3 keys to BYU’s season-opening win over Southern Illinois
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Brigham Young University linebacker Choe Bryant-Strother (33) celebrates after downing Southern Illinois University wide receiver Keontez Lewis (1) during BYU’s home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Jackson has been writing about sports for the Deseret News since 2023.
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The Cougars are in the win column.
BYU kicked off its 2024 campaign with a compelling 41-13 victory over Southern Illinois Saturday night in Provo.
Here are three keys to the Cougars’ Saturday success against the Salukis.
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Members of the Brigham Young University 1974 Fiesta Bowl team light the Y before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Doug Adams, linebacker on the 1974 Brigham Young University team, holds a commemorative Fesita Bowl helmet as members of the BYU 1974 Fiesta Bowl team are honored before the home opener of the BYU Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Madelyn Williams, 5, sits atop the shoulders of her father, Kevin Williams, both of Jerome, ID, as they walk through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Fans walk through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University head coach Kalani Sitake greets fans as his team makes their way through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Max Harper, 11, of Murray, winds up to hit a punching bag at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Jeff Blanc, center right, and Jay Miller, center left, sign a 1974 team photo at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Glenn Reedy, center right, of Cedar Hills, and his son, Bubba Reedy, center left, of Kearns, cheer at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Noah Spencer, 10, of Carmel, Calif., holds a football at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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The BYU marching band marches through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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The BYU marching band marches through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Cosmo the Cougar dances as he processes through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University safety Preston Rex (12) slaps hands with fans as he and his teammates make their way through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU players and coaches slap hands with fans as their make their way through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University head coach Kalani Sitake slaps hands with fans as his team makes their way through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University place kicker Will Ferrin (44) high-fives a fan as he and his teammates make their way through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Fans walk through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) talks with a coach as he warms up before the home opener of the BYU Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) warms up before the home opener of the BYU Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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A flag commemorating 100 years of BYU football flies at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Kimball Plaster, 15, of Spokane, Wash., sports a chain at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Russell Young, of Orem, sports a cougar hat and temporary tattoo at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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People pass by a sign commemorating 100 years of BYU football at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Russell Young, left, of Orem, and Deborah Simmons, of Sandy, smile at a signed 1974 team photo at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Members of the 1974 Fiesta Bowl team sign a team photo at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Southern Illinois University head coach Nick Hill, right, reacts after an official’s call during Brigham Young University’s home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) passes during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) celebrates his touchdown during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University running back Hinckley Ropati (7) celebrates his touchdown during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) hands the ball off to running back Hinckley Ropati (7) during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University defensive end Tyler Batty (92) takes down Southern Illinois University tight end Ryan Schwendeman (83) during BYU’s home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass against Southern Illinois University during BYU’s home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University linebacker Choe Bryant-Strother (33) celebrates after downing Southern Illinois University wide receiver Keontez Lewis (1) during BYU’s home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University junior Tyler Probst catches a promotional football before BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gestures with a Y to the crowd before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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The ball comes loose from Brigham Young University tight end Keanu Hill (1) as he is downed by Southern Illinois University linebacker Shane Roth (42) and cornerback Jamir Conn (4) during BYU’s home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University fans cheer during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University defensive end Logan Lutui (59) celebrates after recovering a fumble from Southern Illinois University during BYU’s home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University offensive lineman Sonny Makasini (51) celebrates after a teammate’s touchdown during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University running back Miles Davis (4) goes down after being tripped up by Southern Illinois University linebacker Ben Bogle (35) during BYU’s home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Cosmo the Cougar pumps up the crowd during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University head coach Kalani Sitake reacts after a play during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University offensive lineman Trevin Ostler (74) cheers after BYU defeated Southern Illinois University at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese greets safety Tommy Prassas (22) after BYU defeated Southern Illinois University at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University players make their way onto the field before their home opener against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University defensive end Isaiah Bagnah (13) celebrates after a play during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) makes a catch during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University students unfurl a flag before the home opener of the BYU Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University running back LJ Martin (27) runs with the ball before being downed by Southern Illinois University linebacker Colin Bohanek (16) during BYU’s home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University head coach Kalani Sitake talks with an official during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) evades Southern Illinois University linebacker Chris Presto (6) during BYU’s home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) is downed by Southern Illinois University cornerback Sebastian Vargas (13) after making a catch during BYU’s home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University players looks to block a field goal from Southern Illinois University place kicker Paul Geelen (97) during BYU’s home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University running back Hinckley Ropati (7) runs with the ball during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass during BYU’s home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Jake Retzlaff plays great
It’s hard to imagine a better season debut for Jake Retzlaff.
The Cougars’ newly-minted QB1 — he was publicly announced as BYU’s starter about an hour before kickoff Saturday — turned in a brilliant effort en route to his first career win under center.
Retzlaff threw for a personal-best 348 yards with three touchdowns, completing 67% of his passes along with a 197.1 rating. He was near-flawless in executing Aaron Roderick’s offense, connecting with 10 different receivers and leading the Cougars to their first 500-yard showing since 2022.
“He’s just a tough kid,” head coach Kalani Sitake said of Retzlaff after the game. “He has an amazing work ethic and great abilities. I love the person that he is, and he just happens to play great football.”
BYU’s ground game was a major weakness throughout the 2023 campaign, but against Southern Illinois, the Cougars churned for 179 rushing yards and two touchdowns on a whopping 47 carries.
Pounding the rock allowed BYU to dominate in the clock department — the Cougars logged just under 40 minutes of possession — while also opening up space all over the field for Retzlaff to attack through the air.
LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati shared the majority of the load by combining for 26 carries and 124 yards at nearly a 4.8 yards per carry average, and both found the end zone for rushing touchdowns as well.
“I feel like we did well,” Martin said. “We were able to get some big runs, but I feel like there is stuff we could definitely clean up. We will get back to work on that and get ready for next week.”
Discipline and execution
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It was a clean, efficient outing for the Cougars, who managed seven scoring drives, only punted twice and didn’t cough up a single turnover.
BYU was penalized just three times for 15 yards and scored on five of six red zone appearances, with the lone failure coming on a missed field goal.
Additionally, Sitake’s squad held Southern Illinois to a four of 12 mark on third down and converted three fourth down opportunities of their own out of four tries.
“I hope to never see the punt team or field goal team on the field,” Retzlaff said. “I love going for it on fourth down, I have always loved to go for it on fourth down. The guys love it too because it just shows Coach Roderick’s belief in us. It’s a lot of fun to be able to have a coordinator who believes in you like that and a team who can perform like that.”
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