BYU 2018 Football Season Preview

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June 13, 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Jared & Darnell go 1-on-1 — 4 What is offseason hype vs. reality? — 6

Who knows Matt Bushman best? — 10 Face of BYU — 12

By the numbers — 7

2018 opponents breakdown 15-21

Position by position breakdown —8

In the Pros — 22 Last word — 23

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ON THE COVER

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A visual design with a portrait of Butch Pau’u, a linebacker and returning captain of the BYU football team.

Editor’s note

F

or the “loyal strong and true” this off-season has been rough.

In 2017 the BYU football was a dismal 4-9, missing a bowl for the first time since 2004.

But with a new offensive identity, and defensive weapons that should keep them in ball games till the end, the Cougars and their fans are optimistic that a turnaround in 2018 is a possibility.

But the road to vanquishing the foe will not be an easy one with opponents such as Washington and Wisconsin on the schedule. It will take team work for BYU to come out victorious this season.

We, the staff at the Daily Herald, are proud of this magazine. From the writing of Jared Lloyd and Darnell Dickson, to the photography of Evan Cobb and Isaac Hale and the design skills of David Revilla to bring them together, this BYU football preview magazine has been a team effort.

We look forward to seeing what lies in store for head coach Kalani Sitake and his football team, and we wish them luck as they work toward their 2018 season goals.

Phillip Morgan Sports editor

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2018 Season

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BYU 1-ON-1

What should be expected of Cougar football in 2018?

T

he Daily Herald’s BYU football experts Jared Lloyd and Darnell Dickson weigh in on five of the biggest questions facing the Cougars heading into the 2018 football season:

1. Was the 2017 season an anomaly or is there a systemic problem inside the BYU locker room?

Jared: Everyone saw the deficiencies the Cougar football team had on the field last fall: Ineffective-to-abysmal offense, failure to score, lackluster defense, injury woes, innumerable mistakes, etc. I think many problems were also behind the scenes with guys not doing absolutely everything they needed to in order to be mentally and physically prepared to be an elite team. Listen carefully to what the players and coaches say in 2018 and you’ll hear that BYU is determined to not let it happen again. That’s a good sign — but only much better performance on the field on gameday will truly provide the answer.

Darnell: I’ve always felt that the game of college football changes every year. If you’re standing still, you’re getting left behind. Head coach Kalani Sitake made the necessary changes on his coaching staff to address the problems of 2017. I still believe BYU has enough talent to compete with the P5 teams it plays. Last year’s blowouts were more about emotional and mental deficiencies than anything else. My gut feeling is that the Cougars will be much improved in 2018 and can put 2017 in the rear view mirror.

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BYU Football Preview

EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD

Daily Herald sports reporters Darnell Dickson, left and Jared Lloyd answer the tough questions surrounding BYU.

2. After every quarterback battle in fall camp, one player eventually gets the starting nod. If the first guy BYU puts on the field isn’t successful, however, how long do you keep him in before making a change?

Darnell: When you look at last season, BYU’s quarterback changes were all made due to injuries. That meant re-tooling the offense several times during the course of the year.

I feel like the quarterback position is much deeper in 2018 and the offense more versatile, so making a change, say, in the third quarter of a game is much more likely. I think whoever is named as a starter should get the whole first game (Arizona) but if there are problems and they continue into the first half of the Cal game, it’s probably time to give someone else a shot.

Jared: I think the starter has to know that he has the confidence of his entire offense, including the coaches. He can’t start panicking because he throws an interception or misses a wide open receiver. I do see the value of getting a backup a series at some point in the game because, as Darnell pointed out, the Cougars have had injuries decimate the position. But BYU has to win now. I don’t think it can just trot a guy out there for a few games if the Cougars are losing, so don’t be surprised if a switch is made sooner rather than later in that scenario.

3. The Cougars had a lot of things to work on after the disastrous 2017 campaign. What will you be focused on in the first game at Arizona as you look for signs of improvement?

Jared: This opener is about mental toughness for me. I felt like BYU didn’t handle adversity well last season, so I will be looking to see what is happening on both sides of the ball when the team has to deal with penalties or threeand-outs or turnovers or Arizona touchdowns. Elite teams come back firing while not-so-good teams let one mistake turn into two, then three, then four. If this team reacts better when the chips are down, I will be more optimistic about the season.

Darnell: I know a lot of fans want to see more scoring and more explosiveness from the offense, but I want to see the defense force more incomplete passes. Last year, opponents completed 66 percent of their passes against the BYU defense. That number is astonishing, isn’t it?

There’s no way you can get off the field consistently while allowing a 66 percent completion rate. The Cougars can get that number down with a better pass rush and tighter coverage, so I’ll be watching that aspect of the game very

4. BYU has a seven-game losing streak to bitter rival Utah. The teams play in Salt Lake City on Nov. 24. Will the Cougars beat the Utes?

