BYU’s defense has been on the field about 77 more plays than the offense overall through two-thirds of the season. That amounts to an entire extra game’s worth of snaps — and it gives BYU almost no chance to win.
BYU notebook: Does playcalling change when the defense can’t get off the field, and two playmakers out
However, if BYU is going to work through the problems that have seen the Cougars allow 600 yards per game the last two weeks, it is going to require more than just confidence. And if the Cougars’ defense is in disrepair, maybe those answers have to come from the offense. A good starting point is fewer three-and -uts. Right now, BYU is averaging three-and-outs on over 10% of its drives.
Running the ball could help make third downs more manageable. Last week, no rusher had over 25 yards on the day. But starter Chris Brooks is out this week and Miles Davis and Lopini Katoa still haven’t returned to full production since their own injuries.Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick admitted that it has been a “weird” season for the offense because of how lopsided the snaps have been. The offense has been on the field 10 fewer snaps per game than the defense this year.