‘It was an awesome sight’: BYU boat-races Navy, 55-3, highlighted by dominance in the trenches, dynamic run game
While there were no fans in attendance in Annapolis, Maryland, due to the global pandemic, BYU made plenty of noise in front of a national television audience, on ESPN, in college football’s first marquee matchup of the 2020 season.
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BYU’s Lopini Katoa (4) and Tyler Allgeier (25) celebrate during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan
On Labor Day night, BYU’s offensive and defensive lines, and the Cougar running backs, got some serious work done at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
While there were no fans in attendance in Annapolis, Maryland, to see it, due to the global pandemic, BYU still made plenty of noise in front of a national television audience, on ESPN, in college football’s first marquee matchup of the 2020 season.
BYU boat-raced the Midshipmen 55-3 in large measure by exerting physical dominance in the trenches.
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It’s the most points the Cougars have scored in a season-opener since putting up 70 points against Tulane in 2001.
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BYU's Tyler Allgeier celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU wide receiver Gunner Romney (18) leaps to catch a pass over Navy defensive back Cameron Kinley during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Dalen Morris, center, runs as BYU defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Courtesy BYU photo
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BYU running back Tyler Allgeier dives for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Lopini Katoa runs for a touchdown as Navy cornerback Michael McMorris (5) and defensive back Cameron Kinley (3) chases during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Coach Kalani Sitake with his team in Annapolis, Maryland preparing for their game against Navy.
20FTB at Navy
2020 BYU Football
Photo by Jaren Wilkey/BYU Photo
Copyright BYU Photo 2020
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Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is viewed before an NCAA college football game between Navy and BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Dalen Morris runs as BYU defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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A general view of Navy-Marine Corps memorial stadium before an NCAA college football game between the Navy and BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Tyler Allgeier dives for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo walks with his team of the field before an NCAA college football game against the BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo looks on as his team huddles before an NCAA college football game against BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Khyiris Tonga (95) holds a United States flag while waiting to take the field with teammates before an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, left, walks on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Zac Dawe (99) reacts after making a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Lopini Katoa (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Zac Dawe (99) reacts after making a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy , Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Tyler Allgeier celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy , Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Lopini Katoa (4) runs for a touchdown as Navy linebacker Kevin Brennan, center back, John Kelly III (55) and defensive back Cameron Kinley (3) looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Lopini Katoa (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Lopini Katoa, center front, celebrates with wide receiver Neil Pau'u (2) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Dax Milne (5) runs after the catch as Navy linebacker Austin Talbert-Loving (31) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU quarterback Zach Wilson (1) looks to throw as Navy guard Mike Flowers (98) applies pressure during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU wide receiver Gunner Romney (18) runs after the catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy guard Mike Flowers (98) reacts as BYU running back Lopini Katoa (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Lopini Katoa dives fora touchdown as Navy guard Mike Flowers (98) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU wide receiver Neil Pau'u runs after the catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU quarterback Zach Wilson (1) looks to throw as Navy guard Mike Flowers (98) applies pressure during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Tyler Allgeier (25) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Lopini Katoa (4) and Tyler Allgeier (25) celebrate during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Tyler Allgeier (25) makes a cut in front of Navy linebacker Diego Fagot (54) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Dalen Morris (8) looks to throw as BYU defensive lineman Zac Dawe (99) rushes in during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Dalen Morris (8) looks to throws on the run as BYU defensive lineman Zac Dawe defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, center, looks to throw downfield as Navy defensive tackles Jackson Perkins (96) and Deondrae Williams (92) apply pressure during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Tyler Allgeier dives for a touchdown as Navy defensive back Cameron Kinley (3) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Tyler Allgeier (25) celebrates with offensive lineman Clark Barrington (56) after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Perry Olsen drops back to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo looks ontonthe field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU quarterback Baylor Romney (16) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy kicker Daniel Davies (47) punts during the second half of an NCAA college football game against BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Perry Olsen (11) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Perry Olsen (11) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the BYU , Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
“I’m pleased with the leadership on this team. I told the guys I was going to let loose and have fun tonight. All the coaching took place already. I wanted to see them lead and take over the game and they did,” BYU coach Kalani Sitake said. “It was an awesome sight to see as a head coach. ... Against a good, physical team like Navy, we challenged our team to be physical. I’m glad that showed up. ... Our guys played out of their minds tonight.”
