Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Bronco Mendenhall will hold his first weekly press conference of the season at 10:00am this morning. Look for all of his podium comments to be posted here on "Cougar Tracks" upon their conclusion. Also posted will be interviews with multiple players who will be present at the weekly media gatherings. You can also hear the Bronco press conference on its page in the BYU Sports Menu.
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In the "backhanded compliment" category comes this from The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City, in its "Four Questions About OU Football"...
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"Will the Sooners' revamped offensive line hold up?
Brigham Young won't be a major test, but the Cougars will provide more meaningful feedback than a team like Chattanooga."
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Wow, thanks.
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"Know Your Foe" Trivia:
Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford needs 72 passing yards to become OU's alltime passing yards leader. With 159 passing yards he will become the first OU quarterback to pass for 8,000 yards. How many BYU QBs have passed for 8,000 yards or more?
Answer below.
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I have mentioned before that BYU is facing four teams in the Preseason Top 25. This is the first time in BYU Football history that the Cougars have that many Top 25 teams on the schedule. BYU faced three Preseason Top 25 teams four times previously: in 1985, 1991, 1992 and 2003.
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For all of Oklahoma's depth, it appears the Sooners don't plan to play too many offensive linemen against BYU, and in that respect, the two teams may be employing similar approaches.
BYU has only seven non-scout team offensive linemen, while it looks like injury issues at center might reduce the Sooners front-line playing pool. I'm reading today that guard Stephen Good may end up starting at center in place of Ben Habern, who joined camp late after dealing with back issues. Good starting would make a starter of guard/tackle Jarvis Jones, who was projected to be the first guy off the bench at either spot.
In addition to Habern, former Colorado State Ram Brian Lepak is available to play center, but only freshman Tyler Evans appears to have gained the coaches' confidence among the Sooners O-line backups.
As you may know, the OU offensive line was labeled the "weak link" by Bob Stoops in the spring, and the front five represents the only real question mark surrounding the Sooner attack this season. Tackle Trent Williams is the lone returning starter from last season, moving from the right side in 2008 to Bradford's back side in 2009.
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"Know Your Foe Trivia" answer:
Six. Ty Detmer, John Beck, Jim McMahon, Robbie Bosco, John Walsh, and Kevin Feterik. With 195 passing yards, Max Hall will be BYU's 9th 8,000 yard QB.
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