Offense Settles on Pair of Field Goals

Click to watch the video.

PROVO -- Over 700 fans were in attendance on Thursday as the offense was forced to settle for two field goals during team drills, one by Mitch Payne and one by Riley Stephenson. The practice marked the final open practice of fall camp.

“Because there has been a string of missed field goals lately, it’s time for Riley to see what he can do,” said BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall. “That doesn’t mean there’s a job in jeopardy, but it does mean that there can be some pressure applied. If Riley is capable of making those kicks consistently we may end up with some competition, but with the consistency Mitch has had we’re just preparing right now.”

The team held several situational drills for the first team session of the day, as the offense found itself deep in its own territory, trying to run time off the clock. Running backs JJ Di Luigi, Peni Maka'afi, Malosi Te'o and Tucker Lamb took turns receiving handoffs. Defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen recorded a whistle sack against quarterback Max Hall as the defense successfully stopped the offense from gaining a first-down on three-of-five attempts.

It was a normal scrimmage setting during the second team session. Senior linebacker Coleby Clawson’s pressure on Hall forced an incompletion to Di Luigi on the first play. Hall then found O'Neill Chambers and Dennis Pitta for 25 and 14 yards, respectively. On fourth-down Payne came in to attempt a 47-yard field goal which went wide-right.

The second drive ended prematurely after Vic So'oto, who switched from linebacker to defensive lineman during the spring, recovered a fumble by Te’o.

Defensive back Corby Eason made several plays throughout the day, including a hard hit on Jacobson after he caught a seven-yard pass from Hall to start the next series. Defensive lineman Matt Putnam made his first of two sacks to force a fourth-and-12. Newcomer Stephenson kicked a 33-yard field goal, his first attempt of fall camp.

Quarterback Riley Nelson led the next drive, a quick three-and-out, which include a sack from linebacker Jeff Bell.

The first-team offense came back in and marched nicely down the field with receptions by Jacobson, Pitta, Chambers, Di Luigi, Maka’afi and Luke Ashworth. Not to be outdone, linebacker Matt Bauman leapt up to snag a pass intended for Pitta to change possession and end the drive.

“There is consistency on both sides of the ball right now,” said Mendenhall. “That was a great play by Matt Bauman. It was the right decision by Max on where he threw it. I like the way the offense is rhythmically moving the ball. There is more and more consistency there which is forcing the defense to execute at a higher level.”

Putnam’s second sack of the day came on the final drive after passes from Hall to Lamb, George and Pitta. A loss of six-yards, Hall rebounded with a 12-yarder to Ashworth. With the clock winding down the offense was forced to settle for a 27-yard field goal attempt, which was made by Payne.

Hall ended the practice completing 16-of-23 passes for 147 yards and one interception.

The Cougars resume practice and two-a-days on Friday with practices at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Both practices are closed to the public.