Utah absolutely rolled the Utah State Aggies 33-0 on Saturday, and Braden Pegan, the Utes’ star wideout, was at the absolute center of it all, dropping a sensational performance against his old squad. You could feel the energy from the opening whistle that this was going to be *his* game, even if he tried to play it cool.
A Game-Changing Opening Drive
Pegan might have downplayed facing his former team in the postgame presser, saying, “I love those guys over there, but we don’t prepare for any team differently,” and calling them “nameless, faceless opponents.” But everyone else knew better. Utes coach Morgan Scalley saw “a different type of focus for him in this one. He really wanted to perform well.” Quarterback Devon Dampier was straight up about it, admitting, “I knew this was a big game for BP, going against some guys that he used to be with.”
That special focus paid off immediately. From the very first snap, Pegan was locked in. The Utes’ opening drive was a 9-play, 75-yard masterpiece, and Pegan was the *only* receiver to catch a single football. It ended with a massive 28-yard touchdown pass from Dampier straight to him. Just like that, the former Aggie already had 45 yards and a score on the board after one drive. Yeah, he wanted this one.
From Westwood Struggles to WR1 Stardom
Pegan’s journey to becoming Utah’s WR1 this season hasn’t been a straight shot. He initially chose UCLA out of high school but had a rough go, registering just one catch in three seasons. He knew he needed a change, a place where he could actually get on the field. That’s when he found Bronco Mendenhall’s program at Utah State. Moving from LA was “a huge culture change” he said, but it helped him grow “so much.”
It was there that offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven truly believed in Pegan, and it showed. Last year, Pegan had a breakout season for Utah State, hauling in 60 receptions for 926 yards and five touchdowns from former Utah QB Bryson Barnes. Pegan talked about Barnes earlier this year, saying, “It was so fun. He is a baller. He was a great leader, great guy to play under.” So, when McGiven became Scalley’s offensive coordinator with the Utes, it was a no-brainer for Pegan to follow. With his blazing speed, 6-foot-3 frame, sure hands, and his knowledge of McGiven’s offense, he was the favorite for WR1 this season. And after Saturday’s showing, he’s absolutely living up to that title. You’ve gotta be pumped to see what else he’ll do.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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