We had guys who hadn’t played much before, but I’m happy with the way they stepped up to the plate. I can’t complain. They fought hard and we pulled out the win. – Tanner Mangum
SAN JOSE, Calif. — In its narrow 17-16 victory at San Jose State late Friday night, the BYU offense played without center Tejan Koroma, who was serving a one-game suspension for breaking a team rule.
And his absence played a big role in the game.
His replacement, junior Parker Dawe, who made his first career start at center, snapped the ball well against the Spartans, but BYU's offensive line as a whole, which was also missing a couple of other starters, struggled with protection and opening holes for the running backs.
“I think that showed up in terms of our inability to run the ball effectively,” said coach Bronco Mendenhall. “There were some critical holding penalties on the O-line and they got some pressure on us. No question, the offensive line that we were playing with today, I credit them for trying hard, but we had some players out. That is part of it.”
Quarterback Tanner Mangum was sacked three times and the Cougars rushed for only 36 yards.
“Tejan’s huge. He’s a key part of that line,” Mangum said. “Obviously, we missed him.”
Not only did BYU play without Koroma, it was also down two other starting offensive linemen, Ului Lapuaho and Kyle Johnson. Another injured offensive lineman, Ryker Mathews, played a limited number of snaps.
BYU’s starting lineup on the offensive line featured Dawe at center, junior Brad Wilcox at left tackle, freshman Jacob Jiminez at left guard, sophomore Tuni Kanuch at right guard and freshman Austin Hoyt at right tackle. Freshmen Jaterrius Gulley and JJ Nwigwe also saw action for the Cougars.
“I’m happy for the young guys that stepped up and played,” Mangum said. “We had guys who hadn’t played much before, but I’m happy with the way they stepped up to the plate. I can’t complain. They fought hard and we pulled out the win.”
Mangum said he knew all week that Koroma would not play and that Dawe received a lot of reps in practice.
Wide receiver Devon Blackmon said the offense missed Koroma.
“(SJSU’s defensive players) were getting in a little bit faster. Tejan’s like the rock in the middle,” Blackmon said. “He talks a lot of trash, getting in their heads. Jeterrius and Parker did a good job. Football is about stepping in and performing. They all did a good job. They are young dudes and I’m proud how they stepped up in a big game.”
Koroma is expected to return next Saturday when BYU takes on Missouri at Arrowhead Stadium.
Asked about why Koroma was suspended, Mendenhall said, “Just discipline from myself. Breaking a team rule would be the best way to say it.”
For Mendenhall, holding Koroma out was a tough decision, but the right decision.
“I do everything I can to educate and to teach. It’s just life choices," the coach said. "There are all kinds of temptations and all kinds of hard things. It’s really difficult, especially knowing it’s going to hurt your team. But I have to live with myself and so I’ve got to do what’s right for the individual and for the program.”
Mangum said he and his teammates rallied around Koroma.
“We’re a team and a brotherhood. If anyone makes a mistake, we rally around him. Tejan is a leader on the offense. He’s still there and he’s still part of the group. We stay together, stay friends and brothers as normal and do the best we can.”
EMAIL: jeffc@deseretnews.com