Coach Bronco Mendenhall participates in Brigham Young University football practice in Provo, Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012.
Ravell Call, Deseret News
PROVO —
As BYU's head coach and defensive coordinator, Bronco Mendenhall keeps a keen eye on the Cougar offense.
His defense competed against the offense during fall camp, and, ultimately, of course, Mendenhall is responsible for the offensive performance.
With Thursday's season-opener at LaVell Edwards Stadium against Washington State (8:15 p.m., MT, ESPN) rapidly approaching, the reality is that in Mendenhall's previous seven campaigns at the helm, BYU's offense has sputtered in almost every season-opener, averaging about 18 points per game. Take away the 41 points scored in the 2008 opener against FCS opponent Northern Iowa, that average drops to a lackluster 14.5.
With a senior quarterback, a variety of proven playmakers and a clearer identity, is this year's offense equipped to start strong?
"From what I saw in practice, yeah," Mendenhall said. "They're hard to stop. I just kind of gauge it by that. I like the way they work."
It should be noted that BYU owns a 5-2 record in those seven openers — despite the lack of offensive production — including five consecutive victories, which stands as a testament to the Cougars' defensive efforts. In last year's opener at Ole Miss, the defense essentially won the game thanks to linebacker Kyle Van Noy's fumble recovery for a touchdown with five minutes remaining. The offense scored just one TD in a 14-13 victory.
Offensive coordinator Brandon Doman and quarterback Riley Nelson certainly want to see more points on the scoreboard in this year's opener.
"It will all start up front with the offensive line. If we can establish a good run game, then that will open up pass lanes for us," Nelson said. "The key to our success will be balance. That will come through high-efficiency pass offense and a highly efficient run game. I can't say that we'll come out of each game with the same pass-to-run ratio — 60-40 or 65-35 or whatever. Those may be flipped depending on the game. All we're interested in is putting the ball in the end zone, getting first downs and moving the ball up and down the field. I feel like we're well on our way. We feel good about where we are right now."
Doman, who is entering his second season as offensive coordinator, remembers the opening game of his senior season at BYU in 2001 — a 70-point outburst against Tulane. Is this offense capable of producing a prolific amount of points from the outset?
