If the loss against Wisconsin dampened spirits, the news following the loss made matters much worse for BYU football.
Team doctors announced that Mitch Matthews' shoulder injury, one he sustained diving for a ball against Wisconsin, will require surgery. Matthews will miss the rest of the season for the Cougars.
Wide receiver Mitch Matthews makes a catch during his breakout three-touchdown performance against Utah State. Matthews will require surgery and is out for the season. (Photo by Jaren Wilkey/BYU Photo)
The second favorite target of Taysom Hill, Matthews has been an integral part of the Cougar offense this season. His three-touchdown night against Utah State in BYU's fifth game this season became a turning point for the entire team.
Following the contest, Matthews recognized how significant the performance was.
'Everyone on the team (was) waiting for it,' he said.
In subsequent games, the offense has followed Matthews' cue, raising its point total to over 30 per game and tallying ten receiving touchdowns in the four games since the contest against Utah State.
It's expected that BYU will give Ross Apo more plays as the wide out opposite of Cody Hoffman and further integrate Skyler Ridley and Matthews' older brother Marcus to fill the hole left by the injury.
In addition to Matthews' injury, linebacker Spencer Hadley, offensive lineman Ryker Matthews and tight end Devin Mahina also left the game banged up.
Hadley's injury is also especially troublesome for the Cougars. The senior has already sat out part of this season with a suspension, and the Cougars felt the lack of his presence in the linebacking corps. He is listed as week to week with an MCL tear.
Ryker Matthews' neck injury and Mahina's groin injury will likely cause both players to miss the game on Nov. 16 against Idaho State. Both are also listed as week to week.