TCU Head Coach Sonny Dykes Praises BYU's Formula for Playing 'Winning Football'

On Tuesday, TCU head coach Sonny Dykes met with the media ahead of TCU's home game against BYU. Dykes praised BYU's formula for playing "winning football".

"[BYU] is just a good, solid football team" Dykes said on Tuesday. "I think that's the bottom line. I mean, you look at them and they're good on offense, good on defense, good on special teams, it's a solid team. They don't make a lot of mistakes, they execute the red zone, they're good on third down, they just don't make a lot of mistakes, very few penalties. Kind of what we talk about that we're not doing, they're playing winning football and they're 4-1 and that's why, because that's been their formula."

Dykes was right. Statistically speaking, there isn't anything spectacular about this BYU football team. BYU ranks 117th in total offense and 60th in total defense. BYU, however, has been opportunistic and has made big plays when it matters most. Limiting mistakes, taking advantage of opportunities, and making timely big plays has led BYU to four wins this season.

Red zone efficiency is a big part of that. BYU's offense has scored touchdowns 76% of the time in the red zone - that ranks 13th nationally. BYU has scored 94% of red zone trips. The lone red zone misstep came against Cincinnati when a high snap pushed BYU back out of the red zone. That's why BYU ranks 56th in scoring offense despite ranking 117th in total offense.

There are still many areas where BYU can improve. If BYU can pair this "winning" formula with more prolific offense, the Cougars will be a tough out for every team in the Big 12.

Dykes also spoke on his personal relationship with BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. "Kalani is a lot of fun," Dykes said. "I mean, truly a big personality, just a really cool guy. You know what I mean? He's one of those guys that probably looks a lot different on the sidelines than he is off the field...You can tell people just gravitate towards him. He's got a big personality, [he] really respects football. That's what I love about him...I think he's very appreciative that he's got a chance to coach at BYU. When you see guys like that, I think it's the way it's supposed to be, you know, guys that love their job and they're appreciative that they have it."

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