Estimated read time: 2-3 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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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 — BYU outside linebackers coach Kelly Poppinga didn't hold back in his evaluation of the Cougar run defense.
"The run (defense) was probably the worst performance we've ever had, really disappointed, and embarrassed as a program, it cost us the game in my opinion," he said Tuesday.
The Cougars gave up 296 yards rushing in their 24-23 loss to UCLA last weekend. Heisman hopeful Paul Perkins, who rushed for 219 yards on 26 carries, led the Bruins.
While BYU won't face an individual player quite as good as Perkins this week when it travels to Michigan, the Cougars will need to step up their effort against a physical Wolverine team.
Michigan running backs De'Veon Smith and Ty Isaac are known as physical backs. The duo has combined for 367 yards in three games. Poppinga noted that the Michigan backs won't necessarily make a person miss, but "they'll drag you around."
To prepare for such a physical game, the Cougars focused on full-contact practice early in the week.
"It's probably one of the most physical practices we've had since I've been here," defensive lineman Remington Peck said.
The coaches hope to re-emphasize team tackling because missed tackles were a huge part of UCLA's run success last week: "Obviously everyone knows there's been a big issue with tackling," said Peck.
Poppinga agreed.
"We got away with it (missed tackles) in the first half because we caused some turnovers," he said.
Those first-half turnovers included two interceptions by linebacker Harvey Langi and one by safety Kai Nacua.
Nacua's interception came at a crucial time as he prevented a UCLA score to end the half.
Despite missing BYU's season opener at Nebraska, Nacua currently leads the NCAA in interceptions with four.
Nacua doesn't claim to have a secret as to how he's able to intercept so many balls.
"It might be luck I don't know," he said.
Poppinga doesn't believe luck is the reason Nacua has been able to cause so many turnovers.
"He's a really good instinctive playmaker. He reminds me of Kyle Van Noy," Poppinga said.
Nacua feels the pressure as a defensive leader.
"I need to help keep them (the defense) positive," he said. "When you make plays you've got to celebrate."
After three emotional games, the Cougars are in need of an energy boost.
Peck said that although this September has been draining, he prefers this type of schedule.
"It's exciting. I'd rather play those (close) games than play games that (will be) a blowout," he said.
Listen to interviews with Poppinga, Nacua and Peck in the "Cougar Cuts" section below.
David Boyle is a student at Brigham Young University studying journalism. He is from Monticello, Utah, and is thrilled to be covering BYU football and basketball for fall 2015. Follow David on Twitter @dboyle119
