The BYU defensive line waits for the snap during game against Kansas Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 in Provo, Utah. The Cougars upset the No. 13-ranked Wildcats, but another tough Big 12 test awaits the Cougars this week, when they travel to Waco, Texas, to take on the Baylor Bears. | Tyler Tate, Associated Press
By almost any measurable metric or statistic, BYU’s defense has improved immensely since the 2023 season when it finished 110th nationally in total defense, 99th in scoring defense and 112th in rushing defense.
The 2023 Cougars gave up 417.7 yards per game, 29.8 points per game, and 177.6 yards on the ground per game against a lineup of 10 power conference teams, along with Sam Houston and Southern Utah. It was the sixth most-difficult schedule in the country, according to the Sagarin strength of schedule rankings.
Through four games that have included two power conference opponents (SMU and Kansas State) an upper-level FCS foe (Southern Illinois) and a lower-level Group of Five rival (Wyoming) that Sagarin ranks as the 33rd-toughest schedule to date, BYU is 23rd in total defense (269 ypg.), 18th in scoring defense (12.75 ppg.) and 71st in rushing defense (136.2 ypg.).
However, the most impressive stat the BYU defense has posted is pass efficiency defense, where it ranks third nationally. BYU has yet to allow a touchdown pass (only Minnesota can also say that) and opponents’ passing efficiency against the Cougars is 77.54. Big 12 rival Iowa State is at 74.01, while Minnesota is at 77.06.
So the Cougars have clearly gotten better on defense, even as defensive coordinator Jay Hill has dealt with the affects of a heart attack he suffered two days before the opener against SIU (2-2).
But as the No. 22 Cougars (4-0, 1-0) prepare for a Big 12 showdown with Baylor (2-2, 0-1) on Saturday at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas,…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/byu-defense-improved-travel-waco-211500284.html
Author : Deseret News
Publish date : 2024-09-25 21:15:00
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