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PROVO — Coming off yet another disappointing defensive performance in a loss to Boise State last Friday, the Cougar defense knows all eyes are upon them this Saturday as BYU travel to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to take on the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (5-3, 4-1 C-USA).
The Cougars also have seen their points-allowed-per-game average shoot up from 18.75 through the first four games to 40.75. While the losses and daunting defensive statistics may have the fans' moods down, the desire to play better and improve is still very evident in the BYU locker room.
“From the outside it might seem to some that the season is over, that these last games don’t mean anything, but to us they do,” said junior defensive captain Remington Peck. “We feel we can still have a positive season and end on a good note.”
The coaches have continued to stress that some of the defensive issues this season stem from a lack of experience among several key areas of the defense; they say both the coaches and players recognize that now is a critical time for growth as a team and as individuals.
“Everyone knows it’s been a frustrating last couple of weeks, and the biggest positive thing is that there still is a desire to get better, there is still a desire to improve,” explained Peck.
One of those players seeking to make an impact on the defense as he gains experience is sophomore linebacker Harvey Langi. Langi, who transferred to BYU this past summer after returning from his LDS mission, made a position change from running back to linebacker. He admits that at times he is jealous when he watches BYU’s running backs but knows he’s in the right place at linebacker.
“I’m staying positive," he said. "This is my decision, and this was something I wanted to do.”
Middle linebacker coach Paul Tidwell says that Langi, among others, is going to continue to see his role increased over the next few games. Tidwell explained that there is a delicate balance in getting young players experience as well as keeping them in positive situations to where they can succeed and not become overly frustrated.
“They’re coming along, and hopefully each game they’re getting better and executing better with each rep,” said Tidwell.
Tidwell also shared that he would like to see more leaders step up in his linebacker unit, pointing to Langi as someone starting to slowly emerge as a leader among his position group.
It was announced Monday by head coach Bronco Mendenhall that defensive coordinator Nick Howell would take over the play calling duties of the defense once again. While this has been a big topic of interest among fans, it is clear the defensive players and coaches don’t feel they experience an impact and are more focused on executing the plays that are called than worrying about who is calling them.
“Play calling is of course a big part of the game, but whatever they call or who’s calling, it doesn’t really matter," Langi said. "We just need to go out there and do it and to the best of the abilities that we can.”
Howell explained that no matter who is calling the plays, execution is still needed at every position by every player.
“Every position is key on this defense," Howell explained. "There’s guys doing some good things and there are guys doing some things they shouldn’t do, and that’s what’s hurting right now. It’s the same defense we’ve been running for the past 10 years — same calls, same process, similar-type kids. We’re just in growing pains right now.”
Senior middle linebacker Zac Stout explained that the talent is there with this defensive unit, but said a lot of the mistakes being made are due to mental errors more than anything.
“Sometimes when things start getting rough you can notice guys start thinking too much, and you’ve got to tell them to go out there and just have fun,” said Stout.
Having fun is key to staying positive, especially during a four-game losing streak. A positive mentality is something the coaches and leaders of the team recognize is key right now and through the last stretch of the season.
“After the first couple of losses the mood was, 'Hey, everything is done,' " Peck said. "I feel everyone as a whole has tried to switch that around, the coaches included, and make it more of a positive, of, 'Hey, we’re still a good football team and good things can still happen.' ”
Ultimately, the boost in confidence and mood of the team can easily be changed if the Cougars can just simply win a game.
“Bottom line: get a win, get a win, get back on track, keep their confidence," Tidwell said. "We don’t want to lose them in the locker room, we don’t want to lose them on the field as far as their trust in us."
