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Opponent Notebook: 10 BSU Players to Watch

3. Ryan Finley, Quarterback, #15

BSU Athletics

BSU Athletics

Just a sophomore, the 6’4″/200-lb Finley was the primary backup to starter Grant Hedrick in 2014. Finley appeared in 5 games, throwing for 161 yards on 12/27 attempts, with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception for a QB rating of 111.6. On the ground, Finley ran for 31 yards on 7 attempts (including sacks). Last week, Finley finished the game with 129 passing yards (16 of 26 with no touchdowns and 1 INT for a rating of 95.5) and 30 rushing yards (on 11 attempts). Hedrick’s pass rating was actually better in the second half, but Washington showed improved ability to stop the BSU run game and the Broncos refused to give up on it. If BYU focuses first on stopping the run and forces Boise to go to the air, the onus is on Finley to improve upon last week’s passing performance.

2. Tanner Vallejo, Middle Linebacker, #20

BSU Athletics

BSU Athletics

The leading tackler for BSU in 2014, the 6’1″, 230-pound Vallejo returns for his junior season in 2015. Last season, Vallejo earned 2nd Team All-MWC recognition for his stat-filling season with 100 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 4 pass breakups, and 3 fumble recoveries. Last Friday, Vallejo led the team once again with 7 tackles and a forced fumble. There does not seem to be any question of his ability to make tackles. BYU fans will likely hear Vallejo’s name called several times this Saturday. Let’s hope it’s just for tackles and not for many of the other statistical categories.

1. Kamalei Correa, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, #8

BSU Athletics

BSU Athletics

At 6’3″ and 248 pounds, the junior Correa plays a hybrid Defensive End/Outside Linebacker similar to the way BYU has used Bronson Kaufusi in the past. Correa’s disruptive play earned him First Team All-Conference honors in 2014. Last year, Kamalei had a monster season, recording 19 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 59 tackles, forcing 2 fumbles, and blocking a kick. The Cougar O-Line will have to account for Correa on every play if BYU plans to have any offensive success. Against the Huskies in Week 1, Correa picked up right where he left off with six tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. Just how disruptive he proves to be will play a huge role in the outcome of the game on Saturday.

How will BYU fare against the Broncos in Week 2? BYU’s defensive coaching staff should be elated if the defense can limit BSU to an offensive performance to last week, but I don’t think the BYU defense is quite as stout as what we saw from the Huskies. Just how much better Boise is able to play on offense should decide the outcome of the game. Will the Broncos be able to open holes up the middle in Travis Tuiloma’s absence? Will Boise be able to take advantage of BYU’s secondary? If so, the final score may look more similar to last year’s 55-30 outcome than the 7-6 defensive battle we saw in 2012. With the return of Kai Nacua, I think BYU’s defense will have a good day and hold the work-in-progress BSU offense to around 21 points.

So, if the defense can hold BSU to three touchdowns, will BYU’s increasingly one-sided offense be able to do the same or better? Boise’s defense is extremely stout and it will be extremely difficult for BYU to score unless the Cougars can establish some sort of running game. It will take an outstanding performance by the offensive line and an improvement from Algernon Brown and Adam Hine. I think BYU will improve on last week’s rushing performance and score just enough to get the win behind a rocking home crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium. But, in the end, we’ll have to watch the game to find the answers and see if BYU can extend its undefeated record into Week 3 and a daunting matchup at #13 UCLA.

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