BYU looks to sharpen depth during bye week after 3-0 start

BYU entered its bye week after a 41-23 victory over Colorado State, improving to 3-0 for the fourth consecutive season. Head coach Kalani Sitake said the team felt positive about the performance of starters and key backups but noted that several lower-depth-chart players made “uncharacteristic mistakes” in the second half, allowing the Rams to score 16 points after halftime.

Sitake emphasized that playing “more assignment-sound” and correcting those errors are priorities, adding that the team can easily fix the issues. He also highlighted the need to develop younger players during the week before the next game against TCU on Oct. 3.

Cornerback Evan Johnson echoed the sentiment, stating that the defense trusts its second- and third-stringers but must clean up “little things” to become the best unit. Despite eight penalties costing 74 yards, BYU maintained control, building a 31-7 halftime lead and extending it early in the third quarter.

Injuries kept tight end Roger Saleapaga, right guard Kyle Sfarcioc and backup receiver Tiger Bachmeier out of the game, but seniors Trevin Ostler and Keayen Nead stepped in effectively. Transfer Walker Lyons recorded two catches for 40 yards, and Nead logged his first reception as a Cougar.

The Cougars will use the bye week for self-scouting and to improve execution, aiming to sustain their early-season success as they face a tougher schedule ahead.