The Hive Sports

by Daniel Olsen

It has been no secret that the offensive line has slowly become one of the best in the west under the current BYU coaching staff. While there are several schematic reasons for this being the case, it’s time to look at the positive impact the Cougars have had as a result of the improvement of this group in the last five years.

1. Running Backs are Thriving

While Tyler Allgeier was a big reason for this, it wouldn’t be surprising to see several running backs thrive in this system. Allgeier finished in the top ten nationally in rushing yards last year and it’s possible that Cal transfer Christopher Brooks, could break the 1,000 rushing yards barrier.

With the majority of their offensive line flirting with 300 pounds, there is enough force on the BYU offensive line to match the weight of a rhinoceros. Their girth gives them a considerable size advantage over G5 teams, but this type of line might be challenged more against P5 teams.

2. Quarterbacks have time to throw

The Cougars only allowed an average of 1.15 sacks per game last year which was the tenth best mark in the nation. They will need to keep this up as quarterback health has been an issue. While they had QB depth last year, this year may be a little different with Baylor Romney trading in his football uniform for a business one at Adobe.

This year, Jacob Conover should be a solid backup to Jaren Hall, but after that the Cougars will want to be healthy as they will need their best players available in one of their toughest schedules to date.

3. Brady Christensen success model

Zach Wilson wasn’t the only NFL-caliber player on the team in 2020. Brady Christensen offered plenty of protection that allowed Wilson and Allgeier to perform at a high level. Christensen was selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.

Before Christensen, Cougar fans would have to go back several decades to find an offensive lineman of that caliber. BYU has always had size, but that didn’t necessarily translate to talent on the field. BYU needs to continue to recruit for depth on the offensive line in order to compete with teams that produce the best offensive line players, like Wisconsin and Alabama.

Prediction: Success of this group will make or break 2022 season

In losses last year, BYU allowed at least one sack in each of those games. While those sacks weren’t completely detrimental, it certainly didn’t help the team’s overall confidence and led to other mistakes. For example, in the middle of the third quarter against Boise, BYU was behind 24-10. After Hall was sacked, he moved the ball down the field only for Allgeier to fumble the ball deep in Boise territory. The turnover changed the momentum in the game.

Against Baylor, BYU was sacked five times. That physicality gave the Cougars a taste of what the Big 12 might be like. The loss was the toughest for the team in 2021 as it was the only double-digit loss of the season.

Injuries all-around hurt BYU in their loss to UAB. If the Cougars have a healthy offensive line, they should be able to protect their quarterback and allow their running back to have a productive season. They will need that if they are going to be successful this year.

Featured image via Sports Illustrated