College football has been surrounded by controversy in recent years, mainly because of the Bowl Championship Series.
Many have complained saying that it is unfair and that it gives the so-called “mid-majors” no shot at claiming a national championship regardless of whether or not their team actually is the best in the country.
The one thing that I enjoy amid all this controversy is the drama that it creates. That and the fact that it separates the good from the great.
When a “mid-major” makes the BCS, along comes the task of proving whether or not they actually belonged there. Hawaii proved they didn’t, but Boise State and Utah clearly demonstrated that they were top teams in their respective years.
Which team is going to demonstrate this accomplishment this time around? The answer is of course: BYU?
This team is becoming more and more of a juggernaut every single year since Bronco Mendenhall stepped into the head coaching position. A team that under Coach Gary Crowton was under heavy scrutiny because of allegations of player rapes and mediocre at best on the field performance is now considered to be the top “mid-major” team in all the land.
Coach Mendenhall has led the team to back to back undefeated conference seasons, back to back 11-2 seasons, and back to back bowl wins. This year in all likely hood will be the year they bust through the walls the BCS has set in place.
Led by quarterback Max Hall and running back Harvey Unga, the Cougars return 10 of 11 starters on offense, with the lone graduating person being that of center Sete Aulai.
The defense is a bit more questionable with key role players such as Brian Kehl, Kelly Poppinga, and Ben Criddle all graduating. But with a strong recruiting class, and set of players that have been waiting in the wings for their chance, those spots should be filled with some good talent.
The Cougars start out with very manageable non-conference games at Washington and Utah State, then UCLA at home. They should use this to give them a boost heading into conference play, and continue the path towards landing themselves a BCS birth and maybe in a few years—a spot in the National championship game.
BYU has established themselves as one of the premier college football teams in the country and will continue to dominate the gridiron for years to come.
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3 months ago
You gotta love them Cougars!!! BCS all the way this year! Not to mention beating Utah for the 3rd straight year! Thats going to be nice!
from 3 months ago
Yea, to tell you the truth I think that will be their toughest game though. It's at Utah, and the utes come to play every year regardless of how good they are
3 months ago
The Cougars' strength flows from Mendenhall. Its weakest link is offense where the teem tries to control the ball instead of attack and score. Once or twice a year, the timidity costs them. Last year it was Tulsa and UCLA.
Look for BYU to have a third 11-2 season and the spotlight for the bumps in the road will be on offensive coordinator Robert Anae. He will conveniently find "better opportunities" elsewhere.
from 3 months ago
reshusa, I wouldn't blame the Tulsa loss on the offense when BYU scored 47 points. That was a defensive loss, no question.
from 3 months ago
I think that the problems last year with the offense stalling was mainly due to the inexperience of Max Hall. The year before with John Beck, the cougars did it, but the offense never struggled to put points on the board.
I actually think they could do better than 11-2, they have a legit chance to run the table, bowl game and all.
3 months ago
Heck ya, I fully expect BYU to knock down that BCS door. Lets get it done in '08 Cougars!
from 3 months ago
Yep, we've just gotta hope they don't choke up at the very winnable games like Tulsa last year
3 months ago
Ohio State will be returning with most of its first round worthy defensive starters as seniors not to mention senior QB todd boeckman Ohio State will win it all this year but BYU seems to be next year's only shot as far as mid majors go for the BCS since Hawaii lost Brennan and 3 receivers
from 3 months ago
Hawaii is going to take a huge step backwards with virtually every player anyone has ever heard of graduating. The only other people that can even be mentioned as sleeper's for busting the BCS are Utah and Boise State
3 months ago
What is the difference between okalahoma and Ohio state in Bcs bowl games? Nothing! They both choke! Ohio state loses 3 games this year and to Michigan first year coach. Take off your Ohio state sunglasses. Besides - earth to u- if Ohio state makes it to the bcs championship-tebow flexes his muscles and Ohio state loses by 40 again. Ohio state sucks. What a let down of a team to watch here from the sunny west coast.
from 3 months ago
Ohio state and Oklahoma have both been known to choke, but I could really see them changing that this year, they return a lot of key players.
3 months ago
BYU in years to come will be the top mid major program in the country (unless they get pulled into the Pac 10, which they should). What would be crazy if they went to a BCS game this year is that their team in 2009 is projected to be even better (they'll still have collie, unga, hall, and they'll also get Jacobsen back from his mission, not to mention a much more seasoned defense!). I'm thinking back to back BCS is a very real possibility (that would probably shake up the BCS system)! Nevertheless lets not get too ahead of ourselves one year at a time.. BCS '08 baby!!!
from 3 months ago
I agree with you 100% on all of that. The 09 team should be amazing. The Collie-Jacobsen tandem could be reminiscent of Watkins-Collie a couple of years ago. Factor Pitta, and maybe O'neill Chambers into the mix, and the offense will be one of the tops in the country.
I have always said that BYU should be in the Pac-10, but it will never happen. The teams over there don't want to have to share their money with anyone else.
3 months ago
BYU is a solid team, but you can't put the cart before the horse. Non-conference play has to improve. The Cougars start slow and end fast. If you want to make it into the BCS from a non-BCS conference then you have to be on point from game 1 to game 12. The past two years they've been on point in MWC play, but not in non-conference play. The game at Washington is a trap. Jake Locker is a beast. UCLA is a potential problem as well. There are enough question marks on the defensive end to keep me in limbo until August 30. Then again, a game against Northern Iowa in Provo may not be the best game to evaluate.
What's with the RM Jobs picture?
3 months ago
I really think that with the experience that this team has now that they should finally have what it takes to put those teams away. I don't think we will be seeing another Tulsa this year.
And the picture, haha, I'm glad someone asked. It's an inside joke with me and my buddy
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