Badger of Honor
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Seven Questions with Lawless Republic about BYU

By Noah Seligman

PROVO, UT - SEPTEMBER 9: The Brigham Young Cougars mascot Cosmo, performs during the game between the Cougars and the Utah Utes at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
PROVO, UT - SEPTEMBER 9: The Brigham Young Cougars mascot Cosmo, performs during the game between the Cougars and the Utah Utes at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /
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PROVO, UT – SEPTEMBER 9: Zack Moss
PROVO, UT – SEPTEMBER 9: Zack Moss /

The BYU defense looked good, allowing just over 17 points per game.  What’s been the strength of the defense?

Lawless Republic: There’s  a lot to love about BYU’s defense, but the unit is led by linebackers Fred Warner and Butch Pau’u.  Both are hard0nosed, play-making linebackers that can stop the run and play in coverage.  The defensive line is also a pretty talented unit – it will be interesting to see how they match up with the strong Wisconsin offensive line.

Overall, there are a lot of talented players in the Cougar defense, but it all starts with the linebackers.  Warner and Pau’u are both captains, so they lead by more than just example.

Also, an underrated aspect of the BYU defense is mentality – that defense plays with swagger and determination.  They’re the hammers, not the nails.

Badger of Honor: According to ESPN’s list of NFL players by school, there are 12 former BYU Cougars in the professional ranks.  Of that dozen, approximately eight are on defense including four linebackers and two defensive ends.  Wisconsin will need a solid game across the offensive line but also blocking contributions for the running game from receivers and tight ends.