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Cougar Blog:
BYU Sports
Waiting in the wings
BYU running back recruit J.J. DiLuigi had a huge game for Canyon High in Southern California. DiLuigi ran for a career-high 279 yards and scored four touchdowns last Friday to lead his team to a win. With two sophomores (Fui Vakapuna and Manase Tonga) and a freshman (Harvey Unga) on the roster, BYU's running back situation looks good for the immediate future.
Take a bow, Cougars
Thursday night's win over TCU was by far John Beck's best performance in four years as a BYU quarterback. Everything he hasn't been, he was against the Horned Frogs. Playing on bad ankles, he displayed a touch that should give BYU fans hope for the program's first conference championship since 2001. Several times he had to put the ball right over a defender rather than try to rifle something in there. And he was also a leader, showing a tremendous amount of poise. As usual, he handled the postgame press stuff with class. Another player might have been tempted to show a little attitude, but Beck was as gracious as ever. His cooperation is appreciated by all the media members. He's been a jewel to deal with all four years.
Here's to you, Mr. Robinson
Wednesday's story in the Tribune about Justin Robinson has generated a few e-mails. Looks like some folks don't think the senior cornerback is good at this job. Here's an example: "He's one of the worst corners BYU has ever had. He sucked all year last year and still sucks this year. . . . Don't sugar coat it, that's way it is. "Oh, that's right we can't criticize any African-American player at BYU football; they for some reason are always untouchable no matter how bad they do. . . . Brian Mitchell sucked as a coach too. . . . Call it like it is - or does the truth hurt like a double edged sword?" Like it or not, the truth is Justin Robinson is BYU's best cover corner.
THE REED GANG
BYU receiver Michael Reed will have his own personal rooting section in Thursday night's game against TCU. The sophomore expects to have 42 family members at the game in Forth Worth. Reed is from Baytown, Texas, which is a 3 1/2-hour drive from TCU's campus. "I'm just going to treat it like I was still in high school," said Reed, noting that most of his family came to his high school games. Reed is one of six players from Texas on BYU's roster.
Nobody loves TCU
He's only been a part of the Mountain West for 16 games, but Texas Christian coach Gary Patterson fits in well. He's already playing the "no respect" card. After TCU beat Texas Tech 10 days ago, Patterson went off about the disrespect his program gets. "People have been underselling our kids for years. All everybody wants to talk about is the Big 12," Patterson said. "I get tired of being treated like a stepchild in this state and in this town, and our kids do too." One thing's for sure, the other eight Mountain West football coaches respect TCU. Going into Thursday's game against BYU, the Horned Frogs have yet to lose a game in their new conference. Maybe Patterson won't have to worry about getting respect. Pretty soon some big-money school could make it difficult for him stay in Fort Worth.
HARDY, HAR, HAR
Two funny things happened in conjunction with BYU's beating of Utah State yesterday. On BYU's first scoring drive, Fui Vakapuna had 44 yards on four carries. The pressbox public address announcer blurted into this into the mircophone: "For you Utah graduates, Vakapuna averaged 11 yards per carry." After the game a fan disguised as a sportswriter from Idaho showed up at the press conference dressed in a BYU shirt. During his question to Jason Beck, his cellphone began to ring. This homer, who actually does work for a newspaper across the border, had BYU's fight song as the phone's ring.
Injuries Could Burt BYU
BYU had better hope the injuries aren't serious. Center Jake Kuresa (knee), safety Dustin Gabriel (shoulder) and cornerback Justin Robinson (knee) all went out during Saturday's win over USU. The Cougars will need each one for Thursday's game at Texas Christian. Kuresa's injury appeared to be most serious. He was nervous the injury would turn out to be like the one Eddie Keele suffered. Keele was lost for the season last week against Boston College. Kuresa said Keele didn't feel much pain, but X-rays showed otherwise. "You don't know what happens until you take a look inside," Kuresa said.
New to the rivalry
Even though Bronco Mendenhall was born in Utah and graduated from American Fork High, he has never been a part of the BYU-Utah State rivalry. After playing two years at Snow College, BYU's head coach left the state to pursue his playing and coaching careers. He played at Oregon State and then coached there, along with stops at Snow College, Northern Arizona, Louisiana Tech and New Mexico. He became BYU's defensive coordinator in 2003, the year after the last time the Cougars played USU. The two teams meet Saturday. "I can't expound much on the rivalry because I haven't been apart of it yet," Mendenhall said. "When you have a state with three different Division I-A programs in all different geographical regions it creates a nice spotlight for each area because they are competing area against area. There is a natural interest in the state. "For the high school players in the state, it is a good comparison for the programs and where they are. In terms of speaking to the rivalry more specifically, I will be able to do that once I have experienced it."
