I'm hoping that BYU wins the toss and can be on defense first. It seems that a disproportionate amount of team BYU's offense has had to open the game.

In several past games, Utah's defensive front seven is absolutely amped up and hyper to start the first series. If BYU gets the ball first, I'd really like to see the opening couple of plays not lose yardage or result in a turnover. That has happened too often.

I think the play calling should be adapted to Utah's hyper-amped defense to begin the first series. Maybe a quick play action with intermediate routes to the boundary run by a couple of BYU WRs. No middle of the field throws to begin, as Retzlaff will also be nervous and may be off-target or put too much mustard on the throw, which increases the chances of a tipped pass or INT.

I say do a quick handoff into one of the interior gaps for a few yards as a good way to start the game and get the Olines feet wet and into the game. Then maybe throw to Chase Roberts at the boundary at the sticks for a 1st down. It would be amazing to get several first downs to start the first offensive series and more amazing to put together a scoring drive.

The one thing I absolutely don't want to see is a slow-developing run play, a jet sweep, a screen pass, or a deep handoff with zone blocking scheme.

One game in particular I remember was where Norm Chow called a deep handoff on the first play from scrimmage. QB takes 3 or 4 steps back and hands off the the RB on the left side. Utah predictably blew up the BYU Oline and tackled the RB for about a 6 yard loss. The next play was 2nd and 16 and was a tipped pass INT pick 6 IIRC.

A similar disaster play happened against Kansas last year with the jet sweep call on BYU's 2nd or 3rd play from scrimmage to Parker Kingston. That play was blown up for a scoop and score. Kansas' defense was similarly amped to start that game.

Just survive the first couple of series without any major mistakes or gifted points to the defense and then I think the offense will settle in and score enough to win, and the defense will do its part. I see this as 24-17 BYU. Go Cougs.