Pregame Checklist: BYU vs Kansas State, everything you should know

BYU found success in Laramie, defeating former conference foe Wyoming 34-14 in a hostile environment. BYU will return to Provo to face #13 Kansas State in the team's Big 12 Opener on Saturday.

After an interception on the opening drive, BYU put the pedal to the metal and soared against the Cowboys, with a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown highlighting BYU's speed and strength. BYU cruised and had success on both sides of the ball.

Kansas State, who obliterated Arizona last week, will come into Provo as favorites. However, the optimist in me says that there is a chance. BYU's passionate fans and 1,387 miles of elevation make it difficult and should never be counted out. On top of that. BYU's hungry defense has only allowed three touchdowns in the first three games, holding SMU to five field goals despite the Cowboy's best efforts.

Brigham Young Cougars tight end Keanu Hill (1) runs for a touchdown against the Wyoming Cowboys during the first quarter at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-Imagn Images / Troy Babbitt-Imagn Images

BYU and Kansas State meetings have been few and far between, so it is exciting to see them in the same conference. I am ready for Cougar Nation to fill LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday. The Cougars look ready; this will be the first real test for BYU. Unlike last year's Big 12 opener, we will be at home.

Pre-Game Notes for the Cougars

BYU's offense still has some things to clean up, with a messy passing game and a slow running game. The Cougars improved their turnovers last game with just one interception, but they will need to take better care of the football if they want to beat Kansas State.

Sep 14, 2024; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) makes a catch against the Wyoming Cowboys during the first quarter at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-Imagn Images / Troy Babbitt-Imagn Images

BYU's defense still looks sharp. The Cougars once again limited their opponent in Laramie. This defense is ball-hungry and is forcing turnovers well, taking the ball away five times through three games. Tyler Batty is dominant and is sacking quarterbacks again and again. My biggest concern for this BYU defense is their inability to contain the quarterback, getting beat on QB runs again and again.

BYU is ready, even if the task seems large. This is BYU's first ranked opponent and it is understandable why Cougar Nation might feel nervous about it. Keep your heads up and fear not, for I have created a game-day checklist to show BYU fans why they should be overjoyed or why they may need some extra BYU Chocolate Milk to wash it all down.

Pregame Notes for the Cougars

- BYU is very dangerous when passes are completed. If BYU can string some passes together, it could result in a lot of points.
- BYU's defense is good at getting takeaways and sacks. If BYU can get home and force miscues from the Kansas State Offense, it could cause the score to lean toward the Royal Blue.
-BYU is turnover-prone, with quarterback Jake Retzlaff is being blamed, with some questionable decisions and poor throws making BYU fans uneasy. If Retzlaff continues, he will need to fix some things.

Kansas State Pre-Game Checklist.

Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) looks for an open pass during the first quarter of the game against Arizona at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Friday, September 13, 2024. / Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kansas State comes into Provo boasting a 3-0 record. with blowout wins against Arizona and UT Martin. The Wildcats are looking dangerous and after winning their first three games by an average of 14 points, they will be eager to win in Provo and continue their dominance. Against Arizona, Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson threw for 156 yards and two touchdowns.

The Kansas State Wildcats are dangerous on both sides of the ball with a potent offense and a strong defense that can get in the backfield quickly. With an undefeated season on the line, the Wildcats will come into Provo hungry and looking to dominate. I expect this to be an old-fashioned shootout game with plenty of offense.

Welcome to the battle of the Cats, Cougar Nation.

Pregame Notes for the Wildcats

- The Wildcat offense is looking strong, coming into the season with big wins. The BYU defense loves to pressure the quarterback and Kansas State will need to be wary of players like Tyler Batty.
- The Kansas State defense is making plays with three wins. However, this is the first elevation test for the Wildcats, and they will have to adjust accordingly.
- BYU loves trick plays. Kansas State will have to be aware and avoid being fooled by misdirection.

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