DALLAS – The BYU football team pulled off an upset, defeating SMU in Dallas 18-15.
#BYU UPSETS SMU, 18-15.#BYUFootball #GoCougars pic.twitter.com/bLDxErRMlD
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) 7 September 2024
Here are the immediate takeaways from the win that gave BYU a 2-0 lead for the 2024 season.
BYU’s defense improves in second year under Jay Hill
In two weeks, BYU’s defense has made great strides under second-year defensive coordinator Jay Hill. Coach Hill was back with the team, commentating on the game from the locker room.
SMU’s first five red zone appearances resulted in two field goals for six points. BYU played aggressively and looked fast, and they made the necessary adjustments on the fly to defend SMU QB Kevin Jennings.
The aggressive style of play forced SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee to bench starter Preston Stone for the game as BYU put pressure on Stone.
Before this game, SMU had averaged 52 points per game during its nine-game home winning streak. However, BYU ended that streak abruptly when the Cougars did not allow a single touchdown to SMU all night.
Backup running backs take advantage of their opportunity as RB
At Big 12 Media Day in July, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake told me he liked the potential of Utah State transfer Enoch Nawahine as a running back.
For now, I looked at this as a nice little nugget to hold onto for weeks or maybe years. Little did I know that Nawahine would have to show up on the road against SMU in Week 2.
When LJ Martin was injured in the first quarter, Hinckley Ropati was injured and Miles Davis had a run for (-2) yards. Who’s on the fourth line? Enoch Nawahine here.
Nawahine was ill during the first two weeks of fall camp. Despite his limited appearances in camp, he was there when he was needed.
Nawahine’s touchdown for BYU in the third quarter was crucial.
Then, in the fourth quarter, Davis made a big play of his own.
Kalani Sitake and Aaron Roderick gave the offense confidence, running a pitch from Retzlaff that found Miles Davis. Retzlaff was hit hard by an SMU defender and threw the ball. Davis ran down the sideline and managed a 37-yard run to put BYU in the red zone, setting up Will Ferrin to kick a 26-yard field goal and retake the lead with 1:58 left.
Mixed results from Jake Retzlaff
Jake Retzlaff did enough to lead BYU to a win over SMU, but is that enough to be competitive long-term in the Big 12 this season? That remains to be seen.
Retzlaff’s turnover bug showed up again Friday night. He threw two interceptions, one of them to a Mustangs defensive lineman who was throwing a pass to SMU at the BYU three-yard line. Retzlaff had a fumble in the first quarter.
On the other hand, he was tough enough to take a hit on fourth and short to give Miles Davis the pitch for a big 37-yard run.
He also had some excellent shots in the first half.
Weber State transfers continue to shine for BYU football
The players who followed Jay Hill to BYU have shined for the Cougars. Last year it was Eddie Heckard and Kamden Garrett. This year it’s Jack Kelly and Marque Collins.
Marque Collins. Intercept! 🙅♂️ pic.twitter.com/hC7O7XQmpO
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) 7 September 2024
On Friday, Jack Kelly set the tone for the defense with a sack of Preston Stone in the first quarter.
Marque Collins made a great play by intercepting Kevin Jennings in the third quarter when SMU was in the red zone.
Kelly had a big quarterback hurry to Kevin Jennings on 3rd & 10 with 1:45 left. The pressure led to an incomplete pass. One play later, Jennings threw a deep ball into space on fourth down.
Mitch Harper is BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12-3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.
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