(Photo: The Daily Universe-BYU)
Intriguing Game- NCAA Football, Week Ten
(9) BYU Cougars at (3) Utah Utes
BYU (7-1):
After the big win against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish a few weeks back, I was telling people to pay more attention to this team. I knew that game was going to be a test for both football teams, and it ended up being one of the best games I’ve seen all year. Following the Notre Dame win, BYU took UCF a little too lightly for my liking and suffered its first loss of the season, entering that matchup as the second-ranked team in the nation. I also forgot to mention that they fell to UCF in double overtime. But it’s not what happens to you; it’s how you respond to adversity, and the Cougars did just that in another close contest against the Arizona State Sun Devils in Week 9. What’s drawn me to this Cougars team has been the quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, who is turning into a true difference-maker on the field. What’s really impressed me, though, is how he’s never overwhelmed by the moment. For a young quarterback, that’s something worth mentioning because you don’t see it very often. I also respect how he carries himself as if he’s been there before and takes everything in stride. Bear never panics under pressure. He stays balanced and on his feet when the pocket becomes uncomfortable while keeping his eyes downfield at all times. On the other side of the ball, this is a defense with legitimate playmakers across the board. One encouraging sign was the six sacks they recorded against Arizona State last weekend. If this group makes it to the College Football Playoff, I can see them being a tough out for whoever draws them in the bracket. This Saturday, they’ll make their way to Salt Lake City.
Utah (8-0):
I think they were expected to compete and be a good football team, but record-wise, there’s no way you could’ve told me this would be one of the three remaining undefeated teams in the country entering Week 10. Just a few weeks ago, I watched them take down the Houston Cougars in a street fight of a game. Then, just last weekend, they went on the road against the Cincinnati Bearcats and embarrassed them on their own home turf, which was something to watch. When Kyle Whittingham left for Ann Arbor, I didn’t know what to expect from this program or even what direction they would go in moving forward. But I like the fact that they stayed in-house and named Morgan Scalley their next head coach. What people fail to realize is that he’s been with this program for over two decades, which leads me to say this: they may have a new head coach, but the culture in Salt Lake City hasn’t changed. This Utes team has a simple identity: a powerful running game, a mobile quarterback in Devon Dampier, and physical offensive line play. This is a group that wants to control the line of scrimmage, wear teams down, and dictate the pace of the game in its favor, while the defense remains one of the best in the nation. What I appreciate about this team is that they don’t try to step outside their comfort zone. What works for them is what works for them. You’ll rarely see them try to match another team throw for throw in a shootout. I guess what I’m getting at is that they remain true to themselves at all times. Utah returns home on Saturday for a rivalry game.
BYU X-Factor: Cade Uluave
This is one of the more important players on the BYU roster and will be their most important defensive player heading into the Holy War on Saturday. Cade is a tackling machine who always seems to find his way to the football, but that’s not the only thing to watch with him. He impacts everything the opposing offense wants to do and makes them think twice. Cade has great instincts, which are essential for a linebacker. He can diagnose plays and position himself to make tackles. He’s versatile and can do it all, from stopping the run to covering tight ends and receivers in pass coverage. He’ll even occasionally rush the passer. And lastly, he’s physical!
Utah X-Factor: Rabbit Evans
He’s having a breakout season and has become one of the best coverage safeties in college football. My favorite thing about Rabbit is the versatility he displays on a weekly basis. This kid can play deep safety, line up in the box as an additional defender against the run, cover slot receivers, and even line up outside as a cornerback when needed. Rabbit is more physical than he appears, which can surprise opponents when they’re in his vicinity. He can disguise coverage against Bachmeier, limit explosive plays from Legend Glasker, and show why he’s such a ballhawk for this elite Utah defense.
Final Thoughts:
There’s a first time for everything, and Saturday will mark the first top-10 showdown between these in-state rivals. Both teams are trending in different directions right now. BYU has looked a little shaky since the Notre Dame game, with the loss to UCF and a narrow escape against Arizona State last weekend. Meanwhile, Utah battled against Houston and physically dominated the Cincinnati Bearcats. What’s really standing out to me is this quarterback matchup. Both signal-callers can impact the game with their arms as well as their mobility. The No. 1 priority for BYU is containing Devon Dampier. The Cougars must keep a safety or linebacker as a quarterback spy when appropriate, maintain outside containment, avoid over-pursuing and opening up running lanes for Devon, and make him win this game from the pocket. Getting the running game going would also be huge for BYU, especially if they can get a reinforcement back in LJ Martin for this game. His return could make a significant difference. This is a physical Utah defense, and you can’t afford to be one-dimensional. The last key for BYU is winning the turnover battle. Don’t give Utah any opportunities to take the ball away, and Bear can’t force throws into double coverage. Utah has such a big advantage in this game, and that’s its running game. The Utes must establish Wayshawn Parker. If they can consistently run the football against this BYU defense, the Cougars could have a tough afternoon. Utah needs to force Bachmeier to become a pocket passer, put him in obvious passing situations, and take away his opportunities to scramble. And Rabbit Evans must win the chess match with Bear. Who’s taking the Beehive Boot home this year?