Darnell: Prospects are slim right now. The Utes have won seven straight in the series, return 18 starters and get to play at home. All signs point to eight straight victories for Utah. It’ll probably be a close game — most of them are — but the Utes have been able to make the right play at the right time in all of those close games over the course of the streak. You’d expect the tables to turn at some point and BYU to get the breaks it needs to come out the winner. I will say there is a ton of football to be played in the next three months and nobody knows where BYU and Utah will be in terms of health, overall record and confidence on Nov. 24. But I would still lean pretty heavily toward Utah at this point.

Jared: This is going to depend heavily on what has happened to both teams up to that point. While injuries and depth will factor in, I think that with as close as the games have been over the past 25 years, a lot of it comes down to which team has the edge mentally to finish things off at the end. Credit the Utes for consistently being that team over the last decade but that can change depending on the makeup of the team.

I’ve seen indicators that BYU has some solid leaders that might be able to turn the tables -- but they have to prove it to me during the year before I would chose the Cougars. Until then, you have to say Utah will win again.

5. What would you consider a successful season for the Cougars in 2018?

Jared: BYU has to be BYU, end of story. The Cougars have a history of toughness and determination, of at least occasionally upsetting or making good teams nervous, of controlling games against opponents who are middle of the pack or worse. Last year? Yeah, none of that happened. I think BYU fans should have five games slotted as “must-wins,” one as a “should-win,” four as “could-wins” and two as “unlikely-wins.” A traditional BYU team would win at least seven or eight of these games while defeating a Power-5 foe and I think the Cougars shouldn’t be satisfied with less.

Darnell: Getting to a bowl game should be the goal, and getting to six wins would make that a reality. But more than wins and losses, the Cougars need to look like a competitive football team in losses.

Nobody expects them to go to Seattle or Madison, Wisc., and come out with victories. But it should be within BYU’s capabilities to give those teams a decent game and not get embarrassed. That happened way too many times in 2017 and to teams far worse than Washington or Wisconsin.

DOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD

Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Talon Shumway (21) makes a catch during a BYU home football game against rival University of Utah on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017 at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

2018 Season

5

HYPE VS REALITY

Can the Cougars recover and have a good 2018?

By Darnell Dickson Daily Herald sually, this column is very easy to write because if there’s one thing college football fans know it’s preseason hype.

Not so much this summer for BYU fans, when the scars of 2017 are still healing.

To read the fan base as “cautiously optimistic” is

U

a fair assessment. There’s a new, more experienced offensive coaching staff, the quarterback position seems to be well stocked and everyone is talking about a stronger, more vibrant culture surrounding the team.

So here’s a look at what can be hyped up and where you might need to pump the breaks on the coming season.

Hype: New coaches, new offense equals lots of scoring.

Reality: Last year was the worst BYU offense in program history.

Statistically, the Cougars were just terrible on offense in 2017: 325 yards and 17.1 points per game are far below what was needed to be competitive against the front-heavy schedule.

Injuries at quarterback were devastating and BYU simply never recovered. The new coaches designed the offense around the team’s talent, but last year exposed a lot of problems. Just how many can this coaching staff fix?

Hype: The schedule is the toughest in the country.

Reality: Like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get with scheduling.

Remember BYU’s big win at Michigan State back in 2016? The Spartans went just 3-9 that year, taking some of the luster off of that victory. Wisconsin and Washington open the 2018 season ranked No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, in Sports Illustrated’s Top 25. Those two games — both on the road — will be monster challenges for BYU. The rest of the schedule is kind of a crapshoot. There may even be games where the Cougars will be favored. The biggest key in getting back to a bowl game is to defend the home field. BYU was just 2-4 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in 2017 and that won’t cut it.

Hype: Squally Canada is ready to take over the running back spot as a senior.

Reality: There are a lot of options at running back.

Hype: Last year was just an anomaly. BYU will be back to its bowl ways in 2018.

Reality: It’s entirely conceivable that the Cougars could be much better this season and still post a losing record.

That would be tough for BYU fans to accept but if improvement is obvious — and it will be obvious in the first month if the team is better than last year — then all will be well in Cougar Nation. A 7-6 record and bowl berth is a perfectly reachable goal for BYU this season. Beating Utah? Well, that would just make everyone’s year after seven straight losses.

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BYU Football Preview

Canada closed strong last season but coaches have experimented with the running back group more than just about any other position. They’ve looked at former defensive backs Tanner Jacobson and Matt Hadley there as well as former linebacker Johnny Tapusoa. They moved former quarterback Beau Hoge to running back as well. Then there’s Lopini Katoa, who tore up the field on the scout team during his redshirt season.

Hype: Matt Bushman is on the cusp of becoming one of the nation’s top tight ends.

Reality: Bushman will be the focal point of every opponent’s defense.

Teams know Bushman now, so the Cougars will have to be creative in getting him open and take advantage of all the attention to find other receivers to make plays. The wide receiver group needs to step up, and the addition of Hawaii grad transfer Dylan Collie and freshman Gunner Romney should help.

