It has been a busy two weeks for BYU sports since the Utah game and there is a lot to comment on. By now you know the news, but I'll be adding a few thoughts on each in the next few posts...
Max Hall
This was all the talk for far too long, and I avoided it on purpose. Now that it has primarily blown over I thought I would share a few additional thoughts on the matter from good friends and solid Cougar fans:
"Great game. Win or lose these are our guys. Max loves to talk and has taken a ton of grief over the past season or two as he has piled up win after win. The people on the fan boards saying how embarrassed they are for BYU, the Church and themselves are completely ridiculous and have never competed in any sport. One guy was even comparing Max to the worst thug in the SEC. He apparently has never seen an SEC game or Miami game for that matter either.
I hate Utah and am totally fine with that and am glad Max does too. I look forward to the game and wished they walked away crying afterward every time. I have friends that are Utes and they make a point of telling me they love going to the Marriott Center or LES and being loud, obnoxious and using profanity and religious slurs that they normally wouldn't. It is part of the rivalry." -- B
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"Great game - fun one to be at. I heard the comments "live" tonight on the radio driving home from the game. Here are my thoughts...
My reactions are mixed. I hate the Utes. There, I said it too. If anyone could see the difference between how the Utes were treated in LES tonight vs. how I and hundreds of other BYU fans were treated in RES last year (I too had beer thrown in my direction in the restroom and was punched several times in the arm, and had anti-Mormon slurs thrown my way all night) he/she would understand. My main regret is that Max won't be here another year to back up his comments on the field one more time in RES. I also wished he would have not made such broad generalizations against the whole university and program. Obviously we all know a number of very classy Ute fans that do not fit the stereotype.
That said, it was a passionate quarterback unloading after an emotional win against a rival who had given him A LOT of crap since last year's loss (e.g., the beer thrown on his family, the blow-up doll labeled as his mom, etc.). I just hate that it will detract from a great victory overall." --G
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"Loved Max's comments. I was laughing when I listened to the postgame. All those pathetic whiny Utes always complain and taunt that the Coug's never speak their mind, but as soon as Max does they can't handle it. Typical. Props to Max. He had a bad game but pulled it out in the end, is the winningest BYU QB and was 2-1 vs utah. Win the bowl game and he's unquestionably up there with the other cougar greats, and probably is already since the oldtimers lost lots of bowl games.
And consider this: a friend of mine got a little beer spilled on him by Philly fans after their World Series win last year and was so ticked off that he rooted for the Yankees this year. My goodness if such an experience can compel you to root for the Yankees then think how ticked off Max should justifiably be." --S
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I would have to agree with the general senitment shared by these guys. Should Max have said it? No. Did he really mean all of it? No. Will he regret it for a very long time? Yes.
The timing of it was awful as it gave Utah fans and the media something to refocus on and took away something from his own team by overshadowing some great performances and the on the field victory. The scope of his comments went too far, and although there are definitely many fans in RES that qualify as classless (I myself have been on the receiving end of the worst of what Max referred to), the majority are not (but why those that I do respect, do nothing to reduce unruliness of those that I don't, I can't say.) Also, the University itself also has nothing to do with this and should have been left out of it, even if select coaches or administrators or professors may have been implicated in Max's mind (he didn't specify).
Should Max hate Utah and its team? That is his perogative. It seems that the Utah players and coaches even (TDS? Y's in the bottom of the urinals?) have or have hated BYU in the past. That is fine with me. So while, I may expect more of a team leader like Max to think before he speaks and not necessarily say everything on his mind, I also don't think that its my place (or the media's) to tell him what to think or feel.
Showing posts with label BYU vs Utah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BYU vs Utah. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
What We Learned in the Utah Game
With now almost a week to move past the post-game storm, there is a bit more bandwidth to take a closer look at the game itself and how the team played along the dimensions that we were watching. I have left the pre-game assessment from last week in italics and responded below it…
• Passion. The Cougars had it last week against Air Force for seemingly the first time. The Utes seem to have it in all the big games. The team that has more of it will likely be ahead at halftime.
