Lynchburg, Va. • The changes didn’t work.
In fact, after a week where BYU committed to overhauling its entire defense, the changes weren’t even visible in a 41-14 loss to Liberty.
The Flames became just the next team to victimize a hapless unit. BYU gave up 500 yards, 24 first downs and again lost the time of possession battle. If last week was a low-point for defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki, this week it sunk even lower.
“It is a fight or flight moment,” head coach Kalani Sitake said. “I only know one way. That is to work hard and make sure we have the right guys with us along the way.”
Perhaps the only difference between last week’s 52-35 loss to Arkansas was that this week the offense did not help.
Jaren Hall finished with 162 yards and two touchdowns. Overall, the Cougars mustered just 205 yards of offense and did not have a drive over seven plays.
Meanwhile, Liberty scored on seven of its nine drives through the first 50 minutes as BYU couldn’t get off the field. The Flames went 6 of 10 on third down, but did most of their damage early in the series. Liberty averaged 7.6 yards per play and seven yards per rush.
By the time Dae Dae Hunter ran for 80 yards in the third quarter to put Liberty on top by three scores, the game was over. He finished with 213 yards rushing on 23 carries.
“I’ve been through stuff before,” Sitake said. “I know people have concerns but all I know how to do is fight. I’m all about fighting through stuff. Back me in the corner and find out. Things are about to be really tough in our program and that is how it has to be. Looking forward to seeing our team after we go through all of this.”
