August 13, 2025 • 46 mins
Brice and Bianucci break down the latest news out of BYU and Utah Fall Camps, the Brewers' win streak, the wild NL West, James Cook's new deal with the Bills, and more! The guys also welcome Jackson Payne and UVU Basketball's Todd Phillips to the program!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Listening to Bryson bia Nucci on one O, three, nine
(00:03):
and ninety eight three ESPN, The Fan down moved the
bryceon Biannucci podcast. Wherever you get your podcast today.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Welcome back.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Did Bryce and Bianucci live from Sleepy Rich golf Course
this morning eight oh three on a Wednesday of the
August thirteenth, doc Bryce, that's Bianucci Jordan's hold it down.
Back in our Salt Lake City studios getting ready for
a Utah football party?
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Is it Utah football time? Yet?
Speaker 4 (00:40):
We got We got a bunch of people setting things up.
We have three hats. This is not for the public,
by the way, don't show up at the station. Uh,
we have free hats. What else we got out here?
Speaker 5 (00:52):
Wow?
Speaker 4 (00:53):
A lot of balloons. We have some footballs. I see
maybe a helmet. Is Bill Riley here yet? I don't
see Bill yet. I'll go.
Speaker 5 (01:04):
I'll go.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
I might have to make a pass. I won't lie.
Maybe I'll finish up here and go straight there.
Speaker 4 (01:09):
Let me know, because if you come up, I might stay.
If not, I'm going to I'm going. I'm out of
here because I'll just be standing around by myself like I'm.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
Not much of one to mingle. Meet some new people
that we work with, a couple of doors down.
Speaker 4 (01:23):
Go up to random people. Hey, Jordan bean Ucci, damn
glad to meet you. Yes being yes, being the fan,
damn glad to meet you.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
That Look, that's that's the way. You know.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
He got a network a little bit, get her, get
her name out there. Make sure you let him know
who we are and what we do.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
All right, that's what we should do.
Speaker 4 (01:42):
Speaking of real quick, you should we should do the
animal house thing is. I'll go up to somebody and
I'll be like Jordan ban nuccies being the fan, damn
glad to meet you, and then you come up behind
me and you say to the same person you that
was Jordan ban Ucci es being the fan, damn glad
to meet you. I'll just go, I'm just one after
the other. That's memorable. I'll love that.
Speaker 3 (01:58):
Yes, it'll with them exactly. It will definitely stick with them.
They will remember exactly what happened to him that day.
Speaking of Utah football, let's talk a little bit about
what's going on up there at the Hill throughout fall
camp to this point, we did hear from Kyle Whittingham
after their Saturday scrimmage as he talked about different quarterback
well QB two battle that's going on, along with a
(02:21):
couple guys that are going to be playing on the
offensive side of the football. Really interesting. Smith's Noden, Lander
Barton both apparently are going to be playing on the
offense side of the football. Jordan, Normally we don't hear
much from Kyle Whittingham.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
This feels like.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
He A is either being more open, which is strange,
or it also might just be a tactic where he's
thrown it out there and making UCLA prepare for two
defensive guys that they have no idea what they could
do on offense. I don't know what the answer is here,
But how often do you think Smith's Noden and lander
Barton will actually play on the offensive side of.
Speaker 4 (02:59):
The I wouldn't think very much, because there are two
of your studs that you need on defense and you
don't want to be you don't want them gassed and
you don't want them to possibly get injured either. I mean,
I don't know, I would think not very much. Yeah,
Kyle's turning over a new leaf. He's just opening up.
He's he's been talking with his therapist, and he's just like,
(03:21):
you know what, I've been too been too secretive, been
too furtive. I'm I'm I'm gonna just tell people how
I feel. I'm gonna I'm gonna let them in on
the game plan. You know what, Let's open it up,
let's talk about it.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:34):
See, that's my thing is that I'm not buying that.
I'm not buying that for one second that Kyle Winningham
is just letting in everybody on the secrets saying, yeah,
we're gonna be playing our defensive guys on the offensive
side of the football. Hell, you might even see some
offensive guys play some defense this upcoming season. I don't
think that's quite it weird that they would just be
open about that. Number One, I don't think that you
(03:56):
want that as a Utah fan, because well, you want,
you know, your offense to be good enough that you
don't need help from your stars on the defensive side.
Last year, that was the story of the season for
Utah football, was that you needed all the help that
you could get from the guys on the defensive side
just to help your offense, not necessarily with them playing offense,
(04:17):
but them just giving you a chance to stay in
football games as much as you possibly can. And that
was the story of the year last year this year.
If you're a Utah fan and you hear these reports
coming out of fall CAMPI like, hold on, we have
a revamped offense. Why are we hearing that defensive dudes
are going to go play offense?
Speaker 4 (04:37):
He wants more participation. He just wants to mix it up.
Let's have some fun. The last two years have been brutal.
He's like, you know what, everyone's gonna play everywhere. It's
like Little League. We're all taking turns. I don't know.
I have no You're right, I don't understand. Look, I'm
all if he wants to tell us more stuff, I'm
all for it. But I'm not sure why exactly now
(04:59):
he's given us this kind I don't know. I have
no no I did. Maybe something he's trying to hide
something else. Maybe that's what's going on. It's trying to
distract us.
Speaker 3 (05:09):
There might be yeah, maybe you know, they take the
attention off of a budding new star at the tight
end position. Uh, maybe at the wide receiver position. Right
with Tobias Merriweather. There's been a couple of reports out
there about one Tobias Merriweather. We heard Devin Dampierre talk
about Tobias in saying that you're going to see him
(05:30):
a lot this upcoming season and maybe the now. That's
why we only hear Devin Dampier for two and a
half minutes before they say last question in the media
scrum Jordan like you said too much.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Already, get him out of there.
Speaker 4 (05:42):
I know, I like that last last question. Yeah, okay, well,
you know what what we can't just talk to him.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
We've asked four Yeah, we've asked four questions.
Speaker 4 (05:51):
Colleges are such babies. No, no official but like, can
you imagine like the jazz that somebody stepping have been, Like, look, okay, guys,
last question. Have you ask Hardy like two questions? He's exhausted,
he's tired. We got to get him out of here.
Let us ask him a couple of questions. He'll be okay.
He's a big boy, he's fine. He can answer questions
(06:14):
for more than, you know, four and a half minutes.
It's gonna be okay.
Speaker 3 (06:19):
That is the struggle at this point in time, just
trying to get that information.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Now.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
You know, back in the day, I've been told media
was allowed to go to the full practices. You can
really get a feel for what was going on out
there on the football field. Now it's the last fifteen
to twenty and you know what, I will give kudos
a shout out, shout out to BYU. They have been
a lot more open this year in terms of letting
Kilane talk, in terms of the length of time that
(06:46):
they each coach has spoken, and the one on one
interviews that they've granted as well. I've had a lot
more one on one interviews with BYU football players this
year than in years previous, So they're opening it up
a little bit more, Jordan, which is a good a
good thing across the board for college football fans to
hear a lot of what they're talking about at both
(07:06):
fall camps as well. Speaking of BYU fall camp, we'll
get down to provo here in just a couple of minutes.
Is Jackson Payne of the Deseret News will join us
to talk a little college football and what the report
was coming out of BYU fall camp yesterday, So stick
with us on that one. We'll get into that in
just about ten minutes time. But staying with the Utah
(07:27):
football portion of this at this moment in time, Jordan.
A lot of people are talking about Utah playing really
good football this upcoming season, but not a lot of
people are talking about what would happen if Utah is
not good this year. Kyle Whittingham in the offseason at
Big twelve Medy Days, was asked, Hey, you know, when
(07:47):
are you going to hang it up?
Speaker 2 (07:48):
What's it look like?
Speaker 3 (07:49):
Why didn't you decide last year to retire after that
tough season? And essentially he said, I'm not done yet.
We've got to end on a higher note. For me
to just walk away from the game that I been
a part of my entire life was essentially the answer
that Kyle Whittingham gave. Well, Jordan, what happens if they
have another season where they don't make a bowl game?
Speaker 2 (08:08):
Nobody's really talking about that.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
The upside look the potential, and I feel like I've
said this for both teams. Anywhere between six and nine
for both of these two teams, I think is a
good expectation just because of the question marks on the
offensive side of the football, But the defenses are going
to be so good you could possibly get to the
double digit wins for both BYU and football BYU and
(08:32):
Utah football this upcoming season. So I'm right about there.
You know, anywhere from six to ten. If you have
some good offensive production, you could be a top six offense.
You could win ten to eleven games. That's what it's
going to be like with these defenses this upcoming season. Jordan,
what happens if Utah football does not make a bowl
game again this upcoming season?
Speaker 4 (08:53):
I mean, I don't know what Here's They're not going
to fire Kyle Whittingham. There may be internal conversations about
you know, what's going on? Are you thinking is now
the time to retire? They're not going to fire him,
so I don't think firing.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Firing might not be the right word right there. It
might be kindly asked to retire.
Speaker 4 (09:14):
I don't know though.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
We will write the retirement note for you.
Speaker 4 (09:18):
But that's the thing is like, like is Kyle, it's
if they go It depends how they go five and
if they went five and whatever this year, what would
it be five and seven? Because it's not like the
last two years are Kyle Whittingham's fault. Now, I will
say that they needed a backup plan at quarterback. That's
(09:39):
his fault and the coaching staff's fault for not having
that a better plan there. But but I mean, you know,
they've had a ton of injuries, like we talked about
it yesterday. They score one more touchdown in their game
in each of their games. Last year they win ten games.
So you're gonna, like, what's what's going to change if
(10:00):
Kyle Whittingham's not there all of a sudden, They're gonna
stay healthy? Like that doesn't make sense to me. So
I don't see them forcing him out because what will
Again I asked, I'm like, what's going to change if
Morgan Scwy's the head coach instead of the defensive coordinator?
You know what I mean? Like, it doesn't there's no
there's no connective tissue there between those two terrible seasons,
(10:21):
and like it's not like Whittingham was out coached during
those seasons, you know. So no, I think he's fine
and I don't. So that's my guess.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (10:31):
If you go five and seven you're just not I
don't know what changes, Maybe not a whole lot. And
that's again, if you go five and seven and everybody's healthy,
that's a different conversation. If you go five and seven,
and again you lose dam Pier in week two. Then
it's the same conversation we've been having for three years.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
So let me ask you a similar question about a
different coach in the Big twelve? What about Mike Gundy?
Do you feel the same way about Mike Gundy? And
there's a reason I'm asking you this question.
Speaker 4 (10:59):
Well, I I don't feel the same just as far
as like the pressure on Mike Gundy's way more than
on Whittingham. Like they're they're obviously not real happy with him.
He fired his entire staff in the off season, and
you can tell like he really is on the hot
seat down there with the fans, with the media. It's
not the same. It's totally different than as far as
(11:20):
the feel and the situation than up here. Do I
think Mike Gundhy should get fired?
Speaker 5 (11:25):
Nah?
Speaker 4 (11:26):
I mean not necessarily. Again, I don't know who you're
going to bring in that's going to do a better job.
