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| Photo courtesy BYUCougars.com |
The BYU Cougars kicked off Spring football practices yesterday. That leads to Blue Cougar Football's five burning questions.
1. What will we learn about Jeff Grimes' offense?
New offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes has been non-descript when asked about the style of offense he plans to run. That's probably a good thing. He needs to find out what skills and abilities his players have, and work around them. Otherwise, he could be looking for another job next year. Another 4-9 season and this entire coaching staff could be out of jobs.
Spring practice is the first time Grimes is able to get a good look at his players. He will need to assess their skills and decide what schemes that he knows will work best.
2. How will Ilaisa Tuiaki replace Fred Warner?
It was obvious last season, and has been reinforced during the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine, Fred Warner was a special player. That leaves defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki the challenge of replacing Warner. Not just replacing him physically, but his leadership and production as well.
3. What is the state of the quarterback position?
Quarterback was one of several positions that was a revolving door in 2017. The biggest key to making 2018 better than last year will be quarterback play.
When the season ended, there were many questions surrounding Tanner Mangum and Beau Hoge. What answers can be given at this point in time?
BYU has added three new quarterbacks: Stacey Connor, Hayden Griffitts, and Zach Wilson. How ready are they to make the jump from high school to college?
Joe Critchlow, who started three games last year, and Kody Wilstead are still on the roster as well. How will they factor into the mix?
4. Will special emphasis be given to special teams?
Special teams were anything but special last year. Punter Jonny Linehan was the most consistent performer, but he has now graduated. Punt and kickoff returns were terrible. Placekicking has struggled for years. Are their any signs of hope, or will it have to wait for the arrival of Skyler Southam in the fall?
5. Will there be a hangover from 4-9?
Even with the premature end to the 2017 season (i.e. no bowl), it feels like the Hawai'i finale was yesterday. Have the players been able to put the disappointment of 4-9 in the right place so they can make 2018 better, or is it weighing them down?
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
1) The more important question is what will Grimes learn about his offense.
ReplyDelete2) He can't. His best cover up will be (if he can manage it) an improved defensive line and a completely healthy and up to speed Butch Pau'u.
3) An incredibly wide open competition that will be fun (well maybe not fun, but at least interesting) to watch.
4) Actually, specially teams were about the only units that were special last year. The punting and kickoff units were among the most effective units in the country. Of course the return units were among the worst in the country. Add in zero blocked kicks or punts and a below average place kicker and you have a thoroughly mediocre unit, just like the defense.
On a 4-9 team, mediocre units are the stars of the team.
5) No Hangover. Hangovers don't last 4 months. There may still be bad habits and attitudes carried over from last season, but that is a different story. The real question is how much the claimed "culture/emphasis change" has implemented itself into the teams practices and culture.
Those are some good thoughts. Thanks for the input.
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