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BYU Cougars
Head Coach:Bronco Mendenhall
2005 Record: 6-6 (Loss to California in Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl (35-28)

2006 Schedule with Projected Wins and Losses:
(Projected Wins in Bold)

1. @ Arizona
2. Tulsa
3. @ Boston College
4. Utah State
5. @ TCU
6. San Diego State
7. UNLV
8. @ Air Force
9. @ Colorado State
10. Wyoming
11. New Mexico
12. @ Utah

2005 Review: With a new energetic head coach in Bronco Mendenhall at the helm and a new offense similar to the “Glory Years” offenses of the 80s, the Cougars were ready to bounce back from three consecutive losing seasons, and retain the glory once held at the tradition-rich school. In the season opener against 22nd ranked Boston College, BYU only put up three points in a embarrassing loss at home. An easy win over Eastern Illinois and then two devastating losses to TCU and San Diego State put the Cougars at 1-3 and had people questioning if a fourth straight losing season was in the works. But the Cougars bounced back with two wins over New Mexico and Colorado State. Loss at #9 Notre Dame but it was much closer than the score indicates. After Notre Dame, BYU went on a 3-game win streak and their record was at 6-4 making them bowl eligible for the first time since 2001. Going into the Utah game, BYU was a 10-point favorite, but a terrible first half, forced BYU to make a large comeback which was almost achieved but came up short in overtime.

BYU still received a bowl bid to play in the Las Vegas Bowl against a very good California Golden Bears team. Cal who had only given up one 90+ yard drive (USC) the entire 2005 season going into the bowl, gave up three to BYU’s prolific offense. John Beck threw a pick on a late drive to have the chance to send it to Overtime ending the game at 35-28, and finishing BYU’s season at a 6-6 record.

Players Ready to Shine: Wide Receiver McKay Jacobson, Linebacker David Nixon. This Texas tandem is ready to make some noise for BYU in 2006. McKay Jacobson started at WR the past three seasons on the #1 High School in America (USA Today). Jacobson was voted Texas 5-A Receiver of the Year, enrolled in the Spring and is already grasping the offense quickly and becoming a leader on the squad. David Nixon who recorded 57 tackles as a true freshman is back from his Mormon mission and had an impressive spring should be a starter in Bronco Mendenhall’s new 3-4-4 scheme.

Team MVP: Quarterback, John Beck
Both Beck or Curtis Brown could be tabbed as the MVP, but Beck is irreplaceable on this Cougar squad. Beck is a born leader and continues to elevate his game every season. Beck has one of the best arms in all of college football and in this offense its going to put it on display quite often.

Quarterback: There was no quarterback controversy this past spring in Provo as John Beck was the clear-cut favorite to get the nod over Jason Beck (no relation). Last Season, John Beck threw for 3,709 yards which was tops in the Mountain West and gave him Mountain West 1st Team Honors. This is the first season in which Beck will be the same offensive system two consecutive seasons, and chances are the results will be very good.

The rest of the rotation is Max Hall a transfer from Arizona State, highly-touted freshman James Lark and Jacob Bower.

Running Back/Fullbacks: Senior Curtis Brown is only 759 yards short of breaking Jamal Willis’ career rushing record at BYU. Brown sits at 2,211 yards right now. Last season Brown ran for 1,123, the first Cougar rusher to run for over 1,000 yards since Doak Walker Award Winner Luke Staley in 2001.

Sophomore Fui Vakapuna returns from mission and was the star of spring practices, showing that he will be a solid #2 rusher behind Brown. Speedster Ray Hudson, Wayne Latu, and Mike Hague are the rest of the unit.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: With NFL-bound receiver Todd Watkins now gone this group loses an outstanding player and deep threat, but the cupboard is not bare. Tight end Jonny Harline returns who was the leader in receptions and yards last season, a Mackey award candidate. Daniel Coats is more of the blocking Tight end in the offense but when called upon can produce. At wide receiver, BYU is very inexperienced and unproven. McKay Jacobson (Player To Shine) is ready to produce immediately along with seasoned veteran Nate Meikle. Michael Reed and Matt Allen return, but need to elevate their roles. The Receiver spot is probably the biggest question mark on BYU’s offense this season.

Offensive Line: This unit is experienced and talented. Led by Outland Candidate Tackle Jake Kuresa. Over the last three years this offensive line has decreased its amount of sacks given up. Freshman All-American Dallas Reynolds, and Eddie Keele are big players on the line as well. Center is a question right now, but Vanderbilt transfer Tom Sorenson will take over.

Defensive Line: This position is one of the biggest concerns for BYU this season. They lost five players from graduation so many newcomers are going to need to step up fast. Incoming freshman Matangi Tonga and Romney Fuga are expected to make a major impact from Day 1 of Fall Camp, also junior college transfer Moses Foketi. Right now the defensive line is inexperienced but talented. If they continue to improve over the season, this group will get better.

Linebackers: The reason Bronco Mendenhall switched the defense from a 3-3-5 to a 3-4-4 is to emphasize the strength and depth of the Linebackers. Led by middle linebacker Cameron “The General” Jensen, BYU’s linebackers are the best linebacker unit in the Mountain West. Bryan Kehl, Markell Staffieri, and Kelly Poppinga round out the rest of the starters. Chris Bolden is a player to watch for on this unit as well. This is the strength of the Cougar defense.

Secondary: Last year, BYU was 110th in pass defense rankings, one of the worst secondaries in the country. This year there is more depth but still lacking experience. At cornerback, senior Justin Robinson who at 5-7 is one of the smallest corners in the country, has great intensity and effort. Kayle Buchannon will man the opposite side. When healthy, Buchannon who has solid 4.4 speed is a very good corner but lately has had issues with arm injuries and is questionable. Louisville transfer Brandon Bradley is a player who could crack the starting lineup along with junior college transfer Andre Saulsberry. At the safety position BYU is much improved. Quinn Gooch, David Tafuna, diamond-in-the-rough Corby Hodgkiss will be the starters, all three had starting experience last season and all had solid springs.

Special Teams: The kicking game has both specialists returning. Punter Derek McLaughlin and Kicker Jared McLaughlin (no relation) are two of the top specialists in the conference. In the return game, watch for freshman sensation McKay Jacobson and Nathan Meikle to be the starters in the kick return game; Meikle will also do punt returns as well.

Final Thoughts: BYU is on a quest to “Return To Glory” and this season has all the makings to be a year that makes huge strides in achieving that. The offense is going to be one of the best in College Football and will put up staggering offensive numbers. If the defense can at least play “C” grade ball this Cougar squad can win 9-10 games and have a shot at winning the Mountain West.

BYU is also making a big splash in recruiting for the Class of 2007 with 18 commits already, the second most behind Texas who has 22. Head coach Bronco Mendenhall is doing great things in Cougar Town.

Mitch Harper is a NCAA Analyst. You can contact him at: mitchburgundy@hotmail.com.