But I don't follow Oklahoma State football as closely as
I do Utah either.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
So here's the reason I ask you the question about
Mike Gundhy. Mike Gundy and Kyle Whittingham were hired the
same week at both Oklahoma State in Utah and have
been and had similar ten.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
Years at both of these two schools.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
So I find them to be very similar situations.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
That's why I ask you the question.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
I do think it might be a little bit more
tense at oklahom State right now. When I was a
big twelve meny days, got some intel about Mike Gundy
and the things that he's had to do just to
keep his job this last offseason, which has been incredible.
We're talking sitting in front of the border regions, We're
talking getting transfers into the program approved by the school itself,
(12:17):
and having more people in the kitchen to talk about
what's going to happen with his personnel on his team.
There's a lot more oversight in what Mike Gundy is
facing right now just to keep his job, which was
interesting than it has been in the Passenger right fired
the entire coaching staff and he's the only one that's
still there. So I think that shows you if it
wasn't Mike Gundy, any other coach would have been fired.
(12:40):
And he still was not fired after what happened a
season ago, So there is something to be said about
loyalty and tenure and how long and what success you've
had at a program for sure.
Speaker 4 (12:49):
Yeah, And look, Kyle Whittingham has been more successful than
Mike Gundy. Mike Gundy's been great, but if you go
through the seasons, Kyle Whittingham has been better, His teams
have been better, and he's had a tougher road than
Mike Dundee. He took a team from a G five
conference an he won first of all, he won a
Sugar Bowl with him in the in the Mountain West,
(13:10):
and then then transitioned into the Pac twelve and went
to two Rose Bowls. So yeah, yeah, Kyle Whittingham, He's
built up more equity than Gundy has.
Speaker 3 (13:21):
So it will be interesting what happens if Utah does
have a bad season. Don't know what will happen behind
the scenes and what happens after this year, but a
lot of Utah fans hoping that does not become a reality.
With the excitement that's coming out of fall camp this
past month or so, we'll take a break, We'll talk
with Jackson Payne of the Deseret News get his thoughts
(13:43):
on BYU fall camp and is what Aaron Rodgers had
to say yesterday about that team and the quarterback competition
and the changes that have been made there as well.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
That's all coming up your way right here on.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
Bryce and bia Neuchi were live at Sleepy Rich Golf
Course for the thirty first dnnual You to Valley University
Athletics golf tournament. Uh having a good time. I mean,
the weather is beautiful, it's perfect. I'm sitting here in
the shade and it's just a perfect night, or excuse me,
perfect morning. Uh here this morning at the the Open
(14:17):
and the invitational for Utah Valley University.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
So we'll take a break.
Speaker 3 (14:20):
We'll come back on the other side, talk with a
little bit with our friend Jackson Payne and get the
latest scoop on b y U fall camp. Next right
here on Bryson Being che one of three nine to
ninety eight three ESPN.
Speaker 1 (14:29):
Listening to Bryson bm Nucci on one O, three nine
and ninety eight three ESPN PAN Download the Bryson B. A.
Nucci Podcast wherever you get your podcast today.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
Jacks Shop, what's your aunt?
Speaker 3 (14:55):
Shas Welcome on in, Jacks bia Nucci, We're back at it.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
You hear the music, you know that means just one thing.
Speaker 3 (15:06):
Our good friend Jackson Payne from the Destt News joins
us here on Bryce and Bia Nucci to give us
the latest from BYU Fall Camp. So let's jump out
to the ESPN the Fan Hotline and say hello to
our good friend Jackson Paine.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
Jackson, good to hear from you.
Speaker 5 (15:19):
What some guys always going to be on.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
Always great to have you, always great to have you.
One thing on top of our minds here BYU Fall Camp.
Yesterday Aaron Roderick said, we have movement. We have motion
on the quarterback battle. Tell us what you heard and
the reports that were coming from Aaron Roderick yesterday.
Speaker 5 (15:39):
Yeah, long last we finally got some movement. We finally
got some new information on the quarterback battle and Aaron
Roderick basically confirmed what we'd been suspecting for a while.
But the quarterback battle at BYU is it's been whittled
down too. Trayson Borgae probably not in the running at
this current moment, but Bear Bachmeier, the freshman former Stanford commit,
(16:00):
it's taken the majority of first team reps, and McKay Hillstead,
the Utah State transfer, getting the rest of those. And
so for the majority of the media portion yesterday. It
may have been the entire media portion. I thought Hillstead
might have gotten a few snaps, but I think the
entirety of the media viewing portion of practice yesterday. Bachmeyer
was running with the first team And so that's massive, right,
(16:22):
Like at this point, you've had that quarterback battle go
for two weeks. You've given equal reps to all three
of those guys. But now it's the time where you
got to give somebody the bulk share of the reps
so that they can build these relationships and get this
chemistry going with the first team offense and have them
ready to roll for Portland State just about geez, how
long ago? How far away is that now? Eighteen seventeen days?
(16:45):
Like it's coming soon, and so by you had to
make a decision, and it's obviously doesn't denote who's going
to start that game, but at this point, you know,
I would say it's probably Bear Bachmeyer's job to lose.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
Yeah, we're seventeen days, three hours, thirty six minutes, and
thirty seconds away from kickoff for BYU.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
We've got the countdown clock at ESPN.
Speaker 3 (17:07):
The fan Jackson, does it surprise you a little bit
to hear this because last week I remember standing there
at practice watching bear Bachmeyer struggle first day in pads,
trying to get the ball out.
Speaker 2 (17:20):
He was holding onto the ball a little bit too much.
Speaker 3 (17:22):
And then we also saw McKay Hillstead drive the offense
down the field with confidence and they ended up scoring
a touchdown as often LJ. Martin scamper to the right
side and he finished it off. But there was a
lot of confidence from one McKay Hillstead. Does it surprise
you a little bit to hear that this quarterback battle
is so close? So obviously a lot happens when we're
(17:43):
not watching. What are your thoughts on McKay and it
feels like he had the front runner going into this,
but bear Bachmeyer has a legitimate chance at winning this
quarterback battle.
Speaker 5 (17:55):
Yeah, totally. I think what it comes down to is,
obviously McKay Hill's said is you know a little bit
more about it. But he's also a bit of an unknown.
He hasn't played in a while, He hasn't played since
he was a true freshman at Utah State. And I
think for me, it's like you have a true freshman
and bear Bachmeyer, and you have a college veteran in Hillstead,
(18:16):
who's played meaningful game reps and has also been in
the program for more than a year now, and so
if it's this close, with those circumstances, why not give
the edge to the freshman with the bigger frame and
maybe the higher ceiling. So I don't think it's an
indictment on Hillstead at all. I think he's had a
good camp. Obviously, the quarterbacks have it up and down,
(18:38):
and I think that's to be expected because Boy's defense
is just so good and they'll probably be one of
the best, if not the best, maybe one of the
best two or three defenses in the Big twelve, and
so going against that unit in a quarterback battle complicates things.
But I think I don't think Hillstead's had a bad camp.
I just think the upside and the potential with blackmeers
(18:59):
just so tantalized, and you know, you see every practice
you see a flash of something and it's like, oh, okay,
this is why he was a four star recruit. At
one point, Blackmeyer made a throw to Carson Ryan yesterday
that got posted on social media, and it was just
a perfect anticipatory over the shoulder kind of fingertiped throat
like it was perfect ball placement, and the media all
(19:22):
gathered together had an audible just like whoa like as
he threw that ball, like it just I don't know
if it like it's just when you when you saw
it in the moment, you were like, Okay, there's this
is a legit arm talent. And so I'm I'm really
interested to see how Bachmeyer handled these first two games
of the season. Obviously, Portland State's an SCS school, by
(19:42):
he doesn't lose to those, and then you welcome Stanford
to Provo. It's a night game in Provo. Stanford might
be one of the worst P four teams in the country,
but they're starting a six year senior at quarterback. Blackmeyer's
going against his former program, and so these two games
that should probably be shocked up to. These two games
should probably be wins for BYU. But if you struggle,
(20:05):
then you have a bye week before you travel to ECU,
and if you need to make a change, you have
that extra week built in to do so. And so
I think it makes the most sense, Like, all right,
Backmeier probably is the highest ceiling. Let's unleash him against
two cupcakesh games and then see what you have and
maybe make a decision going forward. So at this point,
(20:27):
giving him the bulk of the first team reps makes
the most sense. And I mean it's time. It's time
for BYU to get some clarity at that quarterback position
and build that chemistry. Like we talked about.
Speaker 3 (20:38):
Jackson Payne is with us from the desertt News talk
at BYU fall camp right here on Bryce and ba
Nucci one to three to nine and ninety eight three
ESPN the Fan, Jackson, I do want to.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
Shift over to your biggest worries.
Speaker 3 (20:49):
We're about what eleven twelve days through fall camp at
this point in time, what's the biggest question mark, obviously
besides the quarterback position, biggest question mark in your biggest
worry for BYU heading into this season.
Speaker 5 (21:01):
I think it would be the lines on each side
of the ball, particularly the defensive line. I don't think
I think Boy's pass rush is going to be a
lot better than last year. That's not I mean they
only had twenty sacks last year. I wrote an article
where I predicted they'd have at least twenty six, which
if you don't count the COVID year. The last time
(21:22):
that Bau's had twenty six sacks of a team was
twenty eighteen, which was Zach Wilson's freshman year and my
freshman year, so it's been a while. I just think
the interior of the defensive line. Obviously, Keanu Tonavas has
a stud and is going to do some big things,
but it's not sure what that depth is like at
that position. Justin Kirkland, the transfer from Oklahoma State, he
(21:42):
hasn't even practiced yet. There's some health concerns there behind Tonavasa,
like what is what is that position going to look like?
What is the depth gonna look like? And so I
think that's a legitimate reason for concern. The defensive ends,
you obviously have a lot of young guys, the Silliacana
Hunter klegg E from Asciata. It's it's like my friend
Jeff Hansen, who's one of the premiere insiders for BUA football,
(22:06):
he likens it to a bunch of lottery tickets. BYU's
bought all these lottery tickets at the edge position and
with these young players and hopefully one or two of
them hit this year. So I think the defensive line
is probably my biggest concern right now. And then the
offensive line, you lost three really good stars at kaylebt
(22:27):
and Connor pay and Brandon Kyme, so you had to
replace three guys. And I think they're at the point
this year, at least to start the season where they're
still trying to mix it match and find the right
combination of their guys. I don't think it's a lack
of talent in that room. I think they are very talented.
I think it's just trying to get the right guys
together on the field, and so who knows how long
(22:47):
that'll take, But I'm just I'm a little bit worried
about that. And then I guess you know what. I
think the biggest thing actually over the offensive line is
running back death because LJ. Martins had injuries during his time,
Poke hoon Gas isn't gonna be on the team. Nick
and Awahini has gotten injured before Fiona BoA's head injury stuff.
They might get Hinkley Rapotti back, but they might not.
(23:08):
Like it's just the depth that running back is very suspect,
and so I think defensive line and running back are
my two biggest things, and I would love to be
proven wrong. I mean, Obviously last year we were most
we were most concerned about quarterback, and Jacobretzel was serviceable.
We were concerned about kicker, and Will Farrin turned into
Will Farren. I just think, you know, this is where
Kalani Satake really shines, where he could get his guys
(23:29):
when they have their backskins the wall, to go and
do great things. And so yeah, well we'll see what
happens there.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
I'm glad you brought up the running back situation because
that's where I was going. Next, I want to ask
you about the Hinkley Rapazzi situation and him just waiting
to get a waiver.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
We know it's some you.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
Know, part medical, it's also part COVID year, and Aaron
Roddick has kind of talked about it, but not really
giving us a lot of insight into it. What are
the odds in your opinion of them actually getting the
waiver for Rapati to be able to go this season.
