OCR Text |
Show 1973 Page 6 THE HERALD, Provo, Utaht Fricay, November 23, " Walts. Cookin' j'"- LaVell Edwards, BYU's head coach has been worrying all week about how to stop Utah's Steve Odom and Ike Spencer, but Utah's coach Bill Meek has done just as much worrying about stopping BYU's Gary Sheide and Jay Miller. Saturday afternoon at 1:30 on d Rice Stadium in the Salt Lake the two worries will clash in the Ulcer Bowl, and by game's end we'll see which coach had tk: most justification for all 1 Advice from Loyan: 'Don't Kick io Odom' cf advice to the for their game Saturday against the Cougars Ltes. It's simple advice, short and sweet, and very firm. "Don't kick the ball to Steve Odom." There was no equivocation in inat advice. There wasn't anything iffy about the advice. It wasn't stated in such watered down terms as "I don't think you ought to kick to Odom," or "if you kick it to Odom be sure you kick it high and have good coverage." The advice was straight from the shoulder. "Don't kick it to Odom." Somehow I got the feeling that the advice was coming from someone who had just touched the hot plate and was still licking his wounds. My colleague, Mike Twitty, who has covered all of Utah's home games this year, agrees wholeheartedly with the kse.ii advice. Ags Touched Hot Plate capacity stadium. BYU's success will depend a great deal on the offensive line and how successful it is in giving Sheide time to pass. Utah has a strong pass rush, and the battle of those two lines could well end up determing the winner. Utah's defensive front four includes ends Mike Belnap at 195, Steve Hallsey at at 190, Ron Rydalch at 252, and Gary Keller at 246. Hallsey played his prep ball at American Fork, while Rydalch, who has been WAC defensive player of the week on two occasions this year, hails from Tooele. Utah's pass rush has been very that wonting. LaVell Edwards says of the game, "We'v? got to get some early momentum underway, and then prevent the home run by Spender and Odom." Bill Meek says, "We're not only going to be facing one of the nation's best passing and re eiving combinations, but we will also be going against one of the biggest arid strongest offensive By MIKE TWITTY Herald Sports Writer Area football fans who have the assumption that Saturday's h contest is "just another game" haven't talked to the Cougars' talented defensive tackle Paul Linford. "The Utah game is more important to us than tlie Fiesta Bowl," claims the junior. "Some weeks you have to rant and rave to get yourself up. This week everything is quiet because of the pressure inside already. The only guys making a lot of noise are the ones who have to let some steam cf f because the build-u- p is so great. "All year long, the breaks have gone against BYU. And, for the most part, the breaks have favored Utah. We plan to reverse that Saturday just like we did last year. "Some people say we won a BYU-Uta- 6-- 5 245-pou- sloppy game over Utah last year but they don't realize mistakes and caused. are Hustle determination can force errors and that's what we have to do Saturday." Linford will start opposite Utah's impressive right guard Bill Powers which should be one of the day's top individual matchups. Both players should selections this be year. Last year Linford was not only he was the top sophomore in the league. And the glory of 1972 has been costly this season. Lot of Pressure "There was a lot of pressure far me to overcome," points out the recreational therapy major. Mike Russell, Gary Shaw, Dana Wilgar, and Da ve Atkinson. Several weather forecasters have predicted snow, but that isn't expected to be much of a factor since the Rice Stadium is Year. He has given up more pass than 1 any interceptions out quarterback in the WAC. One of every ten passes he throws winds up in the wrong arms. He has been intercepted 19 times in successful, and sources at Utah State said, "Utah had the best ptss rush of any team we played this year." The Utes use a five nun front with ends Mike Belnap at 195, and Steve Hallsey at 190, tackles Ron Rydalch at 252 and Gary Keller at 246, and middle guard Ev Custer at 211 line The BYU offensive assigned the task of stopping that line from getting to Sheide indues tackles Brad Oates at 240 and Steve Price at 220, guards Lance Reynolds at 276 and Dave Brooks at 233, and center Joe Bailey at 226. Edwards says of his offensive