BYU finished with 580 yards of total offense, including 301 on the ground, while the Midshipmen, who averaged a nation’s-best 360 rushing yards per game a year ago, ended up with just 149.
“We had a really good game plan and we played our ‘A’ game,” said BYU linebacker Pepe Tanuvasa, a Navy transfer that led the Cougars with eight tackles.
How dominant were the Cougars? BYU scored on eight of its first nine drives and didn’t punt until the fourth quarter after emptying its bench. The Cougars ran through big holes and broke a slew of tackles against Navy’s porous defense from beginning to end.
“We put it on the offensive line,” said BYU guard Tristen Hoge. “We had some great plays by our guys in the backfield.”
Quarterback Zach Wilson completed 13 of 18 passes for 232 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Running backs Tyler Allgeier (14 carries, 132 yards) and Lopini Katoa (10 rushes for 80 yards) and Jackson McChesney (11 carries, 56 yards) combined for six TDs. Wide receiver Gunner Romney recorded four catches for 134 yards and a touchdown.
“If you can get the running game going, everything else will get going. Credit to the O-line. They opened up the game for us.” — Lopini Katoa
“If you can get the running game going, everything else will get going,” said Katoa. “Credit to the O-line. They opened up the game for us.”
BYU wasted little time setting the tone. The Cougar defense forced a punt on the game’s opening possession and then the offense scored on seven plays — aided by a Navy facemask penalty — capped by a 34-yard run by Allgeier to make it 7-0.
Katoa was happy to see Allgeier shine.
“I always knew what Tyler could do and I was happy to see him show it tonight,” he said.
After a three-and-out by the Midshipmen, the Cougars scored again on a 39-yard run by Katoa as part of a three-play series.
In what was one of BYU’s few mistakes of the first half, Wilson threw an interception late in the first quarter. But the Cougars struck again early in the second quarter when Katoa caught a 15-yard TD pass from Wilson to make it 21-0 for BYU.
At that point, the Cougars had 200 yards of total offense while limiting Navy to 21.
Scoring summary: BYU 55, Navy 3
First quarter
BYU, Tyler Allgeier 34-yard run (10:07), Jake Oldroyd kick
BYU, Lopini Katoa 39-yard run (7:16), Jake Oldroyd kick
Second quarter
BYU, Lopini Katoa 15-yard pass from Zach Wilson (13:31), Jake Oldroyd kick
BYU, Jake Oldroyd 22-yard field goal (5:00)
BYU, Lopini Katoa 1-yard run (0:08), Jake Oldroyd kick
Third quarter
BYU, Gunner Romney 45-yard pass from Zach Wilson (13:05), Jake Oldroyd kick
BYU, Tyler Allgeier 17-yard run (7:10), Jake Oldroyd kick
BYU, Jake Oldroyd 34-yard field goal (3:09)
Navy, Bijan Nichols 48-yard field goal (0:54)
Fourth quarter
BYU, Jackson McChesney 9-yard run (7:26), Jake Oldroyd kick
Later, the Cougars manufactured a time-consuming drive that resulted in a 22-yard field goal by Jake Oldroyd. The series took 11 plays, covered 43 yards and took 6:36 off the game clock. With five minutes left in the first half, BYU led 24-0.
But the Cougars weren’t done. BYU’s final drive of the half ended, with eight seconds remaining on the clock, on a one-yard run by Katoa.
At halftime, the Cougars were up 31-0.
Almost as impressive as the score, BYU rolled up 304 yards of total offense at intermission, compared to 48 yards for Navy.
It got so ugly that in the second half, ESPN’s broadcast team interviewed New England Patriots’ coach Bill Belichick — as the Cougars added a couple more third-quarter touchdowns, a 45-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Romney and a 17-yard run by Allgeier to make it 45-zip.
It may have been the longest interview Belichick has ever granted in his life.
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BYU increased its advantage to 48-0 on a 34-yard field goal by Oldroyd. With 54 seconds left in the third quarter, Navy avoided a shutout by kicking a 48-yard field goal.
McChesney closed out the scoring with a nine-yard touchdown run with 7:26 left in the game.
BYU (1-0) visits Army (1-0) on Sept. 19.
“I can’t wait to build off of this,” Sitake said.
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