Panther Retrospective and Husky Prospective

LAST WEEK:

The good, the bad and the ugly summed up various parts of last week's game against Northern Iowa ... let's start with the good, which in the end overwhelmed any shortcomings and mistakes ... GOOD - Max Hall, Dennis Pitta, O'Neill Chambers, Austin Collie, Coleby Clawson, Justin Sorensen and others. Outside of the 3rd quarter, the Cougs put up 41 points and only turned the ball over once. Hall looked great and Pitta was spectacular, albeit against a FCS team, but the passing should be a real strength. Chambers showed flashes of being a great returner, although he made a fair catch on the 4-yard line ... the BAD - turnovers and big plays surrendered. Four turnovers may be acceptable against UNLV or SDSU, but not against the upper half of the MWC and not against UW on the road or UCLA at home ... and the UGLY - the 3rd quarter, need I say more?

All in all for a season opener it wasn't too bad. It was a win, thus a passing grade, but this team needs to improve and clean up the mistakes this week and in coming weeks. Last week's grade: B-. It could have been much crisper and the tendency to give up big plays on defense and Hall getting sacked and fumbling reminded of me of why they went 11-2 and not 13-0 last year.

THIS WEEK:

A trip to the the Emerald City for a showdown with UW in Husky Stadium awaits the Cougs this week. Honestly, I am a little nervous about the game. The Cougars should win, they are favored and after the Huskies got drubbed last week in Eugene, it really seems as if BYU should dominate the game, however, they must get over the road woes against non-conference opponents. If the defense doesn't give up big plays to Locker and the offense doesn't turn the ball over, BYU will win. In 1996, the Cougars had an early season game in Seattle and came out flat. They were unable to run the ball, got dominated on the lines and lost to an inferior team. It turned out to be the only loss in a 14-1 season. If Hall is sharp and gets protection the Cougs will win.

PREDICTION:

BYU 30 - Washington 24