'They've got our full attention': BYU has a lot to prove in 2024, even against FCS opponent

PROVO — Marque Collins was part of plenty of big wins during his six years with the Weber State football program, one of the top teams in the Football Championship Subdivision that won three Big Sky championships with four playoff appearances.

But one game stands out in the loss column.

Among all the high points, Collins still remembers the last win over the Wildcats, a 34-31 victory at Stewart Stadium on April 24, 2021.

So when Collins and his old coach, now-BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill, say they aren't treating lightly the 11th-ranked FCS program in the country ahead of the Cougars' season opener Saturday (6 p.m. MDT, ESPN+), there's reason to believe it.

"We lost on the last play of the game. That hurts," Collins recalled of that game in Ogden. "For me personally, I know who they are, I know how physical they can get.

"As far as team-wise, they're giant slayers; they can beat whoever comes in there. We have a good understanding of that."

He's not the only one, either. Each of Collins' teammates and coaches at BYU have said the right things about the Salukis, who have earned a reputation of a giant killer with wins over FBS opponents in each of the past two seasons (Northern Illinois and Northwestern).

"Honestly, I was expecting us to have more of an overlooking mindset. But I think we've done a pretty good job of respecting who our opponent is," said Collins, who proclaimed himself fully healthy after an ACL injury last year following just three games with the Wildcats. "FCS, FBS, I think we have to respect every opponent — and I think we do a good job of understanding who is coming in here.

"They have nothing to lose, and we have everything to lose," he added. "That's how we're going to play."

Collins is looking to make a name for himself at the FBS level, a former All-Big Sky cornerback with 100 tackles, 19 pass breakups and five interceptions now looking to prove the same thing in the Big 12 as former teammate Eddie Heckard and others at BYU.

But the Cougars, as a team, have a lot to prove in their sophomore season in the conference and following a disappointing 5-7 season that included five consecutive losses to end the year without a bowl game for only the second time in 19 trips around the sun.

Improvement starts up front, where the Cougars averaged just 104 rushing yards per game for No. 118th nationally and failed to top 100 yards on the ground in seven of their first nine games.

BYU is banking on the continuity of rising sophomore tailback LJ Martin, a healthy senior in Hinckley Ropati, and four of five returning starters on an offensive line led by senior center Connor Pay to reverse the trend of an offense that has backslid for three consecutive years, according to the SP+ metrics of ESPN's Bill Connelly.

"I feel like we're even better now," said offensive tackle Caleb Etienne, the left-handed protector who has moved to his more natural left tackle role after spending last year at guard and right tackle. "It's going to be different from last year, most definitely an improvement on the offensive line. I just think it's going to be a lot different from last year … and I can't wait to showcase everything that everyone's been questioning about."

Under new offensive line coach TJ Woods, BYU's big men up front haven't been shy about voicing their displeasure from last year. Pay leads the way in his outspoken way, but the feeling is mutual across the front.

"We've been playing with an edge," said Weylin Lapuaho, the former Utah State transfer from South Jordan listed as the starter at left guard. "I definitely feel a little more urgency up front, and we're clicking together a little bit better.

"We got a chip on our shoulder," he added. "We've got a lot to prove this year. I think we all could've played better last year, and I think we want to prove that."

It starts Saturday with a top-25 FCS opponent that has been known to stack wins against FBS competition.

"I've got tons of respect for (SIU head coach) Nick Hill; I think he's a great play caller, and does a phenomenal job with his program. I thought they were tough then (when they won at Weber)," Hill said. "I thought they were great last year, and showed a lot of toughness and tenacity on film. He's had a lot of really good teams there. They've got our full attention, for sure."

Related topics