First and foremost, Quinn, you are doing a marvelous job of giving priceless insight to Cougar Nation.  With all the catchpenny rubbish and hearsay that I’ve read on all the other sites, it’s quite refreshing to come onto your blog and read an intricate, even “doctrinal” analysis of the game from a intelligent and articulate player’s point of view.
To all you cougar fans out there, if you wish to satiate that thirst for true knowledge of the game of football, and how the Cougs play it, don’t be an ignoramus, …

After taking some time to think about Saturday’s game I was able to look at the game objectively.  While our team’s performance was adequate it left me anxious. Yet at the same time, I was encouraged by our team’s resilience and ability to limit big play opportunities and leave Colorado Springs with a win. With regards to improving each week, I think the Cougars set themselves up for a great game next week.

After thinking about the Cougar’s and Ute’s situations I am left wondering if the build-up and anticipation of Saturday’s game is diminished because of BYU loss? The Utes lived up to their end of the bargain and enter the game with an unblemished record. BYU suffered a demoralizing loss to TCU, but has since rebounded and is once again playing good football.

Here are just a few reasons why i love the BYU vs. Utah rivalry. The games have everything a fan could every want. Each game is filled with raw emotion, legal/illegal hits, good plays, bad plays, 4th down conversions and more.
The first video is from BYU’s last win at Rice Eccles and the second video is from Lavells final win against Utah, in Rice Eccles.
The first video picks up around the 2:52 point, I got chills remembering where I was when John threw that pass to Johnny. Enjoy, but don’t …

The table’s set for the biggest BYU vs. utah game in the Holy Wars history. MWC championships on the line, BCS hopes are on the line, pride, bragging rights, religion, family, legs, arms, fingers, toes, it’s all on the line. I can’t wait.

Everyone understands that this game is going to be close.
BYU’s offense moved the ball effectively throughout the first quarter and part of the second quarter. Then our offense decided to jump off-sides, hold, jump off-sides, P and I and the list goes on. We need to tighten up our offensive execution so we can keep AFA’s offense off the field.

Watching the Air Force defense is like seeing a reflection of BYU’s defense. They are very similar in scheme, size and effort. Well, our defense might have a slight size and speed advantage.
They run a 3-4 with an outside linebacker putting his hand down every once in a while. They run a lot of twist stunts up front and blitz linebackers and safeties in key situations. Their pass rush, like ours, is most efficient if the DB’s provide adequate coverage to allow the lineman time to get a sack.  Besides Jake …

A lot has been posted this week about Air Force’s offense.  BYU will need to defend a good option offense while still recognizing the play action.  Their option style has changed since freshman Tim Jefferson has taken the reins. He has the ability to stretch the field and make sound decisions with the ball despite his inexperience.
Schematically the offense takes on some different dimensions with Jefferson in the game. He isn’t the tough runner that Carney was, but he instead excels when he is in open space or on the …

This is probably the funniest thing I remember from the Air Force games. It was in 2005 when Cameron Jensen was roaming the middle at linebacker -Kelly Poppinga did something similar, but I remember it more distinctively from 05′-06′.

Without looking into contracts or incentives -or anything like that. I would like to hear what everyone is thinking about our coaching staff sticking around for future seasons. I am not saying that I think anyone is leaving, but with the success the program’s had in the past few years, I can imagine there are a few programs that are in need to some quality coaches.

Stewart Mandel give a concise breakdown of why he believes the Utes are over rated. So before everyone bows to the almighty Utah radio gods, please read this story.
Will dramatics be enough to keep the Utes winning streak alive? You make the call, and next week we’ll look at why BYU can win.
“Don’t give undefeated Utah too much credit.”

The Air Force practice week is unique to say the least. Each day the game draws closer the Coaches work harder and harder to insure every player is keeping their eyes in the right spots and performing their individual assignments.
Scout team players tend to pick-up the tempo as they sense the Coaching staffs urgency throughout the week. Gone are the Wednesday’s with little contact and less running. Helmet practices turn into

“Hey there, Cougar Nation! I am glad that I am able to share a few words and memories with all of you. Quinn has done such a great job on the site and I believe that the insider perspective that he shares in most of his posts, are distinctly unique and most likely very much appreciated among all cougar fans. I know for myself, simply reading and reminiscing about some of the moments that have been written about really take me back.
Well a little about myself since, BYU. After the …

Our defense is probably approaching this game with some mixed feelings. On one hand BYU has won nine games this season and extended their home winning streak to 18 games. On the other hand BYU has shown considerable weaknesses in five of those nine wins.
BYU fans are left to question what team will show up in Colorado Springs on Saturday? Will the team that pummeled UCLA and Wyoming show up or will the team from the TCU and Washington -both road games-

After a defense has successfully defended the veer option and kept their feet against a cut block. The defense next has to respect the Falcons ability when running play action passes. Air Force’s play action is unique because everything looks exactly the same -except for the uncovered linemen.
The running back’s action, the quarterback’s action and the cover lineman’s movements -linemen with a defender in front of them- all do what they would normally do on a run play. On a run play the uncovered linemen have to shoot outward in …