BYU Starts Slow But Finishes Strong To Topple Tulane

This game played out pretty much exactly as I would have expected.  BYU started out a little slow as as to be expected after such an emotional game last week.  The defense played another exceptionally strong game and kept Tulane down early.

It was a great effort from the entire team, and exactly the kind of game that we needed after last weeks slugfest with Oklahoma, and next weeks impending slugfest with Florida St.

The offense was somewhat sluggish at first, but did feature the return of Harvey Unga, though that joyous event was short lived.  Unga only had three carries for 17 yards before leaving the game.  Lets just hope the coaches knew this game would not be close and decided to save Harvey for next week when we are more likely to need him. 

Max Hall was his usual efficient self distributing the ball all over the place.  12 different receivers had catches which is just phenomenal.  This is exactly why I think Austin Collie being gone is actually a good thing for this team.  He was a great player but it became too obvious where we were going with the ball.  This year the ball is getting spread all over and it is impossible to key in on only one player.

We also have a nice balanced running attack which has been a pleasant surprise.  After the struggles that Di Luigi had in his few appearances last year he has been a solid backup for Kariya.

The defense was once again a cohesive unit that simply shut down the other team allowing only 162 total yards.  It is really entertaining watching this group play.  They are neither the biggest nor the fastest unit in the country, but they know their jobs and they are executing them nearly flawlessly. 

It was nice to see a couple of turnovers and a touchdown from the defense as well.  Pendleton has just seemed like he has been everywhere these last two games so to have him get a touchdown off the fumble was very nice as well.

How about our cornerbacks as well.  I think the nicest thing is that I haven't heard their names called a million times like they have in recent years.  It was supposed to be somewhat of a question mark this year, and even moreso after the injuries in fall camp, but they have been every bit as solid as the rest of the unit. 

We are all aware of Bronco's bend, don't break philosophy, but in recent years the problem is that they did break a couple of times a game that really were back breakers.  This defense just isn't doing that.  Even if they give up a bigger gain, they come right back and shut the other team down. 

If we are going to have a big year, it will be on the back of our defense, not our offense.  Hall is having a great year and it is an important part of our team, but the big difference this year is definitely our defense.

So while the outcome of this game was never really in doubt, it was still an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon, and much better for my blood pressure after last week. 

Also, for those of you who missed it, Florida St. didn't look so hot today.  Not that we can overlook them by any means, but coming to Provo after two tough games will make it even harder on them.