Retzlaff looks to build on solid performance

PROVO, Utah (ABC4 Sports) – Jake Retzlaff wanted to show why he earned the starting job.

After beating out Gerry Bohanon in fall camp, Retzlaff went out and shredded Southern Illinois Saturday night, completing 20 of 30 passes for 348 yards, three touchdowns and most importantly, no interceptions in BYU’s 41-13 victory.

“We executed pretty well,” Retzlaff said Monday. “No turnovers is always a huge plus. That’s a big emphasis always. There were a few throws that I definitely want back, and a couple decisions I can make better, but that’s for next week.”

Retlzaff looked like a different quarterback than he did last year as a freshman. He credits the intense competition during traning camp with Bohanon that pushed him everyday un practice.

“Competition makes everybody better,” Retzlaff said. “The preparation for sure, because it pushed me to be more prepared than ever.”

Retlzaff was also thankful that Bohanon supported him despite losing out on the job after transferring to BYU from South Florida.

“That’s just a testament to Gerry,” Retlzaff said. “His character, his maturity level, and he’s just an incredible guy on and off the field. I’ve got so much respect for him in all aspects of life.”

The BYU defense played well too, holding Southern Ilinois to just 231 total yards while recording two sacks, after registering just 11 all of last season.

“I think we had a good overall start,” said defensive end Isaiah Bagnah, who had one of the sacks. “I feel like this offseason, all the work that we put in is starting with what he’s paying off. So we need to keep being more urgent.”

The defense was inspired by seeing defensive coordinator Jay Hill at the game two days after suffering a heart attack. But Hill has recovered after undergoing two procedures, and is back to full time status.

“I anticipate him returning to his role as the coordinator and doing his part,” said head coach Kalani Sitake. “But I don’t know if he’ll be on the field or if he’ll be up in the box. I heard the coaches start liking that posh life in the box a little bit too much, and maybe he’s liking it up there. I don’t know. But the defense performed well, and I’m looking forward to getting Jay back with us full time.”

“It was heavy to learn about what happened to him at the team meeting,” said safety Talan Alfrey. “Then figuring out that he had two surgeries and that he was still going to be at the game was pretty strong testament to his love and care for the team.”

BYU next hits the field Friday night at SMU. Kickoff is slated for 5:00 p.m. MT.

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