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Cougar Sports Saturday (BYU)

All things BYU sports - Cougar football, basketball and more, plus commentary on other sports both amateur and professional.
September 7, 2024

Best of Cougar Sports Saturday - September 7, 2024

Catch the best of Cougar Sports Saturday from September 7, 2024 as Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte do a deep breakdown on the upset win BYU had over SMU on Saturday night.   (02:05:54)
September 7, 2024

Cougar Tales: BYU hoops adds another player and is there a new future football coaching candidate to keep an eye on?

This week's Cougar Tales features an addition to the BYU basketball roster and a Church Newsroom story about former Boise State quarterback and current Philadelphia Eagles offensi...   (07:41)
September 7, 2024

Tyler Batty talks about the leadership of Jay Hill, tablets on the sideline and the environment at Lavell Edwards Stadium

This week's Inside Cougar Football with Tyler Batty features conversations with Mitch Harper about Jay HIll, tablets on the sidelines, the environemnt at LES and more.   (14:56)
September 7, 2024

Unpacking the BYU quarterback situation and SMU win with Jackson Payne of Deseret News

Deseret News sports writer Jackson Payne shares his thoughts about the quarterback situation, improved players and more with Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte.   (14:21)
September 7, 2024

Top 5: The last 5 times BYU football scored on the first play of the game

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte battle in this week's Top 5 which covers the last five times BYU scored on the first play of the game.   (16:10)
September 7, 2024

The Blueprint: Which players & position groups deserve the most credit for BYU football's win over SMU?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte single out the players and position groups that provided BYU with the biggest boost last night in Dallas.   (13:12)
September 7, 2024

Week 2 Big 12 Conference Check-in

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte breakdown the Big 12 games happening this weekend.   (05:24)
September 7, 2024

Did Jake Retzlaff do enough in BYU's win at SMU to keep his job?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss whether or not there should be a change at quarterback for BYU, and what would need to happen for Retzlaff to lose his spot to Gerry Bohanon.   (08:34)
September 7, 2024

BYU defense dominates in upset win at SMU

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about the dominance performance the BYU defense had against SMU last night, and discuss whether or not they believe this will be one of the best defenses in the Big 12 this season.   (13:47)
September 1, 2024

Best of Cougar Sports Saturday - August 31, 2024

Catch the best of Cougar Sports Saturday from August 31, 2024 as Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte preview the season opener for BYU football versus Southern Illinois.   (01:59:49)
August 31, 2024

Score Predictions: BYU football vs Southern Illinois

Mitch Harper, Matt Baiamonte, Nate Slack and Ally Braithwaite share their score predictions for the 2024 BYU season opener.   (05:52)
August 31, 2024

3 & Out: Predictions for BYU vs Southern Illinois

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte take turns sharing a key stat to watch, player to watch and bold prediction for BYU's season opener against SIU.   (12:27)
August 31, 2024

BYU Football's Tight End Keanu Hill previews game against SIU

Mitch Harper caught up with BYU tight end Keanu Hill at practice earlier this week.   (11:17)
August 31, 2024

BYU Football's running back Hinckley Ropati previews season opener

Matt Baiamonte talks with running back Hinckley Ropati earlier this week.   (10:26)
August 31, 2024

BYU Football's Logan Lutui previews season opener against SIU

We caught up with Logan Lutui earlier this week.   (08:16)
August 31, 2024

Southern Illinois play-by-play broadcaster Luke Martin familiarizes BYU fans with the Salukis

SIU play-by-play broadcaster Luke joins Mitch Harper andm Matt Baiamonte to preview the 2024 season opener and introduce fans to SIU football.   (09:39)
August 29, 2024

BYU Football 2024 Season Preview Special

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte preview the 2024 BYU football season in a one-hour special from JCW's in Herriman, Utah. The two talk quarterbacks, expectations in year two as a m...   (40:13)
August 24, 2024

Best of Cougar Sports Saturday - August 24, 2024

Catch the best of Cougar Sports Saturday from August 24, 2024.   (02:17:00)
August 24, 2024

Reacting to report: BYU basketball believed by 100+ colleges coaches to be top 3 in NIL

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss BYU basketball and a report that came out this week from Matt Norlando who polled 100+ college basketball coaches about who they believe ra...   (15:43)
August 24, 2024

