Most of the
questions I posed in the Five Things to Watch For article earlier this week
dealt with little things in the Brigham Young Cougars program. I was pleased to
see, however, that almost all of those little things resulted in big plays and
scores. The backups were especially impressive, which bodes well for BYU’s
future.
But onto the
observations!
Hoffman played for
most of the first half and sparingly in the second, but while he was in, he
looked great. Hoffman ended the day with
115 yards receiving on seven catches and had one touchdown. He did have one
fumble, but that was because of his desire to make a little too much happen.
I think Bronco did a
great job of managing Hoffman’s time, letting him get some big play
opportunities and keeping him healthy and ready for next week’s game.
Along with getting
Hoffman ready for next week, the health of Ross Apo is now the next major
concern for Brigham Young. Smart move by the coaching staff to hold Apo out today, even if he says he’s fine.
Question No. 2: Will we get to see more of Taysom Hill?
Every time Hill
comes into the game, you get the feeling something electric is about to happen.
Last week it was his 18-yard touchdown pass, this week it was his four-yard
touchdown run, bringing a defender with him into the end zone as he stretched
the ball over the line. He also led BYU’s drive in the fourth quarter that ended
with him rushing for another touchdown.
He ended the day
with six rushes for 27 yards and two touchdowns. He also attempted three
passes, completing one for 18 yards.
I can only hope he
gets some action again next week for a big play in Salt Lake City .
Question No. 3: What is the status of kicker Justin Sorensen?
Sorensen made a
couple appearances in the game, only on kickoff duty. Riley Stephenson is still
being used for both extra point and field goal duties, and took most of the
kickoffs. This is along with his regular punting duties. It was good to see
Sorensen at least step onto the field again. Hopefully he will be back
full-time soon.
Question No. 4: What backup player will turn our heads?
Like I said in the
Five Things to Watch For, games against FCS opponents give fans the chance to
see some players we otherwise wouldn’t.
There were a few
players who impressed me, but the one who was most fun to watch was Alex
Kuresa. Kuresa is listed as a quarterback, but lined up as a receiver and made
four catches for 51 yards. One of them was down to the one-yard line and
initially looked like a touchdown. He also was in on an attempted trick play
where he took a hand off and looked downfield to pass. Weber State
Kuresa is another
player who, like Hill, adds an extra dimension to BYU’s offense that will keep
defenses guessing.
My prediction for
the game was David Foote. Unfortunately there wasn’t a ton of running success
for the Cougars, aside from the 53-yard trot by J.D. Falslev. Foote ended the
night with just 16 yards on five attempts.
Question No. 5: Any temptation to look past and FCS
opponent?
Overall, BYU did
pretty good. The game started off a little sloppy but after a quarter, the
Cougars woke up and put it away by halftime.
Now everyone can stop pretending
to think about this game and start really talking about next week. After Utah ’s
loss to Utah State Utah .
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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