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Sitake Era Begins with Old-School BYU Flare


By. Jacob Sorenson

If I were to predict two years ago that Kalani Sitake would become BYU's new head coach, the opening games for 2015 and 2016 were both won in the last seconds by freshman, and that Taysom Hill and Jamaal Williams would be seen together in the backfield in 2016, the majority of people would say I was out of my mind. To add to that, Most people would have thought the idea of Ty Detmer on the sidelines as offensive coordinator was also absolutely outrageous. The day following their season opening 18-16 win over Arizona in the Cactus Classic, The Kalani Sitake era has started off with a bang and every one of those 'impossible' feats has come to fruition.

BYU has seen its fair share of change in recent years. Of those changes, the offensive coordinator situation has been the most common. Taysom Hill has now played for three coordinators and three offensive schemes. The most impressive of changes on offense is that which Ty Detmer has made. A return to West Coast offense and a slower tempo pro-style that doesn't expose lack of depth, Detmer seems to have the perfect formula to help BYU succeed.

Taysom Hill breaks a tackle on his way to a first down

Throughout Saturday's game there was a sense of refined and polished coaching. There was a confidence that hasn't been seen around the program in years. When Arizona scored their final touchdown to take the lead, any cougar fan thought the storied era may not begin with a win, but you couldn't fully doubt a Ty Detmer coordinated, and Taysom Hill led offense. The game ending drive seemed like an eternity but the balance was impressive. Detmer's experience has certainly made a noticeable impact on the program, and it's still early in the season.

Coach Sitake noted during the post game press conference that the game was won by his veteran players executing, and enjoying the game. Perhaps the most notable impact came from Jamaal
Williams. Tallying 162 yards, his play was nothing short of outstanding. Were it not for two long runs called back by penalties, Jamaal would have given the cougars it's first 200 yard single-game rusher in years, and broken school records. His performance was accompanied by Taysom Hill completing 21-29 throws and adding his own 37 rushing yards. The cougars were certainly refined.

Jamaal Williams cuts back for a big gain
Along with refined play, it seems that Cougar wins must now be accompanied with freshman drama. Last year's entry of Tanner Mangum to lead the cougars to opening wins against Nebraska and Boise State by Hail-Mary was historic and amazing. This year, the torch was passed to Freshman Jake Oldroyd from South Lake, Texas. After taking over kickoff duties in the second half, Coach Ed Lamb made the decision to have Jake kick the final field goal, a 33-yard attempt from the left hash with seconds remaining. The opportunity, nearly foiled by a ten second run-off was preserved as BYU held on to their third and final timeout. The snap and hold were flawless, and Oldroyd didn't skip a beat, drilling the field goal.

Perhaps any Cougar fan who watched or listened witnessed the most dramatic beginning to a new coaching career they will ever see. The old school BYU flare is alive. Tradition, the most forgotten of BYU's recent "Tradition, Spirit, Honor" slogan, is back, playing out on the gridiron. The Cougars managed the clock the best they have done in years. Maintaining possession for over 37 of the 60 minutes of Saturday's match up, perfectly positioned the team for a game winning field goal.

If the love for college football, instant sports classics, tradition, and inspiration are not on your radar, this won't even strike home for you. As for me, I do enjoy those things, and BYU football's new-old school flare is just what they need to make strides forward either as an independent, or member of a power five conference. The Sitake era has begun even better than could have been scripted, and although there remain needs to be addressed and changes to be had, it is certain that BYU football is headed in the right direction, and under the right leadership, for all fans to enjoy.




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