Georgia Tech faces the Brigham Young Cougars in their 4th game of the season, a week after playing rival Clemson. This is the first matchup ever between the two schools, and should be an exciting game.
2001 Cougars review
Record: 12-2/7-0 MWC (Home games in ALL CAPS)
TULANE………………..W, 70-35 (BCA Classic)
NEVADA………………W, 52-7
@California…………….W, 44-16
@UNLV………………..W, 35-31
UTAH STATE…………W, 54-34
@New Mexico………….W, 24-20
AIR FORCE…………….W, 63-33
@San Diego State………W, 59-21
COLORADO STATE..…W, 56-34
@Wyoming……………..W, 41-34
UTAH……………………W, 24-21
@Mississippi State……….W, 41-38
@Hawaii………………….L, 45-72
Louisville…………………L, 10-28 (Liberty Bowl)
Individual Stats (Returning players in all caps)
Leading Passer: Brandon Doman - 3542 yards | 33 TDs | 8 INT | 64.0%
Leading Rusher: Luke Staley - 1582 yards | 24 TDs | 8.1 average
Leading Receiver: RENO MAHE - 91 rec. | 1211 yards | 9 TDs
Leading Tackler: Justin Ena - 101 tackles
Leading Sacker: Ryan Denney – 6.5 sacks
Overall Stats:
Rush. Off: 218 ypg/13th | Pass. Off: 325 ypg/7th | Tot. Off: 543 ypg/1st | Scoring Off. 46.77 ppg/1st
Rush. Def. 203 ypg/95th | Pass. Def. 246 ypg/88th | Tot. Def. 449 ypg/102nd | Scoring Def. 30.46 ppg/85th
After using their high-powered offense to outscore opponents and go undefeated for the first 12 games of 2001, there was much for Cougar fans to be upset about since their team still wasn’t being considered for a BCS bowl game despite being one of only 2 undefeated teams in the country. A weak strength of schedule rating was mostly to blame.
Once it was realized that the team was going to be completely hosed by the BCS, despite being undefeated, they had to face their stiffest competition of the season in Hawaii. BYU had to play the game without Doak Walker winner Luke Staley at RB, and the team seemed to be unfocused. The players were obviously, and rightfully so, upset that they weren’t going to get a shot at a BCS game. Hawaii used a number of turnovers, kick returns, and long TD passes to run up the highest point total ever against BYU’s defense in a 72-45 game.
Luke Staley was out with ankle surgery, and a number of BYU players, particularly top WR Reno Mahe, were banged up during the Hawaii game, so the offense couldn’t get going in the Liberty Bowl. The frigid weather didn’t help out, either, and Louisville held on to win. It was a disappointing end to a season that had undefeated potential just a month earlier.
2002 BYU Cougars
Head Coach – Gary Crowton (12-2 @ BYU, 33-15 overall in 4 years @ LA Tech and BYU)
BYU alum Gary Crowton enters his second season as the head man in Provo after having a very successful first season. Crowton has a very impressive resume. He was the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in 1999 and 2000, and the head coach at Louisiana Tech the 3 years before that.
His offensive philosophy isn’t to have a definitive style, but rather to tailor the offense around the strengths of the players on the team. Last year’s offense had quality players to run and throw, and was thus very well rounded through the air and on the ground.
He has revamped the defense completely after it ranked 102nd in the nation last year. There will be more of an emphasis on team speed, as shown by moving several players around to get quicker players on the field, especially at linebacker.
Returning Starters
Offense – 5
Defense – 6
Sp. Tm. – 1
OFFENSE (5 returning starters)
Offensive Coordinator – Mike Borich (2nd year)
Mike Borich enters his second year as the offensive coordinator after coaching under Crowton with the Bears and at LA Tech.
