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Dick Harmon: BYU football: Can BYU throw vs. Air Force?
51 comments | Read story
Yes | 10:10 p.m. Nov. 20, 2009
BYU can throw...interceptions vs Air Force.
AFA 28
BYU 21
CBT | 10:12 p.m. Nov. 20, 2009
Perhaps the fact Max struggles with good passing defenses is because the scheme
employed by BYU in those games has been easy to stop? Max has his faults, and
they are well known. But I think the coaching staff has not helped him with a
great game plan in many of those tough games.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 10:33 p.m. Nov. 20, 2009
Pound the rock with the combo of Unga, Tonga, Karriya and JJ. Once their
safeties start cheating up, then hit them with some play action passes to
Jacobsen and Pitta.
Digbads | 10:47 p.m. Nov. 20, 2009
Perhaps the reason Max struggles against good pass defenses is because he is a
quarterback and tries to throw passes---against a good defense.
I suspect that running backs similarly "struggle" against good rushing defenses as well.
I suspect that running backs similarly "struggle" against good rushing defenses as well.
Hard fought game | 10:59 p.m. Nov. 20, 2009
AFA 31, BYU 6. It won't ever be close, but the Cougars will fight hard and
say something like "We beat ourselves."
No worries | 11:42 p.m. Nov. 20, 2009
Air Force's game plan is to take Max Hall and the pass game out of the
equation. That was UNLV's game plan 2 years ago and Harvey Unga had the
best game of his career. I like BYU's chances because of it. Air Force
doesn't seem to be acknowledging BYU's running game or BYU's run
defense. This bodes well for the Cougars.
BYU's rush defense is pretty strong, even better than it was last year. All our guys have to do is stay in gaps and contain the option and Air Force won't have a pass game significant enough to do a whole lot. Even Brandon Howard picked off an Air Force pass on the road last year. Guys like Bradley and Logan will contain the pass game fine, and Andrew Rich and Scott Johnson will do fantastic with run support
On offense, run the ball. If their plan is to stay spread out, Kariya and DiLuigi will have to play great games but we can establish the run with those two backs. The pass game will open up we just have to stay on the ground for a while.
BYU's rush defense is pretty strong, even better than it was last year. All our guys have to do is stay in gaps and contain the option and Air Force won't have a pass game significant enough to do a whole lot. Even Brandon Howard picked off an Air Force pass on the road last year. Guys like Bradley and Logan will contain the pass game fine, and Andrew Rich and Scott Johnson will do fantastic with run support
On offense, run the ball. If their plan is to stay spread out, Kariya and DiLuigi will have to play great games but we can establish the run with those two backs. The pass game will open up we just have to stay on the ground for a while.
BYU will lose | 12:01 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
BYU will lose another one at home ..AF 35 BYU 28. BYU is a lousy team that
doesn't adjust to anything the opposing team does (as with FSU and TCU) so
Air Force will pull this one out leading the entire game. This loss will set up
the final blow out loss to Utah in a week. BYU is a terrible team and terrible
program.
Who cares? | 12:12 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
I stopped watching BYU after the second home blow out so ...who cares if they
win or lose? BYU is sooooo overrated and and with 4 home losses this year people
will finally understand that.
Another home blow out loss | 12:14 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Air Force 35
BYU 21
BYU 21
Silly Trolls | 12:21 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
For being a terrible program, Bronco still has one more win than Kyle...go
figure.
To BYU will lose... | 1:01 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
...who would listen to or care about a comment like yours??? Your entire
comment is a giveaway, especially your last sentence. Go out and rake the lawn
like your wife has told you.
montanacutter | 5:15 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Here is another game that Max (where is the ball Hall) will not be effective. He
should throw several picks and lose the ball at least twice. Max (where is the
ball Hall) may be one the top QB's at BYU ever but he still can not win the
big game. I hate to say it but BYU will lose this one. No BCS game or Conference
championship this year for BYU and Max had a lot to do with that. At least next
year Max will be down the road.
