BYU Vs. UAB: Live Updates, Analysis, And More From Independence Bowl
Dec 18, 2021, 10:00 AM | Updated: 5:07 pm
SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 18: Scoreboard before the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl game between the UAB Blazers and the BYU Cougars at Independence Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Shreveport, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
SHREVEPORT, La. – It’s gameday for BYU/UAB at the 2021 Independence Bowl. Today’s matchup is the first meeting all-time between the two programs.
These programs are ramping up to join new conferences in a couple of years (BYU to Big 12, UAB to AAC in 2023). But for now, all of the focus is on capping off the 2021 season.
BYU comes into this game with a 10-2 record and the first team outside of the New Year’s Six at-large pool. In addition, some national analysts say BYU got the worst draw of the bowl season. So motivation has been a question all week for the 13th ranked Cougars.
UAB is 8-4 and excited for the opportunity to have a network television stage against a nationally-ranked team. The Blazers are 0-2 this season against nationally-ranked teams. UAB hasn’t defeated a ranked team since a win over Southern Miss in 2011.
#BYU head coach Kalani Sitake on the love he has for his players.#GoCougs | #BYUFootball | @IndyBowl pic.twitter.com/e7CoW71T8L
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 17, 2021
BYU is looking for back-to-back 11-win seasons. The Cougars haven’t accomplished that feat since 2007, and before that, you have to go back to 1984, BYU’s National Championship season.
Today is the first game for BYU since Kalani Sitake received a new contract extension that keeps him the head coach through the 2027 season.
On the opposite sideline for UAB is Bill Clark. Clark has navigated unprecedented circumstances while leading the Blazers since 2014. UAB’s program shut down seven years ago due to financial reasons but returned six months later.
The stage for @BYUfootball vs. @UAB_FB. 🏈 🤙 #BYU #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/k3p2AWJdtc
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 17, 2021
Since UAB’s comeback on the field, the Blazers have been the winningest program in Conference-USA dating back to 2017. In addition, the Blazers have been bowl eligible each of the five seasons since their return.
KSL Sports is on location here in Shreveport for BYU vs. UAB and we will have you covered throughout the day with all the latest from Independence Bowl Stadium. Keep checking back here for updates throughout the game.
4th Quarter Updates
No. 13 @BYUfootball falls to @UAB_FB in the @IndyBowl and finishes the season with a 10-3 record. 🔵🏈
FINAL
UAB 31
BYU 28#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #IndyBowl #UABvsBYU https://t.co/YJ2omvNLOH— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
Another McBride beating BYU
— Patrick Kinahan (@PKKinahan) December 18, 2021
Poor tackling is going to keep #BYU from getting the ball back.
Execution wasn’t clean enough for the Cougars today.
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) December 18, 2021
No review from that call. Man, that's brutal.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
That should be called incomplete.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
I'd say Nacua never caught that pass
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Masen Wake hurdle. What else on 4th down?
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
BYU RB Tyler Allgeier's knee was ruled down after a review. Goes from 4th & 1 to 4th & 4.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/baiamontematt/status/1472349493689401344
#BYU defense gives up a 4th down conversion and it results in a TD pass for UAB.
Hopkins connects with big play receiver Shropshire to give the Blazers the lead again.#BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Tonight's paid attendance at the 2021 Independence Bowl: 26,276. #UABvsBYU #BYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
UAB picks up the first down on 4th & 1. #BYU coach Kalani Sitake appeared to be trying to call a timeout. Seemed upset with officials after the play concluded.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
🎩🎩🎩@tylerallgeier17 finds the end zone for the third time today. 💪#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #IndyBowl #UABvsBYU https://t.co/Va5OpYLrNB
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
Touchdown Tyler x3#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #IndyBowl #UABvsBYU @kslsports pic.twitter.com/f99UmD25eR
— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) December 18, 2021
Congratulations @BYUfootball running back Tyler Allgeier for breaking the single-season rushing record.
He’s an all-timer! #BYU #GoCougs https://t.co/ok2zZll2T9
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
#BYU takes the lead for the first time in the @IndyBowl. #BYUFootball #GoCougs
📷: @BYUphoto pic.twitter.com/DJJ4Rzun7o
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
Baylor Romney executes the "Chiefs" play with a flip pass to Masen Wake.
Sets up a Tyler Allgeier TD to give #BYU its first lead of the day.#BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
CHIEFS
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
3rd Quarter Updates
One quarter to go! pic.twitter.com/An3gIYbLTs
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
Things getting chippy at the end of the third quarter. Coaches from each side had to break up the two teams. #BYU #BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
What an INT from Hayden Livingston. The ball nearly hit the turf and he picks it up. #BYU #BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Tyler Allgeier is now the new single-season rushing yardage leader in #BYU Football history (1,584).#BYUFootball #GoCougs
📷: Getty Images pic.twitter.com/TbSDJNOMJ1
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
Look at that, Baylor Romney getting down field to block for Puka Nacua on the reverse.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Close call for #BYU. Miles Davis fumbled the kick return but Jackson Kaufusi was in the right place at the right time.
