BYU Season Derailed

You cannot have a much worse night than the one experienced yesterday by BYU. Not only did they lose to a three TD underdog, but that dog happened to be an in-state rival. They lost their perfect season and their chance to move up from 18th nationally on a weekend that promises upsets. Most importantly they lost star QB Taysom Hill to a fractured leg. The highest-ranked "other" program, not counting Notre Dame, the Cougars were aiming for an undefeated season and a major bowl. The national championship playoffs were probably out of reach but BYU was hoping to reach the top ten. Now they have to rebound without their star QB, a player who had elevated them to the little attention they did achieve in wins over Texas and Virginia. BYU can take solace in the performance by Utah State as the Aggies were led by their backup QB Darell Garretson, who threw for 321 yards and 3 TDs in replace of injured star QB Chuckie Keeton. Sub Christian Stewart did not play well but he will have to step it up quickly as three of the team's next four games are on the road. As for Utah State, the win--their first on the road in the Wagon Wheel rivalry since 1978--was a great boost with conference play coming up. The Aggies are in the very competitive Mountain division of the MWC and will need to continue playing at this high level with Air Force and Colorado State next up.