Faletau Satuala intercepts a Stanford pass (Photo by BYU Athletics)
After an offensive explosion led the Week 1 route of Portland State, BYU’s defense led the effort in Week 2. The defense slowly chopped Stanford to pieces, playing old-school, smashmouth football for the Cougars’ second win of the season.
Dominating Defense
BYU held Stanford to 161 yards of total offense and only allowed a field goal in the 27-3 victory. The Cougars kept Stanford in check on third down. BYU stopped Stanford on 11 of their 13 third downs. The Cougars were particularly good at stuffing the Stanford rushing attack. BYU held them to 19 rushing yards on 24 rushing attempts. They also forced three Stanford turnovers, a pair of interceptions, and a fumble. The BYU defense even scored a couple of points by tackling Stanford for a loss in their own endzone for a safety.
Logan Lutui and Keanu Tanuvasa had big games along the defensive line. Tanuvasa, the transfer from Utah, had four tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a sack. Lutui had six tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss. Linebackers Jack Kelly and Isaiah Glasker had huge games as well. Kelly had five tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, and a sack. Glasker also had four tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a sack.
Sophomore safety Faletau Satuala had the best game for the Cougars. He made five tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, an interception, and that safety.
Run, BYU, Run!
Bear Bachmeier was 17 of 27 for 175 yards passing, five of those going to Chase Roberts for 84 yards. However, the main effort was once again made on the ground. Bachmeier had a rushing touchdown, and Sione Moa also punched one into the endzone. LJ Martin did the heavy lifting again. He had 18 carries for 110 yards and one catch for eight yards.
Hidden Yards and Points
I had talked before the season started about BYU’s success being a simple matter of all-purpose yards and points, and there were some examples in this win. Tiger Bachmeier had a 44-yard punt return that led to one of Will Ferrin’s four field goals. You don’t want four Red Zone trips to end in 9 points, but nine points can’t be taken for granted, especially as Big 12 play arrives. Ferrin stayed perfect on field goals (with four) and extra points (with two). Sam Vander Haar had three punts, an average of 43.7 yards per punt, and all of them were pinned inside the 20. Ferrin and Vander Haar will prove decisive before the season ends.
After their bye this coming week, BYU hits the road, going to the East Coast, to play East Carolina in Greenville, North Carolina.
