BYU Cougars

BYU football: 3 things we learned from BYU vs Michigan State

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The BYU football team traveled to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday. Here are three things we learned from the Cougars’ 31-14 victory.

BYU football can play a complete game

This one is, by and large, the biggest takeaway.

All season long it seemed like BYU got 50 percent of a great night. Defense led the way against Arizona, Utah and UCLA, while the offense sputtered. Offense played well against West Virginia and Toledo, but the defense didn’t show up.

But today, the Cougars got both.

It wasn’t perfect. BYU squandered some chances early, and coming away with just three points at halftime is hardly what anyone wants to see. But, the Cougars out-Big 10’d the Big 10 Spartans. They kept pounding, they bent but didn’t break and ultimately pulled away.

The fans, the coaches and the players were all sick of the ‘Cardiac Cougars’ routine, so Jamaal Williams and the rest of the Cougars slammed that narrative shut.

BYU out-gained Sparty by 192 yards, had one fewer penalty, possessed the ball for nine more minutes and forced a turnover. Doesn’t get much more complete than that.

Squally Canada will be great next season

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Entering the season, Canada was a bit of a question mark. He had earned the backup running back role, but no one was sure just how much action he’d get.

Through his first four games, he had a minimal impact on the offense. He took six carries for just 14 yards. But in his last two games, he’s seemed to find himself and solidify his role.

Offensive coordinator Ty Detmer typically sits Jamaal Williams for an entire series to keep him fresh. Canada becomes the lead back in those situations and he’s performed quite well.

Against Toledo, Canada took nine carries for 49 yards and a touchdown. Against Michigan State he gained 50 yards on six carries, with a long run of 21 yards.

He runs smoothly and with power, two things that Detmer’s offense really highlight. I think it’s safe to assume that when this backfield becomes Canada’s next season, Cougar fans won’t have much to worry about. He seems to have all the tools necessary to be a great running back.

Michigan State isn’t the MSU of old

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This was a good win for BYU football.

It might be the best of the Kalani Sitake era.

Quality victory over a Power 5 opponent on the road. It’s all good.

But just remember this Michigan State team isn’t the MSU of last year.

The Spartans have been ravaged by injuries and are still reeling from the loss of Connor Cook (clearly).

They’ve now lost three-straight games for just the third time since Mark Dantonio took over in 2007. Now Dantonio’s name is popping up in LSU rumors, so things may continue to get ugly for the Spartans.

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I don’t want to take anything away from the Cougars – because they deserve all the praise for the win – but just be away that this isn’t the MSU juggernaut you’ve come to know for the past five to six years.

Next up for the Cougars? A clash with Mississippi State in Provo on Homecoming.