Utah needs the break. BYU not so much.
But the two rivals separated by a short distance both have open dates this week before resuming the 'Holy War' rivalry Nov. 9 at Utah's Rice-Eccles Stadium.
If the Cougars, undefeated and now inside the Top 10, win that contest, their odds to both win the Big 12 Conference and advance to their first-ever College Football Playoff berth dramatically rise.
The Utes? Their season has long gone awry, but that contest would provide some solace in a season of change already unfolding in Salt Lake.
Elsewhere, Mike Elko is adamant he didn't take a shot at anyone, least of all either Jimbo Fisher or Brian Kelly, two formers bosses, but Elko does continue to prove to be the best coach this season in the Southeastern Conference.
Ryan Day probably has the best top-to-bottom roster in college football, but he's yet to prove this season he's the sport's best coach. He's lucky not to be a pariah this week after melting down on the field in his Ohio State squad's narrow win last week against Nebraska.
But the Buckeyes win and Day deserves credit for navigating past the potential hiccup.
Sets up this week's Big Ten Game of the Year, Part II. Ohio State at Penn State. No. 3 and undefeated hosting No. 4 with one loss.
Not an elimination game for either team from CFP contention, but it's unquestionably the BIGGEST GAME OF JAMES FRANKLIN'S COACHING CAREER.
The stats are aplenty about Franklin and his success -- lack thereof -- against top-10 foes.
This game's at home. This is supposed to be Franklin's most balanced offensive and defensive Nittany Lions squad. We discuss.
Elsewhere, Team FootballScoop touches on the bubbling Heisman Trophy race. Ashton Jeanty had a workmanlike 130-yard, one-touchdown effort as Boise State kept alive its CFP drive, but is that enough? Zach Barnett has questions.
Does Shedeur Sanders finally enter the Heisman conversation from more than just Colorado coach Deion Sanders after completing 25 of 30 passes in Colorado's latest win, lifting the Buffaloes into the national rankings?
Breaking down Michigan-Michigan State, with good inside from Scoop's resident coach Doug Samuels.
All this and more. So, dive in. Take a listen. Watch. And feel free to share your thoughts with the FootballScoop staff.
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