BYU kicked off the 2018 season in style with a huge opening night win on the road against the Arizona Wildcats, 28-23. Since that game ended late Saturday night, early Sunday morning, ESPN 960 host of Cougar Sports, Ben Criddle has been an insomniac pouring over the film from the Cougars big win in what he calls, Ben Criddle’s Film.
Here are all the tweets from Criddle’s Film Review.
BEN CRIDDLE’S FILM REVIEW IS PRESENTED ROYAL ARMY BRAND. ROYAL ARMY BRAND IS FOR FANS, BY FANS. CHECK THEM OUT TODAY AT ROYALARMYBRAND.COM.
Outside of the two RB’s I expect Aleva Hifo to be used in a multitude of way both running and catching the football.
He’s extremely dangerous out in space. His hands have been a question mark but Tanner puts it on the money here after the fake fly to flat route #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/tenIsxGGnZ
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
2 worries throughout the year for the BYU offense
1. “They don’t have the explosive playmakers to over come lack of success on first down”
2. “Making connections in the intermediate passing game” #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/YWloWofcHP
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
2&4
12 pers
Ace
HB LeadNot great vision here by Squally but great power & leg drive. The OL demolishes the 40 front of UofA, hat on hat allows Canada to eventually slough off out of the pile & pick up the 1st down. BTW Neil Pau’u is practically another TE @ 6-4 215 #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/rn3sV8JFxg
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
I love shifts & motions b/c it creates an additional layer of prep for opposing defenses
A D coordinator/player has to prep for something they rarely see. Hesitation breeds failure. The game of fball is a game of inches, a game of milliseconds. Every little bit counts #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/K7suS9zaUz
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
TM w/ nice play action speed & quick decision making realizing CB had gotten depth due to the corner route from Bushman. Nice blitz pickup by Squally on cut.
MLP has great body control, it’s great to see MLP finally healthy. Good QB’s let their playmakers make plays #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/keUp46VKuL
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Oh my lanta! That tall dark and handsome athletic trainer saved my career at BYU! (Rhodie Moss), athletes are only as good as they are healthy!
Rhodie was and is a superb trainer that truly cares about the athletes he takes care of #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/3vcoLDJEDq
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Micah Simon looks like he’s running the 1st leg of that 4×100 relay back @ Bishop Dunne again on this fly!
All these fly sweeps are just a higher percentage / lower risk bubble type screen play. Your TE just needs to get in the way. Look at all that field to work w/ #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/dCyXkMR05C
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
2&4
12 pers
Ace
Wing LT
PA reverse rolloutIssue I have w/ this play is that it’s a 1 man route. Would rather have the Y delay into flat after engaging,or X from opp side running a climb or shallow drive route to give TM options. TM needs to learn to slide/throw away #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/eWlmLM8wo6
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Let’s go baby!! https://t.co/p2DBWUwtoa
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
And #1 and #4 are coached by former Cougar men's volleyball players.#BYU #BYUMVB #BYUSN https://t.co/qghomLclck
— Jarom Jordan (@jaromjordan) September 3, 2018
Critical 3&3 (BYU was 5of12 on 3rd)
11pers
AceGun LT
Twins RT
Z motion (Checking coverage)
Z hitchGreat job by Neil Pau’u recovering from losing his footing. If a DB sits @ the sticks, drive to your spot through the DB & get back to the ball. WR’s drop this last year #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/Q6WuQ2u241
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
I have no idea how Neil Pau’u got back near the LOS on this play. I know Neil doesn’t have great top end speed, but I would love to see him utilized down field on vertical routes. He is large In stature, strong & confident in going up for the fball. Also YAC potential #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/06hHnchwna
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
A good QB distributes and let’s his playmakers make plays.
Hitting Lopini in stride w/ touch (great catch BTW) allows Katoa to break down the OLB in space, make him miss & then to get up field for a low risk high % positive gain #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/cRiDqYR6p7
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Arguably the most important play of the game.
AZ’s D is beginning to expect the reverse rollout by now.