line, "Our linemen are up to it. They've done an excellent job of protection in every game except against Arizona State. We feel Sheide will get time to throw." Don Utah's quarterback VanGalder was named Player of the Year in the WAC last season, but this year has been tabbed by some as Over-rate- d Player of the 195 astro-turfe- attempts. Edwards says, "We like the They've played on it a lot, but that isn't a factor. We're happy to be playing on it this BYU feels that a strong pass into rush forces VanGalder crucial errors and the Cougars U1 be trying to keep plenty of pressure on him. Getting that assignment will be the defensive front line which indudes Paul Linford at 257, Wally Molfiua at 248, Keith Rivera at 229, Stan astro-tur- f. tin- - of year." Utah is a strong favorite. Kickoff magazine rates the Utes a 14 point favorite while Dunkel favors the Utes by nine. Utah has a 3 record while BYU has a 6 mark. Comparative scores strongly favor the Utes. BYU lost to Utah and Arizona State, State, Wyoming, while Utah defeated each of those teams. The only common foe that shows BYU with a slight edge was the New Mexico game in but Utah which BYU won struggled from behinJ to gain a 7-- Vamer at 235. and substitutes Grant Wells at 238, Wayne Baker at 266, and Bob Larsen at 230. 3-- Of course, the Cougars are concerned about stopping the big play, and that responsibility rests mostly upon the defea-iv- e secondary and linebackers. The starting linebackers for BY U will be Larry Carr, Mike Preston, and Doug Adams, with the defensive secondary including :: Utah Tilt B iggest of Year Linford Russian Roulette Kicking to Odom has been compared by some to playing Russian roulette. Everytime Odom receives the ball in either a punting or kickoff situation you can count on 25 yards in return yardage. If you happen to tackle him cold for no return, that just means that next time you better count on a 50 yard return. At least that's what the stats indicate. People who keep their eye on national statistics won't find Odom listed among the nation's punt return leaders, and so they might ask, "Where's Odom in the national punt return rankings?" It's simple. Statistic keepers have set a minimum of 1.5 returns per game in order for a return specialist to be eligible for the record keeping. Odom has had only 12 returns in 10 games, and so doesn't qualify. However, if they were to just give him three more returns and give him no yardage for those returns, he would then be eligible for the stats and would rank second in the nation. If you just give him one yard per return for the three returns he lacks he would be leading the nation. As it stands he is averaging 24.8 yards per return with two touchdowns. He isn't in the same predicament in kickoff returns. He is eligible and does lead the nation in that category. He has returned 18 kickoffs for an average of 29.4 yards per return and another two touchdowns. 30,000 astro-turfe- Logan fans have a word Now and defensive lines in the country." He adds, "There is no doubt in my mind that our secondary will receive its toughest test of the entire season." So there you have it, and there are still tickets available for the game. A crowd of only 24,000 is expected to see the game in the By JOE WATTS Herald Sports Editor - i By JOE WATTS Ceugars, Utes w irried About I 56-2- 1 win. 36-3- icsisns mmmr-i around the personable athlete. And it may sound corny to say that Paul is a missionary but that's exactly what he considers himself. It was a tough decision two years ago to decide whether to go on a formal LDS mission. Instead, Paul chose football and decided he could get the job done without leaving Utah. By example he has helped several teammates put religion in their lives. Through speaking efforts he has influenced thousands of youth. Last Sunday he spoke to three different groups in cities from Salt Lake to Spanish Fork. This Sunday he'll address a Youth Conference in Ogden. He finds time for speaking engagements despite spending six hours a day in football practice and meetings and lots of evening time as Elders' Quorum president in his LDS branch on the BYU campus. "I made a lot of mistakes "I finally had to start playing the way I know I should instead of trying to live up to what people were expecting me to do. I'm probably doing better this year but last year everything stoody out because no one