Three Massive Questions for BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake Before Big 12 Media Days

What are some of the most pressing questions for BYU head coach Kalani Sitake at Big 12 Media Days as the team prepares for Year 2 in the conference?

Big 12 Media Days are just around the corner, and BYU head coach Kalani Sitake is coming off his debut season in the conference. That season did not go as planned, as the Cougars finished with their first losing record since 2017.

What are some of the most pressing questions for Sitake during the Big 12 Media Days in Las Vegas following a disappointing season and a full year of experience in a new conference?

Three Most Significant Questions for Kalani Sitake at Big 12 Media Days

1) Has Jake Retzlaff Proved Enough To Be Named the Starter?

Kedon Slovis began the season as the Cougars’ starting quarterback, but he was replaced by Jake Retzlaff in the final four games. Neither player gave the impression that they could be the starter in the future, with Slovis completing 57% of his passes and throwing 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. In comparison, Retzlaff finished 50% with three scores and three picks.

Slovis has used up his eligibility, but Retzlaff is expected to start for Provo this season. However, USF transfer Gerry Bohanon joined the Cougars this spring, providing some competition behind center.

2) Has the Addition of TJ Woods Helped Improve the Run Game and Blocking?

Worst season, the Cougars ranked worst in the Big 12 in rushing, with just 104.3 yards per game.

In an effort to rectify this, Sitake hired TJ Woods as offensive line coach and run game coordinator. Woods, a former offensive line coach at Utah State (2011-2012, 2019), Wisconsin (2013-2014), Oregon State (2015-2017), WKU (2018), UNLV (2021-2022), and Georgia Southern (2023), provides extensive expertise to an area in need.

Last season, while coaching under Clay Helton’s pass-happy approach, Woods fared no better than BYU in the run game. The Eagles ranked lowest in the Sun Belt in running (117.2 yards per game), but first in passing (302.2).

3) Is BYU’s Strength of Schedule Concerning?

The Cougars received no gifts when it came to scheduling the upcoming season. According to CFN’s strength of schedule metric for 2024, BYU’s opponents rank 21st.

Since losing its independent status before last season, BYU’s schedule has included a slew of Big 12 opponents. This season, the Cougars face nine in-conference opponents, as well as SMU and Wyoming in non-conference play.