BYU will be missing one of its key playmakers, but Kalani Sitake isn’t worried just yet.
Backup running Sione Moa, a critical part of BYU’s offense, remains out for the foreseeable future. He missed the game against Colorado, too.
Still, the Cougars’ head coach believes there is enough depth behind starter LJ Martin to get by.
“We are fine,” Sitake said. “We’ve got guys who can run the ball. You just don’t know about them yet.”
The options get thin behind Martin in terms of experience.
BYU has Enoch Nawahine, who has run for 108 yards in three years in Provo. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick moved Preston Rex from safety to running back in the offseason to get more depth.
Freshman Logan Payne and redshirt freshman Jovesa Damuni could also rotate in, but haven’t seen significant reps in their career.
“There are guys who are capable of running the ball,” Sitake said. “There are guys who can play with LJ. They are probably just not common names or guys that you have heard about. But they are super talented.”
Roderick has put most of the workload on Martin’s shoulders through the first month of the season. He’s had 61 touches in four games. It’s worked for 456 total yards and an average of 100 rushing yards a night.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier helped in the run game against Colorado with 15 carries for 98 yards.
But eventually, BYU will need a second rushing option to emerge.
“A lot of you guys didn’t know about Sione Moa last year either,” Sitake finished. “I trust Harvey Unga as a running backs coach.”
How to watch BYU vs. West Virginia
Kickoff time: 8:15 p.m.
Channel: ESPN