expected much from me." Linford is one of a large group of what he calls "the athletic gang from Granite." Why there are so many BYU athleu rom Sail Lake's Granite High is hard to say except that BYU Coach LaVell Edwards is a former Granite coach and keeps close tabs on the school. Recruiting Linford was a prize catch for the Cougars. He was a high school despite not starting until his senior year. Linford explains he is a lot like former Cougars Gordon Gravelle and Paul Linford in that they were late maturing and were not great high school players. Size was important for Linford in choosing football as his favorite sport. Paul's older brother claims that their mother used to cook large pots of potatoes and give half to Paul and half to the rest of the family. The story may or may not be but true Linford's be can't accomplishments denied. He helped the Cougars go 4 last year and is the main reason BYU has had a strong defense against the run this year. A- - 'ftV growing up," Paul expalins, "and I feel I can help young people direct their lives." Easy Manner His easy manner of speaking around the state is in contrast to his earlier years when he admits to being shy and to speech classes his freshman year at BYU when he struggled to stand before the class. But he speaks from his heart in siiaring experiences and giving advice to youth and church groups. "I don't know how I do it," Paul says. "But when I feel I can help someone, I can talk for 7-- JiLLJ iuji.i.iiL ir ii iiiiin -- n nrTTi r rrmiiM murmm-- -' iwm haii-m-f- l 3YU Defensive Tackle Paul Linford the field through tackles and pass deflections. Progressing at his present rate, a chance at professional football is not out of the question. Marriage is another factor which looms in Paul's future. He hours." to Mary Ann He also does lots of talking on is engaged Paul the Person But Paul Linfoi d the person is much more impressive than Paul Linford the football player. Football is his life but his life isn't football. If that sounds like double talk, you need to spend some time iirrini Cullimore", the granddaughter of a pominent Provo doctor. But right now, the most imporant thing is Saturday's game against Utah. Linford predicts a BYU victory by a margin most people wouldn't believe. Why the confidence? "BYU players never get up for any game like they do for this one. When I'm really ready to play, I get nervous and show it. And this week I'm so crabby and irritable, I can hardly stand myself." it's obvious that with just 12 returns in games that most teams have known better than to kick it to Odom. The Aggies happened to be one of those teams that didn't believe. They had to touch the hot plate to find out. 10 They kicked it to Odom three times in punting situations and he returned them for 99 yards, one for a touchdown, and another for a 50 yard return that set up another score. In the kickoff category the Ags kicked it to Odom twice and he returned them for 73 yards total. So in kicking situations the Ags booted it to Odom five times and he netted an average return of 34.4 yards. Rams, Lobos Close Out Grid seasons Sun Devils Play Arizona for Bid To Fiesta Bowl FORT COLLINS, Colo. (UPI) There won't be much at stake Saturday afternoon when New Mexico and Colorado State UniThs Fiesta Bowl against Pittsburgh. TEMPE, Ariz. (UPI) versity clash in a season- - ending Arizona has not beaten Arizona Western Athletic archrivalry between Arizona and Conference Arizona State has seen 46 State since 1964 when the contest, but a victory could have meetings, but seldom have the Wildcats finished in a three-wa- y a profound effect on the future of stakes been so high as in deadlock for the title. In either coach. Saturday night's clash at Sun Arizona's only winning season A victory by the UNM Lobos Devil Stadium. since then, 1968, the Sun Devils could go a long way toward 30-Arizona at clinched least a has Wildcats the after defeated It cost the Aggies the game. the wolves away from shooing shaie of the Western Athletic Arizona already had accepted a head coach Rudy Feldman. Conference title and can win its Sun Bowl bid. Both coaches feel That would give the Lobos two first outright WAC title by emotions will play a big part in wins in a row, something they of Sun the outcome the the defeating game. haven't done since '971 when Devils, champions for the past "This game is such a