The Tulsa Golden Hurricane seemingly had a stranglehold on the BYU Cougars with less than 1:30 left until halftime in the 2011 Armed Forces Bowl. The Cougars had just been forced to punt for the fifth in the first half, and were down 14-3 thanks to big plays given up on defense.
2011 Armed Forces Bowl Halftime Score: Late Touchdown Puts BYU In Striking Distance
Then J.D. Ratliff muffed the kick for the Golden Hurricane, giving the Cougars the ball back on the 17-yard line and a chance to redeem themselves. One play later, quarterback Riley Nelson scrambled left under pressure before throwing across his body to Cody Hoffman, who dove the ball just over the goal line with defenders on him. The Cougars entered halftime down 14-10.
Nelson’s touchdown pass was by far his best of the game. Otherwise, the junior quarterback has been spotty, making poor decisions under constant duress. For the game, he is just 8-for-18 passing for 116 yards and an interception in addition to his lone touchdown. His Tulsa counterpart G.J. Kinne has been better, going 9-for-16 for 115 yards and two touchdowns.
Both teams will look to establish some offensive rhythm in the second half. Together, Tulsa and BYU have combined for 306 yards of offense at halftime, or less than a quarter of the 1,397-yard outburst of Thursday’s night’s Alamo Bowl between Baylor and Washington.
For more on the Armed Forces Bowl, visit BYU blog Vanquish The Foe. Visit ourStoryStream for more updates and previews from today’s game. For more news and analysis from this bowl season, check out our College Football hub.
See More:
