After eight weeks of football against six Power 5 teams and three ranked in the nation's top 20, BYU has reached its much-needed bye week.
Here are a few things the Cougars can focus on this week without an opponent on the schedule.
1. Recovery
While BYU has been fortunate to not lose a handful of players to season-ending injuries in 2016, the Cougars — like any team — are banged up this far into the season. A bye week is the perfect chance to heal wounds.
One particular player who could benefit is Jamaal Williams. The Cougars' top running back was forced to miss the game at Boise State because of an ankle injury. Senior defensive tackle Travis Tuiloma left the game against the Broncos with an injury, and key contributors like Butch Pau'u, Ului Lapuaho and Tomasi Laulile are also ailing.
The healthier these leaders can get for BYU, the better.
"Guys are banged up, and this is only going to help us," senior wide receiver Mitchell Juergens said of the bye week. "We're going to be smart about it, give our legs some rest and be ready to come back against Cincinnati (on Nov. 5) stronger and finish the last four games of the season on a roll. That's what we want."
2. Prep for the final month
On the practice field and in the film room, there will be chances this week for BYU to focus on what is coming up in November as the regular season wraps up. BYU finishes the year with a road game at 4-3 Cincinnati, then three home games against teams who currently have losing records. This will provide the chance for the Cougars to become bowl eligible and improve their execution in the final month of the year.
This week, BYU can focus on the parts of the game that have given them troubles — think trick plays and passing-game troubles —and fine-tune things that are working well but could be even better. Considering the Cougars are 4-4 this season and their four losses are by a combined eight points, some fine-tuning is all the team needs in some areas.
3. Relax a bit
For players, the weekly grind of preparing for an opponent can be draining both physically and mentally. The bye week allows for the chance to look outside of the realm of football, even for a short time.
That can apply to coaches as well. Plus, this week gives a first-year group of coaches the chance to refresh themselves after the grind. There will also be opportunities to hit the recruiting trail, which can pay off in future seasons.
Email: bjudd@deseretdigital.com; Twitter: @brandonljudd