Conference Realignment: Rumors of UConn joining the Big 12 are back?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte debate whether or not the reports of UConn possibly joining the Big 12 Conference would be a good thing or a bad thing.   (09:57)
August 24, 2024

2024-25 College Football Playoff Predictions

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte share who they think will make the inaugural 12-team playoff in 2024.   (15:06)
August 24, 2024

Top 5: The leaders in all-purpose yards in BYU football history

For this week's top 5 battle, Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte race to name the five players with the most all-purpose yards in a BYU career.   (16:47)
August 24, 2024

Who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of BYU Athletics?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about their day at BYU Education Week where they heard from Steve Young before talking about who they think the four people would be on the Mount Rushmore of BYU.   (08:28)
August 24, 2024

Getting up to speed on the defensive line with Sione Po'uha

Matt Baiamonte caught up with BYU defensive line coach Sione Po'uha after practice earlier this week at the Zions Bank practice fields on campus.   (20:24)
August 24, 2024

BYU football opens as double-digit favorite over Southern Illinois

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte briefly preview the SIU game and talk about what they wantt o see from BYU to consider the game a success.    (08:09)
August 24, 2024

2024 BYU Football Season Preview: Defensive Superlatives

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte share their predictions for the best player, most improved player, biggest depth chart mover, and a deep cut for who could make an impact on the defensive side of the ball.   (12:40)
August 24, 2024

2024 BYU Football Season Preview: Offensive Superlatives

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte share their predictions for the best player, most improved player, biggest depth chart mover, and a deep cut for who could make an impact on the offensive side of the ball.   (08:10)
August 24, 2024

2024 BYU Football Season Preview: Sound from Kalani Sitake, Aaron Roderick, Kody Epps

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte preview the 2024 BYU football season and discuss comments made by head coach Kalani Sitake, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick and wide receiver Kody Epps from practice earlier this week.   (13:59)
August 17, 2024

Best of Cougar Sports Saturday - August 17, 2024

Catch the best of Cougar Sports Saturday from August 17, 2024.   (01:58:31)
August 17, 2024

Diving into the BYU basketball non-conference schedule & official visit dates from AJ Dybantsa and JJ Mandaquit

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte take a look at the non-conference schedule for this year's BYU hoops squad, and two high-profile recruits AJ Dybantsa and JJ Mandaquit schedule off...   (16:19)
August 17, 2024

Fesi Sitake talks about the role BYU wide receivers play in the quarterback battle

Matt Baiamonte caught up with BYU passing game coordinator and wide receiver coach Fesi Sitake about the role the receivers play in the quarterback battle.    (16:35)
August 17, 2024

Jay Hill officially becomes the coolest coach on BYU's staff

Mitch Harper, Matt Baiamonte, and producer Nate Slack breakdown comments made from BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill about Mountain Dew being his drink of choice.   (05:50)
August 17, 2024

Top 5: The five BYU players with the most tackles for loss in 2023

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte battle in this week's Top 5 which covers the five BYU players that had the most tackles for loss last season.    (15:12)
August 17, 2024

Chase Roberts says an increased sense of urgency in Fall Camp has helped the offense improve

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte answer questions on the text line about the offensive line and running back rooms before playing a conversation Matt had with returning wide receiv...   (15:54)
August 17, 2024

Last 20 season-opening quarterbacks for BYU football

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the last 20 years of BYU season-opening quarterbacks and the need for more consistent QB play.   (05:17)
August 17, 2024

Justin Ena breaks down the BYU linebackers

Mitch Harper met with BYU linebacker coach after practice earlier this week and broke down the names that will be making plays at linebacker this season. Mitch Harper and Matt Bai...   (14:13)
August 17, 2024

BYU Pass Rush - Will it be a thing this season? Kelly Poppinga gives the recipe for more success in 2024

Kelly Poppinga gives the recipe for creating more havoc in 2024.   (03:29)
August 17, 2024

BYU football closes out Week 3 of Fall Camp today

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the ongoing quarterback battle and more as BYU football wraps up its third week of fall camp in a scrimmage today.   (15:54)
August 10, 2024

Best of Cougar Sports Saturday - August 10, 2024

Catch the best of Cougar Sports Saturday from August 10, 2024.   (02:07:55)
August 10, 2024

Kevin Gilbride likes the progress he sees from the BYU tight ends

Mitch Harper spoke with tight end coach Kevin Gilbride about his unit after two weeks of fall practices.   (11:24)
August 10, 2024