QUARTERBACKS
Bret Engemann 6-4 235 JR, Matt Berry 6-5 218 FR, Ben Olson 6-4 210 FR, Todd Mortensen 6-4 221 SO
Brandon Doman is gone, but Bret Engemann returns to his role as the starting QB after redshirting in 2001 and sitting out most of 2000 with a shoulder injury he suffered against Syracuse. He still seems to be living off of his 2000 performance against Virginia in which he engineered a 38-35 overtime comeback win. He went 34-of-41 for 447 yards in that game. BYU fans point to that as proof that he has what it takes to be an outstanding QB. He was recruited by many big time schools out of high school including Miami, Washington, Oklahoma, Stanford, and Tennessee, and was rated as a top 5 quarterback in the nation. He is less athletic than Doman was, but certainly has the talent to get it done throwing the ball.
BYU has several candidates competing to backup Engemann including Todd Mortensen, Matt Berry, and Ben Olson. Todd Mortensen is the leading returning passer from last year having gone all of 4-of-8 for 23 yards and a TD. Matt Berry was rated as a top 15 QB coming out of high school, and Ben Olson was listed as the top QB in the country.
RUNNING BACKS
Marcus Whalen 6-0 206 SO, Logan Deans 6-0 226 FR, Jared Harper 6-0 232 SO
Marcus Whalen steps in for the departed Luke Staley, and it will be important for him to run well. Staley, and his 8.1 yards per rush, will be missed dearly. Whalen redshirted in 2001, and hopes to return to running like he did in 2000 when he ran for 209 yards in 9 games, had a 5.5 yard per rush average, and scored 2 TDs.
Contributing to the importance for Whalen to run well (and stay healthy) is the lack of experienced depth behind him. Neither Logan Deans nor Jared Harper have carried the ball at all in an NCAA game. Deans redshirted as a true freshman last year and Harper played on the scout team.
Two incoming freshmen could potentially contribute in case of injury or ineffective play. Taufui Vakapuna is a 6-0 210 pounder that ran a 4.4 at the Nike camp as a recruit. He was recruited by several big name schools including Nebraska, Washington, and Oregon. Curtis Brown, at 5-11 185, is a smaller scat back that was ranked as the 39th best running back last year by Rivals.com.
The Cougars don’t typically line up with a fullback, as they normally have at least 3 wideouts on the field.
WIDE RECEIVERS
ZR – RENO MAHE 5-11 185 SR, Jason Kukahiko 6-2 190 JR, Ryan Slater 6-3 200 JR
WR – ANDREW ORD 6-2 203 SR, Toby Christensen 5-11 192 JR, Justin Anderson 5-10 183 SR
XR - Rod Wilkerson 6-1 176 JR, David Christensen 5-9 193 JR, Breyon Jones 5-10 175 SO
This is a solid, though not spectacular, group of receivers that features one of the top wideouts in the country in Reno Mahe. Mahe is a converted running back that caught 91 passes for 1211 yards and 9 scores. Andrew Ord has good size, and caught 17 passes for 183 yards and 1 TD in 2001.
BYU has probably been the most responsible for perpetuating the slow, white guy receiver stereotype. However, recruiting has brought in more speed to the passing game, and BYU has a “whole pack of decently athletic, speedy receivers that we can just rotate in the game” (according to SanJuanSun).
TIGHT ENDS
SPENCER NEAD 6-4 265 SR, Gabriel Reid 6-4 251 SR
In addition to the receivers, BYU brings quality pass catchers at TE in Spencer Nead and Gabriel Reid. Nead caught 22 passes for 266 yards and had 5 scores a year ago. Reid contributed 5 receptions for 79 yards, but had 3 TDs.
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT – DUSTIN RYKERT 6-7 317 SR, Hanale Vincent 6-5 315 SO
LG – Ryan Keele 6-4 293 SR, Quinn Christensen 6-6 305 JR
C – Scott Jackson 6-4 298 JR, Jeff Rhea 6-4 267 FR
RG – Isaac Herring 6-4 315 SR, Cade McMullin 6-3 288 JR
RT – BEN ARCHIBALD 6-4 317 SR, Vincent Xanthos 6-4 297 JR
The offensive line is averages over 300 pounds, and is anchored by monster tackles Dustin Rykert and Ben Archibald. Although 3 starters from a year ago are gone, they will be replaced with 2 seniors and a junior, all with good size. The line paved the way for Staley’s 8.1 yard per rush average last year, and for the most part kept opposing defensive lines off of Doman, allowing 24 sacks. This unit will need to keep the pressure off of the QB, which will be especially important with Greg Gathers and company rushing the less mobile Engemann.
