'We're not as good as we thought we were'

BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall’s weekly Monday morning news conference concluded a few moments ago. After that 32-7 loss at TCU, the Cougars have been humbled and the main theme from Mendenhall and the players was this: “We’re not as good as we thought we were.” Quarterback Max Hall actually used those exact words.

Mendenhall said the setback last Thursday was “a gift” in that it will help his team understand how far it needs to go to get where it wants to be. He compared the defeat to the 1-2 starts in 2006 and 2007, where BYU bounced back to win 10 straight both seasons. “If this team takes it the right way, this could be a catalyst to a strong finish,” Mendenhall said. There will be a greater urgency this week, he said, as the Cougars prepare to host UNLV on Saturday.

Mendenhall added that the team goals are still attainable: 1. being dominant at home; 2. winning a conference championship (though BYU will need help here); and 3. winning a bowl game.

Linebacker David Nixon, who was wearing a boot on his right leg (it’s not a new injury; he said it’s to help his recovery from a sprained ankle against Utah State), said a lot of the pressure of winning, and winning big, is off now. “You’re going to see a whole different team this week.”

Mendenhall said both cornerback G Pittman and DL Mosese Foketi are not allowed to practice until they are caught up on their academic work.