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Y’s Guys Podcast

The WVU Win, Arizona Preview w/Alumni Tailgate, Jimmer Fredette, Grace Ninsiima Story, plus Jay Drew

Season 4, Ep. 21

Connect with Grace Ninsiima:


https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-ninsiima-12a975205/

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jane-clayson-johnson/pathway-to-hope-byu-pathway-worldwide-in-africa/

https://www.byupathway.edu/pathway-to-hope


Tailgate in Tucson:


https://alumni.byu.edu/byuvsarizona25 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079511258580


This week on Y’s Guys, Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler recap BYU’s 38–24 win over West Virginia, which pushed the Cougars to 5–0 and vaulted them to No. 18 in both the AP and Coaches polls. True freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns, while wide receivers Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston each topped 100 yards. The win came before a sellout crowd of over 63,000 and drew national praise—Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff called Bachmeier “the most impressive freshman in college football.”


The show previews BYU’s next challenge, a road test at Arizona. The Cougars lead the all-time series 13–12–1 and will face an explosive Wildcats offense led by quarterback Noah Fifita. BYU’s defense remains elite, currently No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense and among the best in third-down stops. Blaine revisits his “keys to the game,” while Kalani Sitake’s postgame soundbite sets the tone for what BYU must improve to keep their perfect record intact.


The episode also features three special guests. Pat Patterson, BYU Alumni leader in Arizona, shares plans for the Tucson tailgate, fan service project, and Cougar Nation’s desert takeover. Jimmer Fredette, BYU legend and new podcaster, joins from his home in Colorado to discuss BYU basketball’s offseason success, the signing of No. 1 JUCO recruit KJ Perry, and his advice for players handling early hype. Finally, Jay Drew of the Deseret News reveals his five-game BYU football report card, grading every position group and offering his forecast for the Big 12 race.


This week’s Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week, presented by Redmond, honors Parker Kingston, who totaled 111 yards and two touchdowns in the win over West Virginia. Kingston is the only player in modern BYU history with a touchdown rushing, receiving, passing, and on a punt return. The episode closes with Grace Ninsiima, a BYU Pathway Worldwide graduate from Uganda, whose remarkable journey from poverty to success was featured in Jane Clayson Johnson’s new BYUtv documentary Pathway to Hope.

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  • 26. Texas Tech Recap | TCU Preview | Soccer Wins Big 12 | Connor Pay & Isaiah Kaufusi on BYU-Pathway

    01:59:19||Season 4, Ep. 26
    Visit Isaiah Kaufusi and Connor Pay’s foundation: https://givebutter.com/weareonefoundationThis week on Y’s Guys, Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler break down BYU Football’s 29–7 loss at Texas Tech, the team’s first true stumble of the season, and preview Saturday night’s showdown against TCU in Provo. Despite the loss, BYU remains in the Big 12 title hunt, sitting tied for second in the standings behind Texas Tech. The hosts discuss what went wrong — including turnovers, special teams miscues, and offensive struggles — but also spotlight the defense’s toughness in forcing five field goals to keep the Cougars in the game.The show features reaction from head coach Kalani Sitake, along with analysis from former BYU linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi and offensive lineman Connor Pay, who return to Y’s Guys to talk about lessons learned from defeat, what it takes to regroup, and how BYU-Pathway Worldwide’s educational outreach is changing lives around the world. Isaiah and Connor share how BYU Football’s involvement with Pathway has made “The World is Our Campus” more than just a slogan.In addition to football talk, Dave and Blaine celebrate another huge week across campus. BYU Women’s Soccer capped a miraculous run by winning the Big 12 Tournament Championship, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 5 seed. The show highlights the story of backup goalkeeper Chelsea Peterson, who was thrust into the starting role after an injury to Paiton Collins and led the Cougars to three straight upsets — including a shootout win over No. 1 TCU — to claim the title.The Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week, presented by Redmond, honors Chelsea Peterson for her outstanding performance and perseverance. Other campus updates include BYU Men’s Basketball climbing to No. 7 in the AP Top 25, AJ Dybantsa earning Preseason All-America honors, and BYU Cross Country preparing for NCAA Regionals as the women’s team looks to defend its No. 1 national ranking. The show closes with a look ahead to this weekend’s packed BYU sports lineup, including basketball vs. Delaware and football vs. TCU, plus a lighthearted “On This Day in History” featuring Sesame Street, Home Alone, and the Berlin Wall.
  • 25. BYU–Texas Tech Preview | Hoops vs Villanova | Jane Hedengren Wins Big | Kim & David Marsh in Lubbock

    01:30:45||Season 4, Ep. 25
    Support our amazing BYU Alumni friends in TX this week. Show your love by donating something to their remarkable local efforts: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/M4LW3ZR8FYIO/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex And, learn more about the activities in Lubbock: https://alumni.byu.edu/byuvstexastech25It’s a massive week for Cougar Nation, and Y’s Guys is live on opening night for BYU Basketball as the No. 8 Cougars prepare to face Villanova at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Dave McCann and Brian Logan (filling in for Blaine Fowler) break down the energy in the arena, Kevin Young’s starting lineup debut, and BYU’s highest preseason ranking in school history. The game tips 30 minutes after the Arizona–Florida matchup as part of the Hall of Fame Series, broadcast nationally on TNT. “This is what the big time looks like,” Dave says.The show also previews a massive football showdown in Lubbock — No. 8 BYU (8–0) vs. No. 9 Texas Tech (7–1) — the “Game of the Year” in the Big 12. Kalani Sitake and Bear Bachmeier’s Cougars are riding a 10-game winning streak, the second-longest among Power Four teams, and will debut new royal blue uniforms featuring the Sailor Coug helmet logo. With ESPN’s College GameDay broadcasting from Texas Tech for the first time, BYU’s rise to national prominence continues.Hosts connect with Kim and David Marsh, BYU Alumni Chapter Chairs in Lubbock, who preview a packed weekend for Cougar fans — a Friday fireside, a Saturday morning tailgate, and a local service project collecting supplies for West Texas families in need. David also gives his three keys to victory for BYU: win the turnover battle, contain Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton, and protect Bear Bachmeier.This week’s Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week, presented by Redmond, once again honors Jane Hedengren, who captured the Big 12 Cross Country Championship by a staggering 44 seconds, breaking the meet record by 30 seconds. The No. 1–ranked BYU women’s team won their third straight Big 12 title, extending their conference championship streak to seven across WCC and Big 12 competition. Campus updates include women’s soccer clinching a Big 12 tournament berth, volleyball’s key road trip through Arizona, and the men’s golf team finishing their fall season with a win in California.
  • 24. Football & Basketball Both Top 10 | Iowa State Win | Kebe Keita Shines | Suli Davis | BradyPlus in Vegas

    01:48:06||Season 4, Ep. 24
    It’s Halloween Week on Y’s Guys! Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler kick off the show celebrating a historic moment in BYU sports — for the first time ever, both BYU Football and BYU Men’s Basketball are ranked in the Top 10 of the AP Poll at the same time. Football checks in at No. 10 after an 8–0 start, while basketball lands at No. 8 following a thrilling 78–76 exhibition win over No. 25 North Carolina at the Delta Center. “It’s rare air for the Cougars,” Dave says, as the hosts look at what makes this fall one of the most exciting stretches in BYU history.Blaine breaks down the Iowa State comeback, where BYU stormed back from a 24–10 deficit to win 41–27, scoring 31 unanswered points. Freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier continued his legendary run with 356 total yards and three touchdowns, while wideouts Parker Kingston and Chase Roberts combined for over 260 receiving yards. The Cougars forced four turnovers and got a pick-six from linebacker Faletau Satuala, who was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week. BYU now sits tied atop the Big 12 with Cincinnati, setting up a crucial November slate.The show features three guests. First, Mark Durrant, longtime BYU Radio analyst, joins to recap the win over North Carolina, discuss the rise of AJ Dybantsa, and preview next week’s season opener against Villanova in Las Vegas. Then, Travis Brady, President of BradyPlus and founding Y’s Guys sponsor, checks in from Vegas to share how Cougar Nation is preparing for BYU’s desert takeover at T-Mobile Arena. Finally, freshman volleyball phenom Suli Davis, who helped BYU upset No. 10 TCU with 20 kills, talks about her meteoric start, her Team USA experience, and what makes the Smith Fieldhouse the loudest venue in the Big 12.This week’s Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week, presented by Redmond, honors Kebe Keita, who powered BYU’s exhibition win over North Carolina with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and the game-saving block in the final seconds. The show closes with campus updates from BYU Pathway Worldwide, Big 12 notes, and the Linus quote from It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: “There are three things I've learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin.”
  • 23. BYU Beats Utah | Iowa State Preview | Jane Hedengren Re-Lyte Athlete | Coach Steve Cleveland Returns

