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Sep 18, 2014
11:25:55pm
BYU Five Keys to Victory over Virginia
#21 BYU (3-0) hosts the Virginia Cavaliers (2-1, 1-0 ACC) this upcoming Saturday. After a down year in 2013, going 2-10 (0-8 ACC) the Cavaliers started off the season surprising many in a close 20-28 loss to #7 UCLA. They're stout defense only allowed one TD against Heisman trophy contender Brett Hundley. After a cake walk game against FCS opponent Richmond, Virginia upset #21 Louisville 23-21 in dramatic fashion with an Ian Frye field goal with 3:42 left in the game.

The victory being their first in the ACC since beating Miami (FL) in November 2012. After such an emotional victory, they now have to travel West of the Mississippi where they haven't had a victory since beating BYU 40-45 in Provo September 1999. #21 BYU is favored, but it is widely considered to be a close game with two defensively-minded teams going head-to-head.

Here are the five keys that will lead to a BYU victory:

1. Keep the offense on the field. Taysom Hill is one of the most dynamic players in the nation. With the ability to burn teams with both his arm and legs, has emerged as a Heisman trophy candidate. In order for BYU to win they have to keep the ball in Taysom's hands. Virginia Head Coach, Mike London has expressed concern about the high altitude in Utah saying that he believes it will cause trouble for his team. By keeping Virginia's strongest unit; their defense, on the field they will tire more quickly which BYU can take advantage of.

2. Win the turnover battle. Virginia's defense is ranked #1 in the nation for total takeaways (13) forced fumbles (10), fumbles recovered (8), and is tied for #6 in interceptions (5). BYU has turned the ball over twice in all three games, but has only won the turnover battle once against Texas 2:4. In their other two games they tied 2:2 (UCONN) and lost 2:0 (Houston). Offensively, the Cavaliers have struggled with incostitent quarterback play and a weak rushing attack. This past week, BYU's 12-game interception streak ended by not forcing any turnovers. BYU has a talented, senior-laden defense that has a nose for attacking the ball and arguably the most athletic secondary to ever play at the school. Take advantage of the momentum swings that are caused by turnovers, and BYU is a shoe-in for the victory.

3. Keep Virginia on their side of the 50-yard line. Virginia has an extremely talented kicker in Junior Ian Frye. He is 6/7 on the season with a long of 47. His career long of 53 came against BYU last season. Virginia also has a dynamic punter, putting the ball inside the 20 yard-line 6 times so far this season. By restricting the Cavalier's to their side of the field, scoring opportunities will be limited and Virginia will struggle to pin BYU inside the 20.

4. Limit the number of times Taysom runs the ball. Being hailed by many as one of the best dual-threat QB's in the nation, he has proven he is effective running the ball. But each time he carries the ball, the risk of injury increases. Taysom is vital to BYU's 2014 campaign and has to remain healthy for the Cougar to have the success that many have begun to expect from them. BYU has a reliable group of running back's in Paul Lasike, Algie Brown, and Jamaal Williams.

5. Spread the ball out. BYU has done a great job of improving his passing percentage and spreading the ball out this season, but the trend must continue. Taysom completed passes to 9 receivers against UCONN and 11 receivers against Houston. Having the constant threat of reliable receivers will help keep the safeties and linebackers honest, freeing up the run game. Taysom also has to throw the ball downfield. On the season, BYU has 0 plays of 40+ yards. With an experienced O-line, Taysom has the time to take a chance and throw the ball downfield. Testing opposing DB's will be huge for BYU against Virginia.
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