BYU’s Running Back Injuries Loom Over Utah Rivalry Game
On November 2, BYU coach Kalani Sitake said LJ Martin’s availability for Saturday’s game against No. 3 Utah remained uncertain as the No. 7 Cougars worked through injuries and a struggling run game.
BYU’s leading running back, LJ Martin, has been out since suffering a severe ankle sprain against TCU on October 3. Coach Kalani Sitake said on November 2 that the team would assess Martin over the next two days, but offered no firm indication he would play against Utah on Saturday in Salt Lake City. The Utes are 8-0, while BYU is 7-1.
The Cougars’ other backs are also dealing with availability or performance concerns. Preston Rex missed Saturday’s 27-20 win over Arizona State, while Sione Moa had 20 yards on eight carries. Freshman Journee Tonga gained two yards on two attempts, and Devaughn Eka did not play. BYU’s latest depth chart lists Rex and Moa as co-starters.
Sitake said film review showed missed assignments contributed to the lack of production on the ground against Arizona State. He said a successful rushing attack depends on all 11 players, not just the backs or offensive line. Utah’s defense has forced at least one turnover in each game this season, and Sitake described the Utes as strong across offense, defense and special teams. Utah running back Wayshawn Parker has 726 yards on 109 carries, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt.
BYU also has injuries in its secondary. Cornerback Evan Johnson, who sprained an ankle against UCF, missed the Arizona State game and is considered questionable for Utah. Sitake said no season-ending injuries came out of the latest game. Defensive lineman Keanu Tanuvasa is balancing practice with the possibility that his wife could give birth at any time; he said coaches and trainers are ready to alert him if he needs to leave for the hospital.