Get to know BYU freshman safety Faletau Satuala

Mitch Harper spoke with former 4-star prospect Faletau Satuala about his first few college football practices and how he expects to contribute to the team this fall.   (09:32)
August 10, 2024

Jenaro Gilford talks about the players competing at defensive back for BYU football

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte met with the BYU defensive back coach Jenaro Gilford who had a lot to say about this year's group.   (12:13)
August 10, 2024

Harrison Taggart looks to fill a void in the BYU linebacker room

Matt Baiamonte spoke with Harrison Taggart earlier this week at the conclusion of practice and talked about year two for Taggart on the BYU defense.   (09:06)
August 10, 2024

Momentum continues to build for BYU basketball

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about the latest news with BYU hoops and preview what is to come in just a few months.   (16:30)
August 10, 2024

Head coach Kevin Young talks about his first few months with BYU basketball, recruiting, and the upcoming season

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte met with the new head coach of BYU basketball Kevin Young to learn what his experience has been like so far and what things are ahead for the BYU basketball program.   (19:11)
August 10, 2024

BYU defensive lineman Blake Mangelson aiming to take the next step this season

Mitch Harper caught up with BYU defensive lineman Blake Mangelson at BYU Football's photo day earlier this week in Provo.   (06:51)
August 10, 2024

The latest on the position battles for BYU football

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte dive into the position groups and talk about the names they think are trending up and those that are trending down.   (14:46)
August 10, 2024

Gerry Bohanon provides an inside look at the BYU QB battle

Mith Harper caught up with BYU quarterback Gerry Bohanon who talked about the ongoing QB battle, his relationship with Aaron Roderick, the health of his shoulder, and more.   (08:30)
August 10, 2024

An update from Week 2 of BYU football Fall Camp

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte share their observations from the second week of fall camp as the season draws closer.   (15:22)
August 6, 2024

BONUS: 4-star point guard JJ Mandaquit talks BYU, latest on recruitment

Mitch Harper traveled to Hurricane last week and caught up with some of the biggest targets for BYU basketball in the class of 2025, AJ Dybantsa and JJ Mandaquit. JJ talks about h...   (05:57)
August 3, 2024

Best of Cougar Sports Saturday - August 3, 2024

Catch the best of Cougar Sports Saturday from August 3, 2024.   (02:11:28)
August 3, 2024

Cougar Tales: Remembering Ken Schmidt, Taysom squats 685 lbs, Samson Nacua signed by the New Orleans Saints

This week's episode wraps up with a new edition of Cougar Tales.   (09:39)
August 3, 2024

BYU football safety Crew Wakley talks about the growth he has made since the end of last season

Matt Baiamonte had the chance to speak with Crew Wakley at the conclusion of a practice earlier this week. Crew talks about his transition from the offensive side of the ball to t...   (13:13)
August 3, 2024

The nation's top basketball recruit AJ Dybantsa provides an update on his recruitment and shares why BYU made his Top 7

Mitch Harper was able to catch up with the No. 1 rated recruit for the class of 2025 AJ Dybantsa in Hurricane earlier this week.   (06:03)
August 3, 2024

BYU Basketball talk: AJ Dybantsa includes BYU in his Top 7 and Egor Domin receives a 5-star rating from 247sports

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about top recruit AJ Dybantsa including BYU in his Top 7, 4-star guard JJ Mandaquit's thoughts on BYU and Kevin Young, and Egor Domin receiving a 5-star rating from 247sports.   (20:26)
August 3, 2024

Top 5: The five BYU football players with the most starts & appearances in 2023

In this week's Top 5, Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte race to name the 5 (+1) BYU players who starting AND appeared in the most football games in 2023.   (20:30)
August 3, 2024

Jimmer Fredette suffers lower body injury in the Olympics

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the injury Jimmer suffered in the second game of the Olympics.   (05:47)
August 3, 2024

How To Watch BYU-SMU On Movie Theater Screens: Scott Daw Of Theater Sports Network

Scott Daw of Theater Sports Network talks with Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte about an opportunity for BYU fans to watch the SMU football game in Megaplex Theatres. Learn more at https://theartersportsnetwork.com   (18:21)
August 3, 2024

BYU football reveals all 12 uniform combinations for the 2024 season

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the uniform combo reveals and share which combos they think are best and which combos they feel should've made the cut.   (11:02)
August 3, 2024

