BYU @ FedEx

[frdbtr]

BYU showed offensive improvement this game but still has a long way to go. Taysom and his recievers looked much better and the offensive line was much improved in this game. Having said that, the offense and Taysom Hill did enough to win the game, but the defense is what cost BYU the win today. Even with the offensive mistakes, the pick 6 and all BYU wins this game if they don't give up sustained TD drives of 88, 86, and 99 yards. Simple as that.

I think this improvement is in large part is due to the defense we faced this week vs the past 2 weeks. front 7 were completely different.

conversely, this was the first serious offense BYU has faced, and it didn't inspire much confidence in the defense....

I think UCLA has a good offense, but not as explosive as this one. The defense really struggled with this one. All it would have taken is one stop on one of those 3 drives and BYU wins this game. Also the last tipped ball that ended up being intercepted was a well thrown ball, it was in Hifo's catch zone and was not a rocket, it should have been caught. Yes WV's good defense helped but receivers simply have got to start winning on these 50/50 balls like they did last year when Mangum was able to throw up jump balls and our Sr. receivers would win the battle on them.

It was under thrown and the defender touched it first. What was "well thrown" about it? That it was within five years of the receiver? That it had hang time? Im asking honestly.

It was right on his hands on the replay. Yes the defender hit it but sometimes when you want to make the play you need to two hand it like MM did last year when he would go up and win jump balls for Tanner.

[frdbtr]

Go to 2:42 in the vid, it is right on the receivers hands. should have been caught. the only adjustment I could see that would have made it an easier catch would be to throw it to the other shoulder, but that was a totally catch-able ball that was not caught by the receiver. It was not a bad throw but could have been better. A good receiver would bring that in every time. Too bad ours are soft and don't fight for balls in the air like we had last year with MM, Houk and Blackmon.

[mtnradio]

Not a perfect pass. Poor work by the receiver. Tough defense, and great reaction on the tip drill. This loss could be put on Taysom because of the pick 6 ... this loss could be put on the defense because of three long drives ... this loss could be put on the receivers for uncaught passes that should have been caught. Small things ... with some great play surrounding them. This team is in a bad spot right now, it will be a tough year and I hope they are bowl eligible at the end, but it should be an entertaining year with a lot of growth. The coaches and players have shown they can grow and improve. I like what I"m seeing!

[KingCoug]

Not a perfect pass. Poor work by the receiver. Tough defense, and great reaction on the tip drill. This loss could be put on Taysom because of the pick 6 ... this loss could be put on the defense because of three long drives ... this loss could be put on the receivers for uncaught passes that should have been caught. Small things ... with some great play surrounding them. This team is in a bad spot right now, it will be a tough year and I hope they are bowl eligible at the end, but it should be an entertaining year with a lot of growth. The coaches and players have shown they can grow and improve. I like what I"m seeing!

Yeah, as frustrating as this third straight loss was, you could see a lot of improvements, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

[frdbtr]

Not a perfect pass. Poor work by the receiver. Tough defense, and great reaction on the tip drill. This loss could be put on Taysom because of the pick 6 ... this loss could be put on the defense because of three long drives ... this loss could be put on the receivers for uncaught passes that should have been caught. Small things ... with some great play surrounding them. This team is in a bad spot right now, it will be a tough year and I hope they are bowl eligible at the end, but it should be an entertaining year with a lot of growth. The coaches and players have shown they can grow and improve. I like what I"m seeing!

Yeah, as frustrating as this third straight loss was, you could see a lot of improvements, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

I agree with both of your points. I just hope that fans can quit scapegoating people on the losses and just accept that there are growing pains to implementing an entirely new coaching staff's philosophies. I personally feel like there were improvements made this week, especially on the offense. Blaine Fowler mentioned on the BYU TV post game show that BYU will not face a more potent offense the rest of the year. I hope that the defense doesn't get exposed like that again because I think BYU can win some games now that the offense is starting to get things worked out.

[Mars]

I only remember 1 bad drop this game, by #1. Who had a good catch on his next target.

[TulaneVandyRiceCoug]

It sucks to go 1-3, but these aren't ugly losses. Combined 7 points.

[Ygridiron4ever]

Regarding the FedEx Field experience. It was great being there among an awesome group of BYU fans. When I watched the game again form home Saturday night, the TV did not capture how big and loud we felt. Judging from the Bench's reaction, I know the team fed off our energy.

The WVU fans were great. I met several of them Saturday morning at the grocery store in my town of Purcellville, VA, about 60 miles from DC. They were about 2/3 through their trek to the stadium. I was wearing my BYU gear, getting a few more supplies for the game, and of course, they were dressed for a (renowned) WV tailgate party at the stadium. It was great fun talking to them.

And of course, at the stadium we had ample opportunity to visit with dozens of fans both before and after the game. Two things were common discussion points:
1 - they were surprised...shocked actually.... by the size of the BYU crowd (pretty common reaction).
2 - every single mountaineer fan I spoke with said they hope BYU gets an invite to the Big 12. That was cool to hear. I was surprised how much they knew about BYU athletics and academics (and that of other possible invitees). I got the sense that most of the die-hard supporters and alum want the Big12 to make a decision that will strengthen the conference and their school, and they've done enough research to come to the conclusion that BYU is the clear choice

[YNot]

And of course, at the stadium we had ample opportunity to visit with dozens of fans both before and after the game. Two things were common discussion points:
1 - they were surprised...shocked actually.... by the size of the BYU crowd (pretty common reaction).
2 - every single mountaineer fan I spoke with said they hope BYU gets an invite to the Big 12. That was cool to hear. I was surprised how much they knew about BYU athletics and academics (and that of other possible invitees). I got the sense that most of the die-hard supporters and alum want the Big12 to make a decision that will strengthen the conference and their school, and they've done enough research to come to the conclusion that BYU is the clear choice

I have yet to talk to a WVU fan who wants Cincinnati in the Big 12. It's kind of ironic that a lot of media types place Cincinnati as a "perfect fit" or a "travel partner" for WVU.

WVU recruits Ohio heavily (20+ Ohio players on the current roster) and sees a promoted Cincinnati as a big threat there. Also, WVU and Cincinnati were in the Big East together for a number of years, and they don't move the needle much. WVU sees Pitt and Louisville as their regional peers - not Cincinnati.

If an eastern school makes sense for the Big 12, WVU fans would rather have UConn - for basketball - or one of the U_F schools - for Florida recruiting.

If BYU actually makes the Big 12 cut, I think BYU-WVU would become a good rivalry because they would both somewhat be misfits. East v. West.