BYU football: How to fix the Cougars’ sputtering offense

BYU football is struggling offensively in year two under Ty Detmer. But after three games, we may have some answers as how to fix it.

BYU football has scored just 33 points through three games. That is the fewest total through the first three games since the Cougars scored 26 in 1974.

Obviously, the front-loaded schedule in 2017 plays a role in that, but most are of the mindset that BYU football should’ve scored 33 points (or more) against Portland State alone.

Regardless of how you slice it, the bottom line is that BYU football needs to be much better offensively. With how good the defense is, it’s reasonable to think that the Cougars would be sitting at 2-1, instead of 1-2, if the offense was just average.

The mark of great coaches is the ability to adapt to the talent on their roster. Obviously, in college, the goal is to recruit players than can run your scheme to the level you want. But Detmer hasn’t been recruiting long enough at BYU to see his players come into Provo.

So, now it’s time to make adjustments.

Here’s what needs to happen.

No. 1: Ula Tolutau needs to be atop the RB depth chart

After dealing with injuries through fall camp and the first two weeks of the regular season, freshman running back Ula Tolutau finally got some work against the Utes last week.

And you know what? He looked really good.

The 250-pounder took five carries for 25 yards and a touchdown. The score was the first in 24 drives for BYU football, and Tolutau showed why he was a target of Wisconsin (a school known for churning out great running backs).

He’s tough to bring down, but he’s deceptively quick for his size (he can even stretch plays out and bounce to the outside). Obviously Tolutau will make his bones running inside the tackles. Even though he’s only taken six carries on the season, I’m confident in saying he’s a better option than Squally Canada.

Behind Tolutau, I’d use Kavika Fonua. Fonua has shown some good burst, the ability to initiate contact and he’s been decent in pass protection. I think he’s also a decent receiver out of the backfield.

Behind Fonua I’d have Trey Dye. I think Dye’s ability to catch out of the backfield could be a huge weapon for the Cougars. It’s really helpful to have a dump-off option when downfield receivers are all covered.