When the Brigham Young Cougars (2-2) play the Hawaii
Warriors (1-2) tonight, it will mark the fourth time that Norm Chow has
returned to Provo since he left the BYU coaching staff following the 1999
season. The three previous times, Chow has been an assistant coach. This time
he is the head coach.
Chow has had mixed results against his former employer. In
2004, he was the offensive coordinator for the no. 1 ranked USC Trojans. They
handed BYU a 42-10 loss. Four years later, Chow was back as the offensive
coordinator for the Trojans’ cross-town rival UCLA. This time BYU came out on
top 59-0. Last year, Chow was the offensive coordinator for BYU’s rival, and
his alma mater, Utah. Chow and the Utes were the ones leaving with a big win
this time.
If the pattern from the first three visits by Chow
continues, then BYU is due to deliver a big beatdown. If that is the case, it
would be the Warriors’ third ugly loss this season. Hawaii lost to then-no. 1
ranked USC 49-10 in the season opener. Just last Saturday, the Nevada Wolf Pack
ran all over the Warriors for a 69-24 win.
The Hawaii offense is struggling just as much as its
defense. Although Hawaii scored a 54-2 win over Lamar September 15, the offense
only gained 369 yards of total offense. On the season, Hawaii is ranked 99th nationally with 197.3 passing yards per game, and 89th with 139.7
yards per game. The per rush and reception averages are very below acceptable
at 3.7 and 9.7 yards, respectively.
Part of the reason the Hawaii offense has struggled is the
absence of top wide receiver Billy Ray Stutzmann. Stutzmann had 910 yards
receiving in 2011, but left game one with a hand injury. However, he is expected
to return to the lineup against BYU.
BYU has offensive issues of its own to try and fix. The
offensive line has not played well this season. As a result, the run game has
not been satisfactory. With starting quarterback Riley Nelson nursing an ailing
back, the offense has struggled the last two games. Nelson will probably miss
the Hawaii game, and true freshman Taysom Hill will take the reins. Hill has
some nice skills and great potential, but he needs the help of a solid
offensive line and strong rushing attack.
The BYU defense limited Hawaii to 299 yards last year when
the two teams met. Thus far, the 2012 Cougar D is better than the 2011 version.
They should have another strong showing this week, unless Chow has some tricks
up his sleeve.
The key to the game for BYU will be to put Hill in
situations where he can be successful. In other words, good game management.
Solid protection from the offensive line and a good run game will take a lot of
pressure off of Hill. He can have a good day throwing the ball as long as he
isn’t bearing the entire burden of moving the ball and scoring points.
All-time series: BYU leads 20-8
Last: BYU won 41-20 (2011)
Streak: BYU won 2
KICKOFF: 6:00 PM (Mountain Time)
TV: ESPN, watchESPN.com
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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