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| BYU QB Joe Critchlow (Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo) |
With UMass' victory over the BYU Cougars now official, it is time to go back and answer the five pre-game questions.
1. Which BYU senior will shine the brightest?
Punter Jonny Linehan jumped out to the early lead with two punts in the first half inside the 10-yard line. A third should have been downed inside the five, but the BYU cover man dropped the ball after it landed in his arms. The ball then rolled into the end zone for a touch back.
Wide receiver Jonah Trinnaman made a case late with a game-changing 40-yard catch.
The brightest senior, however, was one of the biggest. Defensive lineman Kesni Tausinga consistently made plays all game long. He tied for the team high in tackles (6), and was one tackle shy of tying his career high. He had a tackle for loss and a pass break up.
2. Did Joe Critchlow have beginner's luck, or will he play better than or equal to last week?
Clearly, it was beginner's luck. BYUtv commentators Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler repeatedly explained UMass was playing much more aggressive defense than UNLV did a week ago. Critchlow was sacked seven times.
Howeverb it was more than that. Critchlow's accuracy was off from the beginning. Also, there were several deep balls that were almost completed today, whereas last week the close catches, like Hifo's touchdown, were completed. Critchlow had zero turnovers last week, but threw four interceptions today. He also fumbled once, but BYU recovered.
3. What will Squally Canada do for an encore?
Canada got off to a good start. He had eight carries for 44 yards in the first half before getting a rest with five minutes left in the first half. Canada had just three carries in the second half as UMass built a two score lead, and BYU had to play catch up.
4. Who will leave with the distinction of being the worst FBS Independent?
That prize, clearly, goes to BYU, and why shouldn't it? In a year that BYU is the worst it has been in decades, why shouldn't the season be smeared further with such a label as worst FBS independent?
5. Who is more battle tested?
UMass was more battle tested than BYU. It probably had to do more with overall experience than this year's strength of schedule.
Senior QB and TE for UMass vs. freshman QB and TE for BYU. Head coach in his 10th season at UMass. Kalani Sitake is in year two at BYU. The list could go on from there.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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