Cougar Sports Saturday (BYU)

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte recap the BYU win over LMU on Thursday night and welcome new BYU running back LJ Martin to Cougar Sports Saturday. The show wraps up with Cougar Tales, touching on other BYU stories we missed during the show.

4-star RB LJ Martin out of El Paso, Texas joined the program to talk with Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte about his recruitment and commitment to BYU.

Mitch Harper caught up with BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake earlier this week to talk about the Big 12 schedule, signing day and what things change with BYU being a member of the Big 12 Conference.

Mitch Harper caught up with Kalani Sitake earlier this week to discuss the Big 12 schedule and signing day. Mitch and Matt Baiamonte continue Big 12 schedule talk and face each other in this week's edition of the Top 5. When was the last 5 times BYU faced off against 2023 Big 12 schedule opponents?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the Big 12 schedule release and share what they're most looking forward to in 2023.

Matt Baiamonte sits down with women's basketball head coach Amber Whiting, breaks down stats with producer Nate Slack, and touch on other BYU sports going on before the two share their predictions for the big basketball game between BYU and Saint Mary's.

Matt Baiamonte and producer Nate Slack are joined by BYU basketball analyst Mark Durrant and former football analyst Riley Nelson. Matt and Nate reflect on their Top 5 moments in the St. Mary's rivalry. And can the Jets picking up Aaron Rodgers save Zach Wilson's career?

Matt Baiamonte and producer Nate Slack talk about whether or not BYU should schedule Saint Mary's going forward. Matt interviews freshman point guard Dallin Hall. Nate introduces a new segment, "Fill in the Blank."

BYU senior forward Gideon George jumps on the show and talks about his experience going through the NBA process and transfer portal, his shoe donation drive and how his senior year has gone so far. Mitch and Matt break down the San Francisco basketball game and the keys to BYU escaping the Bay Area with a victory.

Kyle Ireland joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to talk NFL playoffs, Cougars in the NFL and which departing BYU players have the best shot at getting drafted in April. Producer Nate Slack also hosts another edition of the Top 5. This week’s list covers the Top 5 PFF grades for BYU players that return in 2023. The hour wraps up with NFL playoff predictions.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the new additions to the BYU football team in offensive lineman Paul Maile and FCS All-American DB Eddie Heckard. They also discuss where things went wrong in the Santa Clara loss on Thursday.

Mitch sits down for an interview with USC/Pitt transfer QB Kedon Slovis and talk about what brought him to Provo. Next, former hoops assistant coach Tim LaComb joins to recap the Gonzaga game and preview what lies ahead for BYU hoops. The show wraps up with predictions for BYU vs Pepperdine.

Mitch and Matt battle in the latest Top 5: The last 5 times BYU football overcame a 10-point deficit and won the game. The two also talk about a recent projection PFF had that shows the impact they believe the transfer portal will have on P5 programs in 2023. Where did they put BYU?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte break down the Gonzaga game and give their reasons as to why BYU ultimately lost, 75-74. Later, newly signed QB Jake Retzlaff joins the show live to talk about his path to BYU and what he expects in his new home.

Mitch Harper, Matt Baiamonte, and Producer Nate Slack share their thoughts from BYU's 75-74 loss to No. 8 Gonzaga inside the Marriott Center.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte sit down with Spencer Johnson to talk about the mood of the team now that the season is half way over. Mitch and Matt discuss what is working for BYU basketball and what things need to improve to get BYU back in the national conversation.

Producer Nate Slack joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. This week, the guys learn which concession items were most popular during the 2022 football season. Where do CougarTails land?

BYU QB signee Ryder Burton joins the show live with Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte, and Mitch and Matt battle it out in the first Top 5 of 2023.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte grade the hires of the defensive staff, dive into the final ESPN SP+ rankings and talk with BYU defensive end Tyler Batty on how he feels about the changes coming to the defense.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte sit down for interviews with football coaches Kalani Sitake and Jay Hill and Cougar hoopers Rudi Williams and Jaxson Robinson.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte set New Year Resolutions for the BYU football and basketball programs heading into 2023. The two also talk about BYU basketball’s six-game win streak.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss movement in the transfer portal and remember offensive lineman Sione Veikoso who tragically passed away on December 30.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the end of BYU Independence.