Speaker 5 (24:01):
Roderick has said he's hopeful. I don't know what to
make of that. I'd say probably just a coin flip
at this point, because it's it's not only COVID and medical,
but it's also junior college eligibility, and that's been a
thing with Diego Payeva and some of these other players
across the country. I think Darius Lassater and kayleb Etn
were both expecting to come back to BYU this year
(24:22):
because they thought they their JUCO year wouldn't count against them,
But then that kind of fell through and there were
some complications there, and so BYU and trying to get
these JUCO players back for more eligibility hasn't really worked out.
But I think Hinkley's case is a bit more unique
and it would be a huge help to have Hinkley Ropatti.
I think I don't know if fans understand the value
(24:43):
that he's brought to the team in his time in
the program. He's a guy when Aaron Roderick talks about him,
Like when when you listen to Aaron Roderick talked about
the three quarterbacks, if you kind of read through the
tea leaves, it was pretty obvious that Roderick was gushing
over Bear. You could tell that Bachmeyer was his guy.
And I think it's similar when when you hear him
talk about Ropotti, like he kind of lights up, like
(25:04):
he's a big Hnkley Rapotti guy. He's so good in
the passing game. He's a good blocker, he's a tough runner.
Like this is a guy that really just especially if
you have a if you're breaking in a new quarterback,
that's Hinkley Rapotti is a safety valve that you want.
Like I'm a Commanders fan, sall, he's an example like
Austin Eckler last year. Obviously he was great with the Chargers,
but he's not the player he once was with the Commanders,
(25:26):
but he's he's been so valuable as a safety blanket
for for Jade and Daniels. And Ropotty is kind of
a similar type player, that similar type role. And if
Bachmeyer or Hillstead, whoever starts Week one has a Hinkley
Ropatti too to throw to, that's so massive and so
I think it's about a coin flip, probably better than that.
But yeah, like I said, having having Hinkley back is
(25:47):
so major for that room. But at the same time,
if you look around the big club, there aren't a
ton of premier running backs.
Speaker 2 (25:53):
If l J.
Speaker 5 (25:54):
Martin can stay healthy and with the run game that
you a you kind of cooked up last year with TJ. Woods,
I really think LJ. Martin could be like a first
team All Big twelve running back, Like he's legit, Like
they're going to have to lean on him so much
this year. Maybe do some creative two running back sets
you on and moa when he's flashed. He's been really good,
Like I'm encouraged by the potential of the running backs.
It's just the depth and the injury reality that frightens me,
(26:17):
and so Hinkley would go a long way to kind
of ease those concerns.
Speaker 2 (26:20):
I think he definitely would. He's also looking really good.
Speaker 3 (26:25):
He's a large human being and would add another body
back there that would just be a bruiser coming out
of the backfield. Let's shift over to the kicking game.
He brought up Will Farren. I spoke with Will Farren
a week or two ago about how he feels this
offseason and things that he's gone through. He said that
he feels confident in kicking in good conditions from.
Speaker 2 (26:43):
Sixty four and sixty five and hitting it.
Speaker 3 (26:46):
Do you think Will Farren gets the opportunity to show
us that he can hit from sixty five early on.
Speaker 5 (26:52):
I hope he gets the chance to kick from seventy
like that. Jaguars kicker the other day, that would be awesome.
I don't know. I think at the on the game,
like if if like b Y is very aggressive on
fourth down, if it's a sixty yard range, but you
could still like go for it within reason. I think
By's got to go for it. But I think if
(27:12):
they're if they're up a lot, and especially against like
a Stanford or a Portland State, and it's like, yeah,
let's let Bill run out there and do it. Like,
I don't think you can't rule it out right. I
think b YU like after the fake punt that after
the fake field goal they ran last year at UCF
where the double snap you know where Sam Vanderhart was
snapping through his legs and you think it's a fair
(27:34):
And I can't rule anything out with the special teams group,
And just a shout out to Kelly Pepingo, like the
special teams unit at BYU has been so elite since
twenty twenty three. Obviously they had the four return touchdowns
last year, but guys like Isaiah Glaster and Tanner Wall
make plays on special teams like they're just just an
unbelievable improvement at that unit. And the fact that BYU
(27:54):
had such a strong kind of triumvirate at UH with
with fair and at kicker, Sam Andrew horror punter, and
then Garrison Grimes, son of Jeff at long snapper. Like
that's a great that's a great thing, and I'm really
encouraged and excited to see what the special teams do
this year. But yeah, I mean, I want to see
Farren Baumitt from sixty sixty four, like, let's give him
(28:14):
the chance. Like I love going for it on fourth down.
It's fun, but you know, it could be just as
exciting to kick a field goal from that far and
get that record.
Speaker 3 (28:23):
That brings up a different question that we've discussed here
on this program. Jordan thinks that the field goals in
the NFL at least should be the width of the
field goal should be brought down because it's way too easy.
Seventy yard field goal too easy for these guys in
the NFL.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
We want to get your opinion on that. Do you
think that at least the width of the field goal
post should be brought in a little bit, Maybe not
at the college level, but the NFL level.
Speaker 5 (28:47):
I disagree because my kicker, Matt Gay former UBU soccer player.
That's right, keeps missing kicks during training camp, and so
I don't want to make it any harder for him
because I need. Look, we're trying to make a Super
Bowl run this year. We gotta pay Terry, we gotta
get Gay making his kicks. Like, let's not mess with
up goalposts just yet. Let's win a super Bowl in
DC before we do that.
Speaker 2 (29:07):
Shout out to back Gay. Yeah, you're right.
Speaker 3 (29:09):
Former Utah Valley soccer player, all right, Jackson, final thing
for you, you more excited for b YU football or the
BYU basketball season. They've got some excitement for their season
starting up early November.
Speaker 5 (29:23):
That's a tough question because obviously, on paper, it should
be basketball, because this is like the most anticipated BA
basketball season in history. The aj De bans A piece,
the playing in Madison Square Garden in Villain against Villanova Vegas,
like all these things. Like, But at the same time,
I know, like you can kind of tell what BYU's basketball,
(29:44):
Like aj De bants is going to be in a
Cooper Flag League of of Success by US b YU
is going to have a good basketball team. I just
I don't think that's that hard to doubt. Football interests me.
It just I really want to see what happens at quarterback.
Like this schedule is so interesting. It's it's not a
(30:05):
hard schedule, but there's one four game stretch that could
kind of make or break everything. I guess I'm more
excited for football just because there's so much more unknown
and I just want the I want the certainty of
how it ends out. And obviously I'm not trying to
I think basketball has more hype around it, but at
(30:26):
the same time, like a Javansa is supposed to be
an All America guy, and Richie Saunders, we know who
he is, and they have all these young dudes and
another transfers. I just think football there's just so much
more of an unknown going into it that if if
Bachmeyer hits this year and he's the guy, you have
(30:47):
another you have another two years with him as your
starter where he's he's legit and he's getting the job
done and he can maybe build the program around him
right going into the writer Lions era. And so yeah,
I think this year is huge for BYU. This is
I feel like BYU has a big twelve title window
(31:07):
and I think it's opened for now as long as
Jay Hill is here because what he's doing on defense
is revolutionary and helping BYU a lot. And then if
if Jay Hill ends up leaving at some point, I
think that closes until the Rider Lions and recruiting class
of twenty twenty six are kind of gets underway. And
so this year, this year's major for that. And so
I think BYU has a big twelve championship level roster.
(31:32):
I just think the quarterback position is the biggest thing.
And so I think I'm I'm more excited for football
just because of all those factors and the intrigue, and
but I'm definitely stoked for basketball. That's gonna be a
good time.
Speaker 3 (31:44):
All right, Jackson Payne, did they have you cover in
any high school football this upcoming football season?
Speaker 5 (31:50):
Probably not, but I'll still be around. I mean, I
love high school football, man, it's the greatest. I'll be
at some games, all right.
Speaker 3 (31:56):
Maybe we'll see it a couple of games this upcoming season. Jackson,
thank you so much for your time and appreciate you
jumping on.
Speaker 5 (32:03):
Yeah, anytime guys see you.
Speaker 3 (32:05):
That is Jackson Payne of the Deseret News. The latest
on BYU football and the fall camp reports about that
quarterback situation. We'll take a break here, we'll come back
and wrap up the second hour of the program.
Speaker 2 (32:21):
We'll get into our three.
Speaker 3 (32:22):
A lot left, a lot of big names coming by
former US men's national teamer along with RSL Great Kyle
Beckerman scheduled to join us in our number three alongside
the head coach of the Wolverines in Todd Phillips for
the men's basketball team. All of that and more coming
up in our number three of the program. Stick with
us right here on Bryson, B and Nucci one to
(32:43):
three nine ninety three ESPN.
Speaker 1 (32:49):
Is Bryce and be a new gm ME morning. One
of these two yearns for the old days where a
little scuffle went unpunished. The others a more distinguished gentleman
that's just trying to become more in touch with his
Italian roots.
Speaker 5 (33:09):
On one O.
Speaker 1 (33:10):
Three nine and ninety three ESPN, B.
Speaker 3 (33:16):
Eight forty four backed at it on this Wednesday, August
the thirteenth, live a sleepy Rich golf course for the
thirty first annual Utah Valley Athletics Golf Tournament. I'm Bryce Larsen,
Jordan b Ucci's holding it down first back in our
Salt Lake City Studios hanging out, Uh, getting ready to
(33:37):
host a Utah football party?
Speaker 2 (33:39):
Is that what I'm hearing? It's the intel that I've
gotten this morning.
Speaker 4 (33:42):
Yeah, we have an up Do we have any updates?
Let's see, I'm trying to check out.
Speaker 2 (33:46):
Has anyone shown up?
Speaker 5 (33:48):
Nobody's here.
Speaker 1 (33:49):
Nobody's here.
Speaker 4 (33:50):
No, not no one, No one's no, not a soul.
It's eight forty five.
Speaker 2 (33:53):
We might have to open it up to the public.
Speaker 4 (33:55):
No one is here yet.
Speaker 2 (33:56):
If that's the case.
Speaker 4 (33:57):
Now the clients are on their way where they stop.
They're stock in the free jit they got need nah, Yeah,
they got some drinks. That's about all we got right now.
Speaker 3 (34:06):
All right, we'll just check it in. Just checking in
over there this upcoming Friday. A reminder, high school football
back on ESPN the Fan Friday Night Lights. Your home
for high school football across the state of Utah is
right here on one of three nine and ninety eight
three ESPN the Fan, and we will be bringing you
Provo and Green Canyon live from Provo High School. Friday
(34:26):
night at seven pm is when you will be able
to hear that game. Come in your way right here
on one O three nine and ninety eight three ESPN
The Fan, Jordan Bianucci, we're talking some Major League baseball
here for a second, Zach Netto and the Angels turned
a triple play off of sho Hey Otani and the Dodgers.
But there was some excitement late in that game. Uh,
(34:46):
just give us little bit of the breakdown. What was
going on there?
