BYU, LA Tech both leery of facing high-octane offenses on short week (+how to watch, stream, listen)

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PROVO — It’s been a while since Skip Holtz has played BYU.

The first time was in 1989, when the first-time full-time assistant coach was on staff at Colorado State, and the Earle Bruce-led Rams took a 45-16 loss against then-No. 25 BYU. And though it wasn’t a favorable result, the program left an impression on Holtz that he carried into subsequent encounters with the Cougars — namely as an assistant at Notre Dame from 1990-93 before Holtz earned his first head coach job at UConn.

“It’s been a while since we crossed paths,” Holtz said, “but as I have watched from afar at all the success that they’ve had … I’ve really been impressed with what they do.”

Holtz will cross paths again with the Cougars (2-0) this Friday when he leads undefeated Louisiana Tech (2-0) into LaVell Edwards Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff (ESPN2). While he’s missed the mountains, and one of his favorite scenes in college football, there will be one other thing he’ll miss during the game.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions in the Provo-Orem area, Friday will fall under the two-week window of “orange” restriction levels, meaning the Cougars and Bulldogs will play in front of an empty stadium.

While it’s highly unlikely many of the fans that would’ve been allowed in the stands would be cheering for La. Tech, Holtz lamented during his weekly press conference with local media being unable to show the BYU fanbase to his players.

“One of the things I’ve enjoyed about BYU the most is that they have a passionate fan base and a great venue to play in," said Holtz, the son of legendary Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz. "With them not being there, it will still be a beautiful setting … but we’re certainly going to miss the environment that their fan base creates in their stadium.”

Both teams will be working under the same, fan-free restrictions caused by the coronavirus — much like how both teams will also be operating on a short week and preparing to face a high-scoring offense.

Louisiana Tech has averaged 48.5 points, 461.5 yards of offense, and 172.5 yards on the ground through two games.

The equally high-scoring Cougars, meanwhile, are coming off a 48-7 win over Troy in the home opener last Saturday, a mark that kept them ranked in the AP Top 25 at No. 22. Similarly, Louisiana Tech is coming off back-to-back wins, including a 66-38 win over Houston Baptist in the Bulldogs’ home opener in Ruston, Louisiana.

The Bulldogs also have to travel to Provo — they sent their equipment truck on the two-time zone-trip late Wednesday evening — while BYU’s biggest adjustment, perhaps, was combining Tuesday’s practice with Wednesday. That left BYU quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Aaron Roderick delaying his appointed time with the media in the evening, sent head coach Kalani Sitake sprinting to his weekly coaches’ show on BYUtv, and gave the players a lighter workout Wednesday — more similar to a Thursday practice.

Roderick won’t complain about short weeks, though, which usually come because of television but work in BYU’s favor during its annual tradition of kicking off on Friday due to general conference weekend for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“We’re in a similar position with La. Tech, and they’ve got a new defensive coordinator,” Roderick said. “We’re digging up film from other places he’s been. It’s tough to predict if he’ll do the same thing he’s done in other places.”

BYU coach Kalani Sitake signals from the sideline during the Cougars' NCAA college football game against Troy, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2020 in Provo, Utah. (Photo: Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo)

Despite the newness, Sitake said the Bulldogs have an identity and culture that is well established under Holtz, and it fits the profile of his previous teams at UConn, East Carolina and South Florida: fast, athletic and “big up front.”

“I’ve been really impressed with his leadership style and the way he connects with people,” Sitake said of Holtz. “It makes sense, being the son of a legend.

“But most important is what he’s done as a coach, the identity they have at La. Tech, and being able to get the most out of his players.”

In playing on a short week, recovery is also at a premium for a BYU squad that finished Saturday’s win at close to midnight. The Cougars also don’t practice, work out or hold football meetings on Sunday due to the university's affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The players still have to recover, though, says Kavika Fonua, the Syracuse High alum who played both linebacker and running back against the Trojans.

“That’s where getting with our trainers, making sure we’re getting right in the ice tub,” Fonua said, grimacing as if he were dipping into the ice bath. “The little things can be a big thing in getting our bodies right. Doing those little things will hope us to be less prone to injuries and help us be quick and fast in the game. Even with less time to prepare.”

For the coaches, the scouting report may look a little bit different. BYU didn’t add La. Tech to the schedule until after the Bulldogs’ season opener against Baylor was canceled Sept. 12. Likewise, Holtz joked that the first day of reviewing film on BYU played out primarily on Google as they looked for information on player personnel, scheme and team updates.

“Normally when you play your first four opponents, you have summer scouting reports … so when you come in on Sunday, you pull the summer scouting reports and you have the information to get your feet on the ground,” Holtz said. “For this one, we spent our Sunday on Google, trying to learn as much as we could about the program and the players.

“I think both teams are scurrying as much as you can to prepare for an upcoming opponent on a short week.”

It’s hardly a problem in 2020, though — both the Cougars and Bulldogs are simply grateful to still be playing.

“Obviously, the new norm right now is there really is no norm,” Holtz said. “We’re in unprecedented times. I can’t remember a time when this many football games were canceled, and everyone is trying to get what they can.”