Following wins by Utah and USU but a loss by BYU, where could the three teams end up come bowl season?
No. 15 Utah
After a crushing loss to UCLA, many seemed to write the Utes off heading into a matchup with then-No. 7 USC.
With their backs against the wall and any chance of defending their Pac-12 title riding on a win, the Utes topped the Trojans in a thriller people in Salt Lake City will perhaps never forget.
The Utes now have a bye week to rest before a tough trip to Pullman to face Washington State, followed by favorable matchups against Arizona and Stanford.
As long as Utah doesn’t falter ahead of a matchup with Oregon, they should be in prime position to make a return trip to Las Vegas for the Pac-12 title game.
Projection: San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl
Opponent: North Carolina
Date: Wednesday, December 28
Location: Petco Park – San Diego, CA
Time and channel: 6 p.m. MT, FOX
BYU
Playing in front of a sold-out crowd at home against an SEC opponent, it was BYU’s defense that forgot to show up for the occasion.
Allowing 52 points and 644 yards of offense to the Razorbacks, the Cougars dropped to 4-3 on the season with back-to-back losses.
If BYU doesn’t right the ship this week in practice, they could be in trouble against Liberty. The game is on the road and has already been dubbed by Flames coach Hugh Freeze as “the biggest home football game ever.”
Not only is Liberty hyped for the matchup with the Cougars, but they are also 6-1 this season and already bowl eligible. If BYU can’t sort out the issues on defense, they’ll be 4-4 heading back to Provo Saturday night.
Projection: Frisco Bowl
Opponent: UNLV
Date: Saturday, December 17
Location: Toyota Stadium – Frisco, TX
Time and channel: 7:15 p.m. MT, ESPN
Utah State
While it wasn’t pretty, the Aggies were able to eke out a close road win over Colorado State on Saturday behind fourth-string quarterback Bishop Davenport.
With a rivalry game against Wyoming followed by very winnable games against New Mexico and Hawai’i up next, USU can possibly reach the six wins needed for bowl eligibility.
The Aggies end the season with games against San Jose State and Boise State, so beating Wyoming this week will likely need to happen for a chance at a bowl invitation.
While I believe Utah State can take down a so-so Cowboys team, the fact that both Cooper Legas and Levi Williams are injured, and the Aggies may have to ride with Davenport makes a victory more difficult. If Legas can return healthy in time for the game, then the chances of a win are much higher, as are the chances at bowl eligibility.
