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This is one of the most anticipated seasons in BYU history, but not necessarily because of the Cougars.
The attraction of having USC and Notre Dame come to LaVell Edwards Stadium has made selling season tickets rather easy. Coach Gary Crowton's job is much more difficult: He's trying to make sure the home team is worth watching.
The Cougars lost five home games last year after winning their opener. That was the most shocking part of a 4-8 season that led Crowton to return back to what he does best -- personally coaching the quarterbacks and calling the plays.
Giving more responsibility to his assistants brought mixed results, and Crowton is convinced he can improve the offense's performance. The signs were encouraging in spring drills -- at least as judged by Crowton's frame of mind.
"I'll tell you, it's a lot more fun," he said.
He hopes BYU fans and administrators will find similar satisfaction as he enters a critical fourth season with a 21-17 record.
That day capped a frustrating offensive season for Crowton, who responded by recruiting a junior college quarterback, Jason Beck. But John Beck (no relation) or Berry will be the starter, with Beck the likely pick because of his mobility. Crowton is confident the quarterbacks will perform better than last year, when BYU was last in the Mountain West Conference in passing efficiency with 22 interceptions and just 13 touchdown passes.
Leading rusher Rey Brathwaite's dismissal leaves sophomore Curtis Brown as the primary back. Brown redshirted last season and played significantly in only one game as a freshman in '02, but he showed what he could do with 217 yards against Utah State.
Crowton said the Cougars are more athletic at wide receiver. Chris Hale is the top returning receiver with 33 catches in '03. Rod Wilkerson is hoping to become more consistent and junior college transfers Todd Watkins and Michael Morris will add even more speed to the lineup.
The Cougars will be more physical up front, Crowton said, hoping the increased aggressiveness pays off in run blocking and pass protection. It's a young group, anchored on the left side by two sophomores: guard Jake Kuresa and tackle Ofa Mohetau.
All three linebacking starters are gone, but the Cougars have several capable players. Paul Walkenhorst is back for his senior season after starring in '02 and missing last season with injuries. Middle linebacker K.C. Bills missed spring drills with injuries, allowing Cameron Jensen to become the biggest defensive surprise.
When Mendenhall coached at New Mexico, the signature defensive player was called the "Lobo." Naturally, it's the "Cougar" at BYU, and Aaron Francisco thrived in that linebacker/safety hybrid position. Francisco led the team with 116 tackles.
Whether it's Beck or Berry, keeping the quarterback healthy would solve a lot of problems. Crowton's return to a short, quick passing game should help, but the offensive line needs to be more consistent. More than anything, the Cougars need some early success.
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