The BYU Cougars finished a sound win over the New Mexico Lobos by the final of 21-3.  Hear what coaches and players had to say about the victory and their next game against the Horned Frogs of TCU.

Bronco Mendenhall

Max Hall

Jan Jorgenson

 

 No more than two seconds after the scoreboard time flashed all zeroes, my cell phone lit up with a text from a BYU fan.

 “Boring game!”

  Bronco Mendenhall couldn’t have stated it better. And he couldn’t have been any happier.

 Compared to the combined score of 103-0 in the wins over UCLA and Wyoming, along with the thriller against Washington, BYU’s 21-3 victory over New Mexico did seem devoid of excitement.

 So friggin’ what?

 As quarterback Max Hall and receiver Austin Collie both said to me in individual interviews: “You can’t win every game 59-0” in reference to the UCLA game. It was as almost as if they huddled together and rehearsed the same line before coming out of the locker room.

 I doubt they did that. But I also know they never were more accurate in the hundreds of interviews the two stars have conducted over the years.

 “Not every game is going to be perfect,” said Collie.

 Amen.

 Obviously, the Cougars didn’t open a can on New Mexico. They needed darned near every one of the 60 minutes to improve to 6-0 and 2-0 in the Mountain West.

 Get used to it, my friends.

 From now on, expect all six of the remaining Mountain West games to be dogfights. For each one of them, beating BYU would make their season.

 Consider:

-         BYU is the two-time defending conference champion.

-         BYU has won 18 consecutive Mountain West games.

-         BYU is ranked in the Top 10.

-         BYU is the Mountain West’s most prestigious program.

-         And, never forget, BYU is BYU (your own interpretation determines what this last line means).

The Cougars took New Mexico’s best shot and still strolled out of LaVell Edwards Stadium with everything intact. By that, I mean the conference championship race, the national ranking and potential BCS game.

 Consider Saturday a success in every way.

 “This game is indicative of what’s to come,” said Mendenhall.

 My only serious knock on BYU is the poor output offensively in the first quarter. For reasons I didn’t understand until after the game, offensive coordinator Robert Anae was wrong to ignore Harvey Unga in the first 15 minutes.

 The sophomore running back touched the ball only once in the first quarter, on a 9-yard reception. Turns out, the Lobos threw Anae a curverball.

 “New Mexico was very difficult to figure out,” Mendenhall said.

 Rocky Long’s initial defensive scheme was designed to stop the pass. Expecting the Lobos to load up on the run, BYU came out firing through the air. The result was two C.J. Santiago punts on the first two possessions.

 In the second quarter, Anae unleashed Unga, who got six carries during BYU’s 10-play, 95-yard touchdown drive. Nursing a 7-3 lead in the third quarter, BYU went 69 yards in six plays – half of which were Unga runs – and went ahead 14-3.

 Each time New Mexico got any life, BYU’s defense snuffed it out. The Cougars, who won the turnover battle 2-0, sacked quarterback Tate Smith three times - two by linebacker Coleby Clawson and one by nose guard Ian Dulan.

 Linebacker David Nixon also made a huge play in the third quarter, tackling running back Rodney Ferguson for a 3-yard loss on a third-and-1.

 For all of BYU’s great play, Long didn’t want to hear any of it. Long was furious over an illegal block call that negated what would have been a 14-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.

 On a third-and-12 from BYU’s 14-yard line, offensive tackle Byron Bell was called for a block in the back. From my vantage point in the press box, the call was highly questionable.

 Long would argue vehemently with me.

 “I don’t know if we would have won, but the officials blew a call that changed the entire momentum of the game,” he said. “It’s criminal that they changed the momentum of the game like that. It’s ridiculous that one call can change all the momentum of the game and take away from our team.”

 Of course, BYU could have said the same thing on an offensive pass interference penalty on Collie in the second quarter.

 In 59-0 games, nobody beefs about the officials. The complaints only come in close games.

 Get used it, this is the way it’s going to be from here-on out. Boring never looked so exciting.

 

 

Second quarter

 One of my two scenarios came true in the first half. New Mexico controlled the ball with a strong running back that kept BYU’s offense on the sidelines. The Lobos, who rushed for 105 yards, had the ball for 17 minutes, 3 seconds.  My other scenario was BYU’s offense would explode, after not playing well last week against Utah State. BYU's offense looks absolutely average so far

- Now that’s what I’m talking about. After virtually ignoring Harvey Unga in the first quarter, offensive coordinator Robert Anae repented.

 On BYU’s first possession of the second quarter, which resulted in a 10-play, 95-yard scoring drive that covered five minutes, Unga had six carries for 26 yards.

