In his Monday Morning press conference, Brigham Young Cougars head coach Bronco Mendenhall reaffirmed that Riley Nelson would be the starting quarterback when he is healthy.
Mendenhall explained that Nelson would have a CT scan as early as today to evaluate his progress recovering from the rib injury he sustained in the first quarter against the Idaho Vandals on November 12. If Nelson is cleared to play by team doctors for Saturday when BYU faces Hawaii, Nelson will be the starter. Coaches are planning to prepare both Nelson and Jake Heaps to start.
Mendenhall also explained the team would work aggressively in Provo Monday through Wednesday before flying to Hawaii. Coaches and players would have the day Thursday to enjoy the island before practicing again Friday.
When asked whether being in Hawaii would be a distraction, Mendenhall acknowledged the challenge presented by playing in a vacation destination. He said his approach would be to clearly delineate between the times players should be focused on practice and the business of winning a football game and the times players could relax and have fun. Mendenhall pointed out that the maturity of the players would play a factor as well.
Mendenhall listed several reasons for BYU having interest in playing Hawaii. Recruiting, scheduling, and the strong LDS population on the island were all reasons cited by Mendenhall. He explained that giving players an opportunity to return home to play in front of family twice during their careers was a big deal. One of the scheduling strategies as an independent was to open up avenues for recruiting in different places. It was also important to have an intriguing schedule. The large contingent of LDS people in Hawaii helped create intrigue, according to Mendenhall. He recalled that many years ago, the BYU game was the only game that would fill up the stadium. Mendehall also thinks that playing Hawaii as the final game in the season helps add meaning to the game, which is important for him. He wants the final regular season game every year to have some added significance.
The ability to schedule a 13th regular season game isn’t much of an incentive for scheduling Hawaii. The coach said he was “on the fence” about scheduling 13 games in the seasons that BYU travels to Hawaii. He said 13 games were a lot, and by the time game 13 comes around you are ready to be done with the regular season. Ultimately, he said scheduling 13 games will depend on budget and other Athletic Department conditions.
Mendenhall explained that BYU would not change its preparations for Hawaii because of the recent injury to the Warriors’ starting quarterback. Looking at the film, Mendenhall said he saw that Hawaii had not changed the way it played. They ran the same pass plays, and rushed the football just as much.
Going into the regular season finale, Mendenhall still feels the team is gaining momentum and executing better. The goal is still to reach their full potential. He plans to manage the game the same as any other, regardless of the fact that nothing changes in relation to the Cougars’ bowl destination.
Asked about the growth of Brandon Doman as an offensive coordinator, Coach Mendenhall said he gauges Doman’s growth through their conversations. When they talk he senses more confidence. He has seen that Doman has progressed a lot in the day-to-day leadership in practice and preparing the offense for game day. Doman is calling much of the same plays now as he did early in the season, but his confidence and command of the offense is noticeably different.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
Mendenhall explained that Nelson would have a CT scan as early as today to evaluate his progress recovering from the rib injury he sustained in the first quarter against the Idaho Vandals on November 12. If Nelson is cleared to play by team doctors for Saturday when BYU faces Hawaii, Nelson will be the starter. Coaches are planning to prepare both Nelson and Jake Heaps to start.
Mendenhall also explained the team would work aggressively in Provo Monday through Wednesday before flying to Hawaii. Coaches and players would have the day Thursday to enjoy the island before practicing again Friday.
When asked whether being in Hawaii would be a distraction, Mendenhall acknowledged the challenge presented by playing in a vacation destination. He said his approach would be to clearly delineate between the times players should be focused on practice and the business of winning a football game and the times players could relax and have fun. Mendenhall pointed out that the maturity of the players would play a factor as well.
Mendenhall listed several reasons for BYU having interest in playing Hawaii. Recruiting, scheduling, and the strong LDS population on the island were all reasons cited by Mendenhall. He explained that giving players an opportunity to return home to play in front of family twice during their careers was a big deal. One of the scheduling strategies as an independent was to open up avenues for recruiting in different places. It was also important to have an intriguing schedule. The large contingent of LDS people in Hawaii helped create intrigue, according to Mendenhall. He recalled that many years ago, the BYU game was the only game that would fill up the stadium. Mendehall also thinks that playing Hawaii as the final game in the season helps add meaning to the game, which is important for him. He wants the final regular season game every year to have some added significance.
The ability to schedule a 13th regular season game isn’t much of an incentive for scheduling Hawaii. The coach said he was “on the fence” about scheduling 13 games in the seasons that BYU travels to Hawaii. He said 13 games were a lot, and by the time game 13 comes around you are ready to be done with the regular season. Ultimately, he said scheduling 13 games will depend on budget and other Athletic Department conditions.
Mendenhall explained that BYU would not change its preparations for Hawaii because of the recent injury to the Warriors’ starting quarterback. Looking at the film, Mendenhall said he saw that Hawaii had not changed the way it played. They ran the same pass plays, and rushed the football just as much.
Going into the regular season finale, Mendenhall still feels the team is gaining momentum and executing better. The goal is still to reach their full potential. He plans to manage the game the same as any other, regardless of the fact that nothing changes in relation to the Cougars’ bowl destination.
Asked about the growth of Brandon Doman as an offensive coordinator, Coach Mendenhall said he gauges Doman’s growth through their conversations. When they talk he senses more confidence. He has seen that Doman has progressed a lot in the day-to-day leadership in practice and preparing the offense for game day. Doman is calling much of the same plays now as he did early in the season, but his confidence and command of the offense is noticeably different.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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