The Cougars have key running backs returning from injury

BYU is back after a week off and the most important development since we last spoke is the running back situation.

Through the first five weeks of the season, quarterback Jake Retzlaff is the Cougars' leading rusher. That's largely because BYU hasn't kept any of its running backs healthy for more than a few quarters.

LJ Martin was eliminated at the start of the second week. Sione I Moa had his breakout game against Kansas State and was injured before next week. Even Hinckley Ropati went down after a total of 21 carries.

But heading into this weekend's game against Arizona, head coach Kalani Sitake believes the running back room has reached full strength…finally.

BYU used its extra practices last week to integrate Martin, Moa and Ropati back into the fold. Martin hasn't played in over a month.

“It was important to get those extra reps for her,” Sitake said.

Now the question is whether BYU will use a featured back in this game. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick has opted for a quick attack by committee this year – swapping players in and out.

With Martin and Moa back, perhaps one will emerge as the clear leader.

“It's one problem, but now it's a different problem. “We got our depth chart back,” Sitake said. “Now that they’re back, we’ll see how we deal with it in the next game.”

Arizona is a difficult team to figure out. It already has two losses — including last week against Texas Tech — but it also has two of the best players in the conference.

Quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan are both potential first-round NFL draft picks.

McMillan's has already had three games with over 130 yards this year alone. He passed for 304 yards and four touchdowns against New Mexico. He added 161 against Tech last week. That was after a 2023 season in which he finished in the top five in the country in receiving yards.

Fifita also ranks 26th nationally in total yards. If he plays well, he can take over any defense. Two weeks ago he handled Utah quite well.

It almost gives Arizona the feel of a basketball team – where only two players can determine the outcome of a game.

That’s BYU’s challenge this week. And Sitake knows it – he even saw the high school movie that Fifita and McMillan starred in together.

“It’s always fatal. They have a great connection. But that was back when they were in high school together,” Sitake said. “He makes some tough throws and has elite awareness. You combine that with McMillan’s ability to catch the ball and take the lead.”

One thing to watch for: Can BYU pressure Fifita, make him uncomfortable and get him down?

Arizona allowed pressure on its quarterback. Fifita has experienced more than 15 pressures in every Big 12 game to date. But not every team actually managed to take him down.

Against Utah, Fifita experienced 17 pressures but no sacks. Arizona won that game.

But against Tech, he was pressured 15 times and was sacked twice. He lost that.

Oddly enough, Tech and Northern Arizona were the two teams that actually took Fifita down this year (over 13% of their pressures turned into sacks). BYU should have a chance to reach Fifita this week.

Who should get more porters this week: Martin, Ropati or Moa? Reply to this email with your thoughts.

(AP)

1. Dealing with physicality

This Arizona defense will be physical, perhaps the most physical test of the season so far. We talked about Chase Roberts' evolution in dealing with men's coverage. This is the type game where it can show up.

BYU should see plenty of men's coverage this week. The Cougars need to put up points to keep up with Arizona's offensive output.

2. Deal with the pressure

Baylor was not a blitz-heavy team. But in the second half, the Bears just put pressure after pressure on Retzlaff. That was partly because BYU couldn't pay them to do it.

There were some opportunities to make big plays in the passing game. But there were some early drops and errors. BYU took an 8-1 lead on third down in the second half. Even converting one of these could potentially have relieved the pressure.

If Arizona sees this and wants to beat BYU, watch to see if the Cougars can break it.

3. Kody Epps out

There is one player BYU will not have this week: Kody Epps. The receiver left the game in Waco and will sit out against Arizona. The hope is to get him back for Oklahoma State in two weeks, Sitake said.

4. Pay and the center problem

Back to the central problem. Connor Pay is out this week and plans to return against Utah. BYU spent his bye week figuring out who will replace him. Sitake has three options, but Sonny Makasini is the most likely. He lined up for Pay against Baylor and it went well. But Makasini really didn't play much at center. He mainly works as a guard.

BYU vs. Arizona

LaVell Edwards Stadium

Kick-off: 2 p.m

TV: FOX

Thanks for reading!

—Kevin Reynolds