2008 Mountain West Coference Football Preview: #1 BYU Cougars

No complaints putting BYU here, the Cougars have gone undefeated in the past two years in conference play to go along with back to back 11-2 records.  For BYU to make the next step they must win non conference road games, in order to stay high in the rankings.

Offense: The offense is loaded from quarterback Max Hall, running back Harvey Unga, wide reciever Austin Collie, tight end Daniel Pitta and most of the line.  Last year the offense averaged 31 points per game with a freshman running back and Max Hall who had not played competitive football in over five years.  This offense is loaded, but the only down size is that BYU does not have a consistent deep threat. 

Depth is also a serious issue especially at the quarterback position, because last week BYU has been tinkering with having speedy wide out Austin Collie playing quarterback.  There have been conflicting issues if Collie is training to be a legit back up or is he going to be a change of pace to run the option.  This shows the lack of confidence coach Bronco Mendenhall has in current number two Brendon Gaskins. 

BYU’s season goes the way of Max Hall, because if he is out for any time BYU will have a very tough time winning games.  Last year Hall took plenty of hard hits, but kept jumping back up and still performed, but the Collie expirement could rest Hall for a few plays a game. 

Defense: Again the topic of the defense is the lack of play makers in the secondary.  Last year BYU was able to get pressure up front which allowed the weaker secondary to be able to play well enough.   

The rush defense should be good again this year, after last year the team was the only school not to give up a 100 yard rusher.  They may not be able to repeat that feat, but the rush defense will be very good again.

The defense will be weaker then last year, but the team has depth at the defensive line will help keep the dominance the Cougars had last year in that area.  BYU just needs to be able to have the secondary able to cover the deep pass.

8/30 Northern Iowa

9/06 @ Washington

9/13UCLA

9/20Wyoming

10/03@ Utah State

 10/11New Mexico

 10/16@ TCU

 10/25UNLV

 11/01@ Colorado State

 11/08San Diego State

 11/15@ Air Force

 11/22@ Utah

Lock it up: Northern Iowa, Wyoming, @Utah State, UNLV, @Colorado State, San Diego State

50/50: @Washington, UCLA, New Mexico, @TCU, @Air Force, @Utah

Not a Chance: NONE

Projected Record: 11-1