Fans left scratching their heads after BYU beats Portland State, 20-6

Issac Hale, DAILY HERALD

The BYU Cougars got an early jump on the 2017 football season. While most fan bases have to wait one more week, the Brigham Young Cougars treated their fans by kicking off the season today. There were just two problems. One, the late August heat caused several fans to seek medical attention. Two, BYU was supposed to be more dominant.

Portland State from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) wasn't a threat offensively. They managed just 220 yards of total offense (86 rushing), completed 44% of their passes, and tallied just six points. However, the Cougar offense didn't do much to put fans at ease.

BYU put up just 14 first half points, and when trying to play smash mouth football in the second half could only manage two field goals. Third down efficiency was a paltry 4 of 13. With a very difficult three game stretch ahead against LSU, Utah, and Wisconsin, it leaves one scratching his head wondering what to think of the 2017 squad.

Was BYU trying to look at many players and try out many different schemes before the meat of the schedule? Why couldn't BYU impose its will on an inferior FCS defensive line?

There were some bright spots. Freshman tight end Matt Bushman looks like he has the makings of a legendary Cougar tight end--something BYU has been missing this entire decade. Wide receiver Talon Shumway made a nice leaping catch over a defender on a deep ball, and showed great effort on other passes thrown his way. Neil Pau'u gave the Pau'u family something to be excited about, while older brother Butch sat out, by scoring the first points of the season on a nice run after a routine pitch and catch. Fred Warner was all over the field showing he is poised to make his senior season his best yet, and Sione Takitaki is ready to make up for lost time after sitting out all of last season.

After finishing second in the nation in takeaways in 2016, BYU forced just one turnover. Zayne Anderson intercepted a pass late in the fourth quarter.

But, a win is a win, and BYU is now 1-0 in 2017.

PLAY OF THE GAME: Matt Bushman's acrobatic 36-yard catch, the first of his career, to set up BYU's first score.

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Sione Takitaki, 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 TFL

The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com