense can still put up passing yards between QB Ryan Lindley and WR Vincent Brown who is one of the MWC's leading receivers. Now, the running game which has struggled --and explained why above-- needs to at least get some traction agaisnt BYU who has been suspectable against the run.

Now, in saying the positives of SDSU the odds of them winning are way down on the list. QB Max Hall should have a big game and if he comes away with zero interceptions again then the game is a success, and it shows he is progressing away from forcing passes that have lead to his ten interceptions on the year.

With an outside shot of a BCS win, because they do have the chance to take out top 10 TCU, the Cougars need to win this game in outstanding fashion similar to their win over UNLV last week. Also, the higher the ranking is better because right now the BCS is in year two of the four year cycle and all BCS points and rankings are important.

This game should be a blowout in BYU's favor and expcect to see backups in the game most notably backup QB Reily Nelson who is the potential starter next year, so fans may want to see what he can do.

Making the Rounds: 10/16/09

Jeremy Mauss — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:31:58 -0000

Air Force

The move from quarterback to defensive back has paid off for Anthony Wright. The quarterback situation is still up in the air for this weeks game. Grading the Falcons first half, 2.77.

BYU

QB Max Hall about to pass some elite quarterback company at BYU. DB Brian Logan wants revenge after the Aztecs withdrew his scholarship. Why are people calling the game against San Diego State a trap game? Scott Johnson and Manase Tonga are game time decisions. BYU is having a tough time getting BCS opponents on the schedule.

Colorado State

RB Leonard Mason is doing a great job on the field and in the classroom. At least the special teams have been good.

New Mexico

Everyone has heard the Mike Locksley is suspended for the next game against UNLV, plus he does not recall ever having a team be 0-6.

San Diego State

The 1979 BYU route over SDSU was the beginning of the end for Aztec football. Can the rested Aztecs surprise BYU?

TCU

Coach Gary Patterson talks about why his run defense is great every year. For TCU to keep undefeated they must cut down on their turnovers. The two biggest games for TCU are still a ways out.

UNLV

Rebels to honor 1984 squad this weekend. Mike Sanford is definitely on the hot seat.

Utah

Vegas native Stevenson Sylvester looks to have a big game against UNLV. Utes looking for revenge after embarrassing loss at Vegas in 2007.

Wyoming

Many Wyoming fans can not see their team when on The Mtn, because most of the state has DISH Network who is not on board. Pokes trying to extend their winning streak against Air Force.

Lovin' Vegas: Recap, Rankings and Grades

Layton — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:15:00 -0000

More photos » by Isaac Brekken - AP

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Last night we finally saw the offense we've been expecting all year, even if it did come at the hands of the lowly Rebels. Still, Max Hall was brilliant, Harvey Unga was downright nasty, JJ DiLuigi proved he can really run and we almost saw pigs fly when O'Neill Chambers rumbled and tumbled 97 yards for what would have been BYU's first kickoff return since 1996.

And while the big score moved the Cougars up only one spot in the Coaches' Poll, it may have been exactly what the team needed to propel them to lofty heights over the next month and a half.

Game grades after the jump...

Grades:

BYU offense: A+: Anytime you roll up 611 yards total offense (320 in the air and 291 on the ground), run the ball with ease and have no turnovers (Max...finally!), all while raking in 59 points, you've done something great. We all hoped this would happen, but to actually see the efficiency take place was really great. And now I'm convinced that Harvey Unga has actual superpowers. What an unbelievable talent!

BYU defense: B+: Giving up a 75-yard TD pass always leaves a bad taste in the mouth. With the exception of that play BYU did a great job containing two mobile quarterbacks and keeping everything in front of them. The Cougars held UNLV to just 45 yards rushing... I was really happy to see the blitz schemes come back and influence the game, and Scott Johnson was superb. The defense is a different animal with him in the game calling the shots.

I'm still wondering why these last two weeks the DBs have been playing 10-12 yards off every play, especially when they were doing a great job "jamming" the receivers the first three games.

Special Teams: B: UNLV's kickoff return was nearly nullified by Chambers, the key word is nearly. Man, how do you run 97 yards and not find some way to get in...oh well, it was fun to watch. Great to see Payne hit a field goal in a game - his fourth attempt all season.

BYU Safety Kicked Off Team

Layton — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:08:56 -0000

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Ugh! BYU safety, Shiloah Te'o, has been kicked off the team for violating team rules. Why, why, why? Say it ain't so! All right, I'm done complaining.

Though his time this year has been limited because of Rich's stellar play at the KAT position, Te'o did play in all 5 games tallying 5 tackles, and more importantly, was tabbed to be a major player next year. With Scott Johnson graduating and Craig Bills leaving for a mission the safety position now becomes critical for junior college recruiting this winter (and it's crucial they stay healthy the rest of the way this season)...

If there's a positive to this it's that this type of thing is happening less and less, unlike the now-infamous Crowton circus...

