“I’m just here so I won’t get fined.” – Marshawn Lynch

Kansas St versus BYU. Wildcats vs Cougars. Klieman vs Sitake. Avery Johnson versus Jake Retzlaff. Two top notch defenses so far in this young season. 10:30 EST on ESPN.

And the setting…

Lavell Edwards Stadium, “The most scenic stadium in America” as the PA announcer said during a game I attended two years ago. Only this one won’t be so scenic. Well, not at 8:30PM local kick that is. Plenty of sugar and soda will be needed to keep the Provo home crowd buzzing for this predicably long slugfest. I say again, gimme that Cougar tail.

I know as much or as little as the next guy. With that said, I’ve watched both of these teams in multiple games this season, and taken notes on their strength and weaknesses. For time purposes, I’m simplifying my analysis to this.

Chris Klieman and his stout defense look to be too much for the sputtering BYU offense. I think in the first half, the Cougars will feed off the Provo faithful’s electric energy, during the sold out ‘white out’ game, and score early and expect their defense to shut down Sophomore QB Avery Johnson on the first few possessions.

But as the game gets into the later stages, I expect Kansas st defense to impose their will on the Cougars offense, which so far has yielded vanilla play calling and a lack of explosiveness. The biggest advantage for the Cougars this coming Saturday night will be the crowd. Can they sustain that early game electric energy long enough to will the Cougars to victory? Homefield advantage will play a factor, especially with the 4500’ altitude and cool night temps, so I’m not ruling out the possibility of a Cougar win, I mean that would be foolish. But if I had to predict the outcome, it would be something like 30-10 or 30-14 Kansas st. I think Klieman has himself another strong defensive unit, and no matter the conditions, defense travels. Avery Johnson needs to stay patient. The Cougars are a lurky bunch.

Best of luck to all the players. I’m salivating thinking about the night of sweet treats in store for me, and the thought of taking in another football game in a stadium that smells like a bakery or county fair funnel cake. Maybe the Mormon hosts serve coffee with their donuts. I’ll need it.

Short, but sweet. Get it?

Find the Humor and keep on Movin’

Whit W