BYU fan here, what to expect from us in our game

[sechamp2012]

BYU fan here, just wondering what we can expect in our matchup against you guys.

In recent years we have played a bunch of teams with similar size and athleticism to Tennessee and each game has given us very different results. In 2015 we played a talented Michigan team who blew us out 31-0, we looked like an FCS team. We also played Missouri later that year and we lost 20-16 in a game we definitely should have won, but just couldn’t sustain drives. 2016 we played a slew of good teams… Utah and WV were maybe the best, and lost to both of them in nail biters. We also played a middling Mississippi State team and beat them in overtime 28-21. 2017 had LSU murder us, 27-0, and once again our offense looked like an FCS team, but our defense held its own. Later we played Wisconsin and they murdered us 47-6 at home. Mississippi St also beat us 35-10.

Finally in 2018 we showed well and beat a top 10 Wisconsin team on the road and matched up with them physically. We also had a giant lead against Utah before squandering it away in depressing fashion, but that Utah team Is probably similar in talent to you guys this year. However, Washington almost shut us out in a 35-7 win. Overall, I have no idea what to expect. Utah is a great team, and we play them close every year, but they are our rival. Wisconsin showed two different sides of BYU football. So did Mississippi State. I am not sure the quality of Tennessee and would love to hear from you guys. I could see this game anywhere from a close win or loss for us to a game like the LSU game where we lose by 3+ possessions.

Our team has been trying to build depth ever since Kalani got here in 2016. We have been overall pretty successful with this. We have a great RB stable thanks to 2 grad transfers, one from South Carolina (Ty’son Williams) and one from Rice. We have probably a top 5 TE crew in the country, featuring Matt Bushman. Our offensive line is the best it’s been in a decade. We love our young QB Zach Wilson, and expect great things from him. He has been good in most of his outings and should have a breakout year. Our WR crew is thin and honestly not great. We have 2 WRs worth noting, Hifo and Romney. Our TEs will be a big part of our passing game. Grimes is also in his second season as OC, and he has a lot of coaching experience in the SEC, most recently with LSU. This could be the factor that changes the game, he knows SEC football and should have us ready.

Our defense has been the strongest part of our team since 2015. We have a deep D-Line that have been better at stuffing the run than pass rushing, but still can be threats to your QB. Watch out for Khyris Tonga, he is a monster. Our LBs are thin, but have experience. Zayne Anderson missed a lot of the season last year, but will be a senior this year and will be the leader of the defense. This is also our best DB crew we have had in a long time, probably since 2009. That is not saying much though, we are usually very weak in the secondary, but this year is not the case. Our defense last year was very effective in most every game. We held every opponent we played to a modest score – except our rivals Utah and Utah St who scored 35 and 45. Granted, USU had a top offense in the country last year.

This game is going to come down mainly to our offense’s ability to keep us in the game. Our defense will likely hold you to 17-31 points, I’d be shocked if you scored anywhere outside of that range, be it more or less. Our Offense’s range however is probably going to be anywhere from 3-31 points. I think Tennessee should be about a 7 point favorite, and that’s about what I expect to see come to fruition. Maybe a 24-17 type win for the Vols. I am interested to hear from you guys about this matchup though. I don’t know a lot about your team other than your QB.

I read somewhere were BYU had 17 starters back which ranks high nationally. I think UT has 16 but some and most would not start for top tier SEC teams. Also what is the average age of your players they seem to have a lot go on mission and come back and play almost like a double redshirt.

 

[LA vol7]

It will be a close game. Tennessee is not a prohibitive favorite. Who wins? I’m not sure. Tennessee needs to win BYU doesn’t have to win. It’s in Neyland so I think Tennessee wins but I wouldn’t bet much on it!

 

[HuntlandVolinColo]

You guys will probably hang pretty good until the last 20 minutes. Your linemen are good and like us you are returning a lot of experience. I believe our depth is better. I think our speed gets to you at the end and we win by 10-17 but that's just my opinion.

 

[EZE]

Wow! lot's of words!

I thought it was a well-thought analysis.

 

[rockytopbilly]

but that Utah team Is probably similar in talent to you guys this year.

