Todd McShay: How BYU Cougars can stop TCU Horned Frogs DE Jerry Hughes

Originally Published: October 22, 2009

BYU should follow Clemson's footsteps

Stopping TCU DE Jerry Hughes is no easy task, but BYU has the capabilities

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By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
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DE Jerry Hughes headlines a TCU defense that ranks No. 6 nationally in sacks per game. Hughes is the FBS' reigning sack king (15 sacks in 2008) and he's putting up quite a title defense this fall with eight sacks through just six games (ranks No. 4 nationally).

Hughes' fourth-quarter sack against Virginia (14:32 remaining) is a classic example of what he does best: using his burst and body control to get after the quarterback from a wide-five technique (a couple of yards outside the offensive tackle's right shoulder).

Similar to a race car turning on a track, the goal of a speed rusher like Hughes is to avoid getting loose around the corner. On this sack, Hughes takes the shortest path from Point A (pre-snap stance) to Point B (the quarterback) without gearing down. Virginia RT Will Barker has no chance one-on-one versus Hughes, and it results in QB Jameel Sewell's getting flattened for a 6-yard loss.

For a look at how BYU can contain TCU DE Jerry Hughes and a list of Todd McShay's top pass-rushers in college football, become an ESPN Insider.