We'll Lansing and We'll Shout: BYU vs. Michigan State

[Green Monstah]

FWIW, I think the poor defensive showing at Toledo had more to do with a solid team (good o-line, sharp QB, and good RBs) having two weeks to prepare for BYU. They waited for the Cougars to show their hand, and we mostly did. Then when we went into base D, they were good enough to keep the ball moving. Plus, we really missed Pau'u.

MLB play was a little better against MSU, but hopefully Pow-wow can heal up and get back on the field.

[Moliere]

FWIW, I think the poor defensive showing at Toledo had more to do with a solid team (good o-line, sharp QB, and good RBs) having two weeks to prepare for BYU. They waited for the Cougars to show their hand, and we mostly did. Then when we went into base D, they were good enough to keep the ball moving. Plus, we really missed Pau'u.

MLB play was a little better against MSU, but hopefully Pow-wow can heal up and get back on the field.

That Toledo game felt a lot like the Tulsa game from years ago. I was at that game and it was tough to watch Tulsa consistently kill our defense with over the top throws. Tulsa had a very good offense that year and they threw in a lot of wrinkles they had saved just for the BYU game. Thankfully with Toledo we came out on top.

I think the most credit should go to the Oline. The run blocking was exceptional and pass blocking was much improved and at times exceptional. Very impressive given the patchwork line we have this year.

Detmer is also clearly very good. He's not in over his head. I'm excited to see what he can do when he puts in a QB that better fits the current offensive scheme. Tanners skills clearly fit better but they are obviously going with Taysom for what I expect are good reasons.


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[Jeff Lebowski]

Jared Lloyd:

Williams was the offensive star and will garner a lot of praise. He will likely become BYU’s all-time leading rusher next week in front the home crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

But Taysom Hill’s effort against Michigan State was simply world class.

His numbers won’t get much attention, but he played with the toughness of a warrior. Twice he converted third downs when defenders had him cornered. A stiff arm here, a leap there, shrugging off a tackler – Hill may not be as explosive as he was before all the injuries but you couldn’t ask for a better leader.

Darnell Dickson:

The difference maker

Taysom Hill, Sr. QB

Jamaal Williams had a huge game, but I can't ignore what Hill did. It was one of the toughest performances by a BYU quarterback that I can remember. His numbers won’t blow anybody away – 138 passing yards, 47 rushing – but Hill directed a very, very efficient offense. The Cougars scored on a pair of 13-play drives and converted 6 of 7 third downs in the second half. And his sheer will to convert two key third downs himself was what senior quarterbacks do.

[smokymountainrain]

Somebody on CB posted that BYU has only punted once in their last 16 second half drives (3 games, IIRC). 2 INTs, 1 fumble and a punt were the non scoring drives. 11 TDs and 1 FG.

[smokymountainrain]

FWIW, I think the poor defensive showing at Toledo had more to do with a solid team (good o-line, sharp QB, and good RBs) having two weeks to prepare for BYU. They waited for the Cougars to show their hand, and we mostly did. Then when we went into base D, they were good enough to keep the ball moving. Plus, we really missed Pau'u.

MLB play was a little better against MSU, but hopefully Pow-wow can heal up and get back on the field.

but it wasn't just Toledo. WVU spread it out, threw it around and scored 28 and rang up 500 yards against BYU.

[cougjunkie]

Pulsipher sucks.

[Commando]

6) Ty Detmer is figuring this out. Playcalling was brilliant in the second half. Short passing and run game was mixed up beautifully and executed almost to perfection. Excited about the future.

That Taysom keeper for the TD was perfect. All eyes on Jamaal.

[Green Monstah]

but it wasn't just Toledo. WVU spread it out, threw it around and scored 28 and rang up 500 yards against BYU.

True, but thats what WVU does. It's understandable. Giving up 65% more points to Toledo is a bit of a head scratcher.

[Maximus]

remember toledo beat arkansas at arkansas last year. they have a good system going.

[smokymountainrain]

remember toledo beat arkansas at arkansas last year. they have a good system going.

and looking at the numbers, Toledo actually has a pretty good defense too. granted, they haven't played the toughest schedule, but they will be an interesting team to watch over the course of the season.

[Art Vandelay]

Game Report:

I had a great time in East Lansing. As has been my experience at every roadie, east of the Rockies, the fans were very welcoming and hospitable. My son, brother and nephew stayed with a friend of my bro, who is a big MSU booster. Saturday he woke up at 5:30 to start prepping for his tailgate, which he sets up at 7:00. It was great food, and lots of nice people but I honestly don't get the appeal of sitting on lawnchairs for 6 hours, when I could be home on my couch watching TV. MSU has a beautiful campus - lots of old buildings with large areas of grass and trees throughout. I didn't need to spend 12 hours on it, but nice nonetheless.

Spartan Stadium is nice. 3 BIG video screens and 74,000+. Though they were a very quiet crowd on Saturday, there just wasn't much to cheer about. I heard lots of grumbling about how bad Sparty is this year, but didn't hear any booing. I'm not sure if they spoke about it on TV, but there was a cold wind, that effected a lot of the throws and kicks. I think it was the flea-flicker where Kurtz made a double move, and Taysom overthrew him. It happened right in front of my. It wasn't a bad throw, the wind kind of caught the ball causing Kurtz to miss time his jump. The one that Moroni (or More On Knee as the PA called him) was on the opposite side of the field so couldn't tell if the wind had any effect or not. I could be wrong, but I think MSU only completed passes in the 1st and 4th qtr when they had the wind at their back. That was also the direction the only FG was attempted. The kickers were struggling in warm ups kicking into the wind. Taysom didn't throw many long balls for good reason, he had no one open. Our receivers could get very little separation.

