No. 19 BYU Takes Care Of Business With Win Over Utah State
Sep 29, 2022, 9:45 PM | Updated: Oct 4, 2022, 2:16 pm
PROVO – No. 19 BYU took care of business in a rivalry matchup, holding off Utah State 38-26 on Thursday night in Provo. In what could be the last matchup in a long time between these in-state schools, Jaren Hall led the Cougars in the second half making plays and keeping his team ahead down the stretch.
No. 19 BYU defeats Utah State 38 to 26.#BYUFootball #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/Sok2oTapKq
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 30, 2022
BYU Takes Care Of Business Against Utah State
The Aggies scored on the opening drive, setting the tone with a dominant rushing attack. BYU answered quickly with a two-play TD drive and a pick-six by linebacker Max Tooley. After those scores, the Cougars struggled to move the ball on offense and stop Utah State on defense. The Aggies outgained BYU in yards in the first half, 254-107. Utah State rushed for 150 yards in the half, while BYU got nothing going with a staggering -21 yards.
With a play disparity of 55-19, Utah State was able to control the ball and wear out the Cougar defense. The teams battled back and forth throughout the first half, heading to the locker room at halftime tied at 17-17.
⛰️ 😍 pic.twitter.com/SiCyE4YAlI
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 30, 2022
BYU came out of the half firing, scoring a touchdown on their first two offensive drives. Jaren Hall continued to sling the ball and the Cougars began to find some momentum on the ground. After the defense got a big 4th down stop early in the 4th quarter, Christopher Brooks ran for a touchdown putting BYU ahead 38-20.
The Cougars flipped the script in the second half, outgaining the Aggies 289-146. BYU relied on the run game in the closing minutes, pounding the ball behind their big offensive line. Despite a late touchdown by Utah State, BYU held on for a 38-26 victory.
BYU Gets Another Big Night From Jaren Hall
Quarterback Jaren Hall has remained productive all season, no matter who is playing at wide receiver. He was excellent again tonight, completing 63% of his passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns. In a standalone game in college football, Hall took advantage of the stage and shined brightly.
Gunner Romney returned to the lineup for his first game of the season, pulling in four catches for 54 yards. Kody Epps was the favorite target of the night for Hall, leading the team with five catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. Running back Christopher Brooks was able to break some big runs in the second half, leading the team with 90 rushing yards and a touchdown.
The Cougar defense limited the big plays and forced three turnovers. Even with Utah State possessing the ball for over 30 minutes, BYU held them to just 4.9 yards per play. BYU had two sacks, by Max Tooley and Alden Tofa. The Cougars held tough on third down, limiting the Aggies to just 5-16 in the game.
Pick Six No. 2 this season for Max Tooley. 👀 pic.twitter.com/lMafyMWhfE
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 30, 2022
Utah State quarterback Cooper Legas made his first start tonight for the Aggies, impressing early with poise and comfort leading the offense. He threw for 188 yards, added 57 on the ground on 20 attempts, and scored two touchdowns. Calvin Tyler Jr ran the ball 18 times for 104 yards for Utah State.
No. 19 BYU (4-1) has a few extra days to prepare for a big time matchup next Saturday against Notre Dame (2-2) in Las Vegas. Utah State (1-4) will hope to end their losing streak next week against Air Force (3-1).
BYU vs Utah State: First Quarter
First time this season that #BYU doesn’t start a game on offense.#USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
Cooper Legas was outstanding on that opening drive. Best opening drive of the season for #UtahState. #USUvsBYU
— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) September 30, 2022
Remind me again why Utah State hasn’t played Cooper Legas sooner?
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
First offensive snap for #BYU WR Gunner Romney and it’s a deep ball from Jaren Hall. Excellent pass and catch. #USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
You could tell that one felt good for Gunner Romney who let out a loud scream and celebration after the catch.