THE BIG AND THE SMALL

BYU football looking for big improvements from 2017

385

SOME GOOD NEWS

170

BALL CONTROL

The listed weight of the largest player on the team (Motekiai Langi, Fr. DL)

The listed weight of the smallest player on the team (Brach Davis, Fr. DB)

6-foot-9: The

listed height of the tallest player on the team (Corbin Kaufusi, Sr. DE)

4.54

The Cougars minimized the flags in 2017, averaging less than five penalties per game (18th in the country)

32:07

BYU’s 2017 opponents held the ball for more than four minutes more than the Cougars, putting BYU at 108th in the nation in time of possession

BY THE NUMBERS

FALLING

INCOMPLETE

90th BYU’s national rank in passing yards (194.6 yards per game)

117th BYU’s national rank in team passing efficiency (106.6)

June 13, 2018

7

POSITION BREAKDOWN

By Jared Lloyd Daily Herald

QUARTERBACK Preseason Grade

C

Usually a team with a QB who has started games in three straight seasons returning, the situation is obvious. The Cougars, however, has a new offensive coaching staff and that meant opportunity and competition. The hope is that provided depth. Tanner Mangum and Joe Critchlow have experience, while freshman Zach Wilson has had brilliant moments in practice. But there are a lot of question marks.

RUNNING BACK

B

Preseason Grade

Squally Canada came on strong late in the season for the Cougars and led the team with 710 rushing yards and six touchdowns. BYU also added freshman Lopini Katoa, who has looked good in practice.

Fullback Brayden El-Bakri is a load and raises this grade with his experience ability to block.

SECONDARY

BPreseason Grade

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BYU Football Preview

There are still some questions about who will play where as former starting cornerbacks Troy Warner and Dayan Ghanwoloku have trained at safety, but could switch back if needed. BYU needs Chris Wilcox, Michael Shelton and the other corners to play at a high level, while safeties like Austin Lee and Gavin Fowler should be big-time contributors.

TIGHT END Preseason Grade

A-

RECEIVER Preseason Grade

C+

This is likely the strongest offensive position going into the season. Freshman All-American Matt Bushman is the headliner looking to have another big year while having a healthy Moroni Laulu-Pututau will make a huge difference. JJ Nwigwe looks better and youngsters Dallin Holker and Hank Tuipolutu have impressed in camp.

The good news for this group is that four of the top statistical receivers are back and it added a dynamic playmaker in graduate transfer Dylan Collie. The bad news is that no receiver had more than 37 receptions or 437 yards for BYU last season, so they need to be much better this fall.

OFFENSIVE LINE Preseason Grade

C-

BYU lost three starters including Tejan Koroma, who locked down the center position for four years for the Cougars. Some guys have experience but BYU needs the linemen to be dynamic and physical. Austin Hoyt and Thomas Shoaf should be in the mix but all of the spots are up for grabs.

DEFENSIVE LINE Preseason Grade

C+

The Cougars have guys with tremendous potential in senior Corbin Kaufusi, senior Merrill Taliauli, sophomore Khyiris Tonga and junior Trajan Pili — but potential has to become reality for this BYU defense to succeed. The Cougars didn’t do enough to disrupt opponents last season and that responsibility falls mainly on this unit.

COACHING Preseason Grade

C

This is a crucial year for the BYU defensive coaches, which only made one change after the 2017 struggles.

The offensive staff was entirely revamped but comes in with exponentially more college coaching experience than that of the prior group.

Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes was a great hire in theory but now that has to translate into greater success on the field. Head coach Kalani Sitake needs the team to win now.

LINEBACKER Preseason Grade

A

The Cougars have guys with tremendous potential in senior Corbin Kaufusi, senior Merrill Taliauli, sophomore Khyiris Tonga and junior Trajan Pili — but potential has to become reality for this BYU defense to succeed. The Cougars didn’t do enough to disrupt opponents last season and that responsibility falls mainly on this unit.

Preseason Grade

The Cougars have to replace punter Jonny Linehan as well as improve their range on field goals. Andrew Mikkelsen looks like the kickoff guy, while Rhett Almond has improved his punting. Newcomers Skyler Southam and Danny Jones might be called on as well.

BYU’s return game could be more dynamic but hasn’t made many costly mistakes.

SPECIAL TEAMS

B-

2018 Season

9

Who knows tight end Matt Bushman best?

By Darnell Dickson Daily Herald

Q: What is Matt’s favorite TV show?

Q: What is Matt’s favorite restaurant?

Q: What is Matt’s favorite movie?

Matt says: “Last Chance U.” Harris: “I hope it’s ‘The Office.’”

Matt says: “Ruth’s Chris Steak House.”

Harris: “He likes Mexican food, let’s say Rancheritos.” (0) Emily: “I would say Ruth’s Chris Steak House.” (1)

Tight End Matt Bushman says: “The Dark Knight.”

Deep snapper Mitch Harris: “We watched ‘42’ with him one time, and he liked it, so I’ll say ‘42.’” (0) Volleyball player Emily Lewis (wife): “One of them is ‘Remember the Titans.’” (0)

(0) Emily: “He doesn’t really watch a lot of TV, but right now we’re watching ‘This is Us.’” (0)

Q: What is Matt’s favorite NFL team?

Matt says: “The New Orleans Saints.”

Harris: “The Saints.” (1) Emily: “The Saints.” (1)

Q: Does Matt’s use Twitter, Instagram or Facebook more?

Matt says: “Instagram.”

Harris: “He’s not a huge social media guy, but I’ll say Instagram.”

(1) Emily: “He deleted Twitter last year or else it would be Twitter.

So I would say Instagram.” (1)

Q: What is Matt’s favorite kind of music?

Matt says: “I like rap music.”

Harris: “He likes rap music.”

(1) Emily: “Rap.” (1)

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BYU Football Preview

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Q: What is Matt’s go-to “when I was on my mission” story?

Matt says: “When I got super sick and had hives all over my body.”

Harris: “I have no idea.”

(0) Emily: “His companion and best friend Cole was talking to his dad through FaceTime and Matt started crying just listening to his companion tell his dad he loved him.

Matt wasn’t even part of the conversation but he was still crying.” (I’m giving Emily a point here for two reasons: One, because her story is so specific it’s obvious she’s been listening to Matt’s mission stories and two, I’m sure Matt wanted to keep that story quiet. (1)

Q: Is Matt a truck or a car guy?

Matt says: “I’m a truck guy.”

Harris: “He will be a truck guy. He has a car right now, but he’ll get a truck.”

(1) Emily: “He’s a car guy.”

(0) Q: What position other than tight end would Matt like to play?

Matt says: “I played quarterback when I was younger, so let’s say quarterback.”

Harris: “He could play about anything. He’d make a good defensive end or linebacker.” (0) Emily: “I think he’d like to play wide receiver.” (0)

Q: What is Matt’s favorite outdoor activity other than football?

Matt says: “Fishing.”

Harris: “Fishing. We’ve gone fishing together a few times.” (1) Emily: “Fishing.” (1)

BONUS QUESTION (Worth 3 points)

Q: At a BBQ, is Matt a ribs, chicken, hamburger or hot dog guy?

Matt says: “Hamburger.”

Harris: “He’s probably a burger guy.” (3) Emily: “Ribs or hamburger, but if I have to pick one, it would be hamburger.” (3)

Scoring

(out of 13) Emily: 9 points Harris: 8 points So the final result is Emily wins by one point. I know, I gave her a point for the mission question but I’m the “Who Knows …?” guy, I make all the rules. Hey, they’ve only been married for two months or I’m sure she would score higher.

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2018 Season

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BYU Football Preview

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A

2018 Season

13

“

We came back and we had 300 up-downs waiting for us. When we stopped focusing on the up-downs and just focusing on having fun with each, there has been a different mindset.

We are going to have a good year because of it.

”

“Growing up, I remember one play when a guy caught a ball and I let him go,” Pau’u said. “I came off the field and I started screaming at the referees and my coaches because I was feeling they weren’t helping us out. Let’s just say afterwards I got an earful from both of my parents for a couple of hours. That helped me to realize to stop complaining, that it’s a game. Guys are going to do better than you on some plays and you’ll do better on other plays. You can have fun with that. When you see that on both sides and you are competing at a high level, you can appreciate the game even

The success earned him nicknames like “The Hammer” and “Pow-pow Pau’u.” Even with dealing with some injuries, Pau’u finished as the team’s second-leading tackler (83 tackles) as the Cougar ended up just eight points from being undefeated.

Pow-pow

getting over their woes and getting to the other side. It’s something they are better for.”

Butch is determined to show that the entire squad now has the correct mentality.

“For us trying to make this year special started the day after our last game,” Butch Pau’u said. “We came back and we had 300 up-downs waiting for us. When we stopped focusing on the up-downs and just focusing on having fun with each, there has been a different mindset. We are going to have a good year because of it.”

Big things were expected for both Pau’u and BYU in 2017, but instead, things fall apart as the Cougars stumbled through a 4-9 campaign.

Pau’u wasn’t able to perform at the same level personally either.

“Injuries slowed his progress down and more.” then he is such a competitor that he probably rushed back too early,” Sitake said. “It Starting in Provo Pau’u got plenty of accolades in high school hurt him because he was never really his true self. It shows how much competitivebut still had to pay his dues when he got ness he has.” to BYU. Sophomore receiver Neil Pau’u, Butch’s “Our first year together, we were on the younger brother, said that type of situation scout team together,” Pulsipher said. “We was foreign to the entire family. had too many linebackers, so he volun“In high school he never got injured,” Neil teered to play cornerback. He has the passion for the game where he is willing to Pau’u said. “We both played three sports and he never got hurt, so it kind of felt like do anything for the team to help it move he was Superman or the Hulk sometimes, forward.”

Pau’u said those some tough times during particularly with how he prepared and the hard work he put into his craft.” the early days.

Butch said there were some clear differ“It was brutal,” Pau’u said. “You had to listen to what the offense wanted and you ences between his sophomore and junior seasons. couldn’t tackle anyone even though that’s “There were two different Butch Pau’us what you wanted to do at the defensive and two different teams,” Butch Pau’u said. spot. I just said put us where you want us and we’ll make sure the offense is ready for “When Butch Pau’u is healthy and smiling and just playing his game, the defense the games on Saturdays.”