The Cougars were ahead at half time and then quickly fell behind as they appeared complacent and intent on running out the clock with a 20-6 lead going into the fourth quarter. A “prevent” offense is a sure intensity and passion killer, and on cue, the team lost its passion and its lead at the same time.
• Turnovers. This game has been decided by 7 points or less for of the last 11 games. Essentially decided on the last play of the game in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Every possession matters. The team that has more turnovers, will likely be playing catch up in the final minutes.
One turnover was perhaps the difference in this game. And the team that committed it, was indeed playing catch up at the end. And once again the game was decided on the last play.
• Touchdowns or field goals. It seems that in games with Utah where BYU has been favored, the Cougars have dominated the stat box, but only come away with field goals at the end of several long drives, leaving it open for the Utes to make one fourth quarter drive to take the lead. They will need touchdowns in order to maintain control of this at the end.
The tables were finally turned, as it was Utah that had 4 FGs and only 1 TD in regulation, while the Cougs had 2 of each. Ironically, in overtime, this question, FG or TD, would actually determine the winner of the game, and it was the Cougs that once again were able to pull out a touchdown when it was needed. Big props need to be given to the defense for holding the Utes to field goals on so often on short fields.
Max did not look relaxed at all (which is perhaps what we saw come out after the game), and had one of his worst games of the season. However, the silver lining is that while several drives did end in three-and-outs, at least they didn’t end in interception, as he was conscientiously tucking the ball and being careful not to force it. What fans complained of as over-caution, may have actually kept the ball from being turned over.
• Run the ball. The Cougs have a history of successfully running the ball in the Utah game. It is almost as if Utah has given that up in favor of defending the pass, daring our offensive coordinator to go to the run more than is in the game plan. If the Utes do that again, Anae will need to have the courage to take what they are giving. Unga will be relied upon heavily to keep the ball moving. Success in this area will be key.
Harvey Unga was the unheralded MVP of the game (116 yds, 1 TD, 5.0 yds/carry), as he essentially carried the game on his shoulders while Max was a bit off. Interestingly, Kariya and DiLuigi were not given any carries in this game.
• Pressure Jordan Wynn. With the Cougar defense, it has been all or nothing as far as pressuring the quarterback. When they have opted to apply pressure, in general opposing quarterbacks have shown cracks and the defense has had success (although a glaring exception is the FSU game). In any case, it is in the best interest of the defensive psyche (and fans for that matter), to make proactive mistakes of aggression, rather than passively sit back and give up essentially the same yardage and big plays by being too conservative. It will be essential to keep the freshman on edge.
Pressure from the front seven was inconsistent, but when pressure was applied, he was rattled. When he had time (except on the long throws), he was able to find the open receiver. On the flip side, the defense did a good job of stopping the run and holding Utah to under 100 yards as a team (although Eddie Wide broke some big ones in the fourth quarter and ended with 116 yards).
Both teams are 9-2. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance and incompetence at various times throughout the season. This game will be decided by the small things—turnovers, penalties, big third and fourth down conversions, a missed tackle here, a dropped pass there. With all of that in mind, I will refrain from predicting the pace of the game, but only the outcome. BYU 30 Utah 26.
This game was a microcosm of the season for both seasons. The cougars going hot and cold. The Utes starting out poorly and then coming on strong at the end. In the end it was the small things—unsportsmanlike penalties, a fourth down conversion, the lone turnover—that decided the game.
A few other observations:
• Passion. The Cougars had it last week against Air Force for seemingly the first time. The Utes seem to have it in all the big games. The team that has more of it will likely be ahead at halftime.
The Cougars were ahead at half time and then quickly fell behind as they appeared complacent and intent on running out the clock with a 20-6 lead going into the fourth quarter. A “prevent” offense is a sure intensity and passion killer, and on cue, the team lost its passion and its lead at the same time.
• Turnovers. This game has been decided by 7 points or less for of the last 11 games. Essentially decided on the last play of the game in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Every possession matters. The team that has more turnovers, will likely be playing catch up in the final minutes.