His return comes at the perfect time for the #BYU offense. #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) September 30, 2022
.@jarenhall3 & Co. only needed 2️⃣ plays to score @BYUfootball‘s first points. 🔥🔥 #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #USUvsBYUhttps://t.co/0QPnvXfM9b
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 30, 2022
This BYU offense is ready for a big night. Let’s see if the Aggies can keep them off the field enough to stay in this game. #USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Dallen Graff (@dallengraff) September 30, 2022
Max Tooley missed the Wyoming game. Doesn’t miss a beat against USU. The INT and 32 yard return for six. His second pick-six of the season.#BYU l #BYUFootball l #USUvsBYU
— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) September 30, 2022
#BYU defense gives Utah State a free first down on 3rd & 5 by lining up in the neutral zone. Can’t have those kind of mistakes.#USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
All three of those pass plays were well covered by #UtahState‘s secondary.#USUvsBYU
— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) September 30, 2022
Max Tooley just threw a shoe. Pulled a Zac Dawe.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
.@zdawe99 had some feedback for @maxtooley23. 👟 😂#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #USUvsBYU https://t.co/8uIbr7xcwc
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 30, 2022
It’s unacceptable for the #BYU defense to be this undisciplined at this point of the season. #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) September 30, 2022
#BYU is now up to three defensive offside penalties. Had four defensive offsides in the entire 2021 season.#USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
END OF 1ST Q 🏈@BYUfootball 1⃣4⃣@usufootball 7⃣
Total: Utah State 119 | BYU 65
Rushing: Utah State 88 | BYU 00
Passing: Utah State 31 | BYU 65#AggiesAllTheWay #USU #USUvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball @kslsports— Brian Preece (@bpreece24) September 30, 2022
BYU vs Utah State: Second Quarter
Micah Harper had a great game against Wyoming last week and he’s continued that play tonight. Three tackles so far and a big forced fumble to keep points off the board. #USUvsBYU #BYUFootball #GoCougs
— Dallen Graff (@dallengraff) September 30, 2022
And BYU nearly gives the ball right back to USU. Lopini Katoa may be on the bench for a bit.
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 30, 2022
Blake Anderson is irate at the officials, but he should be mad at his player,#USUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 30, 2022
Jakob Robinson already with a pair of PBU’s in this game. Big game for the former Aggie. #USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Dallen Graff (@dallengraff) September 30, 2022
Utah State head coach Blake Anderson was called for an unsportsmanlike penalty. Forces the Aggies to attempt a field goal.
Kick is good.
No. 19 @BYUfootball – 14@USUFootball – 10#USUvsBYU #AggiesAllTheWay #GoCougs
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 30, 2022
USU was ready for the play-action & MJ Tafisi gets the sack on Jaren Hall#USUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 30, 2022
#BYU‘s first handoff to Chris Brooks was in a 3rd & 9 spot. A few boos from #BYU fans after the third consecutive three-and-out.#USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
4 carries for -16 yards will make it difficult to move the chains.
The lack of a run game, yet again, is puzzling. #BYU #BYUFootball
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) September 30, 2022
BYU wasn’t looking past USU according to Kalani Sitake & the players who spoke to the media this week…evidence suggests they may have taken a peek ahead as they now trail 17-14 with 5:04 to go in the first half. BYU has run 11 offensive plays…#USUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 30, 2022
When half your defense is still subbing in and out while a TD pass is being thrown… that’s on the defensive coaches. #BYUfootball #BYU
— Alex Kirry (@AlexKirryKSL) September 30, 2022
.@USUFootball takes lead with 14-yard Legas➡️Cobbs connection.#AggiesAllTheWay #USU #USUvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball https://t.co/m5mu1cIggk
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 30, 2022
Gunner Romney drops a wide open TD pass from Jaren Hall, Very close#USUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 30, 2022
Former @SkyViewHigh star Ike Larsen with the sack.
— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) September 30, 2022
Last week, #BYU brought out Justen Smith for the field goal attempt late against Wyoming.
