McKivitz still learning at left tackle

Redshirt freshman left tackle Colton McKivitz learned a valuable lesson in his first two games.

Each one is different. After an impressive performance filling in for the injured Yodny Cajuste against Missouri against potential first round pick Charles Harris, the first half against Youngstown State admittedly didn’t treat him as well.

“My first half was bad. I thought I did awful,” he said.

Awful might be a harsh self-scout, but McKivitz did show signs of being in only his second game of his career as the Penguins defensive ends were able to exploit that youth at times by mixing up their pass rushing techniques.

That led to some choice words during the halftime break from the coaches, with offensive coordinator Joe Wickline taking the aggressive approach and offensive line coach Ron Crook the technician.

“The end kept playing one move soft and then hit a slam. I was coming out knowing what he was going to do and I was less aggressive but better technique wise,” McKivitz said.

The second half was a different story for McKivitz, who put together a strong showing and quickly learned that regardless of the opponent playing at a high level is a must at all times. The Ohio native admitted that his energy level wasn’t quite as it was when he was suddenly thrust into action.

McKivitz graded out at an 86 in the season opener and finished the Youngstown State game with an 82 following an impressive second half. But over the bye week the focus for not only McKivitz but the rest of the offensive linemen was improving their technique.

“After the first start it becomes more difficult and you think about it more,” Crook said.

And watching the film throughout the week only reinforced that McKivitz still has a lot to learn. Especially with a date against a challenging BYU front that does a variety of things.

“I’m pretty hard on myself but I know I can play better than I did in the first half,” he said. “But I came out took coaching well and played better.”