Playing with ourselves: Cougars v Cougars...Season opener!

[kccougar]

Ok, the whining over the tailgating has got me fired up. I called and made a reservation for the Time Machine in the new RV lot for the WSU game. I'm either grilling or smoking tri-tip and I'll give the ABTs a try. Will probably also have a 42" screen playing old games since I don't have a dish for live TV. You folks are welcome to join in or just stop by. I'm going to try to set up around 4:30.

[pelagius]

What hype? I can't remember a BYU team that was hyped less.

I mentioned this at the end of last year. If you create a MOV computer model for 2011 (virtually identical to the the Sagarin predictor model) and rank the Riley led team separately from the Heaps led team, the Riley led team is ranked 25th. Based on that plus lots of returning starters on defense and the historical evidence that BYU quarterbacks see the most improvement after starting 10-12 games, but adjusting for the fact that I think Riley has a significant lower ceiling than many BYU quarterbacks I expect an end of season MOV computer model ranking of around 20.

Thus there is a good chance for a top 20 season using a MOV model benchmark. That's a very good season by BYU standards. I'm excited.

[TexTechCoug]

I'll be plugging my HP desktop into my Samsung 47" with my Comcast cable internet and watching this game from 10:15 PM EDT until the bitter end.

I am giddy like a school girl for the season to get started.

I just hope that Michael Crabtree didn't transfer to WSU with Leach.

[Shaka]

I mentioned this at the end of last year. If you create a MOV computer model for 2011 (virtually identical to the the Sagarin predictor model) and rank the Riley led team separately from the Heaps led team, the Riley led team is ranked 25th. Based on that plus lots of returning starters on defense and the historical evidence that BYU quarterbacks see the most improvement after starting 10-12 games, but adjusting for the fact that I think Riley has a significant lower ceiling than many BYU quarterbacks I expect an end of season MOV computer model ranking of around 20.

Thus there is a good chance for a top 20 season using a MOV model benchmark. That's a very good season by BYU standards. I'm excited.

I'm stoked for this season. This team has the chance to be special. However most folks seem to be taking a wait and see approach.

[Commando]

I'm stoked for this season. This team has the chance to be special. However most folks seem to be taking a wait and see approach.

I'm not. I'm quietly expecting big things, but don't have the energy to defend my thesis to others.

[TripletDaddy]

I'm definitely taking a wait and see approach. I'm not convinced we will do well on the road in our big four games.

If this year is going to be "special," it is going to require some good road wins and an undefeated home schedule.

[The_Douger]

I just found out I'm going to the game.

My sister has four tickets and her SiL is getting married that day, so they're going to have to be at the reception. I sold all my tickets this year, so I was planning on being a TV fan this year, especially with all the weeknight games and my work.

So, should be getting off early and heading down for the whiteout. Looking forward to it.

[MarkGrace]

I don't think this team will be special, but I do think they'll be good enough to give Bronco another opportunity to say "hey look everybody, I won another 10 games!"

[YOhio]

I mentioned this at the end of last year. If you create a MOV computer model for 2011 (virtually identical to the the Sagarin predictor model) and rank the Riley led team separately from the Heaps led team, the Riley led team is ranked 25th. Based on that plus lots of returning starters on defense and the historical evidence that BYU quarterbacks see the most improvement after starting 10-12 games, but adjusting for the fact that I think Riley has a significant lower ceiling than many BYU quarterbacks I expect an end of season MOV computer model ranking of around 20.

Thus there is a good chance for a top 20 season using a MOV model benchmark. That's a very good season by BYU standards. I'm excited.

Whoah! The pelagius Hype Machine is bringing it!

[TripletDaddy]

Two articles that give me, Topper, and LiveCoug some concern:

BYU secondary hope to shed the "weakness" label

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/cougars...fense.html.csp

Having grown up in Utah County before starting his college career down the road at Snow College, senior cornerback Preston Hadley knows all about BYU football, and what fans have always said is annually the program’s biggest shortcoming.

"They say it is us, the secondary," Hadley said. "People think that the secondary at BYU is always the team’s biggest weakness.

WSU going right at BYU's DBs

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsby...ugars.html.csp

Whether it is Tuel, a senior, or sophomore Connor Halliday, BYU's defensive backs will be tested mightily by the pass-happy attack,

[byu71]

This team has the chance to be special.

I agree with you. That is why if we end up 10-2 or 9-3, my attitude concerning Bronco taking us to the "next level" won't change.

[MarkGrace]

Two articles that give me, Topper, and LiveCoug some concern:

BYU secondary hope to shed the "weakness" label

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/cougars...fense.html.csp



WSU going right at BYU's DBs

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsby...ugars.html.csp

WSU also has an all-american candidate WR that's a stud. I know our defense was good last year, but I seem to recall times where we struggled against the pass.

[TripletDaddy]

WSU also has an all-american candidate WR that's a stud. I know our defense was good last year, but I seem to recall times where we struggled against the pass.

I expect to see a ton of nickel all night long.

[TripletDaddy]

Weather forecast for Game Day:

0% chance of rain
Sunny
High: 87
Low: 59

Looks to be a perfect evening for college football's opening game!

[Art Vandelay]

I think this thread would have more participation and pregame excitement (BYU-approved, of course) if it had a better title. I'm just saying...