Coaches brought back Jake Oldroyd tonight and he hits a 45-yard field goal. #USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
No. 19 @BYUfootball – 17@USUFootball – 17
What’s your prediction for the second half?#USUvsBYU #GoCougs #AggiesAllTheWay
📷: Getty Images pic.twitter.com/FZOKUbQb5E
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 30, 2022
BYU vs Utah State: Third Quarter
Miles Davis having a ton of success on the opening drive of the second half for #BYU. #USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
Ethan Erickson high points the ball for a BYU TD. That was a great opening drive for the Cougars #USUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 30, 2022
#BYU QB Jaren Hall told me and @baiamontematt in the spring that Ethan Erickson was an underclassman to keep an eye on. A lot of trust in the redshirt freshman TE on that TD pass.#BYUFootball @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
Catch No. 1 ✅
Touchdown No. 1 ✅ @ethan_erickson_ 🤙#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #USUvsBYU https://t.co/0wWfq5XHAt— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 30, 2022
#BYU DL John Nelson continues to show he’s one of the most improved players in the program. Big stop on 3rd down with the TFL.#USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
Gunner Romney moves the sticks on a deflected pass. That was wild #USUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 30, 2022
Whoa. Tip drill. pic.twitter.com/k12gmOLIRl
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 30, 2022
This wide receiver group has been so impressive this season.
They’ve overcome a plethora of injuries, and they haven’t missed a beat.
Credit to guys like Kody Epps, Keanu Hill, and Brayden Cosper. #BYU #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) September 30, 2022
Jaren Hall to Kody Epps for the TD! pic.twitter.com/H3h5L9SmED
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 30, 2022
Kody Epps has the star personality. Big play production on the field. He’s going to continue evolving as a favorite for #BYU fans.#USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
Chris Jackson sighting…wearing the #29 now. #USUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 30, 2022
That’s a killer for USU to have that targeting call. They had forced a punt & now they’re back on defense#USUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 30, 2022
Jaren Hall after the late hit from Byron Vaughns appeared to be doing some rotating motions favoring his right shoulder. Still in the game. #USUvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
This is Utah State’s Bowl game. They are playing like it. #BYUFootball
— Alex Kirry (@AlexKirryKSL) September 30, 2022
BYU vs Utah State: Fourth Quarter
Another false start for BYU.#USUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 30, 2022
Jake Oldroyd has missed four of his last five field goal attempts for BYU. The Cougars held a kicking competition in practice & no one could beat him out it appears. #USUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 30, 2022
#BYU DB Gabe Jeudy-Lally called for targeting. He’s been disqualified and will miss the first half against Notre Dame. #USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
It hasn’t been pretty for the #BYU defense today, but that was a really nice 4th down stop to give the offense excellent field position. #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) September 30, 2022
#BYU DE Tyler Batty comes up with a big stop on the Cooper Legas keeper. Turnover on downs. BYU’s offense takes over. Time to close out the game.#USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
Miles Davis is decisive with the ball. One cut and go #USUvsBYU #BYUfootball #BYU
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 30, 2022
For the fourth time this season, Chris Brooks scores a TD. pic.twitter.com/C8loYMGap7
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 30, 2022
#BYU RB Chris Brooks is running with violence. Second week in a row amidst “RB by committee” setup, he scores a touchdown.#USUvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
Ben Bywater interception on Cooper Legas. Bring in Conover. Don’t risk Jaren Hall.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
Jake Oldroyd misses another 35-yard field goal attempt.
He’s now missed five of his last six attempts.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
USU gets a late TD on a nicely designed play.
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 30, 2022
Footage of @byuathletics and @BYUfootball storing the #Wagonwheel for safekeeping. Maybe forever? #byucougars #BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/GT6f9G1PZE
— Alex Kirry (@AlexKirryKSL) September 30, 2022
PA started playing Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel” after #BYU defeats Utah State.#USUvsBYU @kslsports pic.twitter.com/cC8ImhEBM4
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 30, 2022
Dallen Graff is a KSL Sports Contributor. He is the Producer of Cougar Sports Saturday (SUBSCRIBE) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow him on Twitter
