National Media Reacts to BYU’s Win Over Arizona State

Spirits are sky around for BYU fans after a 3-0 start and nine days post Big 12 invite. National media members continue to take notice after 3 wins over Pac-12 teams, two of which were ranked at the time BYU beat them.

Below are some of the reactions from national media members after BYU’s week three win.

Stewart Mandel of The Athletic talked about BYU as one of his 20 thoughts from week 3.

“We thought BYU’s moment came and went with Zach Wilson, but lo and behold, the Cougars have kicked off 2021 with wins over three Pac-12 foes; the last two, Utah and Arizona State, were ranked at the time. BYU’s defense hasn’t allowed more than 17 points in any of its matchups. BYU’s schedule includes many more similarly respectable but beatable foes, like Boise State (which just lost at home to Oklahoma State), Baylor, Washington State, Virginia and, on Thanksgiving weekend, USC.”

Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated has BYU at 7 in his top 10, up from 10 last week.

“Who is 3–0 against Power 5 competition? These guys. The Cougars got one of the great individual plays of the year to help hold off the Sun Devils, when running back Tyson Allgeier ran down an Arizona State defensive player who was on the way to the end zone with a fumble. Allgeier leaped over the top and punched the ball loose, BYU recovered, and it maintained the advantage the rest of the game. It may be a while before these guys lose. If they do lose.”

Max Olson of The Athletic had Tyler Allgeier’s strip as one of the top plays of week 3.

“Best strip: BYU’s Tyler Allgeier made as good of a hustle play as you’ll see all season late Saturday night to help save a 27-17 win over No. 19 Arizona State. Merlin Robertson picked off Jaren Hall and looked like he was going to score, but BYU’s running back chased him down from behind and pulled off this punch-out that Hall was able to recover.”

ESPN has BYU at 18 — up from 23 — in its latest power rankings.

“Life is good in Provo. Coming off last year’s 11-1 season, the Cougars have secured membership in the Big 12 and started the year with three straight wins against Pac-12 teams. The Cougars never trailed in their 27-17 win against No. 19 Arizona State, as quarterback Jaren Hall completed 15 of 27 passes for 214 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. BYU will have a chance to make it 5-0 against the Pac-12 with games against Washington State and USC later in the year.”

Tweets

The Twitter machine gave us some great content last night and this morning.

Even Draymond Green got in on the action and was watching BYU last night.