After the Utes scored three touchdowns in the second quarter, BYU held them scoreless in the second half while forcing them into five punts. For Utah (4-5, 1-5 Big 12), this ended up being its highest-scoring game during its five-game losing streak — and it just wasn’t enough.

Trying to describe BYU's 8-0 start is a tough task. The Cougars have a stout defense but not one of the best in the Big 12. The offensive metrics have improved from last season thanks to a breakout year from quarterback Jake Retzlaff,

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has the Cougars on the doorstep of the College Football Playoff. And Jewish people across the country are following the man who call himself the “BYJew.”

Lassiter caught a 47-yard pass that moved BYU to the Utah 27, and Parker Kingston followed with a 25-yard touchdown reception on third and 8 to give the Cougars a 17-10 lead. After a three and out for Utah, Retzlaff hit Chase Roberts for a 60-yard touchdown pass to make it a two-score game.

The Washington State Cougars face off against the Utah State Aggies this week, fighting for a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff.

The Cougars improved to 8-1 with a convincing win over Utah State on Saturday. WSU's slim chances of reaching the College Football Playoff are still alive.

Utah State is back in action after a bye week. Can a bit of time off — and a victory before that bye — help invigorate the Aggies as they head on the road to face No. 21 Washington State? Time will tell when the two teams face off Saturday night.