Liberty University will host the BYU Cougars this Saturday for the Flames’ second consecutive home game. The Flames and Cougars will showdown in Lynchburg, Virginia on Oct. 22 at 3:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU and LFSN Radio (The Journey 88.3 FM).
The Cougars are coming off a tough loss at home to the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Razorbacks delivered the Cougars’ third loss of the season, giving them a 4-3 record. BYU went 10-3 last season and hopes to have similar success this season.
Besides Arkansas, BYU has lost to Oregon and Notre Dame this season. The Cougars are currently on a two-game losing streak, going back to their setback against the Fighting Irish in Las Vegas two weeks ago.
This Saturday will be the second time the Flames and Cougars have ever met on the gridiron. In 2019, Liberty played at BYU and lost 31-24.
Liberty and BYU are currently both independent football programs, but both will be moving to a conference beginning with the 2023 season. The Flames will be joining Conference USA while BYU will head to the Big 12.
Kalani Sitake, the Cougars’ head coach, played fullback for BYU in the late 90’s. After a one-year stint playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, Sitake began his coaching career with Eastern Arizona in 2001. Sitake has been with BYU since 2016. Over the last two seasons, Sitake has led BYU to consecutive 10 win seasons.
Last Saturday, BYU claimed 471 total yards of offense. Quarterback Jaren Hall threw for 356 yards and Puka Nacua scored three touchdowns. In total, the Cougars were able to put 35 points on the board against Arkansas in the losing effort.
The Cougars biggest weakness this season has been their defense. BYU has, on average, allowed 404.4 yards a game this season. In comparison, Liberty has allowed an average of 340.6 yards per game this year.
Three Players to Watch For
QB #3 – Jaren Hall has thrown for 1,914 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions this season. Hall finished #22 in most passing yards last season and is on track to easily surpass those numbers this season. Hall leads BYU’s offense and is a dynamic playmaker.
LB #31 – Max Tooley has delivered 28 solo tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack, and 3 interceptions this season. Tooley leads the Cougars’ defense in solo tackles and interceptions.
WR #12 – Puka Nacua has rushed for 120 yards and 4 touchdowns and received for 189 yards and 1 touchdown this season. Nacua scored a 75-yard rushing touchdown last week and was BYU’s most explosive player last Saturday.
Upcoming Games
Oct. 22 – BYU @ Liberty
Oct. 28 – BYU vs East Carolina
Nov. 5 – BYU @ Boise State