DEFENSE (6 returning starters)
Defensive Coordinator – Ken Schmidt (21st year)
The defense was absolutely rancid last year, and has undergone a significant renovation. Thus, better play should be expected out of this group. Of course, that wouldn’t be hard to do since the defense ranked 102nd in the nation in 2001. Ken Schmidt has a speedier, although not very experienced, group to work with. Cougar fans are counting on the improved speed to make a major difference.
DEFENSIVE LINE
LE – John Denney 6-6 272 SO, JEFF COWART 6-5 265 SR
LT – IFO PILI 6-3 328 JR, Scott Young 6-5 300 JR
RT – Ryan Gunderson 6-3 286 JR, Daniel Marquardt 6-2 287 FR
RE – C.J. Ah You 6-4 264 FR, Brady Poppinga 6-3 250 SO
Gone are top rushers Keisel and Ryan Denney. C.J. Ah You comes back from a medical redshirt after recording 2 sacks in just 3 games last year. Ryan Denney’s younger brother, John, steps in to fill his shoes. Neither C.J. Ah You nor John Denney have a lot of experience, but their athleticism is expected to make them a capable pair of pass rushers. Jeff Cowart has been moved to end from tackle. He and Brady Poppinga, along with Moa Peaua (6-0 267 SO) will provide depth.
The defensive tackles feature several players with excellent size. Ifo Pili returns after struggling somewhat in 2001. He had some weight/conditioning problems, and must stay in better shape this time around. Ryan Gunderson starts at the other tackle position after competing in 14 games in 2001 with 18 tackles.
Several other players will be counted on to contribute at tackle, including Scott Young and Daniel Marquardt. Young is regarded as one of the strongest players on the team, and is expected to contribute heavily. Last year at Dixie State Junior College he had 15.5 sacks from his tackle position (!), and was named a JC Gridwire First-Team All-American. Highly recruited Jake Kuresa (6-4 310 FR) could also contribute to the mix.
LINEBACKERS
SLB – Bill Wright 6-3 234 JR, LEVI MADARIETA 6-3 221 JR
MLB – PAUL WALKENHORST 6-5 250 JR, Ammon Mauga 6-0 215 SO
WLB – Colby Bockwoldt 6-1 225 JR, Bryant Atkinson 6-3 225 FR
This is where the biggest changes in the defense have come. Paul Walkenhorst was moved from outside linebacker to enable him to make more plays after he had 69 tackles in 2001. His weight is reportedly down to around 240 to enable him to increase his speed.
Speedy linebackers Bill Wright and Colby Bockwoldt will likely man the outside linebacker spots, although Levi Madarieta has been moved from safety after making 65 tackles a year ago to contribute more speed to the unit. Wright and Bockwoldt contributed 24 and 25 tackles, respectively, as backups last year.
Ammon Mauga was a significant contributor on special teams, and will back up Walkenhorst in the middle. Atkinson redshirted in 2001, and will get his first playing time this year.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
LC – JERNARO GILFORD 6-2 187 JR, Mike Sumko 5-10 170 SR
SS – Aaron Francisco 6-2 206 SO, Joshua Brandon 5-11 182 SR
FS – Michael Madsen 6-1 197 JR, Alex Farris 6-0 202 JR
RC – BRANDON HEANEY 5-10 175 JR, Walt Williams 6-0 170 JR
Jernaro Gilford is a first team All-MWC corner, and honorable mention All-American. He led the team with 6 interceptions in 2001, as well as adding 56 tackles. Brandon Heaney starts opposite Gilford after playing in 14 games and contributing 46 tackles as a sophomore. Heaney will be pushed by Junior College transfer Walt Williams. Williams was ranked as the 21st best Junior College player last year.
