As a longtime observer of the BYU sports program, I find it very amusing how short people's memories are. Before the advent of LaVell Edwards on the football scene, football at BYU was much like the current program at UTEP. BYU was on the bottom end of the scores for many years. When complaints are made about the football program, they need only remember the past.
As a former athlete and coach, I would like to make some observations that may be of benefit and hopefully not add another voice of criticism to a very successful program.Edwards implemented a pro-style offensive scheme that was years ahead of other programs, and it has taken a long time for others to adjust and catch up. This was accomplished by talking to the finest minds in the professional ranks and hiring who they recommended.
Edwards' obvious style of coaching is to let his assistant coaches do the coaching. Anyone with a coaching background, observing the sidelines through the years, can easily see this. This has been a plus for the system as long as Scovils, Tollners and Holmgrens were on the staff.
When Edwards was the defensive coach, he had defenses that were outstanding and often ranked nationally. Schools have adjusted to BYU's offense, but has BYU readjusted defensively? BYU football appears to be at an important junction in its program; would it not be helpful to apply the same creative philosophy to defense that has been so successful offensively and look to the professional ranks once again?
Defensively in 1993, BYU was at the bottom of the NCAA ratings. Teams with a good passing offense created problems for them all season. They used a variety of linebacker and safety blitzes on defense, along with quickness on their defensive line. On the other hand, BYU rarely employed anything more than a linebacker blitz. The safety blitz, which is so successful in professional ranks, did not appear to be a part of their game plan.
Pressure on the quarterback works best when you have the strength and quickness on the defensive line, not just size, and you keep the offense guessing by mixing up your blitzes. BYU did well against the UTEPs because they could focus defensively on their running attack and did not have to worry about their passing threat.
We wish Edwards continued success and hope that he will find a defensive philosophy or a person equal to his offensive coordinators who have made such remarkable contributions to BYU football.
J.P. O'Connor
Provo