BYU Football: Do the Cougars Need an Early-Season Cupcake?

This year is very similar to last.

The Cougars went into the year with a schedule that was front-loaded, with the most difficult opponents early in the fall and some downright cupcakes at the end of the season.

Last year, the Cougars managed to come out of the season with a winning record, but it was a very rough road to get there.

This year, we’re in the same position. The Cougars picked up a win in Week 1, but have struggled mightily since then to get in sync and manage long, sustained and balanced drives.

The QB-WR timing is still off. The play-calling is predictable. And the offense still isn’t on the same page.

 

Is this a scheduling issue?

In years past, the Cougars have had some tough games early in the season, but have always accompanied them with some easy wins against lesser competition.

In 2009, there was Tulane after Oklahoma. In 2008, there was Northern Iowa to kick off the season.  

Is there a case to be made that young teams need these early season scrimmages to nail down timing, formations and confidence in a game situation which is very manageable and a win is guaranteed?

Going back to 2004, only the 2007 season featured a game in the first four that didn’t include an automatic win.

The past two seasons have featured none in the first four.

Don’t go Texas Tech, but throw in an easy W

I’m not recommending BYU do like some teams and not schedule a game outside its own stadium or state until late October.

But is there a big advantage to scheduling a mop-up game? Mix in a Northern Arizona or a UC Davis. Schedule New Mexico State or San Jose State in Week 1 or 2 instead of Week 6 or 7.

Stage productions hold dress rehearsals, but also do early shows for family members to work out the kinks in front of a live audience.

BYU might benefit from the same.

The missionary effect

Despite the ignorant blather spewed from the mouths and pens of coaches and media members, the missionary program creates a dynamic that is very difficult to manage from a personnel standpoint.

When guys return to the program, they have to assimilate back into a system which might have changed, guys they’ve never played with and coaches they may not know.

Throw in the fact that they’re often out of shape, and this gives BYU a major disadvantage in getting its ducks in a row at the start of every season.

Having that early September battle with Southeast Missouri or Northeast South Dakota State Tech could help bring everyone on the same page and work out the timing and personnel kinks.