Cougar Sports Saturday (BYU)

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte hopped on the mic in the BYU football coaches booth to recap No. 23 BYU taking down No. 19 Arizona State, 27-17.

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on September 18th, 2021. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte break down BYU's win over Utah and where it ranks among the best wins by Kalani Sitake. Samson Nacua joins to talk about the win and tonight's matchup with Arizona State. Insider Chris Karpman gives Cougar fans the lowdown on the Sun Devils and what to expect tonight. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte preview BYU and Arizona State in Three & Out. The guys give a stat of the game, player to watch and bold prediction for tonight's matchup between the Cougars and the Sun Devils.

Arizona State insider Chris Karpman joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to help Cougar fans get familiar with the Sun Devils. Karpman says that ASU has two wins, but they haven't started games well and they have room for improvement. He gives the players fans need to watch tonight, most notably quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte break down BYU basketball's non-conference schedule for the upcoming season. The Cougars will play big matchups against Oregon and Creighton at neutral sites. BYU will get San Diego State and Utah State at home and will play in the Diamond Head Classic for their yearly MTE (multi-team event). 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. This week, the guys look at the best rushing offenses for BYU since 2000. BYU's rushing offense in 2021 is averaging over 190 yards a game with room to improve. The list includes great teams from 2001 and 2013. 

BYU wide receiver Samson Nacua joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to discuss last week's big win over Utah. Nacua, who transferred from Utah this offseason, said that game was the best crowd he has experienced in his college career. He says he and his brother, Puka, have fit in well at BYU and are enjoying playing together in Provo. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte break down last week's win over Utah in Helmet Stickers. The guys award players from the offense, defense, and special teams for their contributions to the win over the Utes. Players like Tyler Allgeier and Isaiah Herron are among those mentioned. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue to talk about BYU's win over Utah and where it ranks among the best wins in the Kalani Sitake era. Mitch believes that moving forward, BYU is going to have the advantage over Utah over the next decade with the decline of the Utes and BYU's ascension to the Big 12. The other great wins under Kalani are BYU's upset in Madison over Wisconsin or big wins in 2019 over USC and Boise State. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte react to BYU's win last Saturday over Utah and the end of the losing streak. The Cougars win 26-17, earning themselves a ranking in the AP Top 25 and a ranked matchup against Arizona State tonight. Kalani Sitake and BYU finally got it done and ended the losing streak to the Utes. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte recap BYU's 26-17 victory over the Utes.

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on September 11th, 2021. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte break down the big news of BYU joining the Big 12 conference and what it means for the future of BYU athletics. They also preview tonight's rivalry game between BYU and Utah and chat with former BYU QB Max Hall. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte give predictions for tonight's rivalry game between BYU and Utah. BYU looks to end the losing streak and Utah will try to achieve the first double-digit win streak in the history of the rivalry. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte preview BYU and Utah in Three & Out. The guys give a stat of the game, player to watch and bold prediction for tonight's matchup between the Cougars and the Utes.

Mitch Harper speaks with former BYU QB Max Hall about rivalry week. Hall shares his memories from the rivalry, what makes this game so special and what fans can expect tonight. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss tonight's game between BYU vs Utah. This rivalry will take a few years off, making this game important for both teams. The guys discuss what the future of the game may look like once BYU joins the Big 12. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. With tonight's rivalry matchup, the guys compete in a game of BYU vs Utah trivia. Who is the most familiar with this longtime rivalry?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte breakdown BYU's win over Arizona in the segment Helmet Stickers. The guys award helmet stickers to the players that had the biggest impact on BYU's win last week. They mention players like Neil Pau'u, Chaz Ah You and Isaiah Herron as the ones who stood on in the opening night victory. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about the future of the Big 12, as commissioner Bob Bowlsby suggested they may not be done with conference expansion. The four new schools will all enter the conference by 2024, with Texas and Oklahoma planning to leaving in 2025. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue to discuss BYU to the Big 12. The guys discuss what it means for the Cougars, the importance of competing for a conference championship and the ripple effect of joining a Power 5 conference. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the big announcement of BYU joining the Big 12. The guys ask whether this is the biggest moment in BYU sports history. Other moments include the 1984 football championship, Ty Detmer's Heisman win in 1989 and the beginning of the Independence era. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte start off the show with the big news that BYU is officially joining the Big 12 conference in 2023. The news was announced yesterday, and the guys give their reactions to what is one of the biggest moments in the history of BYU athletics. 

