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Provo • Going from a Big Ten opponent last week to a Big Sky opponent this week, most BYU football players aren't really excited about playing Idaho State on Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium (1 p.m., BYUtv).
But quarterback Taysom Hill is, if only mildly.
That's because Hill is from Pocatello, Idaho, home of the Bengals, and played in ISU's Holt Arena many times as a star at nearby Highland High.
"I am looking forward to playing the Bengals," Hill said in a teleconference on Wednesday with reporters from his home state. "I obviously grew up right around the Bengals and saw them play. I played in their home stadium and everything else, so I am familiar with them. I had some friends that played there, and whatnot. So I am looking forward to playing the hometown university there."
Hill was a big-time recruit who committed to Stanford before his senior year, but Idaho State coaches still called his prep coach, Geno Mariani, and let it be known that they had a scholarship waiting for Hill if he wanted it.
Hill was asked if there's any chance the Cougars (6-3) will overlook the Bengals (3-7) with a game at Notre Dame on the schedule next week.
"Our conversations aren't about Notre Dame right now," Hill said. "And we buried what happened against Wisconsin on Monday and moved on. We are not overlooking them."
Tight end time
Slowly but surely, BYU is throwing to its tight ends more, beginning with the Boise State game when Kaneakua Friel and Devin Mahina were major targets. That should continue, receivers coach Guy Holliday said, despite the fact that Mahina won't play Saturday due to a strained adductor (groin injury). Brett Thompson (detached retina) traveled to Wisconsin, but was a scratch in pregame warmups.
"I mean, we throw to the tight ends [well]," Holliday said. "Whoever gets open is who gets the ball. And if that is the tight ends, fantastic."
Kaufusi keeping quiet
Defensive end Bronson Kaufusi said Wednesday that he is "just waiting" on a number of factors before deciding whether or not he will join the BYU basketball team, like he did last season, when the football season ends in late December.
A sophomore, Kaufusi has started all nine games and recorded 27 tackles, including four tackles for loss. He has also had two sacks, five pass breakups and forced one fumble.
Briefly
Idaho State's roster includes two Utahns: quarterback James Delacenserie of Park City (Wasatch High) and offensive lineman Matt Lewis of Salt Lake City (Judge Memorial). … Hill, defensive lineman JohRhyheem Peoples of Rigby and walk-on receiver Colby Pearson of Blackfoot are the only Idahoans on BYU's roster.
Twitter: @drewjay —
BYU vs. Idaho State
P Saturday, 1 p.m.
TV • BYUtv