First time this game that #BYU has put the ball on the turf.#BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
UAB tacks on a 38-yard field goal to regain the lead over #BYU, 24-21 with 7:27 remaining in the 3rd.#BYUFootball #UABvsBYU
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
#BYU DE Fisher Jackson getting in on that second sack. Jackson has a bright future ahead for him. Still three years remaining in his career, he's been someone that defensive coaches have liked since he stepped foot on campus. #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Tyler Batty is having himself a ball game down in Shreveport.
He’s doing a great job of pressuring UAB QB Dylan Hopkins. @kslsports #BYU
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) December 18, 2021
Back-to-back sacks for Tyler Batty. Bringing the heat and it worked for #BYU's defense. #BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
UAB QB Dylan Hopkins throws his first incomplete pass at the 10:17 mark of the 3rd quarter.#BYU LB Drew Jensen with the PBU.#BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
TYLER. TO. THE. HOUSE. 🏠💥#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #IndyBowl #UABvsBYU https://t.co/acAYpPGjqm
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
Tyler Allgeier is an all-timer in #BYU Football history.#BYUFootball @kslsports pic.twitter.com/tSPsHd5Hpm
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Allgeier is legit. This is exactly the game you want to have before you head off to the NFL. Special season for the former walk-on. #BYUFootball #GoCougs
— Dallen Graff (@lilthoint) December 18, 2021
Tyler Allgeier TD x2 #GoCougs #UABvsBYU
📷: @BYUphoto pic.twitter.com/vwK0oM58LO
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
The big TD run by Tyler Allgeier ties up the ball game at 21.
Takeaway time?#BYU #BYUFootball #UABvsBYU
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
TYLER. ALLGEIER. pic.twitter.com/I1WF09hRyn
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
Tyler Allgeier running through the UAB defense, from Shreveport all the way to the #NFL.#BYUFootball
— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) December 18, 2021
That's signature Tyler Allgeier. Big run, the dive, and the touchdown.#BYU #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Start of the third quarter for #BYU vs. UAB. The rain appears to have stopped.#BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
2nd Quarter Updates
Two quarters down, #BYU down at the break.#BYUFootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/1q0MGDBZDj
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
#BYU’s Hail Mary attempt is incomplete.
UAB leads at halftime, 21-14.
pic.twitter.com/WF8u1ylCoK— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
Interesting. Miles Davis gets his first carry of the season and it results in a loss of seven.
Davis came back from an injury he suffered during fall camp in August.#BYU #BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Defensive breakdown from #BYU as UAB TE Gerrit Prince was wide open for a 23-yard TD grab.
Blazers QB Dylan Hopkins is a perfect 12-of-12 for 106 yards, 2 TD passes.#BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Earl Tuioti-Mariner has quietly put together an impressive season together. He's played well along the defensive line.#BYU #BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Earl Tuioti-Mariner has quietly put together an impressive season together. He's played well along the defensive line.#BYU #BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Samson Nacua walked in for 6️⃣#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #IndyBowl #UABvsBYU https://t.co/9X9j6Y6XpG
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
Samson Nacua walks into the end zone to tie the game.#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #IndyBowl #UABvsBYU @kslsportspic.twitter.com/GnlJ61sBEw
— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) December 18, 2021
Tie ball game.
📷: @BYUphoto pic.twitter.com/fthbbGrmLw
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
Lopini Katoa with an excellent block to spring Samson Nacua for the game-tying score.
It feels like #BYU has found something in the running game. @kslsports #GoCougs
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) December 18, 2021
#BYU sideline is showing energy and excitement now. Wasn't on display in the first quarter. #BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Huge answer by #BYU to bounce back. Jet sweep results in a Samson Nacua TD in his final collegiate game.
Tie ball game at 14.#BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
The BYU sideline is fired up and the Cougars have momentum. Tyler Allgeier sparked the offense and Tyler Batty with a TFL and sack forces a UAB punt.
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) December 18, 2021
When #BYU’s defense makes some big plays… pic.twitter.com/UZPteseRR7
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
BYU is back – never underestimate the heart of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl champion
— Patrick Kinahan (@PKKinahan) December 18, 2021
Back-to-back TFLs for #BYU DE Tyler Batty.