they won four straight in a four years. season. psychological thing that it's The winner of the game also almost completely in the hands WAC Before last week's earns the host spot in the Dec. 21 of the players," said ASU's win over Wyoming, the howling Frank Kush. "There isn't much was loud and clear in favor of that the coaches can do to terminating Feldman's five-yecontract at UNM. That win, Weather Good Samaritan Hospital. SPOKANE (UPI) prepare for it." conHe hopes to begin therapy permitting, Jim Young, in his first year at which came at the final gun on ference defensive back Don immediately. "That's going to Arizona after serving as an sophomore Bob Berg's be great," said Diver, who feels Diver of Oregon Tech will reat Michiga6ni Mi(L field goal, only gave the Lobos a 7 record, but at least served to turn to Portland Friday to begin strongly his paralysis was an We ve been gearing for this ALBUQUERQUE (UPI) -Uthe demands for his hide the biggest challenge of his life: accident. quell all be season. We'll of New Mexico game ready niversity "Several temporarily. learning how to walk. players President Ferrcl Heady said it to play I just wish Saturday A win Saturday by the young Diver, 20, Klamath Falls, was have visited me. I know Birch- will be decided next week whe- would get here." would also give them one Lobos ler feels a while about he bad but it, attempting paralyzed ther to "make some changes" in is favored more victory than they had last Arizona State, knows it was an accident, too," the tackle during the Oregon Ijobos football coaching staff. two touchdowns over the year when the finished at said Diver. Washington State Col"There is an evaluation of our by who have turned Wildcats, Diver, who is a track sprinter football lege game Nov. 10. this on at program going record in 1972 to 2 The stakes are not quite so high Eastern head coach John in spring and also plays sum- time," he said. "Sometime next around a coach Sark this year under Young. Arizona for CSU first-yea- r Softball, said his week we will arrive at a decision Massengale said the game film mer State is the nation's total offense Arslanian who's already more showed Diver had his head new goal in life is to "get up on what to do about it," Heady leader, averaging 551.9 yards a than earned his down when he hit fullback Dale and run around." keep this year said. the Wildcats will be while leaJing the Rams to a 5 and Birchler. game Right now, however, he hri Heady met with Outgoing athseason so far. He took over a "Birchler ran over him and to settle for being able to watch letic director Pete McDavid and charged with stopping an attack senior quarterback dismal program that produced other players came in at him television and talk. his successor- - designated Lavon headed by runner-u- p in only one win and 10 losses last Danny White, on a good gang tackle. But His mother, Mrs. Guy Diver, McDonald Wednesday as part of when the pile cleared. Don did- who has been his constant bed- the evaluation, the school head individual total offense. year. side companion since the acci- said. He then talked with Coach n't move," Massengale said. The two teams, who are tied at Should White's passing attack He hasn't moved since. The dent, said her son has already Rudy Feldman in the series that dates the day. be thwarted by Arizona, which laterjn UNM is 7 on the season, with has impact and the position he was started to get some movement to back 134.5 of 1935, will be battling for a an up average given in fractured a cervical verte- in his arms following surgery. the final game remaining yards through the air, the share of fourth place in the "We expect it will be a long, Saturday against Colorado state Wildcats will be fard with conference. If the Lobos win bra they difficult haul," said his sister, at Fort Collins, Colo. Lobo atNow, the speedsters Woody would tie for fourth, but if CSU stopping athlete is looking for- Mrs. Susan Wirch, Eugene, tendance has dropped off with Green and Ben Malone, both of wins, the Rams would have ward to his trip to Portland Ore., "but Don's quite deter- only some 10,000 fans turning out whom are less than 20 yards fourth place to tnemsel ves. where he'll enter the Rehabilimined it's not going to keep for last Saturday's 1 win over away from hitting the d UNM is 4 in WAC play and tation lnsti:utc of Oregon at him down." CSU is