Cougar Defense Holds Ground

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PROVO -- The BYU defense held the Cougar offensive unit to one touchdown in four drives to end a short practice on Thursday.

The defense did not allow a first down in the three scoreless possessions, including two sacks in the first session and two goal line stands in the final two.

“Our execution still has a ways to go,” said BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall. “But we have a great competitive spirit.”

The offense did manage an 11-play drive resulting in a two-yard touchdown run by junior running back J.J. Di Luigi. Di Luigi and freshman quarterback Jake Heaps connected on passes of 15, 15 and 18 yards on the drive, with Di Luigi setting up the touchdown with an 18-yard run down the left sideline.

Senior placekicker Mitch Payne participated in practice after suffering a minor injury last week. His PAT following the touchdown was good.

Heaps went 7-for-9 on the day for 59 yards, also connecting with senior wide receiver Luke Ashworth on a 21-yard throw and a seven-yard pass to freshman tight end Devin Mahina.

Junior Riley Nelson went 0-for-1 in his only possession and sophomore James Lark went 1-for-2 in BYU’s final drive of the day.

“We have youth yet to be seasoned and chemistry yet to be gained,” Mendenhall said.