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PROVO — With Taysom Hill back under center, the BYU offense is expected to be one of the most prolific offenses in the country again. BYU ranked 26th nationally in passing offense, 47th in rushing offense and 26th in total offense in 2014.
With the BYU football season set to kick off in a little under a month, we take a look at the wide receivers and running backs. Both are essential to the Cougars' success, but which group will drive the Cougars' season?
In five games, Hill averaged 195 passing yards/game. That would've been good for 72nd in the nation. Hill will have to improve on those numbers if he's looking to be a serious Heisman Trophy candidate. Luckily for Hill, he has a plenitude of receivers at his disposal even with the departure of his favorite receiver, Jordan Leslie.
Mitch Mathews is the clear-cut No. 1 wideout. The senior's 6-foot-6 frame along with his elite athleticism make him a tough cover for any opposing corner. Mathews led the team in receptions (73), receiving yards (922) and receiving touchdowns (9). Mathews is one of those borderline NFL talents now. An exceptional season of route running and out-thinking opposing secondaries could lead to a rise in his draft stock.
After Mathews, there are at least six other receivers who are expected to get significant playing time. Mitchell Juergens had a breakout season in 2014 with 424 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Clearly the No. 3 receiver in 2014, Juergens has the chance to double his production from a year ago. Terenn Houk flashed moments of exceptional talent during his junior year and is expected to play a big role in his final season with the Cougars. Devon Blackmon, known mostly for returning punts, will see more time offensively. Nick Kurtz, Colby Pearson and Kurt Henderson are all expected to see an increase in playing time as well.
The question heading into the season is not the talent level of the receivers. They are legitimate. The question is whether Hill can get them the ball. Hill could struggle reaching his receivers early in the season with the high level of skill in the secondaries of their September foes. It may be best for Hill to rely on the Cougars' run game, especially early on.
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Even with Jamaal Williams' surprise announcement and the departure of former rugby standout Paul Lasike, the Cougars return three explosive running backs.
Algernon Brown will take over as the bell-cow in the backfield. Brown is expected to be a first and second down back. Expect to see Brown often in short yardage situations as well as a receiving threat from the backfield. Senior running back Nate Carter is emerging as the first back off the bench. Carter only had 47 carries in 2014 but averaged 6.2 yards per carry. Adam Hine is to be used mostly in returning kickoffs but will also see time in the red zone.
With all that information, which position group is more important to BYU's success?
The wide receivers are crucial for BYU's success. There is no doubt, if healthy, the Cougars' running game will be one of the best in the country. Brown, Carter, Hine and Hill's scrambles will be what opposing defenses will focus on. But the receivers' production will be the X factor in every game. If Mathews and the rest of the receiving core can win their individual matchups, Hill will do everything in his power to get them the ball.
If the receiving game can live up to the hype, the Cougars could have a special season.
Nathan Harker is a sports writing intern currently enrolled at Brigham Young University majoring in broadcast journalism. Nathan can be reached at nathan.harker32@gmail.com or via twitter @nharker3207.
