Aside from quarterback Jake Retzlaff and a few players with extraordinary special teams achievements, guys such as returners Parker Kingston and Keelan Marion and kicker Will Fehr, not a lot of BYU Cougars are among the national statistical leaders in college football.
That's sort of a surprise, given BYU 's 6-0 record and the way the Cougars — No. 13 in both major polls now — have been dominating opponents.
It is also a testament to the quality depth that Kalani Sitake has built in Provo, and his emphasis on playing "complementary football" and being good in all three phases of the game . Midway through the 2024 season, BYU is truly greater than the sum of its parts.
Picked to finish 13th in the Big 12, the Cougars sit at the top of the league standings with Iowa State, which is also 3-0 in league play, 6-0 overall. Texas Tech (5-1, 3-0) is also unbeaten in conference play. But at this point, there might not be a surefire all-Big 12 player on the team, particularly on offense.
Defensive end Tyler Batty and cornerback Jakob Robinson might be the Cougars' best bets for individual postseason honors, at this juncture.
"It feels amazing (to be undefeated)," Robinson said after the Cougars walloped Arizona 41-19 on Saturday afternoon at LaVell Edwards Stadium. "We have worked really hard this offseason, our whole team. Everyone has gotten closer. I think we have dealt with (last season's adversity) really well."
If a team MVP were to be named, theoretically, halfway through the regular season, it would probably have to be Retzlaff, who is 6-0 as a starter after going 0-4 last year when he took over for an injured Kedon Slovis .
The junior college transfer, and only starting Jewish quarterback in the Football Bowl Subdivision , is 13th in the country in passing touchdowns, with 14. He's 25th in yards per completion and 25th in points responsible for per game. Retzlaff was the subject of a lot of attention in the days leading up to Yom Kippur last week, getting featured by the likes of ESPN, CBS Sports and the Associated Press.
But it didn't affect his preparation, he said, or his play on the field. Retzlaff was 18 of 32 for 218 yards and two touchdowns, and didn't throw a pass that came even close to being intercepted.
"All that stuff is gravy, man. The No. 1 thing is taking care of business on the field, no matter what. Yeah, doing the national attention is definitely something, but at the same time you gotta keep the main thing the main thing," Retzlaff said in the first of several lengthy soliloquies in the postgame news conference.
"I don't think any group of people I have been around has been better at that than this football team. We are so good at going from joking around, having fun, to executing football plays. I don't think there is a better place to be for that."
Retzlaff said that Thursday's practice, which was supposed to be light and didn't include pads and hitting, "was the most intense day of practice. And that just goes to show the professionalism with these guys. And just how great they are at taking care of business on the field."
"We all have that mindset. The national attention is great. The interviews are great. All the pub is awesome, and it is so great for the BYU image, making BYU even bigger than it is," he continued. "So we love it. But we are also so good at making the main thing the main thing."
Other Cougars in the top 25 of selected national categories include Ferrin, Marion and Kingston, who recorded a receiving and passing touchdown in the same game for the second time in his career, having also accomplished the feat last year in the win at Arkansas .
The former Roy High quarterback said his 33-yard touchdown pass to running back LJ Martin was the "exact same play" they used against Arkansas last year, but declined to divulge its name.
"So I already had that built in confidence that we would score and it would be open. But I didn't see LJ at all. I just figured where he would be. So I threw it," Kingston said. "Then I see the (defensive back) coming over and I thought I had thrown a pick, and I go, 'you gotta be kidding me.' But it just went right over his hand and LJ made a great grab. He said he couldn't even see it. It was just sitting in the sun."
