PROVO — Because BYU is breaking in a new quarterback and has been blessed with a stable of talented running backs, it's no wonder coach Bronco Mendenhall says that his team will rely heavily on the running game in 2007.
And given that the season-opening opponent, Arizona, is known for its ability to stop the run (the Cougars rushed for only 24 yards on 24 carries last season); fullback Manase Tonga will be on the sidelines serving a one-game suspension; and Fui Vakapuna still may not be at full strength after suffering a leg injury last year, BYU's rushing attack takes on even more importance on Saturday.
Fortunately for the Cougars, they have redshirt freshman Harvey Unga, who could be thrust into a high-profile role against the Wildcats.
"Harvey Unga will probably carry the ball more than Fui in the opener, as Fui has been building his way back into condition and confidence," Mendenhall said. "I anticipate that happening in the first couple of games. Eventually, it could shift to where it's Fui complemented by Harvey. But to begin with, it will probably happen the other way."
Unga shined in the two scrimmages of fall camp and looks ready to shoulder the load. Still, Mendenhall lamented the absence of Tonga in the opener.
"Really, the glue to the offense right now, in my opinion, in terms of versatility, is Manase," he said.
Senior Joe Semanoff will replace Tonga against Arizona.
ON THE NOSE: When Russell Tialavea went down with a season-ending knee injury early in fall camp, a major void was created at the noseguard position. With less than one week until the season-opener, Mendenhall says there will be as many as three to see playing time at that spot — true freshman Eathyn Manumaleuna, redshirt freshman Rick Wolfley and junior college transfer Mosese Foketi.
"The nosetackle position is unfolding even as we speak," Mendenhall said. "Right now, a true freshman is our most consistent player there in Eathyn. We have two other players that are kind of situational-specific. We moved an offensive lineman, Rick Wolfley, who we feel good about as a run-stopper because of his size and strength, if we happen to play a team with a two-back set or heavy run-emphasis. I'm really encouraged by what he can provide in that role. Mosese Foketi is kind of a quick, active, lighter pass-rush specialist. He has his place as well. At that position, you're going to see three different players in a role-based approach rather than a single starter."
INJURY UPDATE: Wide receiver Matt Allen, who fractured a bone in his finger last week, has a cast on his finger. Mendenhall is waiting until Saturday to decide if Allen will play against Arizona. Mendenhall said there is a risk that if he plays, he could do further damage to the finger that would require surgery.
TICKET SALES: BYU expects a capacity crowd (64,045) for the season-opener at LaVell Edwards Stadium. The ticket office reports that while distribution of student tickets will continue through the week, all public tickets have been sold out.
Asked if a season-opening sellout is a benchmark for the program, Mendenhall replied: "Coming from being booed in the first game I ever coached in that stadium, I consider it progress."
SAFETY DANCE: At kat safety, the Cougars have lost two starters since fall camp — seniors Dustin Gabriel and David Tafuna. The starter will be another senior, Corby Hodgkiss.
"We're lucky that we have Corby. Corby has been with us for a long time," Mendenhall said. "He's trustworthy, and I think he has the ability to make plays at this level. I'm not concerned there. I have confidence in Corby."
What concerns Mendenhall is the depth at that position. Playing behind both Hodgkiss and free safety Quinn Gooch is junior Kellen Fowler. There is a big drop-off after Fowler, Mendenhall said. "We're very thin at the safety position."
STARTING FAST: In their two season-openers under Mendenhall, the Cougars are 0-2 and have scored a total of 16 points. BYU wants to change that trend this year.
"Last year in the first play we had a significant gain on the very first play of the season and the ball is fumbled," Allen said. "If we retain possession of the ball, I think our offense has a totally different mind-set at that point, where we can feel like we can move the ball at will on these guys. When we had a setback like that, I think we reverted back to maybe we're not who we think we are. It's important to get out there in the first series and start fast. That's our motto as an offense. We need to get points on the first series, get a feel for how their defense is run, and go from there."
E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com