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PROVO -- The Cougars are halfway through the season and are still trying to figure out their identity. ESPN's Andrea Adelson gives a midseason report and tries to find answers to the same questions BYU fans have been asking over the past few weeks. She awards Riley Nelson with the offenseive MVP. Why? He's responsible for the most touchdowns. Good point.
BYU's running game got a big boost from a fairly unknown contributor last week. Michael Alisa had 16 carries for 91 yards and saw significant playing time on offense for the first time of his career. Brett Richins of DeepShadesofBlue.com gives more insight to Alisa and how his style is exactly what the Cougars need.
"In the last two weeks, he's really started to gain our attention," BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "We've been looking for a running back that would run over, through (would-be tacklers) and get positive yards."
The San Jose State athletic communications blames the loss on the Spartans poor first half execution. SJSU outscored BYU 10-6 in the final 30 minutes, but weren't able to overcome a 17-point halftime deficit. High praise has been given to Riley Nelson for his strong performance, but give credit to the Spartan defense for creating three turnovers. However, there is a definite feeling from the visiting team that the game would've been different if star running back Brandon Rutley and starting offensive guard Fred Koloto would've played. Unfortunately, both sat out due to injury.
Finally, looking forward to this week's game Oregon State defensive end Scott Crichton appears excited to face Nelson as BYU's new starting quarterback. John Hunt of The Oregonian reports Crichton can't wait for Saturday's game.
"I actually kind of like running quarterbacks,'' Crichton said. "I don't like pocket passers. They pass right away. It's frustrating."
After practice Nelson responded, "Good. The guy sounds like a football player. I'm excited."
Email: onlinesports@ksl.com
