BYU- AFA

[Art Vandelay]

I realize BYU is playing the Cadets on 9/11, and they won their opening game by 154 points (though still didn't' cover the spread interesting enough) but was shocked to see AFA initially opened up as a 2.5 point favorite. The wise guys must have jumped on that instantly because the line has already swung to AFA being a 1 to 1.5 dog. I have never wagered on a game, but if I was to I would feel very confident placing a substantial sum of money on the boys in royal blue from Provo.

[Hot Lunch]

I realize BYU is playing the Cadets on 9/11, and they won their opening game by 154 points (though still didn't' cover the spread interesting enough) but was shocked to see AFA initially opened up as a 2.5 point favorite. The wise guys must have jumped on that instantly because the line has already swung to AFA being a 1 to 1.5 dog. I have never wagered on a game, but if I was to I would feel very confident placing a substantial sum of money on the boys in royal blue from Provo.

Air Force might be without their best corner this week.

[WashingtonCoug]

Air Force might be without their best corner this week.

And even if he plays this week, will he be at full strength? It's going to be tough to make the proper cuts on a bum ankle.

[Goatnapper'96]

And even if he plays this week, will he be at full strength? It's going to be tough to make the proper cuts on a bum ankle.

Hurt his neck and was removed on a stretcher. If he were a West Point cadet, instead of one from the Army Air Corps, he would have spit blood and got back up and continued to play and liked it! He would have demonstrated the spirit that motivated the embattled farmers who fired the shots heard round the world, but alas he needs some time to recuperate in air force "dormitories" and whatnot.

Pussies!

[jay santos]

What does AFA have back in the way of returning starters? AFA never worries me, but they do this year. I wish this young team had a few more games under their belts before this game.

[Goatnapper'96]

What does AFA have back in the way of returning starters? AFA never worries me, but they do this year. I wish this young team had a few more games under their belts before this game.

Most of their offensive skill players and about half of their defense. If BYU hurts itself with turnovers and poor execution it could lose. If AFA hurts itself, BYU will get up fast and the game will be similar to the past few years. I think BYU pulls away to a 14-17 point victory. I think BYU's defense is going to put the clamps on AF in a big way. AF is returning its entire OL and I think BYU is going to dominate the LOS and I think BYU's athletic OLB and Rich are going to sniff out the option.

[TheBYUGuy]

I've been worried about this game since the MWC scheduled it, but after Saturday I feel much better. Obviously the key to beating Air Force is stopping the option, and with such a young front seven, they need time to jell as a defensive unit, and trying to learn option defense in only your second game together is a tall task.

BYU's defense showed me enough in the second half against UW to tell me they're up to the challenge. Fuga is a beast and should do a good job stopping the fullback dive provided he doesn't break an ankle or leg. The LBs, including Hunter, were almost always in the right places to stop the run. Bradley and Logan generally provide good run support, although they had a few whiffs against the Huskies. If the cadets try anything fancy through the air, Rich will lay the wood like they haven't felt before (not THAT way, sickos!).

Anae's offense has consistently put up plenty of points against the flyboys. I don't see why that would be any different this week.

I originally said that I'd be happy if BYU wins 2 out of its first 3. After Saturday, I'd be very disappointed if they don't start 2-0.

[jay santos]

I've been worried about this game since the MWC scheduled it, but after Saturday I feel much better. Obviously the key to beating Air Force is stopping the option, and with such a young front seven, they need time to jell as a defensive unit, and trying to learn option defense in only your second game together is a tall task.

BYU's defense showed me enough in the second half against UW to tell me they're up to the challenge. Fuga is a beast and should do a good job stopping the fullback dive provided he doesn't break an ankle or leg. The LBs, including Hunter, were almost always in the right places to stop the run. Bradley and Logan generally provide good run support, although they had a few whiffs against the Huskies. If the cadets try anything fancy through the air, Rich will lay the wood like they haven't felt before (not THAT way, sickos!).

