As the BYU Cougars prepare for the 2024 Alamo Bowl, the extra practices in the lead-up to the game present a critical opportunity for several players to develop and refine their skills. These practices offer players a chance to hone their abilities, gain valuable in-game experience, and make a lasting impression on the coaching staff. While the entire team benefits from these additional sessions, certain players stand to gain the most from the Alamo Bowl preparations, each for unique reasons tied to their personal development, positional needs, and the Cougars’ long-term goals.
One of the players who could most benefit from the Alamo Bowl practices is quarterback Kedon Slovis. Having transferred to BYU from Pittsburgh, Slovis has had a solid but at times inconsistent season. The extra practices allow him to build more chemistry with his receivers, especially the younger ones who may not have been as involved in earlier games. His leadership and ability to perform under pressure are crucial for the Cougars, and the additional bowl practices give him a chance to fine-tune his decision-making and precision passing. Working with BYU’s coaching staff, Slovis can also strengthen his footwork and overall poise, critical areas that could make him even more effective in the Alamo Bowl and into next season.
Another key player who could thrive in the lead-up to the Alamo Bowl is sophomore running back LJ Martin. With the Cougars’ running game playing an increasingly prominent role in their offense, Martin’s growth has been crucial to their success. He has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but additional practice time allows him to become more consistent in reading defenses and finding the optimal lanes for explosive runs. The bowl practices provide Martin an opportunity to refine his vision and cutback skills while also enhancing his pass-catching ability out of the backfield. His ability to take full advantage of these extra practices could make him a game-changer, both in the bowl game and moving forward into his junior season.
Defensively, linebacker Isaiah Heron stands out as a player who could significantly benefit from the Alamo Bowl practices. Heron, who has shown flashes of being a disruptive force on the field, has sometimes struggled with consistency in his coverage and tackling. These extra practices offer a chance for him to refine his skills in both areas, which will be crucial against an offense like the one BYU is set to face in the bowl. More reps against different offensive schemes will allow Heron to improve his ability to read the quarterback and identify potential gaps in coverage. These practices also provide an opportunity for him to fine-tune his lateral movement and reaction time, improving his effectiveness in both pass coverage and run defense.
On the defensive line, senior edge rusher Tyler Batty has the potential to use the bowl practices to elevate his play even further. Batty has been one of the Cougars’ most disruptive players, but these additional sessions could provide him with the chance to work on specific pass-rushing techniques and counter-moves to beat offensive linemen more effectively. Batty has the physical tools to be a dominant force, but refining his rush techniques against live competition in the bowl practices could prepare him to wreak havoc on the quarterback in the Alamo Bowl.
Finally, wide receiver Kody Epps stands to gain immensely from the Alamo Bowl preparations. A key target in BYU’s offense, Epps has had a solid season but can further develop his route-running and ball-tracking abilities. As Slovis continues to improve his accuracy, Epps can work on establishing timing and gaining more separation from defenders. The bowl practices allow Epps to focus on his speed and agility in various route-running situations, maximizing his potential to be a consistent deep threat and a key factor in BYU’s passing attack.
In conclusion, the Alamo Bowl presents an invaluable opportunity for several BYU players to take their game to the next level. Quarterback Kedon Slovis, running back LJ Martin, linebacker Isaiah Heron, edge rusher Tyler Batty, and wide receiver Kody Epps each have specific areas where they can improve, and the extra practices provide the ideal environment for development. The skills they fine-tune during this time could not only impact the outcome of the bowl game but also shape their roles on the team in future seasons. As the Cougars prepare for their postseason matchup, the growth and progress of these players will be key factors in their success.
