Answers, Part X
Here is the 10th installment:
what are BYU's strengths this season and what should we be concerned about?
The biggest strength is many of the guys are 23 to 25 years old and physically stronger and more developed than other teams. I love their quarterback Max Hall, but BYU cannot run the ball against good teams from BCS conferences. But, the biggest concern is BYU's physical strength, which could wear down UCLA in Provo's altitude.
What are your thoughts on Michael Norris? Is he a liability? Should Moore start at corner, now that Lockett is back in action?
Norris is an ok player who will get picked on because teams don't want to attack Alterraun Verner much. I think he will have to fight to keep his position, but not with Moore. The plan is not to play Moore at cornerback, so that is no longer an issue.
Do you think UCLA gains anything by way of preparation since Chow previously coached at BYU? Or was it so long ago that it makes no appreciable difference?
Much, much, much too long ago for it to be a consideration.
Do you think the O-Line problem with run blocking had anything to do with the fact that the TN D-Line looked like giants? Isn't pass protection against a larger opponent easier than run blocking (assuming the meathead across from you is s-l-o-w)?
If being big was a prerequisite for stopping the run, defensive coordinators would rest a lot better. The problem with the run blocking is UCLA just isn't good at it. As far as pass protection, it's easy to block when a team doesn't blitz and a quarterback gets rid of the ball quickly.
Do you think the fact that many of the alumni (the "wallets") stayed after the game (highly unusual) because of (a) a deep seeded need to celebrate the victory, or (b)free fireworks. (I'm leaning toward the fireworks as the impetus.) (P.S. I use the term the 'wallets' affectionately, as I, too, donate to the Wooden Athletic Fund. I, along with VB and 6 others, sit together at mid-field on the press box side, turning red in the face screaming at the masses to stand up and cheer!)
Didn't you get the note at the top of the Q&A entry about asking questions the length of a novella?
How did Coach stay fresh and dry in the labor Day humidity wearing that long sleeve shirt and sweater vest? (This is not Colorado or Washington! Brrrr!)
Because he is a cool cat. Uh, cool cub.
Ben Olson back by the Fresno State game? Is that true? He'll be available by that time?
I never said that. I wrote he said that was his goal. I don't know if it's possible, but he is hopeful of it.
Can we limit the questions to less than 100? It'll make for a more productive friday.
How should I choose the 100 then?
UCLA apparently just offered Trey Zeigler. Isn't there a point where we have to stop taking guards?
Not with the way guys are leaving UCLA early. One of the things Howland does well is plan for the future, and have a feel for when a player is going to leave.
with our struggles at offensive line and limited depth on the defensive side. And with only one verbal (Capella) what linemen do you the bruins sign this February?
If I knew what linemen UCLA was going to sign, I'd break the commitment stories right now.
Flip a coin. Heads for the first 100. Tails for the last 100.
As for the question of Norm Chow's familiarity with BYU and the resultant answer of it has been too long ago since he worked there, I would like to say that Dewayne Walker is the coach who probably knows BYU's tendencies the best, since he faced them twice last year and should have won both meetings, rather than the one