Second viewing thoughts and grade report

After viewing the game for a second time, I’ve put my thoughts together on the win. The following is the game report with my opinions on each unit included.

Offense: B-

Bible surprised me and BYU by starting the game with a lot of passing. 12 of the first 18 plays were through the air. The play calling was good overall, great by fan expectations for Bible. As the Evil A. pointed out, BC probably ruined any element of surprise for future opponents by overcalling the Blackmon screen. But I’ll give Bible credit. He created a good mix, kept BYU off balance, and there wasn’t one “what was that?” call.

Porter looked good early. His passing was crisp and his footwork solid in the first half. He floated a few long passes which he blamed on the wind/altitude. (As I said before, I’ll accept the excuse because Beck was having similar problems.) Yet as the game wore on his footwork got a little sloppy and his passes got a little too much air under them. The biggest change -- which gives me hope for rest of the season -- was that he was able to connect on some deep balls, he ran an effective two minute drill before the half and he made some good decisions on tucking and running vs. dumping the ball to a safety valve.

The offensive line looked strong. They opened good holes and the two sacks allowed were not their fault. (The sacks were based on missed assignments by Whitworth and Thompson.) They wore on BYU and were probably the biggest reason for the victory.

The wideouts also looked good. Blackmon stood out. He didn’t do anything amazing on his routes or with his hands, but in open space he showed what as asset he is. If teams start taking away his screen, we should get the ball to him on end-arounds or something in space because he can make people miss. Chris Miller had a solid day and I think will prove to be an upgrade over the departed Kashetta.

The running backs are a tough situation. Watching the first time I felt Callender had the better game. He is clearly more elusive and has a better feel for finding the holes. But I can see why the coaching staff prefers Whitworth. He has more power and has very good speed. The play on the second viewing that stood out came from Whitworth. It was in the fourth quarter while we were killing clock. He had a huge hole and blew through it. Then in the open field he ran away from one DB and avoided another BYU safety. As long as he keeps pounding and Callender keeps fumbling, L.V. will get the majority of carries.

Defense: B+

The defense only allowed three points. Great day but not “A” worthy for a few reasons. First, the good stuff. This was the most creative scheming I’ve seen from BC’s defense in many games. Maybe the staff felt we had enough of a talent advantage to mix things up. Spaziani used some three man fronts, dropped defensive lineman into coverage and blitzed the linebackers and the safeties. They were one step ahead of BYU. They backed off early with a lot of zone and then applied a lot more pressure in the second half. The only sack came off a Beck fumble, but the mix of blitzing forced the BYU offensive line to grab a lot of jerseys. Those holding penalties proved to be drive killers.

I didn’t like what they did with Kiwi. Instead of sending him at Beck all day, they dropped him into coverage throughout. Why get cute at this point? I know teams will key on him, but you can confuse them enough by flipping sides and mixing who else is attacking with him. In coverage he is much less effective and looked lost at times. Keep him close to the line and let him chase QBs. If he gets triple teamed it just frees up someone else. His two deflected passes show that he can impact the game even when he doesn’t get to the quarterback.

On the bright side, I loved what they did with the linebackers. Not only the starters, but it was great to see the second unit get solid playing time and contribute. The DBs did what was asked -- keep the BYU wideouts in front of them and make tackles.

Special teams: C

Two field goals, one 24-yard punt return from Blackmon and blocked kick were the highlights. But there were major blunders. The most questionable call was going for the block with a few minutes left in the first half. You’re up by 7 and you’re going to get the ball back with good field position and a few minutes on the clock. Why risk a penalty with the block. I understand that if you get the block it is back breaking and probably another touchdown. But the more likely outcome -- roughing the kicker (which happened) -- gives the ball back to BYU and jeopardizes BC getting another possession before the half. I was sick when I saw the flag. Just when I want this predictable staff to play the percentages, they do something risky. It was really boneheaded.

Blackmon also made a mistake bringing out a kick return from deep in the end zone.

Overall Grade: B

People were talking about the Cougars’ Texas Tech-like offense before the game and BC held BYU to three points. That was most impressive even if they gave up a lot of yards. Porter’s play gave me hope. The special teams still gives me ulcers, but at least they didn’t cost BC the game. Army is another opportunity to try new things and build confidence before Florida State. A good start overall.