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BYU takes on Sam Houston State this Saturday to kick off the 2023 season. This game will set the stage for how the rest of the season goes and how the rest of the college football world will see us all season long. Read below about what it will take the Cougars to get the win.
BYU
Offense
This offense has big potential this season and with that has come some big expectations. They need to put all of that aside and go play ball. To win this game the Cougars need to get on the board early and not let up on the defense. Kedon Slovis needs to keep them on the field and avoid throwing interceptions to give the Bearcats the ball. Last season they didn’t fight for third downs so they need to fight hard to gain the first down to stay on the field and keep the drive going.
They also need to avoid making too many mistakes. Avoid missing throws, not catching the ball, or missing blocking assignments. The Cougar offense also will need to avoid getting stupid penalties like holding, false starts, or delay of games. This will be crucial in staying on the field and keeping the ball out of the Bearcats hands.
Defense
This defense is coming in with a fresh start and a new coaching staff so expect to see a new defensive look. This also means that there may be a rocky start for them as they adjust from just being in practice to playing in a game. They will need to stick to the fundamentals of playing defense. This means hard-hitting, smart tackling, and getting to the quarterback. They also will need to be able to get to the quarterback and not just try but fight until they get to him.
The Cougar defense also needs to not commit penalties and cause the Bearcats to gain yards. This will not help them stay off the field and will also give the Bearcats another chance. They also won’t want to show much of what they have worked on as they won’t want to give the Big 12 schools too much film.
Special Teams
The BYU Special teams will be essential in winning games this year. For them to help win this game they will need to make field goals and after points. The punt team also needs to pin them behind the 20-yard line on every punt. This will make the Bearcats have to fight for more touchdowns and to stay on the field longer. The returners will need to put the offense in a good position on the returns by making big returns past the 25-yard line.
Sam Houston State
Let’s get to know the foe from Huntsville, Texas. Sam Houston State are the Bearcats and have just made the jump from FCS to FBS. They will now compete in Con-USA and play its first game as an FBS member on Saturday against BYU. This head coach has never coached at the FBS level even as an assistant coach.
Offense
The Bearcats offense is solid in many ways. Their run game is hard to stop and will help them gain first downs. The wide receivers and tight ends will be hard to keep the ball away from. This group is big and can highpoint that ball so well. The offense’s weak point is the line pass protection so that should be good because our defense will have a chance to get to the quarterback.
Defense
The Bearcats defense is magnificent and competes with the best of the best. This line is big and gets off their blocks fast so Kedon Slovis will have to be on his toes. They also are great at stopping the run and causing the opposing offense to lose yards. Their linebackers are fast and have no problem breaking through the line to hit the quarterback or blow up the run. It’s secondary will be a problem for Slovis and the receivers as they hit hard and fast.
