BYU is set to report to fall camp this next week. We look at 3 statistical goals the team should aim for.
1,000 yards rushing for LJ Martin
This is a big goal. Especially for BYU. Heck, it’s only happened twice since Jamaal Williams did it in 2016, and both times it was one of the greatest running backs in BYU history in Tyler Allgeier. It’s tough to just burden LJ Martin with such an expectation. However, this year, it’s necessary for a few reasons.
The obvious one is the Wasatch Mountain Range-sized
question mark at the most important position in the sport of football, quarterback. The running game needs to shoulder more of the load this year to lift the burden off of whoever is behind center. Historically, teams who have a 1,000-yard rusher are able to dictate the tempo of games and keep their team in every ballgame.
Another is that the offensive line should be good again. With the big addition of Andrew Gentry, and a few experienced players switching around, offensive line coach TJ Woods should be able to get a lot out of this unit.
Having a strong rushing attack complemented by a solid defense should give BYU a chance to win every single game on their schedule. A 1,000-yard rusher is a positive symptom of a functioning offense and good offensive line.
30+ sacks plus interceptions
BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill is all about creating havoc for opposing offenses. That was on full display in 2024, when the Cougars boasted one of the best defenses in the entire country. It’s not just about limiting yards, it’s about creating more opportunities for BYU’s own offense to score more points. Stealing possessions. Killing opponents’ drives and, consequently, their will.
After a few seasons of a lackluster pass rush, the Cougars hit their stride in 2024. They notched 20 sacks as a team. Jack Kelley led the way with 5.0 and returns in 2025.
Where the Cougars really separated themselves was getting 22 interceptions. No college football team had more interceptions than BYU in 2024, with only Texas tying them at the top.
That added up to a combined 42 sacks plus interceptions. Getting at least 30 combined sacks and picks seems to be a formula for success. BYU has achieved that three times since 2020, with all three of those seasons ending in double digit wins. The other two years (2022 and 2023) gave BYU a combined record of 13-12.
It seems like BYU being opportunistic and aggressive on defense leads to team success. But interceptions come with a bit of a luck factor. Expecting BYU to lead the nation in interceptions again is unfair. But creating an effective pass rush that makes opposing quarterbacks make poor decisions is a recipe for success.
5+ Turnover Margin
Along the same vein as BYU’s defense creating havoc, the offense should also take care of the football. BYU had an elite turnover margin last season, at plus-eight. That ranked 24th-best among the 134 FBS teams in 2024.
Jake Retzlaff was not a perfect quarterback. At times, he had trouble taking care of the ball. With a change at quarterback coming this season, the Cougars need to focus on avoiding costly turnovers on offense.
Since 2020, the Cougars have had a plus-five or better turnover margin three times. And, go figure, it came during the three double-digit win seasons this decade.
The best teams in college football are usually good at avoiding a high number of turnovers while also creating them on defense. BYU did that well last year. Especially with the roster turnover at some key positions, the Cougars will need to duplicate that success in 2025.
If BYU begins to have problems with turnovers on offense, things could get away from the Cougars.
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