President Dallin H. Oaks made Saturday’s BYU game feel a little bigger before the Cougars ever took the field.
The prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the sponsoring faith of Brigham Young University, was in attendance for BYU’s matchup with Arizona State. Before the Cougars pulled out a 27-20 win over the Sun Devils, Oaks spent time with players and coaches on the sideline.
BYU football’s social media team posted videos showing Oaks meeting quarterbacks Bear Bachmeier and Treyson Bourguet, along with head coach Kalani Sitake. In one clip, Bourguet approached Oaks, who was wearing a BYU tie, and said, “I wanted to shake your hand.”
Oaks responded that he was glad to see him, then turned to Bachmeier and shook his hand.
“We’ve watched you play. We’re proud of you as a person, as well as a football player,” President Oaks told Bachmeier, a devout Catholic.
Keith Vorkink, BYU’s advancement vice president, also told Oaks that Bachmeier and Bourguet “are great disciples.”
After the handshake, Bachmeier hugged Sister Kristen Oaks, President Oaks’ wife.
Sitake also shared a moment with the Oakses in another video, hugging both President and Sister Oaks. The head coach told Oaks he loved him, and Oaks told Sitake he was proud of him.
Defensive end Hunter Clegg later posted a photo on Instagram of himself shaking Oaks’ hand and wrote, “Never washing my glove again,” in the caption.
No. 7 BYU now turns to No.
3 Utah, with the rivalry matchup set for Saturday at 10 a.m. MST at Rice-Eccles Stadium on ABC.
In Other News...
Keanu Tanuvasa Brings Extra Emotion Into BYU Rivalry Week
Rivalry week already carries its own weight in Provo, but Keanu Tanuvasa has brought a more personal layer to it. The BYU defensive tackle spent time at Utah before transferring across the rivalry line, and he has had to sort through what that means as the Cougars prepare for the next meeting between the programs. His perspective is shaped not just by the switch in uniforms, but by his relationship with Utah coach Morgan Scalley and the familiarity that comes with having lived on both sides of the matchup.
This week also arrives with something far bigger than football hanging over Tanuvasas head, since his wife is due to deliver their son. Even as he balances that family milestone, he has been talking about Utahs team and the responsibility he feels as a leader on BYUs defensive line. It gives the rivalry an extra edge, with Tanuvasa standing in the middle of a game that means plenty in the standings and even more in his own life. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Heads Into Utah With One Huge Question On Offense
BYUs ground game has lost some of its edge over the last four games since star running back LJ Martin went down with a leg injury, and the timing could hardly be worse with Utah next on the schedule. The setback has not been just about one player, either, because injuries along the offensive line have also made it harder for the Cougars to get consistent push up front and keep the run game on track.
Martin did practice recently, which at least gives BYU some hope as it heads into a rivalry matchup that usually demands physical football. Even so, his availability is still uncertain, leaving the Cougars to lean on a collective answer from the offense if they want to get the rushing attack moving again against Utah. [Read more 🡒]
BYUs Biggest Utah Question May Come Down To LJ Martin
LJ Martins status has become one of the biggest questions hanging over BYUs buildup to Utah, and it comes at a time when the Cougars could use every bit of backfield stability they can get. The running back has been sidelined with an ankle injury since Oct. 3, but he was back at practice recently, offering at least a sign that his recovery is moving in the right direction.
Still, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said it is too soon to know whether Martin will be ready for the game, leaving his availability very much up in the air. Preston Rex is expected to return from injury, which helps the depth chart, but Martins potential presence would carry a different kind of weight for a rivalry game where every healthy playmaker matters. [Read more 🡒]