Pressure mounts for Cougars with every passing day

BYU defensive end Logan Lutui, left, defensive tackle Bruce Mitchell, center, and defensive end Tyler Batty, right, tackle Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II (0) during game Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Stillwater, Okla. | Mitch Alcala, Associated Press

With a daily dose of television details and kickoff times lighting up social media, the gap between spring and fall feels like it’s shrinking. The summer temperatures have yet to arrive, but August’s heat is already here for BYU.

After a 5-7 season, including just two wins in their Big 12 debut, Las Vegas know-it-alls forecast less success in 2024 to the tune of 4.5 victories and another bowl-less holiday. The Cougars believe that, while they have work to do, they will prove the prognosticators wrong.

Offense

Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick is selling the idea that quarterbacks Jake Retzlaff and Gerry Bohanon can run his offense, score points and take care of the football. Las Vegas isn’t buying.

Receivers coach Fesi Sitake is convinced Chase Roberts, Darius Lassiter, Kody Epps, Keelon Marion, Parker Kingston and JoJo Phillips are big and fast enough to get separation in Big 12 secondaries. Las Vegas isn’t so sure.

The Cougars’ new tight ends coach Kevin Gilbride has faith that Keanu Hill’s conversion from receiver to tight end is a match made in heaven. Las Vegas isn’t a believer.

Run game coordinator TJ Woods and running backs coach Harvey Unga trust a healthy LJ Martin, Hinckley Ropati and Miles Davis can rejuvenate the ground attack and average four yards per carry. Las Vegas has its doubts.

Woods is also the new offensive line coach. His anchors up front include returning starters Connor Pay, Caleb Etienne, Braden Keim and Weylin Lapuaho. They are big and experienced with a young stable of reinforcements. Woods visualizes this group providing…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/pressure-mounts-cougars-every-passing-000828781.html

Author : Deseret News

Publish date : 2024-05-19 00:08:28

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