He's been hitting his stride at the tail end of the season.#BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Tyler Allgeier with the touchdown run. He is putting this #BYU team on his back today at the @IndyBowl.#BYUFootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/CHruNaVXos
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
.@tylerallgeier17 with his 21st touchdown run of 2021. #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #IndyBowl #UABvsBYU @kslsports
pic.twitter.com/mwO0JbxQDJ— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) December 18, 2021
#BYU RB Tyler Allgeier had 72 yards rushing on that drive alone. Cougars cut the lead in half.#IndependenceBowl #BYUFootball @KSLsports
— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) December 18, 2021
A heavy dose of Tyler Allgeier is exactly what this #BYU offense needed.
He’s up to 83 yards now on 11 carries.
Allgeier is 29 yards shy of moving into 5th all-time for career rushing yards as a Cougar. @kslsports #GoCougs
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) December 18, 2021
1st Quarter Updates
Rough start for #BYU in Shreveport. pic.twitter.com/xp0B8FPjW9
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
More Tyler Allgeier!
Big time 35 yard run for TA. Much needed for #BYU
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) December 18, 2021
#BYU is in trouble. @UAB_FB – 14@BYUfootball – 0
1:02 remaining in the 1st Quarter#BYUFootball #GoCougs #UABvsBYU
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
#BYU 🏈 is in trouble.
I believe you’re seeing what we all feared.
UAB was ready to go. The same can’t be said for the Cougars.
Critical offensive drive coming up for Baylor Romney. @kslsports #GoCougs
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) December 18, 2021
BYU ain’t winning Conference USA
— Patrick Kinahan (@PKKinahan) December 18, 2021
#BYU outscored opponents 114-36 in First Quarters this season. Not the case today as BYU finds themselves down 14-0.
Brutal start.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
UAB RB DeWayne McBride pops off a 64-yard TD run. Blazers rolling. Now up 14-0 with 1:02 remaining in the 1st quarter. #BYU #BYUFootball #UABvsBYU
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Tyler Allgeier is now the single-season carries leader in #BYU football history.
253+ carries this year for BYU's talented sophomore running back.#BYUFootball #GoCougs
📷: @BYUphoto pic.twitter.com/ErtKTwcrYl
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2021
Tyler Allgeier now has 253 carries this season. Allgeier set the single-season rushing attempt record in #BYU Football history.
He passes Ronney Jenkins (252 in 1998).#BYUFootball @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Hard hit on #BYU WR Keanu Hill ended up being reviewed. Results in a targeting penalty on UAB's Tyler Taylor. Drive continues for #BYU. #BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Tough start for the #BYU offensive line.
They are healthier than they’ve been in a long time, but early on, they are losing the battle at the line of scrimmage. @kslsports #GoCougs
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) December 18, 2021
Tyler Allgeier with a run for 14 yards. He is now 6th all-time in career rushing leaders in #BYU football history, passing Lakei Heimuli.#BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
UAB picks up two third down conversions, caps off the drive with a 10-yard push pass TD to Gerrit Prince for an early 7-0 lead.
Conditions here in Shreveport are brutal. Is #BYU ready to respond?#BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
#UAB strikes first.
There’s no denying that the Blazers are juiced up for this one. #BYU defense breaks on the first drive. They had multiple chances on third down to get off the field, but they couldn’t get it done.
Can the offense respond now? @kslsports #GoCougs
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) December 18, 2021
BYU didn’t want to be there
— Patrick Kinahan (@PKKinahan) December 18, 2021
I’m pretty sure that wasn’t a catch on third and three for #UAB.
Either way, the #BYU defense needs a stand here to possibly force a field goal. @kslsports #GoCougs
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) December 18, 2021
UAB has two early fumbles but they've recovered both in their first two offensive possessions. #BYU #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
Both defenses off to strong starts. #BYU offense ran a jet sweep on 3rd & 9 that goes for a loss of seven on the opening series.#BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
The Shreveport sleet showing itself to kick off the game. Wind picked up as well with #BYU's opening kickoff blown off the tee.#BYUFootball #UABvsBYU @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 18, 2021
BYU vs UAB Pregame
.@BYUfootball warming up in the rain @kslsports pic.twitter.com/mAnHWPESyY
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) December 18, 2021
–TV slide is in effect. BYU vs. UAB will kickoff at 1:41 p.m. (MT)/2:41 p.m. (CT).
–Baylor Romney will start at quarterback in replace of an injured Jaren Hall.
–Hall is available on an emergency basis.
–Rain is falling hard at the Independence Stadium here in Shreveport. BYU’s Power of the Watch band arrived at the stadium 50 minutes prior to kickoff. They are some of the only people in the stands before the contest. UAB’s band arrived even earlier.
–Jakob Robinson and Chaz Ah You are not going to be available for BYU.
–BYU had a lot of fumbles in the pregame warmups due to the inclement weather.
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 him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
