Bywater’s Pick Leads To A Brooks TD Run During BYU-Oregon Game

EUGENE, Ore. – An interception by Ben Bywater set up a short field for BYU and Christopher Brooks took advantage for a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks.

The Ducks hosted the Cougars at Autzen Stadium on Saturday, September 17.

With 12:31 remaining in the fourth quarter, Bywater picked off Ducks backup quarterback Ty Thompson and returned the ball to the Oregon 25-yard line. Five plays later, Brooks broke into the end zone for a two-yard score and BYU’s second touchdown of the afternoon.

TOUCHDOWN! 👏

Christopher Brooks runs it home for @BYUfootball 😤 pic.twitter.com/zRjlQ1jKjE

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 17, 2022

Brooks’ run cut Oregon’s lead to 38-20. BYU was unsuccessful on a two-point conversion attempt.

After the touchdown, Brooks had nine carries for 24 yards and a touchdown. He added two receptions for 23 yards out of the backfield. Bywater had six total tackles, one solo tackle, and an interception.

#BYU RB Chris Brooks scores a touchdown.

Is it too little too late?

4th QTR@oregonfootball – 38@BYUfootball – 20

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 17, 2022

No. 12 BYU vs. No. 25 Oregon

The Cougars once again start off their season in the national spotlight after knocking off no. 9 Baylor in Provo last Saturday. BYU is up to no. 12 in the AP poll and awaits another Top 25 matchup, this week on the road against no. 25 Oregon.

It’s another opportunity for a signature win for BYU, who is garnering buzz from the college football world. Head coach Kalani Sitake will hope his team stays focused on the task ahead and not any postseason potential.

BYU is off to a 2-0 start on the season with wins over South Florida and Baylor. Oregon opened the season with an embarrassing 49-3 loss to Georgia. They responded well last week against FCS Eastern Washington, thrashing the Eagles 70-14.

The Cougars face another tough test with a talented and athletic Oregon squad. Dan Lanning took over as head coach this offseason, having helped lead the Georgia Bulldogs to National Championship in 2021. Transfer quarterback Bo Nix, the former Auburn Tiger, leads the offense for the Ducks. He has 450 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions on 70% completion for the season so far. Linebackers Justin Flowe and Noah Sewell lead a challenging defense with size and speed.

Another Top 25 matchup for the Cougars 👀#BYUFootball #GoCougs #BYUvsOREhttps://t.co/V3wH1P2uub

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 17, 2022

BYU will be without wide receivers Puka Nacua and Gunner Romney yet again. However, as we saw last week this team has plenty of talent waiting in the wings. Chase Roberts broke out with eight receptions and 122 yards last week against Baylor.

The BYU defense was the MVP in last week’s win, stifling the Bears and holding tough again and again down the stretch. The Cougars will also be without two key pieces on the defensive line: Tyler Batty and Earl Tuioti-Mariner.

Ultimately, the difference in the win over Baylor and the difference this week will be quarterback Jaren Hall. Hall came up big when it was needed, leading the Cougars on two different two-minute drills a week ago. He showed his leadership after the game with his embrace of kicker Jake Oldroyd. His poise and control of the offense is evident early in this 2022 season and he has an opportunity for a breakout performance against Oregon.

BYU’s game against Oregon is broadcast on FOX and KSL NewsRadio.

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