Fort Worth, Texas • BYU begins its three-week Texas swing on Saturday, and it seemingly couldn’t come at a better time.
The Cougars will face TCU, a program that’s lost two straight and recently saw its starting quarterback go down for the foreseeable future.
If there was ever a moment where last year’s national runner-ups felt vulnerable, this would be it. BYU is also coming off its bye week, giving the staff more time to prepare for a reeling TCU team.
Looking down at the October schedule, it feels as though BYU needs to capitalize on this chance to steal a win. Because after Saturday comes Texas Tech and Texas. Overall, BYU faces the third-toughest schedule in the country the rest of the way, according to ESPN FPI. So any chance for a win, the Cougars need to take.
Cincinnati tight end Chamon Metayer (7) scores as he is tackled by BYU safety Raider Damuni during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
How to watch
Kickoff time: 1:30 p.m. MT / 2:30 p.m. CT
TV: ESPN
Radio: BYU radio SiriusXM 143/ BYURadio.org / BYU Radio App/ KSL 1160 AM,102.7 FM
Weather: High 70s
Keys to the game
1. Emani Bailey watch
Over the next three weeks, BYU will face perhaps three of the most dynamic running backs in the country. It begins with TCU’s Emani Bailey, who has rushed for nearly 700 yards already this year. According to Pro Football Focus, he is third in the country in creating missed tackles.
BYU’s defense has struggled against the run at times (especially recently against Kansas and Cincinnati). TCU’s run game will look slightly different than those teams. The Horned Frogs won’t have an overly mobile quarterback. Yet, Bailey’s production is something to monitor.
Remember, the Cougars beat Cincinnati while giving up almost 200 more yards than they gained. How long can that continue? Defensive coordinator Jay Hill is hoping he won’t find out.
2. Fixing its own running woes
BYU’s running game showed some signs of life last time out, finally nearing 100 yards. But it is still a problem for offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick. Accordingly, much of the bye week was spent figuring out the running game and “getting back to basics,” according to Roderick.
We’ll see what type of impact it has for an offense that has been good at times, but yet to be consistent. So much of what the Cougars do is predicated on play action. So for BYU to reach its top-end, a good rushing attack is critical.
As for the injury report in the running back room, there aren’t many answers. Aidan Robbins is still a maybe, per Roderick. Expect to see a lot of LJ Martin, Deion Smith and Miles Davis.
BYU running back Aidan Robbins (3) carries the ball against Sam Houston State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
3. Facing a new quarterback
Dallas native Josh Hoover will get his first career start for TCU on Saturday. Starter Chandler Morris went out with an MCL injury last week, sidelining him for the next month.
Hill had to scramble late to prepare for the relatively unknown signal caller. Hoover only attempted four passes before last Saturday. In his relief effort in Ames, he was 11-of-19 for 119 yards with a touchdown and interception.
Hoover is expected to have a good deep ball to challenge BYU’s secondary. But the version of Hoover BYU sees on Saturday is anybody’s best guess.
Headlines
• A quiet, Madden-playing freshman, BYU RB LJ Martin is making a loud arrival in the Big 12
• Will TCU have a new starting quarterback against BYU? The Cougars are preparing for one.
• Big 12 Power Rankings: TCU drops big before matchup with BYU
• Kalani Sitake wants to make sure the Cougars stay in the Big 12 hunt
Quotable
“We were deep, obviously, with our preparation… on Chandler Morris. I thought the backup came in and showed some poise and did some good things in the end of the Iowa State game.” - DC Jay Hill on TCU’s quarterback situation.
