Why 2016 could be the year of the Cougar


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PROVO — BYU announced earlier Wednesday that they will face off for the first time against Southern Utah next season.

With the announcement, the Cougars' 2016 schedule appears to be finished. While there is still plenty of time for BYU to have a memorable 2015 season (they are still on track to win ten games as I predicted before the season), there's evidence that 2016 might be a magical season.

Here are a few reasons why 2016 could be a big year for BYU football.

Running back depth

This year's loss of Jamaal Williams will be next year's gain. The dynamic runner will be a fifth-year senior and should easily become BYU's all-time leading rusher. Williams will be able to shoulder a great deal of the offensive load and take pressure off quarterback Tanner Mangum, who will be in his second season as a BYU starter.

Williams will not be alone, however, in what will be a crowded position. Joining him in the backfield will be 2015's starting running back, Algernon Brown. Brown has been a beast for the Cougars during the four-game win streak, putting up 106.5 yards per contest and eight total touchdowns in that span. His aggressive downfield running style will nicely complement Williams, and it's plausible that they will be on the field at the same time next year. Add to the mix Washington State transfer Squally Canada and current freshmen Francis Bernard and Riley Burt, and 2016 looks like it could be one of BYU's best in terms of rushing yardage. It will also be interesting to follow current Texas recruit Charles West and see if he ever suits up for the Cougars.

Photo: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Photo: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The defense will be returning seven starters and more experienced veterans

BYU's starting defense in 2015 only has four seniors. While these seniors, particularly Bronson Kaufusi, will be difficult to replace, the defensive side of the ball is mostly filled by players with at least one year left of eligibility. Numerous underclassmen have seen action as backups as well. The defense, overall, has been pretty good this season. They are quick to create turnovers and put pressure on the quarterback. With each passing week, this unit has made progress toward being the type of defense head coach Bronco Mendenhall is looking for.

With Mendenhall again calling the shots on the defensive side of the ball next year, and with all the returning starters and experienced backups, the defense should again be a strength for BYU in 2016.

The schedule

BYU's 2015 slate has been tough. The Cougars faced three traditional football powerhouses (Nebraska, Michigan and UCLA) from Power 5 conferences and three teams (Boise State, East Carolina and Cincinnati) that are considered to be some of the best from the group of five conferences. Add upcoming dates with SEC opponent Missouri and in-state rival Utah State, and this is one of the more difficult schedules the Y. has played.

While 2015's strength of schedule is impressive, it's got nothing on the 2016 campaign. The Cougars will open the season competing against six Power 5 conference teams in seven games, with four of these matchups being played on the road. After that brutal stretch, the Cougars will still have to contend with Boise State and Utah State down the stretch, as well as a Toledo team currently ranked No. 20 in the nation.

With the increase in competitiveness of BYU's opponents comes opportunity as well. If the Cougars can manage to win most of their games, they should be in the national discussion and possibly earn a berth to one of the New Year's Six bowls.

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Tanner Mangum's progression

The Tanner Mangum era was not supposed to start until next year. This year was supposed to be the Taysom Hill show, as the dual-threat quarterback was being touted as a possible Heisman Trophy contender before the season started. But Hill sustained a season-ending injury in the season opener and was unable to finish out the first game of the season. So, just a few months after completing his LDS mission, Mangum was thrown into action for his first taste of live football since high school.

Given the situation, Mangum has played remarkably well. He is 5-2 as a starter and, other than a 31-0 shutout at Michigan, has looked impressive in terms of decision-making, arm strength and accuracy. Through eight games, he has completed nearly 64 percent of his passes for 1,905 yards and 14 touchdowns. Although the season has not played out like Cougar fans were expecting with Hill leading the way, the extra year of playing experience will be beneficial for Mangum as he faces next year's gauntlet.

The receivers

This year's group of wide receivers is impressive. The Cougars have three wide receivers who are at least 6-foot-5 that can run and jump and have soft hands in Mitch Mathews, Terren Houk and Nick Kurtz. Throw in speedster Devon Blackmon, and the Cougars have been dangerous in the passing game.

While Mathews, Houk and Blackmon are seniors, next year's squad looks to be dynamic at the wide receiver position as well. Kurtz returns for his senior season, while major contributors Mitchell Juergens and Colby Pearson will also return for one last go. Though they have not played much this year, freshmen Talon Shumway, Josh Weeks and Moroni Laulu-Pututau all impressed during fall camp. With an elite passer throwing the ball, 2016 could see a return to former glory in the passing game for the Cougars.


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**About the Author: Dylan Cannon** ----------------------------------

Dylan Cannon is a regular KSL.com contributor and can be reached at DylanCannon86@gmail.com or via twitter @DylanCannon11. Listen to his weekly podcast, "Cougar Talk," on YouTube.

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