Know the Opponent: An efficient offensive scheme and huge O-line pave the way for BYU
The BYU Cougars offense isn’t going to jump off the page with big highlights. They’re not likely going to throw many bombs or try to trick a defense with fancy formations.
What they will do, however, is get first downs and go at their own pace and before you know it, they have plenty of points on the board.
BYU features a huge offensive line, perhaps the best line the Cougars have ever had. They’re led by 6-foot-8, 305-pounder Blake Freeland, who is definitely a future first-round NFL draft pick. Usually, a man of Freeland’s size wouldn’t have anyone that can look him in the eye. but in Provo, Utah, that’s not the case.
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The offensive line also features 6-foot-6, 305-pounder Clark Barrington and a name familiar to Oregon fans, Kingsley Suamataia, a 6-foot-6, 325-pounder who was a Duck last season before transferring to BYU. He was the top offensive lineman recruit in the country in 2020.
With protection like that, it makes it a lot easier for quarterback Jaren Hall to distribute the ball where he wants. He was a very accurate passer in 2021, throwing for 2,583 yards and 20 touchdowns with five interceptions. He also completed 64 percent of his passes.
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“Over time, they’ve been one of the most explosive offensive as far as getting the ball down the field,” Dan Lanning said when asked about BYU on Monday. “They really stretch the field. (Jaren) Hall does a great job of distributing the ball, he throws a good ball and understands their offense, but also has the ability to run so he presents some good challenges with his ability to scramble. But I’d say he’s a quarterback that looks to throw it and keeps his eyes downfield.”
Whether or not he has some of his favorite receivers available for this game is still in doubt. BYU went into the Baylor game without two of their leading receivers in Puka Nacua and Gunner Romney. Nacua missed last week with a sprained ankle and Romney hasn’t seen action this year due to what is being described as a lower leg injury.
It didn’t seem to hurt the Cougars all that much as Hall threw for 261 yards in the 26-20 double-overtime win over the once No. 9 Bears.
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