CHEYENNE — Despite beating Oklahoma and being ranked in the top 25 most of the season, Brigham Young coach Bronco Mendenhall believes his team has yet to reach its potential.
“I would love to have this team reach their potential as any team that I coach,” Mendenhall said. “I’d like to see progress and growth happen in all areas.”
No. 25 BYU (6-2, 3-1 Mountain West) faces an improved Wyoming (4-4, 2-2) today in Laramie. The Cougars are coming off a bye week and a disappointing 38-7 home loss to No. 6 TCU on Oct. 24.
Mendenhall talked to his players during the off week about recommitting themselves for the remaining four games of the season.
It starts with the Cowboys, a team that’s rebuilding under first-year head coach Dave Christensen.
“I just asked them to acknowledge the time frame remaining with the work to be done,” Mendenhall said. “And they’ve responded very well in terms of practice and just how they’re supporting each other and playing hard.”
Defense is one area where Mendenhall believes his team can play better.
The Cougars were gashed by TCU for 412 total yards, including a 75-yard touchdown pass.
“And when you give up a one-play drive, whether it be in a pass play or a long run, those things change momentum very quickly,” Mendenhall said.
Mendenhall said he believes better execution and concentration are the answer.
BYU faces a Wyoming team that is playing with “grit and determination,” he said.
Wyoming’s new no-huddle spread offense has been inconsistent this season, scoring 30 versus UNLV and 37 against New Mexico but being shut out against Air Force and Colorado.
