PROVO -- The Cougars kicked off the final week of spring practice with several situational drills on Tuesday, including overtime and two-minute work sessions.
"Basically we just had a few situations we needed to address," said BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall. "Not necessarily being concerned with who won or loss, but getting them on film and having now Thursday's meetings devoted to talking about those situations and making sure we're cleaned up on that going into the summer."
The offense jumped out to a quick start as junior quarterback Max Hall threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Austin Collie on the opening play.
Kurt McEuen led the second team on the following drive, finding freshman tight end Kaneakua Friel for a 12-yard reception and Bryan Kariya for an additional seven yards.
BYU's defense then stepped up, recording sacks on both of the following two drives. Linebacker Vic So'oto was credited with a sack on Hall, while Dustin Graham recorded one of his own against Brenden Gaskins.
As the team transitioned into overtime drills, the defense held back any significant gains, and forced the first team offense into a quick third-and-out. Despite limited contact throughout the past three weeks, and a large group of new faces, Mendenhall is confident his defense will continue to be successful as in years past.
"I think the names and faces [on our defense] will change, but the performance will be almost identical to the past two years," said Mendenhall. "You could say that we haven't scrimmaged enough to tell, but I don't think you need to finish tackles to know we have enough talent."
Practice ended with several two-minute sessions. Hall connected with Manase Tonga for a six-yard pass to convert on fourth-down. A long 31-yard completion to Reed White helped set up a 25-yard field goal attempt by Mitch Payne. Payne missed the field goal, bringing Gaskins back onto the field for the final drive, during which he threw 4-of-4 for 33 yards.
Hall ended the day passing 8-of-11 for 136 yards and one touchdown reception.
BYU will resume practice on Thursday, but will play in no pads in preparation for the scrimmage at the Annual Blue and White Game on Saturday. Returning players will see limited action in the scrimmage, with younger players receiving most of the playing time.
"Saturday's spring game will be a developmental spring game. Almost all young players will play in that. I don't think there's anything left we need to accomplish in the next two days other then help the younger players."