Thor's BYU Board: The Offical Online Version

The Inside Track: Sorry for the late delivery on the start of the 2010 BYU Board, but I've been understandably distracted by all the news coming out of the Cougar organization lately. I'm more excited than I can say about BYU's move to independence. The ESPN deal alone is amazing, and I think we'll see great things come out of this for the team in the coming years, but that's really talk for next year's board. Right now, a new season is starting with Washington in Provo on Saturday! The biggest question about this game is the same as the biggest question about BYU as a whole this season: what can we expect at quarterback? I've yet to see a really successful two QB system in play, and I doubt this one will last long. I expect either Heaps or Nelson will prove more capable in game situations and earn the majority of the snaps fairly quickly. The Cougars will need to work out an offensive rhythm quickly to keep up with a potent and experienced Husky offense. As for my prediction on the season, I've got BYU winning 11 games and taking the conference. Optimistic, I know, but here's how I see it playing out: the Cougars struggle a bit in the early going, losing one or maybe even two of the first three games before they catch their stride, settle on one QB, and go on a streak. They build confidence against easier teams during weeks 4-6, then they upset TCU and go on to face Utah for the conference title. A fitting way to bid farewell to the MWC as Utah and BYU part ways as conference rivals after this season.

Bad News for the Cougars: They've lost tons of experience at key positions. Good News for the Cougars: The new recruits are as good as any we've had hit the field in years. Players to Watch: QB Riley Nelson: He's officially named the starter, and is very dangerous on his feet, but not as good a passer. QB Jake Heaps: The "other starter" is a freshman, but doesn't play like one. The team could rely on his arm to hurt a weak Husky passing defense. The Winning Tickets: Find a rhythm. Running an offense with two quarterbacks could be really tricky. BYU needs to figure out where their offensive rhythm is strongest and stick with it to put up points as efficiently as they can. If they can make the dual scheme actually work, it could be extremely difficult to defend. Go with what you know. There is some experience coming back to the field at the reciever and running back spots. The Cougars should put the ball in the hands of those guys and let them carry the load. Stalk Locker. Jake Locker has proven very dangerous on his feet, so BYU needs to pin him down. They've had Riley Nelson, also a running QB, to train on all through the off-season, so let's hope they learned how to stop a run-and-gun QB.		Bad News for the Falcons: They haven't won a road game since 2007. Good News for the Falcons: Their offense is anchored by a pre-season Heisman hopeful and a 1000 yard rusher. Players to Watch: QB Jake Locker: Probably the most talked about QB in the league this off-season, many have him as the #1 draft pick after this year. RB Chris Polk: He put up over 1100 yards last season, even with a late shoulder surgery. He's going to make the defense work hard. The Winning Tickets: Own the field. BYU's offense is always explosive, but has some growing up to do. If Washington can put up long, sustained offensive drives and keep their own defense off the field, they'll do well. Chinks in the armor. The Cougars have struggled in recent years to defend QB's who can throw and run, as Locker can. This should be a staple of the Huskies' game. Think big. Washington has a lot to prove this season, having not come out with a winning record since 2002. They think this is their year, and BYU is the first hurdle. They need to want this win more than the Cougars do.