BYU beat writers talk about BCS hype

The letters may be different, but right now they seem joined at the hip. BYU and the BCS is the talk of the summer for Cougar fans. Even across the nation, gridiron prognosticators are talking about the Cougs as this year's non-BCS darling, the 2008 version of Hawaii ('07), Boise State ('06) or Utah ('04).
But what do those who know best think about BYU's BCS-busting plans?
This week I had the chance to ask BYU football beat writers Jeff Call of the Deseret Morning News and Darnell Dickson of the Daily Herald about the BCS hype. There responses may surprise.
"As for the BYU-BCS hype, right now, it's just that -- hype," said Call. "This program has to prove it can win on the road early in the season and the Cougars have a big test at Washington. BYU has never won there, so it will be tough. Games at TCU and Utah will be difficult as well."
And even if a certain foe isn't all that formidable, there's another aspect that makes the schedule that much tougher. "Everyone will be gunning for BYU," said Call.
Said Dickson: "As a BYU fan, I want to believe. As a journalist, I know I can't go overboard. I think the schedule is set up well and the offense should be unstoppable. But the secondary is largely untested and that's a big question mark in my mind."
While talk of an undefeated season in prevalent during these long summer days, both Call and Dickson have words of caution for Cougar fans.
"Can BYU really go undefeated in the MWC three straight seasons with road games at Utah, TCU and Air Force?" Dickson asked.
Indeed, three straight years of 8-0 in the MWC is a tall order for any team, especially with the toughest games away from LaVell Edwards Stadium. As for a 12-0 mark heading into bowl season, Call had a well-grounded reminder.
"There's a reason why BYU has only had one undefeated season -- because it's tough to do," he said. "In any event, it should be a fun season."

The one that started it all

It was Oct. 8, 2005. BYU, just 1-3 in Bronco Mendenhall's first season, was in trouble once again. Trailing New Mexico 24-13 in the fourth quarter, the Cougars were about to fall to 1-4 and remain winless against Division I-A foes.
But then it happened.
For the first time under Bronco, the Magic struck.
The night before, BYU had held the first of what is now a tradition on Game day Eve: a team fireside.
Coincidence that the Magic Happened 24 hours later?
Probably not.
The Lobos were all set to add to their 11-point lead as quarterback Cole McKamey scampered inside BYU's 1o-yard line. But the hands of Cougar linebacker Justin Luettgerodt found the ball. The pigskin squirted into the air and rolled around the turf briefly before being smothered by a blue jersey.
BYU ball.
The drive that ensued featured the debut of Manase Tonga (wearing No. 42 back then) and an incredible catch by Matt Allen. It ended with Curtis Brown going up the middle for a TD.
New Mexico 24, BYU 19.
With two minutes to play, the Cougars got the ball back at their own 20-yard line following a UNM punt. A long gain on a Beck-to-Todd Watkins hookup helped set up the game winner. And what a beauty it was. Matt Allen hauled in a pass on the sideline, juked his defender out of his jock strap and raced up the sideline. A two-point conversion followed.
Final score: BYU 27, New Mexico 24.
Remember the scene? Bronco Mendenhall hugging his wife in the tunnel, a moment expressing both relief, joy and gratitude.
From there, the Cougars won five of the next six, earned their first Las Vegas Bowl bid and set the foundation. A foundation that has led to back-to-back 11-win seasons and an offseason in which BYU is ranked in the preseason Top 15 by almost every prognosticator on the planet.
Thanks Bronco. Thanks for following the prompting about the fireside.
Thanks Justin. Thanks for knocking that ball loose.
Thanks Cougars. Thanks for an incredible ride the past few seasons.
Here's to 2008 and the Quest for Perfection. And while we enjoy the journey this fall, let's not forget where it all started: A cool October night in Albuquerque.

