I perused a fair amount of content from KSU's pundits and watched the UofA v. KSU game this week. Here's what I think national and KSU-homer pundits are getting wrong and right:

Wrong -
- KSU does not have better talent across the board as has been said by Brian Hanley & Monte Spiller (both KSU pundits and former players). Our DBs, LBs, and TEs are comparable, and I believe our WRs are actually better than theirs. I do believe their OL & DL have an edge over ours, and they do have a specific RB that's a freak athlete in Dylan Edwards. He and Avery Johnson present the biggest challenge for our defense. AJ will likely be a top 10 QB nationally next year. He has so many tools, but he still needs more experience to level up his mental game. I'd love to see him get rattled today.
- The roughly 3,000 ft elevation change won't play a significant factor for their elite athletes, but the difference in relative humidity will make it uncomfortable especially for their OL & DL.
- I thought UofA had the talent and scheme to beat KSU, but they hurt themselves and never regained any momentum in that environment. A win is a win and KSU was the better team at home, but the environment coupled with momentum played a significant factor. UofA shot themselves in the foot several times when they had an opportunity to quiet the crowd. I expected KSU to really swarm Fifita in the game, but more than anything, I was left impressed by UofA's OL. KSU definitely got to him, but I learned that he struggles in tight pockets and usually maintains 5-7 yards of separation from the pack (possibly to see better since he's only 5'10").


Right -
- BYU's OL is improved, but not great. UofA has a better OL than BYU IMO, and still N. Fifita "perceived" pressure more than there was "substantive" pressure. I think Retzlaff is more accustomed to successfully navigating tighter pockets, but if we can't get KSU's DL off-balance or to over-pursue, then today may be overwhelming for Retzlaff.
- Edwards and A. Johnson are freaks and both will be impact players today. I'm excited to see their speed compare to Jack Kelly's. Besides DBs--who would be tasked with making open-field tackles--I think J. Kelly is in the best position to prevent them from making big plays. UofA didn't have an answer for Edwards or Johnson on their defense like we have with J. Kelly.
- A night game in Provo at LES is the X-factor. We'll kill them with kindness and then discombobulate their discipline and any momentum they may gain. On a neutral or home field for KSU, I think they win it, but what makes this game a toss-up is playing at LES. How AJ, their OL, and defense respond in this environment will speak volumes about what LES represents in the XII and whether KSU is ready to lead it.

Predictions -
- BYU's offense struggles unless we use Retzlaff in the run game with reckless abandon.
- Retzlaff throws 1 interception.
- BYU's defense competes hard and forces at least 1 TO, but A. Johnson is still able to run wild.
- Edwards has 2 20+ yard plays.
- KSU doesn't cover the spread.