Speaker 4 (34:49):
Well, the I think shoe Hey hit a home run
in the ninth to tie it, I think, and then
the Angels wanted in the tenth. But the Angels, we
talked about it yesterday. They're not five I even oh
against the Dodgers this year. But more importantly, the Potter's
won last night, So the Dodgers and the Pottery they're
tied a top the NL West. But yeah, you mentioned
(35:10):
it with Netto. Crazy game between the Angels and Podres
or excuse me, Dodgers.
Speaker 2 (35:14):
Its a wild back and forth one.
Speaker 3 (35:16):
As you mentioned, the Angels ended up winning seven to
six in the tenth. That was Look, it's funny that
the Angels just kind of have the Dodgers number so
far this season, Like the Dodgers cannot beat the Angels
for some reason, and the Angels have just dominated them
(35:38):
throughout this entire year.
Speaker 2 (35:39):
We talked a little bit about it yesterday.
Speaker 3 (35:41):
They have won the majority of the games, if not
all of them, undefeated against the Dodgers this year, which
is crazy.
Speaker 4 (35:49):
It's bizarre. And usually the Dodgers, I've I usually look
up the numbers, but it seems like the Dodgers usually
dominate that series. Yeah, they're five and oh the Angels
over the Dodgers this year. That's what That's what kills you.
If you're the Dodgers looking at the division going we're
tied with the padres Is, you've lost five to the Angels,
who are not as bad as they've been in the past,
(36:10):
but not a team that you should be zero to
five against. That's that's brutal. They go for the season
sweep today.
Speaker 3 (36:18):
That's the Ron Washington effect. We talk about it. He
left Atlanta in the off season to take over the Angels,
and now look at the Angels.
Speaker 2 (36:27):
Huh.
Speaker 3 (36:27):
Now they're not going to make the playoffs, but they've
played a lot better than what they have in the
last couple of years.
Speaker 4 (36:34):
Yeah, I mean, and he's not even managing he's had
the health issue, so he's not even in the dugout.
Speaker 2 (36:40):
It's all about the culture, that's right.
Speaker 4 (36:41):
He changes, right, he changes the culture. Uh, I mean
it's just weird. I don't know, it's just it's there's
no really explaining it. The Dodgers just haven't haven't played
that well, and there's some bad luck. You you want
to talk about the triple play, that's really just bad luck.
Speaker 3 (36:58):
If you're the Dodgers, that is, yeah, definitely bad luck.
There's a whole ride up on it on ESPN dot
com if you want to check it out and figure
it out. But the Dodgers had runners on first and second,
none out, score tied at at five. In the top
of the sixth inning, show Halo Tiny hit a low
line drive up the middle netto shaded almost behind second base,
(37:22):
caught it, immediately stepped on second to double up Rojas,
who froze on contact, and then fired at the first
base to get Dalton rushing the rookie catcher, who seemed
perplexed by the development.
Speaker 2 (37:36):
That's the breakdown.
Speaker 4 (37:37):
It's like you can turn three. It's like I thought
you could only turn thought two was the max.
Speaker 3 (37:42):
Speaking of which, base running errors in Major League Baseball,
seems like there's been a little bit of an uptick
this year across the entire league. I've seen so much
of it, whether it's you know the Yankees, that happened
with the Dodgers.
Speaker 2 (37:53):
The Giants can't figure out to run the bases.
Speaker 4 (37:57):
Yeah, and I don't even know if if last night
is that a base running? Is that bad base running?
It's a line drive up the middle. I need to
see the whole thing at once, because it's a line
drive up the middle. Nedo grabs it, steps on second, maybe, yeah, maybe, Well,
as soon as he catches it. With a line drive,
(38:17):
you freeze. So as soon as he catches it, you're right,
you should be diving back to first. So he either
had a huge secondary lead or he was Yeah, I
don't know what he's doing because you're right, Because you're right.
It's not like they doubled him.
Speaker 2 (38:31):
Like.
Speaker 4 (38:32):
It wasn't close getting him at first. It was a
line drive up the middle, steps on second, throws to first,
and it was not close him getting back to first base.
Speaker 2 (38:41):
All right.
Speaker 3 (38:41):
That Today wraps up the season series between the Angels
and Dodgers. As you mentioned, then it's this weekend we
head into the Padres and Dodgers in Los Angeles with
both of those two teams tied up at the moment,
and at this moment in time, at sixty eight and
fifty two atop the NL West, Jordan, we've got some
good baseball coming your way, uh Friday, Saturday Sunday with
(39:05):
the Dodgers and Padres.
Speaker 4 (39:07):
It's it's a boy, what a great spot to have it,
especially if it remains hope. I mean, maybe both teams
win or lose today and it's tied going into that series.
That's gonna be phenomenal. Do we have the Have they
set up the pitching matchups yet? For that? I'm gonna
try and pull it up here time out.
Speaker 3 (39:25):
Hold on, did I just hear you say hopefully the
Padres beat the Giants?
Speaker 2 (39:29):
Did I just hear that come out of you?
Speaker 4 (39:30):
I said, I said, hopefully. Look it's over for the Giants.
It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter at all.
Speaker 5 (39:35):
I said.
Speaker 2 (39:36):
I just want to let you know. I'm Clint Bergie
here shaking his head at you because he knows it's over.
Speaker 4 (39:41):
Well, what do you want to do? Like I'm that
was hard to watch last night. That it was brutal.
They're scoring one run a game, so I'm going no,
hopefully both teams lose in they're tide. I'd go for that,
but like the Giants could win today, it doesn't change
anything that this season's over.
Speaker 2 (40:00):
Yeah, I think the season is over for the Giants.
Speaker 3 (40:07):
That maybe Rafael Devers could change something for him but
just didn't quite happen.
Speaker 2 (40:12):
Is it? Is it funny? Maybe not funny to you.
Maybe that's the bad word to use.
Speaker 3 (40:18):
Is it interesting that Rafael Devers gets traded to Giants
and the Red Sox go on a tear and have
the best record after the All Star break?
Speaker 4 (40:25):
Yeah, it's bizarre. It really is weird, although they brought
I mean yeah, and Devs' play overall Devers is he's
hit for the Giants and he's hitting, he's starting to
really hit more so now you started off slow. It's
everybody else. I mean, it's it's what's his name, Willia
Domas going one for eighteen in this series or in
(40:49):
his last this homestand I believe it's Chapman's won for
his last like seventeen with runners in scoring position. It's
those guys that Giants haven't been able to put it
together and be consistent and well you know, they had
a chance post break to prove something to Buster or Posey,
to make him think, Okay, I'm gonna go, I'm gonna
(41:11):
go get somebody. Instead, they lost what six of seven,
and he traded you know, away half the bullpen. So no,
I mean, I don't even know what the answer is.
If you're if you're a team like the Giants, you
need you need offense obviously, But where are you gonna
get it? Is the question?
Speaker 2 (41:28):
Yeah, no doubt about it.
Speaker 3 (41:29):
All right, that's the latest round Major League Baseball here
this morning, eight fifty two on the program, bryceon Bianucci
and one of three, nine and ninety eight three ESPN
the Fan live down here at Sleepy Ridge Golf Course
for uh the UVU Athletics Golf Invitational, the thirty first
annual golf Invitational here at Sleepy Ridge. Gonna be chatting
with Kyle Beckerman, Todd Phillips coming up here in our
(41:50):
number three, So stick with us for that.
Speaker 2 (41:53):
A couple of other things I want to touch on,
get your thoughts on.
Speaker 3 (41:56):
Kansas just barely got a three hundred million dollar gift
from David Booth. He's a donor to Kansas Athletics. They
believe it to be among the largest single gifts in
the history of college athletics and the largest in school history.
Three hundred million dollars to Kansas, uh for their athletics
(42:21):
moving forward.
Speaker 2 (42:22):
Geordan, that's a lot of money.
Speaker 4 (42:24):
I mean, yeah, especially and they just re they just
rebuilt their their football stadium or renovated it. Right, how
much of that goes to basketball? Like you know what
I'm saying, Like, what two hundred million they given to
that to basketball fifty it's gonna be a lot two
hundred and ninety million. How much is going to going
to Bill self? A lot of it?
Speaker 2 (42:46):
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (42:47):
That's that's interesting.
Speaker 3 (42:49):
Kansas plans to allocate at least seventy five million of
Booths gifts towards the launching of the second phase of
its ongoing transformation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and
the constructions around in the Gateway district. Those school officials
have not revealed a timeline for construction and complete completion
of Phase two. The funds will allow Kansas to move
forward with renovating the east side of the stadium as well.
(43:13):
Kansas has already invested four and fifty million dollars into
the first phase of that project, which is incredible. That's
so much money. But that stadium does look really good.
So Kansas getting a three hundred million dollars gift, not
a lot of those walking around in college athletics.
Speaker 2 (43:29):
That's pretty impressive.
Speaker 3 (43:30):
Other things that I want to make you note of
while we're talking about a lot of money here, Jordan
coming up on Friday, and stadiums and renovations and different things.
Ribbon cutting for the new UCCU stadiums coming up on
Friday for Utah Valley University. That thing, what I've been told,
is absolutely beautiful, a top five venue for college soccer
(43:52):
across the nation when it opens on Friday, and then
you're going to have your season opener with the Utah
Valley women's soccer team take on Utah the following Monday,
next Monday. Uh, that's gonna be incredible to be a
part of. Coming up on Friday with Utah Valley doing
the ribbon cutting.
Speaker 4 (44:10):
Yeah, that'll be cool. I'm looking forward to watching a
game from there. Just I mean, like you said, it's yeah,
top top of the line, like boxes good. I assume
a lot of good sitelines, good seating for fans. Yeah,
it's a big deal. I mean, people love you. For
people that don't know, Utah Alley Soccer gets a lot
of people out. That's a big It's a big thing
(44:30):
down there. So that no, that'll that'll be really cool.
I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Speaker 2 (44:34):
Now.
Speaker 3 (44:34):
You have a beautiful new side at the stadium where
you could go purchase tickets and be able to sit
watch great soccer as they head into the Big West
this next upcoming season, not this season, but the following season,
and have some really good teams from across the nation
coming into play some soccer. That's all coming up on Friday.
Believe Bryce and Bianuci's gonna be live down there at
Utah Valley University and UCCU Stadium for that ribbon cutting
(44:58):
this upcoming Friday, and maybe we'll have a couple of
really good guests to join us on the program to
talk a little bit more about that. I've been told
upwards of thirty million dollar project for that stadium, So
some money being put into college soccer here in the
state of Utah.
Speaker 2 (45:13):
That's coming your way on Friday.
Speaker 3 (45:15):
We also have high school football coming your way on
Friday as well. Once again, a reminder Provo and Green
Canyon seven pm start on Friday night along with the
La Rams on Saturday for your home of the Los
Angeles Rams in the state of Utah. Right here on
one O three nine to ninety eight three, ESPN the
Fan preseason game number two for the Rams.
Speaker 2 (45:35):
We'll talk with JB. Long coming up on Friday. He's
the voice of the Rams.
Speaker 3 (45:39):
We'll have a good discussion with him about Matthew Stafford,
Puka Nakua, Britton Covey.
Speaker 2 (45:45):
And more.
