BYU vs. Utah State: Don't tell these teams this game doesn't matter

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Photo by BYU Photo

In the current college football atmosphere, virtually every pundit will look at tonight's match up of the BYU Cougars (1-3) and Utah State Aggies (2-2) as meaningless. There probably won't be a single casual fan viewing the game, and it won't be because it is being broadcast on CBSSN.

BYU has one of the worst offenses, statistically, in the nation. Utah State is the school that plays in a 25,513 seat stadium. Neither team has scored more than 10 points versus a Power 5 opponent.

Inside both locker rooms, there is a totally different attitude. This game matters, a lot.

BYU players called a players only meeting during its bye last week. They recognize they have played below their potential and can't wait any longer to right the ship. At 1-3, their bowl hopes could be riding on the outcome of this game. After the Aggies, Boise State and Mississippi State will be waiting for the Cougars. BYU can't afford to be 1-6 in the middle of October.

Quarterback Beau Hoge is making his second career start. With the exception of a beautiful 50-yard pass right before halftime, his first start was a rough one. He threw two interceptions and was responsible for a safety. Tanner Mangum's ankle is getting better, and Hoge doesn't know how many more starts he might get this season.

The offensive line needs to give Hoge better protection, so he has the time he needs to find an open receiver. A productive ground game will also be a huge help, not just for Hoge, but for taking pressure off the defense.

The BYU defense has had its ego bruised. It was one of the nation's leaders last year in takeaways, scoring defense, and rush defense. This year has been completely different. Wisconsin and Wake Forest didn't have any trouble stopping the Aggie offense. Idaho State and San Jose State did. It is time for the Cougar defense to show in which group it belongs.

From the Utah State perspective, this quote from former BYU player Dallin Leavitt sums it up.


This is the biggest game on the Aggies' schedule. They might have had fathers or brothers play for BYU, but they were told they weren't good enough to follow in their footsteps. Utah has stopped scheduling Utah State, so this is the only in-state foe they face. This is their last chance to beat a school that is well known east of the Rocky Mountains.

After a good run from 2012 to 2014, Utah State has slipped back into a losing pattern the last two seasons. If they can beat BYU, and move to 3-2, that could give them the momentum they need to break the losing cycle. 

The Aggies will attack the Cougar defense with a balanced attack. Led by dual threat quarterback Kent Meyers, Utah State is averaging 269 yards passing and 175 yards rushing per game, with six touchdowns through the air and seven on the ground. However, Utah State quarterbacks have thrown seven interceptions on the season.

Each side sees this game as a crucial one in their season. They are going to play with a lot of fire and emotion tonight, and that is a game worth watching.

KEY(S) TO THE GAME: BYU needs to control the line of scrimmage and not turn the ball over.

The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com

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