BYU’s first injury report for Saturday’s matchup with Baylor brought a mixed bag, but the biggest headline is that LJ Martin is trending toward playing.
The star running back was listed as “probable” on Wednesday evening, which points to him being available against the Bears. Still, there’s a real question about how much BYU can lean on him after he managed just eight touches against Utah and didn’t look like his usual self.
Three other starters showed up on the report as well. Linebacker Isaiah Glasker is “questionable” after getting banged up on the first play against Utah before returning to the game. That designation leaves his status up in the air heading into Saturday.
The other two names are more concerning. Cornerback Evan Johnson and starting tight end Roger Saleapaga both missed last week’s game against Utah, and both are listed as “doubtful” for Baylor.
Saleapaga’s absence forced BYU into more three-receiver looks against Utah, and Walker Lyons took on a much bigger role. He was on the field for almost every snap, playing 63 of 66 offensive snaps, and made the most of it with seven catches for 97 yards.
Johnson’s absence has already reshaped the secondary, with Jayven Williams stepping into a starting role and holding up well against some of the best wide receivers in the Big 12 over the last several weeks. Cornerback Therrian Alexander III, who went down with an injury against Utah, is not on the injury report, so he is expected to be available against Utah.
BYU will also be without special teams contributor and tight end Will Zundel, who left the Utah game with an injury and did not return.
Baylor’s report was much cleaner. The Bears listed six players on the initial injury report, but five of them have not played a snap this season. The only notable name is starting defensive lineman Devonte Tezino, who had a strong opener against Auburn but has not played since week two.
That means Baylor’s defense has already been operating without him for a while, and the Bears’ defensive line remains one of the best BYU will face this season.
In Other News...
BYU Fans Suddenly Have A Very Uncomfortable Reason To Watch Utah
The latest College Football Playoff rankings gave the Big 12 a jolt of credibility, with Utah sitting at No. 2, BYU at No. 10, Texas Tech at No. 12 and Houston at No. 14. For BYU, the placement is a reminder that the Cougars are still very much in the mix, but also that the path ahead is crowded and shaped by what happens around them as much as what happens in Provo.
Utahs position is the one that now looms largest for BYU fans, because the Utes are in prime shape to reach the playoff if they keep winning and potentially add a Big 12 title to their resume. That creates the uncomfortable part for Cougar supporters: the conference race, the rankings and the playoff math are all tangled together, and BYUs hopes may depend on watching a rival navigate the exact finish line the Cougars want to reach themselves. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Is About To Get A Scoring Boost It Really Needed
BYU is set to get a welcome addition back in the rotation when Dawson Baker is expected to return for the upcoming game against Montana State. After being sidelined for nearly a year following multiple knee injuries and surgeries, Baker has finally been cleared to play, giving the Cougars a chance to add a proven scoring option they have been missing.
Bakers return matters because BYU has been looking for more punch off the bench, and his presence should help in both depth and offense. Coaches and players have been upbeat about what he can bring, and even after such a long layoff, there is real anticipation around how quickly he can settle back into a meaningful role. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Faces A Huge Big 12 Test With Its Offense Under Pressure
BYUs next Big 12 measuring stick arrives Nov. 14 at LaVell Edwards Stadium, where Baylor comes in tied with the Cougars in the conference race and the stakes feel a little bigger than a mid-November home date usually would. The line has BYU favored by 7.5 points, but the bigger storyline is what this game says about the Cougars place in the league picture, especially with championship contention still very much in play.
Baylor brings an unusual setup of its own, with interim coach Joe Klanderman guiding the Bears and DJ Lagway expected to start at quarterback. BYU is expected to counter with Bear Bachmeier under center, while the health of running back LJ Martin is something to watch as the Cougars try to keep their offense on schedule in a game that could shape the rest of their Big 12 path. [Read more 🡒]