    01:57:40||Season 4, Ep. 23
    This week on Y’s Guys, Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler celebrate BYU’s 24–21 victory over Utah, marking the Cougars’ third straight win in the rivalry and solidifying their spot at No. 11 in the AP Top 25 and No. 10 in the Coaches Poll. With BYU now one of just six remaining undefeated teams in college football, the hosts break down what went right — from Bear Bachmeier’s legendary 22-yard touchdown run to LJ Martin’s 122 yards on 26 carries — and what still needs fine-tuning before the road trip to Ames. Kalani Sitake’s postgame comments set the tone for what he called “the toughest stretch yet.”The episode dives deep into Blaine’s three keys to BYU’s win and what they mean moving forward: shutting down the quarterback run, preventing big plays, and winning the turnover battle. Defensive stars Faletau Satuala and Tanner Wall headline the recap after earning Big 12 Player of the Week honors, while the hosts revisit a few late-game coaching decisions that sparked debate among Cougar fans.Looking ahead, BYU’s next challenge is Iowa State, where the Cougars will try to end a 51-year drought — BYU hasn’t played in Ames since 1974. Greg Welch, BYU Alumni Chapter Event Specialist for Iowa, joins the show to preview alumni events, tailgates, and service projects planned around the sold-out matchup. Later, former BYU basketball coach Steve Cleveland returns to discuss the Cougars’ exhibition slate, AJ Dybantsa’s Preseason All-American selection, and how Kevin Young is building a Final Four contender in Provo.The Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week, presented by Redmond, honors freshman cross-country phenom Jane Hedengren, who shattered the Missouri Pre-Nationals course record in her college debut. The show also features campus highlights from soccer, volleyball, golf, and women’s basketball, including Ellie Walbruch’s hat trick and Suli Davis’s 25-kill performance. Y’s Guys wraps with the Mickey Mantle Inspirational Quote of the Week: “If I knew I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.”
  • 22. BYU Beats Arizona, BYU–Utah Rivalry Week Preview, Guest Scott Mitchell, Re-Lyte Athlete Siale Esera

    02:04:00||Season 4, Ep. 22
    visit: https://espn700sports.com/shows/down-dirty-with-scott-mitchell/visit: https://www.ysguys.com This week on Y’s Guys, Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler celebrate BYU’s 6–0 start after a dramatic 33–27 double-overtime win at Arizona, and preview one of the most anticipated matchups in recent memory — No. 15 BYU vs. No. 23 Utah in Provo. The Cougars rallied from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit behind LJ Martin’s career-high 162 rushing yards, Parker Kingston’s 117 yards and a touchdown, and a relentless defensive performance led by Siale Esera, who posted a career-best 16 tackles. With bowl eligibility secured, BYU now sets its sights on the Big 12 title race and state bragging rights.The episode features former Utah quarterback and current broadcaster Scott Mitchell, who joins live to discuss the history and emotion of the BYU–Utah rivalry. Mitchell and the hosts conduct a fantasy draft-style comparison of position groups — from quarterbacks Bear Bachmeier and Devon Dampier to linebackers Jack Kelly and Lander Barton — and predict which side has the edge in the 97th edition of “The Holy War.”Also joining the show is Harvey Scott from Redmond, presenting the Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week: Siale Esera, who stepped up in the absence of Jack Kelly and dominated on defense with 16 tackles, a QB hurry, and a pass breakup. Harvey also shares his outlook for Saturday’s showdown and expectations for BYU’s season as the Cougars prepare for a national stage on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff.The show rounds out with Big 12 highlights, Cougar NFL updates, and campus notes presented by BYU Pathway Worldwide, including the men’s cross-country team’s win at the Nuttycombe Invitational, Delaney Gibb’s preseason All-Big 12 honors in women’s basketball, and the latest rankings for soccer, volleyball, and golf. Y’s Guys closes with the Inspirational Quote of the Week from Marie Osmond, reminding viewers: “If you’re going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now.”
  • 20. WVU Preview & Glasker Spotlight | Ellie Walbruch | Doug Paisley | Women’s Bball’s John Wardenburg

    02:02:27||Season 4, Ep. 20
    visit: https://www.ysguys.comThis week on Y’s Guys, Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler break down BYU’s 24–21 comeback win at Colorado, where true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier made Big 12 history as the first Cougar to tally 10 touchdowns with zero turnovers through his first four games. Despite falling behind 14–0, the Cougars rallied behind Bachmeier’s dual-threat performance (179 passing yards, 2 TDs, 98 rushing yards) and a suffocating defense that allowed no major breakdowns. Though kicker Will Ferrin’s record streak ended with a 55-yard miss, the special teams remained solid and BYU proved once again it can respond to adversity.The focus now shifts to Friday Night Lights at LaVell Edwards Stadium, where BYU hosts West Virginia in their first-ever Provo matchup. With BYU favored by nearly three touchdowns, Kalani Sitake and his players emphasize discipline and focus against a struggling Mountaineers squad. Blaine offers his three keys to the game, while fan favorite Doug Paisley—father of country music star Brad Paisley—joins to share the West Virginia perspective and his memories of past BYU matchups.On the Olympic sports side, Ellie Walbruch, the star forward of BYU women’s soccer, sits down with the crew. Walbruch reflects on winning a national championship at UCLA, reaching the College Cup again with BYU, overcoming a torn ACL, and her leadership role in 2025. Later, John Wardenburg, Chief of Staff for BYU women’s basketball, previews the season under new head coach Lee Cummard, highlighting Delaney Gibb’s development, roster depth, and Big 12 challenges ahead.The Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week spotlights linebacker Isaiah Glasker, who delivered a dominant performance against Colorado with a sack, a highlight-reel hit, and the game-sealing interception. With Big 12 recaps, Cougar NFL updates, campus sports notes, and a tribute to President Russell M. Nelson, who passed away at age 101, this week’s show offers both celebration and reflection. As always, Y’s Guys remains the most-watched collegiate sports livestream on YouTube, connecting Cougar Nation worldwide.
  • 19. BYU vs Colorado Preview, East Carolina Win Breakdown, Evan Johnson Athlete of the Week, Campus Notes

