BYU's Chris Collinsworth done for the season, could hurt more than you think

BYU sophomore forward Chris Collinsworth -- the older brother of freshman teammate Kyle -- will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury that requires surgery.

On the surface, this doesn't look like a huge blow to the Cougars.

Chris has only played in nine games, starting four, and was averaging just 5.9 ppg and 5.6 rpg in 16.4 mpg. With the emergence of Brandon Davies as low-post scoring threat and the continued steady play of Noah Hartsock, the Cougars have some other options up front.

The issue, however, is BYU's depth. I've mentioned it before, but the Cougars do not have a deep bench. Charles Abouo is a tough perimeter forward that can defend and rebound the ball. He's start nine games this season. After that? Stephen Rogers and Logan Magnusson, neither of whom can be considered anything more than a serviceable big man.

Against TCU, the Cougars got eight points from their bench. Against Utah, they only got two points despite scoring 104 points and winning by 25. Against UNLV, the bench only scored four points.

What the loss of Collinsworth does more than anything is take away the threat of a guy that, when healthy, is capable of scoring double figures.

You may not notice it against teams like TCU or Air Force, but keep an eye out when the Cougars play a tough defensive team like San Diego State or a team with a big front line like New Mexico's.