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BYU Football: A fast start and two more keys to beating Hawaii

By Shaun Gordon

TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 01: Tight end Matt Bushman #89 of the Brigham Young Cougars scores a 24 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. The Cougars defeated the Wildcats 28-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 01: Tight end Matt Bushman #89 of the Brigham Young Cougars scores a 24 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. The Cougars defeated the Wildcats 28-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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TUCSON, AZ – SEPTEMBER 01: Running back Squally Canada #22 of the Brigham Young Cougars scores on a one yard rushing touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ – SEPTEMBER 01: Running back Squally Canada #22 of the Brigham Young Cougars scores on a one yard rushing touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2 – Find the Ground Game

Speaking of controlling the clock, that will be impossible if the Cougars can’t find their missing run game.

The Cougars have a total of 73 rushing yards over the last two games. Yes, you read that right.

It’s no wonder BYU has suffered two straight blowouts.

Fortunately, Hawaii’s defense isn’t exactly stout, and this would be the perfect week to reestablish the run game.

If that’s going to happen it will start with the offensive line. The same offensive line that dominated the trenches against Arizona and Wisconsin was badly beaten against Washington and Utah State.

The line doesn’t shoulder all the blame in the run game woes, but they have to be better in opening holes for the running backs.

Hopefully Squally Canada is closer to 100% healthy this week. Having Canada near full strength will be a big boost for the run game, as he and Lopini Katoa can spell each other throughout the game.

If Zach Wilson gets his first start at quarterback as reported, he’ll also add a new dimension to the running game.

Last week we made the prediction that if the Cougars couldn’t get at least 125 yards on the ground they’d lose.

We were right.

This week we’ll raise that. If BYU can’t rush for at least 150 yards against Hawaii they’ll drop to 3-4 on the season.

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