Brigham Young Cougars head coach Bronco Mendenhall addressed the media this morning in his weekly news conference. Topics ranged from how the team used the bye week, to the ongoing conference realignment talks, and to the Cougars kicking game—both punting and kickoffs.
Mendenhall called the bye week “productive” saying the team used it to assess younger players, to heal, to do some quality work with ones vs. ones, and to self scout to see what had worked on offense, defense, and special teams.
One reporter asked Mendenhall how he was challenging the team when the scheduled appeared to present no challenging opponents. Mendenhall responded with a reminder that in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of college football that any team was capable of beating another on any given week. He confessed, however, that he has not been focused on the future opponents.
Mendenhall explained that his team still had room to improve, and they had three weeks to do it. It is his desire to see significant jumps in how clean BYU plays. He wants the team to build momentum towards what could be a great post season opportunity.
Nevertheless, Medenhall did say that BYU’s next opponent (Idaho on November 12, 2011) was playing hard, physical football. He pointed out that, while 2-7, the Vandals had suffered some close losses where they didn’t make one more play to win (21-20 to Virginia, and 16-14 to Hawaii).
Idaho did beat San Jose State 32-29 this past week—the only common opponent that the two teams share, at this point. Going by that result, Mendenhall suggested the game this Saturday could be similar to the BYU game against San Jose State. He called the Spartans “decent” and noted BYU “didn’t pull away” in that game.
With more conference realignment news over the weekend, Mendenhall was questioned about the difficultly of scheduling November games each year as an independent and about BYU being involved in any Big East discussions.
The coach explained that future November schedules would not be filled with teams from one conference, however, given the fluid nature of college football conferences even the games scheduled for next year might change between now and then. Regardless of the competition, BYU would be focused on playing better.
Speaking specifically to reports about Big East expansion, Mendenhall did acknowledge that “there is a push, and there are conversations that are in place, for the Big East to convince, or to have, BYU join that conference.” As far as a resolve to the situation, Mendenhall said, “I’ve been informed along the way, and at some point there will be a decision on what our intentions will be. I don’t know how fast, nor do I think the time frame is relevant at this point.”
Mendenhall continued to be consistent in stating BCS access as his primary concern about choosing conference membership over remaining independent. He points out that the Big East would put BYU in a conference with automatic qualifying status in the BCS. As with all AQ conferences, the Big East would have to requalify for that status in two years.
The BYU kicking game (punting and kickoffs) has taken some steps backwards in recent weeks. Mendenhall explained the two punters were alternating in practice, and that the punting situation was getting more attention than all other special team units—both the deep snapping and the actual punting. As for Justin Sorensen’s shorter kickoffs, Mendenhall said Sorensen has complained about his legs feeling tired. Mendenhall suggested mission fatigue could be the reason for Sorensen’s tired legs.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
Mendenhall called the bye week “productive” saying the team used it to assess younger players, to heal, to do some quality work with ones vs. ones, and to self scout to see what had worked on offense, defense, and special teams.
One reporter asked Mendenhall how he was challenging the team when the scheduled appeared to present no challenging opponents. Mendenhall responded with a reminder that in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of college football that any team was capable of beating another on any given week. He confessed, however, that he has not been focused on the future opponents.
Mendenhall explained that his team still had room to improve, and they had three weeks to do it. It is his desire to see significant jumps in how clean BYU plays. He wants the team to build momentum towards what could be a great post season opportunity.
Nevertheless, Medenhall did say that BYU’s next opponent (Idaho on November 12, 2011) was playing hard, physical football. He pointed out that, while 2-7, the Vandals had suffered some close losses where they didn’t make one more play to win (21-20 to Virginia, and 16-14 to Hawaii).
Idaho did beat San Jose State 32-29 this past week—the only common opponent that the two teams share, at this point. Going by that result, Mendenhall suggested the game this Saturday could be similar to the BYU game against San Jose State. He called the Spartans “decent” and noted BYU “didn’t pull away” in that game.
With more conference realignment news over the weekend, Mendenhall was questioned about the difficultly of scheduling November games each year as an independent and about BYU being involved in any Big East discussions.
The coach explained that future November schedules would not be filled with teams from one conference, however, given the fluid nature of college football conferences even the games scheduled for next year might change between now and then. Regardless of the competition, BYU would be focused on playing better.
Speaking specifically to reports about Big East expansion, Mendenhall did acknowledge that “there is a push, and there are conversations that are in place, for the Big East to convince, or to have, BYU join that conference.” As far as a resolve to the situation, Mendenhall said, “I’ve been informed along the way, and at some point there will be a decision on what our intentions will be. I don’t know how fast, nor do I think the time frame is relevant at this point.”
Mendenhall continued to be consistent in stating BCS access as his primary concern about choosing conference membership over remaining independent. He points out that the Big East would put BYU in a conference with automatic qualifying status in the BCS. As with all AQ conferences, the Big East would have to requalify for that status in two years.
The BYU kicking game (punting and kickoffs) has taken some steps backwards in recent weeks. Mendenhall explained the two punters were alternating in practice, and that the punting situation was getting more attention than all other special team units—both the deep snapping and the actual punting. As for Justin Sorensen’s shorter kickoffs, Mendenhall said Sorensen has complained about his legs feeling tired. Mendenhall suggested mission fatigue could be the reason for Sorensen’s tired legs.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
Mission Fatigue?? Tired Legs?? Come on Bronco . . . those are pretty lame excuses.
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