BYU Football: 5 Burning Questions for the 2012 Season

Last season, the BYU football team went through a wave of changes. Independence, new coaches and quarterback controversies are just a few of these. Although it appears that the upcoming season will not be as dramatic, the answers to several questions remain a mystery.

With no quarterback dilemma or coaching change, the upcoming season may not be as suspenseful as last season. But with so many mysteries, here are five burning questions that will be answered this season.

Will Riley Nelson Live Up to the Hype?

Riley Nelson has been the unanimous starting quarterback since last September, when he ended the quarterback controversy between Jake Heaps and himself and led BYU to a come-from-behind victory over Utah State.

But will Nelson live up to the hype?

He is obviously a fan favorite in Provo because of his fearless, gritty style of play and his long hair. But outside of his leadership and scrambling ability, Riley doesn't have the strength or accuracy of most quarterbacks. If Nelson can achieve greater heights than last season, the Cougars will be in for a treat.

Will Kyle Van Noy Continue to Impress?

Last year, Kyle Van Noy had 68 tackles, three interceptions, a blocked punt, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, 10 quarterback hurries, three pass breakups and a touchdown.

Did I mention he was only a sophomore?

Like Riley Nelson, Van Noy has already become a celebrity at BYU, earning nicknames like "Velcro" and "The Savage." He will most likely be the cornerstone of the Cougar defense, and if the junior stacks up numbers like last season, you may see him in the NFL draft a year early.

Will the Cougars Have Another 10-Win Season?

Bronco Mendenhall has brought national exposure to Provo, along with a 66-24 overall record. Not only does he have a .733 winning percentage, but he has achieved 10 wins in five of the last six seasons.

Can he continue his streak his year? With tough road games against Notre Dame, Utah, Georgia Tech and Boise State, it will be a tough task. But with the talented group in Provo his year, it is definitely an achievable goal.

Is a BCS Bowl a Realistic Goal?

I have never liked the BCS. It practically keeps any team that is outside of a major conference from winning the national championship.

Despite how much I hate it, Bronco Mendenhall's squad may have a shot at playing in the Rose Bowl. Of course, this will only occur if the Cougars go undefeated and post convincing wins at Notre Dame and Boise. Although it is unlikely, you may see BYU in Pasadena next January.

Will the Cougars Join a Conference Before the Season Is Over?

Although BYU has attempted to work out deals with the Big 12 and Big East this past season, Independence has seemed to be the short-term answer. Although the Cougars seem happy as an Independent, I think that they could join a conference before the year ends.

The Big 12 added TCU and West Virginia, but if another school leaves from the conference, they may come knocking. Besides, the ESPN deal that BYU has was a major factor in staying Independent, and with the Big 12's new tier-one level TV deal with ESPN, it may be easier for BYU to work out a deal.