BYU Suffers Fourth-Straight Loss, Falling To ECU

PROVO, Utah – The woes continue for the Cougars as BYU suffers their fourth-straight loss against ECU, 27-24. BYU battled the Pirates all game, but the failures on 4th and short left the Cougars empty handed at home on Friday Night.

pic.twitter.com/ewdGKTSf4U

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 29, 2022

BYU Falls to ECU At Home

The Cougars took the early lead when Jake Oldroyd, who returned this week as the starting kicker, put them ahead with a field goal. However, the battle was on as the Cougars and Pirates exchanged scores all first half. BYU continued to struggle to stop the run, allowing 117 yards and 7.3 yards per carry in the half.

The BYU run game was on point to start the game, outgaining ECU in yards in the first half 145-117. Lopini Katoa started the game at running back, punching in a score in the first half. Quarterback Jaren Hall connected with wide receiver Puka Nacua for another touchdown, giving BYU a 17-10 lead. East Carolina marched down the field to score before half, leaving the teams tied at the break 17-17.

📍 #BYU vs ECU#GoCougs #BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/nzmev2puUA

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 28, 2022

The Cougars started the second half with a touchdown drive capped by a Chase Roberts touchdown catch from Jaren Hall. ECU responded with a quick touchdown drive of their own as the teams continued to trade blows in the game.

BYU stalled on a scoring drive in the fourth quarter, failing to convert a 4th and 2 in the redzone. The defense stepped up for the Cougars, holding firm and forcing a field goal attempt that was missed by East Carolina. After both teams stalled on 4th and short opportunities, BYU took over with just over three minutes left. After BYU went three and out, the Pirates moved the ball into scoring position. ECU kicked the game winning field as time expired to earn the road upset at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Lopini Katoa had a career night with 20 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown. Puka Nacua led the the receivers with seven receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown. The BYU Cougars (4-5) will go on the road next week to take on the Boise State Broncos (5-2).

BYU vs. ECU: First Quarter

Three and out for the #BYU defense!

Maybe their problems were related to the fact that the Cougars seemingly never won the toss this season…

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 29, 2022

Connor Pay is starting at center for #BYU. #ECUvsBYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

Jake Oldroyd makes a FG…I repeat, Jake Oldroyd made a field goal to give BYU an early 3-0 lead#ECUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) October 29, 2022

Jake Oldroyd makes a 36-yard field goal. He was given the start this week.

It’s of note, Justen Smith is not listed on the gameday roster provided by #BYU. #ECUvsBYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

#BYU 🏈 strikes first against East Carolina. #BYUFootball #ECUvsBYU https://t.co/Jsg8TrDL7f

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 29, 2022

Chaz Ah You non-contact injury…that didn’t look good#ECUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) October 29, 2022

That drive was way too easy for ECU.

Six plays for 75 yards. #ECUvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

Angles man…BYU doesn’t know how to use them in pursuit. #ECUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) October 29, 2022

Chaz Ah You goes to the locker room with a boot on his left foot. #ECUvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

I’m enjoying the run to pass ratio so far in this first quarter from A-Rod.

10 rushes and only 5 passes.

Time of possession is equal, which is a good thing. #BYU #BYUFootball #ECUvsBYU

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 29, 2022

Spooky night with @BYUfootball.

This is the way.

📷: @BYUphoto pic.twitter.com/mC3IXBwlet

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 29, 2022

BYU vs. ECU: Second Quarter

#BYU has been fortunate with ECU’s mistakes on third downs tonight.

– Pass Interference penalty
– ECU dropped a pass on 3rd & 2
– Offsides penalty#ECUvsBYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

Katoa 😤#BYUFootball #ECUvsBYU https://t.co/txOxxjVbVh

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 29, 2022

Respect the effort from freshman DB Carter Krupp from saving a big touchdown pass for ECU. #ECUvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

That’s a big stop for the #BYU defense holding ECU to only three points after giving up a chunk play on the drive. #BYUFootball #ECUvsBYU

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 29, 2022

Credit #BYU‘s defense tonight. They have made improvements with Kalani Sitake calling the D.

