How Do You Like Bronco Now?

[I.J. Reilly]

I'll admit to being only so-so on Bronco. If there were Bronco futures, I perhaps might have been shorting them. My criticisms of Bronco really were the standard ones; He didn't get his players up for big games, he had suspect media management capabilities, his odd priorities, and the poor defense coming from a supposedly defensive minded coach.

However, tonight has gone a long way towards me rethinking my opinion. One game does not a coach make, but I was very pleased with all aspects of this game- from the pre-game preparation to the high energy level. My favorite aspect of the game, though, was the defense. Guys staying home and sticking with their assignments, pressure coming on the quarterback, and above adequate defensive back play. And it wasn't like it was against some incapable offense; Oregon State has some pretty good firepower in the Rodgers brothers.

If this indicates a new approach to preparation, I will be really happy. They took every available practice and really seemed to get up for this game, a game in which they were not favored. Combine that with increasing recruiting abilities and a hard-to-complain-about 4 straight years of 10+ wins, and it makes me think that I should overlook some of the more idiosyncratic ways of the Bronco and buy in more.

Did this bowl win change your opinion of Bronco in any way? Have you had any recent Bronco-related burnings of the bosom? Or, are you still being bucked by this Bronco?

[FMCoug]

It's hard to argue with results. 3 11-win and 1 10-win season in 4 years is hard to complain about.

[falafel]

I am pleased (obviously) with the way the team prepared for this opponent. Even if OSU "gave up," BYU's defense sure seemed to have them figured out. Quizz was stopped behind the line several times, and James Rogers never got going at all. This, like the OU game, was an example of what great preparation can do.

On the other hand, this makes the FSU game all the more inexplicable.

Generally, I like Bronco and I'm glad he's BYU's coach. I wish he weren't such a wet noodle all of the time, but as FM said, its hard to argue with his results.

[MarkGrace]

It's hard to argue with results. 3 11-win and 1 10-win season in 4 years is hard to complain about.

Agree. The dude has gotten it done.

[Commando]

I hate to say it, but it seems like a vindication of what I've thought of Bronco. He seems to learn from his mistakes. Hopefully he can tie all those lessons together one of these years. I suspect he will and none too soon with our incoming studs to pull off some amazing seasons. We have some awesome leaders on D and some guys on O (receivers, line) who will guide the next wave of offense to glory.

[Indy Coug]

My opinion of Bronco hasn't changed at all. He has the program on solid footing on multiple fronts.

The fact that so many fans could have misgivings about a coach that has won 83% of his games over the last 4 years is more of an indictment of the fans than anything.

[myboynoah]

My opinion of Bronco hasn't changed at all. He has the program on solid footing on multiple fronts.

The fact that so many fans could have misgivings about a coach that has won 83% of his games over the last 4 years is more of an indictment of the fans than anything.

I feel the same way. What do people want? This is the best four-year run in BYU football history (record-wise).

[byu71]

I feel the same way I have for a long time. He is a very good coach. I think most of his players respect him and will play hard for him.

I think his PR is lacking, but he is paid to win football games, he does that and that is far more important than PR or anything he says.

For those of you who went, was the stadium full and does anyone know how the attendance was at the fireside?

[jay santos]

With the way we finished the season, combined with the great recruiting class which features several non-LDS, and also the way the D looked in that Oregon State game, I'm a big Bronco guy right now.

[ERCougar]

Vindicated.

I never believed that football was his 5th priority.

I never cared about his weird applications of religion (Apparently, 18 yo HS athletes don't frequent the Foyer of CUF to realize just how gauche he is).

I never cared about his media relations or his complaints about the fans.

I cared about his winning. He's done that. A lot.

[smokymountainrain]

Based on what I see of Bronco on TV, read in the paper and hear on the radio, I don't like him very much.

I like the fact that he wins a lot of football games and while I don't necessarily like his coaching style, I'm not sure there is any other TR toting member of the church right now who would do a better overall job at the BYU.

In other words, nothing has changed for me since the end of the 2007 season.

[pellegrino]

I've always liked Bronco, I've been frustrated at the staff as a whole for lack of preparation in some games or what I felt were stupid calls, but the number of times I've felt like that pales in comparison to the success they've had and the good football I've seen BYU play since Bronco became head coach.

[Surfah]

Some of his decisions drive me nuts. Sometimes I think he's too conservative. Last night kicking that FG in the wind was one of those plays where I though he should have gone for it.

But I love Bronco. Sometimes I wish he were more vocal and emotional. But I also love how his 'coachspeak' and demeanor kills most Ute fans. All he has done is win. And his record speaks loudly.

[TheBYUGuy]

Based on what I see of Bronco on TV, read in the paper and hear on the radio, I don't like him very much.

I like the fact that he wins a lot of football games and while I don't necessarily like his coaching style, I'm not sure there is any other TR toting member of the church right now who would do a better overall job at the BYU.

In other words, nothing has changed for me since the end of the 2007 season.

I like seeing Bronco excited on the sidelines. We got that at the bookends of this season, but not a lot in between. I think we can now say that when we see Bronco running around the sidelines and pumping his fist, it is a big game for him. Despite the fact that he says all games are treated the same, his body language betrays him.

I agree with Indy that Bronco has been doing great (at least very good) things over the long term and it's a reflection on the fanbase that they continue to vacillate on their feelings about the whole thing. I will never complain about a 10-win season.

[byu71]

Based on what I see of Bronco on TV, read in the paper and hear on the radio, I don't like him very much.

I like the fact that he wins a lot of football games and while I don't necessarily like his coaching style, I'm not sure there is any other TR toting member of the church right now who would do a better overall job at the BYU.

In other words, nothing has changed for me since the end of the 2007 season.

Here are changes that I am very happy about.

Making a real effort to recruit non-LDS kids.

With Heaps, Van Noy and Apo coming in, seems to be backing off of talking about wanting RM's making up the 90% of his team. These kids as of now aren't planning on missions.

Isn't talking about the Hawaii model as the model for busting the BCS.


Watch next year. I will bet the percentage of religion talk to football talk swings heavily in favor of football talk. I will bet he doesn't go off on the fans.

Bronco is a smart guy. He learns. He may be stubborn, but he learns.

Just a hunch, but I think the BYU team that busts the BCS will have close to my 30% non-RM breakdown that I preached 3 years ago and was roundly criticized for saying.