Cougs v. flyboys | 5:33 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Utah struggled to pull out a win against Wyo. BYU rolled. Utes struggled against
AFA. BYU will roll.
Moss_in_Wash | 6:20 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
RE Silly Trolls. Great comment. Beat AF and if BYU beats Utah, Bronco will be
3-1 against Kyle. Wow! Too bad Utah is so lousy against BYU.
Get a life | 6:57 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
I wish all those BYU haters from the University of Utah would get a life, grow
up and stop bashing BYU. I thought only adults attended college not children as
most of you act like. I graduated from the "U" and watch BYU sports
as well and root for the best team regardless.
We all live in Utah and should support all Utah sports regardless, that is true sportmanship, TRY applying it in your life.
At times I am embarrassed to be called Utah Fan.
GET A LIFE!
We all live in Utah and should support all Utah sports regardless, that is true sportmanship, TRY applying it in your life.
At times I am embarrassed to be called Utah Fan.
GET A LIFE!
Re:To BYU will lose... | 1:01 a. | 7:13 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
You cared about his comments enough to post at 1:01 AM when most normal people either sleeps or has...
So who is sillier? You or him?
Of course!!! | 7:42 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
BYU will be able to throw on Air Force.
Max will become the winningest QB in BYU history today with another 300+ yard, 2 or 3 TDs passing day.
Air Force is a good team, but BYU always seems to play well against the Falcons and today will be no exception.
It's going to be a fun day at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Max will become the winningest QB in BYU history today with another 300+ yard, 2 or 3 TDs passing day.
Air Force is a good team, but BYU always seems to play well against the Falcons and today will be no exception.
It's going to be a fun day at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Establish the run... | 7:50 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
give that Layton back the football and let him go to work. Then change the pace
with Di Luigi. When AF starts to cheat up to stop the run, hit Jacobsen on the
fly pattern and Chambers and Ashworth on a deep out or Pitta and Georg3e over
the middle.
I would not want to be the AF defensive coordinator today. He has a near impossible task. The Coug's should continue their dominance of the Falcons today.
I would not want to be the AF defensive coordinator today. He has a near impossible task. The Coug's should continue their dominance of the Falcons today.
Too Much | 7:58 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Dick,
Enough of the statistics. I suppose its an easy way to fill space. The bottom line is if BYU has a balanced offense they should be fine. If they get too dependent on either passing (most likely) or running at the expense of the other it will be close. I suspect that they will try to pass first, pass second, and perhaps run. It doesn't make sense to me but what do I know, you are the expert! Mendenhall just doesn't seem to make adjustments that reflect weakensses in his opponent. He is a creature of habit. It's time to shake things up a little. Even though he claims it's not important, Hall is aware of individual records and wants to have his name associated with some, but get the win first.
Enough of the statistics. I suppose its an easy way to fill space. The bottom line is if BYU has a balanced offense they should be fine. If they get too dependent on either passing (most likely) or running at the expense of the other it will be close. I suspect that they will try to pass first, pass second, and perhaps run. It doesn't make sense to me but what do I know, you are the expert! Mendenhall just doesn't seem to make adjustments that reflect weakensses in his opponent. He is a creature of habit. It's time to shake things up a little. Even though he claims it's not important, Hall is aware of individual records and wants to have his name associated with some, but get the win first.
A Realist | 8:00 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Definitely not a BYU hater here, like the previous commenters. I think they
have a slightly better team than Utah this year.
That said, I think this game is set up nicely for Air Force and I wouldn't be surprised if the Cougs lost. Unga is likely out so our run game won't be up to par. The weather is going to be bad which will favor their run-oriented option attack. Their stellar pass defense has already been mentioned. They only lost to TCU by 3 and Utah went to overtime against them. It's going to be a close one. AFA 21 BYU 17.
That said, I think this game is set up nicely for Air Force and I wouldn't be surprised if the Cougs lost. Unga is likely out so our run game won't be up to par. The weather is going to be bad which will favor their run-oriented option attack. Their stellar pass defense has already been mentioned. They only lost to TCU by 3 and Utah went to overtime against them. It's going to be a close one. AFA 21 BYU 17.
