What people will remember from this BYU-Utah State game are the seven turnovers that cost the Cougars the game, but there were just three plays that really changed the game. Let's take a look at each of these plays and find out how they shaped the game.
1. Micah Hannemann's 46-yard interception return for a touchdown.
The game wasn't going well for BYU. Utah State definitely had the momentum. An easy touchdown drive on its first possession, and an even easier defensive stop. If something didn't happen, BYU might find itself out of the game in a hurry. After the game on BYUtv, Hannemann told Blaine Fowler that he followed his gut, not his assignment, and it paid off. He jumped the route and came up with the interception.
That made it a 7-7 game, and the BYU defense came alive. BYU defenders were in the backfield making sacks, and making plays to get the ball back. Utah State had very little offense to speak of on its next six possessions. Meanwhile, the Cougar offense was able to get itself going and build up a 21-7 lead.
2. Ula Tolutau's fumble at the Utah State 35-yard line with 4:25 to play in the first half.
Although Hoge threw a pick-6 before this turnover, Tolutau's first fumble was the one that really turned the game around. Hoge's interception may have closed the gap to 21-14, but Utah State was still lifeless on offense after that. On the other hand, the Cougar offense was still clicking.
If Tolutau holds onto the ball, BYU very well could have scored another touchdown with under two minutes to play in the first half. At the very least a field goal. That pushes the lead back to 14 or 10 points, thus guaranteeing BYU takes the lead into the locker room. It also changes the play calling, if BYU was to have another possession before halftime. It is very unlikely that Koy Detmer, Jr. throws that interception to Dallin Leavitt if BYU is still leading, and set to receive the second half kickoff.
Instead, BYU comes up with no points on this possession. After the defense gets the ball back, a shotgun snap goes wild, and BYU is punting from its end zone. Utah State gets good field position, and scores a touchdown to tie the game. That is followed by the Leavitt interception that sets up the go-ahead field goal right before half.
3. Austin Kafentzis' fumble at the BYU 41-yard line with 2:01 to play in the 3rd Quarter.
Amazingly, BYU was still very much in the game after coughing the ball up five times in a 15 minute span. It was turnover number six that really put the nail in the coffin.
Thanks to stellar defense through that turbulent stretch of turnovers, and that 14-point lead BYU had built before it started, BYU was down only six points in the middle of the third quarter. Despite Beau Hoge being knocked out of the game, the Cougars were still moving the ball pretty well. Scoring a touchdown wasn't unreasonable.
If Kafentzis holds on to the ball, even if BYU can't score on this drive, at least the Cougars are winning the field position battle. A punt forces Utah State to drive the length of the field, which they hadn't done since the opening drive of the game. Instead, Utah State inherits great field position, and quickly scores a touchdown to make it a two score game.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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| Photo by BYU Photo |
1. Micah Hannemann's 46-yard interception return for a touchdown.
The game wasn't going well for BYU. Utah State definitely had the momentum. An easy touchdown drive on its first possession, and an even easier defensive stop. If something didn't happen, BYU might find itself out of the game in a hurry. After the game on BYUtv, Hannemann told Blaine Fowler that he followed his gut, not his assignment, and it paid off. He jumped the route and came up with the interception.
That made it a 7-7 game, and the BYU defense came alive. BYU defenders were in the backfield making sacks, and making plays to get the ball back. Utah State had very little offense to speak of on its next six possessions. Meanwhile, the Cougar offense was able to get itself going and build up a 21-7 lead.
2. Ula Tolutau's fumble at the Utah State 35-yard line with 4:25 to play in the first half.
Although Hoge threw a pick-6 before this turnover, Tolutau's first fumble was the one that really turned the game around. Hoge's interception may have closed the gap to 21-14, but Utah State was still lifeless on offense after that. On the other hand, the Cougar offense was still clicking.
If Tolutau holds onto the ball, BYU very well could have scored another touchdown with under two minutes to play in the first half. At the very least a field goal. That pushes the lead back to 14 or 10 points, thus guaranteeing BYU takes the lead into the locker room. It also changes the play calling, if BYU was to have another possession before halftime. It is very unlikely that Koy Detmer, Jr. throws that interception to Dallin Leavitt if BYU is still leading, and set to receive the second half kickoff.
Instead, BYU comes up with no points on this possession. After the defense gets the ball back, a shotgun snap goes wild, and BYU is punting from its end zone. Utah State gets good field position, and scores a touchdown to tie the game. That is followed by the Leavitt interception that sets up the go-ahead field goal right before half.
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| Austin Kafentzis (Photo by BYU Photo) |
Amazingly, BYU was still very much in the game after coughing the ball up five times in a 15 minute span. It was turnover number six that really put the nail in the coffin.
Thanks to stellar defense through that turbulent stretch of turnovers, and that 14-point lead BYU had built before it started, BYU was down only six points in the middle of the third quarter. Despite Beau Hoge being knocked out of the game, the Cougars were still moving the ball pretty well. Scoring a touchdown wasn't unreasonable.
If Kafentzis holds on to the ball, even if BYU can't score on this drive, at least the Cougars are winning the field position battle. A punt forces Utah State to drive the length of the field, which they hadn't done since the opening drive of the game. Instead, Utah State inherits great field position, and quickly scores a touchdown to make it a two score game.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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