Description: Mitch Harper interviews Kalani Sitake and Tyler Batty. Mitch and Matt go Three & Out and give their score predictions for BYU vs SMU in the New Mexico Bowl and the BYU vs Utah game in the Marriott Center.

KSL Sport Zone's Unrivaled Aex Kirry joins the show. Mitch and Matt battle in this week's edition of the Top 5. Mitch and Matt discuss how motivated BYU is or isn't for the bowl game against SMU.

Mitch Harper has a one-on-one interview with BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. Mitch and Matt Baiamonte dive into the quarterback situation for the Cougars in the New Mexico Bowl.

Compilation of some of the highlights from Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte on December 10, 2022.

This is Cougar Sports Saturday from December 10, 2022.


Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the hiring of Jay Hill and Kelly Poppinga to the defensive staff, the New Mexico Bowl matchup with SMU, updates from the transfer portal and what BYU basketball needs to change to get back to its winning ways.

This is Cougar Sports Saturday from December 3, 2022.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte share who they would hire as the next BYU Defensive Coordinator. The show wraps up with Mitch and Matt giving their reactions to the news of the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams in the 2024.

Cougar Sports Saturday Highlights

Mitch and Matt preview the BYU game against Stanford with QB Jaren Hall and with score predictions.

Fesi Sitake and Houston Heimuli on Cougar Sports Saturday

Mitch and Matt set the scene for the final football game of the 2022 season plus they touch on the Zach Wilson situation in New York.

Highlights 

Extended Pre Game Coverage BYU vs. Utah Tech

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on November 12, 2022. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte break down last week's BYU Football win over Boise State and are joined by BYUTV's Dave McCann. The guys also talk all things BYU basketball, reacting to the Cougars' loss to SDSU and hearing interviews from Mark Pope, Trevin Knell, Spencer Johnson, Rudi Williams and Jaxson Robinson. 

BYU guard Spencer Johnson joins Mitch Harper to discuss a wild offseason and the new team for the Cougars. Johnson, one of the few returning players from last year's team, shares where he has improved in the offseason and his role on the team. 

Senior transfer Rudi Williams joins Matt Baiamonte to discuss his role on this new team and how he is helping younger players. Williams has a lot of college basketball experience and discusses what he likes about BYU.

One of the newest BYU Cougars, Jaxson Robinson, joins Mitch Harper to discuss his path to BYU. Robinson shares how he ended up in Provo, his relationship with Mark Pope, and how he's already improving his game. 

BYU guard Trevin Knell joins Matt Baiamonte to discuss his injury and his focus headed into this season. Knell, who has been dealing with an injury since last season, will miss the first few months of the season. 

BYU basketball head coach Mark Pope joins Matt Baiamonte to discuss this year's team. The Cougars have many new faces and Coach Pope discusses how these players will have an impact on the team. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the final time on the Top 5. In honor of Dallen's final week, the guys do a Top 5 full of classic Cougar Sports Saturday names from lists of the past. 

BYUTV's Dave McCann joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to discuss the 2022 BYU Football season, including last week's win over Boise State. McCann shares his thoughts on how BYU showed resilience last week and how they can end the season. He also shares his observations about the BYU basketball team. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte look ahead at next week's matchup with Utah Tech and some of the players they hope to see play next week. With an easier opponent on the schedule, BYU should be able to get playing time for some younger players on the team. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte react to last week's big win over Boise State. BYU stopped the losing streak by beating the Broncos on the blue turf and the guys discuss the best moments of the win. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte start off the show reacting to BYU hoops loss last night to San Diego State. The guys discuss the Cougars 1-1 start to the season, lots of turnovers in last night's loss, and how BYU builds upon the first two games. 

