PROVO — For the BYU defense, stopping the run is priority one.
In last Saturday’s loss to California, the Cougars did a good job against running back Patrick Laird, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards a year ago. Laird was limited to 32 yards on 10 carries.
However, quarterbacks Brandon McIlwain (16 carries, 74 yards) and Chase Garbers (five carries, 45 yards) gashed the BYU defense. And they combined to complete 23 of 35 passes for 214 yards.
“Cal had a great game plan. They were patient with the run,” said coach Kalani Sitake. “They kept us on our heels with the pass game.