Big SEC Road Win for BYU

So go ahead and add Kyle Van Noy to your highlight reel of incredible BYU endings. It may not quite be up there with “Beck to Harline” or “4th and 18” but it’s certainly in the rotation now of great moments in Cougar football history:

As for the here and now: BYU is 1-0 and beat an SEC team on the road. It wasn’t pretty but a win is a win.

What did we learn?

BYU’s defense is very good. Wait and see still on the secondary but their front seven may be one of the best we’ve seen at BYU (at least the line backing core). Do keep in mind that Ole Miss is still figuring out their QB situation. The Cougars will face much more potent offenses this year. However, it’s hard to think anyone is going to run for 200+ yards against this defense.

Offensively – BYU did move the ball but just couldn’t finish drives. Jake Heaps’ passing numbers were 24/38 with 225 yards, 1 TD and the costly interception that was run back for a TD. Not terrible numbers but plenty of room for improvement. The pick-6 was huge but Heaps is gonna throw some picks. He is going to take chances down field and that will happen from time to time.

How did new Offensive Coordinator Brandon Doman grade out in his first game? So-so I thought. If Ross Apo and Cody Hoffman are the great play makers we are told they are, then why not be more creative with them. It was frustrating to see them not get open down field all game. Why not run some misdirection with them, more screens, reverses, etc. If they are your play makers, put them in a position to make plays. That was always my knock on the coaching staff when BYU had Austin Collie on the roster. He was their best offensive weapon and was grossly underutilized.

Special Teams – an 11 yard punt, a missed field goal and allowing a 44 yard punt return won’t get it done. The only special teams coach in the country in more trouble right now resides in Logan.

Overall, BYU has got to be happy. I think it’s safe to say the offense will get things figured out and start putting some points on the board. Heaps is just too skilled a player. If the defense keeps it up, I see no reason why they can’t go into Austin and win next week.