Making The Rounds: Camp Round Up

Time to focus on some stuff not regarding BYU or expansion. 

Air Force

The defensive line looks good in camp and should be a strength:

One of the highlights of training camp has been the emergence of about six or seven linemen who can substitute and bring different strengths to the front three.

"I don't think there will be any one superstar, like maybe we had with Garland," defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt said. "But by committee, I think you're going to see some high motors and good intensity."

Air Force QB Tim Jefferson is a capable passer and should help open up the Falcon offense:

Jefferson threw reasonably well last year, although he completed just 57 percent of his passes, a number he wants to improve. And although Jefferson looks good throwing the ball - he said it's the best he has tossed the ball in his career "by far" - he's ready for whatever is asked of him.

BYU

BYU is going to play at Buffalo on Dec 30th in basketball.

Audio via 1320 KFAN from today's BYU practice:

RB Mike Hague 

The quarterback battle is still dead even:

In the other team session today, Jake Heaps led the offense to a touchdown, while Riley Nelson did not.
Heaps' TD drive was set up by a 27-yard pass to Rhen Brown and culminated by a 2-yard touchdown run by Josh Quezada. The other Heaps possession resulted in a punt.

Nelson's first possession went nowhere.

His second possession was better, thanks to a pair of 16-yard passes to Rhen Brown and Matthew Edwards.

However, it stalled on third-and-9 when Nelson missed a wide-open Quezada out of the backfield.

Nelson was visibly upset at himself for the overthrow.

The stats:

Heaps: 7 for 7 for 62 yards
Nelson: 4 for 6 for 40 yards; 4 carries for 21 yards.
R. Brown had two catches for 42 yards, Riley Stephenson made a 42-yard field goal and Luke Ashworth had a 16-yard catch.

Really thought I could leave out BYU going independent news.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Colorado State

Linbackers are going to be a force for the Rams:

What to look for: For the first time since before current defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Larry Kerr left following the 2002 season, season CSU has a chance to establish a dominating linebacking corps.

The running game should be strong with their depth:

"We've got a number of running backs," Colorado State University coach Steve Fairchild said Saturday following the Rams' third practice of the season. "Probably four, five, six guys we could put in the ballgame. So we'll have to figure out the rotation. Obviously, guys staying healthy will have something to do with it."

TCU

ESPN's Robert Smith talking about TCU's AP ranking,

TCU in title game?

Gary Patterson talks about Oregon State and BYU.

San Diego State

Head Coach Brady Hoke talks about how Fresno is a good thing in the Mountain West:

The running game has been an issue for the Aztecs over the past few years but this year looks to be the real deal with back Ronnie Hillman according to the coaching staff:

"He could go out and rush for 200 yards in the first game, but that doesn't make him the next Marshall Faulk," said running backs coach Jeff Hecklinski. "He could also rush for 10 yards and fumble three times. That doesn't mean he's a bust. ... Let's let the kid go get his feet wet and continue to grow and learn at his rate before we go and say, ‘You have to be this.' If we allow him to go be a natural athlete, we'll see a special player on the field."

UNLV

The quarterback race is still too close to call between Omar Clayton and Mike Clausen, but either of the two are capable of running the offense:

About a week ago, it appeared as if Clayton was running away with the gig, especially after an injury scare to Clausen that wound up keeping him out of team drills for a couple of days.

However, Clausen came on very strong to close out the stay in Ely, and his confidence clearly blossomed, too. The race between the two close friends and roommates is neck-and-neck.

Hauck has no timetable on naming a starter, and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he didn't make it public at all before the Wisconsin game. After all, every little mystery or advantage could help against the Badgers.

Utah 

The latest two deep roster is out for the Utes.

Defensive tackle Sealver Siliga is looking to bring big things to the defense:

"No question. In fact, right now, he's unblockable by our offensive linemen," said Whittingham, who compares him to former Ute standout Steve Fifita. "He's doing really good things and we need him to play at that level all year long."

Here are some thoughts on the Utes final scrimmage:

OFFENSE: Terrance Cain completed 14-of-18 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns, while Jordan Wynn was 9-of-20 for 147 yards. He was picked off twice and threw for one score.

DEFENSE: Neli A'asa and Chad Manis intercepted passes and Wykie Freeman had a breakup.

Trevor Reilly, Joe Kruger and Boo Andersen were credited with sacks. Reilly and Kruger also made an additional tackle-for-loss. Chris Washington, Brandon Burton and Chaz Walker made stops behind the line of scrimmage as well.

Wyoming

A look at Wyoming's third scrimmage:

The No. 1 offense scored 17 points on its three possessions. Sophomore quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels was 11 of 13 for 115 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 26 yards on four carries.

"I knew we had it the whole time. But then two (scrimmages) in a row it doesn't happen and you wonder where it went and when will it come out again," Carta-Samuels said. "It came out today. I knew we were going to be fine, it's good to see it come out today rather than in Week 1 or Week 2."

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