BYU 2016 SCHEDULE Date Day Opponent Time/Result TV 9/3 Sat. vs. Arizona W 18-16 FS1 9/10 Sat. at Utah L 20-19 FOX 9/17 Sat. UCLA L 17-14 ESPN2 9/24 Sat. vs. West Virginia L 35-32 ESPN2 9/30 Fri. Toledo W 55-53 ESPN2 10/8 Sat. at Michigan State W 31-14 ABC/ESPN2 10/14 Fri. Mississippi State* W 28-21/2OT ESPN 10/20 Thur. at Boise State L 28-27 ESPN 11/5 Sat. at Cincinnati W 20-3 CBSSN 11/12 Sat. Southern Utah W 37-7 BYUtv/ESPN3 11/19 Sat. UMass W 51-9 BYUtv/ESPN3 11/26 Sat. Utah State W 28-10 ESPNU 12/21 Wed. vs. Wyoming 6 p.m. ESPN All times local to site *Homecoming game GAME INFORMATION Kickoff� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6 p�m� PST TV � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ESPN Jason Benetti (play-by-play) Kelly Stouffer (analyst) Paul Carcaterra (sideline reporter) Radio � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ESPN Radio Bill Rosinski (play-by-play) David Norrie (analyst) Ian Fitzsimmons (sideline reporter) � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Cougar IMG Sports Network (KSL 1160 AM, 102�7 FM, KSL�com, BYUcougars�com, BYU Radio Sirius XM 143) Greg Wrubell (play-by-play) Marc Lyons (analyst) Nate Meikle (sideline reporter) TV pregame show � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � BYUtv (5 p�m� PST) TV postgame show � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � BYUtv (following game) BYU FOOTBALL BYU PROJECTED DEPTH CHART Brett Pyne, BYU Athletic Communications | O: (801) 422-4912 | C: (801) 367-1631 | [email protected] | @BYUCougars #BYUvsWYO #BYUFootball #GoCougs WYOMING CATEGORY BYU 37.1 Scoring Offense 30.0 34.8 Scoring Defense 19.4 22.3 First Downs 23.8 208.5 Rushing Off. 199.9 202.7 Rushing Def. 108.4 230.8 Passing Off. 206.4 261.3 Passing Def. 255.9 439.2 Total Offense 406.3 464.0 Total Defense 364.3 22.9 Kickoff Return 21.1 7.0 Punt Return 9.1 42.8 Penalties (YPG) 59.9 39.6 Net Punting 40.1 31:18 Time of Poss. 33:19 43.5 3rd Down % 48.1 53.8 4th Down % 63.2 29-224 Sacks-Yards 29-185 26-189 Sacks Allowed 25-145 90.2 Blue Zone % 94.2 84.0 Opp. Blue Zone % 72.7 BYU STORYLINES • POINSETTIA BOWL HISTORY. BYU is playing in the Poinsettia Bowl for the second time. The first was a 23-6 win over San Diego State in 2012. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy scored two defensive touchdowns to lead the Cougars. • RIVALRY RENEWED. In one of BYU's oldest matchups, the Cougars and Cowboys are reuniting for the 78th time in the history of the series, dating back to 1922. BYU has won seven in a row against Wyoming. One of the most classic games was the 1996 Western Athletic Conference Championship when the Cougars edged the Cowboys 28-25 in overtime, propelling BYU to the Cotton Bowl where they finished the season with an NCAA record 14 wins and No. 5 ranking. • NO STRANGER TO SAN DIEGO POSTSEASON. In addition to one Poinsettia Bowl trip, BYU went to San Diego's other bowl game, the Holiday Bowl, 11 times, more than any other school. Among the great Holiday Bowl history is BYU's 1980 game, nicknamed the "Miracle Bowl," where BYU was down 20 points to SMU with four minutes to go and rallied behind quarterback Jim McMahon for 21 points to beat the Mustangs 46-45. • BOWL GAMES. BYU is going bowling for the 12th consecutive season, one of just eight teams to have an active streak of 12 games or more. Overall, BYU is playing in its 35th bowl game. • FIRST-YEAR FINISH. Kalani Sitake finished the regular season 8-4, one of just six coaches in their first full year as an FBS head coach in 2016 to finish with a winning record. The others include Clay Helton (USC), Jason Candle (Toledo), Kirby Smart (Georgia), Tracy Claeys (Minnesota) and Mike Norvell (Memphis). • COMING IN HOT. BYU has won seven of its last eight games. The Cougar defense ranked No. 1 nationally in rush defense for the month of November, No. 3 in total defense and No. 3 in scoring defense. BYU gave up just 29 total points in the last four games combined while the offense averaged 34.0 points per game. OFFENSE QB 12 Tanner Mangum 6-3 215 So 4 Beau Hoge 6-1 210 So. -or- 10 Koy Detmer Jr. 5-10 171 So. RB 21 Jamaal Williams 6-2 215 Sr. 22 Squally Canada 5-11 205 So. 20 KJ Hall 5-9 175 Fr. RB 24 Algernon Brown 6-1 250 Sr. 16 Harvey Langi 6-3 252 Sr. 35 Brayden El-Bakri 6-0 235 So. WR 5 Nick Kurtz 6-6 215 Sr. 87 Mitchell Juergens 5-10 184 Sr. WR 3 Colby Pearson 6-0 203 Sr. 84 Jonah Trinnaman 6-0 190 Jr. 1 Moroni Laulu-Pututau 6-4 220 So. TE 89 Tanner Balderree 6-3 250 Jr. 96 Hunter Marshall 6-3 242 So. LT 79 Andrew Eide 6-5 301 Sr. 65 JJ Nwigwe 6-5 280 So. LG 76 Keyan Norman 6-3 305 Jr. 70 Jacob Jimenez 6-5 292 So. C 56 Tejan Koroma 6-0 295 Jr. 55 Quin Ficklin 6-3 280 Jr. RG 78 Tuni Kanuch 6-3 330 Jr. -or- 54 Parker Dawe 6-3 307 Sr. RT 59 Thomas Shoaf 6-5 280 Fr. 71 Austin Hoyt 6-8 300 So. SPECIAL TEAMS KO 16 Corey Edwards 6-0 206 So. -or- 83 Andrew Mikkelsen 6-0 200 So. PK 26 Rhett Almond 6-4 198 So. 83 Andrew Mikkelsen 6-0 200 So. P 31 Jonny Linehan 6-0 203 Jr. 26 Rhett Almond 6-4 198 So. H 87 Mitchell Juergens 5-10 184 Sr. 31 Jonny Linehan 6-0 203 Jr. DS 64 Matt Foley 6-1 217 So. 52 Mitch Harris 6-4 216 Fr. DEFENSE E 16 Harvey Langi 6-3 252 Sr. -or- 90 Corbin Kaufusi 6-9 285 So. -or- 49 Moses Kaumatule 6-2 280 So. N 94 Kesni Tausinga 6-1 305 Jr. -or- 48 Tomasi Laulile 6-4 285 Jr. -or- 92 Handsome Tanielu 6-2 318 Jr. T 62 Logan Taele 6-2 299 Sr. 50 Tevita Mo’Unga 6-2 314 So. -or- 49 Moses Kaumatule 6-2 280 So. OE 31 Sae Tautu 6-4 245 Sr. 98 Trajan Pili 6-2 245 Fr. FLB 4 Fred Warner 6-4 230 Jr. 51 Morgan Unga 6-4 215 So. MLB 38 Butch Pau’u 6-0 223 So. 16 Harvey Langi 6-3 252 Sr. 42 Austin Heder 6-2 240 Sr. BLB 13 Francis Bernard 6-1 240 So. 30 Kavika Fonua 6-0 220 So. LC 11 Troy Warner 6-1 195 Fr. 18 Michael Shelton 5-8 180 So. -or- 32 Chris Wilcox 6-2 175 Fr. FS 12 Kai Nacua 6-2 215 Sr. 2 Matt Hadley 6-0 205 Jr. 36 Zayne Anderson 6-2 200 So SS 7 Micah Hannemann 6-0 205 Jr. 33 Eric Takenaka 5-10 210 Sr. 25 Tanner Jacobson 5-10 185 So. RC 5 Dayan Lake 5-11 200 Fr. -or- 15 Michael Davis 6-2 196 Sr. 3 Isaiah Armstrong 6-2 193 So. SPECIAL TEAMS PR 23 Garrett