Ranking the 2008 schedule

First off, thanks to all those who voted in our poll the last couple weeks. It's clear that the Utah finale is the toughest contest of 2008, as more than 56 percent voted for the Utes as BYU's stiffest test of the coming season. Week 2 at Washington was second with 27%, UCLA third with 9% and TCU fourth with 6%.
With those results in mind, here's a look at the games on this season's schedule, ranked from easiest to hardest. For a more detailed breakdown of each game, see http://thecougarzone.blogspot.com/2008/06/fear-factor-byu-football-2008.html.

From cake walks to the Holy War

12. Nothern Iowa. Being the home opener, this will be closer than it would be at midseason. But unless BYU pulls at Michigan, it should be smooth sailing in the opener against a I-AA foe.

11. Utah State. The fact this game is in Logan gives it at least some minor intrigue. But this is a colossal mismatch between one of the best teams in college football and one of the worst.

10. UNLV. Phil Steele actually picks the Rebels fourth in the MWC. But the Rebels are still a ninth-place team at heart.

9. Air Force. The Falcons lost a lot. And BYU excels are crushing the Cadets' offense.

8. Colorado State. The Rams will be better. But not much.

7. San Diego State. The Aztecs won't have much firepower on offense and never seem to be able to stop anyone. Cougs cruise at home.

6. Wyoming. Cowboys are too inconsistent to win in Provo. Another easy MWC victory for the Y.

5. New Mexico. Outside of Utah and TCU, the Lobos are probably the best conference foe BYU will face. But with the game in Provo, BYU gets past this one.

4. UCLA. The Bruins will be tough again. But the talent is down and the new coaching won't make enough of a difference.

3. TCU. The Horned Frogs, like BYU, are harboring BCS possiblities. A Thursday night special for the conference lead.

2. Washington. Don't let the Huskies four-win season of 2007 lull you into a false sense of security. June Jones said UW was the best team Hawaii faced in the regular season after Washington nearly (and should have) beaten the Warriors on the islands. With better athleticism and home-field advantage, the Huskies could mess up BYU's Quest in Week 2.

1. Utah. This rivalry is always close, and on paper, these teams are closer than ever this fall. If the Utes pull their usual rollercoaster feats, they'll have a few loses coming in. But regardless, this game is huge. If BYU is 11-0 and a BCS bid is on the line, it would be a heartbreaker to see perfection end in Rice-Eccles.

Getting that summer football fix

There are varying degrees of BYU fandom.
First, the casual fan. This fan watches some games on TV and maybe takes in one at LaVell Edwards Stadium each year. He or she spends little time online reading about the team, but does enjoy watching the games when their schedule permits.
Second, the regular fan. This fan loves BYU football, watches all the games in some form (when available) and cheers hard. But, he or she gets upset when others stand in the stadium, spends little time seeking info on the team during the summer months and is satisfied with reading an article or two each week in the paper during the season.
Third, the BYU fanatic. This is where I fall. This fan spends way to much time thinking about BYU football. The summer is spend craving the start of the season. Hours are spent reading online reports, preview magazines, message boards and anything else offering news, notes or opinions on BYU football. Each week of the fall is spent anxiously awaiting game day. Plans are carefully made to avoid conflicting with game time. Long trip are made to take in games for those out of state. Etc, etc.

For those that join me in the third category, you just can't get enough BYU football during the "offseason." This time of year, without even spring football or signing day to eat up attention, there's seems to be a dearth of football to feast on. And it comes when my gridiron cravings are highest.
Each summer, I seem to follow the same pattern. Here's the basics of my futile attempts to feed my Cougar cravings.

June

1. Pour over every preview magazine.
2. Watch the previous season's highlight video repeatedly.
3. Rewatch taped and DVR'd games from earlier seasons.
4. Daily check and recheck Cougarfan.com, Cougarupdate.com, Cougarboard.com, Cougarblue.com, Total Blue Sports, Cougaroutpost.com, Bluefangroup.com and other Web sites for BYU stories.
5. Play out key games on Playstation (This year, that would be Washington, UCLA, TCU and Utah)

July

1. Reread preview magazines.
2. Rewatch highlight videos and old games.
3. Watch football movies. This list usually includes "Remember the Titans," "Rudy," and "Invicible."
4. Continue daily Web searching, morning, midday and night.
5. Play entire season on Playstation.
6. Visit BYU Bookstore to buy even more BYU gear and apparel.

