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Provo • After BYU lost 31-16 to Utah State in the Cougars' fifth game of the 2010 season, coach Bronco Mendenhall fired defensive coordinator Jaime Hill and took over the defense.
That won't happen this year, despite BYU losing 35-20 to the Aggies in Provo last Friday, Mendenhall said Monday when he was peppered with questions about the defense's inability to slow a USU offense that ranked 94th in the country before the contest.
Mendenhall basically gave second-year defensive coordinator Nick Howell, who took over the play-calling duties this season, a vote of confidence, saying he likes what both coordinators are doing this year.
"I think he is trying really, really hard," Mendenhall said. "And there's no one that is out-working him, no one that is out-researching him, no one that is out-preparing him. … Sometimes it just takes a little time to find the experience to fit all the right situations with given personnel. And I am encouraged by what he is doing. It is not a finished product, but I like the direction. We can certainly play better, and we all know that."
Howell was not made available to reporters on Monday, the only media availability day this week because BYU plays at Central Florida on Thursday (5:30 p.m. MDT, ESPN). Mendenhall says he knows what Howell is going through, because he's been there himself.
"I remember being a defensive coordinator coming in from New Mexico [in 2003] and on a Thursday night, Colorado State scored 52 on us," he said. "I will never forget that." It was actually 58.
Central Florida's offense has been even less potent than USU's and is averaging just 281 yards per game, 119th in the country.
But the Cougars also struggled to stop Virginia in Week 4, giving up 519 yards, so nobody in Provo is expecting a shutout from a front seven that suddenly can't get pressure on opposing quarterbacks and defensive backs that continually let passes sail over their heads.
Mendenhall said he doesn't plan to get more involved in the defense this week, partly because of quarterback Taysom Hill's injury and the need to be there for Christian Stewart, who will be making his first career start against the Knights (2-2).
"My intent is to continue to mentor, continue to advise, continue to support both Robert [Anae] and Nick as best I can, and then be a resource where I am needed, and when I am needed," he said.
Rotating linebackers
Jherremya Leuta-Douyere got the start at mike linebacker, and Manoa Pikula got the start at buck against the Aggies. Senior Zac Stout came off the bench at mike for the first time this season, but recorded two tackles for losses and is listed as the starter on the depth chart for UCF.
"We definitely have guys on both sides, mike and buck, that can step in and start at any time. The cool thing about our depth is you can see different combinations at any times and anyone can go in and start in a given week," said Leuta-Douyere.
Briefly
Central Florida is 30th in the country and fourth in the American Athletic Conference in total defense, allowing just 334 yards per game. … BYU WR Jordan Leslie, a transfer from UTEP, caught seven passes for 64 yards and a TD vs. UCF in 2011 and two passes for 51 yards in 2012. … Freshman LB Phillip Amone and freshman QB Hayden Griffitts are from Florida.
Twitter: @drewjay —
BYU at Central Florida
O Thursday, 5:30 p.m.
TV • ESPN