BYU couldn’t help their quarterback against Utah (Photo by Utah Athletics)
Utah nearly eliminates BYU from Big 12 and College Football Playoff Contention.
#4 BYU 7-2 (4-2 in the Big 12)
It was an ugly loss for BYU; there’s no way around that. The good news is the Cougars still have a chance. Their chances are slim, but they aren’t none. They still have a shot at the Big 12 title if Texas Tech can be upset. If that happens, BYU could get Utah in a rematch in Arlington, Texas, for the conference crown. HOWEVER, they have to win the games in front of them, and none are easy. They’re at home against Baylor this week, followed by a road trip to Kansas, and then Cincinnati at home. They need to adjust their offense properly to keep their status as a contender and top-15 team.
#2 Utah 9-0 (6-0 in the Big 12)
Utah is one of my top teams right now and will be #1 in my power rankings this week. They’re one of only two undefeated teams left in college football. Devon Dampier is a Heisman candidate. Morgan Scalley is a candidate for coach of the year, too. They battled a very good BYU team, played their game, and came out a 28-20 winner. So many teams have had self-implosions this year. Utah is one of only two who haven’t, and that counts for a lot in my book. The Utes now have their biggest road game of the year this week when they head to Tucson. The Wildcats are a good test for them. They’re 7-2, well coached, and have a veteran quarterback. I already think Utah is for real, but the rest of the world will too, if they can avoid a letdown like their rivals had after they beat Notre Dame.
Utah State 4-5 (3-2 in the Pac-12)
After their 0-3 start, Utah State has gone 4-2. They have had two big wins at home and now have to go get some road wins to keep their hopes for a bowl game alive. They’ll be at Fresno State and then at SDSU before the home finale flex game. Things are going in a good direction for them. Quarterback McCae Hillstead is healthy and playing well for the Aggies. He had another good game, going 9 of 14 for 117 yards. He also added 56 yards and a touchdown on the ground for Utah State. If Hillstead can keep doing this for USU, they’ll get their bowl game this year.
Weber State 6-4 (5-2 in the Big Sky)
The Weber State Wildcats have a bye this week. Next week, they are at Northern Arizona.
Utah Tech 1-9 (1-6 in the Big Sky)
A second win continued to elude Utah Tech. Playing at 5-4 UC Davis didn’t help things. The Trailblazers jumped out to a 14-0 lead that wouldn’t avail them (Something I saw twice on Saturday). Bronson Barben had two early touchdowns for Tech, but they couldn’t build further off of their early success and fell 24-17. The Trailblazers only have two more games this year, both in Utah. Next week, against Eastern Washington in the home finale in St. George, and then the season finale in Ogden against Weber State.
Southern Utah 4-6 (3-4 in the Big Sky)
SUU’s battle to not have a losing season met a success on Saturday against Northern Colorado in Cedar City. Quarterback Will Burns guided the Thunderbirds to victory. Burns was 18 of 29 for 201 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also had 14 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Southern Utah will have one last road game next week at Portland State before their home finale in Cedar City against Chicago State.
Roberts-Hall Award Player of the Week
Utah’s Heisman candidate was the player of the week in the Beehive State. As much as I hate Utah as a BYU fan, if Coach Sitake can tip his hat to the Utes, I better try, too. Devon Dampier was 14 of 26 for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win. He also had 20 carries for 89 yards and 2 more touchdowns on the ground. He also caught a 29-yard pass.
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.