Discussing the depth in the BYU wide receiver room with Kody Epps

Matt Baiamonte met with Kody Epps following practice earlier this week. Hear what Kody has to say about this year's wide receiver group here.   (12:26)
August 3, 2024

BYU football linebacker Ben Bywater speaks on what forced him to medically retire

News broke earlier this week that BYU linebacker Ben Bywater is being forced to medically retire due to nerve damage in his shoulder. Ben spoke with Mitch Harper about what went into that decision and what is next for him.   (05:05)
August 3, 2024

BYU football fall camp is underway, how is the QB battle going and what is the status of running back LJ Martin?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the first few days of fall camp and share their observations on the quarterback battle and the status of projected RB1 LJ Martin.   (16:16)
July 27, 2024

Best of Cougar Sports Saturday - July 27, 2024

Catch the best of Cougar Sports Saturday from July 27, 2024.   (02:13:03)
July 27, 2024

Bold predictions for 2024 BYU football fall camp

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte each share three bold predictions for fall camp.   (17:53)
July 27, 2024

Discussing our favorite Olympic events and what to watch over the next couple weeks

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about their favorite Olympic events and which events will feature a BYU athlete.   (09:27)
July 27, 2024

KSL TV's Sam Farnsworth describes the Olympics scene live from Paris and previews the competition for former BYU athletes

Sam Farnsworth joins Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte live from Paris to discuss the former BYU athletes competing in the Olympics and what the experience has been like so far.   (15:42)
July 27, 2024

Top 5: The five Big 12 teams that haven't won 12+ games in a season

In this week's Top 5 battle, Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte race to name the five Big 12 schools that haven't won 12 games or more in a single season.   (18:21)
July 27, 2024

Is Chase Roberts one of BYU's top five players?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss whether or not Chase Roberts is one of the top five players on this year's BYU football team.   (07:48)
July 27, 2024

Hans Olsen talks about why he thinks the BYU offensive line is so crucial this season and shares some of his favorite memories as a player

BYU football color commentator and KSL Sports Zone host explains why the offensive line is so cruicial to the succcess of this year's team, who he thinks the best players are this season for BYU, and some of his favorite memories as a player.   (18:19)
July 27, 2024

New assistant coach John Linehan talks about his path to BYU basketball

BYU assistant basketball coach John Linehan shares what led him to BYU and what summer practices have been like so far.   (12:29)
July 27, 2024

Under-the-radar players that could make noise in BYU football fall camp

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte share which players they think could make a name for themselves in fall camp.   (06:25)
July 27, 2024

Previewing the biggest storylines heading into BYU football's fall camp

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the biggest storylines as BYU football is just days away from kicking off fall camp.   (16:51)
July 23, 2024

BONUS: BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts talks about how big of a deal the continuity on offense is heading into this season

BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts talked with Matt Baiamonte about how big of a difference he expects returning players to make in this year's offense.   (08:03)
July 20, 2024

Best of Cougar Sports Saturday - July 20, 2024

Catch the best of Cougar Sports Saturday from July 20, 2024.   (01:58:05)
July 20, 2024

What are the odds Florida State and Clemson join the Big 12 conference?

In this week's edition of Cougar Tales, Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the likelihood of the Big 12 landing Florida State and Clemson from the ACC.   (11:18)
July 20, 2024

BYU football Jakob Robinson eager for year 2 of playing in Jay Hill's defense

BYU defensive back Jakob Robinson spoke with Matt Baiamonte about his excitement levels heading into another football season.   (08:21)
July 20, 2024

BYU center Connor Pay shares what he believes held the team back in 2023 and what to expect in 2024

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte met with starting center Connor Pay and learned why he came back for another year, what went wrong in 2023, and what to expect from the team this fall.   (18:32)
July 20, 2024

Jimmer Fredette previews competing in the Olympics and shares a prediction for 2024 BYU football

Jimmer Fredette made an appearance at Big 12 Media Days in Las Vegas and spoke with Matt Baiamonte about the upcoming Olympic games, what it means to compete in them, and shared his thoughts on BYU football this fall.   (07:51)
July 20, 2024

Wide receiver Darius Lassiter talks about where BYU football has improved since spring ball concluded

Matt Baiamonte spoke with BYU receiver Darius Lassiter about the Big 12 newcomers, renewing a rivalry with Utah, and where the team has improved since spring ball wrapped up.   (09:33)
July 20, 2024