When the coaching staff changed after the seems to do a lot better than when he is not.”

2016 season, however, Sitake liked what he saw.

Time for redemption “When I came here, he was I think a The true measure of an individual or a fullback,” Sitake said. “I really liked his team can often be seen in how they bounce movement and thought, ‘this guy is a back from adversity. linebacker.’ I think he’s proven he can do it. “You have to continue to encourage guys to His leadership has been consistent since I push through,” Tuiaki said. “A lot of them got here.” come out of it a little triumphant from As a sophomore in 2016, Pau’u suddenly found himself in a new role for the Cougars.

“I came in my sophomore year expecting to play behind Harvey Langi and they gave me a shot,” Pau’u said. “I took it and went with it. I’m grateful for that opportunity I was able to have. I was able to make a name for myself.”

He stole the spotlight in BYU’s tough 17-14 home loss to UCLA, tallying 19 tackles (the most for a Cougar since 2013).

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BYU Football Preview

Rough times

S E P T . 1 | 8 : 4 5 P. M . M T | E S P N | A R I Z O N A S TA D I U M |

C R Y S TA L B A L L If BYU is shockingly good: The Cougars corral Wildcat star QB Khalil Tate, shutting down the Arizona offense. BYU stuns the home team with a dynamic, explosive offense that puts points up in bunches.

If BYU is 2017 repeated: The Cougars are plagued with penalties and turnovers early, resulting in things going downhill quickly on both sides of the ball.

ARIZONA W I L D C AT S

What will actually happen: BYU will have moments of brilliance and moments of ineptitude. The Cougars will do enough to be competitive and have a shot to win at the end.

Head coach: Kevin Sumlin (first year) 2017: 7-6 (5-4 Pac-12) Returning starters: 16 (7 off/9 def)

PREDICTIONS

Players to Watch: Khalil Tate (Jr. QB), J.J. Taylor (So. RB), Colin Schooler (So. LB), Dereck Boles (Sr. DT)

JARED LLOYD

DARNELL DICKSON

PHILLIP MORGAN

33-27

40-31

24-21

Outlook: The Wildcats showed flashes of brilliance as they put up a lot of points in 2017 but lost four of their last five games and now have a new head coach. Arizona hopes the new changes will take the program to the next level.

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15

︱ S E P T . 8 | 8 : 1 5 P. M . M T | ︱ESPN2/ESPNU︱ | L AV E L L E D WA R D S S TA D I U M |

C R Y S TA L B A L L If BYU is shockingly good: The Cougars ride the momentum of a great performance in the opener to play with confidence and purpose, something Cal can’t match.

If BYU is 2017 repeated: The Bears come in with speed and athleticism, disrupting everything the Cougars want to do on their way to a big road win.

CAL BEARS

What will actually happen: This will be another battle that will come down to avoiding mistakes down the stretch.

This time the Cougars find a way to get the job done.

Head coach: Justin Wilcox (2nd year) 2017: 5-7 (2-7 Pac 12) Returning starters: 18 (10 off/8 def) Players to Watch: Patrick Laird (Sr. RB), Ross Bowers (Jr. QB), Jordan Kunaszyk (Sr. LB), Alex Funches (Sr. LB)

PREDICTIONS JARED LLOYD

DARNELL DICKSON

PHILLIP MORGAN

36-30

34-24

35-28

Outlook: Cal started out hot in 2017 but couldn’t maintain that throughout the season as the Bears stumbled down the stretch. With most of the team back, however, it appears Cal might be in position to compete at a high level this season.

︱ S E P T . 1 5 | 1 : 3 0 P. M . M T ︱ | ESPN ︱ | C A M P R A N D A L L S TA D I U M |

C R Y S TA L B A L L If BYU is shockingly good: This would be the upset of the year for the Cougars to go on the road and stun the Badgers. BYU gets a flawless offensive showing to make it happen.

If BYU is 2017 repeated: The Cougars struggle with Wisconsin’s physicality from the start, losing big to the Badgers for the second year in a row.

What will actually happen: BYU will be better than 2017 and battle for at least a half before the home team creates some separation.

WISCONSIN BADGERS

Head coach: Paul Chryst (4th year) 2017: 13-1 (9-0 Big 10)

PREDICTIONS JARED LLOYD

29-17

16

BYU Football Preview

Returning starters: 13 (9 off/4 def)

DARNELL DICKSON

35-20

PHILLIP MORGAN

42-14

Players to Watch: Jonathan Taylor (So. RB), Alex Hornibrook (Jr. QB), Michael Deiter (Sr. OT), T.J. Edwards (Sr. LB) Outlook: The Badgers were one play away from making the College Football Playoff and have almost their entire offense back. Wisconsin’s defense has to reload but the Badgers have high expectations for the upcoming year.

S E P T . 2 2 | 4 P. M . M T | B Y U T V | L AV E L L E D WA R D S S TA D I U M |

C R Y S TA L B A L L If BYU is shockingly good: Even though McNeese State is a good FCS program, they simply can’t stay with the Cougars for 60 minutes as the home team rolls.

