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PROVO — Despite a four-game skid, BYU football's offense has moved the ball well and continued putting points on the board, but there is plenty of room for improvement.
Offensive Coordinator Robert Anae spoke about fundamentals Wednesday, such as getting your helmet in the right place and gaining leverage on the line, but his main concern is efficiency.
“It was kind of the deal the other night where a lot was asked,” Anae said. “And we didn’t get going 'til later in the game. Inconsistent — we’ve got to focus on starting better, starting fast and being efficient when we hit the field.”
Starting quarterback Christian Stewart says the guys are having fun again. He wants the offensive to focus on their responsibility, but in the end they just have to play football.
“We’re just getting back to what we do," Stewart said. “I just feel like we kind of got away from it mentally and now we’re just getting back to focusing on the things we need to be doing, and nothing else really matters.”
This week’s opponent, Middle Tennessee, averages well over 30 points per game. With the defensive struggles, the offense may have to shoulder the burden and win in a shootout. One thing the Cougars want to do is come out fast. Stewart said the goal should be to come out during the first drive, go down and score. Though they started out slow against Boise last Friday, the team says coming out fast is always the goal, and early success can set the attitude for the remainder of the game.
“It’s not any different today than it was after fall camp or after last week or whatever,” said offensive line coach Garett Tujague. “But again, when you get going, it builds that swagger, if you will.”
One man who can help jumpstart the team is running back Jamaal Williams. After not expecting much playing time against Boise, he took 16 carries for 70 yards. Williams says he is only about 85 percent after suffering two ankle injuries Oct. 3 against Utah State, but says he would’ve rushed for 150 if he was 100 percent. His positive attitude may be what the Cougars need for an energetic start.
“Pretty much I do whatever I can to get the team lifted, and let us just go out there and just play our game and have fun,” Williams said. “The worst thing to do is to see teammate’s heads down and not having fun playing the game.”
Williams will benefit from the overall health improvements across the bench: Linebacker Alani Fua is questionable but offensive lineman Brayden Kearsley, wide receiver Devon Blackmon and running back Adam Hine are all expected to play for the Cougars this Saturday. The game will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Mitchell is a KSL Sports Radio intern and Broadcast Journalism student at Brigham Young University where he anchors and produces sports. Find him @mitchellive on twitter.
