Utah at BYU 8/29/19 - NCAA Football Picks & Predictions

The Utah Utes visit the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Thursday August 29 in the first game of the 2019 college football regular season for both. Utah is ranked in the top 25 preseason poll and is the defending champion of the Pac-12 South. Big expectations reign at Utah due to 13 of 22 starters returning from last season including several skill position players like quarterback Tyler Huntley, running back Zack Moss and wide out Britain Covey.

BYU was 7-6 last season and won the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl over Western Michigan 49-18. Zach Wilson returns to quarterback the Cougars but most skill position players will be new faces for the Cougars. The featured running back is expected to be Ty’Son Williams a graduate transfer, while Gunner Romney will be the top wide receiver. Tight end Matt Bushman has solid pass catching ability and is a strong blocker. Tyler Huntley threw for 1,788 yards passing, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2018 for Utah. Zack Moss rushed for 1,096 yards and 11 touchdowns of the Utes. Britain Covey leads all returning receivers from last season with 60 receptions for 637 yards and one touchdown. All three players return and will be the heart of the Utah offense.

Zach Wilson led BYU last season in passing with 1,578 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. The leading rusher for BYU will be graduate transfer Ty’Son Williams who rushed for 328 yards and four touchdowns at South Carolina before transferring. Matt Bushman leads all returning BYU receivers from last season. The tight end had 29 receptions for 511 yards and two TDs in 2018.