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on September 4th, 2021. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte get you ready for BYU vs. Arizona tonight in Las Vegas. The guys preview the game in Three & Out and discuss the match-up with Alex Kirry. Brett McMurphy joins to discuss the reports of the BYU joining the Big 12 conference. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte give predictions for BYU's opening game against the Arizona Wildcats. Both guys expect a BYU win with a double-digit margin of victory. Arizona is on a 12-game losing streak and enter the season with a brand new head coach Jedd Fisch. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte preview BYU and Arizona in Three & Out. The guys give a stat of the game, player to watch and bold prediction for tonight's match-up between the Cougars and the Wildcats. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte share the three newcomers they're excited to see play tonight against Arizona. Matt mentions Jaren Hall, Dallin Holker and Atunaisa Mahe as his three players. Mitch names Puka Nacua, Jakob Robinson, and Kaleb Hayes as his three players to watch.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss if the Big 12 has targeted the right four teams for expansion. The league expects to add BYU, Cincinatti, UCF and Houston in the coming years. Brett McMurphy reported that the Big 12 also considered Boise State, Memphis, USF, and SMU. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue the countdown of the KSL Sports Top 10 BYU players with No. 1. Running back Tyler Allgeier comes in at number one after rushing for over 1000 yards last season. Allgeier should be the focal point of the Cougar offense in 2021 with three new starters on the offensive line and a new QB under center. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. This week, the guys look at the last five times BYU played in an NFL stadium. The list includes a match-up with LSU at the Superdome and the 2016 win over Arizona at State Farm Arena. 

College football insider Brett McMurphy joins Mitch Harper to breakdown the rumors around BYU and the Big 12. McMurphy reported yesterday that BYU is the 'clear-cut number 1 choice' and that they could join the conference as soon as next season. McMurphy says BYU would be joining for all-sports and that makes the new Big 12 one of the best basketball conferences in the country. 

KSL's Unrivaled host Alex Kirry joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to talk about this busy weekend for BYU Football. Kirry says the BYU to the Big 12 reports are fun, but he still feels like something could derail the expansion. They also preview tonight's game, with Kirry saying he expects a solid win by the Cougars. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss BYU's fit in the Big 12 conference. If the Cougars do join the conference, both guys agree that they could become a top-tier team in a few years. BYU would come in with the biggest football and basketball stadium in the conference and a national fanbase. It creates new rivalries for fans to engage with. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte react to all the news this week surrounding BYU and the Big 12. Reports say BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF will formally apply to join the conference next week and are expected to receive membership. The guys react to what BYU athletics would look like in a Power 5 conference. 

Alex Kirry and Mitch Harper go through the biggest news surrounding BYU football's upcoming season.

• Big 12 invite this month and an invite for all sports?
• How cool would it be to play Oklahoma and Texas before they leave to the SEC?
• How will Jaren Hall fare as the starting QB and what did he learn from Zach Wilson?
• There is a good reason BYU is a heavy favorite over Arizona.

Cougar Sports Saturday host Mitch Harper and Producer Dallen Graff are in Las Vegas. They set the stage for BYU vs. Arizona and what stands out with the Wildcats.

Also, Big 12 talks are heating up. What's the latest for BYU with the Big 12 Conference? The guys discuss.