Speaker 3 (45:46):
We'll take a break our three coming up next, the
head coach of the Utah Valley men's basketball team will
join us in Todd Phillips, and we'll have a little
bit of a chat with him, and then Kyle Beckerman
will stop by. We'll talk a little soccer with our
guy the Cap. That's all coming up here in our
number three on Bryce and biannuci Wan of three nine
to ninety eight three ESPN
Listening to Bryson bia Nucci on one O, three, nine
(00:03):
and ninety eight three ESPN, The Fan down moved the
bryceon Biannucci podcast. Wherever you get your podcast today.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Welcome back.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Did Bryce and Bianucci live from Sleepy Rich golf Course
this morning eight oh three on a Wednesday of the
August thirteenth, doc Bryce, that's Bianucci Jordan's hold it down.
Back in our Salt Lake City studios getting ready for
a Utah football party?
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Is it Utah football time? Yet?
Speaker 4 (00:40):
We got We got a bunch of people setting things up.
We have three hats. This is not for the public,
by the way, don't show up at the station. Uh,
we have free hats. What else we got out here?
Speaker 5 (00:52):
Wow?
Speaker 4 (00:53):
A lot of balloons. We have some footballs. I see
maybe a helmet. Is Bill Riley here yet? I don't
see Bill yet. I'll go.
Speaker 5 (01:04):
I'll go.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
I might have to make a pass. I won't lie.
Maybe I'll finish up here and go straight there.
Speaker 4 (01:09):
Let me know, because if you come up, I might stay.
If not, I'm going to I'm going. I'm out of
here because I'll just be standing around by myself like I'm.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
Not much of one to mingle. Meet some new people
that we work with, a couple of doors down.
Speaker 4 (01:23):
Go up to random people. Hey, Jordan bean Ucci, damn
glad to meet you. Yes being yes, being the fan,
damn glad to meet you.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
That Look, that's that's the way. You know.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
He got a network a little bit, get her, get
her name out there. Make sure you let him know
who we are and what we do.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
All right, that's what we should do.
Speaker 4 (01:42):
Speaking of real quick, you should we should do the
animal house thing is. I'll go up to somebody and
I'll be like Jordan ban nuccies being the fan, damn
glad to meet you, and then you come up behind
me and you say to the same person you that
was Jordan ban Ucci es being the fan, damn glad
to meet you. I'll just go, I'm just one after
the other. That's memorable. I'll love that.
Speaker 3 (01:58):
Yes, it'll with them exactly. It will definitely stick with them.
They will remember exactly what happened to him that day.
Speaking of Utah football, let's talk a little bit about
what's going on up there at the Hill throughout fall
camp to this point, we did hear from Kyle Whittingham
after their Saturday scrimmage as he talked about different quarterback
well QB two battle that's going on, along with a
(02:21):
couple guys that are going to be playing on the
offensive side of the football. Really interesting. Smith's Noden, Lander
Barton both apparently are going to be playing on the
offense side of the football. Jordan, Normally we don't hear
much from Kyle Whittingham.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
This feels like.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
He A is either being more open, which is strange,
or it also might just be a tactic where he's
thrown it out there and making UCLA prepare for two
defensive guys that they have no idea what they could
do on offense. I don't know what the answer is here,
But how often do you think Smith's Noden and lander
Barton will actually play on the offensive side of.
Speaker 4 (02:59):
The I wouldn't think very much, because there are two
of your studs that you need on defense and you
don't want to be you don't want them gassed and
you don't want them to possibly get injured either. I mean,
I don't know, I would think not very much. Yeah,
Kyle's turning over a new leaf. He's just opening up.
He's he's been talking with his therapist, and he's just like,
(03:21):
you know what, I've been too been too secretive, been
too furtive. I'm I'm I'm gonna just tell people how
I feel. I'm gonna I'm gonna let them in on
the game plan. You know what, Let's open it up,
let's talk about it.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:34):
See, that's my thing is that I'm not buying that.
I'm not buying that for one second that Kyle Winningham
is just letting in everybody on the secrets saying, yeah,
we're gonna be playing our defensive guys on the offensive
side of the football. Hell, you might even see some
offensive guys play some defense this upcoming season. I don't
think that's quite it weird that they would just be
open about that. Number One, I don't think that you
(03:56):
want that as a Utah fan, because well, you want,
you know, your offense to be good enough that you
don't need help from your stars on the defensive side.
Last year, that was the story of the season for
Utah football, was that you needed all the help that
you could get from the guys on the defensive side
just to help your offense, not necessarily with them playing offense,
(04:17):
but them just giving you a chance to stay in
football games as much as you possibly can. And that
was the story of the year last year this year.
If you're a Utah fan and you hear these reports
coming out of fall CAMPI like, hold on, we have
a revamped offense. Why are we hearing that defensive dudes
are going to go play offense?
Speaker 4 (04:37):
He wants more participation. He just wants to mix it up.
Let's have some fun. The last two years have been brutal.
He's like, you know what, everyone's gonna play everywhere. It's
like Little League. We're all taking turns. I don't know.
I have no You're right, I don't understand. Look, I'm
all if he wants to tell us more stuff, I'm
all for it. But I'm not sure why exactly now
(04:59):
he's given us this kind I don't know. I have
no no I did. Maybe something he's trying to hide
something else. Maybe that's what's going on. It's trying to
distract us.
Speaker 3 (05:09):
There might be yeah, maybe you know, they take the
attention off of a budding new star at the tight
end position. Uh, maybe at the wide receiver position. Right
with Tobias Merriweather. There's been a couple of reports out
there about one Tobias Merriweather. We heard Devin Dampierre talk
about Tobias in saying that you're going to see him
(05:30):
a lot this upcoming season and maybe the now. That's
why we only hear Devin Dampier for two and a
half minutes before they say last question in the media
scrum Jordan like you said too much.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Already, get him out of there.
Speaker 4 (05:42):
I know, I like that last last question. Yeah, okay, well,
you know what what we can't just talk to him.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
We've asked four Yeah, we've asked four questions.
Speaker 4 (05:51):
Colleges are such babies. No, no official but like, can
you imagine like the jazz that somebody stepping have been, Like, look, okay, guys,
last question. Have you ask Hardy like two questions? He's exhausted,
he's tired. We got to get him out of here.
Let us ask him a couple of questions. He'll be okay.
He's a big boy, he's fine. He can answer questions
(06:14):
for more than, you know, four and a half minutes.
It's gonna be okay.
Speaker 3 (06:19):
That is the struggle at this point in time, just
trying to get that information.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Now.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
You know, back in the day, I've been told media
was allowed to go to the full practices. You can
really get a feel for what was going on out
there on the football field. Now it's the last fifteen
to twenty and you know what, I will give kudos
a shout out, shout out to BYU. They have been
a lot more open this year in terms of letting
Kilane talk, in terms of the length of time that
(06:46):
they each coach has spoken, and the one on one
interviews that they've granted as well. I've had a lot
more one on one interviews with BYU football players this
year than in years previous, So they're opening it up
a little bit more, Jordan, which is a good a
good thing across the board for college football fans to
hear a lot of what they're talking about at both
(07:06):
fall camps as well. Speaking of BYU fall camp, we'll
get down to provo here in just a couple of minutes.
Is Jackson Payne of the Deseret News will join us
to talk a little college football and what the report
was coming out of BYU fall camp yesterday, So stick
with us on that one. We'll get into that in
just about ten minutes time. But staying with the Utah
(07:27):
football portion of this at this moment in time, Jordan.
A lot of people are talking about Utah playing really
good football this upcoming season, but not a lot of
people are talking about what would happen if Utah is
not good this year. Kyle Whittingham in the offseason at
Big twelve Medy Days, was asked, Hey, you know, when
(07:47):
are you going to hang it up?
Speaker 2 (07:48):
What's it look like?
Speaker 3 (07:49):
Why didn't you decide last year to retire after that
tough season? And essentially he said, I'm not done yet.
We've got to end on a higher note. For me
to just walk away from the game that I been
a part of my entire life was essentially the answer
that Kyle Whittingham gave. Well, Jordan, what happens if they
have another season where they don't make a bowl game?
Speaker 2 (08:08):
Nobody's really talking about that.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
The upside look the potential, and I feel like I've
said this for both teams. Anywhere between six and nine
for both of these two teams, I think is a
good expectation just because of the question marks on the
offensive side of the football, But the defenses are going
to be so good you could possibly get to the
double digit wins for both BYU and football BYU and
(08:32):
Utah football this upcoming season. So I'm right about there.
You know, anywhere from six to ten. If you have
some good offensive production, you could be a top six offense.
You could win ten to eleven games. That's what it's
going to be like with these defenses this upcoming season. Jordan,
what happens if Utah football does not make a bowl
game again this upcoming season?
Speaker 4 (08:53):
I mean, I don't know what Here's They're not going
to fire Kyle Whittingham. There may be internal conversations about
you know, what's going on? Are you thinking is now
the time to retire? They're not going to fire him,
so I don't think firing.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Firing might not be the right word right there. It
might be kindly asked to retire.
Speaker 4 (09:14):
I don't know though.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
We will write the retirement note for you.
Speaker 4 (09:18):
But that's the thing is like, like is Kyle, it's
if they go It depends how they go five and
if they went five and whatever this year, what would
it be five and seven? Because it's not like the
last two years are Kyle Whittingham's fault. Now, I will
say that they needed a backup plan at quarterback. That's
(09:39):
his fault and the coaching staff's fault for not having
that a better plan there. But but I mean, you know,
they've had a ton of injuries, like we talked about
it yesterday. They score one more touchdown in their game
in each of their games. Last year they win ten games.
So you're gonna, like, what's what's going to change if
(10:00):
Kyle Whittingham's not there all of a sudden, They're gonna
stay healthy? Like that doesn't make sense to me. So
I don't see them forcing him out because what will
Again I asked, I'm like, what's going to change if
Morgan Scwy's the head coach instead of the defensive coordinator?
You know what I mean? Like, it doesn't there's no
there's no connective tissue there between those two terrible seasons,
(10:21):
and like it's not like Whittingham was out coached during
those seasons, you know. So no, I think he's fine
and I don't. So that's my guess.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (10:31):
If you go five and seven you're just not I
don't know what changes, Maybe not a whole lot. And
that's again, if you go five and seven and everybody's healthy,
that's a different conversation. If you go five and seven,
and again you lose dam Pier in week two. Then
it's the same conversation we've been having for three years.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
So let me ask you a similar question about a
different coach in the Big twelve? What about Mike Gundy?
Do you feel the same way about Mike Gundy? And
there's a reason I'm asking you this question.
Speaker 4 (10:59):
Well, I I don't feel the same just as far
as like the pressure on Mike Gundy's way more than
on Whittingham. Like they're they're obviously not real happy with him.
He fired his entire staff in the off season, and
you can tell like he really is on the hot
seat down there with the fans, with the media. It's
not the same. It's totally different than as far as
(11:20):
the feel and the situation than up here. Do I
think Mike Gundhy should get fired?
Speaker 5 (11:25):
Nah?
Speaker 4 (11:26):
I mean not necessarily. Again, I don't know who you're
going to bring in that's going to do a better job.
But I don't follow Oklahoma State football as closely as
I do Utah either.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
So here's the reason I ask you the question about
Mike Gundhy. Mike Gundy and Kyle Whittingham were hired the
same week at both Oklahoma State in Utah and have
been and had similar ten.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
Years at both of these two schools.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
So I find them to be very similar situations.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
That's why I ask you the question.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
I do think it might be a little bit more
tense at oklahom State right now. When I was a
big twelve meny days, got some intel about Mike Gundy
and the things that he's had to do just to
keep his job this last offseason, which has been incredible.
