Freshmen provide peek into a bright BYU future

Provo, Utah » BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall called Friday night’s freshmen-fueled 47-0 victory over Hawaii a "snapshot" of the future.

The Warriors certainly hope not.

BYU dominated from start to finish and ended up with its largest margin of victory since 2004.

The Cougars gained 540 yards of total offense and piled up 30 first downs.

In losses to USC, Nevada and BYU this season, Hawaii has now allowed 1,590 yards and 165 points.

Against the Cougars, Hawaii could not stop two freshmen — quarterback Tysom Hill and running back Jamaal Williams.

In his first collegiate start, Hill threw two touchdown passes and rushed for 165 yards.

"I was happy with the way I played," he said. "We made some plays; we made some mistakes."

On a 68-yard touchdown run that gave BYU a 20-0 lead with 6:16 left in the first half, Hill burst up the middle and outran Hawaii’s secondary.

"It became a foot race," he said, "and luckily I won."

Asked about Hill’s play, Mendenhall said, "He did well with what he was asked to do."

Hill startedin place of injured senior Riley Nelson, who had struggled during a 24-21 overtime loss to Utah and a 7-6 defeat at Boise State.

Hill’s performance doesn’t make him the Cougars’ starter, Mendenhall said, but the coach was happy he is "finding a lot of players who want to be at BYU."

Meanwhile, Williams carried 15 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns. He had gained 83 yards on 18 carries in the Cougars’ first four games.

Williams, a 17-year-old from Fontana, Calif., got his chance against Hawaii when starter Michael Alisa suffered a broken arm on BYU’s first possession.

"When they told me he was hurt," Williams said, "I knew I had to step up and play my role — running or blocking protection."

Williams ran. And ran. And ran.

"It felt pretty good having (the coaches) trust me," he said.

"It seems like they believe in me."

Mendenhall called Williams "a really good athlete" with "great vision" who "made the most of his opportunity" against Hawaii.

Of course, the Warriors’ defense has struggled against every opponent except Lamar.

With games ahead against Utah State, Notre Dame, Oregon State and Georgia Tech, Mendenhall warned everyone not to go "too far on the Jamaal bandwagon," until he produces consistently.

"But we’re encouraged tonight," Mendenhall said. "… It’s fun to see guys hungry and eager to get a chance."

Defensively, BYU also dominated.

The Cougars posted their first shut out in four seasons. They limited the Warriors to 149 yards of offense.

"I don’t think they are the best team we’ve played," cornerback Preston Hadley said. "But it was a confidence boost."