National Media Reacts to BYU Win Over Utah

It was a historic 48 hours for BYU after a Big 12 invite Friday and knocking off Utah Saturday evening to end the nine-game losing streak to the Utes. Media members from around the country reacted to BYU’s win.

Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated has BYU at #10 in his SI Top 10.

This was probably the best week the program has had since it won the 1984 national title. The Cougars officially became a future member of the Big 12 on Friday, then upset their hated rival Saturday, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes. BYU now is 2–0 against the Pac-12, having beaten Arizona in its opener, with Arizona State on deck this week. The Conference of Champions, which opted against expansion not long ago, might wish it had invited the Cougars after all.

Stewart Mandel of The Athletic gave 18 thoughts on on the week in college football in honor of Jaren Hall’s 18 completions and pointed out BYU’s historic 48 hours.

10. Quite the two-day celebration for BYU football. On Friday, the school’s long-desired invite to the Big 12 became official. On Saturday, the Cougars ended a nine-game losing streak to Holy War rival Utah, 26-17, leading to an epic field-storming. Turns out there is life after Zach Wilson, and that BYU was no one-year wonder. Quarterback Jaren Hall was solid, and the Cougars’ defense mostly stymied Utes QB Charlie Brewer.

BYU checks in at #21 in ESPN’s Power Rankings.

It’s been a long time since 2009; just ask BYU. The Cougars erased a nine-game losing streak to bitter rival Utah on Saturday night by holding the Utes’ offense to just seven points over the first three quarters of their 26-17 victory. Jaren Hall threw for three touchdowns in the win, including a touchdown right before the half that extended BYU’s lead to 16-9 at the break. Utah scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, but the Cougars’ lead never felt in question, and the fans in Provo can sleep easy tonight knowing the streak is finally over.

AP Voter Kellis Robinett has BYU at number 15 in his Top 25 Poll. The AP Top 25 Poll will be released today at 2:00 eastern time.

The BYU Cougars had plenty to celebrate on Saturday night.

One day after they accepted an invitation to join the Big 12 Conference, they won a rivalry game against Utah 26-17 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in front of a frenzied crowd. A sea of blue poured onto the field in excitement. It looked like one of the funnest moments in the program’s history.

Well, BYU has one more thing to feel good about today. It deserves to be ranked in the national polls.

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