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on August 28, 2021. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte react to Jaren Hall being named the starting quarterback against Arizona. They also get into the rumors of the Big 12 looking to expand and potentially add BYU. Blaine Fowler joins to discuss QB1 and the expansion rumors. Chad Lewis joins to reminisce on the 1996 BYU football team and the guys revisit the win to start off that season: BYU's upset of Texas A&M. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte revisit a classic BYU win from the 1996 season. It's the 25th anniversary of one of the best seasons in BYU history and the guys look at the win to start it all: BYU's revenge against Texas A&M to start their season. The Cougars outlasted the Aggies and earned the win at home over a ranked opponent. The guys give out the Norm Chow play of the game and Andrew George underrated player of the game. 

Former BYU Cougar Chad Lewis joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to reminisce on the 1996 football team and their big win over Texas A&M. Lewis speaks on playing the Aggies and their motivations headed into that season. BYU went 14-1 that season, capping it off with a win over Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl. Lewis also speaks on this year's team, saying they remind him of the 1984 football team. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue the countdown of the KSL Sports Top 10 BYU players with No. 2. Center James Empey comes in at No. 2, the anchor of a talented BYU offensive line. Empey was a freshman All-American and will be one of the Cougar's top draft prospects in 2022. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. This week, with the rumors swirling around the Big 12, the guys look at BYU's five wins vs the conference. The list includes some of BYU's best wins, including beating #3 Oklahoma and the Cotton Bowl win over Kansas State. 

BYUtv's Blaine Fowler joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to discuss the latest news around the BYU Cougars. Fowler says Hall has 'rare' skills and that he was confident he would win the job in fall camp. He says Hall's big-play ability with his legs makes him a dangerous weapon on offense. Fowler says BYU is back to times of old, with a ton of depth at QB ready to jump in if needed. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss who else they would like to see added to the Big 12 if BYU joined the conference. The other schools often mentioned in expansion include Houston, Cincinnati, UCF, Memphis, and Boise State. Big 12 is currently at 10 members and would need to add two schools to replace Texas and Oklahoma but would likely want to add more. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the fit between BYU and the Big 12 conference. The focus is on football and the value added there, but BYU's other sports, namely Men's basketball, would benefit from a strong conference. The guys discuss what it could look like for hoops as well as the factor of college football playoff expansion in BYU's decision. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte react to reports this week that the Big 12 is looking to expand and that BYU may be at the top of their list. With the imminent departure of Oklahoma and Texas, the conference needs to retool and after a successful 2020 season the Cougars are in a great position. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte start off the show discussing the news that Jaren Hall will be the starter against Arizona next week. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick announced it earlier this week, saying he earned the job in fall camp. The guys discuss what they expect from Hall as the starter in Game 1. 

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on August 21st 2021. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte speak with Keenan Ellis and Blake Freeland after BYU's 2nd scrimmage of fall camp. The guys discuss the QB battle, which is winding down with a few weeks left before the season. David Nixon joins to discuss the football team's depth and wide receiver Gunner Romney talks about his preparation for a big season in 2021. The guys also discuss the rumored Pac 12, Big 10, and ACC alliance expected to be announced next week. 

Former BYU player David Nixon joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to talk about BYU fall camp. Nixon says he believes QB1 will be Jaren Hall and that they will begin to prepare with him as the starter next week. He does say that BYU is in great hands no matter who is playing QB this season. He says this is the most depth and talent at the skill positions in a decade. 

Wide receiver Gunner Romney joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to talk about fall camp and preparing for the 2021 season. Romney had a breakout season in 2020 and is the leading receiver returning from last year's squad. Romney was a highly touted recruit in high school and is developing into a star for the Cougars. Romney speaks on his chemistry with the three QB's competing for the starting job. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue the countdown of the KSL Sports Top 10 BYU players with No. 3. Tight end Isaac Rex comes in third after a big freshman season. Rex led the Cougars with 12 touchdown receptions last season and will be a big target for BYU's new QB. Rex is a legacy player for BYU and adds to the rich tradition of talented tight ends who suited up for the Cougars. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. This week, the guys look at the best offenses in the Kalani Sitake era. Entering his 6th season, BYU has struggled at times on offense. Things have improved in the last few years under Aaron Roderick's direction. BYU will look to build on the offensive explosion from last season. 

