What is BYU football still playing for? It looks like next season

BYU football’s 2017 season went from euphoria in September to indifference and disappointment in October. So what is there left to play for?

After Friday night’s disaster, it’s hard for BYU football and Cougar Nation to find meaning in the rest of the season. Sure, there are some marquee games left to play. The next two matchups provide a great opportunity.

But to think that BYU football defeat Boise State with a third string quarterback – even if the game is in Provo – requires some optimism that most don’t have at the moment. Add a win in Starkville to that, and you’ve reached full out insanity.

The biggest casualties of the night, of course, are this season’s seniors. At this point, they have a trip to Hawaii and an invite to the illustrious Frisco Bowl against The American’s No. 4 team to look forward to.

So, what is everyone else playing for?

It’s simple, next year’s season. Here at Lawless Republic, we’ve already mentioned that out of the 47 contributing players, 36 will be back next season.

That is an uncannily large number. Because of it, the approach to this season needs to change a bit for BYU football. Development for these, and other possible contributors for next year, becomes the priority.

Unfortunately, this means sacrificing some senior players’ reps in an attempt to provide future starters a chance to progress.

Offensive linemen like Kieffer Longson, Austin Chambers, and Chandon Herring will need to see increased roles from here on out. They’ll need experience to replace the three outgoing seniors.

Next: Mangum The Victim Of Overhype

At wide receiver and running back, the underclassmen must get the majority of throws and touches respectively. The good news? For the most part, it’s already happening.

Going forward, the linebacker position is an area of concern. With the departures of Fred Warner and Matt Hadley, the coaching staff needs to start grooming some replacements for the future.

The defensive backs are young, but lose Micah Hannemann after the season. Building depth at the safety spot, will continue to have to be a focus for the coaching staff.

BYU football will have plenty of time to improve for next year. Eight or nine games are a lot. Really, it’s how they’re utilized that is most important.

The best news, of course, is that Tanner Mangum will undoubtedly return for his senior campaign. Taking advantage of his remaining games this season, is vital to his progression and ultimately, the team’s success next year.

Although the home slate lightens up, the 2018 schedule has plenty of challenges. Road games against Wisconsin, Washington, Boise St., and Utah are among these. The time to prepare is now.

There is time and still much to be gained from 2017. A new heading must be found, and a new course set, but the ship sails on to a glorious season… next year.