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| KJ Hall races down the sideline for a 75-yard touchdown. (Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo) |
Now that the BYU Cougars and San Jose State Spartans have finished playing, let's look back at our 5 questions for this game.
1. Will BYU continue adding to history?
The only way BYU might have added to history, in a bad way, was with how few people attended the game. Other than that, this game will be remembered for positive reasons.
KJ Hall's 75-yard touchdown run was the longest play from scrimmage for BYU this season. The 41 points was the most the Cougars have scored all season. The 598 yards total offense, and 266 rushing yards were both season highs. BYU forced five turnovers for the first time since Boise State last year.
2. Did BYU make a breakthrough in the passing game?
Cougar fans were definitely treated to a different passing attack yesterday than they have seen all season. The very first throw went for 45 yards. It was one of three completions over 40 yards. In many ways, it was reminiscent of BYU's passing attack of old.
Tanner Mangum checked down to running backs for big gains and first down conversions. Tight ends had 5 receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown. BYU tallied over 300 yards for the game.
After a hot start, Mangum did struggle during the game with balls not getting to intended targets and hitting the ground early. There were also too many minimal gain passes in the second and third quarters, but all in all, the Cougars do appear to have made a breakthrough.
3. Can BYU deliver the state of Utah sweep?
San Jose State has now lost to all three FBS football programs from Utah this year. The good news for the Spartans was they nearly matched their point total from the other two games combined (26) with 20 points. Now San Jose State has been outscored 161-46 (Utah, 54-16; Utah State 61-10) by the Beehive state.
Two late touchdowns by San Jose State, and some dropped passes combined with penalties by BYU prevented this game from being more embarrassing.
4. Will the BYU defense generate turnovers?
Yes, the Cougar D, and special teams, generated impactful turnovers. BYU finished with five turnovers on the day. It would have been six if not for an iffy roughing the passer penalty.
Three turnovers came in the first half, and Brayden El Bakari's forced fumble and recovery on the kickoff following BYU's first touchdown had a huge impact on the Cougars jumping out to a huge firat half lead.
5. Will Ula Tolutau play?
Tolutau did not play, and from the report by BYU TV it sounds like it was a direct reaction to the news that broke this week about his encounter with law enforcement three weeks ago.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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