Key Questions : | 8:09 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Will BYU show up, come to play, make plays, bring their A,B,C,D...or ZZZZ game?
Will the offense sputter or use some creativity, make adjustments or play with
emotion...?
Oh, by the way, which "Shifty of Encino" TV contract covers this game or do we get the game via pony-express?
Hard to figure out the coaches when there appears to be some talent...................
Oh, by the way, which "Shifty of Encino" TV contract covers this game or do we get the game via pony-express?
Hard to figure out the coaches when there appears to be some talent...................
To: Silly trolls | 8:11 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
You cougars are so easy to upset. You still can't be any more creative
with your come backs than Bronco has one more win than Kyle. As many have said
before, you'd give all that up to have even been invited to a BCS game.
You're insecurity about what Utah has accomplished since both Kyle and
Bronco became head coaches is fun to watch and more fun to play on. Perhaps
someday you'll be able to say you went to a BCS game but not this year, the
year that was supposed to be with a senior QB and a much improved defense and
great running backs. You have all those things yet Bronce still didn't get
you to the promised land unless you consider Las Vegas or San Diego the
location. Comparing total victories is meaningless. Compare victories over
ranked team, bowl games and national programs. Someday maybe you'll be
able to say "me too" but not this year. Get over it and get on with
your life. Perhaps commenting in the middle of the night is your life. There is
so much more out there for you if only
Magic Happens!
Magic Happens!
trueblue | 8:13 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
This game is a toss up because I don't know which BYU team will show up.
The two losses and the close games BYU has had this year have been games where
BYU has played lousy. There hasn't been a game where BYU has played tuff
lost. I will make the same prediction I did against Wyoming, if BYU shows up
and plays to their potential, this game will not even be close. If BYU plays
sloppy and lathargic they will get beat. BYU 28-17
I'm Sure Bronco | 8:20 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Will have a truckload of "postives" following another home defeat to a
team that can run the ball . How many INTs will Max throw today ??
Hi | 8:51 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Ute fans can only hope BYU struggles against AF because then they can justify
why the Utes struggled. Ute defense is overrated, TCU proved that. Ute defense
has done well against abismal offenses with AF being the highest ranked for a
Ute win. BYU defensive strength is stopping the run, however I don't like
this game much and don't like AF much. Run option offenses that require cut
blocks are dangerous to the defense. A cut block is one step away from being an
illegal one, all BYU defenders have to do is make sure to be engaged with a
defender to minimize the cut blocks. Stay in gaps and don't over persue.
Assignment football.
Bob in line | 8:56 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
It is disappointing that BYU lost to FSU and TCU but the comments are totally
unwarranted. BYU has a terrible team and program? There is no reallity to that
statement at all. True, BYU is not 10-0 and ranked number one in the nation but
they are 8-2 and ranked twenty or so. They have a solid team and a great
program.
You want to talk about horrible team and program, sadly look at UNLV. Even New Mexico's program appears to be headed downhill with a team that is 0-10.
Disappointment is fine. It shouldn't lead to ridiculous statements that have no basis in reality.
As for today's game. BYU runs the ball well, Max makes a couple mistakes and BYU still scores 30+ points and beats Air Force by 10+ points.
Did you see the Boise St/Utah St score? Compare that to TCU versus Utah. Utah is a far superior team to Utah State, no disrespect.
Clearly Boise State is solid but very overrated. They're not a top-6 team in the nation. Based on Utah last year and the very similar road traveled by TCU this year, TCU is!
You want to talk about horrible team and program, sadly look at UNLV. Even New Mexico's program appears to be headed downhill with a team that is 0-10.
Disappointment is fine. It shouldn't lead to ridiculous statements that have no basis in reality.
As for today's game. BYU runs the ball well, Max makes a couple mistakes and BYU still scores 30+ points and beats Air Force by 10+ points.
