Key questions for BYU, Utah entering the Holy War

Saturday’s rivalry matchup between BYU and Utah has all the expected ingredients expect — emotion, history and plenty of pain to go around.

Coming off a grueling double-overtime win at Arizona, BYU’s midweek injury report offered a bit of both good and bad news, just as the Cougars get set to face one of the most punishing rushing teams in the country in the No. 23 ranked Utes.

Utah’s offense, powered by dual-threat quarterback Devon Dampier and a deep, physical backfield, has worn down nearly every defense it’s faced.

For BYU, the focus now shifts to staying healthy, protecting the football, and giving freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier the support he needs in what’s shaping up to be a gritty, physical battle in Provo.

Injury Report: Multiple positives and a negative

BYU’s game against Arizona on Saturday was arguably its most physical of the season. Multiple players — including Siale Esera, Raider Damuni, and LJ Martin — came away banged up in what turned into a grueling double-overtime battle.

On Wednesday evening, the Cougars released their injury report, and it brought a mix of good and bad news.

Let’s start with the positives.

The good news is that both linebacker Siale Esera and running back LJ Martin are not listed on the injury report. That comes as little surprise, as both players managed to gut it out and finish the game in Tucson. Still, their absence from the report is encouraging — a sign that they’re trending closer to 100 percent than 50.

Another positive update: star linebacker Jack Kelly also came off the injury list. Kelly injured his shoulder in the first half against West Virginia, which kept him sidelined for the Arizona game.

He was considered a game-time decision last week, and according to the coaching staff, he’s now fully healthy and expected to play against Utah.

Now, for the less encouraging news for the Cougars. Starting safety Raider Damuni was listed as doubtful as of Wednesday night. Damuni exited early against Arizona after a collision with Esera and did not return.

His absence would be significant, especially given his level of play so far this year.

How Can BYU Slow Down Utah’s Run Game — and Devon Dampier?

Utah lives and dies by the run. The Utes rank eighth nationally, averaging more than 240 rushing yards per game and over five yards per carry.

This is a “break-your-spirit” kind of team — one that aims to control the trenches and wear defenses down over four quarters.

The Utes have multiple ways to do it.

Quarterback Devon Dampier, a junior transfer from New Mexico, leads the team in rushing at 5.8 yards per carry. He’s not the most physically imposing runner, but he’s elusive — quick enough to turn broken plays into big gains and slippery in the open field.

BYU’s defense will have to stay disciplined in RPO and zone-read situations, where Dampier can pull the ball and take off at any moment.

While Dampier isn’t known for explosive passing numbers, he’s been highly efficient — completing nearly 72 percent of his throws with only three interceptions. He’s also been difficult to bring down, having been sacked just three times all season.

Behind him, Utah features a potent one-two punch at running back. Wayshawn Parker and NaQuari Rogers are combining for over 100 rushing yards per game, each averaging roughly five yards per carry. Expect both backs to share the heavy workload on Saturday as Utah looks to impose its will up front.

Turnovers tell the story

In BYU’s first four games of the season, quarterback Bear Bachmeier didn’t turn the ball over once. Over the last two, he’s committed four.

You could put an asterisk next to that early stretch — the competition included Portland State and Stanford — but the fact remains: if BYU wants a chance to pull off a win in what’s expected to be a physical, defensive battle, Bachmeier has to protect the football.

His recent success as a runner — 230 yards and three touchdowns over the last three games — will likely prompt Utah to load the box and force him to beat them through the air.

That could create opportunities for Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston to exploit man-to-man coverage, but it also opens the door for mistakes. Kyle Whittingham and defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley won’t hesitate to bring pressure, sending blitzes that test the young quarterback’s poise and accuracy under duress.

As Roderick said following practice on Tuesday, “It’s not just another game, but you have to play the position with poise and prepare like you do every single week.”

He also emphasized that he wants Bachmeier to “stay within the system,” trusting his reads and not trying to do too much in the heat of an emotional rivalry.

To counter Utah’s prevalent defense line, expect Roderick to lean on quick-hitting routes and short passes designed to get the ball out of Bachmeier’s hands fast — minimizing the Utes’ pass rush.

That approach has been Roderick’s bread and butter all year, and it shouldn’t change against Utah.