BYU falls in rough week for the state of Utah (Photo by BYU Athletics)
Utah and Utah Tech are the only ones to survive Week 8
#2 BYU 6-1 (3-1 in the Big 12)
BYU’s defense had its worst game since November of 2023. The 39 points they allowed in the 39-31, double-overtime defeat at UCF was the most since a 40-34 double-overtime defeat at Oklahoma State in year one in the Big 12 Conference. BYU’s offense fought hard but had some key dropped passes, some questionable personnel decisions in the running game, and some conservative calls. Still, the defense can’t allow 39 points and 463 yards and expect to get away with it. BYU hosts Arizona State on Halloween and now has no margin for error if they want to finally make the College Football Playoff and not be on the outside looking in for the third straight year.
#4 Utah 7-0 (4-0 in the Big 12)
Only three undefeated teams remain in the FBS, and one of them is in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah gutted out a tough win at home over Houston on Saturday night, on a day when the other top teams in the Big 12 fell. Rival BYU and defending champs Texas Tech both lost, and now Utah sits alone at the top of the Big 12 standings. A big rushing game by Devon Dampier led Utah to victory. The Utes now have to go on the road to Cincinnati, Ohio, to play the Bearcats, who just upset Texas Tech in that very same stadium.
Utah State 2-5 (1-2 in the Pac-12)
In the first game of the day between the Lone Star State and the Beehive State, things went against the great state of Utah. Utah State and Texas State did battle in San Marcos, and it was a low-scoring game. USU fought hard, and despite trailing 17-9, in the fourth quarter the Aggies fought back and gave themselves a chance. They tied at 17, but Texas State took a field-goal lead. USU’s 48-yard field goal at the gun would have sent the game to overtime, but the kick was no good. Utah State will be back home in Logan, Utah, for Colorado State next week.
#22 Weber State 5-4 (4-2 in the Big Sky)
Weber State’s top-25 FCS ranking didn’t last long. To the Wildcats’ credit, they played the #3 team in the nation tough on the road and should be proud of themselves. The loss hurts so much because they’ve played so well and are capable of winning. Eric Kjar is building a great team in Ogden. They put up 364 yards of total offense and 33 points on Montana State, ultimately falling to the Bobcats, 38-33. Next, Weber State is back home in Ogden, Utah, for a game against UC Davis.
Utah Tech 1-7 (1-4 in the Big Sky)
The Trailblazers at least won’t have a winless season in 2026! Utah Tech got a win on the road at Cal Poly for their first win of 2026. Tech beat Cal Poly, 43-26. Quarterback Deacon Hill had a good game for Utah Tech, but the biggest factor in the win was their ball-hawking defense. Utah Tech forced a whopping six Cal Poly turnovers. They racked up four interceptions and two fumbles recovered. The Trailblazers will try to make it two-in-a-row back in St. George this week against the Idaho State Bengals.
Southern Utah 3-5 (2-3 in the Big Sky)
A walk-off defeat in the Kibbie Dome is a heart-shattering way to lose. Southern Utah experienced that on Saturday in Moscow against Idaho. Despite a solid game from quarterback Will Burns, who had 205 yards and a touchdown in the air and 187 yards and a touchdown on the ground, SUU fell 31-28. The Thunderbirds will have a tough task in front of them next week when they look to rebound vs. #7 Northern Arizona. The game will be in Cedar City for SUU.
Roberts-Hall Award Player of the Week
Deacon Hill of Utah Tech got his team their first win of the season. The Trailblazers defeated Cal Poly behind a great game from Hill. Hill was 20 of 36 for 213 yards and a touchdown. He also had 14 carries for 57 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Utah Tech was the only team from the state to win this week because of Hill.
Devon Dampier of Utah was also pretty good. He threw two interceptions but was still 18 of 26 for 204 yards. Dampier did most of his damage on the ground with 15 carries for 150 yards and two touchdowns to keep Utah undefeated.
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.