Did you see the Boise St/Utah St score? Compare that to TCU versus Utah. Utah is a far superior team to Utah State, no disrespect.
Clearly Boise State is solid but very overrated. They're not a top-6 team in the nation. Based on Utah last year and the very similar road traveled by TCU this year, TCU is!
Sorry | 9:29 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
but what kind of a Utah fan would EVER support BYU? (or vice versa)Its called a
RIVALRY for a reason. We dont like them , they dont like us . A RIVALRY. Get it
.I might want BYU to win if the play the likes of Notre Dame or USC . Now those
teams I really hate.
Re: Get a life | 9:35 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
I've a full life. Have a job (thanks God), a happy family and with my wife
we're raising 2 healthy, good kids (thanks God again).
I'm a Utes fan.
Even though I am not in the state of Utah, I still follow and support Utah sports --UofU, Utah Jazz, and BYU.
And yet, I still don't like BYU.
(The word "hate" does not exist in my book)
I'm a Utes fan.
Even though I am not in the state of Utah, I still follow and support Utah sports --UofU, Utah Jazz, and BYU.
And yet, I still don't like BYU.
(The word "hate" does not exist in my book)
ID Native | 10:33 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Todays game BYU vs AFA will be a very exiciting game. Does Utah even play? I
haven't read any of the Utah articles because I am a COUGAR fan.
However, to read posts on this BYU blog about Utah and next weeks football game I think the Utes are looking ahead of their game today. Wait, thay play SDSU. The aztecs could rise up and knock and unprepared Utah team down as the Utes look beyond todays game and fail to prepare.
Go Cougars
However, to read posts on this BYU blog about Utah and next weeks football game I think the Utes are looking ahead of their game today. Wait, thay play SDSU. The aztecs could rise up and knock and unprepared Utah team down as the Utes look beyond todays game and fail to prepare.
Go Cougars
Ute and BYU fans | 11:05 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
lets talk REAL football here. Nebraska beats Texas in the Big 12 Championship
(the bottom of the big 12 could dominate the MWC sans TCU), which sets up an
Alabama vs TCU BCS Championship game and another MWC (not Utah) team lays claim
to a National Championship in Football. There you have it. Now go back to
dissing each other.
Ned | 11:06 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Canadian fan of BYU. This will be a tough game and could go either way. I
worry about the weather because they haven't had any real cold weather
games like we deal with up here. The passing game is definitely affected by
that.
Hope the Utes continue to Jaw while they can because BYU's recruiting class this year is probably the best of any in Utah college history.
Oh, and we will beat the utes this year in Provo as the beginning of another era of BYU domination.
Hope the Utes continue to Jaw while they can because BYU's recruiting class this year is probably the best of any in Utah college history.
Oh, and we will beat the utes this year in Provo as the beginning of another era of BYU domination.
Get a life | 11:16 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
To Sorry - there is nothing wrong in having a RIVALRY that is part of sports but
to go beyond and be down right dirty,nasty,vindictive and discusting just
puishes it beyond the limits of common sense and sports respect. Wish you
favorit team the best- nothing wrong but keep your nasty remarks to yourself or
as one said, "If you cannot say anything nice about someone keep your mouth
shut" You might try it, you might be a happier person.
GET A LIFE
GET A LIFE
BYU ratings soar | 11:37 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Q. Why are BYU's tv ratings so much higher than Utah's?
A. Because BYU fans watch their team and Utah fans watch their hated rival.
A2. When Utah plays, some of the Ute fans watch.
A. Because BYU fans watch their team and Utah fans watch their hated rival.
A2. When Utah plays, some of the Ute fans watch.
Hater Here | 11:46 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Predicting AFA 45 - BYU 12
Ernest T. Bass | 11:50 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Goll, byu is way better than Air Force.
Who knows ? | 12:05 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Can BYU throw vs Air Force? What a dumb question. Who knows? Of course BYU
"can" throw for 300+ against AirForce the question is ...will they?
