Title race hinges on QBs

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Oct 27, 2007 | by Dick Harmon Deseret Morning News

You could make a case that the Mountain West Conference football race hinges on the play of three quarterbacks.

If BYU's Max Hall avoids turnovers, stays productive and rides the back of a very good Cougar defense, he'll have the Cougars repeat champions.

If Utah's Brian Johnson, who has led Utah to four straight wins, keeps it going, and if the Cougars stumble twice, Utah could get a piece of the hardware.

If New Mexico's Donovan Porterie avoids turnovers like he did Thursday while watching Air Force melt down, he could help lead the Lobos to a piece of the title if UNM wins out and the Cougars lose one game.

This league has always been about the QB. It was that way back in 2001 with BYU's Brandon Doman. It was the key in 2004 when Alex Smith got Utah into the BCS on the way to being the NFL's No. 1 pick. Last year John Beck was a significant piece of BYU's title run.

"I think as you look back at the history of this league, it's the quarterback and how efficient they play, that is the difference," said Doman, now BYU's QB coach.

"It was that way in the good old days at BYU and it was with Alex Smith and the Utes. "This is where the race is going right now as Wyoming is thinking of making a change with Kartsten Sween. Right now, the quarterback who plays the best, it'll be their team that wins the championship," predicted Doman.

For Johnson, he's found a way to parley Darrell Mack in Utah's offense and take pressure off his own running ability. Making good decisions, he's put Utah on a key late-season run that could gain big dividends today in Fort Collins.

For Hall, he can see why BYU's coaches are frustrated during this forced bye week after the Cougars fielded a subpar passing game in a win over Eastern Washington.

"It's because our offense hasn't reached its potential yet," Hall said.

Hall spends extra time after practice firing passes to receivers. "It's not out of frustration, it's me wanting to be perfect, is what it is," he said. " If I don't throw it right on the money and it doesn't hit him in the face mask every time, that's what is frustrating for me, even if he catches it."

Hall leads the MWC in passing with 304 yards per game. He is followed by Porterie at 253 yards per game. The league pass- efficiency leader is Johnson with a 138.5 rating, followed by his opponent today, CSU's Caleb Hanie (137.8). Hall stands at 131.

Hall says he's been a little too cautious, trying not to make mistakes and throw interceptions. Bronco Mendenhall alluded to this last Monday, that his staff's harping about ball security may have tightened up some offensive players.

"To be honest, I've been a little too cautious, a little too hesitant the last couple of games," Hall said. "The first couple of games (UCLA and Tulsa), even though we lost them, I was out playing, having fun, taking my shots. The last few games, I've been conservative, not so aggressive and I think the whole offense has been like that. We've talked about it. We will come out more aggressive."

Recent success of both BYU and Utah's run games might lead to bigger pass numbers in November.

Defenses will bring more help in the box to stop the Ute's Mack and BYU's Harvey Unga. This duo is turning out to be a mighty load for defenders as UNM's Rodney Ferguson has faded.

"But that (the run) will just open up the pass game," predicted Hall. You could say the same for Utah.

"I like it that we run, because it forces a defense to make a decision. We have a great passing game and even if they do put more in the box, we can run the ball anyway," said Hall.

Hall and the Cougars will win the title outright if they keep on a roll. It's all in their hands. Utah needs some help but must win out and it helped the Utes that UNM gave AFA its second loss on Thursday.

Utah's quest for a share begins today against the Rams.

Due to BYU and TCU byes this week and posting predictions after the UNM-AFA game, this week's predictions will include some WAC matchups and a couple of pick 'ems from around the country. This week's roster:

UTAH 27, CSU 17: Kyle Whittingham has surprised many by turning around Utah's fortunes after injuries, and it's keyed by the return of Johnson in the lineup. Utah plays its game, they win by 10.

WYOMING 28, UNLV 10: The Rebels are reeling ever since defeating Utah in Las Vegas. Look for the Cowboys to take advantage of UNLV's lack of interest in this game and deliver a victory at home.

OREGON 28, USC 21: In Eugene, I'll give the Ducks the advantage with their No. 2-ranked offense.

ASU 21, CAL 17: If the Sun Devils can play some defense, they should knock the Bears down a few pegs as the Pac-10 starts to cannibalize itself like the SEC.

GEORGIA 24, FLORIDA 21: This one will depend on the sore shoulder of Tim Tebow for Urban Meyer and since he isn't completely healthy, go with the Bulldogs at home.

LAST WEEK 2-3, Overall 34-14 (.708).

E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com