Can Beau Hoge Rescue BYU's Offense?

Dreams of putting a powerful offense on the field have turned to nightmares for BYU after only four games. All of the numbers paint an ugly picture for the Cougars.

Facing LSU, Utah and Wisconsin over three consecutive weeks has taken its toll. The Cougars scored just 19 points in those three games and were held without a touchdown against both the Tigers and the Badgers.

Right now, BYU ranks near or at the bottom among 130 FBS teams in multiple offensive categories: 

• 116th in chunk plays of 10+ yards (27)
• 119th in passing offense (144.9 ypg) 
• 124th in rushing offense (77.5 ypg)
• 127th in scoring offense (9.8 points per game)
• 128th in total offense (221.8 yards per game)
• 130th in first downs per game (10.8).

What in the name of LaVell Edwards has happened to BYU?

Many elements have created this offensive ineptitude. The Cougars lack a powerful runner who can consistently make plays with their feet. Wide receivers often run incorrect routes and are prone to dropping passes. An undersized offensive line struggles to open running lanes for the backs or reduce pressure on the quarterback during passing plays.

Quarterback play has been erratic as well. Tanner Mangum lacked mobility and made poor reads in his first three games, leading to quick punts and turnovers. It put the defense in tough spots and kept BYU from generating any real offensive momentum over four quarters.

Is Beau Hoge a solution to any problems on offense?

Hoge didn't light the world on fire in his debut as a starting quarterback. He filled in for Mangum against Wisconsin and threw for 111 yards on 11-of-20 passing, Hoge also tossed a pair of costly interceptions that led to 10 points for the Badgers.

The redshirt sophomore made mistakes you would expect from a first-time starter. Still, Hoge also showed significant promise. He offered a higher dose of mobility than Mangum in the pocket and was able to put together some nice runs on BYU's first scoring drive. Hoge also made better reads with his receivers, at times, than Mangum did in losses to LSU and Utah.

Mangum is expected to be sidelined with an ankle injury for an indefinite period. This means Hoge will get a legitimate chance to show what he can do. Can he raise BYU's offense out of the ashes?

Hoge has the right tools to be a good fit for the pro-style offense Ty Detmer wants to run. He offers greater mobility as a quarterback, which should take some pressure of his receivers. Hoge also seems more patient in attacking shorter routes and taking what the defense gives up, rather than going for home run balls on every play.

BYU should get better on offense as the schedule softens. If Hoge can help the Cougars progress against weaker defenses, he could remain the starting quarterback going forward – regardless of when Mangum is back to full strength.