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Cougar Kickoff Countdown: 19 Days

Less than twenty days to kickoff!

By Paul Greenhalgh
USA TODAY Sports

Fall camp is progressing and the team is looking good. There are several interesting story lines developing through fall camp for the upcoming season; some of which are getting fans excited and others are making fans concerned.

PASSING GAME

Taysom Hill and Christian Stewart have both looked good passing the ball. Each has connected with receivers on deep passes and giving meaning to the "Go Long" addition to OC Anae's "Go Fast-Go Hard" slogan.

RECEIVING GAME

The receivers are taller, faster, and anticipated to be better than BYU has seen in several years. Junior Nick Kurtz is now out for six to eight weeks due to a stress fracture in his foot. Because he is so talented, his injury will adversely affect the receiving corps, but to what extent is the question.

RUNNING GAME

Jamaal Williams is the best running back BYU has, but is suspended for the season opener against UConn. This will provide Adam Hine, Paul Lasike, and Algernon Brown a great opportunity to step up and show case their talents from the back field in game one. After that, Williams is back and will be pushing to beat Harvey Unga's all-time rushing record.

WHO WILL BE STARTING OFFENSIVE LINEMEN?

BYU returns eleven guys who started at least one game last season. In addition to that they have new comers like Ului Lapuaho and Tuni Kanuch who are pushing for a starting spot. After Saturday's scrimmage Mendenhall told the media that he was impressed with their pass protection.

HOW WILL DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR REPLACE KYLE VAN NOY, UANI UNGA, AND EATHYN MANUMALEUNA?

The defense looks solid, but how will they account for the graduations of Van Noy, Unga and Manumaleuna? That will be DC Nick Howell's challenge this season as he takes over the defensive play calling duties.

DEEPEST SECONDARY OF THE MENDENHALL ERA

Cougar fans have to be ecstatic about the talent and depth of the defensive backs at BYU this season. It is rare that this is a strength for the Cougars. Here are just a few of the DBs fans will see on the field this season.

KICKING GAME

Vance Bingham, Trevor Samson, and Andrew Mikkelsen are competing for the starting kicker spot. So far the kicking, as viewed by the media, has continued to be inconsistent, without one of the three being able to separate himself from the others.

What story line do you think is the most important? Cast your vote below.

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