BYU Football: 5 Big Question Marks for the Cougars Entering the 2012 Season

As the season-opener against Washington State draws nearer and nearer, I am still waiting for the answer to several questions. Perhaps we will not find the solution until late in the season, or maybe we will find it before September.

Whatever the case may be, these questions are pivotal to BYU's success in not only the upcoming season but perhaps seasons to come.

If only we had the answers now.

Is a 10-Win Season a Realistic Goal?

BYU has won 10 games in five of its last six seasons, but another 10-win season will be a tall task. The Cougars play Boise State, Notre Dame, Utah and Georgia Tech all on the road next season, and they host Washington State and Oregon State in Provo.

BYU would have to win at least one of its four road challenges (mentioned earlier), plus a bowl game, which will most likely be the Poinsettia Bowl against a MWC squad.

Yikes.

Will Riley Nelson Make Good Decisions Against Better Opponents?

I respect the fact that Riley Nelson wants to win and will do whatever it takes to be the winner.

But every once in a while, Nelson needs to just take a sack.

He needs to learn that if he throws the football into double and triple coverage instead of tucking the ball and getting tackled, nine out of 10 times it will be intercepted.

Making risky decisions may pay off against Idaho and San Jose State, but I will guarantee you that Boise and Notre Dame aren't going to be as generous.

Will the Running Backs Step Up Early On?

Last season, it took BYU five games to realize that they had running backs who could make plays.

This season, I hope they have already realized that.

Because the Cougars no longer have Bryan Kariya or JJ Di Luigi in the backfield, Michael Alisa and Josh Quezada will carry the rushing load for BYU. If the running game gets off to a slow start, don't expect to see another 10-win season.

Will the Defense Continue to Be Stellar?

BYU's defense was strong and consistent all season long in 2011, and finished the season ranked 13th in the nation. The Cougars return linebackers Uona Kaveinga, Kyle Van Noy and Brandon Ogletree, along with several other key players.

Although BYU no longer has Jordan Pendleton or Hebron Fangupo, the defense should still be great.

"I think this is the most talented (the defense) will ever be since Coach Mendenhall has been here," Kaveinga said. "I mean, talent level, athletic ability, it is just crazy. We got depth, too, and man, it's just scary."

Will BYU Join a Conference?

Although the Big 12 and Big East have shown interest in BYU this past season, Independence has seemed to be the short-term answer. Although the Cougars seem happy as an Independent, I think they could join a conference before the year ends.

The Big 12 has added TCU and West Virginia, but if another school leaves from the conference, they may come knocking. Besides, the ESPN deal 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.