Former BYU player Jonathan Tavernari joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to talk about what he is doing to help refugees in the state. Tavernari is setting up drop off locations next Saturday for supplies for Afghani refugees. Get more information on locations and needed supplies at his Twitter @For3JT. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte react to Kalani Sitake and Aaron Roderick's comments post-scrimmage today on the QB battle. Roderick said that they're getting close to determining the starting QB and that next week, they will begin to game prep with a QB1. Mitch and Matt hope the starter gets plenty of time to prepare ahead of the opening game against Arizona in two weeks. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk with BYU players Keenan Ellis and Blake Freeland post-scrimmage. Ellis says the defense is working to improve every day and stay focused. Freeland spoke on the offensive line, saying the QB’s are making plays and the talent level is high across the board.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss BYU fall camp and the position battles happening now. The guys discuss the QB battle and when BYU should announce their starter.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte start off the show discussing a reported alliance to be formed between the Pac 12, Big 10 and ACC. An announcement is expected in the next 7-10 days and the guys discuss what effect this could have on BYU. This is a response to the move by the SEC to add Oklahoma and Texas to their conference. 

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on August 14th 2021. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte look at what happened this week at BYU fall camp, including hearing from players and coaches live after practice.  Defensive ends coach Preston Hadley and Hinckley Ropati join to discuss fall camp. The guys also discuss BYU's endorsement deal with Built Bar and Kyle Whittingham's refusal to acknowledge the rivalry with BYU. 

BYU running back Hinckley "Folau" Ropati joins Mitch Harper to discuss his path to BYU and his efforts in BYU fall camp. Ropati is a JUCO transfer who didn't play last year due to injury. He will compete to back up the tandem of Tyler Allgeier and Lopini Katoa. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the players poised to make a leap in 2021. BYU has holes to fill as a lot of talent left for the NFL in the offseason. The guys mention players like Keenan Ellis and Neil Pau'u who will stand out in 2021.

BYU defensive ends coach Preston Hadley joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to discuss BYU fall camp. Hadley moved from safeties to defensive ends this offseason and he speaks on what that change has been like. He speaks on youth at his position group and the potential they have. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue the countdown of the KSL Sports Top 10 BYU players with No. 4. Wide receiver Puka Nacua comes in at No. 4, after transferring from Washington this offseason. Nacua played two seasons with the Huskies and is joined in Provo by his brother Samson. Nacua will play a big role in BYU's offense this season. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. This week, the guys look at the best defenses in the Kalani Sitake era. Entering his 6th season, BYU has always produced a Top 50 defense under Sitake. Last season was his best, ranking 4th in all of college football.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue to discuss BYU fall camp and, specifically, the safety position. Matt caught up with Chaz Ah You, who talked about his switch back to safety. He also mentioned the depth at the position and players that have stood out, like walk-on Mitchell Price. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte react to Aaron Roderick's comments post practice today about the QB battle. He says it's getting clearer every day and the guys discuss their thoughts on the battle. 

BYU running back Lopini Katoa joined Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte post-practice. Katoa speaks on the running back room and the duo he forms with Tyler Allgeier. Katoa says he hopes to have an even bigger role in the passing game this season. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the BYU/Utah rivalry. Coach Kyle Whittingham refused to answer a question about his rival BYU and the guys discuss whether Kalani Sitake should treat the rivalry the same as Coach Whitt. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte react to the NIL deal BYU football made with Built Bar. Built will compensate all players, including paying walk-on's the equivalent to their tuition. The guys discuss the impact this deal will have on future recruiting and the product on the football field. 

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on August, 7th 2021. Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte react to the first week of BYU fall camp. Blake Freeland and Naisa Mahe join the show, as both players look to fill the shoes of departing NFL players. The guys also discuss the big position battles from fall camp, including early thoughts on the QB battle. NBA champ Elijah Bryant joins to talk about his path to Milwaukee and the NBA. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss more potential moves in college football expansion. A quote from the Washington State University president caught the eyes of many this week, suggesting that the Pac-12 could be looking at "football-only" members of the league. In this scenario, BYU would make a lot of sense. The guys discuss the quote and what that could look like for the Cougars.

