Second-half collapse extends BYU's losing streak

(Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)


11 photos
Save Story

Show 4 more videos

Leer en español

Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

PROVO — Entering halftime with a two-touchdown lead over Nevada Saturday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium, BYU looked like it was on its way to a win for the first time since quarterback Taysom Hill suffered a season-ending ankle injury.

But the visiting Wolf Pack (4-3) scored 29 unanswered points en route to a 42-35 win over the Cougars (4-3), who are looking more and more like a team that will need at least another month to become bowl eligible, and that's even a big if at this point.

The morale of the BYU players has taken a hit during the dramatic shift from a Top 20 team to unranked after suffering three consecutive losses. Snapping what is now their longest losing streak in four years would go a long way in changing that sentiment.

“Two weeks in a row you lose a game you should’ve won … it hurts,” quarterback Christian Stewart said. “Obviously, guys aren’t happy, but we’re a resilient team and we’re not quitters. And this is only going to motivate us more going into next week against Boise State.”

The Good --------

First half offense: BYU was clicking in the first two quarters and scored a season-best 28 points in the opening half. The Cougars had 338 yards by halftime — just four less than they gained in the 31-24 overtime loss at UCF last week. Overall, Stewart, Mitch Mathews and Nate Carter stood out with strong performances at the skill positions, but one half of sound execution wasn’t enough, as it hardly ever will be against a quality opponent.

Rushing attack: Subtract the starting running back, his replacement, and of course possibly the best rushing quarterback in the country when healthy, and somehow the Cougars still gained 222 yards on the ground and netted 193 on 39 carries (4.9 yards per carry). Carter gave the depleted backfield a shot in the arm with his 87 yards on just seven rushes, and Paul Lasike ran with his bruising style on his way to 46 yards — and he was also Stewart’s second-leading receiver — and Stewart showed his ability to make plays with his feet. But the bulk of the credit goes to an offensive line that is apparently made up of equal opportunists when it comes to creating holes for a variety of ball carriers.

Needs Work

Downfield passing: Stewart had his best game as a BYU quarterback. He said he “feels more comfortable,” his timing and decision-making is better and he “has a lot better chemistry” with his teammates. It showed in his 408-yard, four-touchdown passing performance that went nicely with his 72 yards rushing. However, despite taking a number of shots downfield, his longest completion was for 23 yards. He can improve his deep ball to give his wide receivers more of a chance, and his targets would make that easier to accomplish by getting better separation. The Cougars don’t always need the big play, but when they’re turning it over three times it sure would help to cancel out some of their mistakes.

Special teams: Kicker Trevor Samson hadn’t missed a field goal since the opener until his 44-yard third-quarter attempt sailed wide, and poor punts and penalties make this defeat one to forget for this unit. Mathews looked like he might have a chance to grab a late onside kick, but an offsides call would’ve nullified it anyway. And Scott Arellano’s 17-yard punt characterized the missed chances to alter field position in favor of the hosts.

Run defense: BYU wasn’t bad in this regard, it just couldn’t contain Fajardo when it needed to. Nevada’s go-ahead touchdown came on Nevada quarterback Cody Fajardo’s 25-yard escape and subsequent carving of the Cougars players in the open field. The Wolf Pack weren’t necessarily dedicated to the run — as other teams like Virginia and Utah State were to try to keep the offense on the sidelines — and yet they picked up 126 yards.

The Bad

Defense: BYU defenders have stressed a need to get after the quarterback and cover tighter on long throws, but it was the screen that gave BYU defensive coordinator Nick Howell’s players nightmares. Fajardo’s biggest pass came on a check down toss to running back Don Jackson, who scampered 66 yards and set up the Wolf Pack’s first touchdown. It was the beginning of a theme for the Cougars. They surrendered 285 yards to Fajardo through the air despite knocking his go-to guy out of the contest in the first quarter with an injury. Jackson finished with 95 yards receiving on three catches compared to his 63 yards on the ground from 18 rushes.

Pass rush: After seemingly taking a step forward in this category against UCF, thanks to a huge sack and consequent forced fumble/recovery, BYU regressed again and registered just one sack. At times the blitz thwarted Fajardo’s time in the pocket, but it was never consistent or complete. For example, before Fajardo passed for 15 yards on a pivotal third-and-18, Manoa Pikula hit him well behind the line of scrimmage. Pikula did not wrap up, though, allowing Fajardo to get loose and eventually find his man.

Photos

Most recent Sports stories

Related topics

SportsBYU Cougars
Kyle Spencer

    ARE YOU GAME?

    From first downs to buzzer beaters, get KSL.com’s top sports stories delivered to your inbox weekly.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast