Ladies and gentlemen… the weekend
— Ladies and gentlemen, the weekend 😌 (@CraigWeekend) 9 August 2024
That’s right, folks. We’ve come through our last weekend without college football on TV until January. With the revamped conferences and the 12-team College Football Playoff, there’s a lot to look forward to this season. This season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in college football history.
Optimism remains in Provo, even though national projections have the BYU Cougars finishing at the bottom of the Big 12 for the second year in a row and not playing in a bowl game.
Now that we are more than halfway through fall camp, we can be optimistic about what BYU fans will have this season.
Improvements in BYU’s running attack
It’s no secret that BYU had one of the worst running attacks in the country last season. The running game had a breakthrough in the last two games against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, totaling 354 yards. With new offensive line coach TJ Woods and another offseason to develop continuity, the running attack is expected to improve significantly.
“Improved. They’re getting better,” offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said of the offensive line. “We still have to prove it in a real game. I believe in these guys and I believe in what we’re doing and they’re really well coached.”
One of the offensive linemen who has improved the most is Caleb Etienne, who now plays his favorite position of left tackle. Etienne struggled last year but is one of the players who has made the most progress.
“I really didn’t do that well… and this year I’m going to do a lot better,” Etienne said.
Another reason to be optimistic about the BYU offense is the health of running backs LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati. Ropati, who was injured all of last season with a knee injury, is healthy and ready to play this season.
There were concerns about a shoulder injury to Martin prior to fall training camp, but Martin is expected to be healthy for the season opener at home against Southern Illinois on August 31.
Kalani Sitake expects LJ Martin to be ready to play in the first week. pic.twitter.com/myoB3VrmP8
— Daily Universe Sports (@DailyUnivSports) 12 August 2024
A huge relief for Cougar Nation.
Young talents make an immediate impression
Whether on offense or defense, you’ll see a lot of young faces on the BYU football team this season. Freshman Ryner Swanson has developed into one of the best tight ends on the team and will play important snaps this fall. Jojo Phillips, a sophomore wide receiver, is breaking into the crowded and experienced wide receiver league.
On defense, Tommy Prassas, Ephraim Asiata, Tre Alexander III, Faletau Satuala and other newcomers have flashed their potential and are pushing the veterans for playing time.
“I think we hit the jackpot with these guys…this freshman class is going to be special, I can’t wait,” said BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill. “We’re going to have to fight like crazy to keep them all here because there’s some good talent in this group.”
Not everyone has to be an optimist, but if you’re looking for a reason to be excited about BYU football this season, here are two reasons.
