In a hard-fought battle on Friday night, BYU's football team showcased the importance of the "little things" as they pulled off an 18-15 upset win over SMU. While quarterback Jake Retzlaff, kicker Will Ferrin, and tight end Mata'ava Ta'ase played crucial roles, it was the efforts of defensive players Keanu Hill and Brayden Keim that proved instrumental in securing the victory.

Hill and Keim made critical touchdown-saving tackles after interceptions, demonstrating exceptional athleticism and determination. Hill's tenacity allowed him to track down SMU's Kobe Wilson after a 34-yard return, forcing the Mustangs to settle for a field goal. Similarly, Keim halted SMU's defensive lineman Jared Harrison-Hunte with a tackle just three yards away from the end zone, causing a crucial fumble.

BYU's head coach, Kalani Sitake, recognized the significance of these defensive plays. "Getting them to settle for field goals, I think it helped us win this game," Sitake emphasized, acknowledging that the victory was a result of a total team effort. Alongside Hill and Keim, defensive leader Harrison Taggart contributed with an impressive eight tackles, two pass breakups, and two quarterback hurries.

The defensive prowess exhibited by BYU was notable, as SMU failed to score a touchdown for the first time since 2016. Stars like Tyler Batty, Jack Kelly, and Jakob Robinson led the defensive charge, keeping SMU's offensive attack at bay. The Mustangs' total yardage, at 261, was their lowest output since 2022 in a loss to Cincinnati.

While the BYU offense faced challenges and lacked efficiency, there were standout moments that propelled the team forward. Wide receiver Darius Lassiter's refusal to go down easily after a 57-yard catch-and-run inspired his teammates, even though the Cougars didn't score on that drive. Coach Sitake acknowledged areas of improvement for the offense but praised the overall effort displayed.

Looking ahead, BYU aims to continue their winning streak as they face Wyoming next week, seeking to reach a 3-0 record under the Sitake era for the fourth time. Recognizing the need for improvement, Coach Sitake emphasized the importance of celebrating victories while also focusing on the process and addressing future challenges.

In addition to the standout defensive plays, the contributions of lesser-known players should not go unnoticed. Tanner Wall's block on SMU's Brashard Smith during a punt created a turnover that led to valuable field position for BYU. Backup safety Crew Wakley also made crucial defensive plays, preventing potential touchdowns with well-timed interventions.

BYU's victory against SMU showcased the team's ability to come together and overcome adversity. The collective effort of both star players and unsung heroes prove crucial in grinding out a hard-fought win. As the season progresses, BYU will continue to build upon their strengths, address areas of improvement, and strive for success on all three phases of the game.