BYU Football Holds Off SMU To Win 2022 New Mexico Bowl

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The BYU Cougars stopped the SMU Mustangs on a two-point attempt with eight seconds to go and captured a victory in the 2022 New Mexico Bowl.

The Mustangs and Cougars played at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday, December 17.

BYU beat SMU, 24-23.

.@BYUfootball is taking some hardware back to Provo. 🏆

📰: https://t.co/npGQoj0YOw

#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #NewMexicoBowl #SMUvsBYU
📷: BYU Photo pic.twitter.com/sO2qHpXoQC

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

With the win, the Cougars improved their record to 8-5 this season.

New Mexico Bowl Preview

Today marks the final game of the Independence era for BYU. After today, BYU will join the Big 12 Conference starting in 2023.

Both teams come into the New Mexico Bowl with 7-5 records. However, the big story around BYU is at quarterback. Fifth-year junior Jaren Hall is expected to be out, leaving an opening for a new face to emerge as the starting quarterback.

BYU has three players they are considering at quarterback. None of the three quarterbacks have played a snap this season. Those quarterbacks are Boise State transfer Cade Fennegan, Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters, and preferred walk-on Nick Billoups.

“All three guys can do things that are unique and may be different from each other. But we feel really good about all three guys,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake to KSL Sports. “I gave the challenge to (BYU offensive coordinator) A-Rod (Aaron Roderick) to just play the right guy at the right times. We have no tendencies right now with the three [quarterbacks], so just go out and have fun and see what we can do.”

On the opposite sideline, SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai is preparing for his final game with the Mustangs. Mordecai, an Oklahoma transfer, is pursuing an NFL career after today’s game.

Pregame Notes

• Today is the fourth meeting all-time between BYU and SMU on the gridiron. BYU leads the series 3-0.
• The last meeting occurred with both programs playing as Western Athletic Conference (WAC) members.
• This will be the second bowl meeting featuring BYU/SMU. The first was one of the great finishes in college football history, the 1980 Holiday Bowl. BYU won 46-45 after trailing by 20 points with less than three minutes left.
• SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said in Friday’s press conference that he showed his team highlights of that ’80 Holiday Bowl to explain any bowl game can make college football history.
• This will be BYU’s second appearance in the New Mexico Bowl. The first was in 2010, BYU’s final game as a Mountain West program; they defeated UTEP.
• BYU WR Puka Nacua is not expected to play today. The star receiver has accepted a Senior Bowl invitation. He was not suited up for practice on Thursday.
• BYU kicker Jake Oldroyd is three points away from becoming BYU’s all-time leading scorer, passing former kicker Mitch Payne.
• BYU will be shorthanded on the coaching staff. The Cougars do not have Ilaisa Tuiaki, Preston Hadley, Kevin Clune, or Ed Lamb on the staff. Kalani Sitake has said they are leaning on analysts and graduate assistants to fill the gaps.

First Half

First Quarter

FTB: BYU Alumni Flags:
Ifo Pili (DL, 1997-1998 | 2001-2003) – now Las Cruces City Manager
Kaipo McGuire (WR, 1992-96) –
Joseph Namingha (Equipment Staffer, who is from Albuquerque)#BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) December 18, 2022

FTB: Team flags tonight:
WR Brayden Cosper
DL Tyler Batty

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) December 18, 2022

#BYU wins a coin toss. Only the third time that has happened this season.#BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

helmets looking crispy 🥶 pic.twitter.com/xu3hb8lXqD

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

#BYU defense holds SMU to a field goal on the opening drive.

SMU 3, BYU 0 – 12:01 1Q#BYUFootball #GoCougs #NewMexicoBowl

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

Nice start for Sol-Jay Maiava Peters. Takes off on a read option play to pick up a first down.#BYU #BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

first play for the offense 💨 pic.twitter.com/ZY0RdEy1II

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

First drive for QB Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters results in a #BYU touchdown on 4th & Goal from the one.

First career TD for Maiava.#BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

.@jay_4QB's keeper gives @BYUfootball its first points in the @NMBowl. 🤙 #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #NewMexicoBowl #SMUvsBYU https://t.co/T48dgnax3S

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

Nice play call from #BYU. Utilized fullback Houston Heimuli on that short yardage situation and it results in a touchdown.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

With the PAT, Jake Oldroyd ties Owen Pochman for No. 2 in career points scored at BYU with 333. Oldroyd needs 1 more point to tie Mitch Payne for No. 1. #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) December 18, 2022

Strong start for the #BYU offense with QB Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters.

Touchdown Cougs 🤙 pic.twitter.com/BhV4h751i2

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

another view from the TV cam 📺 pic.twitter.com/pu1HSc7zZt

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

. @jay_4QB’s TD in pics 📸 pic.twitter.com/mEbLhQV1uV

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

Put ‘em on skates, @RDJ13__ 🫣 pic.twitter.com/9cC276n1cO

— SMU FootbaIl (@SMUFB) December 18, 2022

End of the 1st Quarter in the @NMBowl @SMUFB – 10@BYUfootball – 7#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/pVmtzyiMZO

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

Second Quarter

BIG TIME SACK @johnnelson_65 💪 pic.twitter.com/pf7Y7nSs6o

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

Back-to-back big plays from #BYU's defensive line.

