BYU’s offensive line opens up a hole for running back Lopini Katoa during the Cougars’ game against Navy on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. Jaren Wilkey/BYU
Brandon Gurney
By Brandon Gurney

The preseason billing for the BYU offensive line was that it was an experienced group that would show improvement upon last year’s product — and potentially dominate opponents.

That group very much lived up to its billing Monday night in Annapolis, Maryland, in BYU’s 55-3 rout over Navy in front of a national TV audience.

From the very first series all the way up until the moment the starters were pulled from the lineup, the Cougar front proved dominant and cohesive in supplying huge holes for running backs Tyler Allgeier and Lopini Katoa to run through.

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The effort allowed both of BYU’s primary runners to average more than 10 yards per carry through one half of play, which resulted in 31 BYU points on the scoreboard at the break.

Altogether, the Cougars finished with 301 yards on the evening, with an average of 6.1 yards per carry. Allgeier led the effort with 132 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries, with Katoa adding 80 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries.

As good as the BYU running backs proved, most would agree the bulk of the credit goes to the dominant run-blocking.

“They’ve been doing it all (fall) camp,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake of the offensive line. “We were a bit concerned, because when we started our live (practices), they took it to our defense, and that was a little shocking, because it’s the defense that’s usually ahead during scrimmages.”

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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 photo@byu.edu 802-422-7322 | Jaren Wilkey/BYU
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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

Perhaps those early scrimmages went the course of Monday’s game, with the Navy front appearing overmatched and maybe even unprepared for the physicality and cohesive play thrown at it.

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

Highlight plays included the first touchdown of the game, where Allgeier took an off-tackle run off the left side of the line and then galloped 34 yards into toward the end zone. The next touchdown came as the offensive front caught Navy in a line shift, with Katoa cutting it back through yet another large hole before finishing off a 39-yard touchdown run.

“The lanes the O-line were opening for us was amazing,” Katoa said. “They made it easy for us.”

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Again, it’s largely what Sitake saw throughout fall camp.

“The defense had to respond and really get back on it,” Sitake said. “Then you had that great physical battle on both sides.”

Unfortunately for Navy, that great battle on both sides never materialized as both Cougar fronts dominated both sides of the ball.

Perhaps overlooked due to the dominant run blocking was consistent and effective pass protection too, with starting quarterback Zach Wilson allowed ample time in the pocket throughout.

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