How the Cougar offense will compensate for the loss of quarterback John Beck, running back Curtis Brown and tight end Jonny Harline:
AT QUARTERBACK: Beck had one of the most efficient passing seasons in school history, avoiding interceptions while tossing 32 touchdowns with a 70-percent completion rate. The Cougars will counter that consistency by surrounding replacement Max Hall with myriad weapons and support, led by a veteran offensive line. Hall will have blocking and protection Beck didn't prior to his senior year. Most of the Cougars' pass blockers return, led by center Sete Aulai. Hall has one of the best supporting casts any quarterback has had at BYU since 2001. To fail, he'd have to trip and mess up big time.
IN THE BACKFIELD: Brown blocked, ran, caught passes and did not put the ball on the ground. Simply put, he made plays and didn't cost the Cougars games. In 2007, Fui Vakapuna, Manase Tonga, Joe Semanoff and Harvey Unga will be used to replace Brown's versatility. They will be judged by how they avoid fumbles, make plays to convert third downs, protect the quarterback and make big catches. All are capable, and Vakapuna and Unga may be able to power run more efficiently than Brown.
IN THE PASSING GAME: Harline's big-play capabilities in 2006 can't be measured by a stop watch or shuttle cones. A basketball player who could easily dunk, Harline had a nose for the ball and jumping ability that made him a legend. In 2007, the Cougars will attempt to replace that with big Dennis Pitta, a track hurdler and receiver-turned-tight end. Vic So'oto and Andrew George are also in the same mold. BYU's offensive coaches need one or all of this trio to get a nasty streak as a blocker and grab game-breaking passes, as BYU tight ends have traditionally done going back to Clay Brown.