After beating Baylor in overtime on the second Saturday of September, [autotag]BYU[/autotag] was 2-0 and knocking on the door of the top 10 in both the USA TODAY Coaches Poll and AP Poll. Things since then haven’t gone according to plan for the Cougars, however.
BYU was routed the following week at Oregon before rebounding with wins over Wyoming and Utah State to close September.
The Cougars haven’t won since.
Notre Dame largely controlled the Shamrock Series contest against BYU before letting them back in the game late before holding on for a 28-20 victory. Since then Arkansas (52-35) and Liberty (41-14) both put whoopings on the Cougars.
BYU closed their October to-forget with another loss, this one a 27-24 defeat at the hands of East Carolina as they allowed over six yards per carry in their latest loss that puts them at 4-5 overall.
Notre Dame fans can relate to BYU supporters as some outlets (I’m looking at you, USA TODAY Sports College Football Preview) had the Cougars in the preseason top 10 but with just three games to play a bowl game is far from a sure thing.
BYU travels to Boise State next week before finally reaching their bye week. They close the year with games against Utah Tech (yes, that’s a real program) and Stanford. The Cougars will have to go 2-1 over their last three to become bowl-eligible, something few if any saw coming this preseason.
Not that Notre Dame is in a position to compare their best wins to others for anything of real significance this season, but that victory over a ranked opponent at the start of the month looks more and more like another close call against a mediocre foe with each passing week.
Game information for next weeks matchup against BYU has been announced.
As the No. 8 Texas Longhorns prepare for their game in Houston versus the Cougars, the game time and broadcast information has been released for the Horns’ matchup when they play the BYU Cougars.
Texas will be back at home in Week 9 for the first time since their win against the Kansas Jayhawks, in which they won 40-14.
The Longhorns will play the Cougars in Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Oct. 28 at 2:30 pm C.T. on either ESPN or ABC.
🚨 Game time announcement 🚨
Texas vs. BYU on Oct. 28 will kickoff at 2:30 PM CT and be televised on ABC or ESPN 🤘 pic.twitter.com/Zj6an05Wy3
BYU has won four out of five games against Texas. Texas’ only win came in 2011, with a score of 17-16.
The last time these two teams played was in 2013, and it may give Texas fans some bad memories. BYU quarterback Taysom Hill rushed all over the Texas defense for 259 yards and three touchdowns. Texas was ranked No. 15 at the time.
Texas will look to get their first win over the Cougars in over a decade when they face off in Week 9.
Notre Dame and BYU will meet for the ninth time ever on Saturday when the two take center stage in Las Vegas in the annual Shamrock Series game. It’s the first meeting between the two in almost a decade and will be the first between the two that doesn’t take place on a college campus.
Perhaps the biggest showdown the two programs ever had wasn’t actually a game but instead for the 1990 Heisman Trophy. BYU quarterback Ty Detmer beat out Raghib “Rocket” Ismail of Notre Dame with 1482 total votes to the 1177 for The Rocket.
Below are the eight all-time head-to-head results between Notre Dame and BYU while after that are some of the best photos of the two over the years.
Packers DC Joe Barry acknowledged the challenge in defending Taysom Hill, the only player since the 1966 merger with 10 TD’s as a passer, runner, and receiver:
The Green Bay Packers know Taysom Hill well. They signed him out of BYU when he turned pro so many years ago, envisioning him as a potential understudy for Aaron Rodgers; things didn’t work out, though, and the New Orleans Saints picked him up after noticing him while studying one of his teammates at the roster cuts deadline.
And the rest is history. Literally. Hill has carved out a unique role in New Orleans, becoming the first player since the 1966 NFL-AFL merger to score double-digit touchdowns as a passer (10), receiver (11), and runner (23), including the playoffs. He’s also logged 1,101 snaps on special teams and record 15 tackles in the kicking game, blocking two punts. It’s a resume not seen in decades.
He’ll have a chance to suit up against the team that first gave him a shot on Sunday, and Packers coaches are acutely aware of the challenges he’s bringing to Green Bay. They have to prepare for his package of plays well as the more-typical system the Saints run with Derek Carr under center.
“It’s two different offenses,” Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry began. “It really is, based on who’s at quarterback. They do a really great job. In essence, he’s a tight end, but they line him up at No. 1, and he runs routes like a receiver. They line him up in the backfield like a halfback. Use him in protection, but then also use him in the passing game out of the backfield. But he truly is a weapon when he’s lined up.”
Hill has gotten off to a strong start in 2023; he’s run for more yards on his own than the Minnesota Vikings have as a team through the first two weeks. Fantasy football nerds may hate it, but he adds something new to the Saints offense that opposing coaches have to account for.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur admitted as much, saying: “He’s a weapon, that’s for sure. You spend a lot of time preparing for a guy like that because he can throw it over your head. He’s done it before. He’s started games in this league at quarterback. So he’s a guy you’ve got to have a very good plan for.”
