BYU Pays Jay Hill $1 Million to Revamp Defense and Claims Victory in Season Opener
BYU has reportedly made a significant investment in their football program, paying defensive coordinator Jay Hill around $1 million a year to leave Weber State and join the Cougars in Provo. The move comes after a lackluster defensive performance in the 2022 season. However, the investment paid off on Saturday night as BYU shut out Sam Houston 14-0 in their season opener.
The win may not have been the most impressive performance, but a win is a win, as head coach Kalani Sitake said. The game was filled with defensive struggles, with more interceptions (three) than touchdowns (two). It was the fewest points scored by BYU in a victory since 2012, and there were worse performances by Big 12 teams on the same day.
Despite the unsatisfying victory, Sitake praised the defense for their performance. The shutout was the first for BYU since 2014 and the first against a Football Bowl Subdivision (FCS) opponent since 2012. Cornerback Jakob Robinson was a standout player, making two interceptions to save the team from potential embarrassment.
Robinson attributed their success to excellent preparation, noting that this is the most prepared they have ever been. This seems to be an endorsement of Hill’s value to the program and a critique of the previous defensive coordinator, Ilaisa Tuiaki.
While the defense shined, the offense struggled throughout the game. Aside from two touchdown drives, the Cougars were unable to generate much offense. Starting quarterback Kedon Slovis had a shaky performance, with a passer rating of 97.5. True freshman LJ Martin emerged as a star, rushing for a game-high 91 yards and rescuing the team in the second half.
The game exposed some issues with the BYU offense, with only 66 yards gained on 26 plays in the first half following their opening touchdown drive. Sitake praised Sam Houston’s defense but acknowledged that his offense was “flat” without going into further details.
The absence of certain key players, such as starting receivers Kody Epps and Keanu Hill, may have been a factor in the offensive struggles. Additionally, the offensive line made crucial mistakes that nullified long gains and first downs.
Despite the offensive struggles, BYU fans can take solace in the fact that they have Jay Hill leading their defense. His impact was evident in the team’s shutout victory. However, the victory was a close call, highlighting the need for further improvement on both sides of the ball.
BYU will face 10 consecutive Power Five opponents after their next game against FCS Southern Utah. The Thunderbirds nearly defeated Arizona State in a close contest, suggesting that Southern Utah might not be an easy matchup for the Cougars.
Overall, BYU’s victory may not have been the most satisfying, but it showed glimpses of the team’s potential. With Jay Hill at the helm of the defense and with some adjustments on offense, the Cougars hope to improve and achieve success in their upcoming challenging schedule.