If BYU is 2017 repeated: BYU struggled against a bad Portland State team but still won. This time they aren’t so lucky as things fall apart.

M C N E E S E S T. COWBOYS

What will actually happen: The Cougars are more dynamic and more mentally tough, plus the Cowboys will lose some depth in the first three games. BYU wins comfortably.

Head coach: Lance Guidry (3rd year) 2017: 9-2 (7-2 Southland)

PREDICTIONS

Returning starters: 11 (8 off/3 def) Players to Watch: David Hamm (Jr. RB), James Tabary (Sr. QB), BJ Blount (Sr. S), Lawayne Ross (Jr. TE) Outlook: The Cowboys might have a chip on their shoulder after putting together a great season and not getting to the FCS playoffs. The offense has a lot of returning starters but the defense will need a lot of players to step up.

JARED LLOYD

DARNELL DICKSON

PHILLIP MORGAN

44-13

28-7

38-7

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2018 Season

17

S E P T. 2 9 | T B A | T B A | H U S K Y S TA D I U M |

C R Y S TA L B A L L If BYU is shockingly good: The Cougars come in and match the Husky talent with fierce determination. BYU answers every big Washington play, setting up a thrilling finish.

If BYU is 2017 repeated: The Cougars fall behind early and have no response, getting blown out again.

WASHINGTON HUSKIES

What will actually happen: BYU will need to be healthy and playing well to stay with the Huskies but the early Cougar schedule will take its toll.

Head coach: Chris Peterson (5th year) 2017: 10-3 (7-2 Pac-12) Returning starters: 17 (8 off/9 def) Players to Watch: Jake Browning (Sr. QB), Myles Gaskins (Sr. RB), Taylor Rapp (Jr. S), Ben Burr-Kirven (Sr. LB)

PREDICTIONS JARED LLOYD

DARNELL DICKSON

PHILLIP MORGAN

31-16

41-21

38-10

Outlook: The Huskies spent all of 2017 ranked in the Top 16 of the nation and bring back more than 75 percent of their starters. Washington is shooting for the top and anything less will be disappointing.

O C T . 5 | 7 P. M . M T | E S P N 2 | L AV E L L E D WA R D S S TA D I U M |

C R Y S TA L B A L L If BYU is shockingly good: The Cougars come out hungry to avenge last year’s disappointment, jumping all over their in-state rival.

If BYU is 2017 repeated: BYU’s turnover woes haunt them again as they gift-wrap a lot of points for the visiting Aggies.

What will actually happen: The Cougars won’t fall apart like they did in Logan and although it won’t be easy, BYU will be the better team.

U TA H S T. AGGIES

Head coach: Matt Wells (6th year) 2017: 6-7 (4-4 MWC)

PREDICTIONS JARED LLOYD

37-20

18

BYU Football Preview

Returning starters: 18 (9 off/9 def)

DARNELL DICKSON

34-28

PHILLIP MORGAN

31-24

Players to Watch: Ron’quavion Tarver (Sr. WR), Dax Raymond (Jr. TE), Suli Tamaivena (Sr. LB), Gaje Ferguson (Sr. S) Outlook: The Aggies were once again good but not great as they once again made it to a bowl game. With this many returners, however, Utah State should expect to take a big step forward.

O C T. 1 3 | T B A | T B A | L AV E L L E D WA R D S S TA D I U M |

C R Y S TA L B A L L If BYU is shockingly good: The Cougars score early and often, taking advantage of a weary Rainbow Warrior squad having to make it’s fourth trip to the mainland.

If BYU is 2017 repeated: BYU has to grind out another tough one as they make things hard on themselves with unexplainable mistakes.

HAWAII WARRIORS

What will actually happen: The Cougars will have the edge in the battle between two former WAC foes trying to get back to playing high-level football as BYU’s experience and leadership prevail.

Head coach: Nick Rolovich (3rd year) 2017: 3-9 (1-7 MWC)

PREDICTIONS

Returning starters: 9 (4 off/5 def) Players to Watch: John Ursua (Jr. WR), Cole McDonald (So. QB), Jahlani Tavai (Sr. LB), Solomon Matautia (Jr. LB)

JARED LLOYD

DARNELL DICKSON

PHILLIP MORGAN

47-15

38-21

35-13

Outlook: The Rainbow Warriors went downhill last fall, losing nine of their last 10 games. That meant significant changes for the program but there are still a lot of question marks as Hawai’i tries to get its mojo back.

O C T. 2 7 | T B A | T B A | L AV E L L E D WA R D S S TA D I U M |

C R Y S TA L B A L L If BYU is shockingly good: The Cougars are impressively dominant in the trenches, running the ball at will and never letting NIU’s offense get comfortable.

If BYU is 2017 repeated: BYU runs into a hot Husky squad that has already beaten big-name foes and rolls past the Cougars.

