As appreciation puts in nationally for among BYUs most dominant efficiencies in school history, coming as it did versus a group that went 11-2 in 2015, was nationally ranked and beat a Power Five program (Kansas State) in a championship game, the question now ends up being: Is BYU truly that excellent, or was Navy really that bad?
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
Navys absence of readiness appeared from the very first series to the last– BYUs backups even outperformed the home team– but the Cougars should have credit for their readiness level, which was off the charts.
The Cougars committed simply one penalty, a five-yarder for an incorrect start by freshman tight end Isaac Rex. It was their least charge yards since they likewise had five in a loss to Nevada (27-13) and Colin Kaepernick in 2010.
The Cougars sent a various kind of message. They played nearly perfectly in a 55-3 dismantling of a Navy group that, just put, was not physically gotten ready for the contact of a live football video game.
The coach with plenty of ties to BYU– his boy, Vaa, played for the Cougars– said he tried to keep his players safe with contract tracing and other safety measures and procedures.
Coach Ken Niumatalolo confessed as much in his postgame news conference, saying he erred on the side of care in fall camp due to issue over spreading out the novel coronavirus. While BYU was having at least 3 live, full-contact scrimmages in August, Navy was having absolutely no. No dealing with, no blocking.
” This was the worst Navy football video game weve ever played. … I have been training a long period of time and Ive never ever seen a Navy team play like that.”– Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo.
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
BYU quarterback Zach Wilson goes through warmups before the Cougars video game against Navy on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
” Thats a difficult concern to respond to, because I understand Navy is actually good (typically),” said BYU linebacker Pepe Tanuvasa, who played in 13 video games for the Midshipmen in 2018 before moving. “It was a little bit of both.”
Navy quarterback Dalen Morris, center, runs as BYU protective lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) protects during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYU running back Lopini Katoa runs for a touchdown as Navy cornerback Michael McMorris (5) and defensive back Cameron Kinley (3) goes after during the very first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
” That video game was 1,000 percent my fault,” Niumatalolo stated. “Obviously, we werent prepared. One team was prepared extremely well. BYU played terrific. … One team was playing football. We looked like it was our first live game. There is no one to blame however myself.”
” This was the worst Navy football game weve ever played,” he said. “… I have been training a very long time and Ive never ever seen a Navy team play like that,” Niumatalolo stated.
BYUs Tyler Allgeier celebrates with colleagues after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football video game versus Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYU pass receiver Gunner Romney (18) leaps to catch a pass over Navy defensive back Cameron Kinley throughout the second half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYU coach Kalani Sitake, right, and Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo fulfill before the video game on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland.
. Courtesy BYU picture
” BYU, to their credit, mature team, veteran team, guy they advised me of an NFL group, the method they can be found in, they werent fretted about the (empty) arena. It was just, Put the ball down, lets play,” stated ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “And I think the groups that are going to have success this year are going to be those groups.”
ANNAPOLIS, Md.– BYU football gamers and coaches appeared at fanless Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Arena on Monday night using T-shirts with messages of hope and love for a nationwide television audience starving for live sports after a summertime of protests over racial inequality and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grid View
BYU generally begins slowly on offense– remember last years ordeal against Utah?– in openers, devotes a lot of penalties and sputters for a number of quarters, a minimum of. Not so this time.
BYU running back Tyler Allgeier dives for a goal throughout the 2nd half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
Jaren Wilkey/BYU
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
BYU quarterback Baylor Romney (16) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYU running back Lopini Katoa, center front, commemorates with wide receiver Neil Pauu (2) after scoring a touchdown during the very first half of an NCAA college football game versus Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
BYUs Tyler Allgeier (25) responds after scoring a goal throughout the first half of an NCAA college football game versus Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is viewed before an NCAA college football video game between Navy and BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
Sitake said the Cougars emerged from the game relatively injury charge. Tanuvasa, who led the Cougars with 8 takes on, walked off the field on his own power after going down with some sort of lower leg injury, however was healthy adequate to get involved in the postgame press conference. After hurrying for a game-high 132 backyards, Tyler Allgeier headed to the locker space with fitness instructors before the final gun with an undisclosed concern.
Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo strolls with his group of the field before an NCAA college football video game versus the BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
Navy guard Mike Flowers (98) reacts as BYU running back Lopini Katoa (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown throughout the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
BYUs Zac Dawe (99) reacts after making a play throughout the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYU running back Tyler Allgeier dives for a goal as Navy defensive back Cameron Kinley (3) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo looks on as his group huddles before an NCAA college football video game against BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
Navy quarterback Dalen Morris (8) wants to throw as BYU defensive lineman Zac Dawe (99) enters throughout the first half of an NCAA college football video game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, left, walks on the field throughout the very first half of an NCAA college football video game versus Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYUs Lopini Katoa (4) and Tyler Allgeier (25) commemorate throughout the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
BYUs Tyler Allgeier (25) makes a cut in front of Navy linebacker Diego Fagot (54) throughout the first half of an NCAA college football video game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYU running back Lopini Katoa (4) reacts after scoring a goal during the first half of an NCAA college football game versus Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYUs Lopini Katoa (4) reacts after scoring a goal during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
While BYU was having at least 3 live, full-contact skirmishes in August, Navy was having absolutely no.” This was the worst Navy football game weve ever played. BYU played excellent. BYU generally begins gradually on offense– remember last years ordeal versus Utah?” BYU, to their credit, mature team, veteran team, guy they reminded me of an NFL team, the way they came in, they werent fretted about the (empty) arena.
