BYU loses to Boise State

With another tough challenge to face, BYU loses again at Boise State in Boise, Idaho this last Friday, October 24, 2014, with a final score of 55-30. This gives them a 4-4 record, and this is the first 4-losses-in-a-row since 2010 and before that 1993.

Playmakers of the game: First of all, we have Jamaal Williams...running back who seemed to lead the team. After coming off an ankle injury, Williams led the team in rushing yards and got one of BYU's touchdowns. He said last night after the game that he will fight during every one of the four quarters of a game to help strive to insure a win for BYU. That is a true leader in my eyes. Second, we have Bronson Kafusi and Fred Warner who I think were the top defensive players. With a sack for a loss 8 yards, a pass broken up, and 7 total (5 solo) tackles, I think Bronson Kafusi led the defense last night. And Warner had a good play of execution when he recognized a pass and made a great interception AND ended that interception with a 20-yard run for a touchdown. Third we have Christian Stewart who continues to work well for BYU as their new starting quarterback after Taysom Hill got his leg broken. Even though he can still improve, he has been one of the best players on the team. Lastly, we have my boy from Blackfoot, Idaho (where I grew up), sophomore wide receiver Colby Pearson who led the receivers with 109 total yards and a long 81 yard touchdown pass.

Weaknesses I saw again were defensive execution and a couple of turnovers. The defense needs, needs, NEEDS to improve on their execution and tackling. There were too many missed tackles and not good enough pass protection which both gave up big plays that led to touchdown drives. The interception and fumble by the offense also didn't help BYU's situation. Yes BYU defense made an interception for a touchdown, but that is one bright spot amid a lot of mistakes. Bronco Mendenhall, the head coach, has stepped back this season from helping the defense and leaving it up to his coordinator, but now last night he is taking a more active role in calling the defensive plays. He said last night that he blames himself for not preparing the players enough. I give a lot of brownie points to him for doing that, but I think the blame also lands on the players. With longer than a week to prepare for a 5-3 Middle Tennessee team, let us hope the defense can step up the execution so that the offense's work can show with a win for BYU. I have faith in them and know that they can pull off a 4-0 finish to the season to make the record 8-4. Congrats to Jay Ajayi and Boise State for winning a big win with great plays on both offense and defense.

LET'S GO BYU COUGARS!!!

If y'all are interested, here is a link to the BYUtv post-game show for this game (just for your information, I'm not sure how long they will have this episode on their website, so I apologize if the link doesn't work. I'm guessing it should work for at least a week to two weeks):
http://www.byutv.org/watch/b1ddb319-305b-4ede-9fa4-59ec0d27ca3b/byutv-sports-post-game-boise-state-vs-byu-102414

The next football game will be this next Saturday, November 1, 2014 against Middle Tennessee back in the east in Tennessee at 1:30 PM MDT. There will be the usual pre- and post-game shows on BYUtv.

Here are some stats:
PASSING/RECEIVING (259 total yards, 1 touchdown)
Christian Stewart (QB): 23 completions of 38 attempts (60.5%), 1 TOUCHDOWN, longest pass for 81 yards, threw to 8 different players, 1 interception, 3 sacks
Colby Pearson (WR): 5 catches for 109 yards, 1 TOUCHDOWN, longest pass was 81 yards (the touchdown pass)
Jordan Leslie (WR): 5 catches for 34 yards, longest pass was 18 yards
Mitch Mathews (WR): 4 catches for 54 yards, longest pass was 19 yards
Paul Lasike (RB): 3 catches for 29 yards, longest pass was 11 yards
Mitchell Juergens (WR): 1 catch for 23 yards, 1 lost fumble
Other players with catches: Jamaal Williams (RB), Terenn Houk (WR), and Devin Mahina (TE)

RUSHING (63 total net yards (18 yards lost due to sacks and tackles-for-loss), 2 TOUCHDOWNS)
Jamaal Williams (RB): 70 net yards (2 yards lost) with 4.4 average, 1 TOUCHDOWN, longest rush was 17 yards
Christian Stewart (QB): 1 TOUCHDOWN, net yardage was -11
Other players with rushes: Paul Lasike (RB) and Nate Carter (RB)

PUNTING
Scott Arellano (P): longest punt was 76 yards, average punt yardage was 48.4

DEFENSE (78 total (54 solo) tackles, 2 SACKS, 1 INTERCEPTION, 1 TOUCHDOWN, 6 tackles for loss for 19 yards)
Skye PoVey (DB): 8 total (6 solo) tackles, 1 tackle for loss for 2 yards
Craig Bills (DB): 8 total (6 solo) tackles
Bronson Kaufusi (LB): 7 total (5 solo) tackles, 1 SACK, 1 tackle for loss for 8 yards, 1 pass broken up
Zac Stout (LB): 7 total (3 solo) tackles
Manoa Pikula (LB): 6 total (4 solo) tackles, 1 pass broken up
Jordan Preator (DB): 4 total (4 solo) tackles
Fred Warner (LB): 4 total (3 solo) tackles, 1 INTERCEPTION, 1 TOUCHDOWN
Dallin Leavitt (DB): 4 total (2 solo) tackles, 0.5 sack, 0.5 tackle for loss for 1 yard
Michael Alisa (LB): 3 total (3 solo) tackles
Robertson Daniel (DB): 3 total (3 solo) tackles
Remington Peck (DL): 3 total (2 solo) tackles, 0.5 sack, 0.5 tackle for loss for 1 yard
Graham Rowley (DL): 3 total (2 solo) tackles
Logan Taele (DL): 3 total (1 solo) tackles, 1 tackle for loss for 5 yards
Kai Nacua (DB): 2 total (2 solo) tackles
Jherremya Leuta-Douyere (LB): 1 tackle for loss for 1 yards
Tomasi Laulile (DL): 0.5 tackle for loss for 1 yard

Here is a link to the full page of stats:
http://byucougars.com/event-stats/m-football/box-score/105936