The good news is the potential return the services of LJ Martin come Saturday when BYU takes on visiting Arizona State, which would mark the first time since the Cougar’s opening game versus Utah Tech that they’ve had the benefit of a fully-stocked offensive backfield, assuming Sione Moa again takes the field. Moa returned to action during last week’s game versus UCF and ran for just 36 yards on 13 carries as he works to return to form after suffering a substantial lower leg injury during the first half of play versus the Trailblazers.

Martin, meanwhile, suffered an apparent lower leg injury during the first half of play during BYU’s 17-10 win over TCU, and hasn’t suited up since. Coaches outlined a 4-6 week recovery time for Martin, and with this Saturday marking the fourth week since the injury, there’s a possibility that the senior tailback may be on the field versus the Sun Devils.

“LJ’s getting really close,” Sitake said. “He’s looking better and we’re we’re seeing him in lots of training. So, he’s getting close, but we want to make sure that it’s right timing for him.”

The return of Martin would boost BYU’s run game substantially, and the need is there when considering the paltry 73 yards rushing gained versus UCF last week on 18 attempts. Martin is the reigning Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year after amassing 1,305 yards rushing during the 2025 despite being out of action for two games.

The bad news surrounds the availability of BYU’s top cornerback Evan Johnson, who was seen being carried off of the field by trainers following what appeared to be an ankle injury during UCF’s final 2-point conversion, which was the final play of the game for the Cougar defense.

“It’s unlikely he plays this weekend and that one might take some time,” Sitake said while mentioning that the coaches were hoping it was less severe than it appeared to be, and although Johnson is certain to miss at least one week of action, the probability of him returning at some time this season is high.

As for offensive lineman Trevin Ostler, who has filled the role of BYU’s sixth offensive lineman this season while drawing the start for Kyle Sfarcioc at right guard last week, his BYU career is likely over after sustaining an injury during the second half of play versus UCF.

“It doesn’t look really good for him. I’m just really proud of that young man for all the stuff that he’s done for BYU and he’s filled in so many different positions,” Sitake said. He could play literally all the positions, and even play tight end for us. So (I’m) just proud of all the things that he’s been able to accomplish on and off the field.”

Sitake mentioned that Sfarcioc may return to action versus Arizona State depending on how he progresses throughout the week.

Not under review

When asked if he had received any type of explanation for the controversial roughing-the-kicker penalty during the second overtime period of BYU’s loss to UCF, Sitake mentioned that he hasn’t made the effort. The call enabled the Knights to make a first down and eventually score eight points that BYU had to match in lieu of the three points

“I moved on … It’s not going to do me no good for me to cry about it,” Sitake said. ” … Congratulations to UCF for getting the win … My mind has got to be focused on what we can do against ASU.”

Tackling the issues

Of all the team issues that negated a win for BYU at UCF last week, the lack of effective tackling was paramount to most observers, and also for BYU’s coaching staff. Indeed a focus on improving overall team tackling is very much a top priority in preparation for this Saturday’s game with Sitake providing some insight into how it’s exactly being addressed.

“You’re better tacklers if work on tackling and working on body position and coming to balance, and then leveraging and spilling the right way. And then everybody understanding their 1/11th,” Sitake said with the 1/11th comment referring to the concept of every single one of the 11 players doing their job to the best of their ability.

When teams get in trouble, according to Sitake, is when players try and do more than their responsibility, drawing a fine line between executing and over-executing.

“When everyone’s trying to do more than their job we get in trouble and we even cut each other off, and then we find ourselves duplicat(ing), which is not good when everybody has a a role. UCF did a great job finding and exposing some of the the the issues. So if everyone does their job, we’ll be fine and and if everybody can play physical.”

Sitake offered even more detail, noting that maintaining leverage has to come with keeping your feet on the field of play rather than working to apply a big hit by launching at a ball-carrier.

“When you’re in games, and you’re in the middle of the season I think we’re on the ground way too much in our tackling,” Sitake continued. “So we probably need to drive and and that’s probably why you’re dripping off tackles and probably why they’re getting a little bit more yards if you’re leaving your feet so early … We’ve reinforced that with our guys to make sure that everybody’s following the standard. That’s a not our style to play and I’m really disappointed that showed up. We’ve got to fix it.”

Early start time

If you’re an early bird who has the ability to get up bright and early for games, then there’s some good news for you. On Monday it was announced that BYU’s always much-anticipated game versus Utah will kickoff at the earliest possible time of 10 a.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN or ABC for the game that will be hosted at Rice-Eccles Stadium.