DALLAS – BYU football achieved a surprising victory, defeating SMU 18-15 in Dallas, marking a perfect 2-0 start for the Cougars in the 2024 season.
The game showcased notable improvements in BYU’s defense, now led by second-year defensive coordinator Jay Hill. Calling the game from the booth, Hill oversaw a defensive effort that limited SMU to two field goals during its first five trips into the red zone. BYU’s aggressive approach and speed on defense proved effective, forcing SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee to replace starting quarterback Preston Stone due to mounting pressure.
SMU entered the game with a nine-game home winning streak and an impressive average of 52 points per game, but the Cougars completely shut them out of the end zone throughout the night.
With injuries impacting their running back depth, BYU relied on backup players to step up. Early in the game, star running back LJ Martin was sidelined, and Hinckley Ropati was also dealing with injuries. Enter Enoch Nawahine, a Utah State transfer who scored a crucial touchdown in the third quarter to take the lead. Later, Miles Davis made a significant contribution with a 37-yard run that set up a field goal to regain the lead with just under two minutes left.
Quarterback Jake Retzlaff played a mixed game, leading the team to victory despite throwing two interceptions, including one that placed SMU at the BYU three-yard line, and also fumbling early in the game. Nevertheless, he showed determination by executing a key play to help secure yardage with a pitch to Davis.
Transfers from Weber State have continued to make an impact for BYU. Jack Kelly and Marque Collins contributed significantly, with Kelly recording a sack and Collins intercepting a pass from SMU’s Kevin Jennings in the red zone. Kelly also pressured Jennings on a critical third down that resulted in an incomplete pass, further solidifying BYU’s defensive effort.
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