Rain Accompanies First Scrimmage

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PROVO -- The Cougars braved the cold, wind and rain as they held their first scrimmage of fall camp at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday. It was also the first football action played on the new stadium turf.

“Our players were anxious to play today,” said BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall. “I think if there’s a lesson today it’s game management.”

The first-team offense efficiently moved down the field during the opening drive, with quarterback Max Hall connecting with JJ Di Luigi, Andrew George, McKay Jacobson and O'Neill Chambers. Both Bryan Kariya and Di Luigi picked up two yards on the ground to make it third-and-goal at the two-yard line. A miscommunication on the following play resulted in a 19-yard made field goal by Mitch Payne.

Defensive back Brian Logan recorded a pass break up on a ball intended for BJ Peterson on the following set. After a bad snap, newcomer Riley Stephenson was forced to punt it away with Jacobson on the receiving end.

The defense produced another third-and-out on the next drive. A combination of wet grass and pressure from linebacker Grant Nelson caused Hall to slip on the first play for a loss of six yards. Back-to-back passes to George and Di Luigi were not enough for the first-down.

George continued to be a favorite target of Hall’s as they connected for a 40-yard reception on the lone scoring drive of the day. As the team moved into the blue zone, penalties plagued the offense and holding and off-side calls forced a first-and-goal at the 36-yard line.

“Our players were all anxious to play,” said Mendenhall. “It was great to see their reactions to yellow flags being throw, since we don’t throw a lot when I’m monitoring practice. There were some great learning experiences.”

After a 13-yard pass to sophomore Matt Marshall helped chip away at the yardage, Hall threw an 11-yarder to Jacobson in the endzone amidst coverage by several defensive backs.

Hall ended the scrimmage completing 18-of-21 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown. George led all receivers with five receptions for 90 yards, while Jacobson contributed four receptions for 39 yards and one touchdown.

The Cougars resume practice on Monday at 10 a.m. Practice is closed to the public.