Thanks for the in-depth breakdown. I generally agree. I do question whether Utah's team last year is actually similar in talent. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we've lived up to the expectations at all, but are you sure that their size and athleticism compares to ours from a physicality standpoint? That team could beat us head to head, no doubt, but looking at it from a talent perspective and looking at our players, I have doubts to them having more talent.

 

[rockytopbilly]

This game is an interesting one for BYU, you are our only road game in the first month. Our 3 home games? Utah, USC, Washington. No one really knows what to expect in our first month of football. 2-2 is what we all pray for, but 0-4 isn't out of the picture either.

Whoa. That's just unfair. I doubt we could pull a win against any of those 3 teams, no matter the location. Hopefully I'm wrong and we take a step forward this year, but ouch.

 

[MemphisVol77]

Welcome to the board. DougtheVol. Great post.

I'm with you on the prediction. We could win/lose close or win by 2TD's. I'd be most surprised if you guys beat us by 10 or more.

Trying not to regurgitate allot of what the guys on here have already said I'll try and take in what you've told us and add my 2cents.

On defense my guess is we are gonna try and stack 7 in the box and play man on man bump and run coverage unless you start burning us through the air. We're big on our two talented sophomore CB's and we know our DL is completely inexperienced and will need help but as has been stated our LB's are talented. My guess is we plan on trying to disrupt the passing game with our blitz packages if our secondary holds so we can hopefully contain your rushing attack. If your able to find the soft spots passing underneath and start moving the chains our D will give up yardage. We've got a head hunting safety who's strong against the rush in Nigel Warrior who will probably stay on the field if we can stack the box. If you loosen us up though the air he'll probably see allot less action.

How about your DB's? I haven't looked at your roster to check heights but are your DB's 5-9/5-10 and up? If your lacking in secondary talent and can't make up height that plays into our strengths. We've got 3 WR 6-2' & up that are proven jump ball dogs. But don't worry too much they'll drop at least 1 uncontested pass a piece(joke sort of...) My guess is we're gonna start out with WR screens, then 4-6 yard hitches to loosen your D up. If we can then successfully run the ball we'll take a few deep shots here and there. I'll be shocked if we come out running to set up the pass. However we have an all- world 1st round caliber left tackle Trey Smith(capable of playing guard) who's health status is up in the air. If Trey Smith is actually healthy that changes everything and we could very well come out smashmouth trying to beat you with the big uglies between the tackles. I just don't think that's likely as we've got a savvy Offensive Coordinator who has experienced success running different style offenses throughout his career. Our QB doesn't make many big mistakes so we'll plan to his strengths before testing our OL too much between the tackles early.

Summarily in scheming to our strengths. We are of the inclination that we out talent all but the top half of the SEC and another dozen or so schools attop their respective BIG5 conferences. If we shut down your receivers, contain the run taking the heat off our DL; then able to start our offense off moving the chains with short/mid range passing to open the run you'll be in for a very long day as our talent and speed should let us comfortably win by 14+ on you.

That's a nice inclination but even if our talent level is the best case scenario we're inclined to believe, we're not that disillusioned as to the sum of the parts. Our OL has been a train wreck for a few years. We're praying the new coaching, S&C, and returning experience finally comes together to be an SEC quality OL.
On DL we have a highly touted player Gooden we've seen little of, a transfer we're hoping to be eligible in Solomon, and a whole slew of others with little to no experience.

I don't particularly think by the 2nd game our DL&OL will be playing to the level we hope they're capable of and that we'll execute a perfect game plan letting us run away with the game early. We've got more speed and distinct home field advantage though. That should enable us to overcome the jitters, miscues, and breakdowns both our OL& DL are bound to experience.

As long as we win then great game and we were glad to have you. If you upset us then SCR%W YOU DIRTY CHEAPSHOT ILLEGAL HITTING, LUCKY TO GET A BAD CALL, 25 YEAR OLD SOB's!!!

 

[bmaultbay]

WGWTFA.

 

[LouderVol]

I think this will be a fairly balanced game to start. UT probably has more "talent" but I think BYU is the better "team". I think UT wins because of schematic match ups.

