Previously, the Aggies would take up the east sideline and opponents would line up along the west sideline. But first-year coach Blake Anderson decided to flip it around.
It’s a great strategy against visiting teams, who now have the student section, known as The Hurd, breathing down their backs. There’s not much space separating the sideline from the stands, and the lowest level is just a few feet above the field, making it feel like The Hurd is right on top of the visiting team. That was more than felt on Saturday, when BYU went to Maverik Stadium.
When we became aware of it in the press box, we knew it was something we’d need to keep track of. Things could turn ugly for a number of reasons.
And it kinda did.
Now, here’s where I’m not sure who struck first, but I do know both parties were in the wrong. Immediately after the game ended, videos of members of The Hurd throwing water bottles at the BYU players started making their rounds on Twitter. But a while after that, videos were being shared of BYU players spraying people with water and Gatorade from their bottles. The Twitter poster alleged that was why The Hurd started throwing bottles.
Regardless of who threw the punch first, this is unacceptable behavior from both parties. But what could we expect with the new sideline situation?
If there’s a way to figure out everyone who’s at fault, it would make sense to discipline them — both fans and players alike — to discourage this type of behavior moving forward.
Zach Wilson has his best performance as a Jet yet
Good for Zach Wilson.
The former BYU quarterback led the New York Jets to their first win of the 2021 season on Sunday with an overtime thriller against the Tennessee Titans at Metlife Stadium.
For Jets fans that are still just now getting acquainted to Wilson, they got to see some of the moves that made him so successful in Provo.
In the fourth quarter, Wilson launched a 53-yard touchdown reception in what would be the Jets’ final score in regulation. During the play, Wilson immediately started running right and leaving the pocket after getting the ball, and even had time to direct his receiver Corey Davis to go deep with a quick little wave of the hand after noticing the Titans’ safety came down.
In an earlier play, after a bad snap, Wilson was composed enough to not only recover the ball, but still make the play to get the first down.
In the end, Wilson threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns while completing 62% of his passes.
It has been Wilson’s most successful outing so far, and there’s still plenty of season left, which makes things exciting.
Last season, the Jets opened on a 13-game losing streak and were only able to get a pair of wins in Week 15 and 16. Luckily for Jets fans (I’m looking at my coworker Josh Newman), they didn’t have to wait that long this time around.
And hopefully the wins will come more easily.
Quick hits
• BYU is now ranked 10th and 5-0 to start the season. Is that enough to start making a case for the Cougars to be considered by the Playoff Committee that they should be considered?
• According to Tribune sports columnist Gordon Monson, BYU’s Tyler Allgeier is the Cougars’ Player of the Year, and the best college football athlete in the state.
• For those that missed the game action of BYU at Utah State, here’s the game story.
• Earlier this season, Jaren hall was saying all of his success was due to the offensive line, and pleaded to get them sponsored. He did.
• Lastly, BYU and Notre Dame will finally close out the Shamrock Series. The long-awaited final game will take place at Allegiant Stadium next season.
Other voices
• Zach Wilson flashes big-play ability to get 1st win as New York Jets beat Tennessee Titans in OT, from ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
• Kickoff time and TV details announced for the BYU at Baylor game, per Vanquish the Foe.