Juergens 5-10 187 Sr. 87 Mitchell Juergens 5-10 184 Sr. -or- 7 Micah Hannemann 6-0 205 Jr. KR 88 Aleva Hifo 5-10 180 Fr. 2 Matt Hadley 6-0 205 Jr. 84 Jonah Trinnaman 6-0 190 Jr. 23 Garrett Juergens 5-10 187 Sr. BYU (8-4) COUGARS WYOMING (8-5, 6-2 MW) COWBOYS Head Coach � � � � � � � � � � � Craig Bohl Alma Mater � � � � � � � � �Nebraska, 1982 Career FBS Record� � � � � � � � � � � 14-23 Record at Wyoming � � � � � � � � � � same Bohl vs� BYU � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 0-0 Head Coach � � � � � � � � �Kalani Sitake Alma Mater � � � � � � � � � � � � BYU, 2000 Career Record � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8-4 Record at BYU � � � � � � � � � � � � � � same Sitake vs� Wyoming � � � � � � � � � � � � 0-0 SERIES INFORMATION Series � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 44-30-3 In Laramie � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 16-17-3 In Provo� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 27-13-0 Neutral � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1-0 Average score � � � � BYU 22�2 Wyoming 18�0 Last meeting � � � � � � � � � � � � � Oct� 23, 2010 BYU won 25-20 in Provo TEAM COMPARISON POINSETTIA BOWL | BYU vs. WYOMING | Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 6 p.m. PST | San Diego, Calif. | Qualcomm Stadium | ESPN | Cougar IMG Sports Network | www.BYUCougars.com
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BYU STORYLINES• POINSETTIA BOWL HISTORY. BYU is playing in the Poinsettia Bowl for the second time. The first was a 23-6 win
over San Diego State in 2012. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy scored two defensive touchdowns to lead the Cougars.• RIVALRY RENEWED. In one of BYU's oldest matchups, the Cougars and Cowboys are reuniting for the 78th time in the
history of the series, dating back to 1922. BYU has won seven in a row against Wyoming. One of the most classic games was the 1996 Western Athletic Conference Championship when the Cougars edged the Cowboys 28-25 in overtime, propelling BYU to the Cotton Bowl where they finished the season with an NCAA record 14 wins and No. 5 ranking.
• NO STRANGER TO SAN DIEGO POSTSEASON. In addition to one Poinsettia Bowl trip, BYU went to San Diego's other bowl game, the Holiday Bowl, 11 times, more than any other school. Among the great Holiday Bowl history is BYU's 1980 game, nicknamed the "Miracle Bowl," where BYU was down 20 points to SMU with four minutes to go and rallied behind quarterback Jim McMahon for 21 points to beat the Mustangs 46-45.
• BOWL GAMES. BYU is going bowling for the 12th consecutive season, one of just eight teams to have an active streak of 12 games or more. Overall, BYU is playing in its 35th bowl game.
• FIRST-YEAR FINISH. Kalani Sitake finished the regular season 8-4, one of just six coaches in their first full year as an FBS head coach in 2016 to finish with a winning record. The others include Clay Helton (USC), Jason Candle (Toledo), Kirby Smart (Georgia), Tracy Claeys (Minnesota) and Mike Norvell (Memphis).