I dont know a ton about this BYU team specifically but from the right up it sounds like a good match up for our defense. I think schematically Pruitt is geared to stop the run and keep things compressed. Where we struggle defensively is getting spread out and speed. But I dont think UT has to worry about that from BYU. Your TEs will probably do pretty good against us. I would say our LBs are above average against the run but weaker vs passing.

I think your OL will get some good push on us to start, but last year Pruitt was able to adjust and shut some of that down.

Just thinking broadly from last year BYU stereotypes into two of UTs opponents imo. Vandy and Kentucky. Both in talent and somewhat scheme/strength wise. We shut down a good Kentucky but got blown out by a bad Vandy. Obviously I hope we are improved enough to fix that. And vandy killed us with TEs, iirc, I honestly stopped watching.

Offensively, if we can give our qb 3 seconds I think he will have a pretty good game. Upper 200s lower 300 in passing yards. Generally doesnt turn it over, but typically lacks a lot of wow plays. He's not a game manager type per se but he wasnt given many options last year. I think we will see more passing. I think our speed where we have it will give BYU fits. Our skill guys are good, not elite, but good. It all comes down to OL. If we can block, which isnt a given, we can have success vs most teams. But we are garbage more than not so who knows. I would give BYU the nod with your DL vs our OL overall. But I dont think it's a big enough difference to take over the game. But you will definitely have a chance to end some drives with your DL alone. I think, hope, we will see some more dink and dunk from Chaney (oc) with some big passes mixed in. Look for him to hit up RBs and TE on some of those big shots.

Overall I see us pretty fairly matched but I think UT wins on the big play aspect. Whether that's offense, or turnovers, idk, but I think that might be our one clear advantage. And I dont see BYU being able to match them.

10 pt UT win. I think a well timed turnover seals the game for us.

 

[Proud Army Wife]

We've been on a rebuild for way too long, however, neyland is brutal for the away team, and we've got some big uglies who are hungry to win.

 

[reaperkyle]

Early Vegas line is out for several of Tennessee's games already. The BYU game opened at Tennessee -4. FYI.

The other UT games released for early betting last week (if you're curious) were:
Tennessee +16.5 at Florida
Tennessee -7 vs Vandy

 

[volsfan125]

Is Ty Detmer still BYU's OC? (I know I could look it up but then it would not be a conversation starter.) If not what type of offense do you guys run? Classic short passing game from the 80's BYU is famous for or a spread you guys have ran recently. Thanks

 

[SoddyAllVol]

At least the OP was nice enough to use paragraphs but regardless, tl;dr.

tLdR...you prob dreaded reading aloud in school

 

[VOLnMiami]

Honestly we could roll the the 2nd string out there and beat BYU by 17+. Too much speed and athleticism at every level.

Yeahhhh be sure and tell Vandy and Mizzou that next time we play em...This team needs to play every single game like its a title game or they could easily get beat by any team on the schedule...This isn't the 90's and the reality of it is that we are not a very good football team YET...Don't get cocky or you will get disappointed.

 

[Weezer]

Nice rundown, Doug, thanks for it.

Just one question: Why did you sign up as Doug the Vol? Why not Doug the Cougar?


Go Vols!

Obviously he's jumping on the bandwagon early.

 

[goooooovols]

BYU fan here, just wondering what we can expect in our matchup against you guys.

In recent years we have played a bunch of teams with similar size and athleticism to Tennessee and each game has given us very different results. In 2015 we played a talented Michigan team who blew us out 31-0, we looked like an FCS team. We also played Missouri later that year and we lost 20-16 in a game we definitely should have won, but just couldn’t sustain drives. 2016 we played a slew of good teams… Utah and WV were maybe the best, and lost to both of them in nail biters. We also played a middling Mississippi State team and beat them in overtime 28-21. 2017 had LSU murder us, 27-0, and once again our offense looked like an FCS team, but our defense held its own. Later we played Wisconsin and they murdered us 47-6 at home. Mississippi St also beat us 35-10.

