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PROVO — With the promise of a perfect season shattered, and Heisman-candidate Taysom Hill out for the season, not much seems to be going right for the BYU Cougars. However, team members say they are ready to brush themselves off and face UCF this weekend, and head coach Bronco Mendenhall even said he’s “invigorated” with the challenge of a short week coming off such a heartbreaking loss.
One of the biggest challenges, of course, will be continuing without Taysom Hill, and preparing now with Christian Stewart leading the offense.
“The team simply has to execute at a higher level,” Mendenhall said. “Taysom is gone. One player does not make a team, even though Taysom’s a fantastic player. But the execution of all positions within their assignment, within their technique has to improve and improve right now.”
Stewart says that he’s ready to step up as the leader of this team, and has a lot of faith in the season going forward.
“You never want to start at someone else’s expense or because they went down to a season-ending injury, but for me, this is my dream,” Stewart said. “I grew up going to BYU football games with my dad; I’ve always wanted to be a starting quarterback here. It’s a dream come true, and now I’m ready to take the helm and lead this team to victories.”
Mendenhall and his players expressed an overwhelming confidence in Stewart’s abilities, and say that the game plan going forward won’t change despite the loss of Hill. Junior wide receiver Mitch Mathews says the chemistry in Monday’s practice was good with Stewart, and he knows the team is in good hands.
“He’s a really great quarterback,” Mathews said. “I think this is my second or third year with him, so I know exactly where he’s going to put the ball, where he wants to put the ball and he’s really good at throwing the ball, so there’s going to be no steps back in our passing game.”
Stewart threw for 172 yards against Utah State with a 34.5 percent completion rate and three interceptions, but Mendenhall says those numbers don’t truly represent who he can be as a quarterback.
“He tries really hard, which is exactly what we knew he would. He knows the offense well, he looked confident, and like many quarterbacks in that situation, he pressed,” Mendenhall said. “He was trying to do a little bit too much, but I actually took it as a positive thing because he was aggressive.”
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When asked about coaching adjustments, Mendenhall indicated that there wouldn’t be much of a change despite Friday’s outcome. He said his focus has been primarily with the offense this season and expects that to continue now that they adjust to a new quarterback.
“My intent is to continue to mentor, to continue to advise and support both Robert and Nick as best that I can and be a resource wherever I’m needed and when I’m needed, Mendenhall said. “I like what they’re both doing, they’re trying really hard.”
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Mendenhall updated the media on Hill, saying the injury was worse than doctors originally speculated. He underwent surgery Saturday, which included a metal plate and eight screws in his leg. His recovery is expected to take four to five months.
The Cougars face UCF Thursday at 5:30 MDT in Orlando. The Knights are 2-2 on the season and are coming off a 17-12 victory over Houston. Sydney Carlson is a KSL sports radio intern. You can follow her on Twitter @sydneykayc
