Fall camp is time for optimism, and most of the quotes coming from Cougar players and coaches since practices started a month ago are positive and upbeat.

Some of it is just what naturally happens during fall camp. Some of it is gamesmanship so as not to give too much information to future opponents.

Mostly, though, it’s that no one really knows what’s going to happen until the first game is in the books.

Here’s a look at a little exercise we call, “Hype vs. Reality,” which addresses the most pressing questions for the 2021 season.

Hype: The Cougars won’t skip a beat with Aaron Roderick as offensive coordinator

Reality: Former OC Jeff Grimes was the architect of the offense and his presence will be missed

It’s true that Roderick was doing the majority of the play calling last season as Grimes focused more on the offensive line. Still, Grimes’ influence on the offensive system is undeniable. Roderick has been an offensive coordinator before (at Utah), and several other offensive coaches have been OC’s as well. Now that Grimes at Baylor trying to rebuild that offense, how much will the Cougars miss his calming influence and coaching ability?

Hype: Jaren Hall will produce as much or better than Zach Wilson at quarterback

Reality: Last year might have been an anomaly in terms of offensive production

Hall showed some explosive ability in a small sample size in 2019. But it’s been more than 18 months since he’s played in a game and he’s been prone to injury. Expecting Hall to produce like Wilson isn’t reasonable, even though he appears to have plenty of returning options at running back, receiver and tight end. In addition, Hall is going to be playing a much more difficult schedule than Wilson did in 2020.

Hype: The receivers group is the best the Cougars have had in years

Reality: Injuries and lack of connection with a new quarterback might hold the receivers back

There appears to be an overabundance of talent in the receivers room for sure. Receivers coach Fesi Sitake said during June’s media day that he usually doesn’t use more than three or four receivers in his previous rotations. Will he move to five or six this season? BYU fans might need to be patient with the passing game because it might take a few games for the connections to be refined.

Hype: Tyler Allgeier is going to have another 1,000-yard rushing season

Reality: Rushing yards will likely be harder to come by against a tougher schedule

Allgeier is a talented running back and the starting five offensive linemen look to be solid. But BYU has had a history of struggling in the run game against P5 opponents. With seven P5’s on the schedule, Allgeier might find the going a lot tougher this season.

Hype: The schedule is much, much more difficult than in 2020

Reality: Seven Power 5 opponents, but only three are ranked in the Top 25

Tricked you up on that one, didn’t we? This is “Hype vs. Reality” but kind of in reverse. With seven P5’s on the 2021 schedule, logic dictates and much more difficult path for the Cougars. Still, only three 2021 opponents are ranked in the preseason Top 25. No. 15 USC is perennially over hyped. Utah (No. 24) and Arizona State (25) might be good but not Top 10 yet. Tom Holmoe’s work with the schedule could produce a real opportunity for BYU to have a special season.

Hype: Defensive coordinator Iliasi Tuiaki knows what buttons to push to create another strong defense

Reality: The Cougars lost a bunch of key contributors, many of whom are vying for NFL roster spots

BYU was able to get a lot of defensive players reps in last season’s blowouts. Many of them are being asked to take on much more responsibility in 2021. The difference between 10-15 reps in a game you lead by four touchdowns and 30-40 reps in a close game are two very different things.

Hype: Now in his sixth season, Kalani Sitake has built the kind of program that can be sustained

Reality: Sitake lost key players on both offense and defense from the 2020 roster

One of Sitake’s goals when he took over the program in 2016 was to build the depth on the roster. Not only is that helpful in practice and if there are injuries but depth becomes even more important when trying to reload after an 11-1 season. Add in a more difficult schedule and Sitake’s program is facing a very difficult test in 2021.

Hype: BYU is one of the most attractive non-P5 teams when it comes to possible conference realignment

Reality: No one wants to deal with BYU “quirks”

It appears the Big 12 desperately needs to make some moves to stay relevant and plenty of national college football pundits have named BYU as the most obvious choice for expansion. The Cougars seem like a no-brainer, but there are possible complications. BYU has its own television production ability. How would another conference feel about the Cougars broadcasting their own games? The no Sunday play issue is especially problematic for Olympic spots should the whole athletic department make the move. In addition, LGBTQ groups were very vocal when the Big 12 looked at BYU back in 2016. The university has made some strides in addressing their issues with diversity hires and inclusion programs, but is it enough to placate the special interest groups?