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PROVO — Bummer. Utah State was more excited about beating BYU last Friday than BYU was to continue its undefeated season. Because of that, BYU experienced that bitter taste of defeat.
When you find out in a game that the opponent is more prepared to play than you are, it is very hard to keep up in the game. That problem for BYU led to a great victory for the Aggies.
Now what? We have seen BYU play much better than its last performance, so now it has to find that desire to play at a higher level. The Cougars get that chance after a short week to prepare against a good opponent, the Central Florida Knights. BYU should be excited to take the field again after the struggle it had last week. I expect coach Bronco Mendenhall to straighten things out in this weeks game, evem though the bloss has been a really hard lesson for all Cougar fans and players.
Central Florida's identity is the same as BYU's last three opponents. It has a solid defense, especially against the run, and a struggling offense. It has a desire to run first and pass second, particularly when it has a lead or the game is close. In the last two games, the Knights threw only 13 and 18 times. In the opener against Penn State, there were only 22 passes thrown by UCF. Part of the reason a small number of passes were thrown is because UCF only ran 54,55 and 51 plays in those three games. UCF won the game against Houston with only 10 first downs in the game. The offense isn't a strong point in the Central Florida game.
BYU has to do a better job on defense to reduce the Knights chances of winning. That should be good news to BYU, but the same story haas been books for the last three games. BYU has only controlled the opponent in the Texas game. Houston, Virginia, and Utah State have season highs on offense against BYU. Again, it is time to right the world, get the planets in line, fix the evil doings everywhere, and play defense against Central Florida.
Related:
Mendenhall recognizes setbacks, is optimistic about future
With a 35-20 loss to in-state rival Utah State, a season-ending injury to the star quarterback and a game fast approaching Thursday night against Central Florida, BYU head football coach Bronco Mendenhall had a lot to discuss during his weekly show Tuesday night.Of course, Taysom Hill injuring his leg is a serious blow to the Cougar offense. It isn't the fatal blow many are projecting. Jamaal Williams can handle a bigger load; give him the ball, it ain't heavy. BYU has most of its receivers healthy and back on the field. Christian Stewart is a confident and skilled player. The offensive line has weathered five games now and should be battle tested and improved enough to step up and do their job.
These three things must happen however to help the offense be successful. BYU needs to play cleanly with no turnovers. It is more important now than ever to protect the ball. It will be more difficult to make first downs if the offense continues to have drive-killing penalties. Taysom could make a big play and make up for a penalty, that cog isn't part of the wheel anymore. BYU cannot afford plays for losses, which means no sacks on the QB. 10 yards can sometimes be tough to get, adding yards to go for a first down will be a killer. BYU will move the ball against UCF, its important to make first downs, move the chains, keep possession and drive the ball. It is the exact same prescription that Virginia and Utah State used. Keep the ball, take time off the clock, then hit a big play to get points. That should be the plan.
Last is the special team play to consider. In the only game that BYU and Central Florida have played, Cody Hoffman returned a kickoff for a touchdown to tie the game that BYU eventually won. Without the offside penalties last week on kickoff and field goal defense, BYU has good special team play. Field goals have gone through the uprights, punts are being downed inside the 20, kickoff cover has been solid, and kickoff return is a strength. Making plays on special teams becomes a bonus to help win games. To win this week, it may take a big play on special teams to set up a score or to make a score.
BYU has been down in years past and recovered, arose to the challenge and has had players step up to fill the void. It will be interesting to see how BYU reacts to this challenge on this short week of preparation. The preparation has been done, it is now time for participation. Get in the game and make something good happen.