NBA champion and former BYU Cougar Elijah Bryant joined Mitch Harper to discuss his path to the NBA and the experience of the title run with the Bucks. Bryant left BYU as a junior and spent the last few years playing overseas in Israel. Bryant joined the Milwaukee Bucks in May, just before their playoff run. Bryant bet on himself out of college and that has paid off, he discusses his future in Milwaukee. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue the countdown of the KSL Sports Top 10 BYU players with No. 5. Linebacker Payton Wilgar comes in at #5 after two solid seasons for the Cougars. Wilgar will be a key piece and a leader on the BYU defense in 2021. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly top 5. This week, the guys look at the last five times BYU had at least two pass catchers with over 750 receiving yards. The feat as only been accomplished 10 times in BYU history, most recently in 2020. With the depth of talent this season, 2021 could be the latest addition to the list.

BYU defensive tackle Atunaisa Mahe joins Matt Baiamonte to discuss a difficult 2020 and his return to football. Mahe fills a big role left by a big man: former Cougar Khyiris Tonga, who is off to the NFL. Mahe discuss his health challenges, how he has overcome them and what he hopes to accomplish in the 2021 season. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte share more observations from the first week of Camp Kalani. The guys discuss a few names that have stood out so far, especially Neil Pau'u in the talented WR room. They also discuss how the playing time will shake out in the room with other talented pass catchers like Chris Jackson and Brayden Cosper. 

BYU tackle Blake Freeland joins Matt Baiamonte at BYU fall camp. Freeland takes over at left tackle after the departure of All-American Brady Christensen. Freeland discusses his work in the offseason and how he has prepared himself to take on a bigger role. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss fall camp and the QB battle taking place. The guys feel that Jaren Hall is the clear favorite and ask if Hall can replicate the success on offense from last season. After working with John Beck this offseason and shifting focus full-time to football, Hall seems poised to take the starting job in 2021. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte start off the show reacting to the first week of BYU fall camp. The guys focus on the QB battle and how the three gunslingers looked. They also discuss players that stood out, like wide receiver Neil Pau'u.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte get you ready for BYU fall camp with interviews from Jaren Hall, Aaron Roderick and Steve Clark. The guys break down the latest in conference realignment and touch on some preseason hype around the team. They also reveal no. 6 and 7 on the KSL Sports BYU Top 10. 

BYU tight end coach Steve Clark joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to talk about his position group in 2021. It was a breakout year for Isaac Rex, who comes into 2021 with high expectations. The group also adds Dallin Holker off of his mission. Clark shares his expectations and some talk about rock music.

BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to talk about the offensive success from 2020 and how they reach those levels in 2021. Roderick talks about the QB's and the big battle ahead in fall camp. He says the scheme and philosophy will carry over from last season. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue the countdown of the KSL Sports Top 10 BYU players with No. 6 and 7. Safety Chaz Ah You and Quarterback Jaren Hall are 7th and 6th, respectively. Both will be major pieces on the BYU football team this season. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. This week, the guys look at the last five players with 5 or more interceptions in a single-season. The list includes names like Kai Nacua and current BYU coach Jernaro Gilford. 

BYU QB Jaren Hall joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to talk about his offseason and preparation for the 2021 season. Hall discusses his preparation, committing full-time to football just last year. Hall will be in a competition with Baylor Romney and Jacob Conover for the starting job and chance to replace NFL QB Zach Wilson. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss BYU's ranking by PFF this week. BYU was ranked #22 by PFF ELO, an advanced metric, going into the 2021 season. The guys share their thoughts and also touch on fall camp. 

Matt Baiamonte starts off the show breaking down the latest rumors in conference realignment. Texas and Oklahoma have officially begun the process of leaving the Big 12 for the SEC. The latest rumor has the AAC combining with the remaining Big 12. Matt discusses whether this is BYU's best option in realignment. 

