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Game-day prognostications v. 1 |
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brandonjudd | Thursday, October 30, 2003, 2:52 pm
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Brandon Judd
COUGARBLUE 2
The Playstation 2 has taught us so much in this life.
Take for example my 2003 game against Boise State in the dynasty mode on NCAA Football 2004. Though the 2003 version of the BYU team is very accurate on the game - it's hard to put any points on the board - I still went undefeated that season. The game against the Broncos was the highlight of the year.
After three overtimes, I pulled out the victory with a Matt Payne field goal, 45-42. Marcus Whalen was my hero, rushing for 5 touchdowns in the game. But of course, all this overtime stuff wouldn't have been necessary had I not tried to run up the score on the computer on the last play of regulation. Instead of kneeling on the ball, I tried to score another touchdown and threw an interception that went all the way for a score and sent the game into the extra sessions. This game still stands as the greatest ever played on my system.
It's from this game that I still believe that BYU can play with and defeat the Broncos. The PS2 wouldn't lie, would it?
THE SCORE
Boise State 30, BYU 27. BYU just misses out on another come-from-behind win after taking the lead with :36 to go. That leaves Boise State's offense way too much time to score as they connect on a 60-plus yard touchdown pass in the waning moments.
OFFENSIVE MVP
Matt Berry. The shotputting gunslinger has another fine outing for the Cougars. In an attempt to keep up on the scoreboard with the Broncos, Berry throws a touchdown pass to a receiver not named Toby Christensen, a first this season.
DEFENSIVE MVP
James Allen. This guy is fun to watch blitz from his safety position, and he does a good job of getting to the quarterback. Look for Allen to force a turnover at some point.
OFFENSIVE DARKHORSE
Jason Kukahiko. He's finally back from injury, and the Cougars will need him. Kukahiko gets a few key grabs and his first touchdown catch of the season to help the offense take bigger strides in improving.
DEFENSIVE DARKHORSE
Aaron Francisco. In celebration of his interception last week to finish off UNLV, Francisco picks off Boise State's Ryan Dinwiddie. BYU capitalizes on the mistake and keeps the game close.
THINGS THAT WILL SHINE
Matt Payne, Ability to overcome mistakes. Payne's still mad about his miss against Wyoming and is out to prove it was a fluke. BYU makes its own breaks just like last week to help keep them in the game.
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR
The dreaded turnover bug. Someone needs to put sticky glue on the hands of all receivers and running backs. Oh, and John Beck.
FINAL ANALYSIS
It will be a valiant effort for the BYU Cougars, but they will come up just short. The hometown jinx continues. Send BYU back on the road! |
