BYU Opens as 13 point underdog to AZ

[frdbtr]

Our friends up north are morons too.

[scott715]

https://www.cougarboard.com/board/messa ... d=20270538

In doing this preview, I am making an assumption that not everyone here is ready to make - that BYU is not as bad as they showed last year. So in this preview I am making smaller assumptions based on the larger one but I will try to be as reasonable as possible. As always, I am an amateur and only know football because, like most of you, i've been saturated in watching it my whole life and I try to keep up with basic schemes, etc. But I don't propose to be an expert.

This week I watched a few full games that Tate played in last year - the USC game and the bowl game. I came away with a few notes.

1. USC didn't try to break Tate's head open. They did an excellent job of staying in their lanes, keeping Tate in front of them and giving him few options. They never went for the big hit, they stayed conservative and broke him down by forcing Tate to make complex decisions with the ball, which he could not do. When asked to read a defense or make multiple reads, Tate was very bad. USC showed blitz a lot, but blitzed rarely and even then only sent one man.

2. BYU has absolutely got to have penetration by Tonga and the others on the d - line. The entire thing will break down if this doesn't happen. If Linebackers are forced to try to get to the qb then Tate will make BYU look stupid.

3. Arizona's offensive line problems may be overplayed. They have talent, just green talent. The exception is at center, where they are starting a walk on who only starting taking first team snaps this week. That's an issue. I expect Arizona's offensive line to not just roll over for BYU. They have talent - probably adequate talent. Even still, BYU will need to move them.

4. They have legit speed at other skill positions. I am guessing that Sumlin will continue running the fly sweep that Arod did a lot and that presents added pressure to stay in your lanes, don't play outside yourself.

5. Their receivers aren't that great.

6. On defense their linebackers are their strength but the rest of the defense is bad. It has been retooled and they are hoping for improvement but BYU's offensive line should be able to control Arizona. Arizona was flat out awful last year against the pass so while some think this will be a heavy run game I believe Grimes will take what is given and that BYU will pass quite a bit.

I expect BYU to put up points on Arizona. If BYU can keep Tate to the low 30's or below in point production, I think they have a chance to win this game.

[Mars]

The score is Arizona 0, Boney Fuller 1 so far.

[hawkwing]

Last time I went to a BYU UA opener in Arizona BYU won.

Looking forward to seeing another win on Saturday.

[TulaneVandyRiceCoug]

Just rewatched the 2013 BYU Houston game. In the opening minute, Spencer Hadley gets an interception on D, then Tayson and Jamaal March down the field and score. All within the first minute of play.

In order to beat the spread, beat the Wildcats, or to beat ANYbody, we need a statement effort in the first quarter today. Let's set the tone for the season baby!!!!

[azgreg]

For those of you coming to the game tonight here's today's forecast.

[azgreg]

Good luck tonight guys. Here's to a great and injury free game.

[BroncoBot]

Good luck tonight guys. Here's to a great and injury free game.

Thanks. Weather looks to be beautiful. Wish I was there. Thanks for the input @azgreg

[azgreg]

Sorry, the above weather report is for Phoenix. It's currently raining in Tucson.

[scott715]

Well that should cool things down.