BYU Football vs. Utah State Wrapup

Taysom's working that arm now!
From www.desnews.com.

So far, my predictions for the 2013 BYU football season have been radically wrong. In fact, the only game I've even correctly predicted the winner of was last week's matchup with Middle Tennessee State. While I'm obviously disappointed in the loss to Utah, I'm pleasantly surprised with the Utah State win. I guess we'll never know what would have happened if Chuckie Keeton hadn't left the game (and ultimately ended his season) at the end of the first quarter with a torn MCL and ACL. Poor guy. But overall, I saw improvement over the last 2 games, especially in Taysom Hill.

Taysom's pass efficiency rating shot up in the MTSU game (14 of 19 for 177 yards) and went up even more in the USU game (17 of 31 for 278 yards, his new career high). And the USU defense is definitely not one to laugh at, making it even more impressive. Now I've always been sympathetic toward Hill and have definitely NOT been one of his many critics this year. I don't know why some people have been laying 100% of the blame on his shoulders for the losses this season. It takes a lot more than a good quarterback to complete a pass-- it also takes a good call from the offensive coordinator, adequate protection from the offensive line, and a catch from a receiver, and in my opinion, all 3 of those positions have been really shaky this year. But thankfully, all of those people, plus Taysom, have seen improvement in the last 2 games, resulting in more completed passes and better ratings.

One thing I did predict correctly was the potential of Mitch Matthews. He finally ran into the spotlight in the USU game, catching 5 passes for 112 yards and 3 touchdowns. Considering he has never scored a touchdown at BYU before, that's amazing! I'm glad he's finally stepping it up.

I'm not quite sure what's happened to Cody Hoffman-- he just doesn't seem like himself this season. He was suspended for the MTSU game, and apparently there was a scare this week in practice, when they thought he might have broken his leg, but I guess it just turned out to be a bad bruise. He played pretty well in the Utah game, but in the USU game, he just didn't seem like Cody. Then again, he totally got robbed on the pass he almost caught in the endzone. Since when is it an interception when the ball gets ripped out of his hands after falling out of bounds? Worst call ever! It wasn't a TD, either, but they should have at least gotten another shot at it . . . Anyway, I hope he steps it up and comes back to be the Cody we all know and love in the second half of the season because right now, something's just not right.

I've also gotta give a shoutout to KVN for that awesome pick six, which happened only 10 seconds into the game. I think that gave BYU a huge shot of confidence that lasted throughout the entire game, especially since Taysom fumbled it and gave USU a TD on their first offensive drive. Kyle's TD made that a lot less painful. Way to go, KVN. You're my hero.

I'm not sure how the rest of the season is going to go, honestly. It could totally go either way. If they can keep up the momentum, they could win a lot more games. Or if they get more suspensions or injuries (the concussions for Jamaal Williams and Adam Hine were really scary, and unfortunately, Michael Alisa is now out for the season . . . I really hope no one else joins him), they could lose a lot more games and not even become bowl eligible. But if the trend continues with my predictions being the opposite of the truth, I guess that means we have a shot at beating Boise State, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame. But of course we've gotta start with Georgia Tech and the Homecoming game. Fingers crossed! Go Cougs!

BYU Football 2013 Player Predictions

It's almost game day!!! Well, I guess I subscribe to the belief that "every day is game day", but you know what I mean. It's almost the REAL game day! BYU kicks off with Virginia in less than 48 hours. As we get set for the 2013 season, here are some of the players I think will make a huge impact this year.

Kyle Van Noy

I know, I'm starting with the obvious. Kyle is just about on every pre-season national award watchlist anyone's ever heard of . . . and several no one has. I'm sure a lot of that has to do with his amazing performance against SDSU in the Poinsettia Bowl last year, but I think he's capable of even topping that. I've found it kind of interesting that BYU has kept Kyle's play totally under wraps for the last 8 months-- I don't think he's participated in a single open practice or scrimmage game where the public or media was allowed to watch. I hope that means he's scary good! I think KVN just might be the "next Ziggy" who becomes a top-10 NFL draft pick. And to think his career at BYU almost stopped before it started . . . Talk about redemption! It's no wonder he and Brandon Davies are good friends. Everyone deserves a second chance. :) I know Kyle wants to win, and he really, really wants to beat the Utes. I approve! As I've said before, KVN has a really good shot at becoming the #1 defensive player of all-time at BYU.

From www.cougarboard.com

Cody Hoffman

I'm so glad Kyle & Cody took my advice and decided to come back for their senior seasons at the Y. :) Cody is already #5 on the BYU receiving yards record list at 2,718. He's 4th in receptions with 203 and 3rd in touchdowns at 28, but only needs 2 more to break Austin Collie's record of 30 TDs. He also only needs 3 more games of 100+ receiving yards to break Collie's record of 11. I predict that during his senior season, Cody will become #1 on all of these record lists, and those records will last for a very long time after he's gone. Seriously-- this guy could catch a football blindfolded and with Crisco all over his hands . . .

The Hoff! Found this one on Pinterest.

Michael Alisa

Coming back from a broken arm midway through last year, I think Mike will really rack up major yardage. He's got good hands, he's fast, and I think he'll make some big contributions to the team this year. In the 4 games he played in last year, he only averaged 52.5 yards per game and only scored one TD, but I think he'll be a lot stronger this year. He'll go out on a high note as a senior.

Jamaal Williams

He's finally legal at age 18, and even though he comes across as cheesy in most interviews, he's ruthless on the football field. He already set records as a freshman, and I think he'll definitely continue to do so as a sophomore. He didn't perform great in ALL the games last year, but overall he picked up 775 yards and 12 touchdowns. With 3 years left, he has a good chance to join the short list of BYU’s all-time best running backs.

Taysom Hill (also from Pinterest)

Uani Unga

I've heard nothing but praise for this inside linebacker. A transfer from Oregon State, Uani Unga will help at least as little bit to fill the void left by Brandon Ogletree. He may not be the leading tackler on the team (although he could be), but I think he'll make some very solid contributions on defense.

Mitch Mathews

I've heard a lot of buzz about this guy in the off-season. Apparently he's turned into a very talented wide receiver. It will be interesting to see how it pans out, but from what I've heard, he's got a lot of potential and just might give the likes of Ross Apo & Skyler Ridley a run for their money. Mitch is 6'6" and has really long arms, so I see him making some impressive catches this season and cementing his position as a starter in 2014.

Bronson Kaufusi

He tackled opponents on the basketball court in the offseason, and now he's ready to do it without getting fouls called on him! I think Bronson will help fill the void left by Ziggy Ansah. I've heard he's gotten stronger and faster since last year, and I think he'll be another major contributor on defense. 

Taysom Hill

Of course, I can't forget our starting QB. Without a good performance from him, all these other guys can't do squat. I think as long as Taysom remains injury-free this year, we're in good hands. Robert Anae has definitely been teaching him to slide instead of run head-on into linebackers, so hopefully that's a good sign! He also has a capable backup in Ammon Olson, but I'm more comfortable with Taysom at the helm. He's got a good arm, a good head on his shoulders, and he's very athletic. I think it might start out a little shaky while he gets used to the pressure, but after muddling through a few games, he'll bring good things to the Cougars this year.

Rise up, Cougar Nation! It's time for football!