August

1. Listen daily to Daily Download fall camp reports on KSL.com. (Bless Greg Wrubell for this fine service).
2. Visit open practice days whenever possible.
3. Repeat all items from June and July.
4. Try to sleep longer and fill each wakening hour with activies so time to kickoff passes faster.

That's my summer plan. It's not the best. But it helps a bit. Good luck enduring yours! And if you have any others ideas for other BYU fanatics, please leave your comments.

Fear factor: BYU football 2008

The 2008 BYU football season is just more than two months away. In an effort to help slake your summer thirst for Cougar football, here's a look at each game of the upcoming season, including the "Fear Factor" presented by each contest. Of course, as the favorite hymn states, "fear departs, when faith endures." So The Cougar Zone also offers you reasons "Why Faith Endures" for each game this fall as well as a prediction.
Enjoy. And your comments and predictions are welcome.

Aug. 30 BYU vs. Northern Iowa (The Mtn.)

Fear factor: The Panthers were the No. 1-ranked and top-seeded team in FCS entering the postseason last year. They finished 12-1, falling to Delaware in the FCS quarterfinals. Playing in the always tough (and newly renamed) Missouri Valley Football Conference, Northern Iowa returns outstanding offensive players in running back Corey Lewis and receiver Johnny Gray. Their speed at the skill positions will be a challenge to deal with.
Why faith endures: For all their talents, the Panthers are an FCS team. They also have to replace one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history in Eric Sanders. While Northern Iowa will be better than Eastern Washington was in 2007, the Panthers just won't have the size to matchup in the trenches against BYU's outstanding offensive and defensive lines.
Prediction: BYU's offense hits the ground running, literally, as Harvey Unga, Fui Vakapuna and company lead the way. BYU 48, Northern Iowa 10.

Sept. 6 BYU at Washington (FSN)

Fear Factor: The Huskies, and fourth-year head coach Tyrone Willingham will be desperate for a win after likely losing at Oregon in Week 1. Washington will give BYU's defense trouble with the mobility of sophomore QB Jake Locker. Sophomore receiver D'Andre Goodwin showed promised as a freshman and could hurt BYU's inexperienced secondary. Home-field advantage at Husky Stadium also gives UW some help.
Why faith endures: Washington is in rebuilding mode along the defensive front, and offseason injuries have hindered the Husky cause. BYU's balance on offense should prove pivotal as the Cougars will move the ball.
Prediction: BYU's new faces at linebacker and in the secondary will have to play a whale of a game to limit Locker, but if that happens, the Cougars survive a tough one. BYU 27, Washington 23.

Sept. 13 BYU vs. UCLA (Versus)

Fear factor: The Bruins are plenty familiar with BYU. Defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker's defense held BYU to 17 points in both contests last year -- 13 below the Cougars' season average. The addition of Norm Chow as offensive coordinator makes this game that much tougher. New head coach Rick Neuheisel should breath enthusiam and energy into UCLA's camp.
Why faith endures: Players ultimately win games, and while UCLA's coaches should have a great game plan, they may not have the players to carry that plan out. The Bruins are a mess at quarterback, where injuries have taken a toll. Khalil Bell, who hurt BYU from his RB spot last year, is coming off knee surgery and likely won't be his former self. All-American defensive end Bruce Davis is gone along with five other starters on defense.
Prediction: BYU and UCLA split in 2007. But neither of those games was played at LaVell Edwards Stadium. That edge, plus BYU's superior offense, will be the story. BYU 24, UCLA 17

Sept. 20 BYU vs. Wyoming (The Mtn.)