Aaron Francisco takes over the starting strong safety position after playing in 14 games and starting 2 in 2001. Michael Madsen mans the other safety position after redshirting in 2001. Heaney could potentially start at free safety over Madsen, moving Walt Williams into the other starting CB spot.
The coaches seem to have high hopes for this group of defensive backs, with as many as 7 or 8 quality players.
SPECIAL TEAMS (1 returning starter)
K – MATT PAYNE 6-4 238 SO, Forrest Hansen 5-7 160 JR
P – Tyson Dunham 6-1 190 JR, Jared McLaughlin 6-5 198 FR
PR – Reno Mahe 5-11 185 SR, Walt Williams 6-0 170 JR
Matt Payne is a solid kicker going 12-for-17 on field goal attempts and 73-for-76 on PATs in 2001. Dunham looks to take over the punting duties, although he hasn’t played yet in his career. Punt return duties will be handled by either Reno Mahe or Walt Williams.
BYU offense vs. GT defense
GT won’t be able to completely shut the Cougars down, but BYU should find this unit much more difficult to move the ball on than the other teams they will face. The best battles should come between Greg Gathers and Ben Archibald, as well as Reno Mahe and Tech’s defensive backs. BYU likely won’t have as much success running the ball as they are used to, and will have to put the ball in the air. This will be a test for the Jacket DBs as they have had trouble shutting down opponents through the air.
GT offense vs. BYU defense
BYU’s defense will have to be significantly better than it was last year, or this could turn into a blowout. I don’t expect Tech’s offense to completely manhandle the Cougars defense, but I do expect success on the ground and through the air. Despite having more speed, the Y defense is young and inexperienced, and this will show on the field.
Final Prediction
Superior experience and depth should allow Tech to control the game on offense and defense, although BYU’s offense will not be completely shut down. Additionally, I didn’t mention it above, but GT should have an advantage in special teams, and this could help contribute mightily.
GT – 35 BYU – 27
2001 Cougars review
Record: 12-2/7-0 MWC (Home games in ALL CAPS)
TULANE………………..W, 70-35 (BCA Classic)
NEVADA………………W, 52-7
@California…………….W, 44-16
@UNLV………………..W, 35-31
UTAH STATE…………W, 54-34
@New Mexico………….W, 24-20
AIR FORCE…………….W, 63-33
@San Diego State………W, 59-21
COLORADO STATE..…W, 56-34
@Wyoming……………..W, 41-34
UTAH……………………W, 24-21
@Mississippi State……….W, 41-38
@Hawaii………………….L, 45-72
Louisville…………………L, 10-28 (Liberty Bowl)
Individual Stats (Returning players in all caps)
Leading Passer: Brandon Doman - 3542 yards | 33 TDs | 8 INT | 64.0%
Leading Rusher: Luke Staley - 1582 yards | 24 TDs | 8.1 average
Leading Receiver: RENO MAHE - 91 rec. | 1211 yards | 9 TDs
Leading Tackler: Justin Ena - 101 tackles
Leading Sacker: Ryan Denney – 6.5 sacks
Overall Stats:
Rush. Off: 218 ypg/13th | Pass. Off: 325 ypg/7th | Tot. Off: 543 ypg/1st | Scoring Off. 46.77 ppg/1st
Rush. Def. 203 ypg/95th | Pass. Def. 246 ypg/88th | Tot. Def. 449 ypg/102nd | Scoring Def. 30.46 ppg/85th
After using their high-powered offense to outscore opponents and go undefeated for the first 12 games of 2001, there was much for Cougar fans to be upset about since their team still wasn’t being considered for a BCS bowl game despite being one of only 2 undefeated teams in the country. A weak strength of schedule rating was mostly to blame.