Poor protection from both Hoyt & Katoa. TM magically escapes pressure & leaves the ball inside on the deep out route to Collie. Notice DC had to stop & come back #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/GVE8oNImgE
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Nothing is else goes right on this play leading up to the catch
The concentration and focus of Collie is what makes this play so ridiculous
Protection is poor
Throw is late & insideCollie makes up for it w/ his playmaking ability. This 1 play changed the momentum #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/aw3lvBMXM2
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
The ball ricochets off the crown of DC’s helmet #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/pAZow7A2DG
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Once you have momentum in your favor, take a shot while you have field to work w/…& that’s what Grimes does
1&10
Ace
Wing LT
PA
Z fly
Y Seam
F GoTM’s play fake is great, not rushed, smooth&efficient, eyes pop up & delivers a strike. MB’s release is superb #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/LD7Y6NdAzi
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
All I keep hearing is “Skylar Southam is going to be so good”
Let us please not injure him in the weight room doing heavy squats, cleans or snatches for the love of all that’s holy. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/7jDTIYPebg
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Nice blitz pickup by Squally again.
Good to see #12 throwing Touchdown Passes again.
Having two massive targets on the boundary side going vertical near the RZ is a mismatch against any secondary. I expect the TE’s to high point even when they’re covered up by DB’s#BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/QZSupL1Wfn
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
I now understand why Kevin Sumlin didn’t want any media members to watch practice. His offensive line is bad.
Don’t get me wrong, BYU’s Takitaki and Kaufusi are both NFL prospects, but the OL can’t even lay a finger on either one of them.
Another TFL for the Cougars #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/W9LWfcg2mb
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Riggs Powell might just get 1 of these punts blocked in 18’. I love his length, effort & athleticism
Mike Shelton makes the first man miss every time. He’s got the best footwork on the team & it shows in his punt returns. He should have been the PR since his arrival #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/nZUlcPTDEg
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
The motion makes the defense shaft slightly.
Jj Nwigwe chips the end & then seals the edge at 2nd level creating a massive hole for Squally to run through. Both Hoge & Shoaf getting up to the 2nd level & road grating through the LB’s helps to gain additional yardage. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/k2TShqhUlB
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/CriddleBenjamin/status/1036894078623875072
Also love the stutter step by MLP to slowdown the pursuit, get some extra yardage and the ultimately the 1st down. https://t.co/w32qtm8IQD
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/CriddleBenjamin/status/1036895954262155264
https://twitter.com/CriddleBenjamin/status/1036897438169100288
4 straight runs to Lopini Katoa with tempo led to this play action pass from TM. TM’s play fakes have improved & and he’s very quick at setting up and tossing wth touch over defenders to the flats after PA. Dallin Holker has a bright future, just reach Frosh! #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/ZMqNLBMk7s
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Football can be simple
Create a simple play
Get guys that are coachable to run it
Rep it out in practiceRun it two consecutive times at the goal line for TD’s with ease.
This may be the 1st time BEB has been put on his back ever. #BYU #BCF pic.twitter.com/U47PVEXs1Z
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
This drive was 9 plays, went 58 yards, and only ate up 2:35 because of the tempo they used. https://t.co/DonlR4KmlT
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
This drive took 10 plays, went 75 yards and ate up 6 minutes and 35 glorious seconds. https://t.co/6FirQfFeFh
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
You begin to feel bad for the UofA center by now.
Watch Khyiris Tonga not walk back the center but run him back.
Sione Takitaki almost gets INT here, a little friendly fire & lack of communication leads to a PBU instead.
I see you Austin Lee finishing the play! #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/0cimC4GU4h
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/CriddleBenjamin/status/1036905482089156608
Because of the penetration Tonga and the rest of the DL was getting on Tate, Mazzone dials up a slip screen to the field. Corbin Kaufusi pulled a Ziggy by tracking the RB inside out and making the play. Corbin showcased unique VERSATILITY & athleticism on Saturday. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/kyfonA8aDO
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/CriddleBenjamin/status/1036907069268418560
https://twitter.com/CriddleBenjamin/status/1036909686404997120
Mighty Michael Shelton with the “EUROSTEP” to start off his 37 yard punt return.
Flipping the field on special teams is underrated. UofA is against the ropes and Michael just knocked the wind out of the Wildcats. #BYU #BCF pic.twitter.com/XeP9KyqKcs
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Michael “EURO STEP” Shelton #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/C4T9VF1aj4
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Kevin Sumlin points out that BYU has at least two future NFL guys in their defensive front. I think there are 3 personally.https://t.co/v4rIRU3e5K pic.twitter.com/hP1B2k45wO
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Superb play calling by Jeff Grines after the 37yd punt return & encroachment
Grimes/Roderick go vertical again w/ play action to the field. Micah runs a deep 20 yd out route. Tanner Mangum throws more accurately (like most QB’s) rolling to his right side. Money shot! #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/lnmTyv5ZCy
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
This is Tanner’s best throw of the night IMO.
