BYU played SMU in Dallas this past week, squeaking out a win, 18-15. Its a big win for a BYU team that needs all the wins they can get. SMU was the favorite, they were favored by 12, playing at home, and were a fringe top 25 team. This was BYU’s hardest non conference game, in my opinion, and BYU somehow got it done.

Game Recap vs SMU

BYU didnt play the best game. They were 2-13 on 3rd down, had 3 turnovers, and only scored 18 points. But overall, they had 336 total yards on offense. They had 3 turnovers and still managed to have over 300 yards on offense. That was in large part due to their rushing attack. BYU averaged 3.8 yards per rush and rushed, as a team, for 134 yards. Miles Davis (more on him later) had 37 rushing yards, Retzlaff had 35 rushing yards, Ropati had 32, Martin had 20, and Nawahine had 16. BYU had to play 4 running backs because LJ Martin hurt his ankle/foot and didnt return to the game and Hinckley Ropati left the game as well with an undisclosed injury. Both guys are supposed to be “doubtful”, according to Coach Sitake, for this week’s game against Wyoming.

Retzlaff had an unimpressive game. He had 2 ints and 1 fumble lost. He looked like the old Retzlaff who hadn’t learned anything over the offseason. Here’s to hoping that changes this week. He needs to be on top of his game for BYU to pull out some wins as conference play starts after this week.

Defense Shows Up

While the QB play was suspect last week for BYU, the defense was lights out. BYU didnt allow a single touchdown. The Mustangs scored 5 field goals, but no touchdowns. That is impressive! The defense held SMU to 3-16 on 3rd down, and under 300 yards of offense. Twice, when SMU was inside the 5 yard line, BYU was able to keep the Mustangs from scoring a touchdown. I dont know if I have ever seen that before. They locked down and forced turnovers! BYUs defense forced 3 turnovers helping them contribute to the win.

The defense also created a ton of pressure in the backfield. Its so nice to see that BYU is forcing some pressure in the backfield this year. DT Blake Mangelson really stood out to me in that area. He had 2.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack. LB Isaiah Glasker also had 1 tackle for loss and 1 sack. LB Jack Kelly also had 1.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack. Marque Collins, a transfer from Weber State, had an incredible INT with a toe tap and everything at the beginning of the game to totally shift the momentum of the game as SMU was driving down the field early int he fourth quarter.

Game Preview vs Wyoming

BYU renews an old rivalry with an old foe, Wyoming, on Saturday, at 7pm MT on CBSSN. BYU is 46-30 all time vs Wyoming and have a current win streak of 9 games vs the Cowboys from 2004 to 2022. The last time these two teams played was in 2022 in Provo. Jaren Hall passed for 337 yards and 4 TDs as BYU won, 38-24. Miles Davis was on the team and was the #1 RB due to injuries and he rushed for 131 yards in that game. Looks like that could happen again as he is most likely to be the #1 RB again this week due to injuries. Keanu Hill also had himself a game. He had 160 yards receiving and 2 TDs as a WR. Now, as TE, I hope to see a similar experience.

Offense

The Cowboys are 0-2 on the year. They lost to Arizona St in Arizona, 48-7, and to Idaho in Wyoming, 17-13. The Cowboys have put up only 20 total points in two games and have allowed 65 points in two games. Things are not looking good for them. Their starting QB is Evan Svoboda. He has 1 TD and 2 INTs on the year. Wyoming tends to run the ball with their best player, DJ Jones. He has 123 yards in two games and is averaging 3.6 yards per carry. BYU will need to contain the run and make Svoboda throw the ball.

Defense

On defense, BYU needs to specifically focus on the DE and LBs. Two of their starting LBs are leading the team in tackles. And all of their sacks this year have come from their DEs. They also have a couple of Safeties who are up there in tackles. I think BYU has the advantage when it comes to passing the ball. Wyoming doesnt have a great group of corners. I think BYU will pass the ball more this weekend especially with two of our starting running backs out.

Prediction

BYU is currently favored by 11. It opened at 8.5 and has now increased to 11. I still think that is fairly low. ESPN Analytics also gives BYU an 86.4% of winning. I expect BYU to win by 17-20 points. Laramie is a hostile environment, especially when BYU comes to town. They dont like BYU. I think the crowd will keep the Cowboys in the game for the first quarter or so and then in the second half, BYU will pull away. I think the score will be 28-9, BYU.

BYU Receives 2 Votes in Top 25 AP Poll

BYU did receive two votes in the top 25 AP poll. That puts BYU at 41st in the nation. After Wyoming, BYU will play #14 Kansas St in Provo to start conference play. If Kansas St wins their top 25 matchup this week against #20 Arizona, I am sure they would be close to the top 10 depending on what happens with the teams above them. That could set up a top 10 team coming to Provo next week! If BYU can win against Kansas St, I would expect them to be close to the top 25 or in the top 25.

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