Provo • BYU found itself in a dogfight when it opened up its season a year ago. Newly minted FBS program Sam Houston came into Provo and stymied the offense, allowing just 14 points and some head-scratching struggles.
This time around, the Cougars had no such issues.
BYU got what it needed to out its season-opener, winning 41-13 over Southern Illinois.
Quarterback Jake Retzlaff threw for 348 yards and three touchdowns on 20-of-30 passing. Perhaps more importantly, he helped move the offense for 500 yards and did not throw a single interception.
It helped quiet some of the doubts around the quarterback who had been embroiled in a position battle all of fall camp. A main concern with Retzlaff this offseason was his turnovers.
Notably, BYU’s offense never went for over 400 yards in a single game last year. It blew past that threshold, even if it was against an FCS school.
BYU gave itself breathing room early and never trailed. Retzlaff hit redshirt freshman JoJo Phillips for a 57-yard touchdown in the first quarter. That gave BYU a 14-0 lead. SIU would eventually cut the deficit to eight after a touchdown run by DJ Williams. But the lead stayed at double-digits the entire second half.
On defense, BYU flashed some of the identity defensive coordinator Jay Hill wanted to build going into his second year.
The pass rush got to the quarterback twice. It recored seven tackles for a loss. The defense also got a late turnover with Jakob Robinson’s interception.
Several younger players made plays, including freshman Ephraim Asiata’s third down hurry that led to a John Nelson sack. Underclassmen Tommy Prassas and Isaiah Glasker logged three tackles combined.
Hill did not coach the game after suffering a heart attack on Thursday. Head coach Kalani Sitake assumed the role.
Retzlaff was efficient on critical downs. He finished 6-of-6 for 93 yards on third down. He also converted several fourth-down tries. On the opening drive, he found Chase Roberts twice on fourth downs to set up a Hinckley Ropati touchdown.
Roberts was BYU’s leading receiver, going for 108 yards and seven catches. Running back LJ Martin also played after dealing with a shoulder injury in the offseason. He had 67 yards, 13 carries and a receiving touchdown.