Kedon Slovis passes the ball for BYU. (Photo by BYU Athletics)
Cougars Win 41-16
BYU beat Southern Utah 41-16 behind a great game of passing by quarterback Kedon Slovis. Slovis threw touchdowns to four different receivers. The offense, especially the passing game, came to life more against Southern Utah than it had against Sam Houston. Something Kalani Sitake’s team needed to show before a tough road stretch coming up.
Isaac Rex
Early on for the first score, Slovis connected with his tight end, Isaac Rex. I have a feeling Rex might be Slovis’ favorite target as this season continues. Rex’s touchdown catch was the 22nd of his BYU career tying him for first all-time amongst Cougar tight ends. Rex would finish the day with four catches for 112 yards and his touchdown.
The Wide Receivers
For BYU’s next score, Slovis would connecting with a guy making his season debut, Keanu Hill. Fans were glad to see Hill return after missing the Sam Houston game with an injury. Hill would have three catches for 41 yards and a touchdown.
With those two touchdown throws, Slovis and the Cougars put Southern Utah on their heels defensively. This set up a wide receiver screen by new face Darius Lassiter. The senior transfer from Eastern Michigan broke about three tackles on his way to the endzone. Lassiter would end the day with five catches for 73 yards and this beautiful touchdown.
Next Slovis would get in on the action on the ground. Deciding he like rushing touchdowns after getting the first two in his career last week, he got another one today. It was the Cougars only score on the ground but it once again showed Slovis’ willingness to whatever his team needs him to in order to win.
Finally Slovis found Chase Roberts for his fourth passing touchdown (fifth overall). Slovis rolled out of the pocket and threw a 39-yard strike that Roberts caught for a touchdown. Roberts would finish the game with six catches for 84 yards and his touchdown catch. Here’s Greg Wrubell, the voice of the Cougars with the call for Roberts’ touchdown.
Kedon Slovis
Kedon Slovis led the Cougars to five touchdowns and was clearly the player of the game for BYU. He did it in the air and on the ground and spreading the ball out to his talented receiving corps. Slovis, Roberts, Hill, Lassiter, Rex and Kody Epps (when he returns) will be the focal point of this offense to help the offensive line gain traction and open up opposing defenses to running the ball. Slovis’ 22 of 32 for 348 yards and five total touchdowns is what the Cougars will need when they travel to Arkansas on the September 16th.
Rise and Shout Again
BYU got to celebrate and sing as they improved from game one to game two. With big road tests at Arkansas and Kansas coming up it was imperative that the Cougars show progress. They did in the passing game and the defense and special teams continued their high level of play. But now it’s where the rubber meets the road with BYU visiting the SEC and then starting Big 12 play against some dangerous teams.
And here is our weekly check in on America’s favorite mascot.