From another angle, you can see the perfect placement of the ball, falling right into the lap of Micah Simon only to where he can get it. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/FOrmWxdahW
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
After a 1 yard gain, Grimey goes to the air.
From the 11 yd line & under center they run a fade to the best RZ threat (last year it was Bushaman IMO)
This is perfectly thrown once again (not an easy catch) but only Neil can get it & it goes right through his hands #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/HmUVXTFBeg
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
3&9
Ace
Trey LeftY fade
H burstTM goes through his progressions & doesn’t like anything, he resets his feet & hits Katoa over middle. I like bCk shldr to Bush 2. Initially I thought Katoa could have made it to the marker, but this is a great tackle by UofA’s DB. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/IAF3wXwZSo
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/CriddleBenjamin/status/1036921901304635392
When the new @royalarmybrand swag drops #BCF #BYU https://t.co/aJTZa6kn21 pic.twitter.com/ygAIWwmNBq
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
1 of the reasons why Kevin Sumlin said the Sione Takitaki is an NFL LB, it’s almost impossible to block him in space. Watch him up top #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/kZtXFTNJeJ
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
I have no idea what’s going on here, but I’m pretty sure MLB should stay over the center head up & that the strong safety should roll into the trips side of the field. Or the WILB moves to middle. When you’re up 28-10 w/ a Q to go, one apparently has lapses in judgment. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/fLwMmSeFHl
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Zayne Anderson starting to get into his groove as a Flash LB. One of the most enjoyable things to do from this position is to be involved in the run game. He gets his run/pass read, keeps outside leverage, closes and trips up the RB on the inside zone read. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/QzqRsXCPp1
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
If you’re completely beat, nothing wrong w/ cutting your losses & interfering if you assure that WR doesn’t catch ball/TD pass.I think Keenan is in a good enough position to actually time the ball coming into the hands of WR. Still young & it will come. Not bad coverage #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/AMUigg5w97
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/CriddleBenjamin/status/1036928753203535872
Nice effort by Lorenzo Fauatea to flow to the football and wrap up the ball carrier! https://t.co/1PYuU2mUPf
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
When the blocking is there on edge.. the fly sweep is a thing of beauty. #DillyDilly runs hard and finishes the run with physicality. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/Fj3ckqA36Z
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Play action to Brayden El-Bakri, he’s doing his best impression of Todd Christensen with these receptions and YAC. #8 wants no part of BEB once he turns up field. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/66uEIDsgju
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
#8 wants no part of Brayden El-Bakri…
If Brayden hadn’t anticipated a low cut tackle, he’d still be running #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/0xYN0tN33w
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
What is Marcel Yates thinking right now? #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/zRP5eoNZjn
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
One of the questions BYU fans have is why pass the ball on 2 consecutive plays when it’s 3rd & 3 / 4th & 3 respectively?
Hindsight is 20/20, but Pau’u is open here, just need to get a better throw from Mangum. That’s an easy throw to execute, no problem w/ the call #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/fhZW9wUAtK
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Here’s the 4th and 3 play call. I like the closer throw with the shifter WR, but I’m sure Tanner and Neil have built rapport with the play in practice. Neil can shield DB’s quite well with his 6-4 215 LBS frame. Momentum shifts into AZ’s favor which is unfortunate. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/PLjmzBmIQk
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
I love when coaches are past the 50 &,they know they’re going to go for it on 4th down, they use tempo & pre call 2 plays to catch defense off guard. If they don’t make it on 3rd. They march back up to LOS & catch the defense on their heels w/ an predetermined play call #BCF #BYU https://t.co/OQX1dCSikl
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
1 thing is for certain, Wilcox can run w/ anyone. At the end of this game, even though the WR had a step on him, it looks like he is finally getting into more of a groove in coverage.Let’s hope he gets comfortable there quickly, Mandell looked good early but we are thin #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/FqaXRY91Og
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Here’s another look at the deep route in the 4th quarter vs Wilcox intended for Poindexter, this was the 8th attempt of a 20+ throw during the game from Tate. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/aJupfGriYS
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
I’m not sure if Khalil Tate lost a step this off season w/ the weight gain or if our defense is just that fast & sound in bottling him up. I want to beleive the latter. Zayne does a really nice job here of slow playing this,keeping outside leverage,closing & wrapping up #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/xXhu3nEVQM
