DALLAS – BYU soccer pulled off an upset, defeating SMU, 18-15, in Dallas.
#BYU UPSETS SMU, 18-15.#BYUFootball #Gocougs pic.twitter.com/bLDxErRMlD
— KSL Sports activities (@kslsports) September 7, 2024
Listed below are the moment takeaways from the win that put BYU at 2-0 for the 2024 season.
BYU’s protection is stepping up in yr two below Jay Hill
Via two weeks, BYU’s protection has made vital strides in yr two below defensive coordinator Jay Hill. Coach Hill was with the workforce once more and referred to as the sport from the sales space.
SMU’s first 5 pink zone appearances resulted in two area objectives for six factors. BYU performed aggressively and appeared quick, and so they made needed changes on the fly to defend SMU QB Kevin Jennings.
The aggressive play fashion compelled SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee to bench starter Preston Stone for the sport as BYU was teeing off on Stone.
Getting into this sport, SMU was averaging 52 factors per sport throughout its nine-game house successful streak. BYU put that streak to a screeching halt, because the Cougars held SMU to no touchdowns your complete night time.
Backup working backs benefit from their alternative at RB
At Massive 12 Media Day in July, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake informed me that he preferred the potential of Utah State switch Enoch Nawahine at working again.
Within the second, I seen that as a pleasant little nugget to retailer away for weeks or perhaps years down the street. Little did I do know that Nawahine would want to point out up in week two on the street towards SMU.
When LJ Martin was injured within the first quarter, Hinckley Ropati was banged up, and Miles Davis had one carry for (-2) yards. Who’s the fourth string? Insert Enoch Nawahine.
Nawahine was banged up all through the primary two weeks of fall camp. Nevertheless, whatever the lack of camp snaps, he stepped up when referred to as upon.
Nawahine’s landing to BYU in entrance within the third quarter was clutch.
Then, within the fourth quarter, Davis made an enormous play of his personal.
Kalani Sitake and Aaron Roderick gave confidence to the offense and dialed up a pitch from Retzlaff to seek out Miles Davis. Retzlaff took on an enormous hit from an SMU defender and pitched the ball. Davis ran down the sideline for a 37-yard run to set BYU up within the pink zone, which led to Will Ferrin booting a 26-yard area purpose to regain the lead with 1:58 remaining.
Combined outcomes from Jake Retzlaff
Jake Retzlaff did sufficient to steer BYU to a victory over SMU. However is it sufficient to be aggressive within the Massive 12 long run this season? That’s to be decided.
Retzlaff’s turnover bug appeared once more on Friday night time. He tossed two interceptions, one to a Mustangs defensive lineman setting SMU up on the BYU three-yard line. In the course of the first quarter Retzlaff had a fumble.
On the flip facet, he was gritty to take successful on 4th and brief to provide the pitch to Miles Davis for an enormous 37-yard run.
He additionally had some wonderful throws within the first half.
Weber State transfers proceed to shine for BYU soccer
The transfers who’ve adopted Jay Hill to BYU have shined for the Cougars. Final yr, it was Eddie Heckard and Kamden Garrett. This yr, it’s Jack Kelly and Marque Collins.
Marque Collins. Interception! 🙅♂️ pic.twitter.com/hC7O7XQmpO
— KSL Sports activities (@kslsports) September 7, 2024
On Friday, Jack Kelly was a tone-setter for the protection with a primary quarter sack on Preston Stone.
Marque Collins had an enormous play by choosing off Kevin Jennings within the third quarter when SMU was contained in the pink zone.
Kelly had an enormous quarterback hurry on Kevin Jennings on third & 10 with 1:45 remaining. The stress resulted in an incomplete cross. One play later, Jennings tossed a deep ball to nobody on fourth down.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports activities Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Comply with Mitch’s protection of BYU within the Massive 12 Convention on X: @Mitch_Harper.
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