Oct 26 2006
BYU’s Keys to the Game: AFA
In the tradition of avoiding predictions attributable to other disciples of Captain Obvious, here’s what I think will be the keys to BYU’s victory over Air Force:
- Get to the stadium on time: If BYU’s offense shows up, they’re going to hang 42 on AFA in the first half. OK, I’m not going to factor that in to my Pick ‘em for the week, but Air Force’s D is no match for BYU’s O. They’re not even in the same league. Well, they are, but they aren’t. You know what I mean.
- Strong play in the secondary: I’m not talking pass coverage here, people. Well, I am, but it’s a lot more than that. If AFA’s receivers have success run blocking on our corners, odds are that Air Force will be able to break some big runs. Our linebackers are awesome, but the corner’s job is to get off blocks and keep containment on the edge. I’m looking straight at you, Justin Robinson.
- Start the second half strong: much has been made of AFA’s comeback in the second half last year. This year’s a new team, so what happened last year doesn’t factor much into this one. What does factor in is that BYU has had plenty of struggles out of the gate in the third quarter this year. Home games against USU and SDSU showed that it’s been tough for these Cougars to keep the pedal to the metal. Do I think it will matter to the outcome of the game? No. But if the Cougs can put the hammer down in the third, John Beck and the other first stringers can get out of the game. Air Force has a way of inflicting injuries, and that can be minimized if BYU gets a big lead and keeps up the Mo into the third quarter. Last and probably most importantly…
- The offense must not score too quickly: BYU’s probably up a creek on this one because Air Force isn’t stopping nothin’. It will be important for the defense to get adequate rest in between series because of the grinding nature of defending the option. This, of course, becomes less of an issue if the defense can stop Air Force’s drives early and get the ball back to the offense. Odds are that at some point during the second half, BYU’s success or failure in this area will become evident.
OK, there you have it. And remember, BYU football should be a social bonding event, so get together with your chums and enjoy the game as a detachment of the Legion of the Cougar Faithful! In fact, invite a newbie over and afterwards introduce him or her to the utopia of our Triple-S world.
3 Responses to “BYU’s Keys to the Game: AFA”
Both BYU and Air Force are improved on both sides of the ball from last year. I’m really interested to see how this one pans out. I think the trend of Beck throwing only low 20s times a game bodes well as far as the “don’t score too quickly” thing. I usually scoff when people critisize us for scoring too quickly, because usually with the teams we play, it’s not too much of an issue. But with Air Force, and the kind of drives they can put together, our D is going to need a rest.
I actually think the D will be better prepared this year to keep the pressure on in the 2nd half. Last year was a wake up call for them that I’m sure they’ve been reminded of and we won’t see the same let-down again.
I agree we need to start fast in the 3rd quarter and not let down offensively. As I said in my score prediction, I don’t believe their defense will be able to stop our offense and with Vakapuna back, the triple-threat running game of BYU will be able to control the ball on offense, adding the passing game, their defense is going to be sorely tested. Offensive balance is preached by the coaches but look for BYU to put more emphasis on the run this week. That’s my view anyway.
A key to this game is avoiding injury. That will be a major key in my view. If we can come out of the game healthy, we’ll handle this one well.
Have they announced that Vakapuna will play? He had to practice on Thursday in order to be eligible to play as per team rules. I haven’t seen anything about it.