BYU football: Three things to know for the UNLV Rebels

BYU football can run on UNLV

This is crucial for the Cougars.

UNLV is ranked 113th in the country, allowing 212.4 rushing yards per game – so you can definitely run on the Rebels.

Beau Hoge will presumably start for BYU football, but it may be Joe Critchlow if Hoge is hurt. Either way, you don’t want to put the game in their hands. Instead, I’d much rather see the Cougars lean on Squally Canada, who is coming off a great game, and the other running backs in the stable.

If KJ Hall is available, I’d expect him to get 10-15 touches, in addition to 15 or so for Canada.

I know it’s important to have balance in the offense – but if I’m Ty Detmer I’m getting in the face of my offensive linemen and challenging them to sustain blocks. There’s no reason why BYU football can’t pound the rock against UNLV. Hopefully a potent running game opens up a play or two for the passing game.

The Cougars just must be sure to avoid 3rd-and-long situations. If you average just 3.5 yards per carry on first and second down, you’ll be in 3rd-and-short.

We’ll see if they can do it.