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on November 5, 2022. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte get you ready for BYU vs Boise State with extended pregame coverage. Catch interviews with Tyler Batty, Connor Pay, Micah Harper and Blake Freeland. The guys also react to news on the Big 12's new media deal and preview the matchup with the Broncos. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte give their score predictions for BYU vs Boise State. BYU looks to end a four-game losing streak in what may be the last matchup for a while between the Cougars and Broncos.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte preview the matchup between BYU and Boise State with Three & Out. The guys give a stat of the day, player to watch and bold prediction for the game. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the injuries issues that have plagued BYU this season. BYU has played the third most starters this season. The guys react and discuss the challenge that presents for the Cougars. 

BYU tackle Blake Freeland joins Mitch Harper to preview the matchup against Boise State. Freeland discusses his leadership role on the team and how the team is handling the losing streak. He also shares his thoughts on a tough Boise State defense. 

BYU safety Micah Harper joins Mitch Harper to discuss his path to a big role on the BYU defense. Harper talks about playing safety, his style and how the defense is looking ahead at the matchup with the Broncos. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. This week, the guys look at the most points scored during a freshman season for BYU basketball. The list includes Cougar greats like Danny Ainge and Shawn Bradley. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte breakdown the injury report for BYU vs Boise State. The guys discuss injuries to Kody Epps, Max Tooley, Miles Davis and others. 

BYU center Connor Pay joins Matt Baiamonte to discuss the position battle this season at center and preview the matchup with the Broncos. Pay has moved in and out the starting lineup this season and he shares how he's dealt with the competition. He also preview's the matchup with a tough Boise State defense. 

BYU defensive end Tyler Batty joins Mitch Harper on his weekly Cougar Tracks podcast to discuss preparing for the matchup with Boise State. Batty talks about getting revenge for last year's loss and taking the season one game at a time. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte react to news that Gonzaga is discussing joining the Big 12 conference. Pete Thamel of ESPN reported the news this week and the guys discuss how Gonzaga could add to the conference. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte start off extended pregame coverage discussing big news around the Big 12's new media deal. Sports Business Journal reported that the Big 12 will ink a new deal with ESPN and Fox giving the conference $31.5 million per school. Mitch and Matt discuss how this will help BYU in their Power 5 transition. 

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on October 29, 2022. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte welcome BYU cans into a therapy session after last night's loss to East Carolina. The guys break down the loss with The Blueprint and discuss what's next. They also look ahead at the BYU basketball season with interview with Mark Pope, Spencer Johnson, Dallin Hall and Noah Waterman. 

One of the newest BYU Cougars, Noah Waterman, joins Matt Baiamonte to discuss how he ended up in Provo. Waterman, a transfer from Detroit Mercy, says he immediately felt the family atmosphere in the program. He discusses the coaching staff and his new teammates. 

BYU guard Dallin Hall joins Matt Baiamonte to look ahead at his first year in the BYU basketball program. Hall is a return missionary, and he discusses the experience and the growth he's had. Hall also discusses his game and what he will add to his team this season. 

BYU guard Spencer Johnson joins Matt Baiamonte to discuss his offseason and the anticipation of the new season ahead. Johnson mentions how he bulked up in the offseason and what he has been working on in his game. He also speaks on some of the new faces around the program.

