BYU Cougars target tackling flaws before Arizona State game

BYU football players will return to practice this week focused on correcting a defensive unit that recorded a season-high 18 missed tackles during a double-overtime loss to UCF. The Cougars allowed 463 total yards in Orlando, including 170 rushing yards, as they fell to the Knights in a game marked by chaotic final minutes.

Pro Football Focus graded the BYU defense at 62.3, the lowest regular-season mark for the team since 2023. Head coach Kalani Sitake told reporters on Monday that the team has moved past the officiating decisions from Saturday and is now focused on fixing missed assignments. “I’ve moved on, it’s not really going to do much for me to cry about it,” Sitake said.

The most critical error occurred in the third quarter when Isaiah Glasker bounced off a bubble screen, allowing UCF to gain 56 yards on a third-and-17 play. Moments later, the Knights scored a go-ahead touchdown. Sitake noted that the defense often cut each other off or duplicated efforts, creating holes for the offense to exploit.

Defensive tackle Justin Kirkland compared the missed tackles to a common accident, saying the team must learn to finish plays. “I’ve been part of some really successful teams and teams that have lost a lot,” Kirkland said. “I’m kind of treating this one like when you’re getting a drink in the middle of the night and you stub your toe.”

Safety Raider Damuni said the solution involves repeating tackling drills in practice. “We don’t plan on going into a game trying to miss tackles,” Damuni said. “It’s just a lack of execution, and we know what we have to do to be better, and we will.”

The Cougars prepare to host Arizona State on Saturday, a rematch of a 2024 contest that ended with a controversial final-second play. The Sun Devils, led by coach Kenny Dillingham, hold a 4-3 record and recently beat Kansas State 28-17. BYU may face a new quarterback if Mikey Keene misses the game with a leg injury, as freshman Jake Fette is slated to start in his place.

Injury reports indicate that top cornerback Evan Johnson will likely sit out after suffering a late injury against UCF. Offensive lineman Trevin Ostler is also ruled out for Saturday, while lineman Kyle Sfarcioc will miss the game. Star running back LJ Martin is close to returning but is unlikely to play against Arizona State.