BYU Football: 3 reasons why and why not BYU will beat Utah

PROVO, UT - AUGUST 29 : Jaylen Dixon #25 of the Utah Utes is face masked as he is taken out of bounds by Mitchell Price #26, Jackson Kaufusi #38 and Dayan Ghanwoloku #5 of the BYU Cougars during their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on August 29, in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
PROVO, UT - AUGUST 29 : Jaylen Dixon #25 of the Utah Utes is face masked as he is taken out of bounds by Mitchell Price #26, Jackson Kaufusi #38 and Dayan Ghanwoloku #5 of the BYU Cougars during their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on August 29, in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Dec 24, 2019; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Brigham Young Cougars place kicker Jake Oldroyd (39) kicks a field goal against the Hawaii Warriors in the second half of the Hawaii Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2019; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Brigham Young Cougars place kicker Jake Oldroyd (39) kicks a field goal against the Hawaii Warriors in the second half of the Hawaii Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports /

3. BYU has the edge in key spots

As long as Jake Oldroyd is good to go, BYU has a huge advantage in the kicking and punting game. In a rivalry that has come down to the final drive seven out of the nine losses, special teams very well could be the difference in this game.

BYU also has the upper hand in the defensive running game. Utah’s line is not as elite as it has been in recent years, and that should tilt into BYU’s favor. If the Cougars can limit the Ute rushing attack, I don’t think that Charlie Brewer will be as effective as a passer as he was against Weber State.

Another area BYU should have an edge is along the sidelines in the passing game. Utah has some good corners, but if the Cougars can have enough routes along the sidelines with running backs and tight ends, BYU should be able to pick up yards in big chunks as the Utah linebackers are more effective inside the hashes.

Finally, Jaren Hall is a huge boost for the Cougars. While Hall showed flashes of his running ability, he for the most part stayed in the pocket and didn’t scramble. There weren’t designed runs or one read plays that really showed Hall’s potential. Will Utah prepare for Hall’s running more than any other quarterback? If not, watch out.