BYU Football Hosts Houston in Regular Season Finale Amidst Big 12 Championship Uncertainty
In preparation for their crucial matchup against the Houston Cougars, BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake addressed the media during a virtual press conference, setting the stage for Saturday’s high-stakes game at Provo’s LaVell Edwards Stadium.
The Big 12 Investigates Leaked Halftime Speech
A recent TikTok video, allegedly recorded outside of BYU’s locker room during halftime of last Saturday’s game against Arizona State, has sparked an investigation by the Big 12 Conference. When questioned about the matter, coach Sitake revealed that the league is indeed "looking into" the leaked audio, as part of a broader review of the game, including penalties, plays, and overall conduct. While Sitake expressed trust in the Big 12’s leadership, he emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the upcoming game against Houston.
Big 12 Championship Game Scenarios Remain Uncertain
For BYU football to reach the Big 12 Championship Game in Arlington, a win against Houston is not enough; they also require a favorable outcome in either the Arizona-ASU or Kansas State-Iowa State matchup. Coach Sitake, however, is reluctant to dwell on these scenarios, instead choosing to prioritize the team’s performance against Houston and letting the consequences of the game unfold naturally.
Improved Second-Half Offense Offers Glimmer of Hope
One silver lining following BYU’s loss to Arizona State was the team’s impressive second-half performance, which saw them produce 277 yards of offense and score three touchdowns. Sitake attributes this improvement to a combination of factors, stating that it was "more like what we should do" in terms of execution and point production. Building on this momentum, the team is poised to make a strong showing against Houston.
Senior Class to be Honored on Saturday
This Saturday, BYU football will pay tribute to its senior class, comprising 20 players who have demonstrated remarkable growth and dedication throughout their collegiate careers. Coach Sitake expressed his admiration for the senior class, acknowledging their remarkable transformation and honoring the trust bestowed upon him to guide their development.
Linebacker Harrison Taggart’s Status Remains Doubtful
Middle linebacker Harrison Taggart, who suffered an injury during the first quarter of the Arizona State game, is unlikely to play against Houston, according to coach Sitake. With Taggart’s absence, the team may turn to redshirt freshman Miles Hall or Sione Moa, who recently recovered from an injury, as potential replacements in the lineup.
Game Details: No. 19 BYU vs. Houston
- Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
- Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. (MST)
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM — Extended pregame begins at 6 p.m.)