Fear Factor: BYU's 35-10 win at Wyoming last November came when the Cowboys were in a tail-spin that saw a 4-1 start turn into a 5-7 nightmare. But the Pokes have talent. Quarterback Karsten Sween and running backs Devin Moore and Wynel Seldon can wrack up yards and points. Wyoming also has 15 starters back, including the entire offensive line and seven first-teamers on a defense that was solid until late last season.
Why faith endures: BYU is at home. BYU is better at almost every spot. It'll be competitive early, but BYU will be too strong over fourth quarters.
Prediction: The Cougars roll to 1-0 in Mountain West play. BYU 38, Wyoming 17.

Oct. 3 BYU at Utah State (TV TBA)

Fear factor: If BYU's bus crashes going up the canyon to Logan, the Cougars could be in trouble. A save arrival means a lot of PT for the Y's third-stringers.
Why faith endures: Utah State is a bad football team. A 2-10 squad in 2007, the Aggies lost some of the few players who provided bright spots last fall. USU is one of the worst teams at the FBS level and that will be clear all night.
Prediction: A nice warm up for conference weekend. BYU 42, USU 13.

Oct.11 BYU vs. New Mexico (The Mtn.)

Fear factor: Two words: Donovan Porteries. Two more: Rodney Ferguson. The Lobos nearly beat BYU in Albugeurgue last year and will provide a stiff test in 2008.
Why faith endures: New Mexico is replacing the bulk of its offensive line and lost two first-team all-MWC receivers. The defense yielded 30 or more points four times last year.BYU's edge on both lines will be evident and the Cougars just have more weapons and more experience at key positions.
Prediction: The days of losing to New Mexico at home are over. There will be no blowout, but BYU wins in the end. BYU 30, New Mexico 20.

Oct. 16 BYU at TCU (Versus)

Fear factor: TCU is due for another run at the BCS and the Horned Frogs have the talent to get there. If the Frogs upset Oklahoma on Sept. 27, this game becomes very scary. A loss to the Sooners may take some wind out of TCU's sails and create another underachieving season. A healthy Aaron Brown will give the Y majors headaches. He missed all or part of nine games as a junior, but his speed is impressive when he's 100 percent. And he's running behind a veteran O-line.
Why faith endures: TCU struggled in Thursday night games last year. The Frogs do have Andy Dalton back at QB, but his supporting cast has a lot of new faces. BYU has been adept at picking apart TCU's man-t0-man defense with its vertical passing game, and if Gary Patterson sticks with that scheme, Max Hall will have a big day. Watch for BYU tight ends Dennis Pitta, to have a big night.
Prediction: In the toughest test of the season to date, BYU repeats its 2006 Fort Worth heroics and steals a Thursday night win. BYU 24, TCU 21.

Oct. 25 BYU vs. UNLV (The Mtn.)

Fear factor: Frank Summers (RB) and Ryan Wolfe (WR) are all-MWC players.
Why faith endures: UNLV is poorly coached, lacks quality depth and isn't ready to stay with a Top-15 team on the road.
Prediction: Cougars get slowed at times by Rebel D and give up yards to experienced UNLV offense, but a lopsided score still results. BYU 37, UNLV 17.

Nov. 1 BYU at Colorado State (The Mtn.)

Fear factor: New head coach Steve Fairchild should revive CSU, but it'll take time. The Rams will play hard at home and have a history of spanking BYU at Hughes Stadium.
Why faith endures: The Rams will already have five or more losses to their credit and that should result in less effort and poorer play on CSU's part.
Prediction: BYU's receivers have a big day. Austin Collie's 130 receiving yards and two TD catches highlight the win. BYU 33, CSU 13.

Nov. 8 BYU vs. San Diego State (The Mtn.)

Fear factor: With some powder puffs on the slate early, the Aztecs could get their confidence going in 2008. A 3-1 start would have SDSU in position to make some noise on conference.
Why faith endures: San Diego State lost most of offensive talent and returns eight starters from a porous defense. Not a good combo. They may make slight strides over 2007, but this team is still a ways from competing with the MWC's best.
Prediction: They may make slight strides over 2007, but the Aztecs are still a ways from competing with the MWC's best. BYU 44, SDSU 17.

