One of the rule changes put forward by the NCAA this offeseason was to move kickoffs up from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line. Given those changes, most D-I kickers with any kind of skills, including both of BYU's kickoff guys, should be able to get a touchback on each and every kickoff should they choose to. To counterbalance the move, however, the NCAA stated that touchbacks on kickoffs would result in the opponent getting the ball at the 25-yard line instead of the 20.
BYU had 7 kickoffs. It was very clear, the strategy was to kick it higher but shorter and trust the kick coverage team to pin the opponent inside the 25, therefore improving the field position from a touchback. 5 of the kicks never reached the end zone. The 2 that did were fielded on the goalline.
The four kickoffs in the first half all were non-touchbacks. BYU also managed to hold Washington State inside the 25 on each occasion, including twice inside the 20. However, coming out of the locker room in the second half, BYU allowed Washington State a 65-yard return to the BYU 35. The next kick was returned to the 27. The final kickoff was attempted by Justin Sorensen, who got a touchback in his first kickoff of the season.
So, what I'm waffling on is whether BYU should have Sorensen put it out of the back of the end zone, or if they should continue to allow kickoff returns. Clearly, BYU has the depth and talent on this team to put a good kickoff coverage team out there. However, in a game that BYU had complete control of, they left the door open with a big kickoff return. Several teams on the schedule have the ability to walk through that door and take advantage where Wazzou failed. Should BYU trust their kick coverage team, or should they trust that nobody will consistently march 75 yards on their D?
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