**Update** -

"Provo City Justice Court records show that Te'o was charged Sept. 18 with driving under the influence from an arrest in August. Mendenhall said in a statement Tuesday that Te'o has been dismissed for an undisclosed violation of team rules. He told The Salt Lake Tribune for a story posted online Wednesday that he learned of the charge over the weekend, then decided to dismiss the sophomore safety after practice Tuesday night."

Game Recap: Harvey Unga is better than you, much better

sroufe — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:20:04 -0000

Harvey Unga is well versed in street combat, gymnastics, and boxing. In limited action in 2009 he has shown the ability to best multiple armed assailants with little difficulty. Unga is also relatively indifferent to physical pain and discomfort, as he has played with a lingering hamstring injury and during the off-season trains by running barefoot across a frozen Deer Creek Reservoir.

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Quick Summary: Harvey Unga ran for 113 yards, three touchdowns, and ate three cups of mint flavored Dippin' Dots. Also, his teammates created two interceptions and a blocked punt while beating Colorado State 42 to 23 in Provo. For more information please click here for a network recap and/or here for a boxscore. MWC Connection has also provided a brief recap, here.

My desire for Unga to take it easy with that hamstring injury is well documented:

"Unga has played in each of the last two contests and then exited early because of aggravating his hamstring injury ... If it were me ... I would sit Harvey out completely against Colorado State this week and against Utah State the week following. I wouldn't let him play until the Cougars travel to UNLV on October 10^th..."

Of course, Harvey and Bronco don't care about my opinion, and rightfully so. I haven't rushed for 2,586 career yards and 29 rushing TD's. (I have however enjoyed some Dippin' Dots while watching Unga produce some of those statistics at LES.) Still, Zac had a much more fun approach recently:

"Harvey Unga is fine. He's better than anything BYU has, and he'll probably leave school the all-time leading rusher. Not only that, but he has the ability to play through pain. In his first game of the year last week, he was able to tear up an ACC defense. I suspect he'll have over a hundred yards rushing and a couple touchdowns against CSU."

That wasn't so much prophetic as it was logical. I don't care how much CSU's defense has apparently improved from last season - they still can't stop the junior running back from Timpview. And thank goodness too, because despite the tremendous early lead, the Cougars could have made this game much easier on the Rams had Unga not suited up. So thank you Harvey or more specifically, thank you Harvey's hamstring.

Other than Unga, the best part of the game for me was the defense's ability to put some pressure on the quarterback. The Cougars finished with three sacks (Clawson, So'oto, Fuga) for a total loss of 35 yards. They also held the Rams to just 66 yards rushing on 28 carries. This was all most welcome after the performance against Florida State.

A few other bright spots included:

- Spencer Hafoka's 24 yard touchdown reception

- Scott Johnson's return with a team leading 10 tackles

- Andrew Rich's 6 tackles and interception

- Some productivity without fumbles from O'Neill Chambers

- Dennis Pitta's continued dominance

- The most consistent kicking/punting game of the season from Riley Stephenson

The most glaring disappointment of the game was Max Hall's two interceptions. Hall's inaccuracy seemingly had less to do with his protection and more to do with simple errors on his part. He should be able to get away with that again next week against Utah State, but it will cost him if he duplicates this performance against UNLV and certainly TCU next month.

Overall, this game was what most of us expected.

Preview: Florida State vs. BYU

sroufe — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:46:27 -0000

More photos » by Phil Coale - AP

3 months ago: Florida State's Christian Ponder, left, runs as Miami's Marcus Robinson gives chase during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

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Florida State Seminoles (1-1) @. BYU Cougars (2-0)
LaVell Edwards Stadium - Provo, Utah
5:00 PM MST, September 19, 2009
TV - Versus
Radio - 102.7 FM; 1160 AM (KSL)

Injury Report

Florida State: Out - LB Vince Williams (back), LB Aaron Gresham (knee), DT Demonte McAllister (ankle), OL John Prior (knee), DT John Mincey (knee); OL Antwane Greenlee (knee); Questionable - DB Korey Mangum (shoulder)

Notes - Williams is listed second on FSU's depth chart at MLB. His absence will give more playing time to Recardo Wright, a senior who recorded 18 tackles last season. Gresham was behind Williams at MLB - so the Seminoles are thin at that position right now. McAllister and Prior are freshmen that FSU will likely redshirt. Mincey is a senior and started four games last season. He was projected to be a starter prior to his injury in fall camp. Mangum is a senior also and plays ROV. Mangum led FSU in pass breakups in 2008 but if he's unable to go against the Cougars he'll be replaced by highly regarded freshman Nick Moody.

BYU: Out - OL Braden Hansen (knee), OL Jesse Taufi (academics); Questionable - DB Scott Johnson (concussion); Probable - RB Harvey Unga (hamstring)

Overview

The Florida State blog at SB Nation, Tomahawk Nation, has provided a very thorough breakdown for this evening's game. A lot of information provided in our question exchange this week with Bud Elliott of Tomahawk Nation was excellent as well.