John Nelson comes up with a sack, then walk-on Josh Singh gets a third down hit on Mordecai.#BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

Some guys are just gamers.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

Whoa! Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters picks up a 3rd & 12 with his feet. Impressive.#BYU #BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

Jake Oldroyd is now the All-Time leading scorer in #BYU Football history.#BYUFootball @kslsports

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

FTB: With that FG, Jake Oldroyd moves to No. 1 in career points at BYU with 336, passing Mitch Payne (334). #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) December 18, 2022

Jake "The Make" Oldroyd 🦵🏈 #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #NewMexicoBowl #SMUvsBYU https://t.co/bCGL7pJlX1

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

#BYU kicker Jake Oldroyd is the All-Time Scoring leader in #BYU football history. 👏 pic.twitter.com/s65IiGjjsx

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

𝐀𝐋𝐋-𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐑 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑@JakeOldroyd39 pic.twitter.com/O7fZjSZR0a

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

📸📸📸 pic.twitter.com/V773y2Eicv

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

#BYU DL Gabe “Gumby” Summers dials up a pass deflection at the line of scrimmage. Cougs get a stop 💪 #BYUFootball #GoCougs #NewMexicoBowl pic.twitter.com/qABFR6Uong

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

This pic tho 😍 pic.twitter.com/B6Ul54SwZs

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

We’ve got a good one in the Land of Enchantment@BYUfootball – 10@SMUFB – 10#BYU #GoCougs #NewMexicoBowl pic.twitter.com/gif3AMMxaY

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

Second Half

Third Quarter

Ryan Rehkow is booming these punts.#BYU #BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

goodness @r_rehkow24 🫢 pic.twitter.com/m06CJYQC0Z

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

65-yard punt for Ryan Rehkow is a New Mexico Bowl record. Second 60-yard punt of the game for Rehkow (61 yards) #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) December 18, 2022

Excellent pressure from Jakob Robinson in the nickel spot. Gotta love seeing that heat on a third down stop.#BYU #BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

Sol-Jay makes his first big mistake tonight. Throws an interception, ending a drive that was in SMU territory.#BYU #BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

Bring ‘em out 🍾 pic.twitter.com/PGBZjKpe7A

— SMU FootbaIl (@SMUFB) December 18, 2022

Kaleb Hayes' forced fumble and recovery is overturned. SMU rusher's elbow was down. Mustangs keep the ball. Missed opportunity for the #BYU defense.#BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

Ben Bywater pick six!

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

🚨 PICK-SIX 🚨

Ben Bywater takes it to the 🏠. #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #NewMexicoBowl #SMUvsBYUhttps://t.co/zHRRRVOC9q

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

Ben Bywater with his 3rd INT of the year, 1st pick-six. It is BYU's third pick-six of the year. LB Max Tooley had the other two #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) December 18, 2022

🚨 PICK SIX 🚨

Ben Bywater puts #BYU on top. pic.twitter.com/hYHun7bXWb

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

Bywater's pick-six is the first in New Mexico Bowl history. #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) December 18, 2022

Bywater's 75-yard return also gives BYU the record for total INT yards in a New Mexico Bowl. Previous record was 55 by UTEP. #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) December 18, 2022

Chris Brooks has put out some good film at the end of the season. Will be interesting if he can stick on an NFL roster next year. When healthy, he's a tough runner. #BYU #BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

HOUSED. pic.twitter.com/eQF9GMvShe

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

Chris Brooks goes off for a 22-yard touchdown run. 🏈 #BYU is rolling after 17 unanswered points.#BYUFootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/hYjpRuvv00

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

Nine plays. All runs. @chris_br0oks26 TD. 😤#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #NewMexicoBowl #SMUvsBYU https://t.co/FUOJBCyMOF

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

Cookin' pic.twitter.com/ZkOUwRZFuK

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

What a block from Houston Heimuli. Chris Brooks finds the endzone.

Where was this all season?#BYU #BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

#BYU is up to 196 yards rushing. There's still a full quarter of action remaining.#BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

BEAST MODE 😈 pic.twitter.com/C87sMNtEq0

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

The effort tonight from #BYU in this New Mexico Bowl is night and day different from last year's debacle in Shreveport.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

2’s goin’ crazy pic.twitter.com/tv1gisZ4jH

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

Through three in ABQ…@BYUFootball – 24@SMUFB – 10#BYU #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/JsHcJJH4TV

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

Fourth Quarter

Perfect time for a clock consuming drive from Sol-Jay and the #BYU offense.#BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

BAM BAM TUDDY!

BYU lead cut down to 7. 12:39 remaining. pic.twitter.com/kSdc22ZfO2

— SMU FootbaIl (@SMUFB) December 18, 2022

About that….

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

Rehkow's punt of 67 yards tops his previous of 65, adding a third punt in the game of 60+ #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) December 18, 2022

New Mexico Bowl record 67-YARD punt for @r_rehkow24 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Mm611n7LjO

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

What was that spot?

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

In his final game as a #BYU Cougar, Alden Tofa comes up with a sack on 4th down. What a moment for him.#BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

HUGE SACK ON 4TH DOWN @TheAlden51!!!! pic.twitter.com/b3757z0LWR

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

Oh man, Tanner Mordecai connects with Jordan Kerley for a touchdown.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

SMU is going for two. Here we go.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

JAKOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

Jakob Robinson!!!! pic.twitter.com/AslZysCbgr

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

The 2pt conversion is NO GOOD!

BYU holds on to a 24-23 lead over SMU with 8 seconds left in the NM Bowl! pic.twitter.com/RIk20WFaeC

— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) December 18, 2022

#BYU defense gets the stop to win the game.

That would have been a MIRACLE statement two months ago.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

#BYU DC Jay Hill and assistant Kelly Poppinga were celebrating down by the sideline after that stop.#BYUFootball #NewMexicoBowl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2022

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow his coverage on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.

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