BYU Football: What Does Success Look Like Against SUU?

BYU has another chance at a first impression against SUU

After last week’s lackluster showing against Sam Houston, BYU fans, players, and coaches are no doubt champing at the bit to get back out on the field on Saturday against SUU. There are plenty of question marks about this team going into week two, and there is still plenty we can learn, even against an FCS opponent. Here is what I need to see to feel just a little bit more confident as BYU approaches 10 straight games against Power Five opponents.

BYU averages more than 8 yards per play

Over the last 3 seasons, has been second nationally in yards per play and has averaged 8.5 yards per play against FCS opponents. If I am to have any kind of faith that this iteration of BYU's offense is on the same level the last few seasons, I need to see them put up similar numbers against SUU. Perhaps this is an unrealistic expectation, but BYU’s offense has the capability to be much more explosive than they showed against Sam Houston, and I expect them to show that Saturday.

Four completions of 20 yards or more

Before I can fully feel confident in BYU’s offense, I need to see that they are capable of pushing the ball deep down the field. Kedon Slovis is an elite deep ball passer. Over his career, he has completed just under 50% of his passes 20 yards or more with 28 TDs and 10 interceptions. Even in the worst year at Pitt, Slovis averaged a career best 13 yards per completion and a PFF grade of 84 on throws 20 yards or more. Slovis went 0/5 on deep balls last week, but I don’t put the blame fully on him.

BYU’s receivers need to step up in a big way. Last week, BYU’s pass catchers went 1 for 7 in contested catch opportunities, struggled in blocking on the edge, and reportedly had issues running the correct routes on a few different plays. This unit is better than that, and with both Keanu Hill and Kody Epps questionable, Saturday is yet another opportunity for a new face to emerge as a downfield threat.

Two or fewer unforced errors on offense

For our purposes, an unforced error includes penalties, drops, and incorrect routes. These types of errors plagued BYU’s offense throughout the game last week. As mentioned in my previous article, three of BYU’s first eight drives featured a drive-killing penalty. Success on Saturday means showing that progress has been made to fix these errors.

Defense keeps doing what they are doing

Last week, BYU’s defense earned themselves a week off from my scrutiny. As long as they hold SUU under 20 points and 300 yards of offense in a BYU win, we call it a win and go home. However, I would like to see a little more from BYU’s pass rush. BYU produced seven QB hurries against Sam Houston but only came away with one sack.

Prediction

I think BYU's offense bounces back. I am cautiously optimistic that the offensive woes are fixable and will prove to be better than inept. BYU starts out fast, scoring on four of their first six possessions. Slovis and Aidan Robbins combine for over 350 yards of total offense and 4 touchdowns on the day. BYU’s defense picks up where they left off, and the game is well in hand by halftime. However, I still think we leave the game with questions about the offense. Aaron Roderick is a phenomenal offensive coordinator, but I think transforming this unit from the 2017 offense into the 2020 offense is going to take a little longer than one week of practice.

BYU 38-7 SUU