Cougar Sports Saturday (BYU)

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte are joined by Greg Wrubell who shares his thoughts on this upcoming season for the BYU football team. Later, they talk about some of their memories attending games with stormy weather. This week’s show wraps up with Cougar Tales.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about the latest on conference realignment and the financial struggles Pac-12 teams are reportedly facing. The two touch on the chances the Big 12 has of landing both Colorado and Arizona. Producer Nate Slack jumps on to host this week’s Top 5 which covers the last five times BYU beat an FBS opponent by 24+.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss 4-star QB Isaac Wilson committing to Utah and what impact it has on BYU. Later, new BYU tight end Jackson Bowers calls in to share what his offseason has looked like and what he is most looking forward to this year.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte host a loaded show of Cougar Sports Saturday discussing conference expansions rumors surrounding the ACC, Pac 12 and Big 12. Who are some of the new surprise teams the Big 12 is eyeing? Later, listen to interviews with Cougar safety Malik Moore and wide receiver Chase Roberts. In this week's Top 5 Mitch and Matt discuss their top 5 favorite stadiums they have visited and what makes them so special. The show wraps up with UConn transfer wide receiver Keelan Marion joining the show live to talk about what led him to BYU. The show wraps up touching on this week's Cougar Tales.

New transfer running back Deion Smith shares with Mitch Harper and Matt Baimonte what ultimately led him to transfer from Colorado and commit to BYU. With the news of BYU football having the lowest odds of winning the Big 12 this year, they talk about which BYU athletic program is most ready to contend for a Big 12 title right away. Towards the end of the show, Mitch and Matt reflect on some of their favorite BYU memories with their mom.  The show ends with Cougar Tales.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte are joined by Eastern Michigan transfer wide receiver Darius Lassiter to talk about what brought him to Provo. Producer Nate Slack hosts this week’s Top 5 segment and quizzes Mitch and Matt on the five single-game 100-yard rushers from last season.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the transfer portal activity from the BYU football and basketball programs this week. BYU basketball guard Trevin Knell joins the show to talk about what this offseason has looked like so far and what is still slated to happen between now and the first game. Mitch and Matt wrap up hour one by talking about the changes being made for basketball season tickets.

Mitch Harper caught up with new BYU basketball players Dawson Baker and Ques Glover to learn what led them to Provo. He also met with former Oregon linebacker Harrison Taggart who recently entered the transfer portal. Could he wind up at BYU? The show wraps up with this week’s edition of Cougar Tales.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte dive into the first win projections of the 2023 season. How does BYU compare to its Big 12 peers? And is it too low, just right or too high? Later, producer Nate Slack jumps in to host this weeks’ edition of the Top 5. Which BYU receivers have caught the most touchdown passes in a single season?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the wild turn of events that led to Kody Epps entering and withdrawing from the portal in a matter of three days. They also talk about some of the news that has surfaced out of Big 12 meets in Arizona, including the possibility of football and basketball games in Mexico and “modernizing” TV broadcasts with live in-game interviews, mic’ing up coaches and players and giving pre-post-game locker room access to media.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte take an early look at which BYU players could be selected in the 2024 NFL draft. Current defensive tackle Caden Haws joins the show to talk about how spring football was for him. The show concludes with some Cougar Tales.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baimaonte break down the Minnesota Vikings selecting Jaren Hall and the Los Angeles Rams drafting Puka Nacua in the 5th round of the NFL Draft. Producer Nate Slack jumps in to host this week’s edition of the Top 5. Blake Freeland was selected in Round 4 earlier today, who were the last five BYU players selected in the 4th round of the NFL draft?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the Indianapolis Colts selecting Blake Freeland in Round 4 of the NFL Draft. KSL Sports NFL Insider Kyle Ireland hops on to discuss the Colts pick and how he envisions Freeland’s future playing out in Indianapolis.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the recent signing of big man Aly Kahlifa who transferred in from Charlotte and Isaac Davis who committed out of Hillcrest High in Idaho. They touch on BYU losing out on Utah State transfer Steven Ashworth who committed to Creighton and weigh in on other roster changes fans could see before the Cougars tip off in November. Before wrapping the show up with Cougar Tales, the duo talks about dates for games being announced as the upcoming non-conference basketball schedule is coming together.

