I got a text from Quinn asking me if I would write a little bit about 2006’s final drive. Detailing my thougts and feelings on the final drive. I think for the rest of my life whenever it is the BYU vs Utah week I will always be reminded of that game in 2006. Even as I sit here typing, I have above me on a shelf the ball I took the final knee with. I wanted the ball that Johnny caught, but I don’t know if anybody knows where …

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, …

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′.

“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 …

There is another part of Air Forces offense, which makes them unique to defend, cut blocks. It’s not that the cut blocks are vicious or dirty; it’s just that they take a certain amount of focus to defend to insure that you aren’t left lying of your back as a cadet scurries for a first down.

This may be my shortest post of the year because defending the Veer Option is not a complicated task on paper.  The AFA offense tries to out-execute their opponent by getting the defense frustrated and having players trying to do too much, or more than their responsibility.  But if you study their offense you realize that they run the veer the exact same every time.  There are no variations.  It all comes down to who will be more disciplined.

Linebackers and O Line get to know one another quite well throughout the course of a football game.  As Jake mentioned in his X’s and O’s the OL is always taking into account the position and possible responsibilities of the LBs.  Likewise, LBs are constantly reading the keys that the OL may give so that they can put themselves in the proper position to make a play and/fulfill their assignment.

Although they are all “Linebackers,” ILBs see things a little differently than OLBs do.  Let’s take a look at how an ILB approaches each play of the game.
ILB Reads – In a 3-4 the ILB reads the “Triangle.”
If the ILB is lined up over the G or in the A Gap the triangle is the G, C and near back.
If the ILB is lined up in an outside shade of the G or over the T the triangle is G, T and near back.
While the ILB tries to see the …

“I was up late last night – didn’t’ leave Applebee’s until about 11:30.  Thanks to their Direct TV sports package, that has become my hotspot every week for the last few months.  Drum roll please….they actually have the Mtn. network!!!! I know, it takes a second to sink in.  So anyway, every Saturday afternoon of the college football season has found me at Applebee’s cheering loudly for my Cougs.  In fact, when the poor Huskies had their PAT blocked, preserving a Y victory – I was yelling so loud everyone …

To a defensive player Coach Anae is classic.  He is full of great one-liners and stories, not to mention his unique voice.  I once spent an entire three-day weekend in the mountains with 2 former players imitating -the sincerest form of flattery- Coach Anae, and it never got old.  He just has so many great stories.  Here is just one short example that was told to me by an inside receiver.

Good stuff Quinn!! For all you fans and readers….. what a privilege. This is the first time I’ve looked at the sight and he really knows his stuff. I had the opportunity to play offensive line at BYU and Quinn pretty much nailed it on the head, with a couple of exceptions. The QB DOES NOT have the most difficult job on the field! LOL He does get the most scrutiny but at least he is recognized when he plays well. As an …

This has been a rather crazy week!!  I tore some ligaments in my foot in last week’s game against the Steelers and so I haven’t had a ton of time for my weekly entry. The last couple days have been complete with X-Rays, MRIs, Doctor visits and much treatment in the team training room.  I included a picture of the play I was hurt on and as you can see I’m very fortunate and VERY grateful I wasn’t injured worse.  I should add – it is making great progress, and …

When I -Markell- am asked about CSU down the road, I will remember three things:
1)The Power run game with pulling guards.
2)Always running to the same O-Linemen (They had strong and weak Guards and Tackles, not left and right. They would rotate to where the majority of the runs went)
3)Scissors. Coach Mendenhall would have the scout team running that route every other play.
But each year had it’s own memories as well…
In 2004 I was a walk-on freshman and converted LB, previously a safety. I had started the first …

There have been quite a number of inquiries as to how John Beck is feeling about his experiences in the NFL thus far.  In an answer to these requests I -Markell- interviewed John to find out what the former BYU QB is up to in Miami Florida.
To answer this question John shared with me the advice he got from Chad Lewis when John was a sophomore.  Chad told John, “No matter what your goals are, no matter what mountain you want to climb, as long as you keep stepping you …

So fall of ‘07 I’m sitting at football practice and Greg Wrubell, the KSL play-by-play commentator, approaches me and asks, “Nate, have you ever thought about getting into broadcasting?  James Dye can no longer do the sideline reporting due to his business pursuits and we need someone to take his place.  We’d pay for your trips to every game, give you a little extra money as payment for your services, and just ask that you don’t miss a single game.  You’d be watching the game from the sidelines and would …