BYU football coach Kalani Sitake on why he's confident entering 2024

Despite outside critism heading into the season, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake shares with Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte what has him optimistic 42 days away from kickoff.   (24:04)
July 20, 2024

BYU running back LJ Martin speaks on lessons learned from his freshman season

Mitch Harper spoke with LJ Martin at an NIL meet-up earlier this week in Provo. Hear from LJ as the 2024 season inches closer.   (04:58)
July 20, 2024

BYU AD Tom Holmoe interview from Big 12 Media Days 2024

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte had the opportunity to speak with BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe at the 2024 Big 12 Media Days in Las Vegas earlier this month. You can hear that conversation here.   (15:26)
July 20, 2024

2024 BYU Football Fall Camp Preview: The Quarterbacks

With fall camp just over a week away, Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte take a deep dive into one of the biggest question marks on this year's team, the quarterbacks.   (13:30)
July 20, 2024

College Football 25 has been released! Did the video game live up to the hype?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte share their takeaways from College Football 25 which became available earlier this week.   (13:52)
July 13, 2024

Best of Cougar Sports Saturday - July 13, 2024

Catch the best of Cougar Sports Saturday from July 13, 2024.   (01:58:26)
July 13, 2024

Tyler Batty says offseason has been 'transformative' for BYU football

Earlier this week at Big 12 Media Days, Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte caught up with preseason all-Big 12 defensive end Tyler Batty, who said this offseason has been transformative for the BYU football program.   (14:53)
July 13, 2024

BYU basketball roster is complete with commitment from 6'9 combo forward Khadim Mboup

With the BYU basketball roster now complete for the 2024-25 season, Mitch Harper dives into what to expect from them this season.   (10:42)
July 13, 2024

Commissioner Brett Yormark believes BYU vs Utah is Big 12's top rivalry

Mitch Harper talks about some of the storylines coming out of Big 12 media days regarding the BYU Utah rivalry.   (10:37)
July 13, 2024

Which teams could BYU football be favored against in 2024?

Mitch Harper takes an early look at the 2024 schedule and shares which games he thinks BYU could be favored to win, and if finishing 5-7 in 2023 could have any positive effect on the team this fall.   (12:22)
July 13, 2024

BYU baseball pitcher Caysen Bell and infielder Easton Jones reflect on their first year competing in the Big 12

Mitch Harper caught up with Caysen Bell and Easton Jones at the Ultimate Sports Bash. Caysen and Easton talk about their first year competiting in the Big 12 conference, what thei...   (09:16)
July 13, 2024

Highlights from 2024 Big 12 Football Media Days

Mitch Harper reflects on some of the most noteworthy things from Big 12 Media Days.   (13:03)
July 13, 2024

Big 12 Football Media Days Special 2024

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte recap the Big 12 football media days that was held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas earlier this week.   (33:24)
July 13, 2024

Conversation with Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark from Big 12 Media Days

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark spoke with Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte from Big 12 Media Days and talked about BYU, the rivalry with Utah, and future plans for the conference.   (09:08)
July 6, 2024

Best of Cougar Sports Saturday - July 6, 2024

The best of Cougar Sports Saturday from July 6, 2024.   (52:11)
July 6, 2024

Is BYU football scheduling a home-and-home with Colorado State a good move?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about BYU's latest scheduled series - a home-and-home with Colorado State set for 2026 and 2029.   (11:00)
July 6, 2024

How do the 1996 throwback uniforms stack up against other alternative uniforms BYU football has worn?

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte discuss the 1996 throwback uniforms that were released earlier in the week by BYU football to be worn against Kansas State in the Big 12 home opener.   (14:51)
July 6, 2024

BYU defensive end Tyler Batty named to preseason All-Big 12 team

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte talk about BYU DE Tyler Batty being the only Cougar named to the preseason All-Big 12 team. Was this a surprise, and what other players could've received that recognition?   (05:22)
July 6, 2024

BYU football picked to finish 13th in preseason Big 12 poll

Mitch Harper and Matt Baiamonte break down the preseason Big 12 poll that was released earlier this week.   (16:59)
June 29, 2024

Best of Cougar Sports Saturday - June 29, 2024

Catch the best of Cougar Sports Saturday from June 29, 2024.   (02:17:19)