BYU head coach Mark Pope joins Mitch Harper to preview the upcoming basketball season. Pope mentions the newness around the team and building toward the Big 12 era. He speaks on the return missionaries who will have a major impact in year one and some of the key transfers to the team. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. This week, the guys look at the leaders in single-season receptions during BYU's independence era. The list includes great seasons from Cody Hoffman, Dax Milne and more. Despite the injury, Kody Epps has had a breakout season and was on pace for some big reception numbers. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue to discuss the losses adding up for BYU and if Jaren Hall shares any blame in that. The guys discuss the lack of tight end production with Hall and if that's quarterback play or play-calling. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue to hear thoughts on the BYU loss to ECU and the season as a whole. The defense has taken plenty of criticism, but the guys discuss where the offense has fallen short and what is to blame. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue to discuss the loss to ECU and hear thoughts from listeners. With coaching issues dooming BYU yet again, the guys ask what has to give for the Cougars. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte start off the show reacting to BYU's loss to East Carolina last night. The Cougars dropped their fourth-straight game and hope is fading quick among fans. The guys let loose their thoughts on the disappointing loss.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte preview the matchup between BYU and Liberty with Three & Out. The guys give a stat of the day, player to watch and bold prediction for the game. The guys also give score predictions between the Cougars and Flames. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte kickoff extended pregame coverage discussing what's at stake for BYU in this game against Liberty. After back-to-back losses, the Cougars are reeling and face a tough test in Lynchburg. BYU's successful season is on the line this week, in what feels like a must-win against the Flames.

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on October 15, 2022. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte get you ready for BYU vs Arkansas with extended pregame coverage. Isaac Rex joins the show to discuss how the team is preparing for Arkansas and Alex Kirry joins to breakdown the matchup. The guys are also joined by Trey Biddy, Arkansas insider, to get to know the foe today. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte wrap up the show with score predictions for BYU vs Arkansas. It's a big opportunity ahead for the Cougars to knock off an SEC opponent in front of their home crowd. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte preview today's game between BYU and Arkansas with Three & Out. The guys give a stat of the day, player to watch and bold prediction for the matchup between the Cougars and Razorbacks. 

BYU tight end Isaac Rex joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to discuss how the team is responding to last week's loss and preparing for Arkansas. Rex says the team is focused on the task at hand. He also speaks on the performance of the tight end group so far this season. 

Hawgsports.com's Trey Biddy joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to get to know BYU's foe today: the Arkansas Razorbacks. Arkansas is 3-3 on the season, with three straight losses to ranked opponents. Biddy says despite being banged up, this team is tough and talented. He expects a good performance from the Hogs today. 

KSL Sports Zone's Alex Kirry joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to discuss today's matchup between BYU and Arkansas. Coming off of the loss to Notre Dame, Kirry says the team needs to be ready for the size and speed of an SEC team. He also discusses the health of Jaren Hall and needing big offense today. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte give an injury update for BYU vs Arkansas. Jaren Hall will be good to go this week, after playing hurt last week against Notre Dame. Gunner Romney is hopeful, as is running back Miles Davis. Wide receiver Chase Roberts was a full participant in practice this week. For the Razorbacks, quarterback KJ Jefferson is expected to be back, as is their top two cornerbacks. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte take a look at the 2022 season so far with Helmet Stickers. The guys reward stickers to the MVP of the offense, defense and special teams for the first six games of the BYU Football season. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte breakdown the matchup between BYU and Arkansas. They give an update on quarterback Jaren Hall, who was banged up against Utah State a few weeks ago. The guys also take a quick look at the Razorbacks and the threat they pose for the Cougars. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte kickoff extended pregame coverage setting the stage for a big-time matchup between BYU and Arkansas. The Razorbacks will become just the third team, and second program, to pay a visit to Provo for a football game. The guys discuss the major storylines headed into this game. 

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on October 8, 2022. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte get you ready for BYU vs Notre Dame with extended pregame coverage. Aaron Roderick and Tyler Batty preview the matchup for BYU and NBC pxp voice Jac Collinsworth gives perspective on the Fighting Irish. The guys breakdown the matchup with Three and Out and discuss some of the storylines around this game. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte wrap up the show with their score predictions for the matchup between BYU and Notre Dame in Las Vegas. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte preview today's game between BYU and Notre Dame in Three & Out. The guys give a stat of the game, player to watch and bold prediction ahead of the matchup between the Cougars and the Fighting Irish.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte get to know BYU's foe today with Scouting The Opponent. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are led by quarterback Drew Pyne, who took over for the injured starter in the loss to Marshall. He's won the last two starts and will look to lead the Irish offense today. Notre Dame boasts a talented defensive, loaded with NFL talent up front. 