Nov. 15 BYU at Air Force (CBS-C)

Fear factor: The Falcons will be at home and can always provide problems with their unique offensive style.
Why faith endures: BYU beat up a good AFA team 31-6 last fall. This year's Falcons have a depleted offense and will need to greatly better a defense that gave up almost 30 points a game last year.
Prediction: BYU's big backs pound their way all day. The Cougar defense continues its recent success against the Falcons and BYU rolls on the road. BYU 37, Air Force 16.

Nov. 22 BYU at Utah (The Mtn.)

Fear factor: Yes, BYU has won two in a row over the Utes. But both those wins needed miraculous events to occur in the closing minutes and/or seconds. Utah has a capable QB, two excellent running backs and a load of talent at receiver. The Ute defense held BYU to a season low of 17 points last November, and that was only reached with Harvey Unga's late TD and a 2-point pass to Austin Collie. By far, this is the scariest game on the 2008 schedule.
Why faith endures: If BYU enters the game 11-0, the Cougars will have a lot to play for. An 11-1 season could be good enough for a BCS berth, but not if that lone loss comes in the final regular-season game. Max Hall is better than Brian Johnson. If Hall outplays Johnson, that could be the edge BYU needs as the teams are even across the board in most respects.
Prediction: Too tough to call. Another thriller goes down to the final minute. With Magic Happen once again? (Yes, I totally wimped out on calling this one).

BCS or bust, quite literally

First off, some offseason admissions.
No. 1: I'm a BYU football nut. This time of year, like most of you reading this blog, I scour every inch of the Web and every inch of every preseason magazine, searching for kernels of BYU football truth. I can't get enough. But my Y fever gratefully has two limits, which make up admissions Nos. 2-3.
No. 2: I'm not a recruiting junkie. Recruiting day doesn't get me in a lather. I don't get juiced reading about the next big recruit. Like KSL's Greg Wrubell (see http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=498&sid=2613520), I get much more excited about the start of Fall Camp than I do about signing day.
No. 3: I'm not a spring football nut. This year was the first time I've ever taken in the Blue and White Scrimmage. It was fun, but the game itself, admit it, is boring.
No. 4: Every May, I start jonesing for the season to begin. While I love summer, part of me -- an increasingly big part -- can't wait for it to end so football season can begin.
With that in mind, here's a few thoughts on the season ahead.

BCS hype: Like the next guy, I'm pumped about the Cougars chances to go unbeaten and reach a BCS bowl game, perhaps even the BCS title game if the cards fall just right. But the pessimistic side of me sees another distinct possibility this season.
A third consecutive 1-2 start.
The Northern Iowa game is a gimmee. It may not be as bad as last year's Eastern Washington game, but the Cougs will win by double figures.
At Washington in Week 2 and hosting UCLA in Week 3 scare me. The Huskies are good at home, have a talented QB in Jake Locker and beat up Boise State at home last September. BYU can win this game, but I keep have a recurring nightmare about a repeat of 1996 when the 14-1 Cougars' suffered their lone blemish at Washington to a so-so Husky team.
UCLA has issues at quarterback, but the Bruin coaching staff makes this game dicey for BYU. The Bruin defense has the Y figured under Dewayne Walker. And with Norm Chow running the UCLA offense, anything could happen.
If BYU manages 3-0 through the first few weeks, a few cartwheels will certainly be justified. But don't count the BCS eggs before they hatch. Going at TCU and at Utah may be the two toughest tests of 2008.
Don't get me wrong, BYU will be good. Very good. Good enough that I've added my name to the waiting list for Fiesta Bowl tickets. Just in case.
But before we get too crazy with BCS talk, let's make sure we don't repeat the 1-2 start that's been a trademark of each of Bronco Mendenhall's teams.