Three Observations From BYU’s Blowout Win Over UCF

PROVO, Utah – The BYU Cougars won the Boca Raton bowl game in blowout fashion over the UCF Knights 49-23.

The game was over at half-time with BYU leading 35-10.

Zach Wilson completed 17 of 21 passes for 353 yards and five touchdowns. In the first half.

This was the most complete game in all phases by the Cougars. What a statement from a team that was one yard short of an undefeated season.

Win our bowl game: ✅ pic.twitter.com/9qSVbHSlgE

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 23, 2020

The Cougars victory snapped the UCF streak of 48 consecutive games without losing by 10 points or more. It was the longest streak in college football.

Here are my three observations in honor of Zach Wilson’s three touchdown passes.

1. Zach Wilson in complete control

You saw it on the first drive, Wilson was in complete command of the offense. They drove 87 yards in five plays resulting in 15 yard scoring run by the Heisman candidate.

He was deadly accurate completing 76 percent of his passes. Wilson threw for a career-high 425 yards. That was only the second time he threw for over 400 yards in his career.

If that was indeed his final game wearing blue and white, he couldn’t have scripted a better ending to a phenomenal junior season.

Zach Wilson, take your victory lap. You earned this moment. #BYU #BYUFootball @kslsports pic.twitter.com/H4hm02h4eJ

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 23, 2020

Whatever happens, it will be great for BYU going forward. If Wilson returns, this BYU team could make major noise in college football next season.

If Wilson goes pro, he will be drafted in the first 10 picks of the draft, if not top three.

For BYU football, having a quarterback taken that high in the draft will help future recruiting.

It’s been a long time since the Cougars had quarterback play at this level. There’s no surprise an 11 win season was accompanied by outstanding quarterback play.

2. BYU running backs

Tyler Allgeier ran wild on the Knights defense carrying the rock 17 times for 173 yards.

He eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark this season. The last Cougar running back to do that was current Green Bay Packer Jamaal Williams.

Allgeier is only a sophomore. His backfield mate Lopini Katoa is only a junior. Both players will be returning next season.

Those guys compliment each other very well. Katoa is a better receiver out of the backfield with Allgeier being a stronger runner between the tackles.

Speaking of Katoa, he had the best catch of the season by a mile. It was sensational.

That might be the CATCH of the season for #BYU!

Unreal grab by Lopini Katoa. I’m shook! That’s a RB on a wheel route. Whoa! #GoCougs

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) December 23, 2020

The Cougar backfield is going to be a strength for the team in 2021. Whoever starts at quarterback will have plenty of weapons to succeed.

3. Cougar pass defense

UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel was one of the nation’s most dynamic passers in 2020.

Against BYU, Gabriel was held in check only throwing for 217 yards while completing less than 50 percent of his passes.

Troy Warner and Zayne Anderson were sensational for the Cougars in pass defense. It remains to be seen if them, or any other seniors, will return in 2021.

If that was the final game for those guys, they went out with a bang.

Hold up, pose. 📸 pic.twitter.com/lz4fwPiwsX

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 23, 2020

It’s going to be a very interesting off-season, but first, enjoy this season because it’s rare to have an 11 win season. Regardless of the opponents.

You can hear Matt Baiamonte every Saturday on KSL Newsradio for Cougar Sports Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or you can find him on Twitter here.