BYU Football: 5 Things We’ll See Against Houston
By Jeff Hansen
1. More Devon Blackmon
Sep 6, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Brigham Young Cougars head coach Bronco Mendenhall prior to kick off against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Last week against Texas was the first game that transfer Devon Blackmon was eligible to play for BYU. Much to the disappointment of myself and many BYU fans out there, Blackmon didn’t see much playing time. On Thursday that will change.
As many will recall, BYU was in a shootout with the red Cougars last year. I don’t expect nearly as much offense out of Houston this year, but I do expect a similar game plan from BYU. I think BYU knows that they can pass the ball against this defense and I think they will exploit that. Blackmon is the fastest receiver in BYU’s receiving group and he will have opportunities to showcase that speed and his hands this week against Houston. Even if I am dead wrong about Blackmon in the receiving game, I think he will assume the role as the team primary punt returner this week as well.
2. You’ll know the name Deontay Greenberry by the end of the game
Nov 9, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Deontay Greenberry (3) cant make the catch in the final seconds as UCF Knights defensive back Clayton Geathers (26) defends at Bright House Networks Stadium. UCF defeated Houston 19 to 14. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
I do not think that John O’Korn is as good of a quarterback as we saw against the red Cougars last year and I think that this article will help explain why. I do, however, think that he is capable of doing some good things. His primary weapon is receiver Deontay Greenberry. Through two games (though they were against UTSA and Grambling State) Greenberry has 11 receptions for 206 yards. I don’t think he’s going to have 100 yards receiving, but I do think that he is going to have a number of catches and his name will be said a lot. Robertson Daniel will have his hands full with Greenberry.
3. Taysom Hill won’t lead the team in rushing yards
Sep 6, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Taysom Hill (4) runs the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. BYU beat Texas 41-7. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
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Against both UConn and Texas, Taysom Hill ended the game as BYU’s leading rusher. That won’t be the case this week. I think that Robert Anae and his offensive coaching staff will make an effort to get Jamaal Williams and the receivers more involved this week than they were last week.
It’s nice to know that Hill has the ability to pick up the team and put them on his back and go out and win games, but that isn’t a sustainable game plan for 12 games. BYU needs to find a way to get more players involved in the scoring and in the offense. When this happens, the BYU offense will go an even higher level.
4. BYU’s defense will have multiple interceptions
Nov 30, 2013; Reno, NV, USA; BYU Cougars defense back Daniel Robertson (4) celebrates his interception in the Nevada Wolf Pack end zone in the first half of their NCAA football game at MacKay Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen/USA TODAY Sports
I am really excited to see the BYU secondary against Houston. This will be the first game that they will be the highlight of BYU’s defense. Against UConn, BYU had to play a little more traditional (conservative) approach because they were due suspensions and the fact that they were shorthanded. Against Texas, BYU knew that they would see a heavy dose of bruising running backs. This week against Houston, on the other hand, will be the first time that BYU plays a pass-heavy offense with a full staff of defensive backs.
John O’Korn has a gun slinger mentality and will use his arm to test BYU’s secondary. And they will make him pay. O’Korn will throw multiple (dare I say four?) interceptions this week.
5. A sell-out crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium
Oct 25, 2013; Provo, UT, USA; A general view of Lavell Edwards Stadium as the Brigham Young Cougars marching band performs prior to a game against the Boise State Broncos. Brigham Young won 37-20. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
BYU fans have been drinking in the blue Kool-Aid for two weeks. Taysom Hill is riding Heisman hype. It’s a home opener against a team that provided us one of the most entertaining games last year. The Cougars are coming off a blowout on the road against the University of Texas. If BYU fans don’t sell this game out, I’m convinced there will never be another sell out in the history of BYU football. I think it happens this week.