Jake Retzlaff made his first start for BYU. (Photo by BYU Athletics)
The BYU Cougars traveled from the mountains of the west to the mountains of the east to take on the West Virginia Mountaineers. In the battle of the mountain teams, the Cougars were slaughtered by the Mountaineers, 37-7. Even with BYU’s Jake Retzlaff making his first start, BYU should’ve performed better.
Not only were they beat by 30, but they were run all over by West Virginia, giving up 336 yards. On the flip side, they only gained 67 on the ground in a running game that has struggled all season. The BYU defense which had been their biggest asset was down from the beginning and gave up 567 yards along with those 30 points, for our BYU by the numbers for this week.
Missed Calls Hurt Cougars Too
They missed one hit on Chase Roberts that was targeting and another on Kody Epps and both were targeting.
Zach Wilson Newcomer of the Game: Jake Retzlaff.
You wouldn’t think with a score of 37-7 in favor of the other team that you saw a star player making his entrance. However, that’s what I saw with Jake Retzlaff. He has a lot of things that young quarterbacks don’t. Decisiveness and a quick release, good pocket awareness, and the ability to make things happen with his legs in both the passing and running game.
Retzlaff was 24 of 42 for 210 yards. Not the best numbers, but he didn’t turn the ball over. Also, despite being sacked three times he had 10 carries for 26 yards rushing, managing to have a positive net with the rushing game even with an injured, struggling offensive line. I have a feeling Jake Retzlaff is going to be a star and am excited to see him play more.
Utah Valley Lows and Y Mountain Highs
The Cougars came in third in the nation in turnovers gained. But with losing a fumble and forcing none this great stat took a hit and BYU fell to tenth. Still respectable, but the BYU defense is lacking still in an area that they’ve done poorly in, in the entire Kalani Sitake Era. That’s getting to the quarterback. The Cougars are tied for last nationally with Virginia in sacks per game averaging less than one each contest.
BYU didn’t get help from their friend the stadium lights. This dropped their night game-winning record to 20-2 in their last 22 night games.
Loyal, Strong and True (Class and Historical Moment): Singing Country Roads with West Virginia after the game.
Always proud of our team and fans when they show class and respect when visiting another team to the point of impressing their fans. Doesn’t take away the loss but it makes you happy that you root for the team in the royal blue.
Rise and Shout Again
BYU fell hard to 5-4 but should have hope to get to that sixth win before the season ends and be bowl-eligible. Their best chance will come against Iowa State at home on Saturday. Iowa State is trending in the right direction, so the Cougars will need a big Brigham Bounce Back from their two-game skid.
The Cougars will play the Cyclones in the comforts of home at LaVell Edwards Stadium and in the comfort of the bright night lights of Provo where they’re undefeated this season. They’re also breaking out a variation of their blackout uniforms for this game.
I think with the home-field advantage, the night game atmosphere, and the alternate threads BYU wins. The Cougars will get to 5-0 at home, 6-4 on the season and become bowl-eligible in their first season in the Big 12.