Anae's offense has consistently put up plenty of points against the flyboys. I don't see why that would be any different this week.

I originally said that I'd be happy if BYU wins 2 out of its first 3. After Saturday, I'd be very disappointed if they don't start 2-0.

Hunter was in perfect position to get blocked out of the first big run Washington had. AFA will be a better run blocking team than Warsh. I'm not as big on our D, especially LB'ers as most here. I am big on our secondary though, and that is the group that will need to be ready to tackle for this game.

[Art Vandelay]

I just looked it up and BYU has won and covered (quite easily) for the last 7 years. Heck Crowton even beat them sans-Staley.

[Katy Lied]

I wish this young team had a few more games under their belts before this game.

Young but kinda disciplined, no? At least they appeared that way last Saturday.

BYU has always had AFA's number. I think it's a combination of Cougar discipline and Cougar size.

Everyone talks about the danger of AFA's brand of football which is radically different than every other team. Not so different for BYU.

But, I await with keen interest Utah vs. AFA.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Young but kinda disciplined, no? At least they appeared that way last Saturday.

BYU has always had AFA's number. I think it's a combination of Cougar discipline and Cougar size.

Everyone talks about the danger of AFA's brand of football which is radically different than every other team. Not so different for BYU.

But, I await with keen interest Utah vs. AFA.

I always scratch my head at the notion of cougar discipline. Given the fact that we often lead the league in penalties, I am wondering why this belief persists. What is it about BYU that would lead to greater discipline?

[Flystripper]

I always scratch my head at the notion of cougar discipline. Given the fact that we often lead the league in penalties, I am wondering why this belief persists. What is it about BYU that would lead to greater discipline?

BYU's LBs and safeties are assignment sound against the run....I don't think that means we are disciplined but that is why we do well against AF.

[Color Me Badd Fan]

I always scratch my head at the notion of cougar discipline. Given the fact that we often lead the league in penalties, I am wondering why this belief persists. What is it about BYU that would lead to greater discipline?

Being disciplined isn't only about being the less penalized.

I also wonder how much correlation there is between penalties and wins. I don't doubt that football refs fall into the NBA ref trap and tend to call more penalties on the leading team/call less penalties on the losing team. I certainly don't think it's as extreme as the NBA.

The ten most penalized teams in 2008 (found after quick google search):

1. Hawaii
2. TCU
3. Georgia
4. South Florida
5. Florida International
6. USC
7. Florida (tie)
7. Oklahoma (tie)
7. Florida State (tie)
10. BYU

Six teams on this list had double digit wins in 2008.

[cougjunkie]

I always scratch my head at the notion of cougar discipline. Given the fact that we often lead the league in penalties, I am wondering why this belief persists. What is it about BYU that would lead to greater discipline?

I do not even think it has to do with being disciplined it has to do with BYU playing 100% zone defense. Everyone is responsible for a gap. Stay in your gap do not bite on the play fakes and you will beat Air Force. Obviously this is easier said than done as if you are going to play this way you must be confident that you can win all of the one on one battles against the Academy. BYU does a good job of this.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Being disciplined isn't only about being the less penalized.

I also wonder how much correlation there is between penalties and wins. I don't doubt that football refs fall into the NBA ref trap and tend to call more penalties on the leading team/call less penalties on the losing team. I certainly don't think it's as extreme as the NBA.

The ten most penalized teams in 2008 (found after quick google search):

1. Hawaii
2. TCU
3. Georgia
4. South Florida
5. Florida International
6. USC
7. Florida (tie)
7. Oklahoma (tie)
7. Florida State (tie)
10. BYU

Six teams on this list had double digit wins in 2008.

Disciplined does not always equal success. The old Miami team was arguably the least disciplined team in history and they won a lot of football games. AFA is often mentioned as extremely disciplined (I would concur), but they aren't a great team.

But your stats illustrate my point. On what basis would anyone consider BYU to be disciplined? I can't think of a better indicator than penalties. Sure there are other things, but it seems to me like that would be the primary barometer.