Bear, BYU, and Provo, Utah Erupted (Photo by BYU Athletics)
A huge week of football in Utah is headlined by BYU’s win!
#5 BYU 6-0 (3-0 in the Big 12)
BYU went to war with Notre Dame in one of the best and most important games in BYU football history. BYU’s defense did something no one else has ever done, and that was keeping CJ Carr from throwing or rushing for a touchdown. Carr and Bear Bachmeier had an incredible quarterback duel, and both of them are in the top three at that position this year with Darian Mensah. Bear made a Heisman statement, as BYU made a national statement. The Cougars’ 28-24 win was unforgettable and legendary.
#7 Utah 6-0 (3-0 in the Big 12)
Utah’s game at Colorado was much closer than they wanted it to be. Former Utah quarterback Isaac Wilson had the Buffaloes battle hard, but the Utes would prevail. A big reason for Utah’s success was wide receiver Braden Pegan. Pegan had eight catches for 86 yards and two huge touchdowns for Utah to get to 6-0, be bowl eligible, and be one of only six undefeated teams remaining in college football. The Utes have a huge ranked game this week as they’ll battle 6-1 and top-20 Houston back home in Salt Lake City.
Utah State 2-4 (1-1 in the Pac-12)
USU has their bye this week. They’ll be back next week against Texas State in San Marcos.
Weber State 5-3 (4-1 in the Big Sky)
Weber State had a big cat battle with Idaho State. The Wildcats and the Bengals went back and forth in a four-quarter fight. The final lead change would come with 1:10 left in the fourth quarter, with Weber State trailing 20-19. Star running back Spencer Ferguson would punch it in from two yards out. The two-point conversion would be good; the Wildcats would lead 27-20 and hold on at home in Ogden for the win. Ferguson would finish the game with 16 carries for 133 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Weber State is now tied for first in the Big Sky standings with Northern Arizona. They have a huge game this week when they go on the road to play 6-1, and #5 Montana State in Bozeman.
Utah Tech 0-7 (0-4 in the Big Sky)
Tech has the week off and will be looking for their first win next week at Cal Poly.
Southern Utah 3-4 (2-2 in the Big Sky)
SUU got a much-needed win against UC Davis in Cedar City this week. The Thunderbirds got it done on the ground, too. As a team, they rushed for 315 yards and three touchdowns. One of those touchdowns and 212 of those yards came from star running back Floyd Chalk on 26 carries. Quarterback Will Burns had 126 passing yards and two touchdowns and 98 rushing yards with two more touchdowns. Southern Utah smashed UC Davis 38-17. SUU will invade Moscow next week as they play the Idaho Vandals on the road up north.
Roberts-Hall Award Player of the Week
Had to go with Bear Bachmeier after his crazy game against Notre Dame. Each team that played this week had standouts worthy of this. Floyd Chalk, Bredan Pegan, and Spencer Ferguson all rocked. But Bachmeier was out of this world. He was 23 of 36 for 224 yards and the game-winning touchdown pass. Bachmeier ran 13 times for 45 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, and he also caught a 15-yard touchdown pass for BYU in their historic win.
Writer’s Note: All FBS team rankings referenced are from the College Football Power Rankings here at TheForkball.com. All FCS rankings are from the FCS STATS poll.