Once it was realized that the team was going to be completely hosed by the BCS, despite being undefeated, they had to face their stiffest competition of the season in Hawaii. BYU had to play the game without Doak Walker winner Luke Staley at RB, and the team seemed to be unfocused. The players were obviously, and rightfully so, upset that they weren’t going to get a shot at a BCS game. Hawaii used a number of turnovers, kick returns, and long TD passes to run up the highest point total ever against BYU’s defense in a 72-45 game.
Luke Staley was out with ankle surgery, and a number of BYU players, particularly top WR Reno Mahe, were banged up during the Hawaii game, so the offense couldn’t get going in the Liberty Bowl. The frigid weather didn’t help out, either, and Louisville held on to win. It was a disappointing end to a season that had undefeated potential just a month earlier.
2002 BYU Cougars
Head Coach – Gary Crowton (12-2 @ BYU, 33-15 overall in 4 years @ LA Tech and BYU)
BYU alum Gary Crowton enters his second season as the head man in Provo after having a very successful first season. Crowton has a very impressive resume. He was the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in 1999 and 2000, and the head coach at Louisiana Tech the 3 years before that.
His offensive philosophy isn’t to have a definitive style, but rather to tailor the offense around the strengths of the players on the team. Last year’s offense had quality players to run and throw, and was thus very well rounded through the air and on the ground.
He has revamped the defense completely after it ranked 102nd in the nation last year. There will be more of an emphasis on team speed, as shown by moving several players around to get quicker players on the field, especially at linebacker.
Returning Starters
Offense – 5
Defense – 6
Sp. Tm. – 1
OFFENSE (5 returning starters)
Offensive Coordinator – Mike Borich (2nd year)
Mike Borich enters his second year as the offensive coordinator after coaching under Crowton with the Bears and at LA Tech.
QUARTERBACKS
Bret Engemann 6-4 235 JR, Matt Berry 6-5 218 FR, Ben Olson 6-4 210 FR, Todd Mortensen 6-4 221 SO
Brandon Doman is gone, but Bret Engemann returns to his role as the starting QB after redshirting in 2001 and sitting out most of 2000 with a shoulder injury he suffered against Syracuse. He still seems to be living off of his 2000 performance against Virginia in which he engineered a 38-35 overtime comeback win. He went 34-of-41 for 447 yards in that game. BYU fans point to that as proof that he has what it takes to be an outstanding QB. He was recruited by many big time schools out of high school including Miami, Washington, Oklahoma, Stanford, and Tennessee, and was rated as a top 5 quarterback in the nation. He is less athletic than Doman was, but certainly has the talent to get it done throwing the ball.
BYU has several candidates competing to backup Engemann including Todd Mortensen, Matt Berry, and Ben Olson. Todd Mortensen is the leading returning passer from last year having gone all of 4-of-8 for 23 yards and a TD. Matt Berry was rated as a top 15 QB coming out of high school, and Ben Olson was listed as the top QB in the country.
RUNNING BACKS
Marcus Whalen 6-0 206 SO, Logan Deans 6-0 226 FR, Jared Harper 6-0 232 SO
Marcus Whalen steps in for the departed Luke Staley, and it will be important for him to run well. Staley, and his 8.1 yards per rush, will be missed dearly. Whalen redshirted in 2001, and hopes to return to running like he did in 2000 when he ran for 209 yards in 9 games, had a 5.5 yard per rush average, and scored 2 TDs.
Contributing to the importance for Whalen to run well (and stay healthy) is the lack of experienced depth behind him. Neither Logan Deans nor Jared Harper have carried the ball at all in an NCAA game. Deans redshirted as a true freshman last year and Harper played on the scout team.
Two incoming freshmen could potentially contribute in case of injury or ineffective play. Taufui Vakapuna is a 6-0 210 pounder that ran a 4.4 at the Nike camp as a recruit. He was recruited by several big name schools including Nebraska, Washington, and Oregon. Curtis Brown, at 5-11 185, is a smaller scat back that was ranked as the 39th best running back last year by Rivals.com.
The Cougars don’t typically line up with a fullback, as they normally have at least 3 wideouts on the field.
