BYU Football vs Portland State: 3 things to watch

2. Who will replace Jamaal Williams?

Jamaal Williams is now in the NFL playing for the Green Bay Packers, but last season he was a monster for the Cougars. Williams ran for 1,375 yards and 12 touchdowns on 5.9 yards per carry in 10 games. To say he was the focal point of the offense would be an understatement.

I got to see Williams live against the Cincinnati Bearcats last season and even though he was struggling with an ankle injury he still impacted the game. Who will replace him this season?

The next man up is junior running back Squally Canada. Standing at 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, he is a solidly built back. Last season with limited action Canada gave Cougar fans some hope that he can tote the rock with more opportunity. Canada rushed for 315 yards and 2 touchdowns on 4.3 yards a carry. He will get more attempts than 74 this year, but can he tote the rock like Williams? His first test will be Saturday.

Freshman Ula Tolutau is being pinned as the number two on the depth chart. Tolutau is 6-foot-1 and 250 pounds. With those attributes he will be a bruiser and I don’t expect the Vikings to have a fun time tackling him. Throughout the year he will at least be used in short yardage situations with that frame and with the way BYU likes to run the ball he will get more opportunities than that.

Sophomore KJ Hall is back also, last season he contributed with 184 yards and 2 touchdowns on 5.3 yards per carry.