After losing four games in a row, the Cougars were set for another tough test playing at Boise State on Saturday night.
BYU came into the game looking to be revitalized from the way that they have been playing for the last month. Playing against the Broncos on the “smurf turf” was a great opportunity to do just that. No matter how badly a season may be going, playing against a rival on the road can bring the best out of any team.
This would also be the last time that these teams will meet for the foreseeable future, with the Cougars heading to a Big 12 schedule next season. BYU also needed to win two of their next three games to be able to make a bowl game so the pressure was on for this team to make major improvements to their play.
A lot was on the line for the Cougars in this game and they were able to pull off the big-time win, their first since beating Utah State on September 29.
First half
The Cougars started with the ball and went right down the field and scored a touchdown, courtesy of a 3-yard run by Jaren Hall.
Boise State would tie the game at 7-7 at the end of the first quarter. They capped off the 67-yard drive with a 16-yard touchdown reception by LaTrell Caples from quarterback Taylen Green.
On the following BYU drive, Jaren Hall was intercepted by JL Skinner to give the ball back to Boise. However, both defenses played well throughout much of the first half and the Cougars did not give up points following the turnover.
Two BYU drives later, the Cougars were driving down the field until Hall was intercepted again. This interception came in the end zone with Rodney Robinson picking off the pass and stopping a promising BYU drive. The Broncos would have the ball at their own 20-yard line following the touchback from the interception, but the Cougars’ defense would give the ball right back to their offense. They were able to pop the ball out of Taylen Greens’ hand as he was trying to escape the pocket and Tyler Batty was able to recover the fumble at the Boise State 10-yard line.
This set the BYU offense up with a chance to score just before halftime, having 10 seconds remaining. Hall connected with Puka Nacua to put the Cougars at the 1-yard line with just one second remaining. They tried to run the ball in with Lopini Katoa but he was marked just short of the goal line and the score was tied 7-7 at halftime.
College hoops: Top non-conference matchups for each of Utah’s D1 programs
Second half
After a defensive battle in the first half, the second half turned into an offensive exhibition.
The Broncos started off the second half with a touchdown on their first possession, a passing score from Taylen Green to Eric McAlister from 9 yards out.
On BYU’s following drive, they added a field goal by Jake Oldroyd from 25 yards away, cutting the Boise State lead to 14-10.
After stopping the Broncos’ offense on their ensuing offensive drive, the Cougars scored a touchdown of their own. This came via a 24-yard touchdown reception by Puka Nacua from a Jaren Hall pass. These two had a great connection throughout the game and that would be critical in the fourth quarter.
Final frame
The scoring continued in the final quarter of play as the Broncos put up another touchdown on their first drive of the fourth quarter, this time via a 1-yard run by George Holani to put the home team back on top 21-17.
The BYU offense would continue to play well as they would score a touchdown on their next drive. This was a long touchdown pass from Jaren Hall to Hincky Ropati on a running back screenplay that went for 48 yards as the Cougars took the lead back.
The lead would not last long, however, with the Broncos’ offense matching BYU’s touchdown again with another rushing touchdown from George Holani, this one from 11 yards out for the 28-24 advantage.
The following offensive drive for BYU was a huge moment for the program, as they could either recapture some momentum for the remainder of the season or drop their fifth game in a row.
The Cougars showed poise and drove down the field, setting themselves up with a chance to win the game. With just 1:52 left in the game, BYU had the ball at the Broncos’ 6-yard line on fourth and goal. This was make-or-break time for this offense. In the past, BYU has had struggles finishing close games while in Boise. However, Jaren Hall had a very clutch moment as he found Puka Nacua in the end zone to take the lead for the final time.
The Cougars’ defense would stop the Broncos on their next four offensive plays and BYU would close out a thrilling 31-28 upset win.
Regaining momentum
This win was massive for the Cougars. They needed to regain some momentum that they had early on in this season as they prepare for the Big 12 next year.
As for this season, BYU now will need to win just one of their next two games to qualify for a bowl game appearance. Making a bowl game is important for all college football teams but for the Cougars, it feels like a necessity. This team has a lot of talented players on it and for them to have any kind of positive outlook on joining a Power 5 conference next year, they needed to at least make a bowl game this season.
Although the season as a whole has not been as successful as many fans expected, BYU now has a chance to rebound and if they win their next game they would have the possibility of winning 8 games this season. After how much this team has struggled, coming out of this season with 8 wins would help propel next season’s team to feel optimistic going into a very difficult schedule.
Up next
The Cougars (5-5) are on a bye next week.
Following the off week, BYU will play its final home game of the season against FCS opponent Utah Tech.
The game will take place on Saturday, Nov. 12, and kicks off at 1:30 p.m. The game against the Trailblazers can be seen on BYUtv or ESPN3.
