2009 BYU Cougars Predictions
2008 Record: (10-3, 6-2)
Coach: Bronco Mendenhall, 5th year, (38-13)
Off. Coordinator: Robert Anae (5th year)
Def. Coordinator: Jamie Hill (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 11 (4 offense, 7 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Max Hall)

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Offense: The Cougars return quarterback Max Hall, who finished in the top 11 in most passing categories. He also threw for 35 touchdown passes to set a league record. Their biggest loss was of wide receive Austin Collie, who set the BYU career receiving record with a year of eligibility left. At running back, junior Harvey Unga (6-0, 239) returns after rushing for 1,000 yards for his second straight season. With Collie gone, Hall would look to All-America candidate (TE) Dennis Pitta, (6-5, 248), who caught 83 passes for 1,083 yards last season. They lose both starting receivers, but return McKay Jackson (5-11, 192), as sophomore returning from a Mormon mission in Japan. In 2006, he caught 28 passes for 574 yards as a freshman. They return just one starter from the offensive line and this is the big factor that separates them from Utah. Fortunately, they return sophomore left tackle Matt Reynolds (6-6, 320), to protect Hall’s blindside.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 21.9ppg and 355.9 yds./game (59th in the nation). The Cougars, who play a 3-4 scheme, return senior DE Jan Jorgensen (6-3, 259), who holds the MWC sack record with 24. Jorgensen had just five sacks last year as he saw double teams in every game. At linebacker, senior Matt Bauman (6-1, 229) is back after leading the team with 108 tackles. They have an athletic group of linebackers and return all three starters up front. The issue is in the secondary, where they return just one starter. The safety position is the biggest concern, which is one reason why they moved corner Scott Johnson to free safety.

Outlook: The Cougars usually put up points on the board, but it will be difficult to match last year’s total of 34.2 with just four starters returning. They open with Oklahoma in Arlington, Texas, and then face Tulane on the road and Florida State as well as Utah State at home. It doesn’t get much tougher than that schedule and their biggest advantage is that they host Utah in the season finale. With Hall at the helm, the Cougars do have a legit shot at the MWC title.

This Mountain West conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

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