BYU vs. UMass: Numbers, Playmakers, and Keys to the Game

The BYU Cougars (3-8) and UMass Minutemen (3-7) will meet again today. Here is a close up look at each team: the numbers, the playmakers, and the keys to the game for BYU to walk of the field winners in three of the last four games.

Numbers
 BYU Offense  UMass Defense 
 16.5
 Points Per Game 
 30.9 
 1,370
 Rushing Yards 
 1,954
 4.23
 Yards Per Rush 
 4.82
 9 
 Rushing TDs
 21
 10 (6)
 Fumbles (Lost) 
 14 (6) 
 2,107
 Passing Yards 
 1,932 
 55.3
 Completion %
 52.0
 6.0
 Yards/Attempt 
 6.6
 11
 TD Passes
 13 
 15 
 Interceptions
 8 
 107.8
 Pass Efficiency
 116.4
 316
 Total Yards/Game 
 388.6 
 5.17
 Yards Per Play 
 5.6 
 34.5%
 3rd Down Conversions 
 34.2%
 25% (5/20)
 4th Down Conversions 
 47.4% (9/19)
 53 (468) 
 Penalties (Yards)
 N/A 
 27:04 
 Time of Possession 
 30:37 


 BYU Defense   UMass Offense 
 25.9 
 Points Per Game 
 30.6 
 1,822
 Rushing Yards 
 1,399 
 3.86
 Yards Per Rush 
 3.9 
 15 
 Rushing TDs
 17 
 14 (8)
 Fumbles (Lost) 
 18 (9) 
 2,440
 Passing Yards 
2,948
 65.5
 Completion %
 59.8 
 7.8
 Yards/Attempt 
 8.1 
 16
 TD Passes
 21 
 8 
 Interceptions
 5 
 142.7
 Pass Efficiency
 144.3 
 387.5
 Total Yards/Game 
 434.7 
 5.43
 Yards Per Play 
 6.0 
 42.9%
 3rd Down Conversions 
 34.7% 
 59.1% (13/22)
 4th Down Conversions 
 59.1% (13/22)
 N/A 
 Penalties (Yards)
 70 (592) 
 32:56 
 Time of Possession 
 29:23 


 BYU  SPECIAL TEAMS  UMass 
 18.1 
 Kickoff Returns 
 19.7 
 1.5
 Punt Returns 
 4.8 
 12/17 
 Field Goals 
 9/13
 46 
 Long
 48 
 20/20 
 Extra Points 
 35/38 
 42.6 
 Punting Average 
 42.3 
 59 
 Long
 63 



Playmakers






BYU
Quarterback
Joe Critchlow: 20-33 (60.6%), 219 yards, 1 TD, 0 Int., 126.3 pass efficiency
     Dual Threat: No (2 carries, -2 yards)

Running Back
Squally Canada: 92 carries, 546 yards (5.9 ave.), 4 TD, Long: 54
KJ Hall: 22 carries, 169 yards, (7.7 ave.), 1 TD, Long: 75
Austin Kafentzis: 23 carries, 129 yards (5.6 ave.), 1 TD, Long: 34

Wide Receiver
Matt Bushman: 45 receptions, 453 yards (10.1 ave.), 2 TD, Long: 36
Aleva Hifo: 34 receptions, 404 yards (11.9 ave.), 2 TD, Long: 46
Micah Simon: 21 receptions, 274 yards (13.0 ave.), 3 TD, Long: 50









UMass

Quarterback
Andrew Ford: 172-274 (62.8%), 2,345 yards, 17 TD, 3 Int., 152.9 pass efficiency
     Dual Threat: No (56 carries, -110 yards, 2 TD)
Ross Comis: 45-82 (54.9%), 603 yards, 4 TD, 1 Int., 130.3 pass efficiency
     Dual Threat: Yes (45 carries, 145 yards, 2 TD)

Running Back
Marquis Young: 146 carries, 804 yards (5.5 ave.), 8 TD, Long: 95 yards
Bilal Ally: 79 carries, 335 yards (4.2 ave.), 3 TD, Long: 57 yards

Wide Receiver
Andy Isabella: 51 receptions, 841 yards (16.5 ave.), 8 TD, Long: 69 yards
Adam Breneman: 54 receptions, 685 yards (12.7 ave.), 3 TD, Long: 41
Sadiq Palmer: 29 receptions, 449 yards (15.5 ave.), 1 TD, Long: 38

Keys to the Game

1. Limit the number of big plays: UMass averages over 30 points per game, and over 430 yards of total offense per game, but the Minutemen don't have a good pass completion percentage, yards per rush, or third down conversion rate. That means they are moving the ball and scoring points on big plays, particularly pass plays.

2. No turnovers: UMass is careful with the ball. Its quarterbacks have thrown just five interceptions all season. BYU cannot turn the ball over itself. Turnovers have been costly this year for the Cougars. If they start turning the ball over, then they could fall behind and not recover.

3. Help Critchlow: Notwithstanding last week's positive starting debut, he is still a freshman and needs help from the rest of the team to continue to develop and play well. The offensive line needs to provide good pass protection. The running game needs to be a weapon again. The defense cannot let UMass build a two touchdown lead.

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

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