Last week, there was only three days to install Sitake’s simplified scheme. They are finding some moments of success tonight.#ECUvsBYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

Jaren Hall to Puka Nacua! pic.twitter.com/TmdAASRUML

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 29, 2022

Jaren Hall ↗️ Puka Nacua 😤#BYU #BYUFootball #ECUvsBYUhttps://t.co/XLi2QGkV9t

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 29, 2022

When Jaren Hall takes off to run, he has the ability to pull off something special. Showed off the speed on back-to-back plays. #ECUvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

Jaren Hall getting his feet involved. 142 rushing yards for BYU #ECUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) October 29, 2022

Play night games forever. Jaren Hall connects with a wide open Puka Nacua for a 30-yard touchdown pass. #ECUvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

BYU’s LB core over pursuing. Pili & then Tanuava on back-to-back plays#ECUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) October 29, 2022

Kansas City @Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is here at the #BYU game.#Chiefs #BYUFootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/XG4o3AIHFp

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 29, 2022

What a punt by Ryan Rehkow

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

Halftime

BYU 17

East Carolina 17

ECU has 235 total yards to 208 for BYU. TOP is 16:19 to 13:41 in favor of the Cougars, who will get the ball after the break #ECUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) October 29, 2022

Third Quarter: BYU vs ECU

Andy Reid in the 🏡#ECUvsBYU #BYUFootball #Chiefshttps://t.co/7cUrUvyUxK

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 29, 2022

When #BYU has success on the ground, they are nearly unbeatable at home. Nice blend of pass and run in this one and it doesn’t hurt that Hall is finding success with his legs as well.#ECUvsBYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

Jaren Hall to Chase Roberts for six. Roberts first touch on the night IIRC. 24-17 BYU. Cougars in this for the long haul it appears #ECUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) October 29, 2022

That’s how you start off the second half.

TD grab for Chase Roberts#ECUvsBYU #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/ZH0qJliGU6

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 29, 2022

As the game goes on, it feels like things are getting easier for ECU’s offense against #BYU.

Pirate RB Keaton Mitchell is averaging 10.4 yards per carry.#ECUvsBYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

This game will be won or lost by the #BYU offense.

It’s not fair, but it is what it is. #BYUFootball

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 29, 2022

Nyberg costs BYU another five yards on that return. He can fair catch those…#ECUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) October 29, 2022

#BYU 🏈 eclipses the 200 yard rushing mark for only the second time this season.

Last time was in the opener against USF. #BYUFootball @kslsports

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 29, 2022

Heading into the 4th quarter…@BYUfootball – 24@ECUPiratesFB – 24#ECUvsBYU #BYUFootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/RbHIDOoRsk

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 29, 2022

BYU vs. ECU: Fourth Quarter

Mind boggling play call there.

Hall is averaging 10.6 yards per carry and you rush it up the middle for no gain and a turnover on downs.

Just brutal. #BYU #BYUFootball.

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 29, 2022

Turnover on downs for #BYU inside the 20. #BYU handed the ball off to Miles Davis out of shotgun.

Costly turnover as ECU’s offense takes over.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

Ben Bywater the only BYU player who’s seemingly capable of making a tackle at the moment#ECUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) October 29, 2022

ECU 3rd & 3 from own 48 … #BYU fans were getting loud. Pirates pick up a first down through the air in an five-wide set.

Ahlers connected with Isaiah Winstead for a first down. #BYU DB Carter Krupp suffered a lowerbody injury causing Winstead to get open. #ECUvsBYU

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

#BYU defense comes up a 3rd & 11 stop on the BYU 25 yard line. Gabe Jeudy-Lally with a pass breakup. Huge for the defense.#ECUvsBYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

Field goal is NO GOOD. 24-all still. BYU dodges a major bullet there#ECUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) October 29, 2022

#BYU defense comes up with a stop 💪 pic.twitter.com/SvWcPu3Pjq

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 29, 2022

Awful. What was that sneak? Hall needs to drive forward. #ECUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) October 29, 2022

ECU will take over on the #BYU 44 yard line with 6:47 remaining. #ECUvsBYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

I don’t mind good hard play, but come on! This is Trash ECU! pic.twitter.com/88y0VkSAZn

— Hans Olsen (@975Hans) October 29, 2022

The #BYU defense comes up with another stop!

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

BYU’s defense is competing. I’ll give them that. Still a ton, A TON, to be improved & worked on, but they are playing better #ECUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) October 29, 2022

#BYU closes October winless.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 29, 2022

Dallen Graff is a KSL Sports Contributor. He is the Producer of Cougar Sports Saturday (SUBSCRIBE) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow him on Twitter.