Cougar D steps up and punches OU in the mouth (or shoulder, you decide)

Depending on who you talk to, credit for this win will be different. However, one can't help looking at what BYU did and overcame to pull off this win.

Looking closer at the game, I think we can say that OU missed their #1 TE, Jermaine Gresham, more than anyone would have imagined. The BYU defense came out in this game and punished an inexperienced offensive line. They plugged the holes so OU couldn't run and they put pressure on a QB trying to throw to a gaggle of new receivers. When a QBs security blanket and favorite target is missing, he must fine someone to fill that role. BYU did not allow Bradford to find that guy and eventually Coleby Clawson delivered THE hit heard round college football. I seriously think there was a collective gasp by just about everyone that follows the sport when Clawson hit Sam Bradford and the returning Heismann trophy winner didn't get back up.

Many will say the reason BYU won was that Bradford got knocked out of the game. I won't disagree but I will remind them, that it was great defensive playcalling and physical execution by BYU that had the Heismann trophy winner wondering where the next hit was coming from and making him uncomfortable in the pocket. Eventually, if you deliver enough hits on the QB, he's going to get hurt, it's part of the game. The responsibilty to keep him from getting hurt belongs to the coaches and Oline to make the adjustments needed with personnel to not allow that defender through the line.

Ultimately the game was won by BYU's defense. You won't see many giving them credit due to the great final drive that Max Hall directed which chewed up the clock and gave the Cougars a one point lead. Just remember that had the D not held at the goalline and forced that field goal, OU would have scored a touchdown and BYU would have needed two drives to win this game.

BYU did an excellent job of taking their weakest link and strengthening it. I'm not sure exactly what they did in the offseason, but the entire team had a new look about them. They wore the same uniforms, but they had a fire in their eyes. The excitement and attitude change was even shown in the coaches demeanor. I haven't seen Bronco that fired up since he was the defensive coordinator under Gary Crowton.

That was some gritty defense and I'm looking forward to seeing more of it throughout the year.

Next up, Tulane in the Superdome in New Orleans.

Go Cougars!!!