This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

BYU football has a new process for the Monday press briefing with coach Bronco Mendenhall this year, and I applaud them for it.

Mendenhall now sits at a round table, and reporters sit around him or behind the ones with seats. Television cameras are perched behind the table, opposite Mendenhall.

It is a more comfortable setting, and Mendenhall seems to be a little more relaxed and contemplative with his answers.

Here's his opening statement at today's session:

"After reviewing the [UCLA] game, a few things stood out," he said. "I really, really like our quarterback. Tanner [Mangum] played a very good game. He's poised beyond his experience, and our team has tremendous confidence in him, and so do our coaches. He managed the game really, really well.

Adam Hine, from the second half of the Boise game now, through the UCLA game, I really like what I am starting to see from him.

Our offensive front, blocking-wise, we are gaining momentum also. We got receivers who continue to catch the ball well, and are consistent that way. Control was a huge factor in the game, keeping UCLA off the field.

Defensively, turnover creation, from the Boise State and UCLA games, are kind of one of our identities right now. And third down — if we get a team to third down now, we are strong on third down. So that is a trend that is starting to emerge.

Our field goal kicker, Trevor Samson, was a huge factor in that game. We found right about where the edge of his range is. And I think 42 was his longest in that game. That's about where we are comfortable with him.

Our special teams play took a step backwards in that game. UCLA out-performed us in that area, which probably one of the biggest plays was the punt return. Where we then defensively, stopped them on third down. They went for it on fourth. That gave them some momentum back.

Other than that I think we have a good team that is on the verge, possibly, of becoming a great team, with some work.

Still a ways to go, but I think we are a good football team through three weeks."

A few more issues that were tackled today:

* Mendenhall said freshman Rhett Almond got his first career punt on the one that UCLA returned 56 yards because he can boom them longer than Jonny Linehan, and coaches were hoping to flip the field.

"What really happened is we didn't cover it very well. We had four players there, but didn't execute our assignment very well," he said.

* In addressing the poor tackling vs. UCLA, Mendenhall said the Bruins gained 173 yards on five carries where an unblocked BYU defender missed a tackle.

* Regarding his role coaching the defense again, Mendenhall said, "It is a lot more taxing, but also a lot more fulfilling. I love the chance to see the players learn and grow."

* Mendenhall had high praise for Adam Hine, and said he isn't returning kicks because his workload is heavy enough as the main running back. He said that "hopefully" Algie Brown (knee) and Francis Bernard (finger) will be back this week.

"Man, one of the most impressive plays I have seen is when he hurdled that player, kinda near our sideline. The way he left the ground, and the distance he covered, that was impressive. He is not only running for speed, but he is running with power," Mendenhall said.

* Mendenhall said he hasn't heard yet whether Travis Tuiloma will be back. "Fingers have been crossed since whenever it happened," he said.

* Regarding Jordan Preator, Mendenhall said he will be out this week.

"This will be the last week. If all his other criteria with me are cleared, he will be out this week and then he will be back the following week."

* Mendenhall said he doesn't have any ties with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. He does know former Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, now the Wolverines' defensive line coach, through their connection to former UM coach Brady Hoke.

* Mendenhall on Michigan's offensive approach: "They are basically Stanford. So when Harbaugh was at Stanford, and that's no slight to either one, if I am describing it, that's what I see. Big people, extra tight ends and big backs and just running and smashing you."

* Mendenhall said LB/RB Harvey Langi hurt his arm against Nebraska — he didn't disclose the exact injury — and will wear that brace deal on his arm the remainder of the season. "So that brace is hindering his tackling a little bit. But his value to the team overrides that," Mendenhall said.

* Mendenhall said the recent success and overwhelming national exposure because of it has aided recruiting.

"So, I can't talk specifically, but we had two recent commits, and another likely happens today. It is helping a lot, not only that we are on, but that we are playing well. So that's one of the things of taking on great teams, and taking on unique challenges in really big venues. And so that might be the biggest advantage so far that I have seen. Yeah, that has all been the last 10 days, that has happened."