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Provo • The BYU Cougars' only bye this season might have arrived a week too late.

The Cougars limped into last Thursday's eventual 28-27 loss at Boise State without two key offensive players — running back Jamaal Williams and right tackle Thomas Shoaf — and several defensive stars who were either out or limited: linebacker Butch Pau'u and defensive tackles Travis Tuiloma, Tomasi Laulile and Merrill Taliauli.

BYU dropped to 4-4 with the heartbreaking defeat after Rhett Almond's 44-yard field goal attempt with 15 seconds remaining was blocked, and won't play again until Nov. 5 at Cincinnati. The break will give the Cougars, who have played the 15th most difficult schedule in the country according to Jeff Sagarin's ratings in USA Today, some much-needed time to heal and regroup, especially on defense.

They probably wish they were playing the undefeated Broncos, who moved up to No. 13 in the national rankings Sunday, this week instead of last, especially after Williams suffered a sprained ankle in practice and then tweaked it in pregame warmups.

"Obviously, as a head coach you want your best running back to go, but I thought Squally [Canada] was ready to go," BYU coach Kalani Sitake said. "He ran the ball really hard and had great ball security and did a great job at pass protection. He and Algernon [Brown] will be ready to go if we need them, but hopefully we get Jamaal ready to go after the bye."

Despite not playing Thursday, Williams is still No. 2 in the country in rushing yards (942) but he trails San Diego State's Donnel Pumphrey by 306 yards. Williams is tied for fourth nationally in rushing touchdowns, with 10. His pass blocking was missed as much, if not more, than his running last week.

Like Williams, defensive tackle Merrill Taliauli (undisclosed injury) and offensive lineman Thomas Shoaf (ankle) missed the Boise State game, and Shoaf's absence was especially apparent on the blocked field goal when the offensive line was blown up.

Almost all of the Cougars' significant injuries have been suffered by defensive players, and it showed against the Broncos, who racked up 571 yards. Sophomore linebacker Butch Pau'u tied Sae Tautu for team-high tackle honors with nine, but clearly hasn't returned to the form he displayed the first three games before spraining his knee against West Virginia.

Having lost four games by a combined eight points, the Cougars are still faring well in the computer polls. They are No. 34 in the ESPN Football Power Index (FPI) and No. 36 in Sagarin's ratings. But the statistics tell a different tale: BYU is 80th nationally in total offense (394.6 ypg.) and 83rd in total defense (423.0).

"We have played some really good teams and some great talent," Sitake said. "We've had some opportunities to win [more] games. Tonight was a hard one, but there were a lot of great things that we can get from it. … It is hard to play clean and play great defense and great offense and great special teams an entire game when you're going against great teams like Boise State."

On the subject of national stats, two in particular illustrate the Cougars' offensive deficiencies that have led to the .500 record. They are 124th out of 128 teams in yards per completion, 10.23, and 113th in team passing efficiency, 112.94. Only a .455 third-down conversion rate, 33rd in the country, has kept the offense from being borderline abysmal.

The Cougars are tied with Troy for the national lead in interceptions, with 14, and safety Kai Nacua is tied with Florida State's Tavarus McFadden for No. 1 individually, with five. BYU is No. 1 in the country in turnovers gained, 21, and fourth in turnover margin, plus-11.

Not capitalizing on turnovers against Boise State "hurt us and cost us the game," Sitake said.

Cincinnati (4-3) defeated East Carolina 31-19 on Saturday and plays at Temple this week. Kickoff time and television broadcast plans for the BYU-Cincy game should be announced on Monday.

BYU's mounting injuries

Player Position Injury Status

Jamaal Williams running back ankle day to day

Thomas Shoaf offensive line ankle day to day

Butch Pau'u linebacker knee limited

Travis Tuiloma defensive line foot limited

Merrill Taliauli defensive line lower leg doubtful

Ului Lapuaho offensive line knee out indefinitely

Tomasi Laulile defensive line knee out indefinitely

Grant Jones linebacker chest out indefinitely

Scott Huntsman linebacker shoulder out indefinitely

Sam Baldwin safety knee out indefinitely

Jake Oldroyd kicker back out for season

Gavin Fowler safety knee out for season