A BYU-themed float is built with papier mache and hope
By mbrooks on June 30, 2019
By Matthew Brooks
The next Utah-BYU rivalry game is two months away.
Parades for the 4th of July may not seem like a day to emphasize the rivalry, but don’t tell that to the creators of a scoreboard float.
A parade in Lehi was the public display for the hope-filled float.
The score, BYU 37 Utah 24 is a score that would be music to the ears of BYU fans across the state.
History or hope?
It is not likely that the creators chose the score at random.
Perhaps this score was not a bold prediction of 2019. Maybe it is a memorial to a memorable game from 19 years ago.
BYU legend LaVell Edwards’ final game against Utah was a win with a score of, you guessed it, BYU 37 Utah 24.
If it is a prediction for 2019, why predict winning by only one touchdown?
Utah appears ready for 2019
Utah is strong contender to be the winner the next rivalry game, according to some sports prognosticators.
BYU is anticipated to lose the Utah game, according to BYU insider Mitch Harper at 247 Sports.
By some measurements, Utah is BYU’s toughest opponent on the 2019 schedule, even more than USC, Washington, or Boise State.
BYU plays each of those powerhouse teams, but not before the game against Utah.
Playing Utah and Washington means that BYU has the honor, or obstacle, of facing the two PAC-12 championship teams of 2018.
The Utah Utes are currently ranked No. 17 in Bill Connelly’s preseason S&P+ predictive rankings.
The experts at Athlon Sports has Utah finishing ranked 13th in the nation.
BYU is under construction for 2019
How strong is Zach Wilson’s arm? If BYU hopes to win the game, the Cougars could use a talented player who can throw the ball.
Better yet, the Cougars could use a quarterback who can throw far, accurately, and quickly.
How strong is a quarterback who doesn’t have a receiver? The answer may come in the 2019 football season.
Recent news out of BYU is that junior wide receiver Neil Pau’u has an uncertain future with the BYU football program.
Early in the month of June Pau’u was arrested and charged with driving under the influence on campus.
BYU spokesman Brett Pyne told the Deseret News that BYU is review Pau’u’s status with the university.
“We are aware of the situation and looking into it,” he said.
It is no secret that a BYU victory over Utah with a score of 34-31 would be the magic number strong enough to end a drought.
Nevertheless, until August 29, 2019, determining the better team is nothing more than a spectator’s best guess.
