BYU Football: Score prediction for BYU vs Utah State
By Adam Gibby
BYU Defense vs Utah State Offense
On one hand, Utah State is 8th in the country with 508 yards gained per game. On the other hand however, they rank 97th in the country in red zone scoring. BYU ranks 55th in red zone scoring defense. While 55th is nothing to hang a banner for, it is a solid ranking that could play an effect in the outcome of this game.
The biggest issue for BYU’s defense in this game will be the fast paced nature of the Aggie offense. With so many players banged up and hurt as it is, instead of having to play 50-60 snaps, the defense may have to play as many as 75-85 snaps which will just increase the chances of injury.
Another issue that the Cougars will face will be the passing threat of Utah State. To this point in the year, BYU has done a very good job of not giving up the big play deep. Unfortunately, that isn’t Utah State’s play style. The Aggies like the drop off screen, bubble screen and slant routes. These plays killed the BYU defense in the past with their bend don’t break mentality. In other words, Utah State may have no issue marching to the redzone (albeit much faster than USF), the question will then become what happens afterward when the Cougar defense starts to play tighter?