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Kalani Sitake

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BYU’s Advanced Metrics Favor Against Colorado State Despite Injury Concerns
sports1 month ago

BYU’s Advanced Metrics Favor Against Colorado State Despite Injury Concerns

No. 11 BYU Cougars face Colorado State Rams in Fort Collins on Saturday, with advanced metrics favoring BYU’s explosive offense and run game despite potential defensive injuries. BYU ranks 23rd in explosive play rate, while Colorado State allows the 131st most explosive plays nationally. The Cougars have zero giveaways, countering Colorado State’s 1st-ranked turnover forcing. BYU’s success rate on offense (9th nationally) contrasts with Colorado State’s 92nd-ranked success rate allowed, suggesting BYU can sustain drives. However, Colorado State’s offense is boom-or-bust, ranking 5th in avoiding third downs on touchdown drives. BYU may be without starting linebacker Siale Esera, who exited the Arizona game, and has already lost safety Raider Damuni and running back Sione Moa for the season. The Cougars are coming off a 28-17 win over Arizona, where QB Bear Bachmeier threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns. This is the highest-ranked opponent to play at Colorado State’s Canvas Stadium since its 2017 opening.

BYU tops Big 12 rankings despite key defensive injuries
sports1 month ago

BYU tops Big 12 rankings despite key defensive injuries

BYU is ranked No. 1 in the Big 12 power rankings following a 28-17 win over Arizona, but the team faces significant defensive injuries. Starting linebacker Siale Esera is likely to miss the upcoming game against Colorado State, while running back Sione Moa is out for the season. Despite these absences, BYU remains the top-ranked team in the conference, ahead of Utah, Texas Tech, and Houston.

BYU Opens 2026 Season with Utah Tech, Focused on Marquee Notre Dame Matchup
sports1 month ago

BYU Opens 2026 Season with Utah Tech, Focused on Marquee Notre Dame Matchup

BYU Cougars begin their 2026 football season against FCS opponent Utah Tech on September 5. The game serves as a testing ground for new offensive weapons and a chance to return to a packed LaVell Edwards Stadium. While the opponent is weak, the coaching staff is focused on scouting tendencies and preparing for upcoming high-profile matchups, including a game against Notre Dame.

BYU Fall Camp Day 11: Bachmeier Leads Scoring Drive, Freshmen Shine in Practice
sports2 months ago

BYU Fall Camp Day 11: Bachmeier Leads Scoring Drive, Freshmen Shine in Practice

BYU football practiced on Tuesday, with media observing the final 20-30 minutes. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier led a scoring drive, connecting with Reggie Frischknecht for a touchdown. True freshmen Journee Tonga and Legend Glasker made significant impacts, while defensive back Cannon DeVries recorded an interception. The wide receiver rotation appears to be solidifying around four key players.

BYU Fall Camp Day 1 Signals a Faster Team and Tight Rosters
sports2 months ago

BYU Fall Camp Day 1 Signals a Faster Team and Tight Rosters

BYU opened 2026 Fall Camp with Kalani Sitake highlighting a faster, more advanced team than last year, with Bear Bachmeier back at quarterback and LJ Martin ready to lead the offense. Sitake said roster spots are limited despite new players, while defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga earns praise for his work ethic. The program is counting on young receivers like Legend Glasker to contribute early as depth at wideout remains a focus.

BYU's Sitake shifts focus to rebuilding for spring after Kingston case
sports7 months ago

BYU's Sitake shifts focus to rebuilding for spring after Kingston case

BYU coach Kalani Sitake avoided discussing Parker Kingston’s expulsion and instead emphasized the program’s culture and leadership as spring practice begins, with the Cougars aiming for back-to-back double-digit win seasons. The team returns key players like LJ Martin, who is healing from a shoulder injury, and is looking to fill Kingston’s production while refining its approach and leadership under a “humble and hungry” mindset.

BYU Football Preview: Arizona Matchup and Key Players to Watch
sports1 year ago

BYU Football Preview: Arizona Matchup and Key Players to Watch

BYU, ranked No. 18 and undefeated at 5-0, is set to face Arizona, which has a strong defense and a talented secondary. Experts highlight BYU's improved coaching, solid defense, and effective offense led by QB Aaron Roderick and RB LJ Martin. Despite recent dominance over Arizona, the prediction favors Arizona 24-20, citing injuries and the strength of Arizona's defense as key factors.

BYU Football Updates and Insights on Key Matchups and Road Challenges
sports1 year ago

BYU Football Updates and Insights on Key Matchups and Road Challenges

BYU football is dealing with multiple injuries ahead of their game against East Carolina, including key players JoJo Phillips, Choe Bryant-Strother, and Justin Kirkland, but offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho is expected to return. Coach Kalani Sitake dismissed rumors linking him to the UCLA coaching job. The team, after a 2-0 start, remains uncertain as they face their first road game of the season.

BYU and Colorado Set for Epic Alamo Bowl Showdown
sports1 year ago

BYU and Colorado Set for Epic Alamo Bowl Showdown

BYU's football team, led by coach Kalani Sitake, seeks to earn national respect by winning the Alamo Bowl against Colorado on December 28. Despite a strong 10-2 season, BYU remains on the fringe of national recognition, ranked 17th in the College Football Playoff rankings. The game against Colorado, featuring high-profile players and coach Deion Sanders, offers BYU a significant opportunity to make a lasting impression and potentially improve their standing for the next season.

BYU Football's 2025 Signing Class: Key Highlights and Surprises
sports1 year ago

BYU Football's 2025 Signing Class: Key Highlights and Surprises

BYU football coach Kalani Sitake is prioritizing fit over flash in building the 2025 signing class, which currently includes 18 high school recruits. The focus is on players who align with BYU's program values both on and off the field. The class, ranked 55th nationally, includes a mix of offensive and defensive players, with an emphasis on offensive linemen. Many recruits plan to serve missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before enrolling. Sitake emphasizes culture and development over immediate talent acquisition.

ASU's Dramatic Win Over BYU Fuels Big 12 Title Hopes
sports1 year ago

ASU's Dramatic Win Over BYU Fuels Big 12 Title Hopes

BYU's hopes for a Big 12 championship game berth are still alive despite a recent 28-23 loss to Arizona State, but the team has struggled in November, losing control of its destiny after a strong 9-0 start. To qualify for the championship, BYU must beat Houston and rely on other game outcomes. The Cougars have faced issues with execution, including dropped passes and poor defense, and need to return to their earlier form to avoid last-minute game situations.

BYU and Arizona State Set for Pivotal Big 12 Clash
sports1 year ago

BYU and Arizona State Set for Pivotal Big 12 Clash

BYU Cougars, ranked No. 14, are preparing to face No. 21 Arizona State after a disappointing loss to Kansas, which ended their perfect season. Coach Kalani Sitake emphasizes the importance of refocusing and improving red zone execution as they aim to secure a spot in the Big 12 conference championship. Both teams have exceeded preseason expectations, making this matchup crucial for their playoff aspirations. Sitake stresses the need for better practice efficiency and execution, while players highlight the team's resilient identity and determination to bounce back.