Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PROVO — BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall knows what it takes to beat Utah in the team's annual rivalry meeting.
For three straight years, though, that victory has eluded him. Moreover, his attempted to squelch the flames of over-enthusiasm by approaching the battle of in-state foes as ‘just another game.'
With time running out for some of his most talented recruits to finish their BYU careers with a win, Mendenhall is trying something different.
"I'm not sure it's been a change in philosophy," he said during Wednesday's broadcast of 'BYU Football with Bronco Mendenhall' at LaVell Edwards Stadium. "Inside, they've always known it's a game that was really important. The perspective I've gained is that allowing players to be truthful is a better way to go — in most cases."
*******
That doesn't make easier the Cougars' preparations for the Utes, who will enter LaVell Edwards Stadium for the final time in three years Saturday at 8:15 p.m. But X's and O's are a big part of Mendenhall's style.
Rattling off a slew of statistics, the coach remembered six of the last eight meetings with Utah have come down to the final play. In two meetings that didn't — both BYU losses — the Cougars combined for 13 turnovers. But with a recently re-energized offense and a new emphasis on protecting the football, Mendenhall likes his chances.
"It will be an exciting game, hopefully that will come down to the end," he said, "and hopefully with a different outcome for you and for me."
One of Mendenhall's stars, team captain JD Falslev, has been especially primed for his final showdown with the Utes.
"It's a very big deal," the senior wide receiver and standout returner said. "We've prepared for this game harder than we've prepared for any game. The coaches ahve done a great job of establishing a sense of urgency that we need for this game. It doesn't sit well when you haven't beat your rival opponent. Whatever level you are at, your rival matters."
Similar comments have been made, both publicly and privately, by linebacker Kyle Van Noy, quarterback Taysom Hill and kicker Justin Sorensen. Mendenhall hopes that fire can spread throughout the team, and lead to a different result as the rivalry prepares to slumber until 2017.
"The players who have been here for a while, this game matters a lot to them," he said. "They have been very vocal at practice, very vocal in meetings, and supporting all that with their practice. They have been more important than I have in setting the tone for this week."
******
Falslev joined the show immediately following a Wednesday-evening guitar class, a quick jaunt since the course meets in the band room at the stadium. The senior kick returner has already earned enough credits to graduate, and is taking the minimum eight units to maintain his eligibility for one final season.
Falslev admitted he often wears his heart on his sleeve, and it has gotten the better of him in the past — including in previous games against Utah.
"We all feel the same way," he added. "I've never been a person to try to hide my emotions; sometimes it gets the best of me. But if you continue to put that emotion and heart into the game, the game gives back."
Falslev's energy and emotion were one of the first things that made Mendenhall take notice of the Sky View High School graduate.
"He was one of those guys who came to each camp session, and would work hard no matter what," Mendenhall said. "He had the energizer bunny characteristics; he just wouldn't get tired and he was persistent. I knew at that point I wanted him on our team."
Enrolling in BYU and joining the football squad as a walk-on, Falslev has matured into a scholarship player, a team captain and a vital cog in this year's Cougars team. "Anything I can do to help the team win, I'm going to do anything."
******
Author Jeff Benedict stopped by the show to discuss his new book, 'The System,' which features BYU and other major college football programs navigating a strange landscape of amateur athletics in the United States.
The book opens with BYU, in the form of rugby star Mike Leach taking notes on the Air Raid offenses of LaVell Edwards and Jim McMahon. It continues with the BYU thread with a story of Van Noy's recruitment by BYU, and how the surefire NFL talent blossomed into a star linebacker under the school's watchful gaze.
"We wanted one guy who we knew was good enough to come out as an underclassmen, and we knew Kyle would work," Benedict said. "We didn't care what decision he made, just that he made one."
Through countless hours of interviews with coaches, players, staff and members of what Benedict calls "a different program," the Sports Illustrated contributor grew to care deeply for the young linebacker from Reno, Nev.
"I don't say this about many people, but I really grew to love Kyle through this project," Benedict said.
******
During the fan's Q&A session with Mendenhall, the head coach said he joins with many fans in hoping for a return to the dominant royal blue uniform. But it's not his choice.
"There is a lot more that goes into it than I understood," Mendenhall said. "It is a decision that goes even further than the top tier of the university. But it would be my choice."
Mendenhall also mentioned that attempts to strike a friendly and cordial relationship with Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham "just hasn't worked for us," and he's OK with being "more transparent as to how important the (Utah) game is."
Using a strict relaxation program that includes motorcycle rides every Friday, date walks with his wife Holly every Saturday morning and plenty of exercise throughout the week, Mendenhall said the time to prepare for a game is early, not on the sidelines.
"In any given game, there are probably no more than three major (defensive) adjustments," he said. "Rarely do things come up that we haven't thought about or addressed."
*******
Sean Walker is a KSL Radio Sports Intern
