The bye week arrived at an ideal moment for the BYU football program following a 5-0 start. The Cougars left Waco with several injuries, particularly affecting their running back, linebacker, and offensive line positions. When BYU faces Arizona in two weeks, they will be at “full strength” at running back for the first time since the SMU game, as announced by head coach Kalani Sitake on Monday.
Starting running back LJ Martin has been sidelined since the first quarter of the SMU game, and his absence has impacted BYU’s rushing performance. His return will significantly enhance BYU’s ground game against the Wildcats.
Backup running back Hinckley Ropati has also been out since the SMU game but is anticipated to return for the matchup against Arizona.
Sione Moa, who shined in the game against Kansas State, missed the Baylor game due to an injury sustained in the fourth quarter against Kansas State but will be available for Arizona.
Other Injury Updates
Several BYU players exited the Baylor game with injuries, including wide receiver Kody Epps, linebackers Harrison Taggart and Isaiah Glasker, as well as offensive linemen Connor Pay and Weylin Lapuaho. Sitake confirmed that none of these injuries are season-ending.
Harrison Taggart is expected to return for the Arizona game, as noted by Sitake, who highlighted Taggart’s consistent performance on the BYU defense.
However, team captain and starting center Connor Pay is considered “highly doubtful” to play against Arizona, according to Sitake.
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