One turnover was perhaps the difference in this game. And the team that committed it, was indeed playing catch up at the end. And once again the game was decided on the last play.
• Touchdowns or field goals. It seems that in games with Utah where BYU has been favored, the Cougars have dominated the stat box, but only come away with field goals at the end of several long drives, leaving it open for the Utes to make one fourth quarter drive to take the lead. They will need touchdowns in order to maintain control of this at the end.
The tables were finally turned, as it was Utah that had 4 FGs and only 1 TD in regulation, while the Cougs had 2 of each. Ironically, in overtime, this question, FG or TD, would actually determine the winner of the game, and it was the Cougs that once again were able to pull out a touchdown when it was needed. Big props need to be given to the defense for holding the Utes to field goals on so often on short fields.
• Relax, Max. When Max is relaxed and having fun, he plays well. Sometimes, when he feels the pressure and forced to come from behind, he forces things and drives tend to end quickly in three and outs or sooner with a turnover.
Max did not look relaxed at all (which is perhaps what we saw come out after the game), and had one of his worst games of the season. However, the silver lining is that while several drives did end in three-and-outs, at least they didn’t end in interception, as he was conscientiously tucking the ball and being careful not to force it. What fans complained of as over-caution, may have actually kept the ball from being turned over.
• Run the ball. The Cougs have a history of successfully running the ball in the Utah game. It is almost as if Utah has given that up in favor of defending the pass, daring our offensive coordinator to go to the run more than is in the game plan. If the Utes do that again, Anae will need to have the courage to take what they are giving. Unga will be relied upon heavily to keep the ball moving. Success in this area will be key.
Harvey Unga was the unheralded MVP of the game (116 yds, 1 TD, 5.0 yds/carry), as he essentially carried the game on his shoulders while Max was a bit off. Interestingly, Kariya and DiLuigi were not given any carries in this game.
• Pressure Jordan Wynn. With the Cougar defense, it has been all or nothing as far as pressuring the quarterback. When they have opted to apply pressure, in general opposing quarterbacks have shown cracks and the defense has had success (although a glaring exception is the FSU game). In any case, it is in the best interest of the defensive psyche (and fans for that matter), to make proactive mistakes of aggression, rather than passively sit back and give up essentially the same yardage and big plays by being too conservative. It will be essential to keep the freshman on edge.
Pressure from the front seven was inconsistent, but when pressure was applied, he was rattled. When he had time (except on the long throws), he was able to find the open receiver. On the flip side, the defense did a good job of stopping the run and holding Utah to under 100 yards as a team (although Eddie Wide broke some big ones in the fourth quarter and ended with 116 yards).
Both teams are 9-2. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance and incompetence at various times throughout the season. This game will be decided by the small things—turnovers, penalties, big third and fourth down conversions, a missed tackle here, a dropped pass there. With all of that in mind, I will refrain from predicting the pace of the game, but only the outcome. BYU 30 Utah 26.
This game was a microcosm of the season for both seasons. The cougars going hot and cold. The Utes starting out poorly and then coming on strong at the end. In the end it was the small things—unsportsmanlike penalties, a fourth down conversion, the lone turnover—that decided the game.
A few other observations:
- BYU only completed four passes to wide receivers in this game. That has to be the lowest total of the season, and perhaps in several years.
- The defense made a strong showing when it counted in a big game (after failing against FSU and TCU).
- From the east stands, it appeared that the early hit on Jordan Wynn, may have been a late hit, but upon watching the game again, it looks like it was a clean hit. And to his credit, he was able to come back and play through it.