Finally in 2018 we showed well and beat a top 10 Wisconsin team on the road and matched up with them physically. We also had a giant lead against Utah before squandering it away in depressing fashion, but that Utah team Is probably similar in talent to you guys this year. However, Washington almost shut us out in a 35-7 win. Overall, I have no idea what to expect. Utah is a great team, and we play them close every year, but they are our rival. Wisconsin showed two different sides of BYU football. So did Mississippi State. I am not sure the quality of Tennessee and would love to hear from you guys. I could see this game anywhere from a close win or loss for us to a game like the LSU game where we lose by 3+ possessions.

Our team has been trying to build depth ever since Kalani got here in 2016. We have been overall pretty successful with this. We have a great RB stable thanks to 2 grad transfers, one from South Carolina (Ty’son Williams) and one from Rice. We have probably a top 5 TE crew in the country, featuring Matt Bushman. Our offensive line is the best it’s been in a decade. We love our young QB Zach Wilson, and expect great things from him. He has been good in most of his outings and should have a breakout year. Our WR crew is thin and honestly not great. We have 2 WRs worth noting, Hifo and Romney. Our TEs will be a big part of our passing game. Grimes is also in his second season as OC, and he has a lot of coaching experience in the SEC, most recently with LSU. This could be the factor that changes the game, he knows SEC football and should have us ready.

Our defense has been the strongest part of our team since 2015. We have a deep D-Line that have been better at stuffing the run than pass rushing, but still can be threats to your QB. Watch out for Khyris Tonga, he is a monster. Our LBs are thin, but have experience. Zayne Anderson missed a lot of the season last year, but will be a senior this year and will be the leader of the defense. This is also our best DB crew we have had in a long time, probably since 2009. That is not saying much though, we are usually very weak in the secondary, but this year is not the case. Our defense last year was very effective in most every game. We held every opponent we played to a modest score – except our rivals Utah and Utah St who scored 35 and 45. Granted, USU had a top offense in the country last year.

This game is going to come down mainly to our offense’s ability to keep us in the game. Our defense will likely hold you to 17-31 points, I’d be shocked if you scored anywhere outside of that range, be it more or less. Our Offense’s range however is probably going to be anywhere from 3-31 points. I think Tennessee should be about a 7 point favorite, and that’s about what I expect to see come to fruition. Maybe a 24-17 type win for the Vols. I am interested to hear from you guys about this matchup though. I don’t know a lot about your team other than your QB.

This article seems to contradict you on the defense by all accounts, says the secondary might be the strength while the front seven unproven.

Does sound like the offense flourished some under Wilson but he struggled when pressured, making freshman decisions.

Has us favored by right at 10 points which sounds right.

BYU hasn’t really risen or fallen as an indie. Does that change in 2019?

 

[Nerwen Aldarion]

Honestly, I’m not sure. I remember most of big talk from Western Kentucky at the start of the year only to watch then turn the ball over to us and let us score 6 times in 7 consecutive plays

 

[VolFanInHawaii]

Frankly, we don't really know what we have other than the QB either. Thanks for the breakdown!

 

[BruisedOrange]

Why did you sign up as Doug the Vol? Why not Doug the Cougar?

Wow! lot's of words!

Why not Doug the Cougar? I think Doug was having mercy on all us Tennesseans who have to sound out words. Half of us would see those identical "o-u-g"s and rhyme (aloud) "Doug the Cuh-ger" and the other half "Doog the Cougar."

* the correct pronunciation would be Dowg the Cow-ger

 

[illinoisvolfan1]

I think this will be a good close game. We really need to win to help our chances for 6 or more wins. Toss up IMO.

 

[Jackcrevol]

I think Doug was having mercy on all us Tennesseans who have to sound out words. Half of us would see the identical "o-u-g"s and rhyme (aloud) "Doug the Cuh-ger" and the other half "Doog the Cougar."

* actually, the correct pronunciation is Dowg the Cowger

 

[The Original Fade]

Always a challenge going against guys that are 26-28 years old

 

[savannahfan]

BYU fan here, just wondering what we can expect in our matchup against you guys.

In recent years we have played a bunch of teams with similar size and athleticism to Tennessee and each game has given us very different results. In 2015 we played a talented Michigan team who blew us out 31-0, we looked like an FCS team. We also played Missouri later that year and we lost 20-16 in a game we definitely should have won, but just couldn’t sustain drives. 2016 we played a slew of good teams… Utah and WV were maybe the best, and lost to both of them in nail biters. We also played a middling Mississippi State team and beat them in overtime 28-21. 2017 had LSU murder us, 27-0, and once again our offense looked like an FCS team, but our defense held its own. Later we played Wisconsin and they murdered us 47-6 at home. Mississippi St also beat us 35-10.

