Report on the BYU/Boise State game.

Boise State 7 BYU 6

This is a bit longer than my usual posts.

Well, it was free turnovers again.  But this time, the BYU defense was awesome...well both defenses played very well.  Boise State was held without an offensive touchdown and late in the game, Boise only had 7-0 lead.  BYU was finally able to put together a touchdown drive with Freshman QB, and Idaho native, Taysom Hill.  But Bronco Mendenhall decided to go for the win instead of kicking the extra point and playing for overtime and the conversion failed.

For the record, however, Boise State had chances to put the Cougars away, but instead of kicking a field goal, went for the first down.  BSU failed every 4th-down conversion they tried.  A 10-0 lead in this game would have ended it in the third quarter.  The only time the BSU offense played to win was when they were killing the clock late in the game.  BYU, even though they are 2-2 has done something that mighty Boise State has not...score an offensive touchdown in every game.  BSU's offense has been shut out twice this season...that does not bode well as there are some capable teams remaining on BSU's schedule.  It is not characteristic for a BSU team to be 84th in the nation in scoring offense and that spells trouble against teams like Fresno State and San Diego State who have a better offense than BYU.

Fans of both teams have plenty to be upset about.  My feelings about Bronco Mendenhall have not changed.  His record against top-25 opponents is worse that Gary Crowton's was, and in the independence era, that does not bode well.  With the way the the defense has been playing and the obvious lack of confidence that Chris Peterson has in his field goal unit, why not play for overtime?  As for myself, I am simply pleased, the way things have been going, that BYU got on the scoreboard.  Taysom Hill seemed to grow up as the game went on.  I know BYU does not want another quarterback controversy, but they should consider putting in Hill for the balance of the season now that they only need 4 more wins to make the Poinsettia Bowl and there are no longer any chances to improve that fate.  Then they will not start 2013 with such an inexperienced quarterback.

Both BYU and Boise State fans should be pleased about their respective defenses.  I think that BYU may actually have a chance to win every game, thanks to the defense.  Same for Boise State.  But is the offense capable of scoring enough points?  As for the BYU offense, it's time for Bronco to make a change.  Robin Pflugrad, former Montana coach is available and is a pretty good offensive coach. (He is someone I know who is still currently unemployed.)  I, personally have lost confidence in Brandon Doman.  And I am not alone in that regard.

BYU MVP: Change to LB Ziggy Ansah
Boise State MVP: NT Mike Atkinson