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stuckinbig10countryI have a few keys to the game this week, and I'd like to see yours as well. Nothing simple like score more than they do please.
1. Don't be paralyzed by the fear of what could happen. The offensive game of BYU changed after the interception in the first half that led to Texas' field goal. I'm not sure if the play calling became more conservative or if the QB became more conservative, but something changed right there. BYU had been moving the ball at will between the 20's until that point. The old saying goes that QB's have to have a short term memory. I think the same should hold true for offensive coordinators. Don't give your QB (or other position for that matter) the idea that you don't trust him by going conservative after a turnover.
2. Improved rhythm on offense. It was better in the 4th quarter at Ole Miss and good in the first half against Texas, but still needs to improve. If Doman wants to remain on the field, he is going to have to do a better job of focusing on the next play and getting everything ready to go.
3. Improved O Line play. For the umpteenth year in a row, the O Line has been over-hyped and then proceeded to under-deliver. I think this is a direct influence of the coach that they have for that group, but that can't change right now. They need to definitely improve in their run blocking and also tighten up in pass blocking.
4. Score TDs not FGs. Scoring opportunities will be at a premium in this game, as in most years in the rivalry. BYU needs to score TDs when they get to the blue zone. They lost the TX game because of missed blue zone opportunities and almost lost the Ole Miss game for the same reason. They also need to find ways to score quickly every now and then, and not rely on 10 to 15 play drives to score.
5. Beat man defense. Utah plays man almost exclusively. The WRs need to show improved technique in getting off the line of scrimmage and the QB needs to put the ball in the tight windows that are required against man coverage.
6. Stop the run up the middle. The edges are generally covered by our best players on the field in the OLBs, but the middle run defense has been suspect at times.
7. Limit the big play of their WRs. This is really the only way that they can beat BYU. If their WRs continue to get big plays, they will win the game, especially with BYU's lack of ability for game changing plays.
8. Match their intensity. This is the first year in 2 generations where Utah has a legitimate argument that they are now the undisputed big brothers in-state because of their conference affiliation. In the past, they have definitely been more intense and ready to go for this game. I think they will still bring that intensity, but BYU definitely needs to match that, which is something they haven't done recently (against Utah and TCU specifically).
I love BYU sports. I don't do anything on game days except anticipate kick-off, watch the game, and discuss the game for hours after. This team has me worried as far as their mental makeup. I want to pick BYU to win, but I just listed 8 areas that are of concern to me. If there are 8 concerns that I have, it's almost impossible for me to think they win this game. Unless Heaps improves by a lot this week, BYU loses a close one, probably 17-12, with BYU winning most statistical categories but losing the game like last year. I hope I'm wrong.
1. Don't be paralyzed by the fear of what could happen. The offensive game of BYU changed after the interception in the first half that led to Texas' field goal. I'm not sure if the play calling became more conservative or if the QB became more conservative, but something changed right there. BYU had been moving the ball at will between the 20's until that point. The old saying goes that QB's have to have a short term memory. I think the same should hold true for offensive coordinators. Don't give your QB (or other position for that matter) the idea that you don't trust him by going conservative after a turnover.
2. Improved rhythm on offense. It was better in the 4th quarter at Ole Miss and good in the first half against Texas, but still needs to improve. If Doman wants to remain on the field, he is going to have to do a better job of focusing on the next play and getting everything ready to go.
3. Improved O Line play. For the umpteenth year in a row, the O Line has been over-hyped and then proceeded to under-deliver. I think this is a direct influence of the coach that they have for that group, but that can't change right now. They need to definitely improve in their run blocking and also tighten up in pass blocking.
4. Score TDs not FGs. Scoring opportunities will be at a premium in this game, as in most years in the rivalry. BYU needs to score TDs when they get to the blue zone. They lost the TX game because of missed blue zone opportunities and almost lost the Ole Miss game for the same reason. They also need to find ways to score quickly every now and then, and not rely on 10 to 15 play drives to score.
5. Beat man defense. Utah plays man almost exclusively. The WRs need to show improved technique in getting off the line of scrimmage and the QB needs to put the ball in the tight windows that are required against man coverage.
6. Stop the run up the middle. The edges are generally covered by our best players on the field in the OLBs, but the middle run defense has been suspect at times.
7. Limit the big play of their WRs. This is really the only way that they can beat BYU. If their WRs continue to get big plays, they will win the game, especially with BYU's lack of ability for game changing plays.
8. Match their intensity. This is the first year in 2 generations where Utah has a legitimate argument that they are now the undisputed big brothers in-state because of their conference affiliation. In the past, they have definitely been more intense and ready to go for this game. I think they will still bring that intensity, but BYU definitely needs to match that, which is something they haven't done recently (against Utah and TCU specifically).
I love BYU sports. I don't do anything on game days except anticipate kick-off, watch the game, and discuss the game for hours after. This team has me worried as far as their mental makeup. I want to pick BYU to win, but I just listed 8 areas that are of concern to me. If there are 8 concerns that I have, it's almost impossible for me to think they win this game. Unless Heaps improves by a lot this week, BYU loses a close one, probably 17-12, with BYU winning most statistical categories but losing the game like last year. I hope I'm wrong.