BYU Cougars
Overall Rank: #40
#2 Independent
BYU Team Page
2010 Record: (7-6, 5-3)
2010 Bowl: New Mexico Bowl vs. UTEP (W 52-24)
Coach: Bronco Mendenhall (56-21 at BYU, 56-21 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Brandon Doman
Defensive Coordinator: Bronco Mendenhall
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: J.J. Di Lgigi, RB, 917 yards
Passing: Jake Heaps, QB, 2,316 yards
Receiving: Cody Hoffman, WR, 527 yards
Tackles: Brandon Ogletree, LB, 49
Sacks: Corby Eason, CB, 3.5
Interceptions: Jameson Frazier, LB, 2; Brandon Ogletree, LB, 2
Other Key Returnees: G Braden Brown, C Terence Brown, DT Romney Fuga, G Braden Hansen, WR McKay Jacobson, LB Austen Jorgensen, RB Bryan Kariya, TE Devin Mahina, DE Eathyn Manumaleuna, DE Matt Putnam, OT Matt Reynolds, S Travis Uale
Key Losses: WR Luke Ashworth, CB Brandon Bradley, LB Shane Hunter, CB Brian Logan, K Mitch Payne, S Andrew Rich, DE Vic So’oto, G Jason Speredon
During the 2010 campaign, BYU started off very slowly. The offense struggled mightily during the team’s first seven games and posted a 2-5 record. The Cougars won five of their last six regular season games to become bowl eligible. However, it is quite unclear whether or not the BYU team got better or if the easier schedule helped move things in a positive direction. We will find out soon.
Strengths:
The Cougars offense returns ten starters, with lineman Jason Speredon being the only departure. Quarterback Jake Heaps has a year of experience under his belt and most expect the 6-1 sophomore to have a much better season. For a freshman, Heaps performed quite well, throwing for 2,316 yards and 15 touchdowns. His nine interceptions were not bad for a freshman who threw 383 passes on the season. Heaps will have just about all of his receiving targets back. Sophomore Cody Hoffman led the way last season with 42 receptions for 527 yards and seven touchdowns. McKay Jacobson is a more seasoned target and Ross Apo could be in for a huge season after missing his true freshman campaign with a finger injury. He has done very well in the spring and should be a great slot receiver for Heaps. J.J. Di Luigi actually led the Cougars in receptions last year. The 5-9 running back is always a nice receiving option, but he is also a fine rusher. In 2010 he rushed for 917 yards and eight touchdowns. Fellow back Bryan Kariya is another seasoned veteran and will get plenty of carries. Even power back Joshua Quezada returns after rushing for five touchdowns last year. Look for Heaps to spend a little more time under center with so many quality running backs at his disposal.
Weaknesses:
The Cougars defense will always be solid with Coach Bronco Mendenhall leading the way. However, there are a lot of good players to replace. The top three tacklers are gone, including Andrew Rich and Shane Hunter, who combined to total nearly 200 tackles. The front three do return starters Eathyn Manumaleuna and Matt Putnam and add USC transfer Hebron Fangupo. Those three should be able to create more pressure on the opposing quarterback this time around. The linebackers have some more holes to fill. There are some returning players with experience, most notably Jordan Pendleton and Brandon Ogletree, but BYU will have to rely on some less experienced players. Sophomore Jameson Frazier had a promising opening campaign and will be asked to do a lot more in 2011. Uona Keveinga is a transfer from USC who could make a big splash too. The secondary will have a lot of new faces, but building around free safety Travis Uale and cornerback Corby Eason is a great place to start.
The Bottom Line:
The offense has plenty of potential with ten starters returning to a unit that played some good football late last season. If they can keep that up, BYU will be a very good team. The defense may need some time to develop, but Coach Mendenhall is a great defensive mind who will not allow the defense to stumble for too long. Yet, with BYU moving to an independent they had to scramble to schedule some games and starting out the year against Mississippi, Texas, Utah and UCF gives the team little time to adjust.
Projected Bowl: Armed Forces Bowl
2010 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 168.08 (42nd in nation, 3rd in conference)
Passing Offense: 198.38 (76, 5)
Total Offense: 366.46 (73, 5)
Scoring Offense: 26.15 (70, 5)
Rushing Defense: 138.62 (45, 3)
Pass Defense: 192.23 (23, 3)
Total Defense: 330.85 (24, 2)
Scoring Defense: 21.62 (32, 4)
Turnover Margin: .15 (47, 3)
Sacks: 1.85 (71, 4)
Sacks Allowed: 1.62 (42, 5)
Madness 2012 NFL Draft Rankings:
# 13 Matt Reynolds
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