 The big play on the drive was Max Hall’s 58-yard pass to Austin Collie, who made up for his blunder of stepping out of bounds on the 5-yard line on New Mexico’s kick-off after a field goal.

-  The Cougars caught a huge break on Brad Gruner’s bad exchange with Rodney Ferguson. Jan Jorgensen recovered the fumble on New Mexico’s 47-yard line. The Lobos had picked up two first downs on the drive and had a third-and-2 on the play that ended in a fumble.

 After the fumble, BYU advanced to New Mexico’s 17-yard line before the drive ended on Justin Sorensen’s missed 50-yard field goal attempt. I thought the 15-yard pass interference call on Collie should have been a no call. Collie and cornerback Glover Quin each were exchanging elbows as they jostled for position.

 First-half numbers:

 Harvey Unga: 11 carries for 51 yards.

Max Hall: 9 of 16 for 117 yards and one touchdown.

Austin Collie: three receptions for 67 yards.

Dennis Pitta: two receptions for 14 yards.

Rodney Ferguson: 15 carries for 71 yards.

UNM quarterbacks Brad Guner and Tate Smith combined 6 of 8 passes for 47 yards.

BYU punter C.J. Santiago: 2 punts for a total of 92 yards.

 

-          BYU’s offense struggled early with New Mexico’s blitz package. On a third-and-6 from BYU’s 48-yard line, a pressured Max Hall threw high to Austin Collie.

-          I don’t understand why offensive coordinator Robert Anae chose not to use running back Harvey Unga. The sophomore had no carries in the first quarter to go along with one 9-yard reception.

-          New Mexico, meanwhile, relied on Rodney Ferguson. The senior had nine carries for 51 yards. There’s no question he is the first running back on the field.

-          This was BYU’s first scoreless first quarter this season.

-          Time of possession: UNM 11 minutes, BYU 4 minutes.

-          New Mexico is keeping BYU’s defense a bit off balance by switching quarterbacks. In UNM’s first two possessions, three players – starting quarterback Brad Gruner, backup Tate Smith and running back Rodney Ferguson – have taken snaps from the center.

-          Mike Reed made his presence known on BYU’s first offensive play from scrimmage, which was his first play after missing two games with a knee injury. The senior receiver had a 16-yard reception from Hall. It was one of two first downs BYU picked up on its first two possessions, which both ended in punts.

LARAMIE, WYO - Before Ute fans get all excited about another win and a 7 - 0 record, take a closer look at today’s game.
    In a 40 - 7 Ute victory over the Wyoming Cowboys, only 14 the points were put there by the offense.  Those two scoring drives capped by touchdowns by the Utes totaled of  117 yards.
    The Utah special team outscored the Utah offense, while the offense and defense came away with 12 points a piece.
    The offense had a hard time putting together a drive.  Three times the Utes began drives inside Wyoming territory.  Once the Utes were forced to punt on a 3 and out.  The other two times, Louie Sakoda hit field goals after the offense moved the ball a combined total of 42 yards.
    While it worked today, and to this point in the season, you will not always face a team as pathetic as Wyoming.  While I don’t own a crystal ball, I don’t forsee TCU or BYU turning the ball over 5 times, and allowing 2 special teams scores.
    Would 14 points scored by the Utah offense (against a Wyoming defense) be enough to beat either of the 2 other top teams in the MWC?  I don’t know, but I would imagine Ute fans would be much more comfortable with a few more points on the board.
    The Utes will record the win, but they were out gained by the Cowboys by 10 yards on only 3 more plays (252 - 242).  Normally, you don’t win those games.
    And it just wasn’t total yards and plays that the Cowboys lead in on the box score.  Wyoming had more first downs (14 - 11), and rushing yards (184 - 123)
    One of the biggest reason for the offensive ineptitude is the inability to convert on 3rd downs and  to put themselves in a position to succeed on 3rd downs.  The Utes were only 4 of 17 (23.5%)  for 3rd down conversions.  The majority of those the Utes were forced to try and gain 5 or more yards.
    While the offense struggled, the defense continued to be dominate.  Greg Newman tied Joe Dale for the team lead with 7 tackles, but Newman also had his first career interception, and was the catalyst for many of the defensive stops.
    Even the second team defense looked much better than it did last time it took the field against Weber State.
    So while Ute fans, enjoy the record.  Ride the wave.   But don’t overlook the fact that this team has a lot of improvement that needs to be done to finish the deal.
     
   
   

After beating Wyoming 40-7, 1320 KFAN was live in Laramie with the postgame reaction from the players and the coaches.  Click on the following name to hear the postgame reaction:

Kyle Whittingham

Brian Johnson

Aiona Key

MOST RECENT POST WILL APPEAR AT TOP AFTER HITTING REFRESH.

