The way you will know that Bronco has faced the music

[cachevalleycougar]

I certainly wouldn't say we have NO talent at CB. They're not McCain and Smith like Utah had last year, but they're pretty good. Certainly better than most at tackling and run support, and better than decent at coverage.
Honestly, how many "big plays" have our CBs given up all year. You could count them on one hand. How many big plays has Jacobsen himself had against opposing CBs this year? Probably twice as many.

[cougsnspurs4life]

you are right about no big plays, but that is not the problem. Count up total yards on 3 or 5 yard outs, and I am sure that it is a lot. They don't press at all, and that is the problem that we have. They let the person catch the ball, and then try and tackle him within one or two yards. That to me is a mistake... I would rather test the qb's arm deep and give up a potential big play sometimes, instead of a guaranteed 5 yds every play... and let's not take the wyoming game too seriously, it is wyoming, after all.

[cachevalleycougar]

you are right about no big plays, but that is not the problem. Count up total yards on 3 or 5 yard outs, and I am sure that it is a lot. They don't press at all, and that is the problem that we have. They let the person catch the ball, and then try and tackle him within one or two yards. That to me is a mistake... I would rather test the qb's arm deep and give up a potential big play sometimes, instead of a guaranteed 5 yds every play... and let's not take the wyoming game too seriously, it is wyoming, after all.

How many teams have done that this year? Last year that was a major issue - they were consistently 7-10 yards off the ball. Not this year. They're usually up within 5 yards. Logan alone has broken up multiple passes out to the flats where we were exploited last year.
Again, how many pass plays does BYU complete on the sides 0-8 yards out every game? More than is being completed against us.
The DBs are not the weakness in our defense.

[jonnylingo]

you are right about no big plays, but that is not the problem. Count up total yards on 3 or 5 yard outs, and I am sure that it is a lot. They don't press at all, and that is the problem that we have. They let the person catch the ball, and then try and tackle him within one or two yards. That to me is a mistake... I would rather test the qb's arm deep and give up a potential big play sometimes, instead of a guaranteed 5 yds every play... and let's not take the wyoming game too seriously, it is wyoming, after all.

I wouldn't blame the dbs for that. It is the coaches who set the defensive system and scheme. Give them credit. they are playing closer this year than last year because they are better than the talent last year. Logan is one of the best pass break up cbs in the country. our cornerbacks are HARDLY this defense's problem in my opinion. It I had to point to our biggest weakness I would say its our inside linebackers.

[mcgregor]

I am wondering if you think it is the players' fault then, or that we don't have the right tools on defense. We have NO talent at CB (his former position coaching) and haven't had any since before his time. What is wrong with our defense in your eyes? Is it that he has a great vision and ability, and they are not talented or smart enough to capture that? Thanks. I am not opposing here, I am just trying to understand...

In my opinion, these are the best DB's Hill has had since he's been here, and the best BYU has had in a long, long time.

In my humble opinion, our problem right now is between the MLBers and the DL.

[cougsnspurs4life]

I agree about this being the best CB talent that we have had in 3 years. They just lack a little experience, but are getting it. I would also point at the MLB/ILB as the real problem. Our safeties are going to be good for a long time, so we are good there. Pendleton is a beast, and clawson can lay some wood. I want to go back to the question if it is the defenses inability to perform (either physically or mentally), or the DC's inability to "pass it on." I think that he has solid talent in Pendleton (I'm so glad he is out of the doghouse, and finally found a home at lb... talent that raw does not deserve to sit), talent going back to 4 deep in the safeties, decent corners, okay LB's and an okay line. That doesn't spell greatness in a 3-4. because your LBs become double important in this setting. What I have trouble with, is in a game like TCU, FSU, SDSU, and others - is when the gameplan isn't working, you have to make the adjustments necessary to throw the other team off their rhythm. I have not seen those adjustments. Is that because the players only know those defensive sets, so they can't go off of anything else (limited practice, maybe?) It is just hard to get blown out by teams that you should either beat, or come close to and not know why... Why not try and throw a dime in there for emergency situations when the 3-5 yard outside pass is killing them. I think that our backup lineman are as talented as the inside LBs are. Maybe give them some flexibility?

[northerncougar]

Mcgregor,

thanks for the insight. Has BYU really been able to take advantage of its recruiting advantage? THey've lost players to honor code, academics and prima donna issues. They have players on missions who have yet to contribute since Bronco started recruiting. Is it fair to judge the coaching staff, even though it's been 5 seasons since Bronco took over, given some of the personnel problems the team has had to endure? They are getting there, but I think the team really is 1-2 seasons away from becoming as dominate on defense as TCU and the ewetes have been the past 2 seasons. (The defenses of the 06 and 07 seasons were great, but the MWC was much weaker then than now too.)

I'm still willing to give Hill and Anae the benefit of the doubt at least 1-2 more seasons once Bronco's recruits are fully in place. Further, unless they run the table in the MWC again, the DC and OC aren't going anywhere as the offers won't be there.

And as others have mentioned on this thread, I'd love to see Ty Detmer join the staff sooner rather than later.

BTW, TCU has the largest athletic budget in the MWC, even more than BYU's.

1. I have always asserted that Bronco's evaluation must be considered on a time line much longer than other coaches. In a typical and ideal setting, a coach needs at least 5 years to pull a shipwrecked program together; fewer years if he takes over from a ship-jumping coach (eg. Whittingham taking over for Meyer--Meyer left the cupboard pretty well-stocked and with a superb framework for success).

Bronco took over a program in utter shambles, with absolutely NO pipeline. None. First, he had to prove to future recruits that he was a winner, and he had to do with a lot of walk-ons. Then once he proved himself, he could get some better recruits, but then most left on missions. Those are just getting back, but we still need to give them time to develop. Finally, Bronco is able to get an entire class of quality recruits this year. Many will go on missions. The ones that stay in the program still need development time.

Bronco is simply operating under a unique set of circumstances.

2. I think Ty would seriously consider an offer to join the staff if presented one.

3. TCU has a strong, and generally wealthy, alumni base. My best friend in high school was an all-American there, and he's given me a little insight into that school. It's a pretty campus; I only wish they could inspire more Fort Worthians to go to the games.

I am in Dallas for business this week and a local sports radio station was discussing the TCU/Utah game. They reported that the game is sold out and is standing room only. At least this game will get people there.

[cachevalleycougar]

cougsnspurs4life - which is it...."we have NO talent at CB" or this is "the best CB talent we've had in 3 years." It seems like you're trying to stir up a fire that's not really there. What's your real beef about?

[Lawboy]

I think the issue this year has been the DL's inability to consistently get pressure/penetration. They did a much better job at Wyoming and it really helped. I loved he blitzing we did Saturday. I like it when this D plays more aggressively because they look faster and play better. When they sit back and react, they do look slower. Bring the pressure and let the guys make plays.

[CAFB_04-12]

cougsnspurs4life - which is it...."we have NO talent at CB" or this is "the best CB talent we've had in 3 years." It seems like you're trying to stir up a fire that's not really there. What's your real beef about?

crickets...