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| Brayden El Bakri forces a fumble against San Jose State (Chris Detrick, The Salt Lake Tribune) |
The BYU Cougars credit the easy win against San Jose State to momentum derived from big plays early in the game. As they look forward to Fresno State this Saturday, the Cougars hope to replicate the results by using that same pattern.
"I just want to keep the momentum going," quarterback Tanner Mangum said.
BYU got the momentum very early in the game. For the third time this month, BYU took an early 7-0 lead after making a defensive stop. However, this time it was different. It was explosive.
Mangum continued, "The first drive right off to Jonah Trinnaman with a long pass and then the touchdown pass to Micah Simon set the tone for the game."
Pass plays of 45 yards and 23 yards brought an energy that was previously inexperienced this season. That energy was evident on the ensuing kickoff when Brayden El Bakri forced and recovered a fumble, "which helped start momentum for the rest of the game," according to Mangum. "It helped get the team excited and the crowd into it."
BYU capitalized on the early turnover to go up two scores. The impact of these early results were not lost on the players on the other side of the ball.
"The way the offense and special teams was huge to set the tone from the get-go with momentum. It's easy to play fast when you have that momentum," linebacker Adam Pulsipher explained. "To have those explosive plays that they had this week was huge for us."
Defensive lineman Sione Takitaki added, "I feel going up 14-0 for any team is a good feeling. Especially going in as defensive players knowing that there are already points on the board. We're just going out there to execute. To have that confidence behind you--with the momentum on our side--is great for us."
Following the fast start, BYU continued to control the game using big plays on offense. KJ Hall accounted for over 100 yards on just two plays (75-yard run, 26-yard catch).
Tight end Matt Bushman pointed out, "I think we had eight plays over 20 yards, and those are explosive plays that hurt the opponent."
It was actually seven plays over 20 yards, plus one 19-yard play. Two of those explosive plays were second half passes over 40 yards each. They definitely hurt San Jose State as the Cougars scored 14 points on those drives.
Bushman continued, "That is what we need to do for the rest of the season: make big plays, identify when we can take those shots and have the opportunity to get down the field, and get more points on the field."
The rest of the season starts with Fresno State. The Bulldogs have given up 28 pass plays of 15 yards or more, and seven of 25 yards or more. Fresno State opponents have eight runs of 20 yards or longer. Most of these big plays have come in the first half, as well as on first down.
| 15+ | 25+ | |
| Passing | 28 | 7 |
| 1st Half | 16 | 5 |
| 1st Down | 16 | 3 |
| 20+ | |
| Rushing | 8 |
| 1st Half | 6 |
| 1st Down | 5 |
As Bushman said, BYU has to find the right opportunities to take these shots down field. Mangum must play smart. Forcing a big play often results in a big play, but for the wrong team. BYU cannot throw deep just for the sake of throwing deep. Receivers have to get open and ball placement needs to be good, otherwise Fresno State will, probably, be the one catching the ball. Turnovers kill momentum, and lose games.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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