Nobody is giving BYU football much of a chance in 2024.
The Cougars are ranked No. 13 in the Big 12 preseason media poll for 2024. Last year, the media accurately predicted BYU’s ranking at No. 11.
.@BYUfootball head coach @kalanifsitake is excited for Year 2 as a member of the @Big12Conference.#KSLBig12 #Big12 #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/SeQrnrayfN
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 10, 2024
BYU football coach Kalani Sitake would undoubtedly love nothing more than to demonstrate that the media’s decision to make this year’s pick was shortsighted.
Kalani Sitake enters year nine as BYU’s head coach
It’s hard to believe that Sitake is now in his ninth season as head coach of his alma mater. It’s the second time in his BYU career that he’s coming off a losing season.
In 2017, he ended 4-9. The next year, in 2018, BYU advanced to the postseason with a 6-6 record and won their seventh bowl game.
That type of finish in 2024 would be a fantastic rebound for a club that struggled in its first season as a Big 12 participant.
During a scrum near the huge stage inside Allegiant Stadium, Sitake chatted with media and expressed optimism that his squad would exceed expectations this fall.
“It’s not about proving you all incorrect. “You just don’t know,” Sitake replied. “But once we’re on the field, you’ll know and feel it.” Hopefully, we can influence some attitudes.”
What could he be hinting at that none of us are aware of?
Reasons for optimism with BYU football
The natural concept is the return experience. Despite a disappointing season, almost the whole offense returns. On defense, Jay Hill’s scheme enters its second year, as returning starters gain a greater understanding of what they are supposed to perform.
Sitake mentioned physicality as an on-field identity that he wants for his squad as a Big 12 member. BYU athletes reported feeling challenged by the retooled strength and conditioning staff over the offseason.
Cougs are counting down the days until #Big12FB is back.#Big12FB | @totinos pic.twitter.com/Pf6h3teDZf
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) July 11, 2024
This offseason, the players went through several stadium steps and workouts to improve their physicality.
Perhaps this is why it is boosting Sitake’s confidence. Finally, on August 31, we’ll find out what gives Sitake modest confidence that his club will progress this season.
“There were a lot of unknowns going into this year from your guys’ standpoint. “I happen to know and have a better perspective on it all,” Sitake explained. “I just can’t wait to show it when it gets to the season.”
Four QBs with starting experience
One of those big unknowns is the quarterback position, where BYU hopes to resolve a competition during fall camp. Jake Retzlaff and Gerry Bohanon are the predicted top two heading into fall camp.
Sitake did, however, promptly highlight Western Michigan transfer Treyson Bourguet and McCae Hillstead, who transferred from Utah State two months ago.
“All four of them had played college football and started games,” he said. “That gives me a lot of confidence, knowing that a lot of things can happen in college football.”
.@BYUfootball head coach @kalanifsitake discusses the team's quarterback battle for 2024.#KSLBig12 #Big12 #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/Ykud3tmBCx
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 10, 2024
The Big 12 is the only Power Four league without a hierarchy. Utah is the preseason favorite to win the conference, but the Big 12, along with Texas and Oklahoma in recent years, has produced unexpected championship challengers.
Last year, the media predicted that Oklahoma State would finish seventh, and the Sooners faced Texas in the Big 12 Championship game.
Sitake understands that his team would have to work hard to rise above the low expectations.
“You don’t just come to BYU and expect people to understand and give you the benefit of the doubt. That just does not happen. We don’t expect it to happen.
“We also don’t see this as an angry thing, like, ‘Oh, this is a no-respect type of deal.'” We have a way of earning it. I don’t fault you for how you handled it. But if you can see what we see and understand what we know, I believe it will be a little different.”
BYU football begins fall camp sessions on July 31.