Cougar Nation Stand Up
How sweet it is to start the season as one of the top 25 teams. Rounding out the 2022 AP Poll at 25, but yes, Cougar Nation could very well argue a higher ranking. Yet if this is the floor, many should actually wonder what is the ceiling for BYU football this season. Returning starter, QB Jaren Hall, will have something to say about it,
This latest ranking is the Cougs’ appearance in the Polls since 2009. Now nationally recognized headed into the season, BYU should still catch teams by surprise. Heres why:
Jaren Hall
Finishing last season with over 2500 yards passing with a 78.0 quarterback rating shows NFL caliber potential. Headed into his junior season, 20 touchdowns against only 5 interceptions showcases Halls capability to make smart choices with the ball.
BYU faced and beat good competition behind the arm of Jaren. This could be the year the Cougars push the envelope to supreme relevancy in college football.
NFL heavy offensive line
After NFL departures from last season, the 2022 offensive lineman are literally plug and play. In front of every accurate gun slinger is a down and dirty offensive line. There isn’t a group on this team that gets more praise than the BIG men in Cougar blue. Offensive Line Coach Darrell Funk has a lot to smile about when he’s asked about his maulers in the middle.
Kingsley Suamataia is a popular name that should get tossed around this season. Arizona State transfer Sione Veikoso and Snow College transfer Lisala Tai should earn roles to protect Jaren Hall. Sprinkle in new recruits Talin Togiai, Trevin Ostler, Peter Falaniko, and Vae Soifua, you have a young and hungry core for seasons to come.
Healthy Defensive Core
As good as the offense looks, the defense is ready to rock n roll on any opposing team. During the first team scrimmage of camp, Head Coach Kalani Sitake, gave his defensive unit a lot of recognition.
“I thought the defense has some disruptive plays, put some good pressure on the quarterback. It was like give and take on both sides” Coach Sitake during post practice interview.
With key additions in the secondary, Kaleb Hayes and Gabe Jeudy-Lally will add to an already feisty defense. Tyler Batty headlines the defensive line after a solid season last year. Malik Moore, senior, will lead by example in a young but inexperienced safety group.
BYU starts the season against South Florida, Sept 3
