5 keys to a Cougar victory over MTSU

5 keys to a Cougar victory over MTSU

(Deseret News)


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PROVO — Before the season started, BYU's game against Middle Tennessee State looked like one of the "lead pipe lock" wins. Of course, I also thought the Cougars would be 2-1 with wins over Virginia and Utah. So, maybe a victory Friday night is not a sure bet.

If the Cougars aren't careful, they could have a shootout on their hands. But if the Cougars play smart, they can get the win and improve their offense at the same time. Let's go over the 5 keys to victory.

Keys to the Game: BYU =====================

1\. Keep the Blue Raider offense off the field ---------------------------------------------

This is one of the MTSU's strengths. They've scored over 40 points twice this season and racked up over 400 yards of offense in their lone loss to North Carolina.

Their undoing against the Tar Heels: Turnovers. The Blue Raiders coughed the ball up 4 times including an interception in the end zone that killed the first drive of the game. Just last week Middle Tennessee turned the ball over twice.

MTSU also likes to move quickly on offense. This would be a good week for the Cougar defense to create some TO's and get some rest.

2. Rough up the Raider runners

This MTSU squad is pretty balanced on offense: 205 yards through the air and 196 yards on the ground. But they had 296 yards rushing last week. So why not pull a "Utah" and stack the box to see if Logan Kilgore can pass the Blue Raiders to victory.

Yes, Kilgore completes 60 percent of his passes. But he's also thrown 5 picks this season. Make this team one dimensional.

3. Run, run, run as fast as you can

The Cougars offensive line needs some work. So why not get a good weekend of work in against a team that gives up 152 yards a game on the ground?

The Blue Raiders probably haven't seen a running QB like Taysom Hill and a bevy of running backs need some reps. So run the ball and then run some more. Build up that lead early, which leads to key number 4.

4. Give Taysom time as a passer

Taysom Hill needs to get live passing reps against a real team and not the practice squad. This will be his best chance before he gets to face another tough defense in Utah State.

I know it may seem a bit backwards to run early in the game and pass later on in the contest. But you don't want to jeopardize a victory just so Hill can throw a couple of times down the field. Build a two score lead, then let him wing it. And hopefully coaches will give him high percentage opportunities so he can build his confidence for the rest of the game and the rest of the season.

5. Successfully block a big return on special teams

J.D. Falslev had a very nice punt return against Utah. Adam Hine had an even nicer return for a touchdown. It was called back because of a penalty. Greg Wrubell pointed out the Cougar special teams have averaged more penalties per play than either the offense or defense.

Special teamers need to just block the best they can and something good will happen. And let Hine be the only guy to return the ball on a kick return. He seems to make the best decisions.

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