By: Howard Woodard
The Salukis (0-1) were trounced in their first game of the season against BYU last Saturday night as they fell 41-13 in Utah. The Cougars set the tone to begin the game, working a long opening drive that included multiple fourth down conversions and a trick play that resulted in a touchdown. They added another score after they forced a quick SIU punt. BYU continued to be aggressive and go for it on fourth down on their third drive, but a pass fell incomplete for a turnover on downs. It led to the biggest Saluki play through the air on the first snap of the ensuing drive when QB DJ Williams hit WR Keontez Lewis deep down the left sideline for 43 yards. Later on, a run pass option allowed Williams to scamper into the end zone for the Dawgs’ first points of the year. But the extra point was missed, and the Cougars performed the 2-minute drill as they connected on a 50-yard field goal to end the first half up 17-6. BYU came out swinging again as they opened the second half with a touchdown drive and continued to put points on the board. SIU’s second touchdown would come via the legs of Williams again as he outraced the Cougars on another RPO for a 38-yard score. Williams did look explosive in space with the ball in his hands, but the Dawgs could not get much else going on both sides of the ball. Their running backs were stuffed, carrying the ball a combined 10 times for 2 yards. No receiver had more than 2 catches and Williams was only 10/20 for 98 yards and an interception through the air. Cougars QB Jake Retzlaff was 20/30 with 348 yards and 3 TDs. 3 BYU receivers had over 60 yards with Chase Roberts hauling in 101 across his 7 catches. With the assortment of new faces across the roster, reps are needed for a rhythm to assemble both offensively and defensively. They were bullied in the trenches of this one and will look to play more competitive against the Governors this weekend. Austin Peay also had a disappointing start to their season, being destroyed by Louisville 62-0. Similar to SIU, they are fetching a lot of new players and both teams are looking to get in the win column for the first time at Fortera Stadium on Saturday, September 7 at 6 pm.
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