Having passed the first quarter of the campaign, the Cougars and Utes appear on track to make some noise during the bowl season, while the Aggies look to improve next time out.
No. 11 Utah
The Utes are looking good after falling in upset fashion in their season opener. Since that loss to Florida, Utah has rolled off four straight wins, including a 2-0 start in Pac-12 play.
Oregon State kept it close for the first half this past week before the Utes’ offense ignited, and the defense that forced four turnovers led the way to a blowout win.
Utah faces a big test this week, facing undefeated No. 18/19 UCLA on the road. Win the game at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, and the Utes will continue their road to return to the stadium for the Rose Bowl Game in January.
Projection: Rose Bowl Game
Opponent: Michigan
Date: Monday, January 2
Location: Rose Bowl – Pasadena, CA
Time and channel: 3 p.m. MT, ESPN
Utah football: Utes pull away in second half for fourth straight win
No. 16 BYU
BYU had another slow start against Utah State this week, even heading to halftime in a tie game.
It didn’t end up mattering much, as the Cougars pulled away from the Aggies to keep ahold of the Old Wagon Wheel to improve to 4-1.
BYU now travels to Las Vegas for a neutral site game against Notre Dame this week. While Notre Dame struggled to an 0-2 start, they’ve rebounded with a pair of wins to even their record. If the Cougars want to keep their hopes alive for a New Years Six bid, a big win over the Fighting Irish would help.
Projection: Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Opponent: UCF
Date: Tuesday, December 22
Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium – Fort Worth, TX
Time and channel: 5:30 p.m. MT, ESPN
Utah State
Yeah, still no Aggies in a bowl game here. Let’s see if they can pull together a couple of wins after a not-too-terrible game against BYU.
Utah State football: Aggies show fight, promise in loss to BYU
