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Evaluating BYU football’s offensive execution isn’t cut and dry

By Jared Lloyd - | Oct 27, 2021

BYU junior running back Lopini Katoa celebrates scoring a touchdown during the 21-19 BYU win over Washington State at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash., on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. (Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo)

When BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick was asked during Wednesday’s teleconference about how he feels the Cougars are executing on offense, he said it was a tough question.

“I’m never going to be satisfied with how we’re executing,” Roderick said. “I do think we’re doing a lot of really good things. We’re we’re really playing well in a lot of areas, but everybody would like to score a few more points.”

He pointed out that one of the reasons BYU isn’t lighting up the scoreboard as much as it would like to is that opponents have focused on limiting his offense’s opportunities.

“Saturday was another game where the opposing team did everything they could to keep the ball away from us,” Roderick said. “We were a little surprised to see a run-and-shoot offense huddling and using most of the play clock on every play. We ended up with nine possessions.”

The Cougars turned those nine possessions into three touchdowns, although two of the possession were with time winding down at the half and the end of the game, while another ended in a missed field goal.

“When you consider the number of possessions we got, I was really happy with the way the game went,” Roderick said. “I was very satisfied with that last four minute drive. Everybody in the stadium knew we were going to run the ball and we did. We ran the clock out and got in victory formation. That’s a good feeling when you walk off the field, ending the game that way.”

He noted that BYU has ended four or five games in that situation, which is something to be proud of.

Cougar junior offensive lineman Joe Tukuafu provided a player’s perspective into execution, saying that he sees remembers both the times he excels and the times he comes up short.

“It’s a lot of both,” Tukuafu said. “I remember the ones that were great and then I remember the ones I had hiccups on. The ones you had hiccups on you kind of save for after the game. You have to forget about them and then come back to them on the plane so I can correct the technique and be ready for the next game.”

One of the things that impacts team execution is injuries, since those usually require an athlete with less experience to step in for a teammate who was playing at a high enough level to get the starting job.

Those situations can have a significant impact on a unit, particularly one that relies on cohesion like the offensive line.

It’s tough to argue that the fact that the performance of players who haven’t always been starters this season, guys like Tukuafu, and freshmen Conner Pay and Campbell Barrington, have allowed BYU to continue to compete well on offense.

“It’s been amazing to see the next man step up,” Tukuafu said. “Even players who are further down on the depth chart itch to get their name called to be able to play in the game. There is a sense of urgency, even for those who aren’t seeing game time as much. It’s great to see people locked in. Everyone always practices the same way and are doing the same drills. When someone goes down and someone else comes in, it’s no different than in practices. They are going to play hard and play fast, and do what we have been doing the whole year.”

Roderick didn’t have any specifics on whether guys like junior offensive lineman James Empey or junior wide receiver Gunner Romney would be back for the game against Virginia at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday night (8:15 p.m. MT, ESPN2) after they got hurt in the win at Washington State.

“There are a few guys in question who are trying to work their way back, if they can,” Roderick said. “We’re not sure yet whether they will be ready or not.”

Jaren Wilkey/BYU Photo BYU sophomore running back Tyler Allgeier runs the ball during the 21-19 BYU win over Washington State at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash., on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. (Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo)

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