The BYU Cougars basketball team is heading to the Sweet Sixteen, and the football team is showing their support in a fun, unique way! With spring practices winding down, the football squad took some time to cheer on their fellow athletes with a playful “Shot for a tater tot” challenge. This lighthearted display highlights the camaraderie and support within BYU athletics as the basketball team prepares to face off against Alabama. The focus is on Ritchie Saunders, the ‘Tater Tot King’, and the team’s quest for the Elite Eight.
This article will delve into the details of the football team’s support, the significance of the tater tot connection, and provide a preview of the upcoming basketball game against Alabama. The support from the football team brings added excitement to the already high-stakes Sweet Sixteen matchup.
BYU Football Shows Support with Tater Tot Challenge
As spring practices conclude, the BYU football team found a creative way to rally behind the basketball team. They created a “Shot for a tater tot” video, showcasing their basketball skills in exchange for the beloved snack. This fun challenge has generated buzz and excitement among fans, highlighting the strong sense of community within BYU athletics.
The video features players attempting shots on a mini hoop inside the Student Athlete Building, with cups of tater tots as the reward. BYU wide receiver Keelan Marion and Jojo Phillips kicked off the video with an alley-oop dunk, setting a playful tone for the challenge.
BYU offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho knocked down a jumper and said, “For the tater tot king, baby. Let’s go! Elite Eight, we’re coming for you!”
Even head coach Kalani Sitake joined in, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere. This public display of support from the football team adds an extra layer of motivation for the basketball team as they head into their Sweet Sixteen game.
The Legend of the Tater Tot King
The BYU basketball team has a unique connection to tater tots, thanks to player Richie Saunders. Saunders is the great-grandson of the man who invented tater tots, earning him the nickname “Tater Tot King.” This fun fact has become a popular storyline surrounding the team’s tournament run, adding a layer of novelty to their games.
Saunders himself has embraced the moniker, and it has become a rallying point for fans and teammates alike. Even out in New Jersey, Saunders noted that most of the questions he’s fielding are about tater tots, emphasizing how much the story has resonated with people.
The “Tater Tot King” narrative adds a fun, human interest element to the high-pressure environment of the NCAA Tournament. It serves as a reminder that sports are not just about competition but also about the personalities and stories that make the games engaging.
Sweet Sixteen Matchup: BYU vs. Alabama
BYU basketball is set to face the No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sweet Sixteen. This marks BYU’s first appearance in the Sweet Sixteen since 2025. The game is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
The game will be broadcast on CBS, with tip-off scheduled for 5:09 p.m. (MDT). Radio coverage will be available on KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM in Utah), with extended pregame coverage beginning at 3 p.m. MDT.
This Sweet Sixteen appearance is a significant achievement for the BYU basketball program, and the team will be looking to continue their successful tournament run against a tough Alabama team. The support from the football team and the “Tater Tot King” storyline add to the excitement surrounding the game.
Game Details: BYU vs. Alabama
Here’s a quick rundown of the game details:
- Regional Semifinals – 2025 NCAA Tournament
- Location: Newark, New Jersey
- Arena: Prudential Center
- Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
- Tip-Off: 5:09 p.m. (MDT)/7:09 p.m. (EDT)
- TV: CBS
- Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM in Utah — Extended pregame begins at 3 p.m. MDT/5 p.m. EDT)
Fans are encouraged to tune in and support the Cougars as they take on Alabama in this crucial Sweet Sixteen matchup.
Mitch Harper on BYU’s Sweet Sixteen Run
Mitch Harper, a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com, is closely following the Cougars’ journey in the NCAA Tournament. He provides in-depth analysis and coverage of the team, offering fans valuable insights into their performance and strategy.
Harper also hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast and Cougar Sports Saturday on KSL Newsradio, keeping fans updated on all things BYU sports. His expertise and passion for BYU athletics make him a valuable source of information for fans looking to stay connected to the team.
Follow Mitch Harper’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
Conclusion: A United BYU Community
The BYU football team’s support for the basketball team exemplifies the strong sense of community within BYU athletics. Their playful “Shot for a tater tot” challenge has generated excitement and camaraderie among fans and players alike.
With Richie Saunders, the “Tater Tot King,” leading the charge, BYU basketball is set to face Alabama in the Sweet Sixteen. This game represents a significant opportunity for the team to advance further in the NCAA Tournament and continue their impressive run.
As the Cougars prepare to take on Alabama, the support from the football team, the unique tater tot connection, and the dedication of players and coaches create a compelling storyline. BYU fans are eagerly anticipating the game and rallying behind their team as they strive for success in the Sweet Sixteen.
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