BYU is heading into the most important game of the season with a looming injury question.
Star running back LJ Martin’s status has been in doubt since he exited the Iowa State game with an apparent shoulder injury. He did not play the entire second half.
But head coach Kalani Sitake is hopeful his leading rusher will return in Lubbock.
He’s also optimistic that star linebacker Jack Kelly will give it a go.
“They are doing great,” Sitake said. “We will see how they progress through practice this week, so they are not out. They are practicing. So we will see by the time Wednesday hits. Hopefully it works in our favor. But the fact they are not out is a good sign.”
Martin is arguably BYU’s best offensive player with nearly 800 rushing yards. He leads the Big 12. Without him, BYU put nearly the entire offense on freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier’s shoulders.
Kelly may be the Cougars’ best defensive player. He has been in and out of the lineup the last few weeks, but did play against Iowa State two weeks ago.
No. 8 BYU plays No. 9 Texas Tech on Saturday at 10 a.m. MT.