BYU’s Postgame Defense Report: Cougar Defense Leads the Way in the Win Over TCU

Last week, I said the sky is the limit for this defense and their potential. They showed why in their win in a slugfest against TCU. TCU isn’t exactly an offensive juggernaut, but between them, the weather, and the injuries, BYU showed something in this victory. While the offense noticeably missed LJ Martin, the defense was missing even more stars. Isaiah Glasker, Cannon DeVries, and Siale Esera missed most of the game hurt. Cade Uluave also got dinged up during the game. To the credit of BYU, Kalani Sitake, Kelly Poppinga, and the entire defense, the Cougars stepped up and powered forward.

BYU came into the game allowing 57 yards on the ground per game, and they held TCU to 72. Their passing defense was just as sharp, allowing 184 per game and holding TCU to 187. Poppinga’s defense was allowing 241 yards per game and held TCU to 259. BYU had been averaging two turnovers per game and came away with a big one against the Horned Frogs (more on that later). BYU dominated the most important stat in football, the score. The Cougs had been allowing 15.6 per game and held Texas Christian to 10 points.

A key player for BYU’s defense in the victory was their punter, Fuller Shurtz. Shurtz was reliable and had no mishaps in the rainy conditions while handling the ball. He had six punts for 259 yards, averaging 43.2 per punt. Shurtz was a big help to the defense, giving them solid field position all game long in a battle where hidden yardage like this counted more than usual.

The Cougar defense flew to the football, especially their linebackers. Tommy Prassas led the team with seven, Cade Uluave had six, and Jake Clifton had six tackles, including one for a loss and a sack. The defensive line played great, too. Bodie Schoonover had six tackles, and Keanu Tanuvasa was disruptive even with only two tackles. Nusi Taumoepeau and Tausili Akana were great off the edge. More on Akana in a moment, but Taumoepeau had five tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, and a sack.

Defensive Play of the Game

Faletau Satuala’s interception wasn’t the most electric, but it was very important. It was a poorly thrown pass by TCU, but Satuala read it perfectly and took it away from TCU. It came at a time when the Horned Frogs had been moving the ball in a 0-0 game. BYU’s star safety returned the ball 59 yards to the TCU 16-yard line. It was the longest play of the game for either team and set up BYU’s first touchdown run by Bear Bachmeier, and was the most critical defensive play of the game. Satuala would finish the game with four tackles, a tackle for a loss, and the big interception.

Defensive Player of the Game

Tausili Akana has been important for BYU both this season and in this game because he’s their best pass rusher. He was once again in the win over TCU. Akana had two tackles, one sack, and two tackles for a loss in BYU’s 17-10 defensive victory. He has nine tackles this season, six of them for a loss, and 3.5 sacks.

Next up, BYU will battle ISU at home on Friday. The Cyclones just beat West Virginia in a shootout and had one of the more dynamic games from a running back you’ll ever see. Aiden Flora had 22 carries for 212 yards and three rushing touchdowns. He also was 2-of-2 passing for 47 yards and two more touchdowns in the 45-42 win. No rest for this defense as they have to stop this playmaker on Friday.

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