BYU Honors Independence Era Wins With New Turnover Belt For 2022

Sep 3, 2022, 5:46 PM

BYU linebacker Max Tooley (Courtesy of BYU Photo)

(Courtesy of BYU Photo)

Cougar Sports Saturday Co-Host

TAMPA – The BYU football program introduced a new turnover belt for the 2022 season, a special honor for Cougars who create turnovers on defense this year.

Prior to the Cougars’ season opener agains the USF Bulls on September 3, BYU’s director of football operations, Billy Nixon, shared photos of the new belt on social media.

The belt features logos of every school that BYU has defeated during the program’s decade-plus as an FBS Independent.

After players force a turnover during a game, they receive the honor of wearing the belt on BYU’s sideline.

New Season, new belt—Every win of independence is on it!! #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/MofKV4TvFa

— Billy Nixon (@BYUDFO) September 3, 2022

The first player to sport the new belt was linebacker Max Tooley.

PICK SIX WE’RE STILL GOING pic.twitter.com/g4n5KQbes0

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) September 3, 2022

With 7:58 remaining in the first quarter, Tooley picked off USF quarterback Gerry Bohanon and returned the interception 33 yards for a touchdown. Tooley’s pick-six gave BYU an early 21-0 lead.

Wear it with pride @maxtooley23 🙌 pic.twitter.com/DeBZgKDHDn

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) September 3, 2022

BYU’s game against USF is broadcast on ESPNU and KSL NewsRadio.

BYU vs. USF

BYU comes into the game as the No. 25 team in the preseason AP Top 25 poll. It’s the first time BYU earned a preseason ranking since 2009.

On the other sideline, USF is looking for its second win against an FBS team this decade. The Bulls are led by third-year head coach Jeff Scott, who has only three games in his first two seasons. But only one of those victories was against an FBS team.

BYU is looking for its third-consecutive year of double-digit victories. The Cougars are led by seventh-year head coach Kalani Sitake, who is a former fullback at the school.

Today marks the third meeting all-time between the two programs. Each has won once in the first two contests, both defending their home turf. The two are scheduled to meet a fourth time in Provo in 2026.