Every week a different team seems to show up. One week we get a team that
explodes out of the box and scores at will and another week it is as if they are
running in tar wearing blinders. AirForce will have absolutely nothing to do
with BYU throwing or not ...this is completely up to what BYU team shows up to
play. BYU "can" throw on anybody but they can also stink it up against
just about anybody so usually we will know the answer after the first qtr is
over. By the way, if this is a close game Air Force wins it.
The real question isn't passing | 12:09 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
The real quuestion is not whether BYU can throw but can BYU run the ball against
the "dirty" Air Force force team? Air Force chop blocks on offense and
pulls every possible other trick in the book and everyone knows it. It ought to
be regulated but the refs let it go because it is Air Force. Shameful.
RE Ute and BYU fans | 12:53 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Nebraska ? You have to be kidding . Where did you get Alabama from ? Alabama has
to beat Florida first before any championship game, no easy task. Nebraska hasnt
been a power since mmmmmmm too long to remember.Nebraska cant beat Iowa st I
doubt the Longhorns are much worried about the ONCE GREAT cornhuskers.
Re Ned | 1:00 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Clueless on so many points. BYU will never dominate a thing as long as Bronco
"I see some positives in this 30 point loss " Mendenhall is the coach.
The man CANNOT beat a good team .I guess losing to AFA today will show that.
Bronco is one of the worst coaches in NCAA football. When has BYU EVER won a big
game while Bronco has been coach ? ONCE when they bgeat Utah a couple years back
in the "Magic Happens " game. Thats the total of wins Bronco has in
big games. Oklahoma was not it turns out a big game given the Sooners will have
SIX losses at years end . Brono the big time CHOKER
hdtom1 | 1:38 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
BYWho?
berf | 2:36 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
The score silences the critic BYU 17 AFA 0
berf | 2:40 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Ernest T Bass prove to be a prophet still BYU 17 AF 0. It seems that the trolls
should stick to something that they do well.
berf | 2:46 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
BYU 24 AFA 0 Still first half (5:15 to go). Utes are next.
NevadaCoug | 3:25 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
"Can BYU throw vs. Air Force?"
Yes. Yes, they can. Air Force has already given up 50+ more than their average to the Cougars. And that's just in the first half.
I would like to see more from the run game. But you can't argue with a heavy dose of passes to the RBs and TEs. That's really why the BYU passing game is doing so well. They don't have to rely on passes to their receivers as much as other teams with guys like George, Unga, Tonga, et al. Oh yeah, they have that Pitta guy too. He's pretty good, I guess.
Yes. Yes, they can. Air Force has already given up 50+ more than their average to the Cougars. And that's just in the first half.
I would like to see more from the run game. But you can't argue with a heavy dose of passes to the RBs and TEs. That's really why the BYU passing game is doing so well. They don't have to rely on passes to their receivers as much as other teams with guys like George, Unga, Tonga, et al. Oh yeah, they have that Pitta guy too. He's pretty good, I guess.
Golly | 3:36 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Golly Gee Whiz, Ernie Bass is a fish.
Billy Bob | 4:03 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Where are all the Ute Fans now???
Just because the Utes bairly beat Air Force doesn't mean than the cougars will have problems.
Looking forward to next weeks smack down!
Harvey run it down their throats. The Utes have never stopped you and next week will be no different.
Just because the Utes bairly beat Air Force doesn't mean than the cougars will have problems.
Looking forward to next weeks smack down!
Harvey run it down their throats. The Utes have never stopped you and next week will be no different.
berf | 4:45 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Hey UTE Fans the silence is so sweet. To the wise fish (Bass) even Hafoka can
move the ball. Your next.
BigBYUFan | 5:55 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
IN answer to Harmons question:
YES!!!!!
YES!!!!!
Anonymous | 9:19 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009
Just shows you what sports writers know about football. BYU could have passed on
every down and thrown for 500 yards against AF. Yes, the run was there, but BYU
did whatever they wanted in the passing game.
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