WIDE RECEIVERS
ZR – RENO MAHE 5-11 185 SR, Jason Kukahiko 6-2 190 JR, Ryan Slater 6-3 200 JR
WR – ANDREW ORD 6-2 203 SR, Toby Christensen 5-11 192 JR, Justin Anderson 5-10 183 SR
XR - Rod Wilkerson 6-1 176 JR, David Christensen 5-9 193 JR, Breyon Jones 5-10 175 SO
This is a solid, though not spectacular, group of receivers that features one of the top wideouts in the country in Reno Mahe. Mahe is a converted running back that caught 91 passes for 1211 yards and 9 scores. Andrew Ord has good size, and caught 17 passes for 183 yards and 1 TD in 2001.
BYU has probably been the most responsible for perpetuating the slow, white guy receiver stereotype. However, recruiting has brought in more speed to the passing game, and BYU has a “whole pack of decently athletic, speedy receivers that we can just rotate in the game” (according to SanJuanSun).
TIGHT ENDS
SPENCER NEAD 6-4 265 SR, Gabriel Reid 6-4 251 SR
In addition to the receivers, BYU brings quality pass catchers at TE in Spencer Nead and Gabriel Reid. Nead caught 22 passes for 266 yards and had 5 scores a year ago. Reid contributed 5 receptions for 79 yards, but had 3 TDs.
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT – DUSTIN RYKERT 6-7 317 SR, Hanale Vincent 6-5 315 SO
LG – Ryan Keele 6-4 293 SR, Quinn Christensen 6-6 305 JR
C – Scott Jackson 6-4 298 JR, Jeff Rhea 6-4 267 FR
RG – Isaac Herring 6-4 315 SR, Cade McMullin 6-3 288 JR
RT – BEN ARCHIBALD 6-4 317 SR, Vincent Xanthos 6-4 297 JR
The offensive line is averages over 300 pounds, and is anchored by monster tackles Dustin Rykert and Ben Archibald. Although 3 starters from a year ago are gone, they will be replaced with 2 seniors and a junior, all with good size. The line paved the way for Staley’s 8.1 yard per rush average last year, and for the most part kept opposing defensive lines off of Doman, allowing 24 sacks. This unit will need to keep the pressure off of the QB, which will be especially important with Greg Gathers and company rushing the less mobile Engemann.
DEFENSE (6 returning starters)
Defensive Coordinator – Ken Schmidt (21st year)
The defense was absolutely rancid last year, and has undergone a significant renovation. Thus, better play should be expected out of this group. Of course, that wouldn’t be hard to do since the defense ranked 102nd in the nation in 2001. Ken Schmidt has a speedier, although not very experienced, group to work with. Cougar fans are counting on the improved speed to make a major difference.
DEFENSIVE LINE
LE – John Denney 6-6 272 SO, JEFF COWART 6-5 265 SR
LT – IFO PILI 6-3 328 JR, Scott Young 6-5 300 JR
RT – Ryan Gunderson 6-3 286 JR, Daniel Marquardt 6-2 287 FR
RE – C.J. Ah You 6-4 264 FR, Brady Poppinga 6-3 250 SO
Gone are top rushers Keisel and Ryan Denney. C.J. Ah You comes back from a medical redshirt after recording 2 sacks in just 3 games last year. Ryan Denney’s younger brother, John, steps in to fill his shoes. Neither C.J. Ah You nor John Denney have a lot of experience, but their athleticism is expected to make them a capable pair of pass rushers. Jeff Cowart has been moved to end from tackle. He and Brady Poppinga, along with Moa Peaua (6-0 267 SO) will provide depth.
The defensive tackles feature several players with excellent size. Ifo Pili returns after struggling somewhat in 2001. He had some weight/conditioning problems, and must stay in better shape this time around. Ryan Gunderson starts at the other tackle position after competing in 14 games in 2001 with 18 tackles.
