Through three games played this season there’s been relatively little to complain about from BYU’s end of things. In securing all three wins the Cougars have proven the better team while protecting the football and generally saving their best play for when it matters most, and especially during the second half versus Arizona.

But why save your best for last?

That’s been a question BYU defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga has worked to address through the two weeks of prep time for the Horned Frogs, seeking a better full 60 minutes of play from his unit.

“I think especially in the last two games, we’d like to play better in the first drives of the game,” Poppinga confirmed. “So that’s been an emphasis — just making sure we start fast, start clean, get our cleats in the ground, play football, get our eyes in the right spot, communicate, and just do our job. We’ve got to be better in our first drive and throughout the first quarter and play a clean 60 minutes of football. That’s really been my biggest emphasis, because there’s been flashes of us playing as good as I can remember us playing in the last three or four years.”

Players have noted the emphasis being made with the focus set forth to practice like they hope to play, not only come Saturday against the Horned Frogs, but for the rest of the season.

“Coach Popp(inga) has been harping on starting practice fast so that it translates to the game,” said BYU freshman defensive edge Braxton Lindsey. “Every player has took that to heart, and we’re doing our best. We’re going to start out fast on Saturday.”

And the Cougars are going to need to do just that versus a TCU team which aims to take the field with a renewed focus in hopes of jump-starting its rather lackluster start to the season. TCU has slogged through two unremarkable games versus both North Carolina and UCF, where it scored just 10 and 13 points, respectively, leading to player-led meetings throughout this past week with the Horned Frog coaching staff mentioning a reevaluation of just about everything.

“I think they have a complete offense. And (they’ve) probably (been) a little inconsistent at the beginning, beginning with a newer quarterback and newer coordinator,” Poppinga observed. “But, you know, at any moment, that thing can click. I think their pass game is one of the tops in the country right now.”

TCU may pose even a stiffer challenge on the defensive side of the football, and especially with its ability to defend the run, which looks to be a critical matchup come Saturday. Led by senior LJ Martin, the Cougars have managed a productive run game which really hit its stride two weeks ago versus Colorado State. But TCU will pose a much sterner test, and the numbers back it up with the Horned Frogs yielding just 76 yards rushing per game entering Saturday’s game, good for 17th nationally.

“I have tons of respect for these guys. They have good players and (TCU defensive coordinator Andy) Avalos is a great coach. He’s one of the best in the game, and he’s got a really good staff,” said BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick. “So, we have our work cut out for us, too. This is the biggest, most physical, and most athletic team we’ve played yet this year, and we’re going to have to go in there and be physical, and be sound in what we do. It’s going to be a tough challenge for sure.”

Complicating matters for the Cougars offensively is the significant foot injury sustained by senior starting right tackle Andrew Gentry, which will preclude his participation in Saturday’s game and perhaps for the rest of the season. Gentry has proven to be one of the top run-blockers on the entire team and replacing his overall level of play won’t be an easy task.

Roderick is confident that the freshman duo of Bott Mulitalo and Siosiua Latu-Finau are up to the task, however.

“Those guys have both played a lot of snaps already this season and it was nice to get those guys into those two games they played,” Roderick said. “Against Colorado State we averaged 8 yards a carry when the ones were in and we averaged 8 yards a carry when the twos were in. There was no drop-off. Those guys played really well. So I’ve tons of confidence in both of them. I’m sorry to lose Andrew, and we love him, but I’m excited for Bott and (Siosiua) to get their chance. They’re both super athletes and going to be really good players for us.”

The Cougars will have to make do with their play in what looks to be very rainy conditions come Saturday, the likes of which the game at Colorado State looked to present two weeks ago before the rain all but dissipated come game time. But for Poppinga and his players, they’ll welcome any and all inclement weather come Saturday.

“We love the elements. That’s what I’d say defensively … Give us everything you’ve got,” he said. “Give us … downpours, tornado, whatever … we’ll play in any of the elements, and yeah, we’re excited about that opportunity … We’re excited if that happens. I think our guys will step up to that.”