BYU coaches sticking with veteran QB Kedon Slovis after another inconsistent outing on the road

On October 28, 2023, the BYU Cougars faced off against the No. 7 Texas Longhorns in Austin, Texas. Despite the high stakes and the need for a standout performance from veteran quarterback Kedon Slovis, the Cougars fell short, losing 35-6. Slovis struggled to ignite the sluggish BYU offense and committed three turnovers, including two interceptions and a strip-sack fumble. The disappointing loss unfolded in front of a crowd of 101,670 fans at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium and a national television audience on ABC.

As the game unfolded, calls for head coach Kalani Sitake to give backup quarterback Jake Retzlaff a chance to inject some life into the offense were heard on social media. However, Sitake, who has been coaching for eight years, voiced his support for Slovis, emphasizing the need to improve protection for him. Sitake believed that the issues with the offensive line were the primary factor behind the turnovers and called for better support for his quarterback.

While it’s true that none of the interceptions can be solely attributed to Slovis, with one being tipped at the line of scrimmage and the other bouncing off a receiver’s hands, Sitake acknowledged Texas’ strong defensive presence, which made it challenging for BYU to convert plays and find their rhythm. Despite the disappointing loss, Sitake acknowledged the strength of the opposing team’s defense and their role in making things difficult for BYU.

Throughout the game, Slovis did manage to make some good throws, such as one that was successfully caught by Lassiter, despite the pressure he faced. However, the overall lack of offensive production and the turnovers ultimately proved costly for the Cougars.

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Alex Martin

Alex Martin is your guide to the global phenomenon of football. With a focus on international leagues and tournaments, he provides match commentary, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of football.