Independent Football Teams - 2021 BYU Cougars Preview
Our BYU Cougars preview 2021 observes that after a disastrous 2017 season, where the team went 4-9, they have posted winning marks each year and gone to three-straight bowl games. Last season was exceptional, as the #13 Cougars posted an 11-1 record and went to the Boca Raton Bowl. In that postseason contest they beat UCF 49-23. Last season, BYU averaged the third-highest average point total in the nation (43.5). Their scoring defense allowed just 15.5 PPG, ranking fourth nationally. It was a breakthrough season for this football team.
BYU Offense
Quarterback Zach Wilson, who tossed 30 TD passes and just three picks last season while completing 73.5 percent of his passes, is gone. Wilson went off to the NFL, which means there’s a mighty competition to fill the void he’s left. At this point, who will occupy the starting spot has not been determined. The top two prospects are freshman Jacob Conover and sophomore Jaren Hall. However, sophomore Baylor Romney and Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters are also in the running. WR Dax Milne, who last season had 70 catches for 1,188 yards and eight touchdowns, is also gone. However, four receivers with 23 or more receptions do return, including freshman All-American tight end Isaac Rex who topped the team with 12 TD catches. In addition, two brothers, Samson and Puka Nacua, transfers from Utah and Washington State, add depth at wide receiver.
Good news concerning the ground game, as the top two rushers from last season are back. Last season, sophomore Tyler Allgeier led the team with 150 rushes, 1,130 yards, and 13 TDs. Lopini Kosta is right behind him. In 2020, he gained 444 yards on 84 carries while scoring five times. Three-of-five starters return to the O-line. This is a solid unit.
BYU Cougars Preview 2021 - Defense
The Cougars welcome back just four starters on defense. Not one starter returns to the frontline. Last season, BYU struggled when it came to sacks. This season, once again, they will have a tough time finding effective edge rushers. The linebacking unit returns intact. It is comprised of the top-three returning tacklers from last season, MLB Keenan Pili (72), OLB Payton Wilgar (57), and OLB Max Tooley (44). Although the trio posted 10 TFL, six PBU, and nine QBH, they did not have a sack and made just one interception.
Like the frontline, the secondary lacks experience. Cornerback Keenan Ellis, who posted three PBU, returns. Quality safety Chaz Ah You missed most of last season due to injury. He’s healthy now and appears to have the potential to become a premium defender.
Specialists
Last season, the BYU kicking and return games were exceptional. Placekicker Jake Oldroyd was 60-of-62 on extra points and 13-of-13 on field goals. He hit four three-pointers from 50-plus yards. Our BYU Cougars preview 2021 notes that punter Ryan Rehkow was also stellar. Rehkow averaged 45.1 YPP and placed 16-of-28 within the 20-yard-line. Return man Caleb Christensen averaged 20.6 YPR on kickoffs.
BYU Cougars Preview 2021 - Projection
Our BYU Cougars preview 2021 notes that whoever starts at QB, he’ll have a tough time coming close to Wilson’s output. However, the team will be helped by what is a relatively light schedule. Still, it’s not as light as last season’s string of games. Their schedule includes USC, Arizona State, and Utah, all of which are very tough Pac-12 teams. Expect BYU to suffer more than one loss this season. The fact is 2021 will not be a repeat of 2020.
Independent Football Teams - BYU Cougars 2021 - Predictions:
Record: 9-3
Independence Bowl vs Louisiana Tech