BYU quarterback Zach Wilson (1) seeks to toss as Navy guard Mike Flowers (98) applies pressure throughout the very first half of an NCAA college football video game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYU quarterback Zach Wilson (1) looks to throw as Navy guard Mike Flowers (98) applies pressure during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
Navy quarterback Perry Olsen (11) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football video game versus BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
Navy quarterback Dalen Morris (8) looks to throws on the run as BYU defensive lineman Zac Dawe safeguards during the very first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
BYU broad receiver Neil Pauu pursues the catch during the very first half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
When they went 7-6 and beat Tennessee, USC and Boise State however lost to South Florida and Toledo, perhaps the Cougars can shake that inconsistency label that dogged them last season.
As he constantly does after a win, a success that increased his career record to 28-25, BYU coach Kalani Sitake credited his coaching staff for creating a “fantastic game plan.”
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
BYUs Khyiris Tonga (95) holds a United States flag while waiting to take the field with teammates before an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYUs Zac Dawe (99) responds after making a play throughout the very first half of an NCAA college football video game against the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYUs Dax Milne (5) runs after the catch as Navy linebacker Austin Talbert-Loving (31) protects throughout the very first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
Navy quarterback Dalen Morris runs as BYU defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football video game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
BYUs Lopini Katoa (4) runs for a goal as Navy linebacker Kevin Brennan, center back, John Kelly III (55) and protective back Cameron Kinley (3) searches during the first half of an NCAA college football video game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
Navy quarterback Perry Olsen (11) throws during the 2nd half of an NCAA college football video game against the BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
” Our offense was doing this all camp long and it made our defense better,” he stated.
Sitake acknowledged that former four-star quarterback Jacob Conover of Chandler, Arizona, has returned home from his objective, which was cut short by the pandemic, and signed up with the team. He applauded the work of all three QBs who played– Zach Wilson, Baylor Romney and Sol-Jay Maiava.
BYU running back Tyler Allgeier (25) celebrates with offending lineman Clark Barrington (56) after scoring a touchdown during the 2nd half of an NCAA college football game versus Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
Wilson was as crisp as expected, tossing for 232 yards and 2 goals for a passer rating of 206. His lone interception was not his fault.
Consider it a message sent out.
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, center, looks to throw downfield as Navy defensive takes on Jackson Perkins (96) and Deondrae Williams (92) use pressure during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
Backup quarterback Jaren Hall and promising freshman receiver Kody Epps were not available due to injuries sustained in camp.
Navy kicker Daniel Davies (47) punts during the second half of an NCAA college football game versus BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
A basic view of Navy-Marine Corps memorial stadium before an NCAA college football game in between the Navy and BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYUs Tyler Allgeier celebrates with colleagues after scoring a goal throughout the very first half of an NCAA college football video game versus the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
BYU wide receiver Gunner Romney (18) follows the catch throughout the first half of an NCAA college football video game against the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo looks ontonthe field throughout the second half of an NCAA college football game against the BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
BYU running back Tyler Allgeier dives for a goal throughout the 2nd half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
” I dont understand if you can specify everything from one game,” Sitake stated. “I dont like to be specified by one video game from the previous 4 years as a head coach. So I would similar to build on this. I am delighted that we came out of this video game primarily healthy. We have some guys who are nicked up a little bit. These guys worked truly tough and I am proud of them.”
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
Navy quarterback Perry Olsen drops back to pass throughout the second half of an NCAA college football game versus the BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
” Lets keep this thing rolling. Lets build off this,” Sitake said. “We got a long time now to get all set for Army, and I anticipate our offense, defense and unique teams performing like this at a constant level.”
BYU running back Lopini Katoa dives fora touchdown as Navy guard Mike Flowers (98) defends throughout the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md
Other nationwide authors speculated that BYU might run the table if its schedule stays at 8 video games, while acknowledging that roadway contests at Army (Sept. 19) and Houston (Oct. 16) will not be almost as easy. Army, which crushed Middle Tennessee State 42-0 on Saturday and hosts Louisiana-Monroe this weekend, will have a crowd of at least 4,000 cadets in West Point, New York, for BYUs check out.
. Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
