Missed Opportunities Cost Cougars Against Boise State
Nov 4, 2018, 12:34 AM | Updated: Nov 5, 2018, 10:03 am
BOISE, ID - NOVEMBER 3: Quarterback Zach Wilson #11 of the BYU Cougars pulls away from the tackle of linebacker Jabril Frazier #8 of the Boise State Broncos during second half action on November 3, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 21-16. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, Idaho – The BYU Cougars fell short of a comeback victory in a 21-16 loss to Boise State.
In the end however, a poor decision by freshman quarterback Zach Wilson cost the Cougars a chance to win the game in the final seconds.
A Chance To Win
The Cougars had the ball with two minutes remaining. They began the two minute drill with a huge 59-yard screen play from Wilson to Matt Hadley to put BYU in prime position for a score. They converted a fourth and 2 with 15 seconds left, to put the ball on the two yard line. With the game on the line and seven seconds on the clock, the Cougars were unable to punch it through the goal line as Wilson went for it with his legs rather than passing it quickly to have another shot at the end zone.
After the game, Hadley spoke to BYUtv’s Spencer Linton about what had happened on what turned out to be the final play of the game.
“The play initially was it was a designed pass play, Zach also had the option to keep it and run it,” said Hadley. “I think exactly see what happened. It appeared that pressure got to Zach or that Zach tried to keep it. Either way it was just a bad break.”
Cougars Played Well But Lost On Costly Errors
For the game, Wilson finished with 252 yards through the air without a touchdown or an interception. The Cougars outgained the Broncos with 388 yards to 327 yards by Boise State. BYU lost the turnover battle, committing three turnovers to two by Boise State. The most costly turnover came in the third quarter after Matt Bushman made an incredible one-handed catch on a double pass from Neil Pau’u for a big gain. Bushman was on his way into the end zone when the ball was stripped and recovered by the Broncos for a touchback.
Next Up
BYU will next travel to the Boston area to take on UMass on Nov. 10. The game will begin at 10 a.m. and be broadcast on BYUtv.
