In this weekly BYU Explosive Stats column, we dig into the Cougars' box scores and explore the statistical insights that help us understand what's working -- and what's not working -- in Provo. We break the "explosive" stats down by firecracker (a little explosive), hand grenade (explosive), and atomic bomb (massively explosive). Here we go!
Firecracker: 1 sack on 31 Utah Tech pass attempts
Utah Tech looked completely overmatched in every facet of the game in BYU's 63-7 domination of the Trailblazers, except for one category: pocket pressure. Utah Tech attempted 31 passes, and the Cougars' defense only recorded one sack. Remember, this same defense intercepted three passes, recovered a fumble, and held Utah Tech to just 49 rushing yards on 25 attempts.
But only one sack on 31 pass attempts?
While Kelly Poppinga's defense looks great at linebacker and in the secondary, the front four still has some question marks, especially when it comes to generating pressure. And BYU's lone sack on the day didn't come from the front four; it came from linebacker Siale Esera.
While many defensive coordinators will poo-poo sack totals by saying it's just as important to generate constant pressure, it should have to be an either-or proposition. If BYU is going to win the Big 12 and make noise in the College Football Playoffs this year they are going to need to both generate pressure AND sack the quarterback.
They didn't prove they could do that against a lesser opponent in Utah Tech, which leaves me a little bit nervous for Noah Fifita and Arizona this week.
Hand grenade: Cannon DeVries 100-yard kickoff return, 73 yards punt returns
Over the last two seasons, BYU had the luxury of Parker Kingston often flipping field position and the momentum of games as a punt and kick returner. After he was dismissed from school, the Cougars suddenly had to replace a guy who took three punt returns for touchdowns in 2024 and 2025.
Enter Cannon DeVries.
The sophomore cornerback from Weber High School was spectacular against Utah Tech. His only kick return resulted in a 100-yard touchdown. He also returned two punts for 73 yards.
While DeVries enjoyed good blocking, he also demonstrated outstanding vision, instinct, and speed in his new role as a returner. Special teams often goes overlooked, but it's a critically important third phase of complimentary football.
The Cougars entered 2026 with questions at returner. Cannon DeVries answered all of them.
Atomic Bomb: Legend Glasker's 3 touchdowns on 5 touches
The explosive debut of true freshman wide receiver Legend Glasker can't be overstated.
After being the buzz of the offseason in Provo, the three-star recruit lived up to the almost impossible hype. He had three receptions for a team-leading 65 yards on two touchdowns. He also had two carries for 12 yards and another score. He is reportedly the first BYU player to ever find the end zone three times in his Cougars debut.
While questions abounded about the quality and depth of BYU's wide receivers coming into the Utah Tech game, Legend Glasker's performance has Cougar fans breathing a bit easier.
Legend looked very, very similar to Puka Nacua in his first game in a BYU uniform.
And we all know how well things have turned out for Puka.
While this is the first time Legend Glasker has been included in our Explosive Stats series, it almost assuredly won't be the last.
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