What will actually happen: This is a sneaky-good game in late October but a lot will depend on how both teams have fared with their depth. Even with both teams coming off a bye week, BYU turns out to be a little healthier and holds on to get the win.

N. ILLINOIS HUSKIES

Head coach: Rod Carey (6th year) 2017: 8-5 (6-2 MAC)

PREDICTIONS JARED LLOYD

26-22

Returning starters: 14 (8 off/6 def)

DARNELL DICKSON

33-14

PHILLIP MORGAN

28-20

Players to Watch: Max Scharping (Sr. OT), Marcus Childers (So. QB), Sutton Smith (Jr. DE), Mykelti Williams (Jr. S) Outlook: The Huskies bring back a strong core from the solid 2017 squad, meaning they have their sights on big things in the MAC. A tough non-conference slate could set them up to make national noise with some upsets.

2018 Season

19

N O V. 3 | T B A | T B A | A L B E RT S O N S S TA D I U M |

C R Y S TA L B A L L If BYU is shockingly good: The Cougar use of deception outclasses the team that made such tactics famous as BYU’s trick plays turn into big successes and a surprising victory.

If BYU is 2017 repeated: The Cougars find themself once again unable to come up with the plays it needs the Bronco defense shuts BYU down.

What will actually happen: BYU and Boise State tend to play exciting games and this one will fit that mold, hinging on a play here or there. The Cougars will have chances but won’t quite succeed on the road.

B O I S E S T. BRONCOS Head coach: Brian Harsin (5th year) 2017: 11-3 (7-1 MWC) Returning starters: 16 (6 off/10 def) Players to Watch: Brett Rypien (Sr. QB), Alexander Mattison (Jr. RB), Curtis Weaver (So. DE), Tyler Horton (Sr. CB)

PREDICTIONS JARED LLOYD

DARNELL DICKSON

PHILLIP MORGAN

37-35

34-24

31-28

Outlook: Many observers have the Broncos circled as one of the teams to watch nationally this year and for good reason. BSU is bringing back most of a really good team and has a manageable schedule that could send it back to a New Year’s Day bowl game.

N O V. 1 0 | 1 0 A . M . M T | N E S N | G I L L E T T E S TA D I U M |

C R Y S TA L B A L L If BYU is shockingly good: The Cougars respond to one of their most embarrassing losses in recent memory by going across the country and annihilating UMass like they did in 2016.

If BYU is 2017 repeated: BYU gets more and more frustrated as the Minutemen make key plays to keep the Cougars at bay.

What will actually happen: BYU will play a much more complete game this season but UMass will come in confident. The game will be tight for a half but the Cougars will pull away late.

UMASS MINUTEMEN

Head coach: Mark Whipple (5th year) 2017: 4-8

PREDICTIONS JARED LLOYD

32-18

20

BYU Football Preview

Returning starters: 15 (9 off/6 def)

DARNELL DICKSON

27-20

PHILLIP MORGAN

24-14

Players to Watch: Andrew Ford (Sr. QB), Andy Isabella (Sr. WR), Lee Moses (Sr. CB), Jarell Addo (Sr. LB) Outlook: The Minutemen suffered a number of close losses and were probably better than their record indicated, all signs that bode well for a team that returns a lot of players.

N O V. 1 7 | T B A | T B A | L AV E L L E D WA R D S S TA D I U M |

C R Y S TA L B A L L If BYU is shockingly good: The Cougars roll back the clock and blast the Aggies like they did in 2012, winning going away.

If BYU is 2017 repeated: NMSU beat Utah State in the Arizona Bowl, the same team that beat BYU earlier. The Aggies prove it was a valid comparison on the field.

N E W M E X . S T. AGGIES

What will actually happen: New Mexico State won’t be able to play at the same level it did in 2017 and the Cougars will take advantage as they cruise to the home win.

Head coach: Doug Martin (6th year) 2017: 7-6 (4-4 Sun Belt) Returning starters: 15 (6 off/9 def)

PREDICTIONS

Players to Watch: OJ Clark (Jr. WR), Matt Romero (Jr. QB), Cedric Wilcots II (Jr. DE), Ron LaForce (Sr. S)

JARED LLOYD

DARNELL DICKSON

PHILLIP MORGAN

52-13

41-21

49-3

Outlook: For only the fifth time in 50 years, the Aggies finished with a winning record in 2017. That’s a reason for NMSU to be optimistic, although some key are missing now.

N O V. 2 4 | T B A | T B A | R I C E - E C C L E S S TA D I U M |

C R Y S TA L B A L L If BYU is shockingly good: After years of frustration, BYU finally puts together a complete game against Utah in all phases as the Cougars end their losing streak.

If BYU is 2017 repeated: The Utes make plays and force turnovers, something BYU fails to do as another close game goes to Utah.

What will actually happen: Expect a one-possession game in the final minutes, since that’s how the trend has been throughout the last 25 years. Utah appears to have the edge mentally in those contests, however, and that isn’t a good sign for Cougar fans.

