Defense Shines In BYU Football’s Spring Game

PROVO, Utah – BYU football conducted their first spring football game as a member of the Big 12 conference.

The next time BYU takes the field, the Big 12 logo will be on the field when they host Sam Houston on September 2nd.

Let’s get to some observations from a rather lackluster spring game.

BYU football defense line won the day

The first team defensive line was impressive. They made life incredibly difficult from Kedon Slovis and the first team offense.

His longest pass of the day was a completion on the first snap to Chase Roberts on a crossing route over the middle.

Spring Scrimmage ✔️ pic.twitter.com/xViqJZngWv

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) March 31, 2023

I don’t believe this is any indication of what the offense will look like in the fall.

However, I do believe we are seeing a much improved defensive line that will impress this season.

Transfers from Boise State have bolstered the group.

Jackson Cravens and Isaiah Bagnah ran with the ones.

One of the best defensive plays of the game came from freshman Aisea Moa who sacked Kade Fennegan with some vengeance.

Jakob Robinson is a ball hawk

The first team offense didn’t score a touchdown.

Credit the defensive line, but I also thought the secondary was impressive.

Jakob Robinson intercepted Kedon Slovis on an out route intended for Keanu Hill.

He displayed great anticipation and jumped the route.

Robinson and Eddie Heckard have the chance to be a great cornerback duo for the Cougars.

Hobbs Nyberg favorite target

Nyberg scored one of the only offensive touchdowns of the day on a short pass from Jake Retzlaff.

Those two have created a nice connection throughout spring ball.

He led BYU in receiving on the day with four catches along with tight end Nason Coleman.

He’ll resume his role as punt returner, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nyberg factor into the wide receiver rotation this season as well.

Jake Retzlaff gets the nod with the second group.

He completed his first pass to Hobbs Nyberg.

Those two have developed a nice connection. #BYU #BYUFOOTBALL

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) March 31, 2023

The top three guys are Chase Roberts, Kody Epps, and Keanu Hill.

There’s room for another three receivers to see playing time, and I expect Nyberg to be one of those players.

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.