Finally in 2018 we showed well and beat a top 10 Wisconsin team on the road and matched up with them physically. We also had a giant lead against Utah before squandering it away in depressing fashion, but that Utah team Is probably similar in talent to you guys this year. However, Washington almost shut us out in a 35-7 win. Overall, I have no idea what to expect. Utah is a great team, and we play them close every year, but they are our rival. Wisconsin showed two different sides of BYU football. So did Mississippi State. I am not sure the quality of Tennessee and would love to hear from you guys. I could see this game anywhere from a close win or loss for us to a game like the LSU game where we lose by 3+ possessions.

Our team has been trying to build depth ever since Kalani got here in 2016. We have been overall pretty successful with this. We have a great RB stable thanks to 2 grad transfers, one from South Carolina (Ty’son Williams) and one from Rice. We have probably a top 5 TE crew in the country, featuring Matt Bushman. Our offensive line is the best it’s been in a decade. We love our young QB Zach Wilson, and expect great things from him. He has been good in most of his outings and should have a breakout year. Our WR crew is thin and honestly not great. We have 2 WRs worth noting, Hifo and Romney. Our TEs will be a big part of our passing game. Grimes is also in his second season as OC, and he has a lot of coaching experience in the SEC, most recently with LSU. This could be the factor that changes the game, he knows SEC football and should have us ready.

Our defense has been the strongest part of our team since 2015. We have a deep D-Line that have been better at stuffing the run than pass rushing, but still can be threats to your QB. Watch out for Khyris Tonga, he is a monster. Our LBs are thin, but have experience. Zayne Anderson missed a lot of the season last year, but will be a senior this year and will be the leader of the defense. This is also our best DB crew we have had in a long time, probably since 2009. That is not saying much though, we are usually very weak in the secondary, but this year is not the case. Our defense last year was very effective in most every game. We held every opponent we played to a modest score – except our rivals Utah and Utah St who scored 35 and 45. Granted, USU had a top offense in the country last year.

This game is going to come down mainly to our offense’s ability to keep us in the game. Our defense will likely hold you to 17-31 points, I’d be shocked if you scored anywhere outside of that range, be it more or less. Our Offense’s range however is probably going to be anywhere from 3-31 points. I think Tennessee should be about a 7 point favorite, and that’s about what I expect to see come to fruition. Maybe a 24-17 type win for the Vols. I am interested to hear from you guys about this matchup though. I don’t know a lot about your team other than your QB.

I would be too.......

 

[savannahfan]

I'm not sure what to expect. Historically, it's been very difficult for non-elite opponents to come into Neyland in September and win. Even during our decade of misery (this decade!), we still have tended to win these types of games.

That said, our O-line was a trainwreck last season. While there's reason to believe it will improve this year, we do have a lot of youth and inexperience that might show in September. Your all's defense could certainly make a game of it.

We struggled with running the ball last season and your all's run D could shut down on our run game. On the other hand, we've seen a noticeable improvement in the S&C program here in the past year and a lot of the OL guys that were undersized last year have bulked up and gained 10 - 30 pounds. Given that, it's very difficult to anticipate what our O-line will look like.

In spite of issues on the lines, we have a lot of good players at the skill positions and will likely have an advantage there. Our secondary looks to be very good, as well; I think it will be difficult to pass against us.

I think the line favoring a narrow win for UT is fair. We have a big home field advantage. We'll probably be better this year than last. But BYU is certainly good enough to beat us if we're not playing our "A" game.

I give you a like----but,,, your all's?????

 

[savannahfan]

If this is like most BYU teams, I think some of those grown men (22-24 years old) you have on your DL will give our young (and not very good) OL fits. The game will come down to whether we are creative enough with our playcalling to give our QB enough time to take advantage of skill player athleticism....

You have noticed the same thing I have. Over the years BYU seem to be a very "mature" team. Guess it has to do with "taking off a year for religious things.