Two Metrics that Suggest BYU’s Offense is Further Along Than You Might Think
At first glance, BYU’s offense this season hasn’t looked dominant — inconsistent drives, missed red-zone chances, and a few too many three-and-outs have led many to assume the Cougars’ attack is still a work in progress. But a closer look at the numbers reveals something surprising: the offense is actually further along than many think. Two key metrics highlight this progress — yards per play and third-down efficiency.
1. Yards Per Play – Quiet Efficiency Behind the Struggles
While BYU hasn’t always piled up points, their yards per play average ranks in the upper half of the Big 12, a significant jump from last year’s bottom-tier performance. This metric measures how effectively a team moves the ball regardless of tempo or total plays. The improvement shows that BYU is creating explosive moments and sustaining drives more efficiently. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff’s growing comfort in the offense and improved offensive line protection have helped unlock deeper passing routes and more balance with the run game.
2. Third-Down Conversion Rate – Sustaining Drives
Perhaps the most telling sign of BYU’s offensive growth is its third-down conversion rate, which has climbed by nearly 10 percentage points compared to last season. Converting on third down doesn’t just keep the offense on the field — it builds rhythm, tires opposing defenses, and creates scoring opportunities. This jump points to better play-calling and stronger situational awareness, particularly in short-yardage situations where the Cougars have leaned on their physical run game.
While the scoreboard might not yet reflect an elite offense, these underlying numbers tell a more encouraging story. If BYU continues trending upward in these two areas, the points — and the wins — are likely to follow soon.
