BYU surprising college football world with 4-0 start

PROVO, Utah (ABC4 Sports) – None of the college football experts believed BYU could get off to this kind of start. After Saturday’s surprising 38-9 blowout over #13 Kansas State, the Cougars improved to 4-0 on the season, so far proving all the doubters wrong.

But the Cougars aren’t letting this early season success go to their heads.

“We’re still the same team,” said wide receiver Darius Lassiter, who had a touchdown catch against the Wildcats. “Whether we’re nationally ranked or not, we knew who we were going to be by the time we got to this point. So it’s not a surprise to us that we’re 4-0. I know a lot of people counted us out, but we we really use that as fuel.”

“We try to put each game behind us,” said defensive tackle John Nelson. “But to know that we can play at that level and set a new expectation for ourselves each week has been a great tool.”

It was a complete effort against Kansas State at LaVell Edwards Stadium. BYU scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams, thanks to a spectacular punt return by Parker Kingston. But the story of the game was the defense, which kept the high-powered Wildcats out of the end zone.

“It’s been something that kind of looks like an overnight success or it came out of nowhere,” said safety Crew Wakley. “But we’ve been working on this all offseason. It’s been the focus really since since Jay Hill got here.”

“I do feel like we played with great energy and effort,” said BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. “That was probably our best of the year so far. Looking forward to improving on it and playing our best this weekend.”

On offense, fifth string running back and true freshman Sione Moa was pressed into action because of multiple injuries, and he delivered with 76 yards and a touchdown.

“Our running back depth is this deep,” Moa said after the game. “I don’t think a lot of people realize that. Coming into BYU, I’ve had those mentors like L.J. Martin that helped me to be prepared for this stage and this moment.”

BYU now heads out on the road against Baylor, who lost to Colorado in overtime, in a game that included a Hail Mary at the end of regulation.

“They’re coming off a heartbreaking loss,” Sitake said. “They had the game under control and losing in overtime, I know that they’re in a tough spot right now. But knowing everything about Dave Aranda and what he does in this business, he’ll have those guys rolling.”

BYU and Baylor will kick off at 10:00 a.m. MT Saturday in Waco.

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