For a minute there, we all believed in the new-and-improved 2024 edition of Jake Retzlaff.
It wasn't hard to buy into the hype, however, as many of the issues that plagued him throughout the second half of the 2023 season--when he was called up to fill in for the injured Kedon Slovis--were largely absent in the season opener against SIU.
But that's why teams open the season against the Southern Illinois' of the world, isn't it?
Following a 300+ yard passing day in week one, BYU's QB1 had many fans calling for his replacement after coughing up the ball 3 times throughout the game.
Many simple mistakes led to major repercussions and killed any momentum the offense may have had, and BYU needed every last ounce of momentum they could afford.
Though, it wasn't all bad, and many of the leadership traits that OC Aaron Roderick wants in his starting QB. Though he struggled to find a flow against the Mustangs, Jake Retzlaff has a short-term memory and a "bring it on" mentality for every play.
He was far from good tonight but honestly props to Jake Retzlaff for standing tall and taking this on the chin with the game on the line pic.twitter.com/tqOx5rARtM
— Hunter Miller (@MillerHHunter) September 7, 2024
BYU coaches insist that Jake is their guy, and after only two games in the books, we can't be certain that the real Retzlaff has been present for either of the Cougars' early-season wins.
The good has been very good, but the bad has been equal parts unsavory and horrifying.
So, what should we make of BYU's early season? That's simple: expect the unexpected and brace yourself for a football season that could go either way.
The Cougars' defense has proved capable of winning a game nearly single-handedly, so this could be a strong year if Retzlaff can find a rhythm. If the offense never picks up the slack, BYU may be in for the brutal season that many expected during the preseason.
Retzlaff needs to improve--that's my certified obvious observation of the day--but I think he's capable of cutting away the fat to get to the core of what he can bring to his team.
The season may depend on him if Friday's result is any indication of the season to come.