Game 1 @ USF

[byufan4ever]

Here's the depth chart (which Sitake originally told the media to figure it out themselves lol)

Depth Chart USF Specialists.PNG (53.78 KiB) Viewed 1771 times

According to KSL here are the changes to the one dropped at Media Day in June:

At running back, all of the ORs are gone. Miles Davis won the third running back spot. Davis received much praise throughout camp from BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick.

The tight end spot added an OR next to Masen Wake. While also removing the fullback position altogether.

In the least shocking development of fall camp, BYU removed the OR at left tackle. Potential first-round NFL draft pick Blake Freeland, and now team captain, won that spot decisively. That’s putting it lightly.

Over on the defensive side at defensive end, Fisher Jackson and Weber State transfer Logan Lutui moved above Alden Tofa.
Then at the tackle spot, Alema Piliami was removed altogether, and in replace of him was Bruce Mitchell, a returned missionary from South Summit.

A significant development was at this position, where Lorenzo Fauatea earned an OR next to Gabe Summers and him. Fauatea had an excellent camp and is one of the top players along the line for BYU entering the season.

Finally healthy, after dealing with an off-season back injury that sidelined him, Fauatea appears ready to make an impact as a full-time defensive tackle.

The flash linebacker position added Tavita Gagnier. A former Tooele native, Gagnier has been trending up the depth chart since he suffered a season-ending injury last year. Gagnier took the spot of Chaz Ah You, who is not on the depth chart but is still with the program on the 124-man roster.

Talented freshmen linebackers Bodie Schoonover made the depth chart at MIKE, and Tate Romney checked in at the ROVER linebacker spot.

A subtle but interesting development is at strong safety. Former Orem High defensive back Ethan Slade earned the third string spot over Talan Alfrey.

Slade has earned high praise from Ed Lamb as one of the most improved players in the program. Last year, he had two interceptions in a scrimmage, and this year he showed playmaking ability throughout camp.

On the perimeter at cornerback, Evan Johnson and Zion Allen, a pair of young freshmen, were removed. In replace of them were Jakob Robinson and speedster Jacob Boren.

Over on special teams, Talmage Gunther moved up to second-string holder over Hayden Livingston. At kick returner, Miles Davis and Jacob Boren were removed in favor of Hobbs Nyberg and Talmage Gunther.

[byufan4ever]

Game Predictions

Vanquish The Foe: BYU 23, USF 20
Athlon Sports: BYU 42, USF 10
ESPN: 64.8% to win
KSL: BYU by 7

I don't have the stats, but it seems that we don't do that well on the East Coast. What scares me is that USF has Baylor transfer Gerry Bohanon at QB. He lead the Baylor Bears to the Big 12 title, as well as a Sugar Bowl victory over Ole Miss last season. This is going to be a tight one and I'm siding with VTF with a 3 point victory.

[scott715]

4pm EDT on ESPNU. I will be in London. I wonder if I will be able to get the game.

[scott715]

Preview

https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/2022/9/2 ... f-football

[byufan4ever]

Preview

https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/2022/9/2 ... f-football

Great preview. Another good VTF article Previewing South Florida with USF expert My takeaways: USF has a lot of transfers. Talented players from bigger programs, but they haven't played together. According to 247Sports, South Florida had the 32nd ranked transfers for 2022. They also have a new OC and DC. The Daily Stampede predicts Cougars win 45-27.

[scott715]

New DC and OC will hurt them. I did not know that.

I hear Gunner is out for the game.

[Sammich]

I knew this would be one of the easier games on our schedule, but I was not expecting this start. Seems like BYU always starts the season a little slow in the first game.

[TulaneVandyRiceCoug]

Incredible first half. Can't ask for much better.

Tooley's pick six was the dagger, but that opening play

Hope everyone stays healthy. The rout is on. I like Jaren's reads and poise. Katoa and Brooks in the backfield and the multiple tight end sets are hard to defend. This offense is legit, and dare I say, a pleasure to observe.

I wonder if we see Conover in the 4th Q. I mean this is an old fashioned beat down.

[scott715]

I'm in UK and fell asleep on the delay. Just saw that we won. Very nice.

[BoiseBYU]

Solid solid win. Hall threw sharp balls. Brooks and Katoa are a solid tandem. The defense was quite stout. Kick off coverage was the only area where we looked shaky. It took a while but a fun game to watch.