• COMING IN HOT. BYU has won seven of its last eight games. The Cougar defense ranked No. 1 nationally in rush defense for the month of November, No. 3 in total defense and No. 3 in scoring defense. BYU gave up just 29 total points in the last four games combined while the offense averaged 34.0 points per game.
TE 89 Tanner Balderree 6-3 250 Jr. 96 Hunter Marshall 6-3 242 So. LT 79 Andrew Eide 6-5 301 Sr. 65 JJ Nwigwe 6-5 280 So.
LG 76 Keyan Norman 6-3 305 Jr. 70 Jacob Jimenez 6-5 292 So. C 56 Tejan Koroma 6-0 295 Jr. 55 Quin Ficklin 6-3 280 Jr. RG 78 Tuni Kanuch 6-3 330 Jr. -or- 54 Parker Dawe 6-3 307 Sr.
BYU BOWL WEEK MEDIA AVAILABILITY (see Bowl Guide for additional bowl activities)
MEDIA AVAILABILITY AND POLICYWEEKLY GAME NOTESThank you for your coverage of BYU football for the 2016 season. These game notes have been designed to provide local, regional and national media with useful information about the BYU football program, specific to this week’s game. Additional information on BYU’s history and tradition, along with much more in-depth team information can be found in your copy of the 2016 BYU Football Almanac or at BYUCougars.com. Should you need additional information such as photographs, video or additional almanacs, please contact the BYU Athletic Communications office at (801) 422-8948.
BYUtv PREGAME AND POSTGAME SHOWSWatch the football pregame and postgame shows before every kickoff and after the game on BYUtv and byutv.org. Also tune into BYUtv and byutv.org for complete replays of every home game.
BYUCOUGARS.COMPlease visit byucougars.com for press releases, updated player and coach bios, statistics, game notes, press conference transcripts and schedules. With one of the best video players of any collegiate athletics website in the country, numerous videos of highlights, interviews and features are posted daily. The 2016 BYU Football Almanac is also available online in PDF at http://byucougars.com/files/2016_byu_football_almanac_online.pdf
PRACTICES AND MEDIA AVAILABILITYMembers of the media will be invited to conduct interviews at the conclusion of select practices. Please give at least 24 hours notice with special requests. (PLEASE NOTE THE CALENDAR BELOW FOR MEDIA AVAILABILI-TY FOR THE WEEK.)
ATHLETIC STAFF INTERVIEWSInterview requests for director of athletics Tom Holmoe or any other member of the athletic administration should be directed to associate director of athletics Duff Tittle. Duff can be contacted at [email protected] or at (801) 422-4910.
IN-GAME NOTESTo follow the most up-to-date notes and milestones during games, follow @BYUgamenotes on Twitter.
SOCIAL MEDIAKalani Sitake: @kalanifsitakeBYU AthleticsTwitter : @BYUcougarsBYU Game Notes Twitter: @BYUgamenotesInstagram: BYUcougarsFacebook: BYU FootballUse the hashtags #BYUvsWYO #BYUFootball #GoCougs
POSTGAME MEDIA AVAILABILITYAfter home games, postgame press conference will be conducted in the LaVell Edwards Stadium press room, located on the southeast end of the stadium next to the BYU locker room. At the descretion of the visiting team, opponent interviews will be conducted in the Blue Zone, near the opponent’s locker room located on northwest end of the stadium. Coach Sitake and select players will be available following the NCAA mandatory cooling off period. Members of the media are invited to move from the press box down to the field and to the press room four minutes prior to the ending of the game. A direct video feed will also be sent to the press box from the BYU postgame press conference. A basic transcript of Sitake’s comments from the postgame press conference will be provided with additional player quotes upon availability. For road games, BYU will conduct interviews outside the locker room or in a location designated by the host school.
POLICY REMINDERSOther than during the recognized interview time after practice sessions, press conferences and other organized media availability, interviews and information inquiries must be initiated and arranged through the Athletic Com-munications office prior to being conducted. Media members should not contact directly BYU players, coaches, support staff or other athletic department personnel for any reason. Some players may not be available at every practice depending on circumstances such as classes, exams or other obligations.