An Aggie is gone
News must travel slow to Provo. During Wednesday's weekly Brigham Young football luncheon, linebacker Kelly Poppinga said Utah State receiver Tony Pennyman is a potential game-breaker. Poppinga spoke from experience, having played two years with the Aggies before transferring. He also cited receiver Kevin Robinson. "Those guys are game-breakers, and when I was there they made plays," Poppinga said. "At any given time you miss a tackle on those guys, they're gone." Mark it down, Pennyman definitely will be gone. He was kicked off the team two weeks ago. Oops.
sooner sour grapes?
With all the whining that Oklahoma is doing, you'd think the Sooners were the first team that Pac-10 officials jobbed. No so. BYU got similar treatment against Arizona three weeks ago. The Cougars could make the same claim that the bad calls or no calls cost them the game. Instead, they took it in stride. The Pac-10 doesn't allow visiting non-conference teams to bring in their conference officials. Most visiting teams can have their conference refs in non-conference games. The Pac-10 ought to fall in line with the other conferences. This way, there's no hint of bias if the refs stink. Oklahoma's president was so irate about the bad calls in Saturday's loss to Oregon that he fired off a letter to the Big 12 commissioner demanding that game be blotted out from the record books. Wonder if he was that furious when the Oklahoma quarterback, who's since been booted off the team, took thousands of dollars last summer for a job he didn't do?
Go With the Other Beck
Judging by Monday's practice, it doesn't look like John Beck will be healthy enough to play quarterback this week. Beck wore a cast on his right leg after re-aggravating an ankle injury against Boston College. Big deal, the opponent is Utah State. Beck's backup, Jason Beck, is good enough to beat the Aggies. Skyline High's quarterback might be good enough to the beat the Aggies. Most likely, they'll give up more points than they score. With the TCU game set for Sept. 28, BYU's best option should be to sit John Beck. Let him get healthier for the Mountain West showdown.
once again, no one culprit
Yet again, BYU can't win the big one. It's not a coincidence anymore. Any time the Cougars absolutely have got to have it, they don't get it. Who's to blame? There is no one culprit. The problem began four years ago when they started losing under Gary Crowton, who by the way is doing a great job as Oregon's offensive coordinator. BYU hasn't been able to get out of the downward spiral. Say what you want, but John Beck hasn't been able to deliver in the clutch. Excluding the Notre Dame game, in which he got hurt and didn't finish, Beck is 1-9 in games decided by seven points or fewer. The good news is BYU should have success in conference. The talent level is better than in recent years, but apparently it's not good enough to make a national name.
BYU Basketball update
BYU men's basketball wrapped up its early recruiting two months before the signing period begins. Coach Dave Rose got committments from New York guard Jimmer Fredette and Provo forward Chris Collingsworth. Fredette is an intriguing prospect, averaging almost 30 points a game as a junior. He had a few offers from schools in his area, but maybe coaches were scared off by his 6-foot-2 size. Word is BYU will look at him as a point guard. The Cougars will have three point guards on the roster, but two of them - Rashaun Broadus and Austin Ainge - are seniors. The recruiting is done until the spring, at which time BYU may ink one or more junior college players. The plan is to use the season to further evaluate the available JC talent and also determine the needs of the program. Under Rose, BYU likely won't experience a dropoff like it did two seasons ago. The players love playing for him, and he knows how to get the most out of the talent.
Beaver is better than a Cougar?
A man named Herman thinks a Beaver is better than a Cougar. Hawaii athletic director Herman Frazier told the Honolulu Star Bulletin that playing Oregon State would do more for his football team's strength of schedule than playing BYU. Apparently, Frazier chose to schedule a home game against Oregon State rather than play BYU. "BYU wanted us to come there. I wanted a home game. That's why it didn't work," Frazier told the newspaper. BYU wanted to start a series with Hawaii, with the first game in Provo. No go, said Frazier, who wanted the Pac-10 prestige. "If we were undefeated we have Purdue and Oregon State at the end of our schedule. What helps us more in the BCS, Oregon State or BYU? Strength of schedule," Frazier said. Boo. USC or UCLA is one thing, but Oregon State? And besides, Hawaii undefeated late in the season? The sun must be strong out there. Play the Cougars.
