5 Critical Questions About Aaron Roderick’s BYU Offense
BYU had an impressive season, but late-season offensive struggles derailed their hopes for a Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff berth. What went wrong?
Looking at the bigger picture, BYU’s 2024 football season was a remarkable achievement. The Cougars doubled preseason win predictions, achieved a 10-2 record, earned a national ranking, secured a meaningful bowl game, and defeated Utah once again. The program exceeded expectations, giving fans plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Despite these successes, the offense, led by Aaron Roderick, faltered late in the season, forcing head coach Kalani Sitake and the program to confront tough questions this offseason.
As the Cougars reflect on a season that nearly became historic, here are five pressing questions Kalani Sitake must address regarding Aaron Roderick’s 2024 offense:
1. Why Did the Offense Falter in Crucial Late-Season Moments?
After an 8-0 start capped by a dominant win over UCF, the offense disappeared when it mattered most. Against Utah, BYU managed just two field goals in the first three quarters, relying on a special teams touchdown to stay in the game before pulling off a miracle win. This lackluster performance was particularly troubling given Utah’s defensive collapse against Colorado the following week.
At 9-0, BYU needed a win over Kansas to secure a Big 12 championship berth. However, Roderick’s offense sputtered, highlighted by a questionable fade pass call that led to a halftime interception. Over the final 38 minutes, the Cougars scored just three points, losing 17-13.
In the must-win game against Arizona State, the Cougars fell into a 21-0 hole by the second quarter. Despite a late rally, they couldn’t overcome the deficit, scoring just three points in the first half.
In 10 crucial quarters against Utah, Kansas, and Arizona State, the offense managed only 31 points—barely over 12 points per game. This stretch ultimately cost BYU its Big 12 title and playoff dreams. The reasons behind this offensive collapse demand serious scrutiny.
2. Why Did the Offense Struggle on Third Down?
BYU’s 33.9% third-down conversion rate ranked 115th out of 134 teams—well below the standard for a Power Four contender.
Far too often, the offense found itself in long-yardage situations. While BYU succeeded on some fourth-down attempts, the reliance on converting fourth downs was unsustainable. A notable failure came in the Arizona State loss, when the Cougars turned the ball over on downs on their opening possession.
Third down is meant for extending drives, not setting up manageable fourth-down situations. Why did BYU struggle so much on third down this season?
3. Why Was Gerry Bohannon Underutilized?
BYU could have maximized dual-threat quarterback Gerry Bohannon’s potential, much like the Saints use Taysom Hill. Yet Roderick failed to deploy Bohannon in key situations, such as third-and-short or red zone plays.
At 6-foot-3 and 226 pounds, Bohannon could have been a powerful asset in read-option packages. Pairing him with running back LJ Martin would have forced defenses to adjust to unpredictable scenarios.
The decision not to utilize Bohannon strategically was a missed opportunity, leaving fans wondering why a potential game-changer sat underused on the sideline.
4. Why Were Tight Ends Neglected in the Passing Game?
The tight end position was almost nonexistent in BYU’s offense this year. Keanu Hill managed just 12 catches for 108 yards through 11 games, while Mata’ava Ta’ase and freshman Ryner Swanson contributed minimally.
Defenses easily anticipated Swanson’s involvement, making his receptions feel forced. This lack of production from tight ends increased pressure on BYU’s wide receivers and running game. Designing plays to better utilize tight ends could have added a valuable dimension to the offense. Why wasn’t this done?
5. Can Jake Retzlaff Reach the Next Level?
Jake Retzlaff showed flashes of brilliance this season, orchestrating legendary game-winning drives against Oklahoma State and Utah. Yet his inconsistency raised questions about his ceiling as a quarterback.
He struggled with audibles, overthrew open receivers, and lacked touch on key routes. While Retzlaff was one of the Big 12’s better quarterbacks, most fans likely view him as “good but not great.”
The key question for BYU heading into 2025 is whether Retzlaff can develop into a consistently elite quarterback capable of leading the Cougars to new heights.
BYU’s 2024 season was filled with triumphs, but its late-season offensive struggles exposed cracks in the foundation. Addressing these five questions will be critical for Kalani Sitake and Aaron Roderick as they prepare for 2025.