Tyler Allgeier Among Observations In BYU Football Win Over Washington State

PROVO, Utah – The BYU football team remained undefeated against teams in the PAC-12 with a 21-19 win against the Washington State Cougars.

Kalani Sitake and the Cougars have beaten four Power Five teams now in 2021, which is a program record.

Tyler Allgeier stole the show carrying the rock 32 times for 191 yards and two touchdowns. More on him below in my three observations.

24 career rushing TDs for Allgeier move him to a tie with Pete Van Valkenburg and Ronney Jenkins for No. 9 at BYU #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) October 23, 2021

It was a wild week that garnered national headlines with the dismissal of former Washington State head coach Nick Rolovich.

The understaffed Cougars from Pullman, Washington fought valiantly, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the power BYU football running attack.

1. Missed tackles hurting BYU

The BYU defense has not been the same since Keenan Pili went down with an ACL injury.

Since then, open field tackling has been an issue.

Already 3 missed tackles on the opening drive for the #BYU defense.

Borghi breaks a tackle near the line of scrimmage to propel himself into the end zone.

That’s not going to get the job for a group that has struggled to get off the field during the past two weeks. @kslsports

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 23, 2021

It doesn’t matter what defensive scheme is run if the players can’t tackle.

Ultimately the defense made enough plays to win the football game, but stronger tackling would have gotten the defense off the field sooner, allowing for more offensive opportunities.

The Crimson Cougs shortest drive of the game was five plays before punting.

Aaron Roderick and the BYU offense aren’t without blame when it comes to only putting up 21 points, but it would help if the defense could force an occasional three and out.

2. Connor Pay at center for BYU offense

James Empey went down with an injury late in the first half. He was iron man his first two seasons wearing blue and white.

He’s been battling injuries the past few weeks. This one didn’t look good as he did not return.

#BYU center James Empey in the medical tent on crutches.#BYUvsWSU @kslsports pic.twitter.com/oweH1t0ozq

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 23, 2021

The guy who replaced him was freshman Connor Pay. He played center for the majority of the bowl game win against UCF last season.

Pay has seen some action at guard this season, but it’s obvious to me that his natural position is center.

Tyler Allgeier and the rushing attack got stronger as the game went on. They rushed for 140 yards in the second half with Pay at center.

Hopefully Empey can return sooner rather than later, but I don’t expect a drop off in the meantime.

3. Tyler Allgeier on the final drive

Allgeier was the MVP for the BYU football team. No doubt about it.

He was the best player on the field by a wide margin.

Luke Staley previously held a record for fastest BYU running back to hit the 2,000 yard mark with the fewest carries.

That record is now broken by Allgeier. 

📢📢📢 pic.twitter.com/WdBqkZnjze

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 23, 2021

If he chooses to stay next season, he has a chance to surpass Jamaal Williams for most career rushing yards. He’s been that good in one and a half seasons as the primary running back.

His football IQ was on display on the game clinching drive.

Twice he managed to stay in bounds when nearing this sideline to keep the clock moving.

On his final carry of the game, he broke a tackle at the line of the scrimmage, then dove past the marker for a first down.

He’s a special player who will have the chance to decide when he plays on Sunday’s.

Up next, the return of Bronco Mendenhall. Each game this month has had a unique storyline for BYU football.

This one will be no different.

You can hear Matt Baiamonte every Saturday on KSL Newsradio for Cougar Sports Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or you can find him on Twitter here.