I haven't watched any Utah games, so no analysis this week.

Based on the stats alone, I could see this game being a blowout. Utah can't stop the pass (99th), Beavs are great passing team. Utah can't run, Beavs have the 4th best run defense. I mean, how is Utah going to stop the Beavs or score on them? Looks like they have a good punter, and they're going to need him.

Beavs have all the match up advantages. The two things that might prevent a blowout will be (a) the Beavs being their own worst enemy and (b) Whittingham is a heck of a coach who will have his guys ready and a good game plan.

If everything clicks and the Beavs reduce penalties, 38-13, but I am thinking more like 27-13, good guys. Beavs have that #8 target on their back so they're going to get every team's best effort.

Wasn't a Vaz doubter (actually have liked him forever), but if you were being realistic this is a game the Beavs traditionally lose. It's officially time to separate this season, and the anomaly that it is, from prior seasons.

Vaz actually throws a nicer ball than Mannion. More accurate and better touch. But those batted balls were frustrating. If we could only combine the two we'd have an ideal QB. Anyone think there's a controversy? Anyone think Vaz takes over? I liked the red zone offense better today. Some of it was luck (Prince catch), but they just seemed to hit more plays down there with Vaz. Thoughts?

Nice to see Richie Harrington get some game reps! Highlight of the day for me.

Defense looked pretty decent. Kept getting gashed by that shovel pass and the mobile QB, and they over pursue, but I like the aggressive, disruptive style. Much better to watch than the past few years. The DTs are the surprise of that group. Another surprise I haven't mentioned all year is Colin Kelly. He was horrible the past few years, but he's good now. Yeah, he got called on back to back plays today, but overall a big improvement that deserves acknowledgment.

Kostol is a monster.

Nice to see Romaine in a role he can handle.

That game was cardiac most of the way. Felt the Beavs were dominating the lines and should have been up more than they were (this is a frustrating trend).

Oneoldbeav, do you remember the last time OSU was 5-0?

In-N-Out burger time. Oh, wait, the lady Beav just barked "French onion soup tonight!". Damn. *Insert Beaverjuice for dessert joke*

Go Beavs.

I am surprised how confident Beaver fans are given that BYU is 27-3 at home in their last 30 games, have a top ranked defense, and OSU is starting Cody Vaz. What is there to be confident about is what I'd like to know?

Yes, I agree OSU's defense should hold BYU to under 20 points. But Will OSU score more than that with Vaz at the helm? Riley says the playbook won't change, but there's a natural tendency to coddle a new QB and call a conservative game. I can't imagine Vaz playing an error free game. We're hearing he was picked off three times in practice today. I'm thinking he'll throw a couple vs BYU. So, does OSU win the turnover battle? Riley Nelson is savvy. Can't see him turning it over much.

Then there's the psychology. Beavs know if they can afford to drop a game it's this one (non-conference). We'll see how bad they really want the excellence about which they've been talking. If they play like a team that can afford to drop a game then they aren't ready for that #10 ranking and what it entails.

Also, BYU's entire team is 25. They'll 'out man' the Beavs. So there's that. I really want to believe. Heck, I even think Vaz is a pretty good backup. I just don't see why people think this is going to be easy, or why the Beavs will even win. Because BYU's offense looked bad a few games? Each week is different, folks. A lot of that is matchups, psychology, intensity, etc…all change week to week (see Cal/UCLA). Just please explain why I should believe…why this is an easy win. Because I see an ugly, ugly, ugly game where the Beavs have everything working against them. I think the line is spot on.

17-13, BYU

I'm sure you all heard by now, but Mannion is out indefinitely (4 weeks seems the minimum).

Thoughts on bad Beaver luck and Vaz?

I've always liked Vaz…what I dislike is that he's taking over when we're 4-0 and #10 in the country. If this were last year, I'd just accept this for what it is and move on (heck I'd even be curious to see what Vaz could do), but this year it royally sucks. Anyway, I think CV has a little J. Smith in him…gritty, savvy, etc. But when we saw him in game action he looked like the proverbial deer in a headlight. So I have no idea what to expect. If he's nervous and overwhelmed, the Beavs will get blown out. If he's matured and gained confidence over the past few years, they should be okay. Let's hope he knows the playbook and they don't have to dumb down the game plan. Height/batted passes could be an issue…I'd like to see roll outs, etc.

Also, I believe Mannion's injury happened on the blown hand off.

For all those chanting "Riley is God" and wanting to fan him whilst feeding him grapes, yeah…it's a long season, and like I said, they haven't done anything yet. Do I think Vaz can step in and do a good job? Yes. But execution, effect, procedure, etc will all have to step up and be precise (precision is not a hallmark of Riley). Room for error just decreased dramatically, and the Beavs were only winning games by one score. Does the team believe in Vaz? Do they come out deflated?

Vaz is a good backup to have, but this is a major kick in the sack, let's not fool ourselves.