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BLOCK-O-NATION
  
Game Preview: Washington at BYU

               Washington @ BYU
               Saturday, Sept. 4th
                     5:00 MDT
                  TV: CBS College Sports


There are an abundance of story lines and side-plots for when Heisman candidate Jake Locker and the Washington Huskies kick off the 2010 season in Provo against the BYU Cougars.  The memorable and controversial game from two years ago is still fresh on the minds of fans and players alike.  Even with a 5-2 record the last 3 years against Pac 10 opponents, the Cougars were passed over by the conference during off-season realignment, so they might be looking to make a statement here. 
Despite 43 wins over the last 4 seasons, Bronco Mendenhall’s squad hasn’t attained the BCS notoriety of conference foes TCU and Utah.  But they’ll have to replace several key starters if they hope to break through this year.  On the other side, Washington appears to be trending up under Steve Sarkisian (a former BYU quarterback), but they face a daunting schedule and their own set of questions as they seek to rejoin college football’s upper class.  So both teams will have plenty to prove in this one.

When BYU has the ball:
Gone from last season’s powerful attack are the Cougars’ top passer, rusher and receiver.  The big story of the off-season was who would step in at quarterback, and it looks like dual-threat Riley Nelson and highly touted freshman Jake Heaps will both play.   Of comfort to both will be big play wideout McKay Jacobson, who’s averaged 22 YPC in his career.  At running back, expect several players to get carries, with JJ DiLuigi 
getting the brunt of the work.  A key matchup figures to be the BYU line, which averages 6’5”, 312 pounds, against a Husky front 4 lacking in experience.  Winning in the trenches could certainly take some pressure off the young players in the backfield.  On the other side, UW made great strides last year under coordinator Nick Holt, and were especially stingy in the red zone.  But they were still pushed around to the tune of 390 yards per game.  With a seasoned secondary, I would expect them to crowd the box and try to force the young quarterbacks to beat them.  If BYU can remain in running downs, it could be a long day for the visitors.

When Washington has the ball:
All the focus will be on the guy taking the snaps, but halfback Chris Polk is pretty good too.  Behind a shaky line, he still eclipsed 1100 yards rushing.  Although if last year is any indication, the dawgs will put the ball in Locker’s hands in the red zone.  Speaking of Jake, the coaches have set a lofty goal of 65% completions this year.  A deep group of wideouts should help with that, though the off-season dismissal of TE Kavario Middleton throws that spot into question.  It will be interesting to see how often Locker is allowed to run, the Huskies were 3-0 when he exceeded 70 rushing yards last year.  Trying to slow him down will be BYU’s 3-4 defense.   Most of the front 7 must be replaced, though DE Vic So’oto and LB Jameson Frazier have stood out in fall camp.  Like UW, BYU also has a veteran back 4 that won’t be afraid of Locker.  Expect more straight-up than attacking defense to try to keep him in the pocket.   

Special Teams:
Both sides return consistent kickers and punters.  The 4,500 foot elevation could allow some long kicks, and both place-kickers have been hitting from 50+ this summer.  Neither side recorded a return TD last season.

Unit Analysis:
Quarterback: Washington
Running backs: Washington
Receivers/TEs: Washington
Offensive Line: BYU
Defensive Line: Tossup 
Linebackers: Washington
Secondary: BYU
Special Teams: Tossup

Who wins?
The Huskies haven’t won on the road in two years, and Provo isn’t the easiest place to break that streak.  But the talent levels here appear pretty even.  It should be close like last time.  Which new faces can best step up, and which side makes the big play (or mistake) will determine this one.  



Rating

COMMENTS

Good analysis. Who do you like?

posted @ Monday, August 30, 2010 3:57 AM by 4SoCalFan

Im gonna have to take Brigham Young's side on this one....final score prediction....30-24

posted @ Tuesday, August 31, 2010 9:53 PM by Colton Fowler

Offense favors the Huskies, BYU has a better defense and the home field. But if Washington gets off to a fast start, the Huskies could have a good day.

posted @ Wednesday, September 01, 2010 10:50 AM by El Ducko

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