PROVO — BYU opened preparations for the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego with a practice Thursday morning, and if that seems late, consider what they’ve been doing since a 28-10 win over Utah State in the regular-season finale Nov. 26.

First, the Cougars had to learn their bowl opponent: old Western Athletic Conference rival Wyoming will match up with the Cougars at Qualcomm Stadium on Dec. 21.

Next, BYU football players who also happened to be college students finished up the fall semester, with finals beginning Saturday. Each player will need to finish finals before the Cougars arrive in San Diego the week before the bowl game.

But they haven’t been focusing strictly on the classroom. Assistant coaches hit the recruiting trail, Kalani Sitake was recognized by the state of Utah as the Communicator of the Year, and players have spent every day in the weight room, rehab sessions and individual workouts even while the team's training has been in a lull.

Yeah, it’s been busy enough.

“Balancing schoolwork is a challenge, but we also asked them to empty the tank in the last game and we need to get back,” BYU coach Kalani Sitake said. “But (the bowl game) gives you time to get ready so you can slow down a little bit. We can space it out a bit and there are a lot of things we can do.”

Getting healthy is important; the Cougars expect running back Jamaal Williams to be at full strength by Dec. 21, and several other players are returning to full health.

One player that won’t be suiting up in San Diego is quarterback Taysom Hill. The fifth-year senior injured his elbow in the final moments against the Aggies, and backup quarterback Tanner Mangum will start against the Pokes (8-5).

That makes the extra weeks between the regular season and postseason more necessary than ever.

“Losing Taysom, we’re going to need all that time to get ready,” Sitake said. “It’ll be beneficial for our offense and also to get healthy.”

The Cougars (8-4) don’t want to take the Cowboys lightly, but they also recognize the unique schedule the Poinsettia Bowl has to offer. Pregame trips include a fan rally in downtown San Diego, a trip to SeaWorld and several luncheon and media events before kickoff Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. PT on ESPN and KSL Newsradio.

The extra time will go a long way toward school work, defensive end Sae Tautu said.

“With spreading it out, it allows us to focus on finals but also be prepared,” Tautu added. “It’s nice to get healthy and feeling well, and now it will be nice that the bowl game doesn’t conflict with finals.”

Juggling school, football and the extracurriculars of modern college football can be difficult. For defensive end Corbin Kaufusi, he’s also keeping an eye on a return to the BYU basketball team. Kaufusi expects to be available for coach Dave Rose and company by the West Coast Conference opener Dec. 29 against Santa Clara.

“It definitely poses some difficulties,” Kaufusi said. “You have to get good grades, but we want to win. It takes some juggling.”

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Taysom Hill's BYU career is over with 4th season-ending injury

Taysom Hill, who suffered the fourth season-ending injury of his five-year career Saturday night in the Cougars’ 28-10 win over Utah State, suffered a left-elbow strain that will keep him out of BYU's postseason contest at the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego, BYU announced Monday.

The former Timpview High two-sport standout is hopeful to be a full participant at BYU hoops practice Dec. 26.

“I think we have a great team,” Kaufusi said. “The feel of the team is locked in. We always have a great team. But this year, the guys are a lot closer. Every guy has amazing potential, and being able to work together to use that potential is big.”

Until then, the balancing act continues between football and book work — for one more game.

“I want to leave it all on the field,” Tautu said. “Every time I strap up on the field, I say my prayers to be safe and to make it the best game I’ve ever played. Going into my last goal as a college football player, the goal is the same.”

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