Moving On Key for BYU vs. Tulane

Coming off one of the biggest wins in school history, the BYU Cougars have their first test as a top ten ranked team as the No. 9 Cougars travel down to New Orleans to take on the Green Wave of Tulane.

The championship mentality of the BYU football program will be the main focus of this matchup. Over the past couple of years the Cougars have been thrust in to the teeth of the national media, and usually without having to prove much. Most notably last year, they have not been able to bear that mantel.

However, this year seems to be different. This is their chance to prove that they are where they deserve to be. Though we cannot ignore the magnitude of the victory last week, it is time to move on and focus on the task at hand.

Keys for a BYU victory- With QB Max Hall picking up right where he left off last year, his protection will again be the key for the BYU offense. The return of star running back Harvey Unga will only help this cause. His presence, along with surprise back up Bryan Kariya, will take a large load off of Hall as they should be able to move the ball on the ground behind a massive offensive line.

On the defensive side of the ball BYU must put pressure on Tulane’s young QB and force him to make ill-advised throws. Keeping pace with their performance on 3rd down against Oklahoma’s offense (held OU to 2-11 on 3rd downs) surely wouldn’t hurt.

Keys for a Tulane Upset- Hit the Cougars in the mouth and don’t look back. A fast start on the offensive side of the ball may be the only thing that can save the Wave if they want to keep up on Saturday. Sophomore QB Joe Kemp will be starting only his 2nd game of his young collegiate career. In his first start on September 4, 2009 against Tulsa, Kemp went 16-28 with 278 yards one TD and a pick. Not bad for a first start, however Kemp was sacked 5 times in the loss.

Tulane must give their young QB time to make smart plays to keep the offense on the field. Keeping the Cougars out of the end zone will be a tall task for the Wave defense, and if they can make the Cougars work for their scores they may be in the game in the fourth quarter.

Final: BYU 41 vs. Tulane 17