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BYU's Biggest Key to Success Against Utah Starts on the Ground
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- BYU's Biggest Key to Success Against Utah Starts on the Ground
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The path to Big 12 supremacy runs through the trenches, and BYU's ability to establish its running game could determine whether the No. 7 BYU Cougars can hand the No. 3 Utah Utes its first loss of the season.
As the Cougars prepares for Saturday's 'Holy War' rivalry showdown, the message from the coaching staff has been clear. They must run the football and be efficient at doing it.
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BYU (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) enters the contest with questions surrounding an offense that has struggled to find consistency on the ground since losing star running back LJ Martin to a leg injury. What once was a go-to force to help take the load off quarterback Bear Bachmeier has gradually become a concern. The Cougars managed just 47 rushing yards on 29 carries in last week's 27-20 victory over Arizona State.
That's not enough against a Utah defense that allows just 101.4 rushing yards per game (No. 22, FBS). Martin's potential return would provide a significant boost for Kalani Sitake's team. The reigning Big 12 offensive player of the year averaged 7.8 yards per carry before his injury, giving BYU a dynamic playmaker to work out of the backfield. However, BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said Martin's availability remained uncertain after Tuesday's practice.
"He practiced today," Roderick told reporters. "I'd say he did some good things. I'd say it's too soon to say if he's going to be ready by Saturday."
If Martin cannot play, BYU cannot afford to abandon its identity. Bachmeier has provided much of the rushing production in Martin's absence. But he can't do everything on offense. Backup running backs Sione Moa and Preston Rex have been asked to share some of the load.
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Sitake said establishing the run requires contributions from everyone on the field.
"The running game can't just be all on the running back or even the O-line," Sitake said. "It takes all 11 guys on the field doing their part."
The BYU offensive line was considered among the nation's best earlier in the season, but the unit has battled injuries. The challenge of Utah's defensive front will be particularly important to watch. The Utes have found success pressuring opposing offenses into uncomfortable situations. If BYU becomes one-dimensional, Utah can concentrate on disrupting Bachmeier's flow and make the passing game carry the offense. Martin would take the pressure off this aspect completely.
BYU's approach against Arizona State contributed to the rushing struggles. Expect an even balance in Roderick's play calls early on Saturday to establish a rhythm. It sounds simple, but more of a commitment to the ground game could be the difference for the Cougars keeping the Utes offense off the field.
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BYU does not necessarily need a 200-yard rushing performance to compete with Utah. It needs consistent production and more manageable situations on third down. The Cougars also must improve their perimeter blocking and execution up front, giving their running backs opportunities to reach the second level. If BYU controls the line of scrimmage and finds its rhythm on the ground, it will give itself a legitimate opportunity to challenge the Utes.
No. 7 BYU travels to Salt Lake City to face No. 3 Utah on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon ET on ABC .
