Following a Utes win but losses by BYU and Utah State in Week 7, where could the three schools be traveling for bowl season?
BYU
Facing an old Mountain West foe on a two-game skid, many people – me included – gave BYU the upper hand in its matchup with TCU this past week.
Instead, the Cougars played their worst game of the season, with the Horned Frogs winning in a rout, 44-11.
BYU looked equally poor on both sides of the ball in the road loss, which drops them to 4-2 on the season, including 1-2 in Big 12 action.
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The Cougars now turn their attention to a home matchup with Texas Teach on Saturday. While the Red Raiders received a lot of preseason hype, they are currently just 3-4 after suffering a blowout loss of their own last time out.
Both teams will be looking to rebound and get back on track, and a BYU win would put them just one win from bowl eligibility in its first season as a Power 5 program.
Projection: Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Opponent: UTSA
Date: Saturday, December 23
Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium – Fort Worth, TX
Time and channel: 1:30 p.m. MT, ABC
No. 14 Utah
With Cam Rising’s availability still dominating the headlines, the Utes went out and played perhaps their best game of the season, beating Cal 34-14.
The win saw Utah move up two spots in the latest AP Top 25 poll and improve to 5-1, needing just one more victory to secure a bowl invitation.
Sione Vaki may just be the answer at running back after a 158-yard, two-touchdown week, and quarterback Bryson Barnes did not turn the ball over against the Golden Bears.
Utah does have a much tougher opponent next on the schedule, however. The Utes will travel to Los Angeles to face No. 18 USC in what could be the final matchup between two of the Pac-12’s top programs.
USC is reeling following a blowout loss to Notre Dame, a game in which its defense was exposed once again. If the Utes’ defense can keep the Trojans’ offense in check, they may just have a chance to pull off a victory.
Projection: SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
Opponent: Wisconsin
Date: Saturday, December 23
Location: Allegiant Stadium – Paradise, NV
Time and channel: 5:30 p.m. MT, ABC
Utah State
Facing a Fresno State team coming off a loss and down to its backup quarterback, Friday night seemed like the perfect opportunity for the Aggies to move above .500 on the season.
Despite playing its most complete game of the year, however, Utah State was unable to defeat the Bulldogs, falling 37-32 even after putting up 568 yards of total offense.
Mistakes once again did the Aggies in against Fresno State, as Cooper Legas threw a pair of interceptions, and the defense was unable to force the visitors into a turnover.
At 3-4 overall and 1-2 in the Mountain West, USU will need to win three of its final five games to reach bowl eligibility for the third straight season.
The Aggies will look to rebound against a 2-5 San Jose State team on the road this week, a game they will need to win regardless of whether Cooper Legas or McCae Hillstead starts at quarterback.
Projection: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Opponent: Bowling Green
Date: Saturday, December 23
Location: Albertsons Stadium – Boise, ID
Time and channel: 1:30 p.m. MT, ESPN
