So after a tough loss to CSU, the Cougs get it done in the Pit. They got it done with efficient offense (26-50, 52% from the field, 21 assists, only 9 turnovers) and tough D. (The Lobos average 87 points per game, they only scored 49 at home.) Game balls go to Austin Ainge, who had 8 assists and only one turnover, chipped in 8 points, and ran the the offense really well, and Jonathan Tavernari, who was 7 for 10 with 18 points, and played tough D for a change. The announcers were saying that BYU has more wins in the Pit than any other New Mexico opponent. This was an important one to get over the mental barrier of playing on the road.

The house was packed for the game against #13 Air Force. The official attendance was 22,700, which is the official capacity of the Marriott Center. Air Force hit some shots early to open up a 10-4 lead with 13:15 remaining in the first half. Then figuring out both how to defend Air Force’s offense and work their own, the Cougs went on a 23-6 run to make it 27-16 with 3:13 left. BYU would never give the lead back, and this 10-minute stretch was really the difference in the game. We were just in the right positions at the right times to defend their offense. When the Cougs weren’t reading the passes and getting their hands in passing lanes to steal or at least mess up a pass into the post, they were blocking shots or playing great position defense to force Air Force to throw up a low percentage shot late in the shot clock. After this stretch, though the Falcons started hitting a better percentage of their 3-pointers, they never really got into an offensive rhythm all game and the back-door cut, the other staple of the Air Force/Princeton offense, was virtually non-existent. The Cougar offense was taking advantage of mismatches down low. Plaisted, who was bigger, stronger, and faster, had 22 points, and Keena Young, who is just more athletic, had 17. Some other things that helped: Despite it being a big emphasis with Air Force’s defense, we were able to get 8 fast-break points. We had 14 second-chance points to their zero. This was probably helped by my favorite stat of the game: Rebounds. Air Force 2 offensive, 18 defensive; BYU 14 offensive, 28 defensive. That’s right! The Cougs more than doubled Air Force’s boards.

It was fun to be there. The capacity crowd was loud, and mostly did a good job (except for the “Over-rated” cheer which is a subject for another time). It was a “white out” and I say the non-students sections did better than football, with about 70% white, 15% blue, and 15% Skittle action.

Next up for the Cougars: The Runnin’ Utes on Wednesday at 8 in the Huntsman Center. Though Utah has a not-so-good record this year, they can always play well at home and lost a lot of close ones. If we can a pull it off, though, putting aside how cool it would be on it’s own, we will be in good position, tied for first with Air Force and UNLV (if they win at CSU). After that, we’re at home to UNLV on Saturday at 3:30. Interesting thing to find out, The Runnin’ Rebels are ranked. They are #25 in the Coaches poll. How do we feel about downing two ranked teams in a row at home? I’m all over that like ice on Bronco’s leg hairs on the first day of Spring Practice.

A season that began with a plethora (Jefe, do you even know what a plethora is?) of question marks has quickly crystalized into a promising season where expectations have sky-rocketed in a matter of weeks. Fans will have to wait and see whether the Cougars can sustain their torrid play over the long haul, but early indications are that the Cougars will likely find themselves playing for it all in Columbus come May. Here’s why:

1. BYU is solid in the middle. BYU’s championship seasons were marked by solid, if not stellar, play from their two middle blockers. This season, Russell Holmes looks like a 1st-team All-American and newcomer Rodnei Santos has played outstanding along with his Sideshow Bob ‘do. Both hit for an incredible percentage (.509 and .523 respectively) and provide solid defense (1.58 and 1.47 blocks per game) at the net.
2. The Cougars are much improved on the back line. Each BYU team since 2001 has averaged 8.-something digs per game. This year’s squad boasts an impressive 10.0 digs per game, head and shoulders above any BYU team in the rally scoring era (hereafter RSE).
3. Hitting percentage is way up. It’s no secret that you have to hit efficiently to win, especially in rally scoring. BYU’s two RSE national championship teams hit for the highest percentages higher to this season, .370 in 2001 and .361 in 2004. No other team prior to this year hit over .340. This season? Best ever at .372.
4. BYU owns the net. It appears that the magic blocking number for BYU men’s volleyball success is 3.0 blocks per game. Our two RSE national championship teams broke through that threshold (spot on in ‘04, 3.9 in ‘01). Every other team came up short at 2.9–a seemingly miniscule difference, but it really stands out on paper. The 2007 Cougars rest comfortably above the mark at 3.4 blocks per game.

One red flag–this year’s squad is averaging the most service errors per game in the RSE of any other BYU team, 4.84. It hasn’t mattered much so far, but those errors will hurt much worse in matches against top competition and on the road. If BYU can bring that number down to under 4.5 per game, there isn’t any reason other than injuries (knock on wood… no, really) that the 2007 BYU men’s volleyball team shouldn’t earn another title banner for the rafters of the Smith Fieldhouse.

This weekend features two huge matches against UC Irvine. BYU will be ranked #1 heading into those matches, thanks to an Irvine home loss to Pepperdine. Irvine could still come into the weekend ranked #2, maintaining the 1-2 match-up that the Cougar faithful wanted. Come out this weekend and pack the Fieldhouse to the rafters!

Men’s Volleyball stats

Readers of this blog will remember my prediction that Bower would probably transfer with the talent logjam at quarterback. A story in the Salt Lake Tribune has confirmed that Bower has decided to transfer to Bakersfield College in California.

I especially like Bower’s sour grapes attitude about the situation. Max Hall will vindicate himself come spring and fall practices and Bower will look like a dufus.

Basketball and volleyball updates coming soon…

Final polls released this morning show the Cougars’ rise to #15 in the USA Today/Coaches poll and #16 in the AP poll. Congrats to the Cougars for returning the program to national prominence!

Rashaun Broadus was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of drunk driving. Today, BYU’s Athletic Department announced that he has been suspended for the rest of the season.

Broadus led all scorers in the SDSU game with 19 points on 6-11 shooting (3-5 from three-point range and 4-4 free throws). He also had 4 assists and 2 steals in 31 minutes.