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Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Jake Retzlaff finally got what he had coming to him — it just took a while.
Saturday night, as the BYU quarterback signed a fan’s shoe after his Cougars put their footprint on Southern Illinois 41-13, Retzlaff smiled from ear to ear. The look of satisfaction reflected the normalcy that he had longed for but found so elusive.
What is normal for most new Division I quarterbacks is a tune-up game or two so they can adjust to the advanced level of competition and, more importantly, to prepare for the bigger ones ahead on the schedule.
Retzlaff didn’t get that chance last year — just the opposite. When grad transfer Kedon Slovis was lost to an elbow injury after BYU’s 5-3 start, the junior college transfer was thrust into action. Of course, he said he was ready — no quarterback worth his salt would say the opposite.
However, truth be told, Retzlaff wasn’t ready, and West Virginia knew it. The Mountaineers, aided by a raucous home crowd, blitzed him like crazy and turned his debut into a nightmare, 37-7. The following week was even worse.
Back in front of 62,000 friends in LaVell Edwards Stadium, Retzlaff threw an interception on the first play of the game. Iowa State turned the turnover into a touchdown and blew the Cougars out 45-13.
Retzlaff’s inability to take care of the ball against No. 13 Oklahoma, including two fumbles and a 100-yard pick-six, cost the Cougars dearly in a 31-24 defeat. Surely it couldn’t get worse for the youngster — but it did.
BYU blew a 24-6 halftime lead at No. 21 Oklahoma State and lost 40-34 in double overtime to miss out on the postseason. Afterwards,…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jake-retzlaff-normal-night-caps-023803573.html
Author : Deseret News
Publish date : 2024-09-03 02:38:03
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