Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
PROVO — Two games into the football season, premature as it appears, BYU already needs to recalibrate the primary goal.
Forget about adopting the quest for perfection slogan that Bronco Mendenhall slapped on his team several years ago. This team, like most, doesn't appear capable of going undefeated.
Nobody associated with the team would publicly admit that 6-6 is acceptable — if nothing else, false bravado prevents it. But that's where BYU was at as a program two weeks ago, trying to achieve bowl eligibility coming off a losing season in its first foray in the Big 12.
The scenario changed the second SMU's final pass on fourth down bounced on the turf last week, allowing double-digit underdog BYU to kill the clock and escape Dallas with a 3-point win.
The Mustangs, who won 11 games last season, had been prolific at home in averaging more than 50 points a game since going 7-6 in coach Rhett Lashlee's first season two years ago.
BYU's defense controlled the game from the first possession, swarming both of SMU's rotating quarterbacks. The Mustangs never did reach the end zone, scoring on only five field goals.
"Honestly, I feel like we can just dominate games, especially with our defense having (coordinator) Jay Hill," said linebacker Isaiah Glasker. "He gets us fired up. I'm excited for what we have the rest of the season."
At 2-0, with Wyoming up next for BYU, anything less than a clean nonconference slate would be a major disappointment. The Cowboys are reeling, losing by 41 points to Arizona State, and then getting embarrassed at home last week to FCS Idaho.
Not bad for a team oddsmakers listed at recording fewer than five wins this season. After going 2-7 in their inaugural Big 12 season, the Cougars were picked to finish 13th out of 16 teams.
Hold on a minute, the legion of naysayers is quick to point out. BYU swept through the nonconference portion of the schedule last season unbeaten and were 5-2, one win shy of bowl eligibility.
But the season turned south as the calendar turned toward November. Beset by numerous injuries, the Cougars closed the year on a five-game losing streak and failed to go bowling for the first time since 2017.
With four games remaining against currently ranked teams and other difficult road trips looming, the Cougars still could fall flat again during conference play. The difference this season, the coaches and players believe, is the team has much better depth to withstand a litany of injuries.
The depth at running back will be tested this week, as Sitake said the top two players at the position — LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati — are doubtful to play against Wyoming. Multiple reserves made significant contributions in relief last game.
"We talked about the depth," Sitake said. "It's going to be tested."
Seeking a spark to ignite a sluggish showing on offense against SMU, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick tapped into Jake Retzlaff's running ability. The mobile quarterback did get the offense into position for the game-winning field goal, but his two interceptions and a lost fumble could have led to disaster if not for BYU's impressing defensive performance.
Another rash for turnovers could lead to transfer Gerry Bohanan getting a chance to take his first meaningful snaps. Without talking specifics, Sitake on his first media availability this week did come down hard on eliminating turnovers.
"Take care of the stinkin' football, that's what it comes down to," he said. "I've said it over and over and again. I don't want guys to have to play tight and feel like they can't take a chance, but the football belongs to everybody.
"It belongs to the fans, it belongs to the team, it belongs to the program. It's not just that one player, it's not his ball. It belongs to all of us. They need to start thinking about more like that."
