The Brigham Young Cougars will face the Boise State Broncos Friday
night. It is one of the most anticipated games of the season. As such,
there are some great story lines to follow.
1. The Cody Vaz Complex.
Boise State quarterback Grant Hedrick will make his first career start this week. He is filling in for the injured Joe Southwick. Hedrick is a redshirt junior. Hedrick's situation immediately conjures up memories of Cody Vaz. Vaz was the Oregon State quarterback who made his first career start against the Cougars a year ago and torched BYU for 332 passing yards, three touchdowns, and completed 62.5 percent of his passes. BYU lost the game 42-24. It was the only game BYU lost by more than six points last year.
Will Hedrick be the second coming of Vaz, or has the Cougar defense gotten over its complex of back up quarterback success?
2. Primed for a letdown?
Is BYU primed for a letdown? The win at Houston last week was taxing physically and emotionally. Will the short week be enough time for the Cougars to recover and be ready for the Broncos? Additionally, the last four games BYU has been on a pretty good high. This is especially true for the offense, which was inconsistent during the first three games. Has the offense really figured things out, or is it just a matter of time until they come crashing down? Boise State has been a high caliber team for years, and could be just the team to reverse the trend.
3. The one that got away.
For BYU, Boise State has been the one that got away for the last decade. We all still remember the 7-6 loss last year in Boise, but there was another one point heart breaker for BYU in this series. That was back in 2004. BYU had a chance to win in the final minute, but Boise State blocked the field goal attempt and went away 28-27 winners. Cougar fans have been anxiously waiting since then for a win over the Broncos. Will that win come this year, or will this be another heart breaker?
4. Turnovers.
This is a big game for BYU. Ever since 2008, turnovers have been a recurring theme in big games for BYU. When BYU turns the ball over a lot, they lose. This was especially the case last year as Boise State's only points came on an interception returned for a touchdown. Can BYU keep the ball secure, and will that help deliver a win?
5. Enter Cougar lore, or join the wall of shame?
If BYU wins, there will be a player or two that adds his name to Cougar lore as the star(s) that delivered the schools first win over Boise State. Lose and someone will be the goat that joins the wall of shame for letting the Broncos continue to parade as the best college football program in the Rockies--something BYU once was and needs to become again.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
1. The Cody Vaz Complex.
Boise State quarterback Grant Hedrick will make his first career start this week. He is filling in for the injured Joe Southwick. Hedrick is a redshirt junior. Hedrick's situation immediately conjures up memories of Cody Vaz. Vaz was the Oregon State quarterback who made his first career start against the Cougars a year ago and torched BYU for 332 passing yards, three touchdowns, and completed 62.5 percent of his passes. BYU lost the game 42-24. It was the only game BYU lost by more than six points last year.
Will Hedrick be the second coming of Vaz, or has the Cougar defense gotten over its complex of back up quarterback success?
2. Primed for a letdown?
Is BYU primed for a letdown? The win at Houston last week was taxing physically and emotionally. Will the short week be enough time for the Cougars to recover and be ready for the Broncos? Additionally, the last four games BYU has been on a pretty good high. This is especially true for the offense, which was inconsistent during the first three games. Has the offense really figured things out, or is it just a matter of time until they come crashing down? Boise State has been a high caliber team for years, and could be just the team to reverse the trend.
3. The one that got away.
For BYU, Boise State has been the one that got away for the last decade. We all still remember the 7-6 loss last year in Boise, but there was another one point heart breaker for BYU in this series. That was back in 2004. BYU had a chance to win in the final minute, but Boise State blocked the field goal attempt and went away 28-27 winners. Cougar fans have been anxiously waiting since then for a win over the Broncos. Will that win come this year, or will this be another heart breaker?
4. Turnovers.
This is a big game for BYU. Ever since 2008, turnovers have been a recurring theme in big games for BYU. When BYU turns the ball over a lot, they lose. This was especially the case last year as Boise State's only points came on an interception returned for a touchdown. Can BYU keep the ball secure, and will that help deliver a win?
5. Enter Cougar lore, or join the wall of shame?
If BYU wins, there will be a player or two that adds his name to Cougar lore as the star(s) that delivered the schools first win over Boise State. Lose and someone will be the goat that joins the wall of shame for letting the Broncos continue to parade as the best college football program in the Rockies--something BYU once was and needs to become again.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
Comments
Post a Comment