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PROVO — The BYU football team is on the road again for the first time since September as they take on 4-4 San Jose State. Here are three keys to a victory for the Y.
Stop running back Tyler Ervin
The Spartans have one of the most dynamic running backs in the nation in Tyler Ervin. The senior has ran for 1,159 yards (good for third in the nation) and 12 touchdowns on the season. In eight games, Ervin has ran for at least 100 yards in five contests. He's also had performances where he gained 263 and 300 yards on the ground. This could be trouble for the Cougars. In two earlier contests against UCLA and Michigan, the Y. was ran all over on by stud running backs. BYU's defensive players need to come ready to tackle better than they did in those matchups or it could be a long day for the Cougs. BYU should try to duplicate San Diego State's game plan as the Aztecs held Ervin to just 22 yards on 17 carries.
Commit to the run on offense
San Jose State has been stingy against the pass on defense. In fact, the Spartans are leading the nation in terms of passing yards allowed per game and are second in yards allowed per pass attempt. The team boasts a good secondary that has made life difficult for opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers. As good as the Spartans have been against the pass, they have been atrocious against the run. Their defense has given up a whopping 239.6 rushing yards a game. That puts them at an unsightly 119th in the nation. That is terrific news for Cougar backs Algernon Brown and Francis Bernard, both of whom have been running the ball well the last few games. Look for BYU to try to pound the ball early and often in this contest.
Connect on key passing plays
BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall has stated that quarterback Tanner Mangum does not like throwing short passes. In the last few games, Mangum has shown more of a willingness to take what the defense gives him. Still, the young gunslinger is at his best when he is taking shots downfield. In BYU wins, the Cougars have gotten long passing plays that kept the opposing defense on their toes. While BYU's game plan should consist of mostly running the ball, the Cougs will need to keep the Spartan defense honest by getting some big plays in the passing game.
My prediction: BYU 35, SJSU 14Dylan Cannon is a regular KSL.com contributor and can be reached at DylanCannon86@gmail.com or via twitter @DylanCannon11.
