Key Players to Watch in Both Teams – Deseret News

This Saturday, LaVell Edwards Stadium will host a highly anticipated game between BYU and Utah, promising an intense atmosphere. Both teams are led by experienced coaches: Kalani Sitake for BYU and Kyle Whittingham for Utah. The match-up is expected to feature significant defensive plays and could hinge on the performance of each team’s quarterbacks.

Key Players to Watch: BYU vs. Utah

As the game approaches, certain players are poised to make a significant impact. For BYU, two key figures emerge:

• Bear Bachmeier – The freshman quarterback is under pressure but has shown promise. His decisions will be pivotal in managing the game.
• Parker Kingston – The wide receiver has recorded back-to-back 100-yard games and is expected to be a major target. His ability to make plays will be crucial, particularly against a Utah secondary that has shown vulnerability.

On the Utah side, the spotlight falls on:

• Devon Dampier – The Utes’ quarterback balances experience with the need to perform under pressure in a rivalry setting. His ability to make smart plays will be key.
• Wayshawn Parker – As a running back, he is anticipated to exploit any weaknesses in the BYU defense, especially if they focus heavily on containing Dampier’s runs.

Defensive Strategies

Defensive strategies will be critical in determining the winner of this match. BYU may employ a plan similar to those used by previous opponents to stop the Utes.

• Isaiah Glasker – This linebacker will play a vital role in applying pressure and covering tight ends. Stopping Utah’s running game will be crucial for BYU.
• Lander Barton – For Utah, the linebacker needs to focus on stopping BYU’s run game while also managing coverage responsibilities.

Predictions and Insights

Analysts have made predictions for the outcome of the game. Dick Harmon suggests that the game will be tightly contested, with Utah winning 24-21 based on their overall performance and player impact. Conversely, Jay Drew believes BYU will come out on top with a similar scoreline.

As the rivalry continues, both teams are aware that the matchup could be defined by their offensive and defensive line performance. Whichever team can establish dominance on both fronts will likely secure the win.