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Game day prognostications v. 2 |
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brandonjudd | Saturday, October 18, 2003, 12:19 pm
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Brandon Judd
COUGARBLUE 2
There's no Mr. Mullet or Mr. Cocky this week.
Quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt of Colorado State and Air Force's Chance Harridge, despite the bad nicknames, have both lit up BYU this year in the Cougars' two Mountain West losses.
Today, BYU faces Casey Bramlet, Wyoming's senior quarterback, who has become the leading passer in Cowboy history. Bramlet leads a potent passing attack that leads the MWC against a BYU pass defense that has been porous at best the past few weeks.
BYU cannot let Mr. Confident Cowpoke knock them around today.
THE SCORE
BYU 31, Wyoming 28. BYU rejoices in the return of Matt Berry. Behind his leadership, the offense finds a way to get just enough points to win against a Cowboy team that likes to give BYU fits.
OFFENSIVE MVP
Rey Braithwaite. I can't overlook the fact that Wyoming is 111th in the nation against the run. If Braithwaite gets 20 or more carries, he'll have another big day.
DEFENSVIE MVP
Brady Poppinga. The senior lineman needs to step up and become a leader for this team, and he gets a chance today. If he and the other linemen get to Bramlet, look for a much better defensive showing compared to last week.
OFFENSIVE DARKHORSE
Matt Berry. Berry will be anxious to show off his skills again. Look for some scores through the air as Berry comes out ready after a four-week layoff.
DEFENSIVE DARKHORSE
David Nixon. The freshman phenom had another huge game last week replacing the injured Levi Madarieta, and expect him to do so again this week. This boy's got da skills!!
THINGS THAT WILL SHINE
A moving offense. Braithwaite and Berry will lead this team as they finally move the ball all the way to the endzone instead of just to the 50.
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR
A lack of confidence. If the Cougars' confidence is banged up too much from last week, this could be a long day.
FINAL ANALYSIS
This is a road game, and BYU is doing much better away from home this season. For this reason alone, look for a Cougar win. In fact, can they just make the Boise State and Utah games road games, too? A win here keeps the BYU's slim bowl hopes alive. |
