Observations on the first half with BYU Box Score Highlights Post-Game Press Conference
#22 BYU should be favored in this game, and rightly so; however, we were listed as 4 point favorites to start the week, and the line has increased to 6.5. BYU averages over 310 yards per game in the air, but doesn't have a very good rushing attack nor do they defend the run very well. They have a possession passing game as they control the ball 33 minutes per game which is 6 minutes more than their opponents; they had 26 first downs against UCLA with over 40 minutes in time of possession. Their freshman quarterback, Tanner Mangrum, was 30 of 47 against UCLA with one TD and one pick, but was sacked 4 times. Mangrum's favorite target is Senior Mitch Mathews who hauled in 9 receptions against UCLA for 84 yards. He also tosses the ball to Devon Blackmon and Mitch Juergens, the other two wideout starters. When they do run, Senior Adam Hine is their guy; he ran for 149 yards on 23 carries and a TD. In order to beat the Cougars, we must gain time of possession advantage with a solid running attack of our own, and defend their potent passing game while stopping Hine. The Cougars have one of the best 3rd down defenses nationally so we must not be in 3rd and long situations; they forced UCLA into 3 interceptions, and were a +2 in the turnover battle (still lost despite the huge possession time advantage). Cougar Junior Linebacker, Henry Langi, had 8 tackles, 2 interceptions and a pass break up against the Bruins; he also has 3 sacks in the other two games. Junior Kai Nacua has 4 interceptions, and 3 pass break ups in only two games. The Cougars are well-coached by Bronco Mendenhall, a former Oregon State linebacker, who has guided them to 9 straight bowl invitations; they don't make many mistakes including dumb penalties. BYU is the type of team that forces their opponents into mistakes, and capitalizes; we must win the turnover battle or at least not give the Cougars any advantage. They led the Bruins all four quarters until the final 3 minutes of the game; the Cougars led, 20-10, with 13 minutes to go at the Rose Bowl. Their special teams aren't that great, and they gave up a 56 yard punt return to UCLA; however, Senior Trevor Samson is 5 of 5 so far in field goals and Junior Jonny Linehan is an excellent punter with a 42.6 yard average pinning opponents inside their 20 five times in 17 punts. Jabrill Peppers may get a chance to shine in this one. Michigan Daily Breakdown MLive The Wolverine ESPN FREEP Detroit News
Press Conference for BYU on September 21 Players (Games Notes and Depth Chart)