With BYU and USU both 5-5 overall and the Utes continuing to climb in the national polls, where could the three schools end up for bowl season?
Men’s college hoops: First week highlighted by perfect starts by Utah, USU
No. 10 Utah
After rolling over Stanford in their home finale, the Utes jumped three spots in both the AP and Coaches polls. Will the same happen when the CFP rankings are released?
At 8-2 and 6-1 in Pac-12 play, Utah is in a virtual three-way tie atop the conference standings thanks to an Oregon loss on Saturday.
The Ducks’ loss could however harm the Utes if they were to travel to Eugene and beat a team coming off a loss. Despite this, a win over a likely Top 15 opponent on the road would not only boost Utah’s national ranking, but it would put them in pole position for a return to the Pac-12 Championship game.
The Utes end the season with an away game at 1-9 Colorado, so a win over the Ducks would all but seal Utah’s ticket to Las Vegas, and just maybe another trip to Pasadena.
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 dominate Stanford to close out home slate
BYU
After snapping a four-game skid with an upset win over Boise State two weeks ago, the Cougars had a much-needed week off.
With a 5-5 record, BYU needs just one more win to reach bowl eligibility, although the destination of the game could literally be anywhere. In their final year of independence, the Cougars could end up in a number of bowls courtesy of their TV deal with ESPN.
The Cougars should be able to secure an easy win over FCS-level and in-state school Utah Tech at home this week before facing Stanford on the road to close out the season.
Projection: SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Opponent: Iowa State
Date: Tuesday, December 27
Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium – Dallas, TX
Time and channel: TBD, ESPN
College soccer: BYU takes down UVU in NCAA Tournament action
Utah State
After taking down Hawai’i on Saturday, the Aggies are .500 for the first time this season since starting 1-1.
Despite being outgained by the Rainbow Warriors on the road, Utah State did not turn the ball over on offense, while the defense forced Hawai’i into four turnovers.
Following a dismal 1-4 start, the Aggies are now 5-5, and a bowl invitation that seemed impossible just a few weeks ago could still be in play.
Utah State must win one of its two final games, with the home finale against San Jose State this week clearly being their best chance. If they can’t beat the Spartans, then the season is all but finished since the Aggies must travel to Boise State for the final regular season game.
I’m putting my faith in USU to be able to beat SJSU at home this week, which is something the national pundits clearly aren’t doing. As a Utah State fan, I hope they don’t let me down.
Projection: Frisco Bowl
Opponent: Rice
Date: Saturday, December 17
Location: Toyota Stadium – Frisco, TX
Time and channel: 7:15 p.m. MT, ESPN
