The BYU season started off hot, gathering top 25 honors and hopes for a season reminiscent of the Ty Detmer days. But all of that came to a crashing to earth when starting quarterback Taysum Hill was injured in the 5th game of the year and out for the remainder of the year.
But the Cougars picked themselves up and were able to finish the year strong with a 8-4 record. Some players to watch in this game are a surprising replacement at QB and a Defensive End who has fueled the Defense from his return from injury. After a 7-1 mark in league play this year, Memphis is looking to cap off its season with its first bowl game win since the 2005 Motor City Bowl in their first meeting versus BYU.
By: Matt Vahey
BYU
Christian Stewart – QB, #7, 6’2’’, 208
BYU’s season was more than given up on by fans and media when Taysum Hill went out, but then Christian Stewart came in, while there were some growing pains and went 0-4 in his first four starts, during the current 4 game winning streak he has been on fire and has showed poise in the pocket throwing for 14 touchdowns and 1 interception during the streak. What he needs to improve upon is his accuracy as he is just above 58% for the season and had thrown 5 interceptions in 4 games during the losing streak. He has been decent on his feet and has added four scores running the ball, but he has done his damage through the air and has 22 TDs on the season. With Stewart hitting his stride, keep an eye out during the bowl game as he has been getting better week in and week out.
Alani Fua – LB, #5, 6’5’’, 234
He is the best defensive player on the field for BYU, and it was seen during the season as he missed all 4 of the games during the teams losing streak. Since he has returned, he has been getting better and better, and most recently in the win against Cal he showed that he is finally nearing 100% healthy as he had 5 tackles a sack and 3 passes defended. This stat line most describes the type of player the Fua is when healthy, a good athlete who plays all over the field, in coverage and rushing the passer. Fua could use to put some more weight on his frame as he can get blocked if an offensive lineman gets inside and get ahold of him. But he will be the player the Cougars need to make plays in order to win.
Others to watch:
Jordan Leslie – WR, #9, 6’3’’, 215
Skye Povey – DB, # 7, 6’0’’, 200
Memphis
Al Bond – OG #54, 6’4, 305
Bond is a First-team American Athletic Conference selection who started all 12 games at right tackle. The senior right tackle plays strong, athletic football. He controls defenders at the line of scrimmage and shows above average athletic ability to get out to the second level where he shows a good ability to play in space and control linebackers. Bond has a more typical guard like frame and figures to kick inside at the next level. Bond, at this point, is a late round prospect who will be playing on Sunday’s.
Martin Ifedi – DE #97, 6’3, 275
Martin became Memphis’ all-time sack leader this season, though he finishes with only 2.5 on the year. This has been a down year for Ifedi, as he missed four games due to a knee injury which has hampered him still. Ifedi, while a good (not great) athlete, relies more on technique and hustle to make plays. His impact is felt more as a pass rusher than against the run, as he does a nice job of keeping his eyes up and on the quarterback when engaged and can get off his blocks to follow a scrambling QB before the lineman reacts. Will need to become more consistent against the run if to succeed at the next level, but should garner some late round consideration.
Others to watch:
Brandon Hayes- RB #38, 5’8, 198
Tank Jakes – LB #13, 5’11, 227
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