One of the most obvious mismatches in Saturday’s BYU opener with Utah Tech in LaVell Edwards Stadium will be the size, speed and depth of players at the line of scrimmage.
And one of the biggest advantages BYU will have is center Bruce Mitchell. He’s big, strong, experienced and smart. He’s found himself on preseason All-America lists, including the consensus Big 12 preseason first-team center.
I asked Mitchell to describe the personality of BYU’s offensive line.
“I would say, right now, the personality would be selfless, unified and just fun. We’re just a bunch of guys who may not be the most serious group — we know how to make the huddle light. We know how to make it fun.
“But come game time, we’re going to be pretty serious. Overall, we are just a bunch of selfless guys who want to do whatever it takes to win.”
The No. 14-ranked Cougars are favored by more than 51 points.
But offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said this game — and every game — will be approached the same way. Utah Tech has his full attention.
Mitchell has a lot on his shoulders as a leader of the offense and he, along with quarterback Bear Bachmeier, are the only players on the team who will touch the ball every single play.
“We’re just a bunch of guys who may not be the most serious group — we know how to make the huddle light. … But come game time, we’re going to be pretty serious. Overall, we are just a bunch of selfless guys who want to do whatever it takes to win.”
“We’re just a bunch of guys who may not be the most serious group — we know how to make the huddle light. … But come game time, we’re going to be pretty serious. Overall, we are just a bunch of selfless guys who want to do whatever it takes to win.”
But Mitchell shrugs off that this is a pressure-filled challenge on his part.
“It’s just noise. I try not to pay attention to it, focus on myself and get better each day.
“No, I don’t feel a lot of pressure just because we have so much leadership on the O line. There’s a lot to distribute.
“There’s a great culture we’re building in there. So, personally, I don’t feel a lot of pressure. I just focus on how I can get better, how the O line can get better, and then hopefully we’re able to show it this season.”
The Cougars lost three starting offensive linemen from a unit that played in the top 40 of run push (No. 38) and pass protection (No. 18), allowing a sack on just 4% of attempts.
TJ Woods brought in Paki Finau from Washington, Zak Yamauchi from Stanford, and Jr Sia (Utah State), while returning big Andrew Gentry and guards Sonny Makasini and Kyle Sfarcioc. Finau is a former four-star recruit out of high school with Big Ten experience.
“Yeah, he’s brought in some guys from the transfer portal that’ve been able to help kind of get that starting O line rebuilt. I feel really comfortable with six of us,” said Mitchell.
“You know, we’ve got five guys returning who have played a lot of football here at BYU, so that always helps. And then some transfer guys. We have a lot of guys who have played Power Four football, so everybody is comfortable.
“Everybody’s been in loud environments, big moments. I don’t know how much coach Woods had to do, but it’s just us meshing together and then him making sure we’re on the right people.”
Mitchell’s strength is his run blocking, and one of his goals this season is be better at pass protection. “I feel like it’s improved a lot in the offseason. But for sure, my strength is run blocking.”
In this regard, BYU will have a huge advantage in this game. Not only do the Cougars have size and experience at a high level versus Utah Tech, but behind that line is LJ Martin, the leading rusher in the Big 12.
Behind Martin is a healthy Sione Moa, whom many believe is an NFL-caliber running back.
The way BYU uses Martin (how many carries) and then brings in Moa for relief will be one of the storylines of this game. Also hunting playing time are Preston Rex and Journee Tonga, among others.
They want to see some action and show what they can do. Even against Utah Tech.
How comfortable is Mitchell with the guys behind Martin?
“Sione’s had a great camp. Preston Rex is doing good and freshman Devon Eka has had a great camp. There are a lot of guys coming in who can add depth to that room.”
The scores of these money games this week are tough to predict — not the winners — because the point spread at the final gun could literally be anything the winning coach wants it to be.
In the case of Utah’s win over Idaho, it went as expected. Some figures to compare from the win by the Utes can apply to the Cougars, if you get creative and just for giggles:
Can BYU score 66 and hold Utah Tech to 14?
Will BYU gain more than 633 yards and hold Utah Tech to 225?
Can the Cougars’ offense pass for more than 269 and rush for 364 or more?
Will BYU’s substitution patterns be about the same, taking out starters after about half the game?
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (14) celebrates after Utah Utes running back LaMarcus Bell (26) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
West Virginia 24, Coastal Carolina 17
Iowa State 33, Southeast Missouri State 10
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