NBC play-by-play voice Jac Collinsworth joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to discuss the matchup between BYU and Notre Dame. Collinsworth will be on the call with Jason Garrett and he shares his impressions of Notre Dame, having covered them throughout the year. He is also excited about BYU and the battle upcoming tonight. 

BYU defensive end Tyler Batty joins Mitch Harper to discuss the preparation this week and the opportunity to play an historic program. Batty talks about the matchup with Notre Dame and what they bring on offense. He also discusses his thoughts on the new BYU uniforms the team will be wearing tonight. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the new uniforms for this game and which team unveiled the cooler fit. BYU is wearing an all-black look with a new royal-to-black gradient helmet. Notre Dame is wearing white and gold, with a gold trim and unique font on the jersey. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. This week, the guys look at the leaders in single-season passing yards. The list includes BYU greats like Ty Detmer and Jim McMahon. Jaren Hall has been slinging the ball well this season and he's on pace to approach the Top 10 in 2022. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the notable matchup between BYU's offense and Notre Dame's defense. The Cougars have been able to put up points this season but face a very talented defensive unit. The guys discuss who has the advantage and the keys for Jaren Hall and the offense. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte speak with linebacker Keenan Pili about how BYU is preparing for the Fighting Irish. Pili spoke about the Notre Dame offense, saying they like to pound the ball but can mix it up. He discusses being ready with their game plan and staying focused on the task at hand. 

BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick joined Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to discuss the team's preparation for Notre Dame and the health of the offense. Roderick says the team is preparing the same as they always do and that they need to stay focused on their game plan. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte get ready for BYU vs Notre Dame looking back at the history between the Cougars and the Irish. This will be the 9th matchup all-time between the two programs, with Notre Dame winning both matchups during BYU's Independence Era.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte start off the show setting the scene in Las Vegas for the matchup between BYU and Notre Dame. The teams face off as part of the 2022 Shamrock Series at the home of the Las Vegas Raiders: Allegiant Stadium. The guys discuss the big storylines headed into this game. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte get you ready for BYU vs Notre Dame with a one-hour special on KSL NewsRadio. Mitch and Matt breakdown the matchup and what's at stake for both teams in the battle in Las Vegas. NBC play-by-play voice Jac Collinsworth joins to preview the game and share insight on the Fighting Irish. 

Rock me momma like a wagon wheel...

BYU vs Utah State preview with Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte.

BYU defeated Wyoming 38-24 at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mitch Harper, Matt Baiamonte and other KSL Sports personalities joined in for a Twitter Spaces Postgame show.

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on September 24, 2022. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte react to last week's loss to Oregon with The Blueprint. The guys also discuss the news around Dallin Holker's imminent transfer. Current BYU players Max Tooley and Kody Epps join the show to discuss how the team is moving forward this week against Wyoming. Former BYU star Bronson Kaufusi joins to discuss this year's BYU squad and former CSS host Alex Kirry also joins the show. The guys preview tonight's matchup between BYU and Wyoming with Three & Out. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte preview today's game between BYU and Wyoming in Three & Out. The guys give a stat of the game, player to watch and bold prediction ahead of the matchup between the Cougars and the Cowboys.

BYU wide receiver Kody Epps joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to discuss his start to the season. Epps has seen a bigger role this season and has taken advantage of his opportunities. He speaks on how he ended up in Provo and his connection with quarterback Jaren Hall. He also discusses the mindset of the wide receiver room this season. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. This week, the guys look at the leaders in career touchdown receptions at BYU. The list includes greats like Austin Collie and Cody Hoffman. BYU tight end Isaac Rex as 16 career touchdown catches and could enter the Top 10 and beyond this season. 

BYU linebacker Max Tooley joins Matt Baiamonte to discuss last week's loss to Oregon and how the team is looking ahead to Wyoming. Tooley discusses putting the loss behind them and focusing on stopping the run against the Cowboys. Tooley also speaks on his hot start to the season.