David Nixon's take on Northern Iowa

BYU coaches spent time last spring scouting and watching film of its season-opening opponent, Northern Iowa. The Cougars have spent two practices focusing on the Panthers, who finished 12-1 last season.
Linebacker David Nixon said he respects UNI running back Corey Lewis, who rushed for more than 1,500 yards last season.
‘He’s a very quick running back. He has great moves and great vision of the field. He’ll cut it back against you, he’ll beat you to the outside. He has a lot of capabilities that we’re going to have to prepare for. I honestly do think he is probably the best running back we’ll face this year. We’re not going to take them lightly. We understand he’s a great athlete and any time you have a great athlete on the field like that, you can expect good plays to come from him. Therefore, we’re going to have to play some pretty tough defense out there.’

Bronco Mendenhall said it’s possible that wide receiver Austin Collie could take some snaps as quarterback this week. ‘I can’t, nor will I commit, certainly at this point. We’ll prepare him and use him as needed.’
Mendenhall added that he and his staff prepared Collie to play QB on an emergency basis last year. ‘Knowing that teams will have to play us completely differently with Austin at quarterback, it might make it more difficult for an opponent to defend us,’ the coach said. ‘That gives us a better chance to reach our goals, especially early in the year.’

Mendenhall opened today’s press conference joking about the length of the weekly press conference. ‘Just a side note. Our average press conference last year lasted 12 minutes. So this year I’m hoping for 11.’
More and more, he’s loosening up and showing some of his LaVell-like sense of humor. Either that or he really doesn’t care for us media types.