2014 Schedule Preview: BYU Cougars

Nov 9, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Mitch Mathews (10) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receiver

BYU must replace top receiver Cody Hoffman and his 57 catches. Mitch Matthews returns as the Cougar’s leader receiver with 23 receptions last year. BYU will essentially be breaking in a whole new receiving group. This includes three transfers. Devon Blackmon transfers in from the JUCO ranks after spending a year at Oregon. Keanu Nelson spent time at Stanford, and Jordan Leslie was a former all-conference player for UTEP. BYU tight ends lack experience and shouldn’t be much of a factor.

BYU receivers versus the Texas secondary looks like a mismatch in favor of the Longhorns at this point. Things could get interesting, however, if BYU has success running the ball early and Vance Bedford has to move the safeties closer to the line of scrimmage for run support.