Throughout the BYU season, I have written pieces about how although this season has been impressive, someone needs to pump the breaks. I looked at the less than stellar caliber of opponents on the Cougars schedule and flashed those brake lights. Until last week, I began letting off the brakes a bit more, and now after picking up a win in Boise against Boise State, I am saying full steam ahead. Again, the Cougars proved they deserve a chance at the big stage in this weird 2020 College Football season.
Boise State was the team on BYU’s schedule that seemed to be their best chance at stiff competition. Coming into the game 2-0 and ranked 21st in the nation, Boise State is the first ranked opponent for the Cougars this season. The Broncos also carry an impressive winning percentage at their home stadium; in fact, BYU has never left Albertsons Stadium with a win in their four games played (0-4).
Zach Wilson
One of the major storylines of the BYU season has been the play of Zach Wilson. Wilson remains a significant storyline in the matchup against Boise State as before the Heisman candidate QB committed to BYU, Wilson was a Bronco commit for over six months in 2017. He was also memorably stopped inside of the Boise State goal line in their 2018 matchup as time expired, and the Broncos narrowly escaped with the victory.
Zach Wilson continues to shine. Leading the Cougars to another blowout victory, the quarterback went 21-for-27 passing for 359 yards and 2 touchdowns while picking up another TD on the ground. The Junior continues to state his case for the Heisman Trophy and even first round of the NFL draft projections.
Wilsons play is another example of something I erroneously suspected it was due to weak opponents. Week after week, Wilson is putting up video game numbers and making little to no mistakes. He has thrown 2 interceptions to his 19 passing touchdowns. The quarterback is also rarely getting sacked, just 7 times this season. One takeaway from the game against Boise State was it was the most pressure he has faced all year, and took 3 sacks, but still was extremely efficient through the air with 21 completions on 27 attempts.
The throws Zach Wilson has been making are impressive as well. He is showing presence and accuracy in the pocket worthy of the first round pick rumors. Wilson continues to connect with star receivers Gunner Romney (6 receptions for 133 yards) and Dax Milne (3 receptions for 99 yards), and honestly, game after game, you could name five receivers that had big game stats with the way Wilson spreads the ball.
Other BYU Takeaways: The Running Game
Then you look at BYU’s running game. They continue to prove that they can march the ball downfield. The first score of today’s game came from an impressive run broken by Tyler Allgeier for 86 yards in the first quarter. The Sophomore back had 123 yards and averaged 8.6 yards per carry. They also are able to Loponi Katoa, who had 66 yards rushing in his own right. Although he hasn’t had to much this season, Zach Wilson also remains one of the Cougars top rushing threats and consistently makes plays with his legs.
With the offensive threats on the ground and through the air, the BYU Cougars will be a tough matchup against any team they face, even College Football Playoff teams.
BYU Defense
Add to the offense a stellar defense, and the Cougars are winning each game on average by 31 points, a number that will go up after a 34 point victory Friday night.
I can no longer be the one to pump the brakes on the BYU Cougars. Week after week, this team led by Heisman Candidate Zach Wilson has proved they deserve a chance at the big stage. The big stage being the College Football Playoff.