U TA H UTES

Head coach: Kyle Whittingham (14th year) 2017: 7-6 (3-6 Pac-12)

PREDICTIONS JARED LLOYD

24-21, OT

Returning starters: 14 (8 off/6 def)

DARNELL DICKSON

28-21

PHILLIP MORGAN

34-31

Players to Watch: Tyler Huntley (Jr. QB), Britain Covey (So. WR), Chase Hansen (Sr. LB), Julian Blackmon (Jr. CB) Outlook: The Utes have been close to making noise both in their league and nationally but have always come up short. This year’s squad is already on the radar and might be the one to break through.

2018 Season

21

IN THE PROS

AGENTS OF SHIELD

Former BYU Cougars in the NFL Colby Peason Bronson Kaufusi Kai Nacua De’Ondre Wesley Micah Hannemann Jordan Leslie Ezekiel Ansah Jamaal Williams Tomasi Laulile Daniel Sorensen Algernon Brown Tejan Koroma Michael Davis John Denney Harvey Langi Kyle Van Noy Taysom Hill Jonah Trinnaman Fred Warner

Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Cleveland Browns Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Indianapolis Colts Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs Los Angeles Chargers Miami Dolphins New England Patriots New England Patriots New Orleans Saints New York Jets San Francisco 49ers

Wide Receiver Defensive Line Defensive Back Tackle Defensive Back Wide Receiver Defensive End Running Back Defensive Tackle Defensive Back Running Back Offensive Line Defensive Back Long Snapper Linebacker Linebacker Quarterback Wide Receiver Linebacker

Other Utah County NFL players Garett Bolles Westlake Jordan Devey American Fork Isaac Asiata Spanish Fork Xavier Su’a-Filo Timpview Pita Taumoepenu Timpview

Denver Broncos Kansas City Chiefs Miami Dolphins Tennessee Titans San Francisco 49ers

Tackle Offensive Line Offensive Line Offensive Line Defensive End

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22

BYU Football Preview

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THE LAST WORD

By Darnell Dickson Daily Herald

L

For BYU football fans to get return on investment, Cougars must start winning

ike most of us, I fall down the social media rabbit these days, shelling out a couple hundred dollars to go to a hole sometimes.

BYU game just doesn’t ring the bell for some fans.

The other day while cruising around online I came The emotional demand on BYU fans can be difficult, too, espeacross a video of the BYU-Utah State football game cially after a bad season. Living and dying with each game is from 1997. As I watched the highlights, this thought came the best and worst part of being a fan. From August to Januto my mind: “I have no memory of this game.” ary, lives are impacted for good or evil based on the outcome No jokes about old age, please. of 12 or 13 Saturdays (or Thursdays or Fridays).

Selective amnesia would be a nice trick for BYU football Seems like every other day on social media some BYU fan exfans, since 2017 was such a disaster. Seven straight losses, claims, “I’ve had it. Peace out,” and vows never to make a serious especially to woeful programs such as emotional investment in the team again.

UMass and East Carolina, and the worst I probably don’t need to bring up Being a fan of a college And offensive output in 50 years damaged (but I will) that the Cougars haven’t team is a big investment, beaten their Utah rivals since 2009, a some Cougar fans beyond repair.

The 2017 campaign should be called, string of seven losses in a row. both financially “The season that shall not be named” In business, the acronym “ROI” stands and emotionally. and never mentioned again. for “Return on Investment.” The quesThe best way to put all that trauma bebecomes, “Are the amount of reIs it worth it to be a BYU tion hind them would be for BYU to go back sources I’m putting into the investment football fan anymore? worth the rewards?” to being, well, BYU. The 2018 season breaks grand and gloThat’s what BYU fans have been asking rious with optimism but there are no guarantees we won’t themselves since November of last season. see a similar nightmare. That’s always been the case, if you What are the rewards? Being a fan of a successful team think about it. You just never know how a season will turn makes you feel like a part of that success, no doubt. You out, which is part of the excitement of college football. walk taller and you smile when the name of your team is Cougar fans were spoiled for a long time, knowing that brought up in conversation. You wear your BYU gear with even if the team didn’t win the one or two games against pride and power.

Power 5 opponents it would still dominate WAC or MWC Those who stick with the team through thick and thin call competition and go to a bowl game. themselves the true fans and mock those who jumped off No way BYU fans can take that for granted now. the bandwagon when times got tough.

Being a fan of a college team is a big investment, both Yeah, an undefeated season would be cool, or a trip to a financially and emotionally.

New Year’s Six bowl game. But really, fans just want to be Is it worth it to be a BYU football fan anymore? proud of what their team accomplishes on the field.

Your casual Cougar fan might go to a couple of home That’s really all most BYU fans want. games every season, while the rabid follower can spend All Kalani Sitake and his boys want is to win football thousands of dollars for the good seats and traveling to games. road games. And it’s not just the tickets. Those Cougar Tails The rest takes care of itself, doesn’t it? and hot dogs can really add up for the typical fan family. To be a fan, you’ve got to open up your wallet.

Follow Darnell Dickson on Twitter @darnellwrites There’s so much competition for our entertainment dollar or e-mail him at ddickson@heraldextra.com.

2018 Season

23

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