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on July 24, 2021.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte react to conference realignment rumors as Texas and Oklahoma prepare to move to the SEC. The guys breakdown the best fits for BYU and where the fit in the future landscape of college football. Boise state transfer QB Cade Finnegan joins to talk about his decision to join BYU. Passing game coordinator Fesi Sitake breaks down the depth in the WR room. 

Passing game coordinator Fesi Sitake joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to talk about the additions in the wide receiver room this offseason and how to build upon the success of last season. Sitake is the WR coach and will lead a room with a ton of talent. He speaks on the depth of talent and the inspiration of Dax Milne, who went from a walk-on to an NFL draft pick. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue the countdown of the KSL Sports Top 10 BYU players with No. 8. LB Keenan Pili comes in at #8 and is the returning leader in tackles last season with 72. Pili takes over the Mike linebacker spot from Isaiah Kaufusi and will be a major piece on a good Cougar defense. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. This week, the guys look at the Top 5 kickers in field goals made. The list includes some of the best kickers in Cougar history, like Owen Pochman and Matt Payne. Jake Oldroyd will push into the Top 5 this season and has the potential to be one of the best BYU kickers ever.

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss if BYU is more desirable now for a Power Five conference than they were 10 years ago at the start of Independence. In the 10 years as an independent, BYU has secured a great deal with ESPN, the athletic department has grown and they're now coming off their most successful season in the 21st century. The guys talk about the standing of BYU now and if the desire to add them to a conference is higher now than 10 years ago. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue to talk about conference realignment and what is the best fit for BYU. BYU could have an opportunity to join the Pac-12, which is a geographical fit or align with the leftover Big 12 teams. BYU has flirted with both conferences in the past, but academics and the religious aspect of BYU hampered those talks. The guys discuss the different scenarios and best fits. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte are joined by transfer QB Cade Fennegan to talk about his decision to transfer to BYU. Finnegan comes from Boise State, where he faced the Cougars last season on the blue turf. Finnegan is LDS and is excited to compete with a talented QB group at BYU. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte start off the show discussing the conference realignment rumors that popped up this week. It's been reported that Texas and Oklahoma will join the SEC, leaving the Big-12 with just 8 teams and the college landscape in turmoil. The guys discuss where BYU fits in all of this and what their best option could be. 

This is a compilation of highlights from Cougar Sports Saturday on July 17, 2021. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte take a look ahead at fall camp and discuss the most important position battles to watch. Players Gunner Romney and Keenan Pili join the show to discuss their goals for the upcoming season. RB coach Harvey Unga talks about the talent in the position group. The guys also discuss the walk-ons who could be contributors this upcoming season. 

BYU linebacker Keenan Pili joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte. Pili was the leading tackler on last year's team and will take on an even bigger role with the departure of Isaiah Kaufusi. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte continue the countdown of the KSL Sports Top 10 BYU players with No. 9. Kicker Jake Oldroyd comes in a #9. Oldroyd, a Lou Groza finalist last season, was 13-13 on field goals in 2020 and has become a consistent weapon on a talented special teams. 

Producer Dallen Graff joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte for the weekly Top 5. This week, the guys name the five QB's who had 8 or more rushing touchdowns in a single-season. 

BYU running backs coach Harvey Unga joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to discuss the position group and the upcoming season. BYU had a big producer at RB in Tyler Allgeier last season and Unga speaks to his breakout in 2020. Unga also talks about some of the notable match-ups in the 2021 season. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the walk-ons to watch for the upcoming season. BYU has a history of walk-ons who became big contributors, like Dax Milne. The guys name some of the players fans should keep an eye on. 

BYU wide receiver Gunner Romney joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte to talk about his success in 2020 and goals for next season. Romney speaks to the depth and competition at the position group and where he is working to improve. 

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte start off the show breaking down the most important position battles in BYU fall camp. Outside of the quarterback battle, the guys mention the wide receiver group, the offensive line and the safety group as some of the biggest battles before the season. BYU will need to replace 5 players selected in the NFL draft and many more who signed with NFL teams.