BYU defense looks to carry momentum to Arrowhead Stadium


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PROVO — For the seventh time this season, a Cougar victory late in the fourth quarter was in question Friday night. But quarterback Tanner Magnum left the heroics to BYU's defense.

When San Jose attempted a two point conversion that would have given the Spartans the lead, defensive back Michael Wadsworth recognized the trick play.

"They like to do a fly sweep with number seven," Wadsworth said. "I was expecting to come up and fill the hole. I saw him start to … form the ball in his hand like he was going to throw it, and I saw the tight end leak out."

Wadsworth then stayed step for step with the tight end until the pass arrived.

"I was able to get a hold of his arm and rip it through," he said.

The defensive stop not only carried the Cougars to a victory, but also helped them gain momentum against upcoming opponent Missouri.

In anticipation of a low scoring game, the Cougars will need exquisite play from both the defensive and offensive units. BYU is fairly balanced on both sides of the ball, ranked 39th in total offense and 36th in total defense. Meanwhile, Mizzou is lopsided, ranked 11th in total defense and 125th in total offense.

Though the Tigers have struggled offensively this season, the Cougars aren't taking their opponents' attack lightly.

Logan Taele and the BYU defense try to block a field goal against Nebraska in Lincoln, NE on Sept. 6, 2015. (Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
Logan Taele and the BYU defense try to block a field goal against Nebraska in Lincoln, NE on Sept. 6, 2015. (Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

"They might not put a lot of points on the board, but they have the ability to," BYU inside linebackers coach Paul Tidwell said. "The quarterback throws a lot of deep balls. Not a lot have been completed but, if they make an emphasis of it, they may complete some deep balls."

As tight as Missouri's games have been, one play could make the difference.

"We're going to have to do a good job in the secondary and make sure everything stays in front of us, and we don't get beat deep," Wadsworth said.

Missouri freshman quarterback Drew Lock's woes could be related to the fact that he has been sacked 20 times this season. BYU's defensive front of Travis Tuiloma, Logan Taele and Bronson Kaufusi will want to increase that number.

Taele said BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall has taken a special interest in the defensive line play.

"He's taken the d-line and it's been fun," Taele said. "He teaches you how to work even when you don't feel like you can do it."

Taele also praised teammate Tuiloma.

"Travis is a train," Taele said. "He's a really dedicated man, he works really hard, he's really good at what he does."

If BYU can do what most opponents have done to Missouri this year, the Cougars offense will need only a few scores to secure the win. In the past seven contests, the Tigers have not scored more than 13 points in a game. If the Cougars can hold that trend, two scores would secure a victory.

Of course, football is not played on paper, and the Cougars will have to show up offensively to win. Such a feat is made easier by the return of a healthy running back, Adam Hine, back in play after an ankle injury. The senior had three carries last week against San Jose State, but that shouldn't concern BYU fans.

"I feel worlds better," Hine said.

Hine hopes to have an increased role against Missouri.

"I've got to work my way up back into the rotation and, once I gain that trust, I'll be getting the ball a little bit more," he said.

Listen to audio from Tuesday's post-practice media availability from Tidwell, Taele and Wadsworth in the "Cougar Cuts" section.


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

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