dwid, BYU will have to replace some key players after this season, but I think they could still be in a position to challenge for the MWC title in 2010. As for replacing Max Hall, I think Riley Nelson will be the man. He's Hall's backup right now, but was an incredible dual threat QB at Logan High and started 6 games for Utah State in 2006. He was Mr. Football in Utah in 2005, after setting 9 state records! I think he'll end up being a good QB for BYU. This year the offensive line has been affected most at Center and Left Guard, but I don't think there will be depth issues or inexperience next year as only the current starting Center, R.J. Willing, is a Senior.
The chances of BYU making a BCS bowl after this loss are very slim, but still there. Things would have to fall into place just perfectly for them to get to a BCS bowl. They would have to win every game from here on in an impressive fashion, including against Texas Christian who are ranked ahead of BYU now. Boise State must lose. SEC teams ranked in the top 10 right now, Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida, and LSU, must beat each other up pretty badly, with none of those 4 being undefeated. Penn State would have to lose, as well as Miami and California. While some of these things will happen, it will take a lot for them all to happen. With the yearly uncertainty in the Big 12, who knows what may happen. The good news is that we're a long way from Bowl Bid Day and the chance is still there. It will shake out as everything gets closer.