Recap: BYU 81, Tennessee State 66

Photo Credit: BYU Photo

After a frantic start that featured lots of sloppy play from all involved, BYU eventually settled into a groove and pulled away in the second half to beat Tennessee State, 81-66, in their first game of the 2012-2013 season.

This was a classic case of "first game of the season" jitters. Both teams came out fired up and playing way too fast, chucking the ball all over the court and taking a host of ill-advised threes. However, once everyone got over their initial excitement of being back on the floor, the game settled into a nice groove, with BYU increasingly asserting itself as the superior team as the night progressed.

To be sure, this was far from a perfect game. Lots of mistakes were made, and there will be many teaching moments available for coach Dave Rose in tomorrow's film study session. But there were also a lot of positive indicators present that should bode well with further development as the season moves along. Any fan that focuses on the former at the expense of the latter, especially this early in the game, is simply begging to be disappointed.

With that said, let's talk specifics.

Pre-Game Primer: BYU vs. Tennessee State

Marriott Center

Provo, Utah

Time: Friday, 7:00 p.m. MST

TV: BYUtv 

Setting The Tone. This is it. Game one. The beginning of a months-long marathon toward March. It all starts here. Tonight could set the tone for the rest of the season. Many have disregarded Tennessee State as a mere pushover, a lamb being sent to ritual slaughter at the hands of BYU. Let us hope the Cougars are not among those foolish few, because make no mistake, the Tigers are good. No, they're not Kentucky or anything close to it — but they're not a pushover either. This is a team that is returning all but two players from a squad that won 20 games last year and was the only team to beat mid-major juggernaut Murray State during the regular season. This is not Candy Land. BYU should win this game comfortably, but they will have to play well to do it. If they come ready to play, they can make a statement by beating a good team and starting the season off on the right foot. If they come in distracted and lethargic, things could go south quickly. Let's all hope for the former.