Bronco "disappointed" with final scrimmage

BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said he was disappointed with the execution and effort during Wednesday morning’s scrimmage, the final one of fall camp. It consisted of mostly second-, third- and fourth-stringers. Very few starters even took the field for this one. And, most of the time, it was ugly. Among other things, it featured four (count ‘em) blocked punts. The only touchdown of the day came of the final series, when fourth-stringer Stephen Covey hooked up with J.J. DiLuigi on a 57-yard pass, then, two plays later, Covey ran into the end zone from two yards out.

No. 2 QB Brenden Gaskins completed 10-of-15 passes for 90 yards and two interceptions. No. 3 QB Kurt McEuen was 7-for-14 for 65 yards and one interception.

Austin Collie did not participate in the scrimmage, of course, but he looks like he’s closer to being ready to go full speed. After the scrimmage, quarterback Max Hall threw a deep out pass to Collie, who caught the ball one-handed. Later, he joked with reporters that he’s been doing so much swimming that he may try that sport in the 2016 Olympics. The next Michael Phelps, perhaps?

Placekicker Mitch Payne booted field goals from 30, 40, 49 and 56 yards prior to the scrimmage. Justin Sorensen hit from 30 and 56. Both Payne and Sorensen also attempted 63-yarders, but both were a bit short. Sorensen drilled the one kickoff of the scrimmage about eight yards into the end zone. It appears Payne will handle the field goals and PATs while Sorensen will take care of kickoffs this season. Chances are, Sorensen could come in to attempt long field goals.

The players won’t practice tomorrow. They’ll use the day to lift and participate in team activities. The coaches, on the other hand, will be holed up in their offices all day finalizing the game plan for Northern Iowa. Most of the work was done during the off-season, but now they know a lot more about their own team and can plan accordingly.