(10-08-2014 09:07 PM)Danger in Carolina Wrote: Does anyone know what to expect from BYU QB Christian Stewart? That seems to be the big X Factor. He can't be as good as Taysom Hill or he would have been the starter, but if he is a serviceable QB their offense still might be able to beat UCF.
Christian Stewart was originally on BYU's roster, before his mission in 2008. But he transferred to Snow College after his mission, a JC about 1.5 hours from Provo. Did well there and transferred back last year. He had limited playing time in mop-up duty in 2013 as a Junior.
During spring and fall practices, Christian Stewart seemed to outperform Taysom Hill. He is a better passer and has a strong arm. Many fans were calling for Stewart to start over Hill, because he is a much more traditional BYU-type QB. He obviously lacks Taysom's athleticism and running ability (although he is mobile) and most BYU fans hopped back on the Hill wagon after they saw Hill scramble a couple of times against UConn...and then obviously the feats against Texas.
Stewart looked good at times against Utah St., but after the tipped pass INT inside the 5-yard line, he was trying to play Hero to help BYU comeback and really forced things. BYU consistently had deep receivers open, but Stewart consistently overthrew them. It also hurt that our usually-sure-handed Senior WR Jordan Leslie dropped at least three passes that hit him in the hands or chest, including the INT inside the 5. Stewart just simply tried too hard in the comeback role, and often threw the ball just to throw it - hence the 2 other INTs. He often left the pocket, even though the pocket was sound and just staying put would have given him another 2 or 3 seconds to throw.
Stewart will look completely different tonight. He will make some plays and be a good game manager.
BYU has a stable of running backs that will pound it out against UCF. Taysom's carries have taken about 10-15 chances from the running backs each game, so they haven't had a real chance to make game-changing contributions yet.
Before he was suspended for Game 1, Jamaal Williams had a chance to break BYU's all-time career rushing mark this year. He is an uphill back but can show off some shiftiness. He could have a big game tonight.
Paul Lasike is a New Zealand rugby guy converted to football. He's a bruiser. He had 100 yards rushing against Notre Dame last year, so he definitely has potential.
Algie Brown is a mix between Williams and Lasike and is the best RB receiver and should make a big contribution to Stewart's passing game.
Adam Hine is BYU's return man. He took a kick return to the House against Virginia. He's a slightly skinnier and faster version of Algie Brown. He's a good change of pace and fits well into BYU's go-fast go-hard offensive scheme.
Personally, I'm excited to see BYU's offense use all of its tools tonight.
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Official Game Thread: BYU @ UCF; The only game on Thursday Night
