BYU may be on the verge of getting a familiar face back in the mix this week.
Running back Sione Moa was not included on BYU’s initial injury report for the game at UCF, which typically points toward availability. That opens the door for Moa to return after missing time since the season opener against Utah Tech.
Still, a return to the injury report doesn’t guarantee a return to the field. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick made it clear that Moa has been cleared medically, but the final call may come down to where he is mentally and physically.
"We're still evaluating [Sione], but he is cleared to play," Roderick said. "He was cleared to play last week.
With him, it's just a confidence thing, you know. He's been through a lot, and we're not pushing him the way we might, you know, someone else...
Sione's been through some tough things, and so we're just trying to let him work through it, get his confidence back. When he's ready to go, he'll be on the field, because he's a very good player and he makes us better, for sure."
Whether that turns into actual carries against the Knights remains unresolved.
BYU’s injury report also listed just two other players: right guard Kyle Sfarcioc and safety Tommy Prassas. Sfarcioc played all 68 snaps along the offensive line against UCF, while Prassas started at safety against Notre Dame but was on the field for only eight snaps. Raider Damuni handled most of the safety work in Prassas’ first game back from injury.
On the UCF side, the biggest name is starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III. Barnett has been sidelined for the past several weeks, and Pete Thamel reported that he is not expected to start against BYU. Officially, though, he remains listed as questionable.
UCF has five players marked out for the matchup, including offensive lineman Owen Spell and linebacker Lewis Carter, both of whom have started games for the Knights. Carter has been UCF’s highest-graded defender against the run per PFF and is tied for the fifth-most "stops" on the team despite appearing in only three games this season.
The Knights are also without backup running back Taevion Swint, who has played in all six games and has rushed for 162 yards this year.
Defensive back DJ Bell is listed as doubtful, which gives him a 25% chance to play Saturday. Bell has appeared in all six games for UCF and has logged more than 200 snaps.
Two more UCF defenders worth watching are linebackers Jahleel Culbreath and Jayden Jennings. Both have played in every game this season and have each started multiple times. They are listed as probable for the BYU game.
In Other News...
BYU Suddenly Has A Backfield Question That Could Shape Everything
Bear Bachmeiers national recognition and Cade Uluaves Big 12 honor gave BYU plenty to celebrate after the win over Notre Dame, but the Cougars also left that game with a reminder that depth across the roster is still going to matter. With LJ Martin and Sione Moa sidelined by injuries, backup backs Preston Rex and Journee Tonga were thrown into meaningful work and helped stabilize an offense that needed them to hold up their end of the bargain.
That leaves the backfield in a familiar but delicate spot for Kalani Sitakes staff. Sitake praised the way the running backs have developed and contributed, but BYU is still evaluating Moas readiness to return after an injury history that has complicated his availability. How that shakes out could shape the balance of an offense coming off one of its biggest wins of the season. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Just Added A New Threat To Its Big 12 Push
With the Big 12 at its midpoint and three teams still unbeaten in league and overall play, BYU has already done enough to make the conference race feel crowded. The Cougars win over Notre Dame, pulled off despite injuries, has only sharpened the sense that this team belongs in the conversation with the leagues best, especially with several ranked teams still sorting out their own issues and identities.
What makes BYUs position even more interesting is how much turbulence sits around it. Houston has gotten a big lift from Conner Weigmans passing, Texas Tech has found more rhythm on offense, and other contenders have run into problems, from Oklahoma States defensive struggles to Baylors offensive issues and Arizona States in-game quarterback change. For BYU, the next stretch will say plenty about whether its fast start is a real Big 12 platform or just the opening chapter of a tougher climb. [Read more 🡒]
UCF Heads Into BYU Showdown With A Lineup Problem Fans Feared
UCFs trip to face No. 2 BYU comes with more uncertainty than the Knights probably wanted this late in the week. Running back Taevion Swint has already been ruled out because of injury, and the picture around the offense is still murky with quarterback Alonza Barnett III and receiver Duane Thomas Jr. both moving into questionable status. The availability of center Jacob Maiava and guard Owen Spell also matters for an offense that will need to be as clean as possible against one of the nations top teams.
Lewis Carter being ruled out only adds to the challenge on the defensive side, where every missing piece matters against a BYU team that can make opponents pay for even small breakdowns. Cornerback DJ Bell is among the players still working through injury questions, leaving UCF to sort through a lineup that could look different in several spots by kickoff. [Read more 🡒]