Utah got a big win over Arkansas (Graphic by Utah Athletics)
Big wins for the big teams in Utah!
#6 BYU 2-0 (1-0 in the Big 12)
It started out rocky and was more of a back-and-forth game than BYU wanted it to be, but the Cougars stayed cool and beat a solid opponent, 28-17. BYU will follow their first Big 12 win of the year over Arizona with a trip to Fort Collins to play the Pac-12’s Colorado State. The Rams are 2-0 and would love nothing more than to defeat a Power 4 team, so the Cougs will need to be ready.
#14 Utah 2-0 (0-0 in the Big 12)
Arkansas isn’t going to win the SEC this year. In fact, they may finish toward the bottom of the conference. But give them and Utah credit for scheduling this game early in the season, and give the Utes credit for getting a huge win. The Utah offense looked like it was in the form that had them go 11-2 last year in their 43-10 victory over the Razorbacks. Now, they’ll host Utah State in an in-state rivalry.
Utah State 0-2 (0-0 in the Pac-12)
There are no moral victories, but giving #9 Washington all they could handle in their house in Seattle has to count for something. After being upset by FCS Idaho State, Utah State nearly paid it forward to the Huskies. Alas, their efforts fell short, and Washington won, 16-14. The Aggies return to Utah but stay on the road, heading down to Salt Lake City to battle the Utah Utes.
Weber State 1-2 (1-0 in the Big Sky)
The Wildcats had to go on the road to a team that, through a couple of games, looks resurgent. Colorado, Coach Prime, and Julian Lewis have Colorado 2-0 and looking to get back to winning seasons and bowl games. WSU quarterback Nate Dahle didn’t do too bad in his first start, especially considering it was on the road at a Power 4 FBS team. He had 244 yards and three touchdowns passing the ball. Colorado won 52-21, but Weber State didn’t just roll over. The Wildcats will welcome Northwestern State to Ogden this week for their final non-conference game of the season.
Utah Tech 0-3 (0-1 in the Big Sky)
Utah Tech is bad right now and trying to fight their way out of that. They had a better showing in Missoula than I expected them to. The Montana Grizzlies still beat them 35-14, but Utah Tech managed 405 yards of offense, not too far behind Montana’s 462 yards. Anything the Trailblazers can build off of is something they’ll hold onto. This weekend they’re back in St. George, this time against Northern Arizona.
Southern Utah 1-2 (0-1 in the Big Sky)
The good news for the Thunderbirds is that their offense was alright against the Pac-12’s Colorado State Rams. They had 442 yards of offense and 24 points. The bad news is they gave up 672 yards of offense and 58 points. The Thunderbirds and their offense are heading in the right direction, but they’ll need more from their defense as SUU plays at St. Thomas to finish their non-conference slate this week.
Roberts-Hall Award Player of the Week
Wayshawn Parker has been a difference maker for Utah early in this young season. He’s been getting it done catching the ball as much as rushing the ball. Against Arkansas, Parker had 10 carries for 53 yards with two touchdowns, and had five catches for 65 yards with a touchdown reception. This season, Parker has 124 yards rushing with three touchdowns, and 88 yards receiving with three more touchdowns.
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.
