BYU head coach Kalani Sitake knows the Cougars are in a race to build up Power Four depth.
Last year — the Cougars’ first introduction to the Big 12 — the team didn’t hold up facing 10 power conference opponents. Sitake admits that.
But after watching his team go through fall camp, he thinks this year could be different. He believes this is the most Power Four-ready roster BYU’s had.
“I think we are closer now than we’ve ever been. And I like our depth,” Sitake said.
When Sitake looked back at last season, he thought the depth on the back end was lacking. BYU had to reach into its deepest reserves a year ago.
On defense, 23 players had to log more than 100 snaps. That includes freshmen like Raider Damuni (who played 112 snaps) and walk-ons like Tanner Wall (who played 205). Both could be good players, but were forced into larger roles early.
On offense, 20 players logged over 100 snaps.
“We talk about 11 starters, your best 11, you really need to have your best 22. Or 23 with nickel packages and stuff,” Sitake said. “We didn’t have that enough last year. And when the injury bug hits, you need your three’s to step in and not have a big drop off from one to three.”
BYU will get an early test of its Big 12 readiness with SMU and Wyoming in the non-conference schedule. It will open against Southern Illinois on Saturday.
“I like our depth. But again we got to get out there and see how they perform when the lights are on. And that is going to be exciting game one,” he finished.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the contest
BYU vs. Southern Illinois
Date: Saturday, Aug. 31.
Kickoff time: 6 p.m. MT
TV channel: ESPN +
Radio: BYU Radio SiriusXM 143, BYURadio.org, BYU Radio app, KSL Newsradio 102.7 FM/1160 AM
Gameday information (tickets, parking and more): BYU Athletics
BYU names a quarterback
BYU is starting Jake Retzlaff at quarterback for the season-opener. He beat out Gerry Bohanon for the job in a quarterback battle that ran the entirety of fall camp.
Retzlaff started the final four games of 2023.