PROVO, Utah—Loud waves of royal blue and white could be seen rolling across Provo as Cougar fans filed out of the Lavelle Edwards stadium at the end of the BYU vs. Mississippi State football game, BYU's homecoming game. After an exciting win against Michigan State two weeks ago, and a close win against Toledo the week before that, many fans are looking past the earlier losses of the season. “Honestly, it is hard coming in for your first year, and he is making the best calls that he can,” said Rebecca Peterson, a Senior at BYU, empathizing with Coach Sitake. Her remarks referenced Sitake’s first three games as head coach. “They haven’t spent much time together.”
This “honeymoon” period is not unusual for a first year coach at BYU; former coaches Mendenhall and Croton enjoyed the same attitude in their first year. But all the coaches stand in the shadow of legendary coach LaVelle Edwards, which means a failure to win will eventually bring the ire of the fans and the administration.
Because of BYU Football’s national presence, many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints see BYU Football as a missionary opportunity and a certain expectation is expected for all BYU head coaches. Coach Lavelle Edwards led BYU from 1972-2000, and was the 6th on the list for NCAA coaching victories, won a national championship and put BYU and the Mormon church on the national stage. USA Today called him a “national coaching treasure.” LaVelle was inducted in to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Regardless of the outcomes of the games, Cougar fans are willing to focus on the good and not the bad. “I like him, he is a cool guy," said Jared Bodine, a Senior at BYU.
Coach Sitake received a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct while angrily objecting a targeting call on defensive player, Kai Nacua, during the Holy War of 2015. Instead of being mad, BYU students appreciated the outburst of frustration. “I like his passion for the game and how he expresses himself during the game," Bodine continued.
Another senior at BYU summed up perfectly what the Cougar Nation wants Coach Sitake to hear coming into the next game. “It doesn’t matter in the end who wins or loses, but rather that we do our best” said a thoughtful Sterling Baird. “If both teams are there putting forth their best, and you can see a good game playout, we will all come out feeling happy.”
