Seven Takeaways from BYU's Win Over SUU

BYU's competent offense, Slovis’ redemption arc and BYU's best special teams player since...

We are now two weeks into the season and BYU is 2-0 for the fourth straight year. While we all expected the 2-0 record, I’m not sure getting there has gone like we all expected. FCS opponent or not, there is still plenty that we can glean from Saturday to show us what kind of team BYU will be this season. Here are my takeaways from BYU’s week two win over SUU.

BYU has a competent offense

While I still have reservations about the BYU offense, we can all breathe easy knowing they aren’t 2017-level bad. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick called a great game yesterday. BYU was 6/6 in the red zone and was 4/5 on 3rd/4th and short. BYU’s receivers did an excellent job getting open and making plays. Isaac Rex looked better than his old self and Darius Lassiter was a force with the ball in his hands and blocking on the edge. Overall, BYU’s offensive skill position players made enough improvement from week one to calm most of my fears left by their performance against Sam Houston.

This was the Slovis we saw in fall camp

348 yards and 5 total TDs in 3 quarters is excellent no matter who you are playing. I can’t remember a single bad read. Slovis was accurate and on time with most of his throws, particularly on deep balls. Slovis went 3/5 on throws that traveled 20+ yards for 129 yards and a touchdown. When Slovis has time to throw this season, he’s been exceptional, with a 72% completion rate and 7.8 yards per attempt. I feel confident in saying that if BYU struggles this season on offense, Slovis will not be the reason.

Credit: BYU Photo

It’s time to be worried about the offensive line

I have serious concerns about this offensive line. I figured getting the run game going would take time, but this unit has struggled in pass blocking too. BYU allowed 16 pressures on 33 drop backs against an FCS opponent. That’s not good enough. BYU averaged 2 yards per carry against an FCS opponent. That is not good enough. All five of BYU’s starting offensive lineman started at FBS programs last season. This is not a talent issue. I’m also not sure it’s a scheme issue since we have seen this scheme work in previous years. At the end of the day, it comes down to heart and effort.

That said, it’s still week two. Plenty of talented offensive lines are struggling to get things going this season. Georgia averaged 3.5 yards per carry against Ball State. Arkansas ran for 2.9 yards per carry against Western Carolina. There are six Big 12 teams that are worse in run blocking according to PFF. I still have faith this unit can get things figured out as the season progresses. BYU making a bowl game depends on it.

BYU’s running back dilemma

I don’t know what to make of BYU’s running back situation. Aidan Robbins has struggled, but he also has only 10 carries through two games. I like that Aaron Roderick has used the first two games to give BYU’s top three guys touches and let them earn their spot going into Big 12 play. Going forward, though, LJ Martin looks like the guy. His 17-yard beast mode run early in the game was about as much of a “prove it” run as you can ask for. He’s averaging 5.4 yards per carry and 3.23 yards after contact compared to 2.8 and 1.2 from Deion Smith and Aidan Robbins respectively. I think all three should still see time, but I think LJ gives BYU the best chance against Arkansas.

Credit: BYU Photo

BYU’s defense is so much better than last year, even on an average day

The defense was not as impressive as they were week one but still quite solid. The first and second units have only allowed 10 points through two weeks, which is a massive improvement from where we were a year ago. Kamden Garrett had a terrific interception, and the run defense was stout once again, allowing under 100 yards rushing for the second straight week. BYU’s secondary left a little to be desired compared to last week. You have to give a ton of credit to SUU’s quarterback and receivers for making difficult plays in tight coverage, but there were enough busted coverages to give a little hesitation heading into Arkansas.

Marcus McKenzie: BYU star

It is extremely difficult to make a fan base know who the gunner is on your punt unit. Somehow, Marcus Mckenzie found a way. BYU’s 14 punts have yielded just 19 return yards, including 4 solo tackles, a forced fumble and recovery by McKenzie himself. The kid is a baller. Harrison Taggart also had a great day on special teams including a blocked punt. Good special teams often bodes well for the future of your defense, and I have liked what I have seen so far.

Even against an FCS opponent, Saturday was a success

BYU accomplished what it needed to. They won comfortably and showed enough life on offense to prove that this team can do some damage in Big 12 play if they can fix the run game. There is plenty to fix as BYU enters the meat of their schedule, but I still think this team is good enough to go bowling.