2008 SEASON PREVIEW

Great news for our blog readers … all three of you should be excited … the blog is back now that football has returned. I had intended to blog during basketball season as well, but a few little things like graduate school and trying to find a job impeded my progress. However, without further ado, let’s get into the 2008 season which is nearly upon us …

2008 SEASON PREVIEW
For any of you that have been following the newspapers, both locally and nationally, and for those who have tuned into local talk radio you know that the expectations are very high for the Cougars campaign this fall. While some believe that anything less than an undefeated season would be a disappointment I would disagree, however, I do think anything less than 11 total wins (including bowl game) and another conference championship would be a disappointment. That being said, I don’t think going undefeated is out of the realm of possibility … here is my take:
The offense will almost assuredly be better this year than it was last year, with 10 returning starters, plus additions like J.J. DiLuigi and O’Neill Chambers the offense is set for a BIG year.

Bronco has proved over his tenure as ‘D coordinator and head coach that he knows how to put together a solid defense that has been stingy against the run. The weakness on defense occurs when they play teams that can throw the ball effectively. Take last year for example, Tulsa was by far the best passing team BYU faced and the defense surrendered 55 points and the team suffered one of their two losses. The year before that one of the two losses came to BC’s Matt Ryan. The year before that, TCU and Notre Dame put up big numbers against the Cougars’ defense through the air. All things considered I think the defensive secondary has been solid, but it worries me when the Cougars go up against a top-notch passing offense. Fortunately, this year the Cougars toughest aerial challenge may come against Utah at the end of the year. Last year’s defense only gave up four or more touchdowns one time (Tulsa) and Max’s crew should be able to put up at least four scores a game (plus, add in an improved kicking game).

All that being said, my preseason prediction, however meaningless it is, is 12-1. I will take it one game at a time during the season, so my week-by-week cumulative predictions may vary from the predicted 12-1.

Tomorrow I will post my pre-game breakdown of the season opener against Northern Iowa. Please vote on the poll on the right-hand side of the blog and give your opinion.