Freshman QB Zach Wilson ‘Perfect’ In First Bowl Game

BOISE, Idaho – Statistically speaking, the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl couldn’t have gone any better for BYU quarterback Zach Wilson.

Playing in his first bowl game, the true freshman completed a perfect 18-for-18 passes for 317 yards and four touchdowns. The 18 straight completions broke a BYU record and was just one off of the FBS bowl record of 19 set by Georgia’s Mike Bobo in 1998.

Zach Wilson with his 18th consecutive completion of the game (18 of 18) owns the new BYU record for consecutive completions in a single game. Previous high was 14 set by Steve Sarkisian (Fresno State 1995) and Steve Young (Wyoming 1982) #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) December 21, 2018

Wilson didn’t have the opportunity to break the national record when he was pulled in favor of senior Tanner Mangum with seven and half minutes remaining.

To no one’s surprise, Wilson was named the game’s MVP.

Sitake Called It

Wilson’s performance must have been associated with some premonition from head coach Kalani Sitake. When asked on Thursday how he expected Wilson to play, Sitake jokingly responded, “Perfectly.”

“That’s what I’m praying for, perfect play from everyone,” joked Sitake.

Zach Wilson has started the #IdahoPotatoBowl with 18 consecutive completions, already the second-most in a bowl game in FBS history, trailing only Georgia’s Mike Bobo (19 in ’98 Outback Bowl) @BYUfootball

Catch the rest of the 4th quarter on ESPN: https://t.co/YCBzI6Cm8T pic.twitter.com/6Hg4OXq3uu

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 21, 2018

“No, we’ve really like the preparation and I think that it’s a funny game sometimes, you know,” said Sitake. “I think what we can do is minimize mistakes as a team. Zach, individually, I think he just has to do his job, he doesn’t have to do anything crazy and just stay within the realm of his responsibilities and I think we’ll be fine. But I’ve been really impressed with how he’s taken the field and the improvement he’s made week to week. Really looking forward to seeing him get out there and play and give these seniors a chance to get a win.”

Even Distribution By Wilson

While Dylan Collie seemed to be Wilson’s primary target with four catches and two touchdowns, Wilson spread the ball around to seven different receivers.  Aleva Hifo and Dax Milne also reeled in a touchdown each.

“The kid’s kind of a freak,” said Collie of Wilson after the game. “All he wants to do is get better.”

After a one year absence from a postseason bowl appearance, BYU won the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, 49-18.