With TV details and kickoff times buzzing on social media every day, the gap between spring and fall feels like it's closing. Summer temperatures haven't arrived yet, but the August heat has already arrived at BYU.
After a 5-7 season, including just two wins in his Big 12 debut, Las Vegas know-it-alls are predicting success to drop to 4.5 wins in 2024 and another bowl-less break. There is. The Cougars believe they can prove the prophets wrong while they still have work to do.
offense
Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick is selling the idea that quarterbacks Jake Retzlaff and Jerry Bohannon can run the offense, score points and take care of the football. I don't buy Las Vegas.
Receivers coach Fesi Sitake said Chase Roberts, Darius Lassiter, Cody Epps, Kieron Marion, Parker Kingston and JoJo Phillips are big and fast enough to earn separation in the Big 12 secondary. I'm sure I have it. Las Vegas is less sure.
Cougars' new tight ends coach Kevin Gilbride believes Keanu Hill's transition from receiver to tight end is a match made in heaven. Las Vegas doesn't believe it.
Run game coordinator TJ Woods and running backs coach Harvey Anga trust a healthy LJ Martin, Hinkley Lopati and Miles Davis to revitalize the ground attack and average four yards per carry. Las Vegas has its doubts.
Woods is also the new offensive line coach. His front anchor includes returning starters Connor Paye, Caleb Etienne, Brayden Keim and Weylin Lapuajo. They have a large, experienced and young stable of reinforcements. Woods envisions this group providing the protection Anga, Gilbride, Sitake and Roderick all need to move the football. I don't see that in Las Vegas.
defense
Jay Hill is optimistic about the “other side” of the ball in his second year as defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Las Vegas is pessimistic.
Hill has assembled a staff that includes Sione Pouha (tackle), Kelly Poppinga (end), Justin Ena (linebacker) and Gernaro Guilford (cornerback). Coaches at each position include key returners, including John Nelson (tackle), Tyler Batty (end), Ben Bywater (linebacker), Jacob Robinson (cornerback), and Micah Harper (safety). There is.
During BYU's seven conference losses, the defense allowed an average of 38.7 points. This number is a byproduct of poor play on both sides of the ball. Head coach Kalani Sitake likes the adjustments being made and the new players coming to help. Las Vegas isn't like that.
beat expectations
BYU would need to start at least 2-1 to deny them a total of 4.5 wins. The season opener against Southern Illinois on Aug. 31 at LaVell Edwards Stadium will be more than just a tune-up. This is a game with a lot of pressure to show naysayers and a worried fanbase that the problems of 2023 are a thing of the past.
A win over the Salukis and a split of road games at SMU (Sept. 6) and Wyoming (Sept. 14) would advance BYU to the Big 12, but it would take three wins, a bowl, and more than Las Vegas' expectations. Four wins are required to qualify.
Kickoff times and television details for the Cougars' first three games will be announced on May 30, according to ESPN.
Kansas State, Arizona, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Houston all play conference games in Provo, and the Cougars have historically been a difficult team to beat. If BYU goes 3-2 at home, it will need road wins over Baylor, UCF, Utah and Arizona State to advance to the postseason.
Can it be done? BYU says yes. Las Vegas says no. The answers are hidden in the coming months, but it all starts with a must-win in August. The Cougars' excessive heat at kickoff isn't just due to the weather, it's likely a byproduct of a disappointing 5-7 season and fears it could happen again.
From now until opening night, it's summer, and fans will spend time watching parades, granddaughter dance recitals, and fireworks, while soccer players will do weight training and bulk up. The 106 days go by slowly, but the 16 weeks definitely go by quickly.
rest assured. The clock will continue to tick and the pressure will continue to mount until the moment comes when BYU starts claiming Las Vegas got it all wrong.
Dave McCann is a contributor to the Deseret News and a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts “Y's Guys” on . ysguys.com She is also the author of the children's book “C is for Cougar.” deseretbook.com.
