The End (of Sorts)

As we prepare to invade Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, we must ponder the fact that this will be our last game vs Utah as conference foes. This is the last time we will say the game has conference standing implications. Yes, believe it or not, BYU can tie Utah for 2nd place in the conference with a win on Saturday.

What's a race for second place? Well consider we started the season 1-4 with a dismal loss to Utah State; bouncing back to win 5 of the last 6 is amazing. That feat has put our Cougars in the position to finish ahead of Utah (who started 8-0) in the conference standings once you take head to head into account.

This also means that a win could put BYU in a sixth straight Las Vegas Bowl. Simply amazing. The fact BYU is bowl eligible is a miracle. But to beat Utah will require our young Cougars to play their best game of the season in one of the most hostile environments available to them.

BYU has relied on their running game to turn around their season and it's worked. What's Utah's strong point? You guessed it, their run defense. BYU will have to be able to pass the ball the set up the run if they want to beat Utah. Utah is very good at pressuring the line of scrimmage and trying to force opponents into making bad decisions. With a freshman at Quarterback, I guarantee they'll be looking to cause even more havoc than usual.

To combat the variety of blitzes and motion on the defensive line, Jake Heaps will have to be able to connect with his receivers and TE's on quick outs and slants. These passes cannot be dropped because as they are completed, Utah will be forced to account for them which will open up the line of scrimmage and the opportunity for our running backs to move the ball on the ground.

As usual the game will be close and probably decided in the waning moments. A lot rests on the ability of a true freshman to step up and become the Man that will lead BYU into Independence next fall. A win at Rice Eccles will do a lot to boost his confidence and propel the team into this new, uncharted territory.

BYU 23 - Utah 17