What are the compelling storylines for this otherwise moribund game? Should we invent some to pass the time this week?
Win/Loss: There is absolutely zero drama surrounding the final outcome. It is a given that BYU will pound the Lobos into the ground, dedicating the win to and exacting some revenge for Carlee Payne in the process (you go, girl!).
In-state rivalry: Utah beat New Mexico by 42 points. That could be something. Does BYU beat New Mexico by more than 42 points? I don't think so, but it is possible, I suppose.
Attendance: How many fans show up to watch BYU's final home game? I have been really impressed by the attendance this year, esp given the general lack of compelling opponents at home and the abysmal start to the season. I am going to go out on a relatively safe limb and predict that BYU continues the tradition of solid home attendance.....60,000 fans show up.
The Curious Case of Jake Heaps: he continues his upward growth pattern this Saturday. Bronco (or Anae) showed a willingness to open it up against CSU. Jake took to the air in a big way and had a really strong outing (granted against awful competition). Look for more of the same this week against an even worse defense. Jake cuts loose again for at least 3 TD passes and zero INTs.
Defense: Minimum 2 turnovers. Again, playing against a lousy team, but the defense still has to do its job. Since Bronco took over, these guys have been playing with much more energy and efficiency. That being said, BYU will still give up a couple of passes over the middle for 25+ yards.
Bowl Eligibility: BYU locks into a spot in the New Mexico Bowl with this win. But look for Vegas Bowl reps to be not-so-secretly hoping that BYU beats Utah next weekend, thereby making BYU the logical choice if TCU goes to a BCS bowl. Utah would wind up where? New Mexico or that one in Idaho?
Win/Loss: There is absolutely zero drama surrounding the final outcome. It is a given that BYU will pound the Lobos into the ground, dedicating the win to and exacting some revenge for Carlee Payne in the process (you go, girl!).
In-state rivalry: Utah beat New Mexico by 42 points. That could be something. Does BYU beat New Mexico by more than 42 points? I don't think so, but it is possible, I suppose.
Attendance: How many fans show up to watch BYU's final home game? I have been really impressed by the attendance this year, esp given the general lack of compelling opponents at home and the abysmal start to the season. I am going to go out on a relatively safe limb and predict that BYU continues the tradition of solid home attendance.....60,000 fans show up.
The Curious Case of Jake Heaps: he continues his upward growth pattern this Saturday. Bronco (or Anae) showed a willingness to open it up against CSU. Jake took to the air in a big way and had a really strong outing (granted against awful competition). Look for more of the same this week against an even worse defense. Jake cuts loose again for at least 3 TD passes and zero INTs.
Defense: Minimum 2 turnovers. Again, playing against a lousy team, but the defense still has to do its job. Since Bronco took over, these guys have been playing with much more energy and efficiency. That being said, BYU will still give up a couple of passes over the middle for 25+ yards.
Bowl Eligibility: BYU locks into a spot in the New Mexico Bowl with this win. But look for Vegas Bowl reps to be not-so-secretly hoping that BYU beats Utah next weekend, thereby making BYU the logical choice if TCU goes to a BCS bowl. Utah would wind up where? New Mexico or that one in Idaho?
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