We're talking sitting in front of the border regions, We're
talking getting transfers into the program approved by the school itself,
(12:17):
and having more people in the kitchen to talk about
what's going to happen with his personnel on his team.
There's a lot more oversight in what Mike Gundy is
facing right now just to keep his job, which was
interesting than it has been in the Passenger right fired
the entire coaching staff and he's the only one that's
still there. So I think that shows you if it
wasn't Mike Gundy, any other coach would have been fired.
(12:40):
And he still was not fired after what happened a
season ago, So there is something to be said about
loyalty and tenure and how long and what success you've
had at a program for sure.
Speaker 4 (12:49):
Yeah, And look, Kyle Whittingham has been more successful than
Mike Gundy. Mike Gundy's been great, but if you go
through the seasons, Kyle Whittingham has been better, His teams
have been better, and he's had a tougher road than
Mike Dundee. He took a team from a G five
conference an he won first of all, he won a
Sugar Bowl with him in the in the Mountain West,
(13:10):
and then then transitioned into the Pac twelve and went
to two Rose Bowls. So yeah, yeah, Kyle Whittingham, He's
built up more equity than Gundy has.
Speaker 3 (13:21):
So it will be interesting what happens if Utah does
have a bad season. Don't know what will happen behind
the scenes and what happens after this year, but a
lot of Utah fans hoping that does not become a reality.
With the excitement that's coming out of fall camp this
past month or so, we'll take a break, We'll talk
with Jackson Payne of the Deseret News get his thoughts
(13:43):
on BYU fall camp and is what Aaron Rodgers had
to say yesterday about that team and the quarterback competition
and the changes that have been made there as well.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
That's all coming up your way right here on.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
Bryce and bia Neuchi were live at Sleepy Rich Golf
Course for the thirty first dnnual You to Valley University
Athletics golf tournament. Uh having a good time. I mean,
the weather is beautiful, it's perfect. I'm sitting here in
the shade and it's just a perfect night, or excuse me,
perfect morning. Uh here this morning at the the Open
(14:17):
and the invitational for Utah Valley University.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
So we'll take a break.
Speaker 3 (14:20):
We'll come back on the other side, talk with a
little bit with our friend Jackson Payne and get the
latest scoop on b y U fall camp. Next right
here on Bryson Being che one of three nine to
ninety eight three ESPN.
Speaker 1 (14:29):
Listening to Bryson bm Nucci on one O, three nine
and ninety eight three ESPN PAN Download the Bryson B. A.
Nucci Podcast wherever you get your podcast today.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
Jacks Shop, what's your aunt?
Speaker 3 (14:55):
Shas Welcome on in, Jacks bia Nucci, We're back at it.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
You hear the music, you know that means just one thing.
Speaker 3 (15:06):
Our good friend Jackson Payne from the Destt News joins
us here on Bryce and Bia Nucci to give us
the latest from BYU Fall Camp. So let's jump out
to the ESPN the Fan Hotline and say hello to
our good friend Jackson Paine.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
Jackson, good to hear from you.
Speaker 5 (15:19):
What some guys always going to be on.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
Always great to have you, always great to have you.
One thing on top of our minds here BYU Fall Camp.
Yesterday Aaron Roderick said, we have movement. We have motion
on the quarterback battle. Tell us what you heard and
the reports that were coming from Aaron Roderick yesterday.
Speaker 5 (15:39):
Yeah, long last we finally got some movement. We finally
got some new information on the quarterback battle and Aaron
Roderick basically confirmed what we'd been suspecting for a while.
But the quarterback battle at BYU is it's been whittled
down too. Trayson Borgae probably not in the running at
this current moment, but Bear Bachmeier, the freshman former Stanford commit,
(16:00):
it's taken the majority of first team reps, and McKay Hillstead,
the Utah State transfer, getting the rest of those. And
so for the majority of the media portion yesterday. It
may have been the entire media portion. I thought Hillstead
might have gotten a few snaps, but I think the
entirety of the media viewing portion of practice yesterday. Bachmeyer
was running with the first team And so that's massive, right,
(16:22):
Like at this point, you've had that quarterback battle go
for two weeks. You've given equal reps to all three
of those guys. But now it's the time where you
got to give somebody the bulk share of the reps
so that they can build these relationships and get this
chemistry going with the first team offense and have them
ready to roll for Portland State just about geez, how
long ago? How far away is that now? Eighteen seventeen days?
(16:45):
Like it's coming soon, and so by you had to
make a decision, and it's obviously doesn't denote who's going
to start that game, but at this point, you know,
I would say it's probably Bear Bachmeyer's job to lose.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
Yeah, we're seventeen days, three hours, thirty six minutes, and
thirty seconds away from kickoff for BYU.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
We've got the countdown clock at ESPN.
Speaker 3 (17:07):
The fan Jackson, does it surprise you a little bit
to hear this because last week I remember standing there
at practice watching bear Bachmeyer struggle first day in pads,
trying to get the ball out.
Speaker 2 (17:20):
He was holding onto the ball a little bit too much.
Speaker 3 (17:22):
And then we also saw McKay Hillstead drive the offense
down the field with confidence and they ended up scoring
a touchdown as often LJ. Martin scamper to the right
side and he finished it off. But there was a
lot of confidence from one McKay Hillstead. Does it surprise
you a little bit to hear that this quarterback battle
is so close? So obviously a lot happens when we're
(17:43):
not watching. What are your thoughts on McKay and it
feels like he had the front runner going into this,
but bear Bachmeyer has a legitimate chance at winning this
quarterback battle.
Speaker 5 (17:55):
Yeah, totally. I think what it comes down to is,
obviously McKay Hill's said is you know a little bit
more about it. But he's also a bit of an unknown.
He hasn't played in a while, He hasn't played since
he was a true freshman at Utah State. And I
think for me, it's like you have a true freshman
and bear Bachmeyer, and you have a college veteran in Hillstead,
(18:16):
who's played meaningful game reps and has also been in
the program for more than a year now, and so
if it's this close, with those circumstances, why not give
the edge to the freshman with the bigger frame and
maybe the higher ceiling. So I don't think it's an
indictment on Hillstead at all. I think he's had a
good camp. Obviously, the quarterbacks have it up and down,
(18:38):
and I think that's to be expected because Boy's defense
is just so good and they'll probably be one of
the best, if not the best, maybe one of the
best two or three defenses in the Big twelve, and
so going against that unit in a quarterback battle complicates things.
But I think I don't think Hillstead's had a bad camp.
I just think the upside and the potential with blackmeers
(18:59):
just so tantalized, and you know, you see every practice
you see a flash of something and it's like, oh, okay,
this is why he was a four star recruit. At
one point, Blackmeyer made a throw to Carson Ryan yesterday
that got posted on social media, and it was just
a perfect anticipatory over the shoulder kind of fingertiped throat
like it was perfect ball placement, and the media all
(19:22):
gathered together had an audible just like whoa like as
he threw that ball, like it just I don't know
if it like it's just when you when you saw
it in the moment, you were like, Okay, there's this
is a legit arm talent. And so I'm I'm really
interested to see how Bachmeyer handled these first two games
of the season. Obviously, Portland State's an SCS school, by
(19:42):
he doesn't lose to those, and then you welcome Stanford
to Provo. It's a night game in Provo. Stanford might
be one of the worst P four teams in the country,
but they're starting a six year senior at quarterback. Blackmeyer's
going against his former program, and so these two games
that should probably be shocked up to. These two games
should probably be wins for BYU. But if you struggle,
(20:05):
then you have a bye week before you travel to ECU,
and if you need to make a change, you have
that extra week built in to do so. And so
I think it makes the most sense, Like, all right,
Backmeier probably is the highest ceiling. Let's unleash him against
two cupcakesh games and then see what you have and
maybe make a decision going forward. So at this point,
(20:27):
giving him the bulk of the first team reps makes
the most sense. And I mean it's time. It's time
for BYU to get some clarity at that quarterback position
and build that chemistry. Like we talked about.
Speaker 3 (20:38):
Jackson Payne is with us from the desertt News talk
at BYU fall camp right here on Bryce and ba
Nucci one to three to nine and ninety eight three
ESPN the Fan, Jackson, I do want to.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
Shift over to your biggest worries.
Speaker 3 (20:49):
We're about what eleven twelve days through fall camp at
this point in time, what's the biggest question mark, obviously
besides the quarterback position, biggest question mark in your biggest
worry for BYU heading into this season.
Speaker 5 (21:01):
I think it would be the lines on each side
of the ball, particularly the defensive line. I don't think
I think Boy's pass rush is going to be a
lot better than last year. That's not I mean they
only had twenty sacks last year. I wrote an article
where I predicted they'd have at least twenty six, which
if you don't count the COVID year. The last time
(21:22):
that Bau's had twenty six sacks of a team was
twenty eighteen, which was Zach Wilson's freshman year and my
freshman year, so it's been a while. I just think
the interior of the defensive line. Obviously, Keanu Tonavas has
a stud and is going to do some big things,
but it's not sure what that depth is like at
that position. Justin Kirkland, the transfer from Oklahoma State, he
(21:42):
hasn't even practiced yet. There's some health concerns there behind Tonavasa,
like what is what is that position going to look like?
What is the depth gonna look like? And so I
think that's a legitimate reason for concern. The defensive ends,
you obviously have a lot of young guys, the Silliacana
Hunter klegg E from Asciata. It's it's like my friend
Jeff Hansen, who's one of the premiere insiders for BUA football,
(22:06):
he likens it to a bunch of lottery tickets. BYU's
bought all these lottery tickets at the edge position and
with these young players and hopefully one or two of
them hit this year. So I think the defensive line
is probably my biggest concern right now. And then the
offensive line, you lost three really good stars at kaylebt
(22:27):
and Connor pay and Brandon Kyme, so you had to
replace three guys. And I think they're at the point
this year, at least to start the season where they're
still trying to mix it match and find the right
combination of their guys. I don't think it's a lack
of talent in that room. I think they are very talented.
I think it's just trying to get the right guys
together on the field, and so who knows how long
(22:47):
that'll take, But I'm just I'm a little bit worried
about that. And then I guess you know what. I
think the biggest thing actually over the offensive line is
running back death because LJ. Martins had injuries during his time,
Poke hoon Gas isn't gonna be on the team. Nick
and Awahini has gotten injured before Fiona BoA's head injury stuff.
They might get Hinkley Rapotti back, but they might not.
(23:08):
Like it's just the depth that running back is very suspect,
and so I think defensive line and running back are
my two biggest things, and I would love to be
proven wrong. I mean, Obviously last year we were most
we were most concerned about quarterback, and Jacobretzel was serviceable.
We were concerned about kicker, and Will Farrin turned into
Will Farren. I just think, you know, this is where
Kalani Satake really shines, where he could get his guys
(23:29):
when they have their backskins the wall, to go and
do great things. And so yeah, well we'll see what
happens there.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
I'm glad you brought up the running back situation because
that's where I was going. Next, I want to ask
you about the Hinkley Rapazzi situation and him just waiting
to get a waiver.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
We know it's some you.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
Know, part medical, it's also part COVID year, and Aaron
Roddick has kind of talked about it, but not really
giving us a lot of insight into it. What are
the odds in your opinion of them actually getting the
waiver for Rapati to be able to go this season.
