Ask oregon (that was blown out by UGa)
what they think of BYUs offense.
Just like their D.
Against Baylor and Oregon, they put up 366 yards, averaging 5.0 and 5.6 yards per play respectively. They could not run the ball against either team, averaging 2.5 yards per carry in each game. They moved the ball well against USF and Wyoming, putting up over 500 yards, and averaging 8.3 yards per play in both of those games, running for 8.4 and 6.3 yards per carry respectively.
Utah State was a bit of a mixed bag. 397 yards, 6.6 ypp, rushing for 3.7 yards per carry. It was really a tale of two halves though. In the first half, BYU's drive chart went TD, Punt, Punt, Punt, FG, Half (20 plays, 107 yards). Excluding sacks, they had -11 rushing yards. In the second it went TD, TD, Missed FG (33), TD, Downs, Missed FG (35), Game (43 plays, 290 yards). 23 for 141 on the ground.
The game is a nice post-bye-week test of whether the improvements we saw in the second half against Cal and all game against UNC were a true trend and here to stay. BYU isn't bad, they're not loaded up on one side of the ball or the other... they're a decent, balanced, borderline top 25 team. If we've improved like we think we have, we should beat them by two scores. If we're not able to win this one, we're in for a long season.
In short, I think the outcome of this game is going to be determined much more by how well our lines are able to play rather than by anything BYU does.
Utah State put up 26 ( 27 or 28 for xp) against them. If we don't put up at least 35, I will be severely disappointed.
I like the changes in approach and playcalling. They looked great in the 2nd half against Cal and UNC.
Neither Cal nor UNC is any good, so I don't know how they'll fare against a defense with a pulse.
I would call Cal's D average. BYU's defense is ranked 37th. Marshall's defense is 31st but they and Ohio State, 18th, definitely caught ND's offense at, what we hope, is the low point.
I think Marshall was the only really unforgivable sin so far this season. The team played a tough game on the road against an elite OSU team. Had them on the ropes. I think the game plan was solid overall, although there were some second half flaws.
The Cal game was a weak effort on offense, especially the first half, but perhaps a learning/turning point, despite Rees' stubborn and flat our stupid play calling the first quarter against UNC. The second half against UNC was a thing of beauty, marred only by the Estime fumble, and the stupid QB sneak on 4th and goal.
Marshall was just a shit show from beginning to end. Indefensible. But hopefully we've moved on from that. The team could easily have fallen apart, but has not so far.
The offensive stats in the game were pretty much even save for one: Utah St turned had 3 turnovers, zip for BYU. Weber St beat the Aggies 35-7 as did UNLV 34-24.
Don’t fear the reaper or BYU.
For fuck’s sake!
ND lost to Marshall.
At home.
Marshall.
Subsequently, Marshall lost to Bowling Green State University. Then, Marshall lost to the vaunted Troy. Troy College? Troy University? Troy Junior College? University of Troy?
but it's a bit skewed by the fact that the mob had a heavy "investment" in Troy, so there was an incentive for Marshall to not do so well that day.
If we're lucky, we can get all 132 teams into the circle this year.
Also, USU is terrible this year. BYU should put them away much harder.
I'm liking the week off, our D is good enough, and the O is finally finding some footing, an extra week of reps is a good thing.
Helens and not enough Hectors.
and given him a sweet NIL deal.
Utah State lost to Weber State by four touchdowns.
above average offense.
after cracking the juggernaut that is UNC's defense last weekend.
and play calls. That's worth a bit of optimism.