BYU-FSU: A look on the bright side

September 21, 1:26 PMBYU Cougars ExaminerKelly Martinez

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There are some positives that can be gleaned from Florida State’s 54-28 drubbing of BYU on Saturday night; we just need to look at it from the right perspective.

A whole host of over-used idioms come to mind in regards to the Cougars’ first loss of the season. To name a few: every cloud has a silver lining, it ain’t over ‘til it’s over, the Cougars shall live to fight another day … you get the idea.

So, what good can be gathered from Saturday’s loss? I’m glad you asked.

• Over and done with: Isn’t it better to get the first loss of the season out of the way now, in late September, than in October or November? The stress level of going undefeated is gone and now the Cougars and their fans can settle in for a run at the Mountain West Conference title. All the talk of a national championship and BCS-busting can be put behind us until next year.

• Offensive punch: The Cougar offense showed it can still flex its muscle, gaining 473 yards of total offense against FSU. Figuring out a way to hold on to the ball is sure to be a focal point of this week’s practices. Five turnovers will kill an offense almost every time – no matter how powerful it is.

• Running game: Harvey Unga looked good against the Seminoles, gaining 97 yards on 10 carries with one touchdown. Bolstered by the performances of J.J. DiLuigi and Bryan Kariya against Tulane, the Cougar running game appears to be solid heading into MWC play.

• On the defensive: After surrendering 512 yards of total offense and six touchdowns to FSU, the Cougar defense can only improve from here on out. It can’t get any worse, can it?

• O-line: No new injuries to report for the injury-riddled offensive line.

• Passing fancy: Quarterback Max Hall passed for over 300 yards for the fourth consecutive game, including last season’s bowl game.

• Aren’t they bee-yew-tee-fuhl?: FSU head coach Bobby Bowden was very complimentary of Provo on the VERSUS broadcast of Saturday’s game. Bowden said it was the first time he had ever been to Provo and that he found the mountains to be especially beautiful.

A few ironic things about Saturday’s game:

• Score: The Cougars allowed the exact amount of points against FSU as they scored the week before against Tulane: 54.

• Yards: BYU allowed more rushing yards against FSU (313) than it did in the previous two weeks combined (155).

• Picks: Hall threw three interceptions against the Seminoles, equaling his combined total against Oklahoma and Tulane.

As you can see, all is not lost for the boys in blue. Their BCS hopes and top 10 ranking may be gone, but the goals of regaining the MWC title and another trip to the Las Vegas Bowl are still intact.