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Sep 2011 Issue
By Scott Martineau
The college football landscape has changed mightily over the past year. Conference realignments have taken place all over the nation. BYU, however, chose to set their own course by announcing independence and signing a lucrative TV deal with ESPN. This year, 10 BYU games are scheduled to be on an ESPN family network. BYU is coming off a relatively disappointing 7-6 season, but finished the year strong by winning five out of its last six games, including a 52-24 demolition of UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl.
Quarterbacks
It’s “go” time for Jake Heaps. The highly touted QB appears to be poised for a breakout sophomore season, continuing the momentum he established towards the end of last year. After splitting time at the beginning of the season last year with Riley Nelson, Heaps now has the green light.
Running Backs and Wide Receivers
Ever since the departure of Harvey Unga, the Cougars have relied on a trio of running backs to get the job done. Joshua Quezada should be the featured back while JJ DiLuigi will be a threat both running and catching the football along with Brian Kariya. The wide receiving corps may be the most athletic and tall group ever fielded at BYU. Cody Hoffman (6’4”) and Texas transfer Ross Apo (6’3”) have the length and athleticism to make big plays down the field.
Defense
Since Bronco took the reins as defensive coordinator, that side of the ball has become stingier. The highlight of the defense is by far their linebacking corps. They return a talented trio including Jordan Pendelton, Kyle Van Noy and Brandon Ogletree. They added USC transfer Uona Kaveinga, who looks like he will have an immediate impact.
Bottom Line
The schedule is tough early with road games against Ole Miss and Texas, followed up with a home game against long-time rival Utah. If BYU can get through their first four games with success, it will set them up nicely for the remainder of their games. My prediction for this year is 9-3 and an Armed Forces Bowl appearance. BYU has declared independence. Tune into ESPN to see how it develops.
UNLV ranked 3rd worst in college football in offense and 116th in total defense for the 2010 season, which means they have nowhere to go but up, right? After finishing 2-11 last season, Bobby Hauck has many Las Vegas fans watching for him to turn things around for a program that hasn’t come up with a winning season since 2000.
Quarterbacks
They have new and inexperienced passers. The Rebels played musical chairs last year, starting out with Mike Clausen and ending up going to veteran Omar Clayton, a runner with play-making ability, but he encountered very little time to throw. Clayton and Clausen are gone.
Caleb Herring is a sophomore, who coach Hauck is high on, who has exhibited the winning attitude that the coaching staff has been seeking. There will be competition in fall camp provided by JUCO transfer Sean Reilly.
Running Backs and Wide Receivers
The best offensive player on UNLV is Sophomore Tim Cornett. UNLV would be well advised to utilize his services early and often to take pressure off the quarterbacks and allow them time to develop and gain confidence as the season progresses. Philip Payne is the star of the receiving corps and looks like he will have a very solid senior season. Michael Johnson will compliment him on the other side of the ball.
Defense
Remember this name: Princeton Jackson. This 6-foot, 240 pound linebacker out of Blinn College was the star of the defense that won the JUCO national title in 2009. He has the mobility and athletic gifts to be the team’s leading tackler.
Bottom Line
The program needs to show improvement from its 2-11 season last year. It needs more energy, focus and excitement. Can Hauck get the right combination of offensive linemen to provide time for the quarterbacks and blast holes for Tim Cornett? Also, Hauck must find a quarterback who is confident early, can move the chains and set the tone for what can possibly be a five to seven win season.
Stay Tuned.
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