    01:18:10||Season 4, Ep. 19
    Y’s Guys presents a special Wednesday night BYU–Colorado Preview Show as Cougar Nation gears up for Saturday night’s Big 12 opener in Boulder. With BYU now ranked in the Top 25 across the AP and Coaches polls, Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler break down the Cougars’ 34–13 win over East Carolina and look ahead to the matchup with Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes. Head coach Kalani Sitake and Coach Prime himself weigh in on the game’s buildup, while Blaine reveals his three keys to victory.The show also features Kyle Taylor from BYU Alumni, who shares details on alumni tailgate events and service projects planned in Colorado. Fans traveling to Boulder will get a full rundown on how Cougar Nation is uniting to support the team on the road. A “tale of the tape” comparison highlights BYU’s nation-leading scoring defense and rushing offense against Colorado’s mid-tier rankings, underscoring why the Cougars enter as six-point favorites.Beyond football, Y’s Guys updates fans on all things BYU sports. Women’s volleyball continues its undefeated streak at 12–0 with the Big 12 opener against Colorado and a weekend matchup with Iowa State. Soccer holds a top-20 ranking despite a tough road loss, and cross country remains among the nation’s best with both the men’s and women’s teams ranked in the top five. Basketball fans also hear the latest on Joe Lunardi’s bracketology placing BYU as a projected No. 2 seed, as well as new recruiting news, coaching staff updates, and the Marriott Center’s home court ranking.This week’s Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week, presented by Redmond, honors junior cornerback Evan Johnson, who recorded back-to-back interceptions against ECU—including a goal-line pick that prevented a Pirate score and another that flipped the game with a long return. With campus notes, Big 12 rundowns, Cougar NFL updates, and a celebration of Wally Joyner’s Utah Sports Hall of Fame induction, this Wednesday Special delivers everything BYU fans need to get ready for a massive weekend in Boulder.
  • 18. BYU vs East Carolina Preview, F-15 Pilots, Derwin Gray, Claire Little Chambers Athlete of the Week

    02:05:35||Season 4, Ep. 18
    Our charity auction bid link: https://www.ephraimhope.org/contact-usThis week on Y’s Guys, Dave McCann is joined by BYUtv colleague Jason Shepherd, filling in for Blaine Fowler, as Cougar Nation gears up for the primetime matchup at East Carolina. With BYU favored by a touchdown and ranked in the national top 25 across multiple polls, the show previews the Pirates’ passing attack and head coach Kalani Sitake’s keys to building on BYU’s top-ranked defense.Fans will meet two special guests with a unique tie to the weekend. Air Force F-15 pilots Morgan Curridan and Sam Eliason, both BYU supporters, will be flying the jets over Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium before kickoff. Morgan is a lifelong Cougar fan and graduate, while Sam is a convert to both BYU fandom and the Church. Together, they’ll share what the flyover means to them, how it came together, and why Cougar Nation feels like family no matter where they’re stationed.The spotlight then turns to BYU’s defense with Derwin Gray, one of the most respected Cougar alumni and now a pastor, author, and speaker. Gray breaks down BYU’s elite run defense, praises rising stars Isaiah Glasker and Jack Kelly, and offers advice to true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier as he navigates his first road test. Later, Christian Eisinger, BYU Alumni rep in North Carolina, checks in with details on pregame festivities and service projects for fans traveling east.The episode also introduces Matt Sanders of Waypoint Travel, who explains a new NIL revenue share program helping BYU athletes while giving fans unique ways to support the program through their own travel plans. Plus, the Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week honors volleyball standout Claire Little Chambers, who powered BYU to a sweep at the LMU Invitational. With Big 12 updates, NFL Cougar news, and Olympic sports highlights, Y’s Guys continues to deliver the most-watched collegiate sports livestream in the nation.#BYUFootball #GoCougs #Ysguys #BYUSports #Big12Football #CollegeFootball #ReLyteAthlete #CougarNation #BYUDefense #BYUVolleyball #BYU #LDS