BYU RB Hinckley Ropati Bursts Downfield For First Career Touchdown

BOISE, Idaho – BYU running back Hinckley Ropati took a screen pass down the field for a big run and the first touchdown of his career during the Cougars’ game against the Boise State Broncos.

The Broncos hosted the Cougars at Albertsons Stadium on Saturday, November 5.

With 8:12 remaining, Hall hit Ropati in the flat as the Boise State defense sold out on trying to tackle the BYU quarterback. Ropati caught the pigskin before bursting down the field for 49 yards and into the end zone for his first score as a Cougar.

Catch, run, SCORE! BYU takes the lead! 💪@hfropati7 | @BYUfootball pic.twitter.com/tnje7bNktl

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 6, 2022

Ropati’s touchdown helped the Cougars take a 24-21 lead.

After the score, Ropati had two catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. He also had five carries for 28 yards on the ground.

Ropati entered the game with five carries for 19 yards in his BYU career.

Who was that on the TD catch? Hinckley Ropati, that’s who.#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/iy442ls05N

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022

BYU’s game against Boise State is broadcast on FS2, KSL NewsRadio, and sports.ksl.com.

BYU vs. Boise State

BYU vs Boise State has become one of the best annual matchups in college football out west. The final chapter takes place tonight on ‘The Blue.’

BYU will be going to the Big 12 Conference beginning in 2023. With that move, BYU and Boise State won’t play anytime soon. So even though BYU comes into this matchup on a four-game losing streak, it’s always a big game when these two square off.

“This is a rivalry game, and we don’t know what the future holds for it. I have a lot of respect for their coaching staff and their team,” BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. “They have an identity on offense. Andy [Avalos] has done a great job with the defense. They’re one of the top defenses in the country. This is not an easy game. I know a lot of the players on that roster. I have tons of respect for their fan base and the energy they provide for their team. It’s a unique and fun atmosphere.”

Boise State is headed in a completely different direction than BYU. The Broncos are on a four-game winning streak since firing offensive coordinator Tim Plough.

BYU trails the all-time series against Boise State, 4-8. The series began in 2003 and then became an annual matchup in 2012, one year after BYU became an FBS Independent.

 

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Game Day Notes

• The weather at kickoff here in Boise is calling for 46 degrees and mostly cloudy. With a 1% chance of rain. The low will dip to 42 degrees.
• BYU has never played a game on FS2. Here’s how you can watch today’s game.
• BYU running back Chris Brooks is “doubtful” to play.
• Boise State is 5-1 against BYU on The Blue turf. BYU won the last meeting in Boise in 2020.
• Boise State is holding a food drive to benefit the Boise State Food Pantry on campus.

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