Hill is finally returning to Lambeau Field, where his NFL career began; his last two games against the Packers were in New Orleans (in 2020) and Jacksonville (in 2021, relocated due to the impacts of Hurricane Ida). The Packers have done a great job of defending him in the past, but they were gashed for 211 rushing yards just last week, so they’ve clearly got some vulnerabilities the Saints could exploit. Hill ought to be a big part of that.
Upset fans took to Twitter and Facebook this weekend to voice their anger over Arkansas’ loss to BYU.
Talk about one of life’s greatest tragedies. After perusing social media Saturday night, following the BYU loss, I’m guessing suicide hotlines across the state of Arkansas were ringing off the hook — as we would say it, back in the day.
Apparently, some immediate therapy came in the form of Twitter and Facebook, where upset fans flooded the Internet with their complaints, suggestions, and even a list of Razorback football employees and players who need to be fired or booted, immediately.
I will be the first to admit that I am a Hog homer, have my name engraved in the sidewalk, and bleed the deepest shade of Razorback red. But as my son and I glumly walked out of Razorback Stadium after Arkansas squandered a two-possession lead in the first half, then again in the second half, it was hardly a time to converse. Just a lot of head-shaking and rock-kicking.
It felt eerily similar to our stroll out of Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium on January 2, 2016, having just watched the Hogs blow a 24-0 halftime lead to Virginia Tech in the Belk Bowl.
Unfortunately, as Razorback fans — or as fans of any sports team, for that matter — it’s the heartbreaks we remember most. But in the scope of life, the outcome of that game had no more bearing on my health or livelihood than the field-storming win over Texas two years ago. You win some, you lose some. It’s still just a game. We are still just fans. If a team that you happen to root for is the top priority in your life, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate how you’re living.
The pain of Saturday’s loss will linger for a while … unless we beat LSU this weekend. Amazingly, wounds can heal as quickly as they are inflicted.
And losing to a pretty good Power 5 team isn’t as bad as getting fleeced by an outmanned Toledo or Citadel team, but nonetheless, Arkansas should have beaten the Cougars going away. The crowd was electric, the early 14-0 lead felt like a blowout in the making, and this team was said to be different than recent years.
BYU did make some miraculous plays along the way, like Isaac Rex’s one-handed catch early in the second quarter to set up a touchdown, and Chase Roberts’ single-handed snag for the game-winning score in the fourth. But the Hogs simply could not get out of their own way. For every step forward there were often two steps in reverse.
Sep 16, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas; BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) catches a pass for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Arkansas at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. BYU won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
And, of course, we all witnessed some “questionable” calls that did not go in favor of the Hogs. I generally do not buy into “the refs are against us” theory, but when a call can completely change the trajectory of the game, it’s a little more magnified. Especially when it is an opposing Big 12 officiating crew.
Case in point, a flag that created a drastic change in the flow of the game, even as early as the first quarter. Freshman tight end Luke Hasz caught a pass from Jefferson for a first down, and it looked like the Razorbacks were nearing a commanding 21-7 lead. But despite replays appearing to show Hasz getting hit by the defender, he was penalized for offensive pass interference. That thwarted a promising drive and BYU quickly took advantage, scoring on the second play after a shanked Arkansas punt. So, instead of 21-7, it was suddenly 14-14. And that early momentum had left the building.
The Razorbacks had plenty of opportunities to respond all night long, but continued to shoot themselves in the hooves, until the disappointing end. It was mainly with undisciplined mistakes and 14 costly penalties, many of the pre-snap variety. But those things can be corrected.
And yes, I too wondered why we ran out of the shotgun on 4th-and-short with a tank at quarterback. But I will leave those decisions up to the guys making the big bucks to do so.
Other than a smattering of Enos bashing, the two biggest lightning rods for fans, following the game, were Head Coach Sam Pittman and quarterback KJ Jefferson. Many fans apparently want them gone now.
Not to make excuses, nor dispute those who feel that way, but let’s at least put things into perspective. I read that “Pittman is barely over .500 since he got here three years ago.” When you realize he took over a dumpster fire that had gone 4-20 (0-18 in the SEC) the two previous years, that “barely over .500” ain’t too bad. He has yet to lose to an unranked, non-Power 5 opponent, which the previous staff did on a regular basis. And he has a chance to be the first Razorback coach to ever win three straight bowl games. Yes, I’m saying there’s still a chance.
And okay, KJ threw a costly pick in the second half, but that was the first interception he has thrown in 77 passes this season. He completed 24 of his 35 passes in the game for 247 yards and finished with a 131.6 passer rating. Yet, he threw one bad ball, so he needs to go? Talk about perfect expectations. I can promise you, about every other SEC team out there would take him in a heartbeat. I know Saint Saban would.
So, keep pounding the keyboard and ranting if that’s what makes you feel better. It’s your prerogative. I won’t blame you.