Final - Utah 40 Wyo 7
      7 - 0!  The Utes second team defense finish off the game strong stopping a Wyoming drive just inside the 30 yard line.
      Although the Utes offense only scored 7 points in the final half, it was a much better effort.  They preserved the win, and didn't make mistakes in the face of a brutal wind.

7:47 4th Quarter Utah 34 Wyo 7
    And there goes the shut out!
    While it was against some of the Utes 2nd team defensive unit, the Cowboys do get there first scoring drive of the game going 80 yards in 7 plays. (No onside kick to follow.)
    Prior to the drive, Louie Sakoda booted a career long 81-yard punt (wind aided)).
   
End of 3rd Utah 34 Wyo 0
    The Utes are currently working on the 3rd Wyoming QB, as Sween, Crum, and now Chris Stutzriem are all taking there shots, without any success.
    Utes offense for the quarter was very conservative, and justifiably so.  They were driving into the wind for the entire quarter.  When I say wind, I mean enough that we can feel the press box sway with the gusts.  Not looking for a lot of throwing the ball down field in those conditions.

8:30 3rd Quarter Utes 34 Wyo 0
    Too easy. 
    Nice play call by Andy Ludwig, with everyone expecting the quick pass that has been run a couple of times today, Freddie Brown gets wide open streaking down the field for a 41-yard gain.  The very next play, Brian Johnson hits Asiata for a TD.
    The Utes are going to coast to a win here.  The only thing left is wheather or not they will preserve the shutout for the second straight year.
    Still questions continue to pop up about the Ute offense.  Why do they look so good in short spurts (Final drive against AF.  Final 2:11 against OSU.   Last drive here.), but for the majority of the time struggle to move the ball.  A undefeated record masks the deficiencies, but at some point it will come back to haunt them.

Halftime - Utes 27 Wyo 0
    First things first, and it has nothing to do with football.  The Wyoming Marching Band’s Halftime performance is an ode to “Guitar Hero.”  Not sure why that is funny to me, it just is.  Scott Garrard is disappointed that they didn’t play “Slow Ride.” I hope you may laugh too.
    Finally an offensive touchdown, as Matt Assiata punched it in from 3 yards out on a 3rd and Goal.
    While the Utes have a 27 - 0 lead, they have only out gained the Cowboys by 17 yards (128 - 111).  And Wyoming has out gained the Utes throw the air 50 - 37.
    Corbin Louks is the Utes leading rusher with 33 yards, and has been the catalyst for much of the Ute offensive success late in the half.
    While wind (and it is as bad or worse than it looks on TV), and being conservative with a big lead can be used as reasons why the offense has been unsuccessful, I’m not sure that I’d buy either one.  This has become a trend over the past couple of games.

3:00 2nd Quarter - Utah 20 Wyo 0
    Ute defense/special teams 20
    Ute offense                0

    Aiona Key, is responsible for the latest score after blocking a punt and returning it for a score.
    Then as Wyoming was driving, Derrick Shelby tips a pass that is intercepted by a helmetless Greg Newman. 
    In the last two drives it has been almost 50/50 plays with Brian Johnson at QB, and plays with either Louks or Asiata taking snaps.  I’m not saying, I’m just saying.  (Utes now 0 - 7 on 3rd downs)

10:30 2nd Quarter - Utah 13 Wyo 0
    The Utes have now started drives 3 times inside Cowboy territory, and all they have to show for it is 2 Sakoda field goals.
    Corbin Louks comes in and in two plays moves the Utes 12 yards down field.  In comparison to the 38 1st quarter yards total by Utah’s offense, that’s a major success.  The first play was a 9-yard pass, which would constitute the longest play from scrimmage by the Utes today.
    At this point, I think it is safe to say that the offense has problems.  If you can’t move the ball against Wyoming (no matter how conservative you are being) something needs to change.

End of First Quarter - Utah 10 Wyo 0
    All Utah defense with a little Louie Sakoda mixed in.  The Smith pick 6 is the only TD on the board, and Sakoda tacked on a 50 yard field goal.  But it has been Sakoda’s punts that have twiced pinned the Cowboys inside the 10 yard line that has helped keep the Cowboys on their own side of the field.
    The Ute offense is struggling.  0 - 4 on 3rd downs, and unable to score touchdowns twice when starting a drive inside Wyoming territory.  The blitz continue to baffle the Utes as twice on third down the Cowboys blitzed and twice the result was an incomplete pass.  (The Utes are now 0 - 5 on 3rd downs.)

