The third week of the college football season was a lot better for BYU’s opponents who had mixed results through the first two weeks of the season. Tennessee, South Florida and Toledo picked up their first wins, Washington stays ranked with an impressive win over Hawaii and Boise State and San Diego State remain undefeated.
Overall, BYU’s opponents went 8-3 this past week to boost the Cougars’ strength of schedule into the Top 20 by several analysts and statisticians.
Here’s a breakdown of how BYU’s opponents fared and who they will be playing next.
No. 10 Utah (3-0)
Week 3 result: 31-0 win over Idaho State
Next up: USC (2-1)
Utah QB Tyler Huntely threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns, and Zack Moss ran for 106 yards and another score to lead past Idaho State 31-0. After basically two preseason games against small schools, the Utes will take their Top 15 ranking on the road as they visit USC in what will likely determine the Pac-12 South Division. Utah hasn’t won in the Coliseum since 1916.
Tennessee (1-2)
Week 3 result: 45-0 win over Chattanooga
Next up: No. 9 Florida (3-0)
Tennessee QB Jarrett Guarantano threw touchdown passes in the first half as the Vols rolled to a 45-0 blowout victory over Chattanooga on Saturday at Neyland Stadium. With the victory, the Vols now look to build some momentum as they continue to dig their way out of their slowest start in three decades.
USC (2-1)
Week 3 result: 30-27 overtime loss to BYU
Next up: No. 10 Utah (3-0)
Coming into Saturday’s showdown between BYU and No. 24 USC, all eyes were on true freshman Kedon Slovis. Yet, it was BYU QB Zach Wilson who stole the show as the sophomore lead the Cougars to a 30-27 overtime victory over the 24th-ranked Trojans at LaVell Edwards Stadium. It was the second consecutive overtime game for the Cougars who took down Tennessee last week in another dramatic victory.
No. 22 Washington (2-1)
Week 3 result: 52-20 win over Hawaii
Next up: BYU (2-1)
It didn’t take long for No. 23 Washington to put last week’s surprising home loss to California in the rear-view mirror. Washington QB Jacob Eason completed 18 of 25 passes for 262 yards and Richard Newton added three rushing touchdowns as the Huskies bounced back in a big way against Hawaii. Next up for the Huskies is a trip to Provo, Utah!
Tennessee Fans Impressed With BYU Turnout At Neyland Stadium; BYU Coaches Joyful In Victory
Toledo (1-1)
Week 3 result: 45-0 win over Murray State
Next up: at Colorado State (1-2)
Toledo QB Mitchell Guadagni threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns as Toledo racked up over 500 yards of total offense as the Rockets shutout Murray State, 45-0. Toledo did not turn the ball over and forced two turnovers on defense.
South Florida (1-2)
Week 3 result: 55-16 win over South Carolina State
Next up: vs. SMU (3-0)
The losing streak is over! South Florida QB Jordan McCloud threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more scores as USF ended an eight-game losing streak with a 55-16 victory over South Carolina State. McCloud completed 16 of 27 passes for 217 yards and added 56 yards on the ground. The Bulls defense was relentless as USF forced eight turnovers in the game.
No. 20 Boise State (3-0)
Week 3 result: 45-10 win over Portland State
Next up: vs. Air Force (2-0)
After last week’s ugly 14-7 victory over Marshall, Boise State made sure to make this week’s game a blowout as the Broncos jumped out to a big lead and didn’t look back. Boise State QB Hank Bachmeier completed 16 of 25 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns. The defense held the Vikings to just 244 yards of total offense.
Utah State (1-1)
Week 3 result: Bye
Next up: at San Diego State (3-0)
Liberty (1-2)
Week 3 result: 35-17 win over Buffalo
Next up: vs. Hampton (2-1)
Liberty picked up its first victory of the season in a 35-17 win over Buffalo Saturday night at Williams Stadium. Wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden caught two touchdown passes and QB Stephen Calvert threw for 325 yards and four touchdowns in the victory. Liberty Head Coach Hugh Freeze also collected his first win with the Flames.
Idaho State (1-1)
Week 3 result: 31-0 loss to Utah
Next up: Northern Iowa (1-1)
Idaho State couldn’t do much of anything as the Bengals were shutout in a 31-0 loss at No. 11 Utah. Utah QB Tyler Huntely threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns, and Zack Moss ran for 106 yards and another score to lead past Idaho State 31-0.
UMASS (0-3)
Week 3 result: 52-17 loss to Charlotte
Next up: vs. Coastal Carolina (0-0)
Charlotte took the lead and never looked back as the 49ers crushed Massachusetts, 52-17 on Saturday. The Minutemen defense gave up 533 yards of total offense in the loss. You could argue that UMass is the worst team BYU will face this season as they will likely win just one game before getting BYU in the home finale.
San Diego State (3-0)
Week 3 result: 31-10 win over New Mexico State
Next up: vs. Utah State (1-1)
After beating UCLA last week, San Diego State made sure they didn’t have a letdown performance as the Aztecs led from start to finish in the 31-10 victory. Chance Bell and Jordan Byrd combined for 244 yards and three touchdowns on the ground to lead SDSU.
Overall opponent’s record: 19-14
BYU’s opponents had their best week of the season after going 8-3 to boost their overall record to 19-14. With Washington’s win over Hawaii, the Huskies stay ranked and will now come to LaVell Edwards as the Cougars look to knock off another Pac-12 ranked team at home.
Boise State continues to climb in the rankings which will make for a great showdown next month as the Cougars host the Broncos on October 19. The Broncos haven’t looked all that impressive and haven’t really been tested all year either. At the moment, Utah State looks like the toughest game of the season after Saturday’s game against Washington.