Speaker 5 (24:01):
Roderick has said he's hopeful. I don't know what to
make of that. I'd say probably just a coin flip
at this point, because it's it's not only COVID and medical,
but it's also junior college eligibility, and that's been a
thing with Diego Payeva and some of these other players
across the country. I think Darius Lassater and kayleb Etn
were both expecting to come back to BYU this year
(24:22):
because they thought they their JUCO year wouldn't count against them,
But then that kind of fell through and there were
some complications there, and so BYU and trying to get
these JUCO players back for more eligibility hasn't really worked out.
But I think Hinkley's case is a bit more unique
and it would be a huge help to have Hinkley Ropatti.
I think I don't know if fans understand the value
(24:43):
that he's brought to the team in his time in
the program. He's a guy when Aaron Roderick talks about him,
Like when when you listen to Aaron Roderick talked about
the three quarterbacks, if you kind of read through the
tea leaves, it was pretty obvious that Roderick was gushing
over Bear. You could tell that Bachmeyer was his guy.
And I think it's similar when when you hear him
talk about Ropotti, like he kind of lights up, like
(25:04):
he's a big Hnkley Rapotti guy. He's so good in
the passing game. He's a good blocker, he's a tough runner.
Like this is a guy that really just especially if
you have a if you're breaking in a new quarterback,
that's Hinkley Rapotti is a safety valve that you want.
Like I'm a Commanders fan, sall, he's an example like
Austin Eckler last year. Obviously he was great with the Chargers,
but he's not the player he once was with the Commanders,
(25:26):
but he's he's been so valuable as a safety blanket
for for Jade and Daniels. And Ropotty is kind of
a similar type player, that similar type role. And if
Bachmeyer or Hillstead, whoever starts Week one has a Hinkley
Ropatti too to throw to, that's so massive and so
I think it's about a coin flip, probably better than that.
But yeah, like I said, having having Hinkley back is
(25:47):
so major for that room. But at the same time,
if you look around the big club, there aren't a
ton of premier running backs.
Speaker 2 (25:53):
If l J.
Speaker 5 (25:54):
Martin can stay healthy and with the run game that
you a you kind of cooked up last year with TJ. Woods,
I really think LJ. Martin could be like a first
team All Big twelve running back, Like he's legit, Like
they're going to have to lean on him so much
this year. Maybe do some creative two running back sets
you on and moa when he's flashed. He's been really good,
Like I'm encouraged by the potential of the running backs.
It's just the depth and the injury reality that frightens me,
(26:17):
and so Hinkley would go a long way to kind
of ease those concerns.
Speaker 2 (26:20):
I think he definitely would. He's also looking really good.
Speaker 3 (26:25):
He's a large human being and would add another body
back there that would just be a bruiser coming out
of the backfield. Let's shift over to the kicking game.
He brought up Will Farren. I spoke with Will Farren
a week or two ago about how he feels this
offseason and things that he's gone through. He said that
he feels confident in kicking in good conditions from.
Speaker 2 (26:43):
Sixty four and sixty five and hitting it.
Speaker 3 (26:46):
Do you think Will Farren gets the opportunity to show
us that he can hit from sixty five early on.
Speaker 5 (26:52):
I hope he gets the chance to kick from seventy
like that. Jaguars kicker the other day, that would be awesome.
I don't know. I think at the on the game,
like if if like b Y is very aggressive on
fourth down, if it's a sixty yard range, but you
could still like go for it within reason. I think
By's got to go for it. But I think if
(27:12):
they're if they're up a lot, and especially against like
a Stanford or a Portland State, and it's like, yeah,
let's let Bill run out there and do it. Like,
I don't think you can't rule it out right. I
think b YU like after the fake punt that after
the fake field goal they ran last year at UCF
where the double snap you know where Sam Vanderhart was
snapping through his legs and you think it's a fair
(27:34):
And I can't rule anything out with the special teams group,
And just a shout out to Kelly Pepingo, like the
special teams unit at BYU has been so elite since
twenty twenty three. Obviously they had the four return touchdowns
last year, but guys like Isaiah Glaster and Tanner Wall
make plays on special teams like they're just just an
unbelievable improvement at that unit. And the fact that BYU
(27:54):
had such a strong kind of triumvirate at UH with
with fair and at kicker, Sam Andrew horror punter, and
then Garrison Grimes, son of Jeff at long snapper. Like
that's a great that's a great thing, and I'm really
encouraged and excited to see what the special teams do
this year. But yeah, I mean, I want to see
Farren Baumitt from sixty sixty four, like, let's give him
(28:14):
the chance. Like I love going for it on fourth down.
It's fun, but you know, it could be just as
exciting to kick a field goal from that far and
get that record.
Speaker 3 (28:23):
That brings up a different question that we've discussed here
on this program. Jordan thinks that the field goals in
the NFL at least should be the width of the
field goal should be brought down because it's way too easy.
Seventy yard field goal too easy for these guys in
the NFL.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
We want to get your opinion on that. Do you
think that at least the width of the field goal
post should be brought in a little bit, Maybe not
at the college level, but the NFL level.
Speaker 5 (28:47):
I disagree because my kicker, Matt Gay former UBU soccer player.
That's right, keeps missing kicks during training camp, and so
I don't want to make it any harder for him
because I need. Look, we're trying to make a Super
Bowl run this year. We gotta pay Terry, we gotta
get Gay making his kicks. Like, let's not mess with
up goalposts just yet. Let's win a super Bowl in
DC before we do that.
Speaker 2 (29:07):
Shout out to back Gay. Yeah, you're right.
Speaker 3 (29:09):
Former Utah Valley soccer player, all right, Jackson, final thing
for you, you more excited for b YU football or the
BYU basketball season. They've got some excitement for their season
starting up early November.
Speaker 5 (29:23):
That's a tough question because obviously, on paper, it should
be basketball, because this is like the most anticipated BA
basketball season in history. The aj De bans A piece,
the playing in Madison Square Garden in Villain against Villanova Vegas,
like all these things. Like, But at the same time,
I know, like you can kind of tell what BYU's basketball,
(29:44):
Like aj De bants is going to be in a
Cooper Flag League of of Success by US b YU
is going to have a good basketball team. I just
I don't think that's that hard to doubt. Football interests me.
It just I really want to see what happens at quarterback.
Like this schedule is so interesting. It's it's not a
(30:05):
hard schedule, but there's one four game stretch that could
kind of make or break everything. I guess I'm more
excited for football just because there's so much more unknown
and I just want the I want the certainty of
how it ends out. And obviously I'm not trying to
I think basketball has more hype around it, but at
(30:26):
the same time, like a Javansa is supposed to be
an All America guy, and Richie Saunders, we know who
he is, and they have all these young dudes and
another transfers. I just think football there's just so much
more of an unknown going into it that if if
Bachmeyer hits this year and he's the guy, you have
(30:47):
another you have another two years with him as your
starter where he's he's legit and he's getting the job
done and he can maybe build the program around him
right going into the writer Lions era. And so yeah,
I think this year is huge for BYU. This is
I feel like BYU has a big twelve title window
(31:07):
and I think it's opened for now as long as
Jay Hill is here because what he's doing on defense
is revolutionary and helping BYU a lot. And then if
if Jay Hill ends up leaving at some point, I
think that closes until the Rider Lions and recruiting class
of twenty twenty six are kind of gets underway. And
so this year, this year's major for that. And so
I think BYU has a big twelve championship level roster.
(31:32):
I just think the quarterback position is the biggest thing.
And so I think I'm I'm more excited for football
just because of all those factors and the intrigue, and
but I'm definitely stoked for basketball. That's gonna be a
good time.
Speaker 3 (31:44):
All right, Jackson Payne, did they have you cover in
any high school football this upcoming football season?
Speaker 5 (31:50):
Probably not, but I'll still be around. I mean, I
love high school football, man, it's the greatest. I'll be
at some games, all right.
Speaker 3 (31:56):
Maybe we'll see it a couple of games this upcoming season. Jackson,
thank you so much for your time and appreciate you
jumping on.
Speaker 5 (32:03):
Yeah, anytime guys see you.
Speaker 3 (32:05):
That is Jackson Payne of the Deseret News. The latest
on BYU football and the fall camp reports about that
quarterback situation. We'll take a break here, we'll come back
and wrap up the second hour of the program.
Speaker 2 (32:21):
We'll get into our three.
Speaker 3 (32:22):
A lot left, a lot of big names coming by
former US men's national teamer along with RSL Great Kyle
Beckerman scheduled to join us in our number three alongside
the head coach of the Wolverines in Todd Phillips for
the men's basketball team. All of that and more coming
up in our number three of the program. Stick with
us right here on Bryson, B and Nucci one to
(32:43):
three nine ninety three ESPN.
Speaker 1 (32:49):
Is Bryce and be a new gm ME morning. One
of these two yearns for the old days where a
little scuffle went unpunished. The others a more distinguished gentleman
that's just trying to become more in touch with his
Italian roots.
Speaker 5 (33:09):
On one O.
Speaker 1 (33:10):
Three nine and ninety three ESPN, B.
Speaker 3 (33:16):
Eight forty four backed at it on this Wednesday, August
the thirteenth, live a sleepy Rich golf course for the
thirty first annual Utah Valley Athletics Golf Tournament. I'm Bryce Larsen,
Jordan b Ucci's holding it down first back in our
Salt Lake City Studios hanging out, Uh, getting ready to
(33:37):
host a Utah football party?
Speaker 2 (33:39):
Is that what I'm hearing? It's the intel that I've
gotten this morning.
Speaker 4 (33:42):
Yeah, we have an up Do we have any updates?
Let's see, I'm trying to check out.
Speaker 2 (33:46):
Has anyone shown up?
Speaker 5 (33:48):
Nobody's here.
Speaker 1 (33:49):
Nobody's here.
Speaker 4 (33:50):
No, not no one, No one's no, not a soul.
It's eight forty five.
Speaker 2 (33:53):
We might have to open it up to the public.
Speaker 4 (33:55):
No one is here yet.
Speaker 2 (33:56):
If that's the case.
Speaker 4 (33:57):
Now the clients are on their way where they stop.
They're stock in the free jit they got need nah, Yeah,
they got some drinks. That's about all we got right now.
Speaker 3 (34:06):
All right, we'll just check it in. Just checking in
over there this upcoming Friday. A reminder, high school football
back on ESPN the Fan Friday Night Lights. Your home
for high school football across the state of Utah is
right here on one of three nine and ninety eight
three ESPN the Fan, and we will be bringing you
Provo and Green Canyon live from Provo High School. Friday
(34:26):
night at seven pm is when you will be able
to hear that game. Come in your way right here
on one O three nine and ninety eight three ESPN
The Fan, Jordan Bianucci, we're talking some Major League baseball
here for a second, Zach Netto and the Angels turned
a triple play off of sho Hey Otani and the Dodgers.
But there was some excitement late in that game. Uh,
(34:46):
just give us little bit of the breakdown. What was
going on there?
Speaker 4 (34:49):
Well, the I think shoe Hey hit a home run
in the ninth to tie it, I think, and then
the Angels wanted in the tenth. But the Angels, we
talked about it yesterday. They're not five I even oh
against the Dodgers this year. But more importantly, the Potter's
won last night, So the Dodgers and the Pottery they're
tied a top the NL West. But yeah, you mentioned
(35:10):
it with Netto. Crazy game between the Angels and Podres
or excuse me, Dodgers.
