Provo • With a new defensive coordinator, a handful of defensive transfers and an entirely new scheme, BYU still left its season-opener with more concerns about its offense.
In a 14-0 win over Sam Houston, BYU’s offense struggled to stay on the field. After an initial touchdown drive, the Cougars averaged 2.5 yards per play in the first half. Overall, they averaged under 4 yards per snap.
Transfer quarterback Kedon Slovis struggled in his debut, throwing for just 145 yards on 20-for-33 passing. The offense committed eight penalties for 66 yards.
Two rushing touchdowns by Slovis were the Cougars’ only scores. The final touchdown, a 1-yard sneak coming with 14:49 left in the game, gave BYU a lasting two-score lead.
Sam Houston had its opportunities to tie the game. In the third quarter, a blocked kick was returned for a touchdown by Dakerric Hobbs. But the play was later called back after Da’Veawn Armstead was offsides.
BYU took advantage of the miscue, driving down to set up a Slovis rushing touchdown. It ended a spell of eight drives without a score.
Earlier in the third quarter, Jakob Robinson wiped away another would-be touchdown from the Bearkats. Driving inside the 10 after a BYU fake punt gone wrong, Robinson picked off Keegan Shoemaker’s pass. It was one of two interceptions for Robinson.
BYU’s last shutout took place in 2014 under former head coach Bronco Mendenhall.
Running back LJ Martin led the team in rushing with 91 yards on 16 carries.