The squad that two of BYU’s most important seniors, LJ Martin and Isaiah Glasker, want to defeat the most this season is not even on the schedule.
The highly anticipated showdown with Notre Dame in Provo (Oct. 17) has national implications, and the rivalry showdown at Utah (Nov. 7) speaks for itself; nonetheless, the chance to compete against Texas Tech motivates them both to improve.
“I wouldn’t want it any other way. They make an excellent team,” according to Martin, the current Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. “We know that if we want to compete for the Big 12 championship or the national championship, we’re going to have to go up against that. “
“Quite frankly, we weren’t good enough last year. We have another opportunity this year to go out there and demonstrate that we are good enough to compete with them. ”
BYU running back LJ Martin on Texas Tech.
The only way for BYU and Texas Tech to meet is if they both advance to the Big 12 title game on December 4 in Arlington, Texas — the same stage and location where the No. 5 Red Raiders upset the No. 11 Cougars 34-7 last December.
“We need to take that extra step this year,” said linebacker Isaiah Glasker. “I felt like we fell short last year, but we are making modest strides forward, so I believe that pushing a little extra will get us into the playoffs. “
Texas Tech is the preseason favorite to defend their Big 12 title. The Red Raiders have swiftly become the standard in the industry, thanks to a fantastic coach and a dedicated NIL fund. The other 15 institutions, including BYU, are pursuing it.
“Quite frankly, we weren’t good enough last year,” Martin remarked. “We have another chance this year to go out there and show that we are good enough and compete with them again. “
Texas Tech defeated BYU 29-7 during the regular season (Nov. 8) when the Cougars visited Lubbock, Texas, with a program-best No. 7 rating in the College Football Playoff poll. Glasker had a team-high 10 tackles in the defeat, while Martin had 78 yards of total offense while nursing a sore shoulder.
During the rematch in the Big 12 championship game, Glasker made six tackles, while Martin had 107 yards in rushes and receptions, including a touchdown, but a spate of second-half turnovers swung the game in Texas Tech’s favor.
Glasker and Martin recovered from offseason operations by training up their teammates during spring workouts. Glasker anticipates to be cleared for practices in June. Martin will receive the green light in May.
Favorite run
During Martin’s junior season, in which he carried 236 times for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns, his favorite run was a 10-yard touchdown run against Texas Tech.
“I thought the first drive was really excellent. We were feeling confident in the title game,” Martin said of BYU’s 14-play, 90-yard drive that gave the Cougars a 7-0 lead. “Some things happened from there that didn’t work out, but in that moment, it gave us confidence and comfort after losing that first game and being unable to advance the ball on them. It felt great to move the ball on them. “
With 2,541 yards, Martin is No. 9 on BYU’s all-time rushing list. Another season similar to last year will bring him closer to surpassing Jamaal Williams’ program record of 3,901.
Feeling better
Martin was injured on the shoulder during the first quarter of Iowa State’s game on Oct. 25. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound former Texas high school standout returned for the final five games of the regular season before undergoing surgery prior to the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
In those games that did not feature Texas Tech and its renowned defense, Martin totaled 405 yards and six scores, including 222 yards against Cincinnati. Despite his two meetings against the Red Raiders, Martin ended up with the most running yards in the Big 12.
He’s eager to return to the field.
“I’ve already tested (the shoulder),” Martin said. “They have a punching bag in the weight room. I probably shouldn’t say this, but I occasionally charge at it and shoulder-check it. It feels good,” said the victim.
Sitting out spring practice provided Martin with a change of scenery, as standing instead of running prompted more thought than action.
“Learning the basics, seeing the fundamentals, things that everyone can improve on—low pad level, watching the safety, watching the defense and how it rotates, how it moves, just understanding (where) the pressures are coming from,” Martin explained. “That’s something I’ve been able to learn. “
BYU begins the season against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Sept. 5.
“If we had to play tomorrow, I would be fine,” Martin said. “I’m eager. I’ve missed it. “
