Shock And Awe

Obliteration, dismantling, and annihilation are among the words that could be used to describe what was experienced saturday afternoon at Lavell Edwards Stadium. It began with Kellen Fowler carrying the team flag while Vai Sikahema's alumni flag directed the blue and white jerseys onto the field. Those blue and white jerseys put on an absolute show of total shock and awe after only being favored by eight and a half. BYU displayed one of the most complete games in Cougar history as well as one over a BCS team.

From the offense, defense, special teams and even the coaching staff were a band of brothers beating the same heartbeat. The cougars coaching staff collectively out-coached some of the best coaching minds in college football today. Offensive Coordinator Robert Anae called a beautiful game throwing in new plays (ages since I saw Cougs run an option), new sets, even in including new players (Iona Pritchard as fullback) leaving the Bruins second guessing the entire game. Jan Jorgensen described it as "not angry - just tired of it. We were ready to make a statement today to shut people up". When the dust had settled the scoreboard showed 59 to nothing. Yes nothing. No, that is not a typo nor a misprint and not the blue kool-aid talking. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The included pic above says it all (credit for the pic goes to Douglas C Pizac/AP photo but made possible by the lackluster play saturday by Alterraun Verner). It was the worst loss for the visiting UCLA Bruins in 79 years and was the Cougs biggest shutout in twenty years since 1988 (vs. New Mexico 65-0). Bruin coach Neuheisel gave the Cougs some kudos "We just got dominated in every aspect of the game...give BYU credit for the win". Anyone know what the Bruins did with 12 days off to prepare for the onslaught? (Did I hear rock, paper, scissors?) With 35 points in the second quarter the decimation was on and the Cougs never looked back with Fiesta Bowl officials watching.

Was there ever any question if the Cougs were getting the Max out of Hall? Saturday Max threw 27 of 35 for 258 yards with 7 TDs (in only 3 quarters). Hall showed why he's among the best. His efficiency by games end stood tall at 217.6. Max reads the field incredibly well, knows his receivers, understands ball distribution, being patient (letting the game come to you and not forcing things), and simply makes superb decisions. Hall said it well "If you're a division I team and not trying to get to the BCS then what are you doing?".

In the blue zone the Cougs were perfect 8 for 8 (7 TDs and and a solo FG). On third downs the efficiency is thru the roof in the last two games (25 of 31) at an 80 percent success. The OL has been dominant having no sacks in the past 3 games. The graters were able to provide ground cover again for nearly 200 yards (196 to be exact) as well as giving Max ample time to select his weapons. Bruins top defender Alterraun Verner was abused all day by Austin Collie ("the verner burner") who saw 10 receptions for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns. Collectively the offense racked up over 500 yards (520 if you're counting). Pitta snagged 5 catches and padded his ridiculous stats with 2 more TDs.

Defensively when was the last time you heard of a BCS team held to 11 yards on the ground by the Cougs? Throwing Bradley into the secondary switching things up was genius. And once again BYU stepped up providing another block on a 32 yard field goal attempt by Kai Forbath. The jerseys in blue made plays, forced turnovers and held on downs when it counted.

One can't leave out the special teams. CJ Santiago bounced back drilling two punts for 50.5 yard average. Mitch Payne was perfect 8 of 8 PATs while adding a solo field goal from 25. O'Neill Chambers got into the equation as well with a punt return of 14 yards and a sweet kick return for 31 yards. Sorensen's kicks were touchbacks and those help immensely in the field position battle. After such an overall complete domination and destruction on all fronts there was no doubt whatsoever who the better team was that walked off the field that day. I'd hope they were allowed 10 seconds postgame in the locker room for excessive celebration without penalty.