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Da Real MVP is the OL on this ISO, but it is blatantly obvious that Squally Canada is racking up some tremendous YAC (yards after contact), he rumbles over a 240 LBS linebacker and picks up an additional 4 yards. That’s legit YAC. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/QMsFJJ5hsu
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
I think it’s glorious that not 1 BYU football player cramped up down in Tucson. Kudos to the athletic training staff and coaches for keeping those kids hydrated before the game #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/0zUnDfNt4U
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/CriddleBenjamin/status/1036944938330542080
“I can’t believe it’s not butter” #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/33epOku0C3
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
We always abhor the 2 minute prevent defense we resort to late in the game with a lead, but I like the effort of Zac Dawe on this play. Zac is an underrated athlete. He was initially on scholarship and I believe he will earn it back soon. He’s #99 the SDE #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/0Caj2bFcPq
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
This is the 10th vert pass attempt of 20+ yards by Tate in the game
Dayan is over top & had to take skinny go route. He rakes near arm @ the last second just kike he’s supposed to. The disruption makes it so the ball ricochets off the WR’s helmet. Troy almost picks it #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/woDshwDnRy
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Here’s another angle of the PBU by Dayan. Many would say this is PI. It could be called, DG is a little early but it’s a bang bang play real time. The two arm rake is superb because it deviates the WR’s vision & body, the ball bounces off WR helmet & TW almost picks it. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/9UlQuyH0l0
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Bracken El-Backri’s (WDE #93) effort on this play is AMAZING. First his get off is great & watch his butt/press/extension…he knocks the neck back of the OT, he creates space & has a strong bull rush as he presses up field. He shucks the block and almost sacks Tate! #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/rabUBstojF
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Here’s the 11th pass attempt of 20+ yards. BYU’s pass rush forces Tate to heave the the ball up into the endzone again, Austin Lee is on the coverage and it looks as if offensive PI actually occurs even though it is not called. I chalk this one up as a QB hurry and PBU #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/SU3JDDGZEp
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
4&10
Looks like cover 2 in the top.
CB should funnel WR inside & get depth unless there is a threat from #2 eligible in flats. If no flat threat he should continue to sink & tail WR. When the ball is thrown, either hook/rake near arm or drive through the WR to ground #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/fKv79frxHH
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
If Wilcox continues to sink rather than hesitating he could break up pass. He doesn’t trust it & looks back to the backfield to confirm that #2 to the flats hasn’t leaked out. Even being late though, if he rakes the near arm the WR still has to catch the all w/ 1 arm. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/6vdrxtaACL
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
Scramble drill finally pays off for Tate and Arizona. Love the hit that Austin Lee puts on Taylor though #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/XuRoRiy4Zw
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
After the final TD from AZ they try for the 2PT conversion. #91 Earl Tuioti Mariner, the cousin of @TravisTuiloma, makes a huge play on the shovel pass. Butch also comes from behind to trip up Taylor. This a huge play, forcing AZ into a must score TD situation to win. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/cO0N4TAwWr
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/CriddleBenjamin/status/1036959034836832256
Huge 3rd down during the 4 minute drill. 2:40 left in the game. If you don’t pick up this 1st down Tate had the ball with 2:30 left!
22personnel
They run ISO weak through the C GAP behind Hoge, Hoyt & Nwigwe and win the play as Canada stumbles for the 1st down. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/Aki9e9zVsa
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
After you pick up a 3rd & 2 during a 4 min drill, defenses begins to free lance & go outside of their 1/11th.
You’ll notice guys pressing up field, shooting gaps, hoping they guess right. That’s why this run springs. It appears that Nwigwe or Simon should be on the LOS #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/YUYJDnW5Pv
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
2&13 still in the 4 minute drill with 1:22 left. Canada takes a shot here and does not go down until the other UofA defender tackles him from behind. Squally is more physical than BYU fans give him credit for IMO #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/SvwrmNMDwz
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
3&7 final play of the game. HB Lead and Canada does not go down on initial contact once again! Squally is thicker, stronger, more durable and explosive through tackles than BYU fans give him credit for. I’m becoming a huge fan of Squally. You can’t arm tackle this guy. #BCF #BYU pic.twitter.com/0kAePK6Igj
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 4, 2018
