BYU Football: 3 takeaways from tough loss at Toledo in Week 5

2. The BYU ground game struggled mightily

The script might have been very different for BYU if they were able to get any consistent movement on the ground. But the Cougars backfield once again struggled to get any push at the point of attack, and the result was an unrealistic dependence on the passing game to do the heavy lifting.

Emmanuel Esukpa led the way on the ground for BYU, finishing with 61 yards and a touchdown on a dozen carries. Lopini Katoa chipped in 27 yards but received just four handoffs. The back proved effective in the passing game, at least, as Katoa caught three passes for 22 yards. But a late hit went uncalled on BYU’s final drive, and what limited productivity the running backs were able to produce went for nought.

It was a trend that persists at BYU. Entering the game, the Cougars were ranked 120th in the country in rushing yards as they averaged only 102 yards per game through their first four outings. Against Toledo, the Cougars finished the day with only 101 rushing yards on 26 carries, staying true to their season averages.

Even if Wilson is able to play in two weeks when the Cougars return to the field against South Florida, BYU must figure out its running situation to take pressure off their quarterback. If they are forced to turn to Hall, it will be even more imperative that BYU gets their backfield back on track.