- It is easy to question the play calling and coaching decisions in any game, and I don't want to get into that habit, but two scenarios in particular seemed to stand out to me... 1) the punt from the Utah 35 yard line in the second quarter on 4th and 5. They could have tried a 52 yard field goal (probably the same odds as not getting a touchback) or gone for it (better odds). In any case, it was a hard decision to understand in a close rivalry game when all parties know that every possession and every point is going to be needed at the end. 2) The clock management at the end. Given the fourth quarter play, I felt the team had a much better shot at getting into field goal range and winning in regulation, than pulling it out in overtime. Had BYU used a timeout with 1:10 left, they would have had plenty of time to try to pick up 40 yards and hit a field goal. Instead they took the ball with 0:29 and not much of chance to do anything.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
BYU-Utah: Battle of Common Opponents
In trying to get a handle on this week’s rivalry game, there are a nearly unlimited number of angles to compare the teams—experience, average statistics, offense, defense, history, coaching, etc. Yet, this rivalry has proven that none of that will mean anything when the game kicks off on Saturday. On the other hand, it doesn’t keep us from taking a look anyway… So, here is a look at how they have fared against the eight common opponents this season:
Utah State
BYU 35-17, Utah 35-17
Both teams played USU at home early in the season and had identical outcomes.
Winner: Even
Colorado State
BYU 42-13, Utah 24-17
Again both teams played CSU early in the season on back to back weeks. BYU jumped out to an early 21-0 lead and cruised to a big win. Utah scored the winning touchdown with 3 minutes remaining.
Winner: BYU
UNLV
BYU 59-21, Utah 35-15
This was the sixth game for both teams and each game was a runaway for the winner.
Winner: Even
San Diego State
BYU 38-28, Utah 38-7
The outcome was never in doubt, but BYU never really put SDSU away until the fourth quarter.
Winner: Utah
TCU
BYU 7-38, Utah 28-55
TCU was clearly better than both teams, as both teams lost by roughly 30 points. In this matchup, BYU’s defense showed better, while Utah’s offense showed better.
Winner: Neither
Wyoming
BYU 52-0, Utah 22-10
BYU dominated the game from the start in Laramie, while Utah struggled at home.
Winner: BYU
New Mexico
BYU 24-19, Utah 45-14
The Cougars could have easily lost this game and never really seemed to engage. The Utes did what they were supposed to do.
Winner: Utah
Air Force
BYU 38-21, Utah 23-16 OT
While the Falcons were able to take Utah into overtime, they never had a chance against a fired up BYU team.
Winner: BYU
Overall it is BYU 3 (CSU, Wyo, AFA), Utah 2 (SDSU, UNM), Even 3 (USU, UNLV, TCU), giving the slight nod in the battle of common opponents to the Cougars.
Utah State
BYU 35-17, Utah 35-17
Both teams played USU at home early in the season and had identical outcomes.
Winner: Even
Colorado State
BYU 42-13, Utah 24-17
Again both teams played CSU early in the season on back to back weeks. BYU jumped out to an early 21-0 lead and cruised to a big win. Utah scored the winning touchdown with 3 minutes remaining.
Winner: BYU
UNLV
BYU 59-21, Utah 35-15
This was the sixth game for both teams and each game was a runaway for the winner.
Winner: Even
San Diego State
BYU 38-28, Utah 38-7
The outcome was never in doubt, but BYU never really put SDSU away until the fourth quarter.
Winner: Utah
TCU
BYU 7-38, Utah 28-55
TCU was clearly better than both teams, as both teams lost by roughly 30 points. In this matchup, BYU’s defense showed better, while Utah’s offense showed better.
Winner: Neither
Wyoming
BYU 52-0, Utah 22-10
BYU dominated the game from the start in Laramie, while Utah struggled at home.
Winner: BYU
New Mexico
BYU 24-19, Utah 45-14
The Cougars could have easily lost this game and never really seemed to engage. The Utes did what they were supposed to do.
Winner: Utah
Air Force
BYU 38-21, Utah 23-16 OT
While the Falcons were able to take Utah into overtime, they never had a chance against a fired up BYU team.
Winner: BYU
Overall it is BYU 3 (CSU, Wyo, AFA), Utah 2 (SDSU, UNM), Even 3 (USU, UNLV, TCU), giving the slight nod in the battle of common opponents to the Cougars.
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