TV complaints get rolling in
An email came the Tribune's way this week asking to investigate why the BYU-Tulsa game wasn't on BYU-TV after it was played last Saturday. The e-mailer said according to some message boards BYU President Cecil Samuelson had a handshake agreement with a cable company to allow BYU to show the game, and now BYU is up in arms and ready to punk anybody associated with television. Oh, brother. The word from BYU is they were asked not to broadcast the game as a show of good faith with the TV companies negotiating to get The Mtn. on Directv and The Dish. Under the circumstances, it makes sense. Sooner or later - and hopefully sooner to quiet all these angry fans - this thing is gonna get sorted out. If not, then anybody associated with TV had better watch out for those armed BYU administrators.
Reed Returns
Receiver Michael Reed returned to practice Monday. Reed suffered an ankle injury in Saturday's game against Tulsa.
BYU's Mendenhall takes media responsibilities seriously
Bronco Mendenhall deserves credit for taking his media responsibilities seriously. The second-year coach had a chance to blow off his weekly media luncheon this Wednesday, but he didn't. Because he needs to attend a funeral at the same time the luncheon is scheduled, Mendnehall could have sent an assistant coach in his place. But recognizing his role as the program's voice, he moved the luncheon to Tuesday. Throughout his four years at BYU, including two as the defensive coordinator, Mendenhall has had an open relationship with the press. Although he doesn't divulge everything, he answers question honestly. He also doesn't take things personally, recognizing that the media has a job to do, and sometimes asking hard questions is part of that job. In this business, his approach is refreshing.
Son of a famous player
Reed White, the son of former Arizona State and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Danny White, has made BYU's football team as a walk-on receiver. White was one of several players added to the roster after school started this week. He was a high school quarterback who also was previously on ASU's team. His first cousin, Max Hall, is redshirting this season at BYU as a scholarship quarterback. Hall also spent one season at ASU and will be a sophomore next season. Freshman Jacob Bower and Hall are the frontrunners to start next season at quarterback.
Cougs fans fired up
You gotta love the passion of BYU fans. Less than 24 hours after BYU gagged in another close loss, five emails were waiting for me. Each one was from a Coug fan, bitter over the 16-13 loss to Arizona. To sum it up, they are sick and tired about all the losing. Following is a sample: - "Once again John Beck has proven that he is not a winner. He was 0-5 last year in big must win games. Utah, Notre Dame, TCU, Cal, and B.C. Sure he beat the Wyoming’s and CSU’s of the world, but he chokes in the big games." - "Bronco is 0-5 as well and he self righteous attitude is growing a little old as well. Where did you serve your mission Bronco? Oh, I see you can only talk the talk but not walk it." - "I am sure Curtis Brown is a great guy but maybe you could tell him to shut his mouth about going undefeated and find some courage." - "While Bronco's defense made great strides last night, it seems that John Beck did not. Sure, he puts up good stats, but they guy does not win the close one. Or the big ones." - "Anae needs to get back to BYU football, not Texas Tech. Tech has great stats, but not great wins. They're always in the middle of the conf. BYU of old had great wins on great gutsy plays. I know, my father and I have had season tickets since 1964."
Big Jake Down (but out?)
BYU senior offensive lineman Jake Kuresa suffered a sprained knee in the Arizona game. Kuresa is scheduled to have an MRI on Monday. As of Sunday, he is listed as day-to-day. Trainer Kevin Morris came out of the first game in good shape. Only if the Cougars could say the same thing about their offense.
No guts, no glory, man
You think Bronco Mendenhall would have learned from last season's first game, when he chose to punt instead of going for it on fourth down in the loss to Boston College. The second-year coach did it again Saturday, failing to trust his offense to pick up 1 yard against Arizona late in the third quarter. Instead of letting Fui Vakapuna power his way into the line, Mendenhall went for a field goal at Arizona's 5-yard line. When Jason Beck couldn't come down with a high snap, the Cougars settled for no points. Go for the win. Vakapuna had his way all game. He would have picked up 1 yard.
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Jay Drew covers BYU athletics for The Tribune. You can follow him on Twitter here.
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