Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (11) takes the snap in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018.
Is it possible for Utes and Cougars fans to chalk up Saturday’s rivalry game as a win even though the final score was 35-27 in favor of Utah? Scott Mitchell, host Helmets Off, says yes, thanks to Zach Wilson.
“Now, I understand there are no moral victories in football,” said Mitchell as he pointed out things that could be classified as “wins” from the Cougars’ tough loss.
Zach Wilson hits his stride
The biggest win for BYU? Zach Wilson, BYU’s freshman quarterback. Wilson threw for over 200 yards and had 73 rushing yards in their loss to Utah. Wilson appeared unphased at Rice Eccles Stadium in what might have been the biggest game of his college career thus far.
Where is BYU as a program?
In an episode of Helmets Off, Mitchell pointed out that Utah and BYU are in very different places when it comes to the growth and development of their programs. Utah is set to take on the University of Washington for the PAC12 title while BYU is 6-6 on the year and started a freshman quarterback midway through the season.
“(BYU) is really trying to find their identity as an independent team,” said Mitchell. He points out that the Cougars, headed by Kalani Sitake, have struggled to figure out who they are and what their program is about.
“This guy (Wilson) is talented and we are just seeing the beginning of how good he can be,” said Mitchell.
Helmets Off is available, for free, wherever you get your podcasts or on the KSL Newsradio App.