Home Sweet Home

With the rebels coming into town on the 25th it couldn't come at a better time after the sinking of the cougars BCS ship against TCU. The jerseys in blue return to the friendly confines of Lavell Edwards Stadium still clinging to a 16 home win streak trying to regain some composure and confidence.

Former walkon quarterback Omar Clayton (6.1/200 Soph) will lead the offense onto the field supported by senior Frank "The Tank" Summers. No introduction really necessary for Summers. Any questions about Frank? Just ask the yewts when he burned them last season for 190 yards and 2 TDs. In the mold of Unga he's a big physical bruiser bulldozer of a back (5.10/240) who can steamroll up precious yards in the blink of an eye.

At the wideouts are a talented trio of Ryan Wolfe (6.1/205 JR), Casey Flair (6.1/195 SR), and Phillip Payne (6.3/185 FR) who have 12 TDs and have piled up over 1,000 receiving yards combined. Wolfe and Flair currently rank 4th and 7th in conference receiving.

At left tackle is super sophomore Matt Murphy (6.3/300, was a freshman All American). Johan Asiata (6.4/315 SR) returns but switched from right tackle to left gaurd this season. Sophomore John Gianninoto (6.3/285) takes over at center. On the right side is Joe Hawley (6.3/295 JR) and Evan Marchal (6.6/295 Soph). The hogs in the rebel offensive trenches appear to be one of the better experienced and talented crews of the Sanford era.

On the ends and tackles defensively the rebels start Isaako Aaitui (6.3/290 Soph), Malo Taumua (6.0/275 Soph), Marten Tevaseu (6.3/320 JR) and Thor Pili (6.3/275 SR) who can wreak some havoc. Beau Bell (arguably among the best LB in school history) might be gone but the rebels have a LB corps deep in promise. Starr Fuimaono (5.11/215 JR) leads the rebuilt crew. At the middle LB is Ronnie Paulo (6.1/230 Soph) while Jason Beauchamp 6.3/215 JR) covers the OLB spot.

Sophomore standout Quinton Pointer (5.9/185) started eight games as a freshman leads the secondary depth. Geoff Howard (5.10/195 SR) mans the other corner. Junior Daryl Forte (5.10/185 JR) is a two year starter at safery. Junior Terrance Lee (6.0/175, Arizona Western College transfer) splits at strong safety.

They're Back!

Former WAC rival Hawaii (established 1907 and now has over 50,000 students) and BYU have agreed to play a home and home football series in 2012 (in Happy Valley) and 2013 (on the island). The teams first met in 1930 (sorry but the Cougs got shellacked) and haven't played since 2002. Although the jerseys in blue lead the series overall 19 to 8. Past Hawaii standouts have included Jason Elam, Colt Brennan, Mark Tuinei, Maa Tanuvasa, Jesse Sapolu, Timmy Chang and Ashley Lelie. Recently the University Of Hawaii AD Jim Donovan of which said "Playing BYU has always been a thrill for our fans as well as our coaches and players". On the other hand Cougar AD Tom Holmoe added "It is great to rekindle the rivalry. Over the years the tradition has included fantastic players, coaches, teams and games. Add in terrific games and you have the ingredients of an excellent match up". Hawaii has never won in Provo. This could be rather rewarding namely in terms of recruiting for the Cougars. I just hope that fans on the mainland don't have to watch the game played in the land of pineapples at 2 am Cougar time.