BYU Soccer: Cougars’ New Year’s Resolutions | Opinion

12 years is a long time hoping something will come true. In fact, most of us will lose interest along the way or get distracted and want something else.

Not BYU.

The Cougars didn’t blink an eye when they left Mountain West in 2011 to make the decision to attend the Power Five conference. Sure, there were times of ups and downs, disappointments, and even envy of the Northern team, but they never lost focus.

When the Big 12 called on Sept. 10, 2021, Athletic Director Tom Holmoe answered, and in a matter of minutes, BYU was all-in in every sport except men’s volleyball. For the Cougars and their nationwide fan base, “Rescue Day” had finally arrived, and there were few concerns about the “Liquidation Day” that came with it.

The day is here. No more obstacles or enemies to get in your way. It’s all about stepping up or being beaten down.

The Cougars officially joined the Big 12 on July 1st, and on September 3rd, when they walked out of the locker room as part of the P5 program at Ravel Edwards Stadium to face Sam Houston, the Big 12 logos were painted on both sides of the field. increase. Big 12 money to pay for a much bigger fireworks show overhead.

Yes, big things are coming. But just because it’s bigger doesn’t mean it’s easier. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Targeting a February 1 release, his 2023 schedule challenges BYU more than ever and calls for an offseason like never before.

As BYU bids farewell to independence and 2022, here are some resolutions for a new year in the Big 12.

Qualify for the Bowl: BYU has played more bowl games (40) than Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and UCLA, and 16 more than Utah. However, it will be difficult to advance to the postseason next fall. The Cougars need him to win at least six games from a schedule that has his 10th consecutive P5 opponent. A 6- or 7-win season deserves a celebration. BYU will also be participating in bigger bowl games than when it went on its own.

Stay healthy: Head coach Kalani Shitake replaced the strength and conditioning staff with the goal of improving the overall health of the team. When the Cougars entered New Mexico in his bowl, he was out with 11 starters and his 12 keys without his reserves. The quarterback position is especially important. When healthy, quarterback Jalen Hall is 7-1 this season. A bang on his shoulder put him 0-4 and he missed the bowl game due to his second injury (ankle).

Build QB Depth: BYU’s lack of depth at the quarterback position became apparent when the Cougars chose to play an injured Hall instead of a healthy backup. We need a much smaller talent gap between us. With Hall leaving for his NFL Draft, BYU found help on the transfer portal in the form of former USC and pitted QB Kedon Slovis.

Better run: The Cougars averaged 5.2 yards per carry in 2022. This might look great on paper, but when it was most needed like his 4-1 against Notre Dame, the runner went nowhere. BYU were down 4 and converted just 8 of 26 plays. This is directly related to the inability to move the ball on the ground.

The Cougars immediately turn to Aidan Robbins for help. The 6-foot-3-inch, 230-pound running back has run for over 1,000 yards and scored nine touchdowns at UNLV. He replaces departing Chris Brooks and joins returning Hinckley Lopati and Miles Davis in the backfield. The Cougars would be wise to sign a few more, as he’s 4th and 1st in the Big 12 is no easy shot.

Develop Pass Catcher: Returning receivers Chase Roberts, Cody Epps and Keanu Hill would make for an impressive trio in the Big 12, but the tiers behind them need to be replenished. In a total of 257 receptions this season, he has 13 passes for 3,246 yards and 32 touchdowns. His seven won’t be back in his 2023.

Rediscovering Rex: BYU has a 6-foot-6 tight end and needs twice as many receptions next year as it did this year. Isaac Rex finished with 22 passes for 320 yards and 6 touchdowns. Two years ago, when Zach Wilson was at quarterback, Rex caught 37 passes for 429 yards and 12 touchdowns. It’s time for BYU to rediscover Rex and attack the middle of the field with a tight end.Rex should be healthier next year and play a bigger role on offense.

Blitz and Sack: New defensive coordinator Jay Hill plans to rebuild BYU’s front seven. He wants to put more pressure on quarterbacks and those who can stop a run. Adding former Utah defensive line coach Sione Pouha to the staff, the 6-foot-4-inch, 225-pound edge from Boise State Adding rusher Isaiah Bagna is two steps in the right direction. Bagnah and returning starter Tyler Batty (6’5, 275 lbs) need to be killer B in BYU’s pass rush.

Build with Bywater: Of all the critically acclaimed linebackers the Cougars have showcased over the last two seasons, none have proven more durable or reliable than sophomore Ben Bywater. Not only did he lead the team in tackles (98) for the second year in a row, but he was also the only linebacker to appear in every game for the second year in a row (26).

Secondary protection: Redshirt freshman safety Micah Harper and sophomore corner Jakob Robinson have grown up on the field this season. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Harper finished his second on the team in tackles (62), while the 5-foot-10, 165-pound Robinson finished sixth in tackles (51) with five pass breakups and interceptions. was. He is no longer a boy, but a man who should be the primary playmaker in secondary education.

No price increase: As the field becomes more competitive in the Big 12, so does the cost of tickets. Even with an unprecedented amount of TV revenue for his BYU, fans should be prepared for a surge. It is understandable to raise ticket prices as long as it is reasonable. But it’s also the product of a big era that fans have long wanted.

Expectations based on reality: BYU is a winning football program. Too many, and an 8-5 season so disappointing that it has caused staff changes and player moves, and joining the Big 12 is where his 8-5 season in 2023 should be celebrated. more difficult to win in

This is not a call to accept defeat, but a more determined New Year’s resolution to enjoy victory. After this date, a win in the Big 12 would probably trump all but one of his wins.

Wishes come true, and after 12 years of longing, it’s finally the year to give BYU a sense of belonging.It’s a sign of the times when the ball drops in New York City’s Times Square on Saturday night. It marks both an end and a beginning for both calendars and cougars.

Ron Jenkins, Associated Press

Dave McCann is a Deseret News contributor, studio host for “BYU Sports Nation Game Day,” “The Post Game Show,” and “After Further Review,” and a play-by-play announcer for BYUtv. He is also the co-host of ‘Y’s Guys’. ysguys.com.