Cougar defensive back coach Jenaro Gilford talks with Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte about areas he feels his position group improved throughout spring ball. Mitch and Matt address the news that came out this week concerning the ticket situation for the BYU at TCU game. Producer Nate Slack presents this week’s Top 5 topic which covers the Top 5 sold BYU jerseys at the BYU store. Which appears to be the fan favorite? Hour 2 comes to a close talking about the upcoming BYU Cal rugby game.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about the signing of Oklahoma State transfer offensive lineman Caleb Etienne and what it means for the Cougars’ depth. They talk about the first ESPN FPI rankings of the year and give their reasonings as to why the ranking is or isn’t fair. Later, Mitch and Matt talk about the new uniforms Iowa State released and talk about some jerseys they would like to see BYU come out with this season.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte rank the Big 12 quarterbacks and explain why their placement of BYU QB Kedon Slovis. Later, they share their “stench” moment and briefly reminisce on some of the darker times of recent BYU football. Mitch and Matt bring the show to a close by sharing their expectations on the 2023 season and what things needs to happen for the Cougars to comfortably finish with a winning season. This week’s show closes out with Cougar Tales.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk with Jake Retzlaff to hear where his health is at and where he feels he has progressed the most this spring. Mitch and Matt later talk about which positions are still up for grabs before battling in this week's edition of the Top 5 that covers the last five BYU players to score in the NBA playoffs. Hour 2 ends with a conversation about BYU football selling out of season tickets.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte share their takeaways from spring ball and dish out helmet stickers to the players that impressed them most. New incoming transfer linebacker AJ Vongphachanh joins the show live to talk about what went into his decision to come to BYU and what fans can expect from him this year. Hour 1 wraps up re-visiting a couple of takes from March 4.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the report that surfaced this week about the Pac 12 possibly inking a deal with The CW, and when they think the lack of a TV deal will affect the Big 12 conference. Later on, producer Nate Slack introduces this weeks’ Top 5 which covers the most common superstitions amongst sport fans.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about what they saw at the spring scrimmage last week and whether or not fans should be worried about Kedon Slovis or the Cougar offense. Later, Jaren Hall joins Mitch to reminisce on his time in Provo and give an update on what life is like preparing for the NFL draft.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte host a special Friday edition of Cougar Sports Saturday to preview the spring game and address how the Big 12 has impacted spring ball. Hear clips and interviews from Kalani Sitake, Kedon Slovis, Aaron Roderick and Jay Hill in this BYU Spring Football Special.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte interview new defensive line coach, Sione Po’uha. Hear what he has to say about the defensive line unit and what ultimately landed him in Provo. Mitch and Matt talk more about spring ball and share what former Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo had to say at the coach’s clinic on Thursday in the IPF. The show wraps up with Cougar Tales.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte catch up with Isaac Rex to get his perspective on spring ball. Mitch and Matt talk about the transfer portal and what impact they expect it have on the football program heading into year one of the Big 12. Producer Nate Slack jumps on for this week’s Top 5 segment that covers the five most viewed BYU football games during Independence.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte are joined by former Coug and current Kansas City Chief, Matt Bushman. Mitch and Matt later talk about which players stood out at this year’s Pro Day, and where they’d like to see guys like Puka Nacua land. Hour one closes by talking about the new BYU president, Chase Reese, and what they hope he can accomplish as the BYU President.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte share their thoughts on another week of spring football. March Madness is in full swing, and Mitch and Matt talk about some of the upsets we’ve seen and where they want to see BYU improve between now and November. QB Cade Fennegan joins the show, and the show wraps up with this week’s Cougar Tales.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte meet up with Aidan Robbins and talk about his journey to Provo. Later, Mitch and Matt battle in the Top 5 that covers the top five point scorers for BYU in the NCAA Tournament.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte share their takeaways through the first round of the NCAA Tournament and sit down for a convo with new linebacker coach, Justin Ena. The two transition into spring football talk towards the end of hour one.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte dive into the first week of spring football practices and have conversations with TE coach Steve Clark and transfer DB Eddie Heckard. They also share their thoughts on the state of the basketball program and attempt to figure out what lies ahead for BYU hoops.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about the LMU game in the WCC Tournament. They’re later joined by producer Nate Slack to breakdown #Big12Eats, a menu featuring 10-school-specific food items that will be served at the Big 12 Tournament this year. The three share their ideas for what BYU’s food would be and read submissions from texters. Cougar Tales concludes the show covering storylines we didn’t have time to talk about.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte are joined by Kelly Poppinga to preview 2023 spring practices. The two battle in this week's Top 5 and then touch on Jaren Hall, Puka Nacua and Blake Freeland who are participating in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about the wild comeback BYU had against Portland in the Second Round of the WCC Tournament before transitioning into realignment talk. The hour closes talking about spring football practices and listening to statements from head coach Kalani Sitake, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick and defensive coordinator Jay Hill.

College football insider Brett McMurphy of Action Network joins Matt Baiamonte to talk about the ongoing Pac-12 media rights negotiations and what effect it could have on the Big 12. He also gives his thoughts on the new Big 12 conference and what could be in store for BYU in year one.

College football insider Brett McMurphy joins the program to try and explain what is going on with the Pac-12 and Matt Baiamonte and producer Nate Slack share their thoughts on possible expansion, their top 5 favorite moments of basketball in the WCC and some of the rule changes college football may have in 2023. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte bring Kyle Ireland on to talk about the NBA All-Star events taking place in downtown Salt Lake. Later, they breakdown the final regular season matchup against Saint Mary’s as a member of the WCC. The show wraps up, as always, with Cougar Tales.

Producer Nate Slack joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte battle for a Top 5 list that covers the top three-point shooting freshmen in BYU basketball history.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte are joined by Dave McCann as they discuss BYU basketball and football. Later, Mitch and Matt battle in a Top 5 that covers the top freshmen three-point shooters in BYU history.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte recap BYU's tough loss to Santa Clara on Thursday and talk about what areas the Cougars need to improve on going forward. With the NBA All Star game being played in Salt Lake City, they exchange their favorite All-Star game activities and memories. The hour wraps up by taking a look at the first SP+ rankings of the 2023 football season and discussing where BYU lands in comparison to its Big 12 counterparts.

BYU baseball head coach Trent Pratt provides a season preview for the baseball program. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about the top BYU Super Bowl moments and dive into whether or not Andy Reid is the most accomplished BYU football alum ever. The show wraps up by going over Cougar Tales.

Mitch harper and Matt Baiamonte catch up with freshman hooper Richie Saunders before discussing the Pepperdine loss. The two later clash in this week's Top 5. Who are currently the Top 5 football/basketball programs in the country?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the Pac-12 looking at adding SDSU and SMU and talk about what moves they’d like to see the Big 12 make next. Would they be in favor of the Big 12 inviting Utah? 

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.