Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
In case you missed it, here is a brief list of highlights from last night's "Bronco Mendenhall Show" on KSL Newsradio, archived audio from which you can hear here.
: Bronco says there have been "non-stop" requests for national media interviews since BYU's win over Oklahoma.
: he says last year's onslaught of national media attention caused a "protective" mindset and style of play, and that he let the scrutiny and pressure affect him, and in turn, his players. He adds that going through last season has given him a "clearer perspective" on how to handle this season's spotlight.
: he wanted "more enjoyment" out of his job, and that resulted in some changes--the most important being giving up the defensive play-calling responsibilities and taking on the nose tackle position assignment.
: Bronco says the game with Oklahoma was the "most fun I've had as the head coach."
: RB Harvey Unga (hamstring) will be a "gametime decision" and is not yet game-ready. LB Matt Bauman (concussion) will practice Thursday and will play Saturday. CB Garrett Nicholson is not enrolled at BYU and will not rejoin the program until next August at the earliest. OL Jesse Taufi has not yet completed academic requirements, but it's hoped he will be with the team next week.
: the coach says BYU is faster and more physical on defense than last year, and is better prepared to apply more pressure as a result.
: we discussed the tired refrain about BYU's older, more mature players, and Bronco said that since he's been head coach, 18 LDS players BYU recruited who "had said they were going to serve missions, or were strongly considering (a mission)," have gone to other schools. Of the 18, only one has gone on a mission, largely because the coaches, "once they have them, don't want to to let them go." Bronco says these coaches don't want to have to deal with the scheme and personnel and conditioning issues that accompany mission service. He calls the missionary equation a "convenient explanation" for both BYU's success, and/or lack of success, depending on the situation. The coach says implementing a missionary program into your football program "tests your organizational management skills."
: junior college players will continue to be leaned on more heavily at cornerback than other positions on the field. He spoke highly of JUCOs Brian Logan, Lee Aguirre and Corby Eason, all three of whom after the Oklahoma game independently "thanked" Bronco for bringing them to BYU.
: Bronco says freshman safety Craig Bills is "a human missile."
: he says the team is "complete focused on Tulane" and "eager to improve."
