NFL Playoffs:
Former BYU QB Taysom Hill has had some big moment in the NFL but none bigger than Sunday’s divisional playoff game. Hill ran a fake punt four yards for a first down for the Saints on fourth and one at their own 30-yard line. At the time, New Orleans trailed the Eagles 14-0. The conversion was a huge momentum shift as the Saints went on to win 20-14, eliminating the defending Super Bowl champs. The win means the Saints advance to next week’s NFC Championship game against the Rams.
On Sunday, Rams beat the Cowboys 30-22, and the Patriots beat the Chargers 41-28.
On Saturday, Kansas City defeated Indianapolis 31-13, while Los Angeles Rams defeated Dallas 30-22.
In the AFC Championship it’s Patriots at Chiefs, and it’s the first time 68 games that Tom Brady’s team hasn’t been favored to win. Kansas City has just two playoff wins since 1994, while New England is 10-2 in its last 12 playoff games.
Patrick Mahomes is trying to become the seventh second-year QB since 1984 to reach the Super Bowl. The others: Dan Marino (loss), Kurt Warner (win), Tom Brady (win), Ben Roethlisberger (win), Colin Kaepernick (loss) and Russell Wilson (win).
There are a few locals still playing, while a few of the best known suffered losses this weekend.
NBA:
The Utah Jazz are now tied for eighth place in the west thanks to Cleveland beating the Lakers. Utah defeated Chicago Saturday night 110-102. That was Utah’s third consecutive win.
I recommend reading this column by Brad Rock about Jerry Sloan and how he’s dealing with Lewy body dementia.
NCAA Mens Basketball:
BYU men (11-8) defeated Portland and Santa Clara, and they will play Pepperdine on the road on Thursday.
Utah men (8-8) defeated Washington State, but lost to Washington, and they will play Colorado in Boulder on Sunday.
NCAA Womens Basketball:
Utah women’s basketball is now 15-1, despite just having eight healthy players. They defeated Washington State and then Washington on the road, and they host Colorado Friday at Huntsman Arena.
BYU women also won back-to-back games – beat Pacific and St. Mary’s in two close games. They host No. 14 Gonzaga on Thursday at Smithfield House.
Local Sports:
Lone Peak volleyball coach is honored with national award.
