For the second time in three weeks the BYU Cougars were locked in a defensive battle, but unlike two weeks ago against Boise State, this time BYU was able to come out with a win. The Cougars held on for a 6-3 win against Utah State Friday night.
Utah State vs. BYU final score: BYU wins 6-3 in defensive battle
The BYU Cougars were only able to score six points, but it proved to be enough as they held on for a 6-3 win against Utah State.
George Frey - Getty Images
The BYU defense was strong once again, limiting Utah State to 246 total yards and just a first quarter field goal. This is the third straight opponent BYU has held to seven points or less. The Cougars are now allowing just 8.3 points per game, which moved them into third place nationally.
The Aggies got on the board first with a field goal near the end of the first quarter, but they were unable to get much going during the rest of the game. Taysom Hill led BYU on it's lone scoring drive just before halftime, throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to J.D. Falslev. BYU missed the extra point giving them the 6-3 halftime lead.
That turned out to be all of the scoring as neither team was able to get on the scoreboard in the second half. Utah State had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter but Josh Thompson missed a 38-yard field goal with 7:47 to play. Utah State got the ball one more time with 5:06 to play but took over at its own two-yardline and were unable to move very far before being forced to punt. The BYU offense was able to pickup two first downs and salt away the clock, securing the win.
With the win, BYU improved to 4-2 on the season and 4-0 at home while Utah State fell to 4-2.
Box Score Hero: Taysom Hill did it all for BYU, throwing for 234 yards and rushing for 82 yards. Cody Hoffman was his go-to receiver catching eight passes for 114 yards.
Rankings Ramifications: Neither team received a vote in last week’s polls and while BYU might start to enter the discussion at 4-2, they would likely need a win against Oregon State next week to really draw significant interest.
But Did They Cover? BYU opened as a 6-1/2 point favorite, a number they failed to cover.
For More On This Game:
For more on Cougars football, visit BYU blog Vanquish The Foe.
Next Week’s Schedule:
10/13 3:30 p.m. ET: BYU vs. Oregon State
10/13 4 p.m. ET: Utah State at San Jose State
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