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BYU safety Faletau Satuala 'ready to go' vs. Utah Tech, says Kalani Sitake
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- BYU safety Faletau Satuala 'ready to go' vs. Utah Tech, says Kalani Sitake
(USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect)
The BYU Cougars are approaching a game week window ahead of the Utah Tech opener at home next Saturday. Hard to believe the season is here again.
One of the biggest concerns was BYU defensive back Faletau Satuala 's status going into the season. After suffering a fractured foot in June, the Cougars were without him during the start of fall camp. But this week was a different story.
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Satuala returned to practice this week, which prompted an update from head coach Kalani Sitake. Needless to say, what was once a legitimate concern is now good news before the start of the season. There are still a few hurdles to clear, but he's on his way to being back to 100 percent. All the signs look good for him to make his season debut in Week 1 against Utah Tech.
"He'll be ready to go, though," Sitake told reporters about Satuala.
This comes at a perfect time as BYU will be finalizing the depth chart before the start of the season. Satuala's health is key to the Cougars' defense. He was the team's leading tackler last year, and could be in the same range this year. Satuala racked up 84 tackles, three interceptions, four pass deflections and two forced fumbles as a sophomore.
The Cougars will be able to use his leadership abilities in the secondary. Satuala is what you want from a player in the secondary. He registered a tackle in all 13 games last year, including three double-digit games in the heart of the Big 12 schedule. Also, one of his interceptions was a pick-six against Iowa State. It's further proof when he's healthy that Satuala is not only one of the best defenders in the Big 12.
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The Utah Tech game should be one of BYU's easiest contests for Sitake and his staff this season. It will also serve as a warm-up to ease Satuala into the start of the season and get him fully healthy. It will help to knock off some rust while still being up to speed.
Satuala's real task comes in Week 2 when Big 12 foe Arizona heads to Provo. The rare early-season conference matchup was shifted to accommodate the Notre Dame game on Oct. 17. BYU's first four games before facing the Irish will be interesting. After facing the Wildcats, the Cougars meet Colorado State in Fort Collins before a bye week. They'll then head to Fort Worth for a battle with TCU.
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