4 reasons the Utah State game is a must-win for BYU


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PROVO — The BYU football team has another stiff test as it goes up against a Utah State Aggies team that has been tough to beat in Logan for the final game of the regular season.

Here are four reasons the game is a must-win for the Cougars.

BYU needs a win over a rival

With the University of Utah opting to play teams other than the Y the last two years, the Cougars have had relatively few rivalry games. I argued earlier this season that the annual game against Boise State is brewing into a big rivalry for the Cougs. BYU beat the Broncos this year, and getting another notch in the belt for 2015 could go a long ways in making the season a success.

On the flip side, if the Y loses to a 6-5 Aggie team, the loss will sting for years to come as the Cougs again were unable to beat an in-state rival. BYU needs this win as a program to snap its current slump against in-state rivals.

A loss would hurt recruiting

During the past few seasons, the Aggies have gone from a doormat to annually playing in bowl games. This surge in performance has not been lost on recruits. Some could argue that Utah State has accomplished more in the last few seasons than BYU has. Now more than ever, Utah State has become a viable option for the best players in the state to attend. The Cougars needs to win the rivalry game because it will prove that they are again the superior program for recruits as BYU pushes its record to a solid 9-3 with a chance to get to a double-digit win with a bowl game.

Darell Garretson (10) of the Utah State Aggies scrambles during NCAA football in Provo, Oct. 3, 2014. Diving is Logan Taele (62) of BYU. (Photo: Ravell Call. Deseret News)
Darell Garretson (10) of the Utah State Aggies scrambles during NCAA football in Provo, Oct. 3, 2014. Diving is Logan Taele (62) of BYU. (Photo: Ravell Call. Deseret News)

The Cougars need to avenge a loss to the Aggies that derailed an undefeated season last year

Last year's loss to the Aggies still hurts. When BYU welcomed Utah State to Provo for homecoming, the Cougars were rolling. They were 4-0 and ranked 18th in the nation. Taysom Hill was being considered a dark-horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. That all came crashing down when Hill was awkwardly tackled and suffered a serious leg injury. The Y failed to recover and got beaten handily. The Cougars have had the meeting in Logan circled on their calendars for over a year. They need a win to soothe the pain of last year and get some payback.

BYU can still reach its goal of a double-digit win with a victory

Bronco Mendenhall has made his goals for the program each season clear: win at least 10 games, be ranked in the top 25 and play in a bowl game. The Cougars have already locked up a bowl berth, so one goal is complete. The other two can still happen. While other teams will have to lose for the Cougs to get back into the rankings, they can control whether or not they get to a double-digit win. A solid victory in Logan could propel the Cougars going into their bowl game and help them finish with a strong campaign.


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**About the Author: Dylan Cannon** ----------------------------------

Dylan Cannon is a regular KSL.com contributor and can be reached at DylanCannon86@gmail.com or via twitter @DylanCannon11.

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