BYU football is just seventeen days away. Fall camp is well underway, and BYU is ready to prove people wrong yet again. BYU is ranked outside of the AP Top 25. While BYU is no stranger to this, it still hurts. BYU has a lot of firepower on both sides of the ball, and the quarterback battle looks to be settled.
BYU's 2024 season started on a strong note with wins against Southern Illinois, Wyoming, Kansas State, and SMU. BYU would follow it up with wins against Baylor, Arizona, Oklahoma State, and UCF. BYU would have a tight game on the road against Utah, but came out victorious. The Cougars lost back-to-back against Kansas and Arizona State.
The Cougs beat Houston in the final game of the regular season and were selected to be in the Valero Alamo Bowl, where they would crush Colorado. BYU smashed their expectations, and this year they have the chance to do it again. The Cougars do have a new quarterback this year, and some of the key players have gone to the portal.
BYU does have a few good players returning, such as Jack Kelly, Sione Moa, and Will Ferrin. These three players were key to BYU's success, among others. BYU had a strong defense, and its special teams were on fire. BYU will need a strong offense, and even though it has a new quarterback, consistent production will be necessary for the Cougars. The Cougars were struggling at times last year on the offensive side of the ball.
BYU is also well-positioned for success with its coaching. Kalani Sitake is the head coach, Aaron Roderick is the offensive coordinator, and Jay Hill is the defensive coordinator. Each of these coaches is amazing and has great assistants who help them out. BYU was able to coach their way to an 11-2 season last year. This coaching lineup can give BYU another big season.
BYU was also saved by special teams last year. Will Ferrin must be kept healthy and given full trust. BYU can win more games with a good kicker, as well as a solid punter in Sam Van der Hall. Parker Kingston will be key with his kick-returning skills.
Of course, we can't forget the men in the trenches. BYU's offensive line will be critical in the offensive attack. BYU needs to keep the offensive line strong and healthy. No offense can function without a strong offensive line, and BYU has a strong-looking line.
BYU will still have the question mark at quarterback, but everything else looks good. BYU still has both LJ Martin and Seoni Moa to go to if the passing game breaks down. Quarterbacks are something BYU is known for developing, and this could be another QB breakout.
Overall, BYU is poised to have another breakout season. Besides the question mark at quarterback, everything looks good. The offense is figuring things out, the defense is strong, and the special teams are fired up. It is a team game, and every player will need to do their part. It's a long season ahead, and BYU could make some things happen.