Steve Griffin, Deseret News
PROVO — What is a realistic expectation for BYU’s offense against a Northern Illinois defense that may be the best the Cougars have faced since Washington?
No disrespect intended to Utah State, whose defense also was stellar in thwarting the Cougars, but NIU, at least statistically, is a formidable force in stopping the run, sacking quarterbacks and limiting yards per play.
This deep in the season, numbers take on more meaning and NIU’s are the following: 37th in total defense; 22nd in rush defense; 63rd in pass defense; 45th in pass efficiency defense; 46th in scoring defense.