Jordan Love Leads Packers Over Rodgers and Steelers; Utah Alumni Shine Across NFL Week 8

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PITTSBURGH — In a highly anticipated Sunday Night Football showdown, Jordan Love proved why the Green Bay Packers were right to move forward from Aaron Rodgers. Facing his former mentor for the first time, Love delivered one of his best performances as a professional — leading Green Bay to a 35–25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

Love Dominates in Rodgers Reunion

Love completed 29 of 37 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns, guiding the Packers from a nine-point halftime deficit to a dominant second-half performance. He also completed a two-point conversion and tied a Packers franchise record by connecting on 20 consecutive passes, matching the mark set by Brett Favre in 2007.

Love’s efficiency was off the charts — 100% adjusted completion rate in the second half, 214 yards, and a 148.7 passer rating, according to Pro Football Focus.

“He was on fire; that’s why I wanted him to keep throwing,” said head coach Matt LaFleur.

The former Utah State quarterback connected frequently with tight end Tucker Kraft, who hauled in seven catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns on National Tight Ends Day.

Love, drafted in 2020 as Rodgers’ eventual successor, acknowledged the emotional stakes of the matchup:

“I knew this week would be hyped, with A-Rod playing against the Packers for the first time,” Love said. “My mindset was just to focus on getting the win. I’ve got a lot of love for him.”

Rodgers, now leading the Steelers, finished 24-of-36 for 219 yards and two touchdowns but couldn’t complete a late comeback. The two quarterbacks shared a brief embrace at midfield after the game.

How Utah’s NFL Alumni Fared in Week 8

Monday Night Football: Washington vs. Kansas City

  • Matt Gay (Utah/UVU) — K, Commanders: Inactive
  • Bobby Wagner (Utah State) — LB, Commanders: Defensive leader for Washington
  • Kingsley Suamataia (BYU/Orem High) — OG, Chiefs: Continued strong rookie campaign
  • Jalen Royals (Utah State) — WR, Chiefs: Depth receiver
  • Jeffrey Bassa (Kearns High) — LB, Chiefs: Recorded special teams tackle

Sunday Night Football: Green Bay 35, Pittsburgh 25

  • Jordan Love (Utah State) — QB, Packers: 360 yards, 3 TDs, 2-point conversion
  • Zayne Anderson (BYU) — S, Packers: Recovered fumbled punt on special teams
  • Chris Brooks (BYU) — RB, Packers: Contributed on special teams
  • Jaylen Warren (Utah State/Snow College) — RB, Steelers: 13 carries, 62 yards; 2 receptions, 11 yards

Sunday Afternoon Games

Miami 34, Atlanta 10

  • Tyler Allgeier (BYU) — RB, Falcons: 4 carries for 4 yards and a 6-yard TD; 2 receptions for 10 yards
  • Kaden Elliss (Judge Memorial) — LB, Falcons: 12 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 pass defended
  • Zach Wilson (BYU) — QB, Dolphins: Completed one pass for no gain

Baltimore 30, Chicago 16

  • Tyler Huntley (Utah) — QB, Ravens: 17-of-22, 186 yards, 1 TD; 53 rushing yards
  • Kyle Van Noy (BYU) — LB, Ravens: 2 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 QB hit
  • Alohi Gilman (Orem High) — S, Ravens: 5 total tackles
  • Noah Sewell (Orem High) — LB, Bears: 5 tackles

Buffalo 40, Carolina 9

  • Cole Bishop (Utah) — S, Bills: 7 tackles (team-high)
  • Dalton Kincaid (Utah) — TE, Bills: 1 reception, 23 yards
  • Mitch Wishnowsky (Utah) — P, Bills: 3 punts, 48.7 average, 2 inside 20
  • Taron Johnson (Weber State) — CB, Bills: 4 tackles
  • Brady Christensen (BYU) — OL, Panthers: Left with Achilles injury

New York Jets 39, Cincinnati Bengals 38

  • Ryan Rehkow (BYU) — P, Bengals: 3 punts, 58.0-yard average

Houston 26, San Francisco 15

  • Dalton Schultz (Bingham High) — TE, Texans: 2 receptions, 24 yards

New England 32, Cleveland 13

  • Khyiris Tonga (BYU/Granger High) — DT, Patriots: 2 tackles, 1 TFL
  • Mohamoud Diabate (Utah) — LB, Browns: 4 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble

Philadelphia 38, New York Giants 20

  • Cameron Latu (Olympus High) — TE, Eagles: 1 special teams tackle
  • Jaxson Dart (Corner Canyon) — QB, Giants: 14-of-24, 193 yards, 2 total TDs

Tampa Bay 23, New Orleans 3

  • Taysom Hill (BYU) — QB, Saints: 6 rushing yards, 6 receiving yards
  • Rashid Shaheed (Weber State) — WR, Saints: 9 catches, 75 yards, 8-yard punt return
  • Devaughn Vele (Utah) — WR, Saints: 1 reception, 10 yards

Denver 44, Dallas 24

  • Garett Bolles (Utah) — OT, Broncos: Key part of offensive line
  • Jonah Elliss (Utah) — LB, Broncos: 2 tackles
  • Karene Reid (Utah) — LB, Broncos: 1 tackle

Indianapolis 38, Tennessee 14

  • Cody Barton (Utah) — LB, Titans: 3 tackles, 1 TFL

Thursday Night Football: Los Angeles 37, Minnesota 10

  • Tyler Batty (BYU) — LB, Vikings: 3 tackles, 2 TFL
  • Andre James (Herriman High) — C, Chargers: Played 8 snaps on special teams

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