6:47 1st Quarter - Utah 7 Wyo 0
    Three Wyoming drives and already two turnovers by the Cowboys.  The first a pick 6 by Sean Smith (Paul Kruger caused Sween to overthrow pass on bootleg, Smith picks it).      Then a fumble recovered by Robert Johnson giving the Utes the ball on the Wyoming 42.
    However the Utes offense continues to struggle, as they have yet to get  1st down.  Brian Johnson has been sacked 1 and has yet to complete a pass. 
    Yes, Ute fans.  That should worry you.

PREGAME NOTES -
    Welcome to scenic and sunny Laramie, Wyoming where the Utes will look to make it 7 - 0 on the season.  Right now the  weather is nice.  It’s a balmy 35 degrees and sunny.  There are storms approaching on every side, but supposedly they are going to hold off until after the game.  (Makes the drive home fun.)
    There is only one question when looking at this game.  Is this the game? 
    You know, the game where the Utes come out flat, and never really get their footing.  That one game they have every year where the struggle or loose to a team they should beat. 
    The reason you ask this question is because of all the motivation surrounding the game.  Make no bones about it.  The Cowboys fans, players, and coaches all remember the onside kick and 50 - 0 beating they took last year.  So there will be an initial surge of emotion early.  If the Utes keep it close or come out of the first quarter or so with a lead, the question then turns to, “By how many?”.

Things to watch for -
- Brian Johnson and if he can keep the ball secure.  He has 10 of the 12 Ute turnovers on the season.
- The Utes dominate the ground game.  The focus will be to shut down the Cowboy rushing attack.  And in turn, can they run it up on the ground on Wyoming.

How do BYU and Utah compare against the Blitz.  The Blitz being defined as anytime the opponent rushes 5 or more.   A zone blitz where a lineman drops in coverage and a linebacker rushes and the opponent only rushes 4 is not counted.

 

Reminder that a successful play is getting 40% of the yards to go on first down, 60% of the remaining yards on 2^nd down and 100% of those yards on 3^rd or 4^th down.

 

BYU AGAINST THE BLITZ

29 of 45 successes on passing plays against the blitz.  0 sacks - 1 INT - 1 TD - 340 yards. 

On 3^rd down  they have had success on 7 of 10 on 3rd down for 108 yards

4 of 6 success on 3rd and 6 or more.

 

UTAH AGAINST THE BLITZ

13 of 44 success on passing plays = 10 sacks – 5 turnovers  - 196 yards

6 of 18 on 3^rd down wth 3 sacks and 2 turnovers -  139 yards

3 of 12 on 3^rd down of 6 or more

Alema Harrington and Scott Garrard preview the upcoming college football games this weekend and how would Hots call a soccer game that ended in a tie?  It's all right here on the Best of Powerhouse!!!

DJ and PK think BYU will be able to handle the one dimensional Lobo offence. Stop the run and you stop New Mexico. DJ says 35 to 10 will be the result.

DJ and PK see the weather have more of an impact on the game than the Wyoming Cowboys. Both pick the Utes in a route. As they say in Wyoming Powder -River-Let Er-Buck

Jay Drew in for his Friday visit. Expects BYU to roll over the Lobos. The team is feeling pressure from being undefeated and all the media focus. Drew says Austin Collie seems to be really effected by the attention because his interviews normally open and lively are now guarded and short.  Drew reported that BYU has started securing the 2010 recruiting class who would be the senior for the Cougars in 2016.

Jerry Sloan said the Jazz looked sluggish against the Suns. PK dismissed the comment because it is game 2 of the preseason and really who cares. I think DJ is grateful to have PK off his pre-game show. DJ says the players know how the preseason works … if the game mattered Deron Williams would play the 4th quarter instead of resting on the bench.

The Utah Jazz are now 1-1 in preseason after their loss last night to the Phoenix Suns.  Now they get ready for the Portland Trailblazers on Sunday night. 

Jerry Sloan     - Will Price see more minutes as the PG or SG?

                         -  Is Jaron Collins behind?  Where does he fit this year?

                         - What championship teams do that the Jazz will have to be better at.

Deron Williams    -  Lot of work to do, but that is what the preseason is for.

                                 - Reps are important with the different line ups that are in place.

                                 - Ready for the regular season to start right now.

CJ Miles         - Why the offensive is out of rhythm with different lineups.

                         - Why this Jazz team will be solid on the road this year.

                         - Oden and the Blazers will be a tough team to have in the division.

The Wyoming coach talks about his teams struggles at quarterback and the high number of turnovers that have hampered their season. Glenn says the weather will be cold and snow is possiable. Glenn also says that the bad feelings from last year are gone and both teams have moved on.