Several other players will be counted on to contribute at tackle, including Scott Young and Daniel Marquardt. Young is regarded as one of the strongest players on the team, and is expected to contribute heavily. Last year at Dixie State Junior College he had 15.5 sacks from his tackle position (!), and was named a JC Gridwire First-Team All-American. Highly recruited Jake Kuresa (6-4 310 FR) could also contribute to the mix.
LINEBACKERS
SLB – Bill Wright 6-3 234 JR, LEVI MADARIETA 6-3 221 JR
MLB – PAUL WALKENHORST 6-5 250 JR, Ammon Mauga 6-0 215 SO
WLB – Colby Bockwoldt 6-1 225 JR, Bryant Atkinson 6-3 225 FR
This is where the biggest changes in the defense have come. Paul Walkenhorst was moved from outside linebacker to enable him to make more plays after he had 69 tackles in 2001. His weight is reportedly down to around 240 to enable him to increase his speed.
Speedy linebackers Bill Wright and Colby Bockwoldt will likely man the outside linebacker spots, although Levi Madarieta has been moved from safety after making 65 tackles a year ago to contribute more speed to the unit. Wright and Bockwoldt contributed 24 and 25 tackles, respectively, as backups last year.
Ammon Mauga was a significant contributor on special teams, and will back up Walkenhorst in the middle. Atkinson redshirted in 2001, and will get his first playing time this year.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
LC – JERNARO GILFORD 6-2 187 JR, Mike Sumko 5-10 170 SR
SS – Aaron Francisco 6-2 206 SO, Joshua Brandon 5-11 182 SR
FS – Michael Madsen 6-1 197 JR, Alex Farris 6-0 202 JR
RC – BRANDON HEANEY 5-10 175 JR, Walt Williams 6-0 170 JR
Jernaro Gilford is a first team All-MWC corner, and honorable mention All-American. He led the team with 6 interceptions in 2001, as well as adding 56 tackles. Brandon Heaney starts opposite Gilford after playing in 14 games and contributing 46 tackles as a sophomore. Heaney will be pushed by Junior College transfer Walt Williams. Williams was ranked as the 21st best Junior College player last year.
Aaron Francisco takes over the starting strong safety position after playing in 14 games and starting 2 in 2001. Michael Madsen mans the other safety position after redshirting in 2001. Heaney could potentially start at free safety over Madsen, moving Walt Williams into the other starting CB spot.
The coaches seem to have high hopes for this group of defensive backs, with as many as 7 or 8 quality players.
SPECIAL TEAMS (1 returning starter)
K – MATT PAYNE 6-4 238 SO, Forrest Hansen 5-7 160 JR
P – Tyson Dunham 6-1 190 JR, Jared McLaughlin 6-5 198 FR
PR – Reno Mahe 5-11 185 SR, Walt Williams 6-0 170 JR
Matt Payne is a solid kicker going 12-for-17 on field goal attempts and 73-for-76 on PATs in 2001. Dunham looks to take over the punting duties, although he hasn’t played yet in his career. Punt return duties will be handled by either Reno Mahe or Walt Williams.
BYU offense vs. GT defense
GT won’t be able to completely shut the Cougars down, but BYU should find this unit much more difficult to move the ball on than the other teams they will face. The best battles should come between Greg Gathers and Ben Archibald, as well as Reno Mahe and Tech’s defensive backs. BYU likely won’t have as much success running the ball as they are used to, and will have to put the ball in the air. This will be a test for the Jacket DBs as they have had trouble shutting down opponents through the air.
GT offense vs. BYU defense
BYU’s defense will have to be significantly better than it was last year, or this could turn into a blowout. I don’t expect Tech’s offense to completely manhandle the Cougars defense, but I do expect success on the ground and through the air. Despite having more speed, the Y defense is young and inexperienced, and this will show on the field.
Final Prediction
Superior experience and depth should allow Tech to control the game on offense and defense, although BYU’s offense will not be completely shut down. Additionally, I didn’t mention it above, but GT should have an advantage in special teams, and this could help contribute mightily.
GT – 35 BYU – 27
