Week Three Opens With a Variety of Situational Drills

PROVO -- The BYU football team practiced a series of situational team drills to open the third week of spring practice on Monday.

“With the avoidance of injuries being one of our top priorities during the spring, we’ve purposely focused more on situation drills,” said BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall. “The more situational work we can get is an advantage.”

A 90-yard scoring drive was the highlight of the day for the offense. Sophomore running back J.J. Di Luigi had two carries for a combined 40 yards to open the set, including a breakaway 31-yard rush. Senior quarterback Max Hall completed a four-yard pass to sophomore Bryan Kariya, who was brought down by defensive back Shiloah Te'o. Di Luigi ran for another two yards to set up third-down.

A defensive penalty set the offense up inside the blue zone. Dennis Pitta and Jason Speredon contributed blocks as junior Harvey Unga ran for four yards, followed by another four-yard rush by Hall. The lone touchdown of the day happened on the following play, a 10-yard pass completion from Hall to junior wide receiver Luke Ashworth. Junior kicker Mitch Payne converted the PAT.

The defense successfully brought pressure to hold the offense scoreless on all other drives as the team practiced its hurry-up offense during two-minute drills and several time out situations. On one play, a fumbled snap was recovered by senior defensive lineman Brett Denney.

Hall completed 8-of-11 passes on the day for 55 yards and one touchdown while Di Luigi racked up 42 yards rushing on three carries.

The Cougars resume practice on Tuesday. Practice is closed to the public.