Tonight's game will come down to, in my opinion, the matchup of BYU's O-line and FSU's D-line. With another lineman out (Hansen) the Cougars are thin up front. The Seminoles have some solid athletes and will bring it. Obviously they don't have a Gerald McCoy - but neither does anyone else. If the FSU D-line puts pressure on Hall then it will alleviate a lot of the pressure on the Seminole defensive secondary. That secondary has largely disappointed against Miami and Jacksonville State in their previous two contests.

If the Seminoles can't create a decent pass rush or stop the run effectively they are going to be in trouble. One of their best players is freshman DB Greg Reid - and he is a phenom. Reid will probably lock up O'Neill Chambers tight in this one. If the Seminoles have a good pash rush, both Chambers and Jacobson could vanish in this game. Reid also returns kicks and that could be potentially devastating for BYU's kickoff-coverage. If Stephenson/Payne don't improve their performance look for Reid to have a major impact in that area.

Here's more on Reid:

"Rated as the No. 15 on the ESPNU150 and the No. 2 cornerback in the nation ... listed as the No. 27 player nationally on the Rivals100 and ranked as the website's No. 4 cornerback... a five-star recruit by Rivals.com ... listed as the top-ranked player at any position in Florida by Rivals.com and the nation's top cover corner ... Scout.com rates Reid as the No. 7 cornerback and the nation's No. 56 overall recruit ... a SuperPrep Elite 50 player (No. 49), the No. 3 athlete in the nation and the publication's No. 3 player in Georgia."

More after the jump...

The other Seminole defenders you should be familiar with are linebacker Dekoda Watson and corner Patrick Robinson.

Here's the 2009 outlook on both players:

Watson -

"...one of the most athletic players in the ACC, Watson was named seventh on ESPN's top 10 list of workout warriors...the senior has 48" shoulders and a 26" waist and is as athletic as any member of the team...an explosive linebacker who understands the game and spent most of the 2009 spring coaching the young linebackers while recovering from Tommy John surgery...should be fully cleared to participate come preseason...will be counted on to lead the front seven and add to his career sack total...16.0 tackles for loss in the last two seasons and five career sacks...the team's leading returning tackler with 119 in his career...the most versatile defender in Garnet & Gold Watson has two career interceptions, one returned for a TD, eight pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries, one of those was taken back for a touchdown as well, 19.5 tackles for loss and two blocked kicks...his is just 2.5 TFL from moving into the top 20 all-time at Florida State...a positive and enthusiastic leader for Mickey Andrews' young defense, Watson will be the player teammates turn to all season long."

Robinson -

"Coaches expect Robinson to have a dominant senior season...played in 33 games during the first three years of his career while earning 13 starting assignments...former Seminole Terrell Buckley believes Robinson will emerge as the next great Seminole defensive back in 2009...should be a candidate for All-ACC honors...has the ability to be a candidate for the Jim Thorpe Award...excellent cover skills and a physical presence on the field...leads all returning players with seven career interceptions...all seven of his career interceptions have come in conference play...just two picks away from entering the top 20 all-time for career INTs...his seven career interceptions are the most by any returning Seminole...rarely tested this spring by Seminole quarterbacks...Hinesman Award winner as the most dominant player this past spring...broke up more passes (4) then completions allowed (3) in eight spring scrimmages...joined Terrell Buckley and Deion Sanders as defensive backs to win the Hinesman Award...also named the defense's MVP...received the top grade in every category among FSU defensive backs this past spring."

In other words, Florida State's defense is very athletic and talented. Not on the same scale overall as Oklahoma but there are some real playmakers. Fortunately for the Cougars probably their weakest area is their defensive line. Despite BYU's lack of depth up front, they have a 54 lb. weight average advantage over FSU's D-line. The Cougar line should be able to buy Max Hall plenty of time to operate and find his targets. Look for both Dennis Pitta and Andrew George to play key roles, as well as the backs - Unga, Tonga, Kariya and DiLuigi - to all be involved.

On the other side of the ball the Seminoles have an athletic and experienced QB in Christian Ponder. Ponder has the ability to get out of the pocket not unlike Washington's Jake Locker. In a game against Miami last season, Ponder rushed for 144 yards.

Still, FSU's O-line is probably not as good as OU's even with the Sooners' lack of experience. The Seminoles' front has had a difficult time creating room for tailbacks Jermaine Thomas and Ty Jones in their games thus far. BYU has proven to be adequate against the run in their prior contests. I'm looking for Jan Jorgensen to get his first sack of 2009 this week on the home field. The Seminole's largest O-lineman is a mere 288 lbs. If Hooks, Pendleton, Clawson, Nelson and co. continue to fill the gaps and the Te'o/Bills step up with Johnson out, it could spell trouble for Bobby Bowden's team.

Finally, I feel that this FSU team has too many playmakers, too much athleticism, and too good of coaches for BYU to annihilate them the way they did Tulane. The Seminole's preseason ranking in the Top 25 wasn't a fluke. The are a good team. They almost beat Miami and the Hurricanes are an excellent team this season. However, BYU has the advantage of being at home, an experienced QB that plays even better at home, they should have a healthier Harvey Unga, and both their O-lineman and D-lineman have some size advantages. I'm calling it BYU 38, FSU 24.