BYU’s Reputation Rests On a Potential Trap Game
Jun 13, 2019, 3:08 PM
PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 3: Devonte Robinson #3 of the Utah State Aggies catches a second-quarter touchdown pass during a game against Utah State Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 3, 2014 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images )
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images )
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Cougar Jason Buck said on Rivals Podcast that BYU football’s trap game should be obvious to any football fan and their reputation depends on a win against the Utah State Aggies.
A “trap game” is one (or sometimes two) games that should be a clear victory for a team, but for some reason, the underdog comes away with the win.
“We all hate them (trap games) but, boy, they exist,” said Scott Mitchell, former University of Utah quarterback and co-host of Rivals Podcast.
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Some reasons Mitchell said trap games happen include – a tough schedule leading up to the game, having a big game after it or just lack of focus or energy from the young players.
Mitchell recalled that last year, Utah’s game against BYU was almost a trap game for the Utes.
His alma mater prevailed, but it wasn’t without a hard-fought battle after they fell behind by 20 points after the first half.
Utah Better Keep An Eye On The Buffs
This year, Utah’s game against Cal is being thrown around by some national media outlets as a potential trap game for Kyle Whittingham’s Utes, but Mitchell disagrees.
He is worried about Utah’s second to last game at Arizona because of the ease of their schedule leading up to the game.
“It’s just that time of year…They struggle in November,” said Mitchell.
In disagreement, Buck warned Utah fans to watch for the last game against the University of Colorado.
“Utah has struggled against Colorado and stubbed their toes on them a few times thinking it was a slam dunk,” said Buck.
The Buffalos have the narrow all-time record lead in the series against Utah at 32-30-3.
In a perfect world @Utah_Football would _______ in their 2019-2020 season. #fillintheblankfriday
— Rivals (@TheRivalsShow) June 7, 2019
Pressure On The Cougars
The reputation of BYU Football rides on them beating Utah State, Buck claimed on the podcast.
“If Utah State wins this matchup three years in a row it would be a killer for BYU, they have got to win this game,” said Buck.
Mitchell agreed and said it is the most important game on the Cougars schedule but disagrees that it is a trap game.
“I think BYU’s trap game is Toledo,” said Mitchell.
He reasoned that the perception from BYU is that they are better than Toledo and after going through a tough first half schedule, they might relax for that game in Ohio.
In a perfect world @BYUfootball would _______ in their 2019-2020 season. #fillintheblankfriday
— Rivals (@TheRivalsShow) June 8, 2019
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Listen to the entire episode below.
