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| Brady Poppinga was a leader on the 2003 BYU defense (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) |
The emotional, knee-jerk reaction to the BYU Cougars' struggles during the 2017 season was to proclaim, "This is the worst BYU offense ever!" In reality, the 2017 offense finished with better per game averages than the 2003 offense, but not by much.
BYU Offense
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2003
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2017
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Points per game
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16.3
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17.1
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Total offense (Yds/Game)
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314.6
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325.2
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3rd Down Conversions
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31.02%
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35.75%
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Turnovers (Fum., Int.)
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39 (17, 22)
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27 (8, 19)
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Wins-Losses
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4-8
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4-9
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With such similar offensive production, it isn't surprising that the win-loss records were so similar. The real difference between last year and 2003 was on defense.
Did you know that the 2003 BYU defense allowed 65.8 fewer yards per game than the 2017 defense?In 2003, BYU gave up 307 yards per game, which was 14th best in the nation. Last year, BYU gave up 372.8 yards per game, which was 51st best in the nation. Most of the difference came in pass defense. The 2003 Cougar defense was great against the pass. It ranked eighth in the nation allowing just 176.2 yards per game. The 2017 Cougar D surrendered 225.2 yards per game (national rank: 62).
Another stark difference between the 2003 and 2017 defenses was third-down defense. Opponents converted just 35.75 percent of third downs in 2003. That figure jumped up to 40.64 percent in 2017.
Both seasons, the Cougars surrendered approximately the same number of points per game (2003: 25.8 and 2017: 24.7). That, however, was a function of the 2003 team giving up a lot more points through special teams miscues and turnovers. The 2003 season saw two punts blocked and returned for a touchdown, three interceptions, and three fumbles. That is a total of 48 points (excluding the extra points), which is four points per game. Last year, BYU had a safety against Wisconsin, two interceptions returned for touchdowns against Utah State, and one fumble returned for a touchdown against Hawai'i. That makes 20 points from scores not allowed by the defense. The 28-point difference equates to more than two points per game.
To say the 2017 team was the worst BYU team in a very long time is probably true, but comparatively, it was the very good 2003 defense that really separates the two seasons. Which get to the real purpose for this post: pointing out how good BYU was on defense in 2003. That can easily be forgotten with the overall results of that season.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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