Jamal is so much fun to watch, not just on the field but on the sideline. He was amped when Squally was breaking off runs. It was apparent how confident the O-line was feeling by the 3rd quarter. They were getting a great push, and did a fantastic job of communicating and switching blocks on passes. BYU's RBS were very impressive at picking up blitzes, Algenon stood up backers and DE's several times to give Taysom more time. Hill had a GREAT game, MSU fans around me were complimenting him, Dantonio talked about his poise and ability to pick up key 3rd downs, in his post-game radio interview. Again, I'm not sure what the view was on TV, but Taysom's ability to extend plays and make the correct decision was fun to watch live. Before the season, and especially after the first 2 games HFN had converted me to Tannerism. The last couple games I think Taysom has been the right choice.

For anyone who has never done a road trip to these traditional powerhouses, I highly recommend it. I've seen waaaaaay more losses than wins, but I've always had a great time. I wish LSU was in Death Valley next year, but Jerry World will be fun as well.

Edit: During the game my bro and I were going insane when Jamal wasn't on the field for a couple 3rd and shorts, that led to the missed 4th down attempts. I would like to see Taysom under center and sneak it, when all we need is a couple inches. Also wasn't a big fan of the play action on 4th down. Taysom's ability to buy time, and a FB I have never heard of before great catch and stretched saved Ty a little criticism (that play happened right in front of me, I was 10 rows up on the 20. Kid made a fantastic play.)

[Katy Lied]

Just checking in to see if Shaka is still doubling down, and if Lebowski's mockery is still making Shaka double down.

[Shaka]

Just checking in to see if Shaka is still doubling down, and if Lebowski's mockery is still making Shaka double down.

Deal me the right card and I'll keep doubling down.

[Omaha 680]

Game Report:

I had a great time in East Lansing. As has been my experience at every roadie, east of the Rockies, the fans were very welcoming and hospitable. My son, brother and nephew stayed with a friend of my bro, who is a big MSU booster. Saturday he woke up at 5:30 to start prepping for his tailgate, which he sets up at 7:00. It was great food, and lots of nice people but I honestly don't get the appeal of sitting on lawnchairs for 6 hours, when I could be home on my couch watching TV. MSU has a beautiful campus - lots of old buildings with large areas of grass and trees throughout. I didn't need to spend 12 hours on it, but nice nonetheless.

Spartan Stadium is nice. 3 BIG video screens and 74,000+. Though they were a very quiet crowd on Saturday, there just wasn't much to cheer about. I heard lots of grumbling about how bad Sparty is this year, but didn't hear any booing. I'm not sure if they spoke about it on TV, but there was a cold wind, that effected a lot of the throws and kicks. I think it was the flea-flicker where Kurtz made a double move, and Taysom overthrew him. It happened right in front of my. It wasn't a bad throw, the wind kind of caught the ball causing Kurtz to miss time his jump. The one that Moroni (or More On Knee as the PA called him) was on the opposite side of the field so couldn't tell if the wind had any effect or not. I could be wrong, but I think MSU only completed passes in the 1st and 4th qtr when they had the wind at their back. That was also the direction the only FG was attempted. The kickers were struggling in warm ups kicking into the wind. Taysom didn't throw many long balls for good reason, he had no one open. Our receivers could get very little separation.

Jamal is so much fun to watch, not just on the field but on the sideline. He was amped when Squally was breaking off runs. It was apparent how confident the O-line was feeling by the 3rd quarter. They were getting a great push, and did a fantastic job of communicating and switching blocks on passes. BYU's RBS were very impressive at picking up blitzes, Algenon stood up backers and DE's several times to give Taysom more time. Hill had a GREAT game, MSU fans around me were complimenting him, Dantonio talked about his poise and ability to pick up key 3rd downs, in his post-game radio interview. Again, I'm not sure what the view was on TV, but Taysom's ability to extend plays and make the correct decision was fun to watch live. Before the season, and especially after the first 2 games HFN had converted me to Tannerism. The last couple games I think Taysom has been the right choice.

For anyone who has never done a road trip to these traditional powerhouses, I highly recommend it. I've seen waaaaaay more losses than wins, but I've always had a great time. I wish LSU was in Death Valley next year, but Jerry World will be fun as well.

Edit: During the game my bro and I were going insane when Jamal wasn't on the field for a couple 3rd and shorts, that led to the missed 4th down attempts. I would like to see Taysom under center and sneak it, when all we need is a couple inches. Also wasn't a big fan of the play action on 4th down. Taysom's ability to buy time, and a FB I have never heard of before great catch and stretched saved Ty a little criticism (that play happened right in front of me, I was 10 rows up on the 20. Kid made a fantastic play.)

We play LSU in Houston next year. I'm seriously considering going to the first three games next year. Utah is a given, and it would be a shame to miss Wisconsin coming to town just a week later. I may have to work from SLC that week. What will probably prevent the trifecta is the LSU game is on my wedding anniversary.

[Art Vandelay]

We play LSU in Houston next year. I'm seriously considering going to the first three games next year. Utah is a given, and it would be a shame to miss Wisconsin coming to town just a week later. I may have to work from SLC that week. What will probably prevent the trifecta is the LSU game is on my wedding anniversary.

Houston? We're talkin' about Houston?!?! I knew it wasn't in the Rouge, so I assumed it was in Dallas. I'll still go, but I'm decidedly less excited, now.