I have the following theory for the defensive 1st half struggles and the second half recovery.

I see several reasons the defense might have had a rough first half:

1. Utah fired their OC, right? Was this the first game with a new OC? That was my understanding.
2. New QB
3. Bye week for a seasoned (and good) coaching staff to prepare
4. Rivalry game
5. Utah had nothing to lose but a lot to gain from the win

Put all that together and I think you have a recipe for an upset.

Especially if you think about the fact that with a new QB and a new OC, the defense came into this game blind. They had no game film to go on. Nothing to compare to or learn from. Was the QB mobile? Could he throw? What kind of plays would they run?

I think the first half amounted to getting game film. Then at half time they could break the film down and make adjustments. The result? No points for Utah (and barely any yards) in the second half.

Well done defense!

Offensively, I have 3 things:

1. I just think the intensity in a hostile environment got to Retzlaff and the offense as a whole. It happens.

BSU barely got by Nevada last night and it was mainly because their normally reliable (and good) QB really struggled. He made terrible reads and just missed (with his throws) open receiver after open receiver. He did just enough for them to win but almost cost them the game.

I feel like Retzlaff had a similar night. It can happen. Even good/great players can have an off day.

2. Oline - Utah's defense is not their problem this year and they were good. Our oline was regularly getting beat and we had to go to backups as the game went on.
3. RB's - the blocking by the RB's, particulary picking up the blitz up the middle, was deplorable last night. Several of those tipped balls were due to the inability of the RB to provide a decent block on the blitz.

Really proud of the team for pulling it out. Even with the penalty, they still had to march down the field and kick the field goal. Good teams and good players make it happen, and when it was all on the line, BYU made it happen.

Anyway, just my thoughts. What an exciting, exhausting game.