Wyoming. rushing mark this season. - 7 d Oregon Tech Player Hopes to Walk Again - 23-2- 1 ar Lobos to Discuss Felrlrnnn'c Future 3-- Eastern Redskins, Dolphins Post Thursday Wins BY JOE CARNICELLI UPI Sports Writer National Conference The playoff situation is pretty well set now, thanks to the Miami Dolphins, and the American Conference situation could be cleared up a bit this weekend. The Washington Redskins, with Billy Kilmer throwing two touchdown parses, ripped the Detroit Lions, 204), Thursday and took over sole possession of first place in the NFC East when downed the Dallas Miami Cowboys, !4-The loss could be critical for who must the Cowboys, now win all three remaining games, one of which is against the Redskins, or face the possibility of missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years. leads Dallas by a Atlanta, e in the race for the wild card playoff slot for best runnerup record and the Falcons have a fairly soft schedule the rest of the way. 7-- half-gam- Kilmer threw four yards to Charley Harraway, who went over 100 yards rushing for only the second time in his career, in the first quarter and hit Charley Taylor with a three-yar- d flip in the third period. Curt Knight added field goals of 25 and 23 yards and the Redskin defense held Detroit to less than 100 yards rushing to hand the Lions their first shutout in four years. Ranks with Dallas Win "The game ranks with our Dallas win as over best overall team "performance of the season," said George Allen, the Redskins' coach. "We never let up on Detroit. We didn't make any mistakes. Harraway played as fine a game as he's had since I came to the Redskins." While the Redskins didn't let up on Detroit, neither did owner William Clay Ford. Ford, who labeled the Lions, "a bunch of losers", earlier this season, cut loose again after the nationally televised Thanksgiving Day loss. "K looks like they want to 9-- Tech-Easte- 3-- 8. 8-- 4--7 slow-pitc- h 5-- ll 3-- 23-2- 2-- 1,000-yar- 2-- stand around quietly and get in their time for the pension," Ford said. "They had the distinction of t, themselves disgracing instead of just locally this time." coast-tooas- In the Miami victory, Jake d Scott's interception set up a Csonka plunge by Larry and Bob Griese threw 45 yards co Paul Warfield for another TD to upend Dallas. Walt Garrison scoied in the final quarter on a d run but the Dolphin defense tightened and won. one-yar- one-yar- A Day of Frustration "It was our day of frustration," moaned Dallas Coach Tom Landry. The AFC starts to sort itself out at Sunday. Pittsburgh is Cleveland, where a Steeler victory could just about sew up the Central Division title and a loss could thiow it into a three-wa- y race. The Browns are 14 games back and Cincinnati two games behind. The Steelers got some good Joe news Thursday when defensive Greene, their tackle, was prounounced fit to play af, Jnst Cleveland. Greene saw little action beca jse of a bad back in last week's upset by Denver. Kansas City and Denver, in the AFC West, running tangle in Denver and Oakland, e which dropped from a tie to third last week by losing to Cleveland, takes on San All-Pr- o Broncos Face - Co-Da- vs BOISE (UPI) Boise State Bronco stadium. If they lose to College, has a lot of respect for the Aggies, it will knock them out the University of California at of the playoffs in Division II. Davis, and "it's no sure thing "We have a lot of respect for that we'll beat them," coach Cal Davis," Knap said. "We said today. Tony Knap think they play good football, and "The challenge lies ahead for it's no sure thing that we'll beat the Broncos," he said of Satur- them." day afternoon's game against But this weekend for the Cal Davis at Davis. second in a row Boise State will "For all intents and purposes be a conference playing this is the first of our playoff champion. The Cal Davis Agsaid. games," Knap gies are of the Far If ihe Broncos win the game, West Conference and have a 2 record, dumping San Franthey will host the Western region game against the University of cisco State last weekend South Dakota Dec. 1 in the first-plac- Diego. In other games Sunday, Atlanta is at the New York Jets, Buffalo is at Baltimore, New England at Houston. Chicago at Minnesota, Los Angeles at New Orleans, the New York Giants at Philadelphia and St. Louis at Cincinnati. Green Bay is at San Francisco Monday night. |