But I think I’ll just continue to be a loyal Razorback fan and root them on any time I have the opportunity, whether it’s football, tennis or ice hockey. I have discovered that being bitter over a game only makes me more miserable. And while the outcome of the game, itself, has absolutely no bearing on my life as a husband or a father, treating a game like a life or death situation, can certainly disrupt my well-being and demeanor in a much greater way.
Here are the best photos from Arkansas’ disappointing 38-31 defeat at the hands of BYU.
It doesn’t feel any better the morning after.
Arkansas quickly built a 14-0 lead on Saturday night in front of nearly 75,000 rabid fans, and then was outscored 38-17 the rest of the way as BYU rolled out of Fayetteville with a 38-31 victory.
The Razorbacks were penalized 14 times (their most since 2011) for 125 yards and couldn’t seem to get out of their own way in the second half against the visiting Cougars, who showed no fear despite the early deficit.
KJ Jefferson led the team down the field late in the game to try and tie the game or possibly win it, but was unable to get it in the end zone.
Arkansas doesn’t get to feel sorry for itself either. The next four games? At LSU, Texas A&M in Arlington, at Ole Miss and at Alabama.
They won’t get to play in Fayetteville again until October 21.
Arkansas fans are pumped up for the first night game and the first measurable opponent for the Razorbacks this season.
The atmosphere is primed for a Power 5 college football showdown at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, for the first night game of the season and the first real test for the Razorbacks.
Several fans were on hand Friday night to witness the stadium’s red glow on the eve of the game, and the excitement continues to rise as Saturday’s 6:30 p.m. kickoff approaches.
Fans and others have taken to Twitter to offer their pregame thoughts on the matchup with the Cougars. Here is a glimpse of what’s being said:
Arkansas and BYU will kick off Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
After kicking off the season with a pair of wins over two seemingly overmatched teams in Western Carolina and Kent State, Arkansas will face its first Power 5 opponent today, welcoming Big 12 newcomer BYU to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
It is the return game after Arkansas made the trip to Provo, Utah, last season, winning 52-35.
Arkansas is looking to go 3-0 for the third consecutive season under Sam Pittman. It would mark the first time since 1979, under legendary coach Lou Holtz, that the Razorbacks have accomplished that feat.
BYU has begun the year with wins over Sam Houston State and Southern Utah, under eighth-year Head Coach Kalani Sitake. The Cougars will feature veteran senior quarterback Kedon Slovis, who was the previous starter at USC and Pittsburgh.
Arkansas Head Coach Sam Pittman is in his fourth season with an overall record of 21-17. He is 11-1 in non-conference games, with his lone loss coming against No. 23 Liberty last season.
Arkansas’ KJ Jefferson and BYU’s Kedon Slovis give both teams veteran leadership at quarterback this weekend.
After a 2-0 start over an FCS school and a MAC school, the Arkansas football team will face it’s toughest opponent to date this weekend, as Big 12 newcomer BYU visits Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium for a 6:30 p.m. matchup to be aired on ESPN2.
Against the lesser competition, the Razorbacks defense has looked splendid, so far, allowing just one touchdown in the two games. The offense has looked good at times, but has also shown some needs for improvement, most notably in the running game.
Starting running back Rocket Sanders is slated to miss his second straight game, due to injury, but the stable of backups is capable of carrying the load. Junior AJ Green ran for 82 yards on 15 carries in last Saturday’s 28-6 win over Kent State.
BYU will counter with former USC and Pittsburgh quarterback Kedon Slovis. The senior should provide the Cougars with some veteran leadership and the ability to move the ball through the air.
Here are 12 Players to Watch in Saturday’s matchup between the Razorbacks and Cougars:
The BYU game Saturday night will be a litmus test of where this Arkansas football team is heading into SEC play.
Fans didn’t learn much in the first two games about this Arkansas football team.
When playing a FCS and then one of the weaker FBS schools in America, not only is it hard to motivate players to get up for those opponents, but it also isn’t a good gauge of how good your team ultimately is because theoretically, a team could sleepwalk through the majority of the game and still win.
“What’s amazing is first two game weeks, what’s amazing is that you prepare for the first game and it’s like ‘when is it going to get here?” Pittman said. “As you prepare nine days out, you’re assuming the guys are going to be hyped up because it’s first game of the year. Second game, you can prepare them all you want, as urgent as you want. They have to accept there’s a reason for urgency. Sometimes it’s simply who you’re playing.”
With BYU coming to town Saturday night, however, along with a national television audience on ESPN2, this will be the chance for the Razorbacks to show out.
At the time, people chalked that up to the Bobby Petrino return factor, and that Arkansas was looking ahead to the SEC opener with Texas A&M.
Maybe that was the case.
However, if Arkansas thinks they can afford to do that again, BYU will walk out of here with a victory.
“BYU, I know this, last year BYU was an urgent game,” Pittman said. “It was a must-win for us. It is now. It’s hard to beat a team that hasn’t lost. Both of us haven’t, so someone is going to have to. I think our kids understand the urgency of this game.”
