4. BYU College Football Preview 2021: Defense
– Even with all of the changes and big losses, the offense will be fine. The defense, though, will take a big hit after finishing tenth in the nation in total defense and fourth in scoring D. Seven of the top ten tacklers need to be replaced, the pass rush has to ramp up, and the line needs an overhaul. It’s not a dire situation – the defense will be okay – but there will be a step back.
– The line. The Cougars have to find an anchor with the loss of massive brick wall Khyiris Tonga, and he’s not alone with three starters being replaced. There’s size, but the pass rush that was the one relative issue last season has to improve with a slew of new defensive ends. The interior starts with 6-2, 315-pound veteran Caden Haws, but the entire group will be one of the team’s bigger concerns going into fall camp. However …
– The linebackers will be terrific. Not having leading tackler Isaiah Kaufusi anymore doesn’t help, but the combination of sophomore Keenan Pili on the inside and Payton Wilgar and Max Tooley on the outside should be fantastic.
The pass defense allowed under 200 yards per game even without much of a pass rush to help the cause. The corners will be solid, but the safeties need work using Chris Wilcox and Zayne Anderson. On the plus side, hybrid linebacker/safety Chaz Ah You is back after missing most of last season – he came up with 31 tackles in 2019 – should be in for a huge year.
– What You Need To Know: Offense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– BYU Schedule Analysis