Dick writes: "Kind of like watching a bunch of Ewan McGregors transition from the poet in 'Moulin Rouge' to Obi Wan Kenobi."

Is someone somewhere keeping a file of Dick's weekly abuse of metaphor and simile?

We could publish it as a "how not to" and call it "Dick's Harmonisms."

Coach Hill came up with all sorts of reasons (excuses) why the defense isnt playing as well in recent weeks. However, he left out the most obvious reason. The BYU defense doesnt have very good, and/or athletic players on defense.

"Coach Hill came up with all sorts of reasons (excuses) why the defense isnt playing as well in recent weeks. However, he left out the most obvious reason. The BYU defense doesnt have very good, and/or athletic players on defense."

While this is probably true to some extent, it is hardly the type of thing one would expect a coach to say of his players.

Amen Howler. I read his stuff because it's comical, not because I care about the Cougs. You're always in for one or two good Harmonisms per article.

That would have been fantastic for Coach Hill to say this week - "Our defense has been suspect because they are all bad football players...they really shouldn't be playing at this level. By the way, that Utah game should be a doozy, boy are we scared of that one, especially if Utah does the slant pattern on us or pump fake on the fly pattern - we can't cover those worth beans." That would sure instill confidence and trust in our makeshift secondary.

The Cougar defense has been "bend but not break" for the first part of the season, a goal that worked well. This will work until you have injuries and you have to use back-ups who are less experienced and not as good to be starters.

While the secondary will again be tested today, the Aztecs will be no match since Fui and Harvey are going to run all day on them which will keep the Cougar defense on the sidelines. Watch time of possession to be 2:1 today in BYU's favor.

Haromon writes, "The Cougars should chalk up their 18th consecutive home win, although doing it by almost 36 points is a stretch when one considers Mendenhall's penchant for mercy."

What is "Mendenhall's penchant for mercy?" Bronco is basically the same as any other coach in America in this regard. Nothing special. Here are some examples where one may question his "penchant for mercy":

10/29/05: In a game against AFA that BYU led 55-34 with less than 4 minutes to go, the starters never left the field.

11/5/05: One week later, against UNLV, BYU led 41-14 with 10 minutes to go but still had the starters in the game running the normal offense. They tacked on two TDs in the last 10 minutes to win 55-14.

9/9/06: Against Tulsa, BYU is up 42-17 with less than 7 minutes in the game and the starting offensive players are in the game.

These are just a few examples where I'm not sure the "penchant for mercy" is evident. Don't get me wrong on this, I'm not saying these things are bad, just that they don't exhibit a "penchant for mercy".

If you could read you would know that he indeed said that. Give him a little credit. He was not making excuses, he was telling it like it is.

RE: headline

Just the kind of attitude the players might have. Too bad.

Coach hill you're absolutely right. I'm not taking any win for granted. We'll probably embarrass ourselves again today, but golly if we win that's all that matters. Our defense is bruised and we couldn't stop a my little pony from completing passes on us.

Its hard to trust incompetency and lack of talent. Maybe Hill should seek out talent from the ranks of the BYU student body, to see what hidden talent lies there. Need to get on it though, the Utah game is fast approaching.

Does anyone know who BYU has coming back from missions or as a recruit that might help in the secondary next year. Injuries have really hurt us there. I keep hoping we can ride these last few games out with wins so we can get some new troops to help us next year in the secondary. I think Coach Hill has done a great job considering what he has had in healthy players. Give him credit for that. He has proven he can coach.

What's wrong with likely being 9-1 after today? Are the fans here spoiled or what?

Just enjoy the game.

Well at least Harmon did not refer to serial killers this time..........still waiting for the apology to the nation Dick, for refering to TCU's defense as Jeffrey Dahmer, horrible, horrible, horrible,..........Lou Holt had to apologize for his Hitler comment, why don't you?

"Coach Hill" said:
"Coach Hill came up with all sorts of reasons (excuses) why the defense isnt playing as well in recent weeks. However, he left out the most obvious reason. The BYU defense doesnt have very good, and/or athletic players on defense."

Really? He didn't say that? Hey, let's look at this quote that came from the REAL Coach Hill.

"Plus, the speed of the game, we're not as fast as some of the other guys; that's just the way it is."

Um, I think he DID admit that his guys aren't as good and/or as athletic as many other defenses. Reading comprehension: it's a very valuable skill.

Keep Trashing BYU | 9:56 a.m. Nov. 8, 2008
"What's wrong with likely being 9-1 after today? Are the fans here spoiled or what?"

Answer.... Yes BYU fans are spoiled, not to mention dilusional. They simply can't enjoy 9-1 as long as the UTES are 10-0.

Funny, I had the same reaction to "penchant for mercy" as an earlier poster. I think Bronco is a fine coach, but I know he loved to keep Beck in the game even in blow-outs in the past. I wasn't sure to the degree that had or had't changed recently.

So just for fun, let's check out Bronco's penchant for mercy today. Up 34-6 with approx. 11 minutes to go in the fourth quarter...following a mid-field fumble by the Aztecs. Max Hall to Pitta, Max Hall to Collie, pass, pass, pass and merciful touchdown! Definitely a penchant for mercy. Now, I realize that is still plently of time left in the fourth quarter, but a merciful coach would have dictated different play-calling.

Coach Whittingham obviously made a bone-headed play last year against Wyoming with the onsides-kick, but against Colorado St, for example, the Utes last attempted a pass with about 1-2 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, and Brian Johnson was on the sideline the entire fourth quarter.

and slow too. But, they seem to get it done when required...

RE: 9-1 and weakest D in top 20. | 3:08 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008

Sure they get it done against bad teams.

But, 9-1 ain't 10-0 and never will be. Maybe Bronco can get the Cougs to a BSC bowl.... if he buys some tickets.

Aren't there 12 games on everyone's schedule this year? Don't count Utah's BCS bowl bids before the last two games are played.

Just trying out my Dick Harmonisms.

MT in MD

Re: Coin Collector. | 11:23 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008

"Aren't there 12 games on everyone's schedule this year? Don't count Utah's BCS bowl bids before the last two games are played."

Where did I say Utah had a BSC bowl bid?