As No. 14 BYU prepares to host Arizona in their season opener, the Cougars are bracing for more than just the Wildcats’ challenge on the field. With Fox’s high-profile “Big Noon Kickoff” show arriving in Provo, the added spotlight could be a distraction for a team that already faces mounting expectations after an impressive 2023 campaign.
Head coach Kalani Sitake has emphasized the need for his players to stay focused amid the buzz surrounding the game. The national attention, combined with playing in front of a live audience and millions watching from home, creates an electric atmosphere that can easily shift the team’s focus away from the task at hand. For Sitake, the key message is clear: “Keep your eyes on the game, not the cameras.”
This matchup will be the Cougars’ first game as a ranked team in 2024, and the No. 14 ranking brings new pressure. BYU is coming off a 10-win season that has bolstered expectations, and now, with the eyes of the nation on them, they must prove that last year’s success was no fluke. The Arizona Wildcats, led by head coach Jedd Fisch, see this game as a golden opportunity to pull off an upset and gain early momentum in their season.
While BYU’s leadership on the field will play a critical role in navigating the game’s intensity, the distraction potential looms large. The presence of Fox’s pre-game show and the excitement that comes with it could create an environment where emotions run high. Senior quarterback Kedon Slovis will need to manage the offense with poise, and the team’s veterans will be tasked with keeping the younger players focused amid the fanfare.
Arizona, despite coming off a rebuilding phase, is not to be underestimated. The Wildcats have made key additions in the offseason, adding fresh talent through the transfer portal. BYU’s defense, led by linebacker Ben Bywater, will need to be alert to Arizona’s new-look offense, which may include some surprises.
As the game approaches, BYU remains cautious, knowing that distractions, while exciting for the program, can be costly if not managed properly. The Cougars aim to start their 2024 season on a high note, showing they can handle the pressure and thrive in the spotlight. All eyes will be on Provo, but BYU’s focus will be squarely on Arizona.
The show is hosted by Rob Stone, and the analysts are Mark Ingram II, Matt Leinart, Brady Quinn and former University of Utah coach Urban Meyer, who was famous, or infamous, for calling BYU the “Team Down South” when he was coaching on the Hill in 2003 and 2004.
Seeing how BYU fans react to Meyer, who guided the Utes to a perfect season in 2004 before moving on to Florida, will be part of Saturday’s fun. In 2003, Meyer’s Utes edged BYU 3-0 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in a blizzard.
Clearly, BYU’s fast start and undefeated record has attracted the national broadcast, and Fox will send its top broadcasting crew of Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt and Jenny Taft for the call. Sitake said he has met and interacted with all three.
“So a lot of cool personalities coming into town. There is a lot of excitement. They are going to do a great job at what they do, which is report the game and … give commentary to it. I need to do my job, which is get the team ready to play, so there is something to report and get excited about,” Sitake said. “Good people, great professionals are coming into town. I think our fans should be really excited about it. I am excited, our players are. But our job is going to be what we do on the field. The fans and everybody else can enjoy the rest of them.”
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