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) runs the ball as he tries to stiff-arm Arizona Wildcats defensive back Genesis Smith (12) during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Arizona Wildcats head coach Brent Brennan watches a play unfold against BYU during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) eyes Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (11) as Fifita looks to pass during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU defensive end Isaiah Bagnah (13) celebrates after deflecting a pass from the Arizona Wildcats quarterback during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU players try to block an Arizona Wildcats field goal during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) runs the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake reacts after a play against the Arizona Wildcats during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake reacts as a play unfolds during a game against the Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU linebacker Aisea Moa (58) and fellow linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) celebrate Glasker's interception that led to a touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU President C. Shane Reese claps as he and players sing the fight song after the Cougars defeated the Arizona Wildcats during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass against the Arizona Wildcats during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake reacts as a play unfolds during a game against the Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) downs Arizona Wildcats running back Quali Conley (7) during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU running back Hinckley Ropati (7) runs the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) runs the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) runs the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) celebrates his touchdown reception with his teammates during a game against the Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) makes a touchdown reception while guarded by Arizona Wildcats defensive back Owen Goss (27) during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU safety Tanner Wall (28) falls out of bounds after intercepting the ball from the Arizona Wildcats during a game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake high-fives fans as he makes his way through Cougar Canyon before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
LaVell Edwards Stadium stands before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Tom Sitake, of Provo, folds up a banner before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Cambree Campbell, of Riverton, sports a hat and "Big Noon Kickoff" lanyard before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Shawn Bailey and his daughter Leah, 12, both of North Logan, hold a blanket as fans pass by before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Cosmo the Cougar high-fives fans as he makes his way through Cougar Canyon before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Troy Beagley, of Bluffdale, sports a mohawk before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake high-fives fans while he pumps up the crowd in Cougar Canyon before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
A fan holds a sign before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Alan and Cynda Melville, of Centerville, put together their tailgate setup before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU offensive lineman Trevor Pay (67) stretches before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU quarterback Noah Lugo (19) warms up before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU tight end Ryner Swanson (80) stretches before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU tight end Ray Paulo (42) makes a catch as he warms up before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU wide receiver Marquis Taliulu (20) throws the ball to a teammate as he warms up before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass as he warms up before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass as he warms up before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
A trailer sports the BYU logo before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Equipment staff member Joseph Namingha tries to knock the ball loose from BYU running back Charles Miska (34) before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Chad Baldwin, left, of Pleasant Grove, and Tom Sitake, of Provo, hold a banner next to Sitake's car before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
LaVell Edwards Stadium stands before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Jonathan Hokanson, of Herriman, sports colorful hair before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
LaVell Edwards Stadium stands before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Jeff Cook, of Mesa, Ariz., holds a sign before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Fans walk around Cougar Canyon before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Emma Towe, of Rexburg, Idaho, gets her face painted before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Fans pass by an Arizona Wildcats trailer before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Kelly Lapuaho, of Taylorsville, holds a sign of her son, BYU offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho (61) before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Jim Cottrell, of Draper, poses in a Kiss-inspired outfit before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
The BYU marching band makes their way through Cougar Canyon before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Graham Gunnell, 6, reacts after a BYU player gave him his gloves as he stands with his father, Jeffrey, both of Saratoga Springs, as players make their way through Cougar Canyon before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) high-fives fans as he makes his way through Cougar Canyon before a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the University of Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale
Martin's return from a three-game absence due to a lower leg injury was immediately felt, as BYU's best running back picked up 49 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries and also caught three passes for 46 yards and a score.
Running back is one of those positions where BYU's depth has shined through; Retzlaff leads the Cougars in rushing attempts (40) and yards (184), thanks in part to the fact that RBs coach Harvey Unga has had to use six ball-carriers, due to injury. Hinckley Ropati has 30 carries, while Enoch Nawahine and Martin have 29, Sione I Moa has 21 and Miles Davis 16.
Sitake said it was good to get Martin back.
"Even when the guys don't block (perfectly), he still finds ways. He and Hinckley do a good job at that. I think all the backs do at creating runs and making people miss," Sitake said. "It is good to have the whole running back corps back to play for us."
Let's not forget about special teams; If not for the work of punter Sam Vander Haar, kicker Ferrin, punt returner Kingston and kickoff returner Marion, the Cougars probably would not be undefeated.
Ferrin is 15th in the country in field goals per game and 25th in total points scored. Kingston is ninth in punt return average yards per attempt, thanks to his 90-yarder against Kansas State . Marion is 17th in kickoff return average, thanks to his 102-yarder against Wyoming .
Amazingly, Retzlaff's 14 touchdown passes have gone to nine different players, which is the most in the country. According to BYU sports information, Miami, LSU and North Texas are tied for second in that category, with eight apiece.
The success has the Cougars setting their sights higher than just getting bowl eligible, which they are with six wins.
"We are only (ranked) 14 in the country. We are better than that. We got a really good football club here," Retzlaff said after the win Saturday. "I am excited for what we are going to do the rest of the season. … It is awesome to be able to say we got bowl eligible. Great. But we just want to get better, and better, and better each week. We have the right mindset for it. So I am excited to see what happens as the season goes on."
Asked what kind of statement the Cougars made in Game 6, Robinson said the sky is the limit for this group.
"I mean, we are bowl eligible, but that is not really what I have been thinking of. I just want to get to the national championship for us," he said. "So that is definitely my thought."
Sitake said it doesn't mean anything if the Cougars don't handle business this Friday at home against Oklahoma State (3-3, 0-3), which had a bye last weekend and will surely be more rested than the Cougars. Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. MDT Friday and the Big 12 clash will be televised by ESPN.
Oklahoma State (3-3, 0-3) at No. 13 BYU (6-0, 3-0)
• Friday, 8:30 p.m. MDT
• At LaVell Edwards Stadium
• Provo, Utah
• TV: ESPN
• Radio: 102.7 FM/1160 AM
