Game Preview: BYU
Hunting For
An Upset
Up-tempo offense boosts
expectations for Cougars
R
By Dan Murphy
obert Anae warned the BYU
faithful that it might take a few
weeks, months even, before the
Cougars' offensive production
caught up with its pace. Anae spent
two seasons in Arizona, one coaching
the linemen for head coach Rich Rodriguez's pedal to the metal attack,
before returning to his post as BYU's
offensive coordinator. He thought it
could take a half of a season before his
players could fully grasp the up-tempo
approach he brought back with him.
He was right, but they're rolling now.
No team in the nation averages more
plays per game than Brigham Young.
The Cougars snapped the ball 89.75
times per game in their first eight outings. The offense was equally as active during a 2-2 start with losses to
Virginia and Utah, but did not post the
points or the yards to match. They averaged 38.3 points while winning their
next four games to up their record to
6-2 before making a trip to Wisconsin
in the second week of November.
Senior wide receiver Cody Hoffman, who has more
touchdown grabs and total receptions than any
player in BYU history, led the Cougars' fast-paced
attack with 29 catches for 524 yards and three
scores through Nov. 2 despite missing two games
early this season.
photo courtesy BYU
