Want the inside scoop on the 2009 season? Talk to the guys who cover the Cougars for a living. The top three BYU beat writers in the Beehive State were kind enough to answer my questions on the upcoming season.
Here's what Jeff Call (Deseret News), Jay Drew (Salt Lake Tribune) and Darnell Dickson, my former boss at the Daily Herald, had to say on some of the key issues that will shape the Cougars campaign.
Which game on the schedule is most important to BYU’s success in 2009?
Jeff Call, Desert News: Utah
Jay Drew, Salt Lake Tribune: I am going to say Florida State, because I think that game will set the tone for the rest of the year. The Cougars will likely be 1-1 (losing to Oklahoma, beating Tulane) heading into that game, their home opener, and what happens Sept. 19 in Provo will go a long way in determining what kind of season the Cougs have.
Darnell Dickson, Daily Herald: Got to be TCU at BYU on Oct. 24. It will be BYU’s first true MWC test and after getting blasted last year, the Cougars have a score to settle.
Which home game is the toughest: Florida State, TCU or Utah?
Jeff Call: Utah
Jay Drew: The Utah game will be the toughest. It always is. Utah gets up to play BYU, regardless of records, place or anything else.
Darnell Dickson: Always Utah. The past six games against the Utes at LES have been decided by seven points or less.
Which receiver will step up to fill the shoes of Austin Collie?
Jeff Call: McKay Jacobson
Jay Drew: I don’t see a single receiver stepping up to replace Collie on his own. However, the leading receiver on the team will be McKay Jacobson.
Darnell Dickson: You can’t fill those shoes with just one guy. O’Neill Chambers and McKay Jacobsen will both have to step up and be impact players.
Will BYU’s defense be better in 2009 than 2008?
Jeff Call: Yes, but with Oklahoma on the schedule, it might not show statistically.
Jay Drew: I would have said yes a month ago, but the news that Russell Tialavea is going on a mission means the defensive line will have depth concerns. I would say the defense will be about the same as last year. The safeties will be better, but the linebackers will struggle mightily to replace David Nixon.
Darnell Dickson: The Cougars have lost two starting defensive linemen to missions and the cornerback spot is still a huge question mark. So my answer right now would be “no.”
How will BYU finish the regular season record wise?
Jeff Call: 9-3
Jay Drew: 9-3
Darnell Dickson: I think a 9- or 10-win season would be a huge success in 2009.
Which player will rise up to become a star this season?
Jeff Call: Safety Andrew Rich
Jay Drew: Jacobson is the obvious choice, but I think RB Malosi Te’o is going to be a factor before the season is over.
Darnell Dickson: Sophomore outside linebacker Jordan Pendleton, who is learning a new position but has all the physical tools.
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