Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
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During his weekly press conference, BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall all but plainly stated Riley Nelson will continue as his starting quarterback this Saturday at Oregon State.
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Saying he "really thought Riley had a strong game in his first start" of the season against San Jose State, Mendenhall said Nelson's insertion into the offense "made us much more difficult to defend," and "provided a spark and an inspiration to our team, and gave us some momentum going into a road game."
Asked directly if Nelson would be the starter in Corvallis, the coach responded "he'll be the one that will have a chance on Saturday." Pressed on the designation, Mendenhall repeated that "he'll be the one that has a chance on Saturday."
Mendenhall was asked if he would look to get the backup QB into a game, and this was his response:
"There's talk of it...but it gives us a great chance continue with one (QB), which adds consistency, or train two, sometimes takes away from consistency, which I learned a year ago."
"Most likely, the starter, as long as they're playing well, they're going to play probably through the whole game."
You can hear all of Mendenhall's press conference remarks in "Cougar Cuts" to the left.
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Mendenhall talked about Nelson's specific skill set and how it affected his team's offensive game plan versus SJSU.
"Just the type of quarterback Riley is, he buys more time, specifically--so when under pressure, he is able to elude the rush, which gives the receivers more time to get open, which then makes us more difficult to defend, because he can then throw it to a receiver whose route has been adjusted, and it's harder to cover adjusted routes."
"When he does feel pressure, if the coverage is solid, it usually means there is a buffer between the offensive line and the secondary, and he can run to occupy that space--he usually has a first down before he can get tackled, so that makes it very difficult (for defenses)."
"He threw the ball in drop-back very well--the only thing I would fault him on would be ball security. Other than that...executing the game plan, I thought he did a really nice job."
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More Mendenhall--
On RB Michael Alisa's emergence (16 carries, 91 yards v. SJSU):
"I would hope to see him in the continued role that he had (v. the Spartans)...we've been looking for a back to run between the tackles with a physical presence from the beginning of the season to now...it appeared over time that (Alisa) deserved an opportunity...and he made the most of it."
"It generated a lot of excitement and enthusiasm, not only for him, but for the team, and I think it affected the offensive line as well--they became more excited and really enjoying the game more, and finishing blocks, because of how he was running the football."
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On playing at Oregon State after having played and coached there in the late 80s/early-to-mid 90s:
"Mixed feelings...it wasn't a time when Oregon State football was very strong. Not a lot of success stories, but a lot of work and a lot of friendships that I still remember."
"Seems like so much time has passed from then 'til now, it's hard to go even back to that place...I'm not quite sure how I feel about that."
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On the 1-4 Beavers:
"I think they're gaining some momentum from what I saw (on film). They're a talented football team that's coached well...how we're going to match up, not having common opponents to look at, it's a little bit of a mystery."
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On LB Jordan Pendleton's health status after an ankle injury suffered v. Texas:
"It was hurt worse than what either of us thought. He sure made a difference on Saturday...just having him out there, he played very well for having some time off. Still not in the type of conditioning in terms of running to the football and maybe covering the field, but the things that went to his side and the things within his responsibility, he made a giant difference in our defense (v. SJSU)."
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BYU placekicker Justin Sorensen has been named FBS Independent Special Teams Player of the Week for a second time this season.
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