Look at this photo. It's November, 2009, and BYU has just beat Utah, at home, for the third time in four seasons. All three wins had been close, but they were wins, and it was a good time to be a BYU fan.
That was the last time BYU beat Utah in football. 9 years and three months ago.
And, for the first time since then, I've felt like BYU has a QB who can have a good day against Utah.
The average stat line for BYU quarterbacks from 2007 to 2017:
17 for 36
205 yards
less than one touchdown
just over one interception
For a sparkling NCAA quarterback rating of 98.6.
Neither Max Hall, nor Jake Heaps, nor Riley Nelson, nor Taysom Hill nor Tanner Mangum could have a good day against Utah's defense the last decade. The last BYU offense to put up 30 or more points against Utah was John Beck in 2006.
That said, the best passing day a BYU QB had against Utah since Beck was true freshman Zach Wilson, who posted a 20-29 passing day, with 204 yards, with 2 TD and 1 INT. It was the third-best passer rating posted on Utah in all of 2018.
Again, he was a true freshman last year.
So can sophomore Wilson put up good numbers versus a Utah offense that's as good as it's been in the past and maybe even better? I think he can, and I think that's key to winning in Provo on Thursday.
So I'll be there Thursday, cheering my guts out at 9 PM for my Cougars to finally come through after eight tries versus Utah. Here's hoping they give me a lot to cheer about.
Aaaaanyway, I believe in BYU's QB again, so it's time for another Guess the Score contest! Leave your best guess for what the score will be Thursday for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!
Submissions must be made before kickoff on Thursday (around 8:15 PM, Mountain Time).
Rise and shout!
10 comments:
27-24 BYU
Go Cougs :)
34-31 Utah. Always 34-31
30-18 North Team
I just. I've been tortured for so long. Every reason for saying BYU will win, I can give reasons for BYU to lose. I'll be cheering loud and proud for the cougs tho!
23-17 utah
Sure hoping BYU can play well this year. Being the optimist that I am....:17-14 BYU
28-17 Utah. I think I’m more excited about the prospect of more parking spots at Rice-Eccles (because it’s being played in Provo) than I am about the actual outcome of the game
24-21 Cougs. This is the year! Maybe. Probably. Hopefully.
28-24 BYU. Because Ty'son Williams.
35-31 Utah it’ll come down to the wire but this is probably Utah’s best offense they’ve had in 11 years.
31-24 Utah
I just don't see BYU being able to pull out the win.
Post a Comment