Speaker 2 (35:14):
Its a wild back and forth one.
Speaker 3 (35:16):
As you mentioned, the Angels ended up winning seven to
six in the tenth. That was Look, it's funny that
the Angels just kind of have the Dodgers number so
far this season, Like the Dodgers cannot beat the Angels
for some reason, and the Angels have just dominated them
(35:38):
throughout this entire year.
Speaker 2 (35:39):
We talked a little bit about it yesterday.
Speaker 3 (35:41):
They have won the majority of the games, if not
all of them, undefeated against the Dodgers this year, which
is crazy.
Speaker 4 (35:49):
It's bizarre. And usually the Dodgers, I've I usually look
up the numbers, but it seems like the Dodgers usually
dominate that series. Yeah, they're five and oh the Angels
over the Dodgers this year. That's what That's what kills you.
If you're the Dodgers looking at the division going we're
tied with the padres Is, you've lost five to the Angels,
who are not as bad as they've been in the past,
(36:10):
but not a team that you should be zero to
five against. That's that's brutal. They go for the season
sweep today.
Speaker 3 (36:18):
That's the Ron Washington effect. We talk about it. He
left Atlanta in the off season to take over the Angels,
and now look at the Angels.
Speaker 2 (36:27):
Huh.
Speaker 3 (36:27):
Now they're not going to make the playoffs, but they've
played a lot better than what they have in the
last couple of years.
Speaker 4 (36:34):
Yeah, I mean, and he's not even managing he's had
the health issue, so he's not even in the dugout.
Speaker 2 (36:40):
It's all about the culture, that's right.
Speaker 4 (36:41):
He changes, right, he changes the culture. Uh, I mean
it's just weird. I don't know, it's just it's there's
no really explaining it. The Dodgers just haven't haven't played
that well, and there's some bad luck. You you want
to talk about the triple play, that's really just bad luck.
Speaker 3 (36:58):
If you're the Dodgers, that is, yeah, definitely bad luck.
There's a whole ride up on it on ESPN dot
com if you want to check it out and figure
it out. But the Dodgers had runners on first and second,
none out, score tied at at five. In the top
of the sixth inning, show Halo Tiny hit a low
line drive up the middle netto shaded almost behind second base,
(37:22):
caught it, immediately stepped on second to double up Rojas,
who froze on contact, and then fired at the first
base to get Dalton rushing the rookie catcher, who seemed
perplexed by the development.
Speaker 2 (37:36):
That's the breakdown.
Speaker 4 (37:37):
It's like you can turn three. It's like I thought
you could only turn thought two was the max.
Speaker 3 (37:42):
Speaking of which, base running errors in Major League Baseball,
seems like there's been a little bit of an uptick
this year across the entire league. I've seen so much
of it, whether it's you know the Yankees, that happened
with the Dodgers.
Speaker 2 (37:53):
The Giants can't figure out to run the bases.
Speaker 4 (37:57):
Yeah, and I don't even know if if last night
is that a base running? Is that bad base running?
It's a line drive up the middle. I need to
see the whole thing at once, because it's a line
drive up the middle. Nedo grabs it, steps on second, maybe, yeah, maybe, Well,
as soon as he catches it. With a line drive,
(38:17):
you freeze. So as soon as he catches it, you're right,
you should be diving back to first. So he either
had a huge secondary lead or he was Yeah, I
don't know what he's doing because you're right, Because you're right.
It's not like they doubled him.
Speaker 2 (38:31):
Like.
Speaker 4 (38:32):
It wasn't close getting him at first. It was a
line drive up the middle, steps on second, throws to first,
and it was not close him getting back to first base.
Speaker 2 (38:41):
All right.
Speaker 3 (38:41):
That Today wraps up the season series between the Angels
and Dodgers. As you mentioned, then it's this weekend we
head into the Padres and Dodgers in Los Angeles with
both of those two teams tied up at the moment,
and at this moment in time, at sixty eight and
fifty two atop the NL West, Jordan, we've got some
good baseball coming your way, uh Friday, Saturday Sunday with
(39:05):
the Dodgers and Padres.
Speaker 4 (39:07):
It's it's a boy, what a great spot to have it,
especially if it remains hope. I mean, maybe both teams
win or lose today and it's tied going into that series.
That's gonna be phenomenal. Do we have the Have they
set up the pitching matchups yet? For that? I'm gonna
try and pull it up here time out.
Speaker 3 (39:25):
Hold on, did I just hear you say hopefully the
Padres beat the Giants?
Speaker 2 (39:29):
Did I just hear that come out of you?
Speaker 4 (39:30):
I said, I said, hopefully. Look it's over for the Giants.
It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter at all.
Speaker 5 (39:35):
I said.
Speaker 2 (39:36):
I just want to let you know. I'm Clint Bergie
here shaking his head at you because he knows it's over.
Speaker 4 (39:41):
Well, what do you want to do? Like I'm that
was hard to watch last night. That it was brutal.
They're scoring one run a game, so I'm going no,
hopefully both teams lose in they're tide. I'd go for that,
but like the Giants could win today, it doesn't change
anything that this season's over.
Speaker 2 (40:00):
Yeah, I think the season is over for the Giants.
Speaker 3 (40:07):
That maybe Rafael Devers could change something for him but
just didn't quite happen.
Speaker 2 (40:12):
Is it? Is it funny? Maybe not funny to you.
Maybe that's the bad word to use.
Speaker 3 (40:18):
Is it interesting that Rafael Devers gets traded to Giants
and the Red Sox go on a tear and have
the best record after the All Star break?
Speaker 4 (40:25):
Yeah, it's bizarre. It really is weird, although they brought
I mean yeah, and Devs' play overall Devers is he's
hit for the Giants and he's hitting, he's starting to
really hit more so now you started off slow. It's
everybody else. I mean, it's it's what's his name, Willia
Domas going one for eighteen in this series or in
(40:49):
his last this homestand I believe it's Chapman's won for
his last like seventeen with runners in scoring position. It's
those guys that Giants haven't been able to put it
together and be consistent and well you know, they had
a chance post break to prove something to Buster or Posey,
to make him think, Okay, I'm gonna go, I'm gonna
(41:11):
go get somebody. Instead, they lost what six of seven,
and he traded you know, away half the bullpen. So no,
I mean, I don't even know what the answer is.
If you're if you're a team like the Giants, you
need you need offense obviously, But where are you gonna
get it? Is the question?
Speaker 2 (41:28):
Yeah, no doubt about it.
Speaker 3 (41:29):
All right, that's the latest round Major League Baseball here
this morning, eight fifty two on the program, bryceon Bianucci
and one of three, nine and ninety eight three ESPN
the Fan live down here at Sleepy Ridge Golf Course
for uh the UVU Athletics Golf Invitational, the thirty first
annual golf Invitational here at Sleepy Ridge. Gonna be chatting
with Kyle Beckerman, Todd Phillips coming up here in our
(41:50):
number three, So stick with us for that.
Speaker 2 (41:53):
A couple of other things I want to touch on,
get your thoughts on.
Speaker 3 (41:56):
Kansas just barely got a three hundred million dollar gift
from David Booth. He's a donor to Kansas Athletics. They
believe it to be among the largest single gifts in
the history of college athletics and the largest in school history.
Three hundred million dollars to Kansas, uh for their athletics
(42:21):
moving forward.
Speaker 2 (42:22):
Geordan, that's a lot of money.
Speaker 4 (42:24):
I mean, yeah, especially and they just re they just
rebuilt their their football stadium or renovated it. Right, how
much of that goes to basketball? Like you know what
I'm saying, Like, what two hundred million they given to
that to basketball fifty it's gonna be a lot two
hundred and ninety million. How much is going to going
to Bill self? A lot of it?
Speaker 2 (42:46):
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (42:47):
That's that's interesting.
Speaker 3 (42:49):
Kansas plans to allocate at least seventy five million of
Booths gifts towards the launching of the second phase of
its ongoing transformation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and
the constructions around in the Gateway district. Those school officials
have not revealed a timeline for construction and complete completion
of Phase two. The funds will allow Kansas to move
forward with renovating the east side of the stadium as well.
(43:13):
Kansas has already invested four and fifty million dollars into
the first phase of that project, which is incredible. That's
so much money. But that stadium does look really good.
So Kansas getting a three hundred million dollars gift, not
a lot of those walking around in college athletics.
Speaker 2 (43:29):
That's pretty impressive.
Speaker 3 (43:30):
Other things that I want to make you note of
while we're talking about a lot of money here, Jordan
coming up on Friday, and stadiums and renovations and different things.
Ribbon cutting for the new UCCU stadiums coming up on
Friday for Utah Valley University. That thing, what I've been told,
is absolutely beautiful, a top five venue for college soccer
(43:52):
across the nation when it opens on Friday, and then
you're going to have your season opener with the Utah
Valley women's soccer team take on Utah the following Monday,
next Monday. Uh, that's gonna be incredible to be a
part of. Coming up on Friday with Utah Valley doing
the ribbon cutting.
Speaker 4 (44:10):
Yeah, that'll be cool. I'm looking forward to watching a
game from there. Just I mean, like you said, it's yeah,
top top of the line, like boxes good. I assume
a lot of good sitelines, good seating for fans. Yeah,
it's a big deal. I mean, people love you. For
people that don't know, Utah Alley Soccer gets a lot
of people out. That's a big It's a big thing
(44:30):
down there. So that no, that'll that'll be really cool.
I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Speaker 2 (44:34):
Now.
Speaker 3 (44:34):
You have a beautiful new side at the stadium where
you could go purchase tickets and be able to sit
watch great soccer as they head into the Big West
this next upcoming season, not this season, but the following season,
and have some really good teams from across the nation
coming into play some soccer. That's all coming up on Friday.
Believe Bryce and Bianuci's gonna be live down there at
Utah Valley University and UCCU Stadium for that ribbon cutting
(44:58):
this upcoming Friday, and maybe we'll have a couple of
really good guests to join us on the program to
talk a little bit more about that. I've been told
upwards of thirty million dollar project for that stadium, So
some money being put into college soccer here in the
state of Utah.
Speaker 2 (45:13):
That's coming your way on Friday.
Speaker 3 (45:15):
We also have high school football coming your way on
Friday as well. Once again, a reminder Provo and Green
Canyon seven pm start on Friday night along with the
La Rams on Saturday for your home of the Los
Angeles Rams in the state of Utah. Right here on
one O three nine to ninety eight three, ESPN the
Fan preseason game number two for the Rams.
Speaker 2 (45:35):
We'll talk with JB. Long coming up on Friday. He's
the voice of the Rams.
Speaker 3 (45:39):
We'll have a good discussion with him about Matthew Stafford,
Puka Nakua, Britton Covey.
Speaker 2 (45:45):
And more.
Speaker 3 (45:46):
We'll take a break our three coming up next, the
head coach of the Utah Valley men's basketball team will
join us in Todd Phillips, and we'll have a little
bit of a chat with him, and then Kyle Beckerman
will stop by. We'll talk a little soccer with our
guy the Cap. That's all coming up here in our
number three on Bryce and biannuci Wan of three nine
to ninety eight three ESPN
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