We support and maintain the philosophy that reports submitted via blog, Twitter or any other form of social media or mass communication should maintain the same standards of professional conduct, judgment and ethics as would any reports broadcast or published by your organization under the scrutiny of standard professional editorial guidelines and principles. We request your cooperation in our efforts to maintain a professional environment.
SAT 12/1711:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m. PSTPre-practice interviews(Closed practice)Coaches and select playersSouthwestern College90 Otay Lakes RoadChula Vista, CA 91910
SUN 12/18No media availability
MON 12/1911:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m. PSTPre-practice interviews(Closed practice)Kalani Sitake and select playersSouthwestern College90 Otay Lakes RoadChula Vista, CA 91910
LARAMIE, Wyo. - The Wyoming Cowboys were looking for one more magical finish, but it wasn’t to be as they fell by three points, 27-24, to the San Diego State Aztecs in the 2016 Mountain West Conference Foot-ball Championship Game on Saturday in Laramie.
The Cowboys had one final possession with 1:07 remaining from their own 24-yard line. But after a holding penalty negated a six yard run by Brian Hill, the Pokes faced a fourth and 20 from their own 14-yard line. SDSU sacked Allen and the game would end with the Aztecs coming away with a 27-24 victory of the Moun-tain West Conference title.
“I want to congratulate San Diego State and Coach (Rocky) Long. Their team was well prepared and it was a hard fought game,” said Wyoming head Coach Craig Bohl in the postgame press conference. “That did not surprise our football team, it did not surprise me and I’m sure it did not surprise San Diego State.”
The first half was dominated by defense, as Wyoming allowed San Diego State only 160 total yards and the Aztecs gave up only 122 to the Cowboys.
In the end, the Cowboys and Aztecs were as evenly-matched a two teams as there was all year in the Moun-tain West Conference. At the end of Saturday night’s game, Wyoming had 343 yards of total offense and San Diego State had 327.
Wyoming won the regular-season meeting by one point, 34-33 on Nov. 19, and San Diego State won the MW Championship Game by three points, 27-24.
Bohl’s final comment was about the great support Wyoming fans showed the Cowboys this season.
“I want to give a big shout-out to our fans,” said Bohl. “It’s a commitment for them to come here on a cold night. I thought the atmosphere was electric. I appreciate our fans showing up tonight.”
2016 BYU FOOTBALL LAST GAME/OPPONENT OUTLOOK-3
WYOMING 2016 SCHEDULEDate Day Opponent Time/Result9/3 Sat. NIU W 40-349/10 Sat. @Nebraska L 52-179/17 Sat. UC Davis W 45-229/23 Fri. @E. Michigan L 27-2410/1 Sat. @Colorado St. W 38-1710/8 Sat. Air Force W 35-2610/22 Sat. @Nevada W 42-3410/29 Sat. Boise State W 30-2811/5 Sat. Utah State W 52-2811/12 Sat. @UNLV L 69-6611/19 Sat. SDSU W 34-3311/26 Sat. @New Mexico L 56-3512/3 Sat. SDSU L 27-24All times local
BYU VS. WYOMING SERIES INFORMATIONSeries 44-30-3In Laramie 16-17-3In Provo 27-13-0Neutral 1-0-0In overtime 1-0-0Average score BYU 22�2 Wyoming 18�0BYU under Kalani Sitake First meetingWyoming under Craig Bohl First meetingLast meeting Oct� 23, 2010—BYU won 25-20 in ProvoBYU's last win Oct� 23, 2010—25-20 in ProvoWyoming's last win Oct� 18, 2003—13-10 in LaramieBYU's first win Nov� 14, 1922—7-0 in ProvoWyoming's first win Nov� 30, 1922—13-0 in LaramieLast neutral Dec� 7, 1996—BYU 28-25 OT in LV
1979 & 2005-present)Longest Wyoming road win streak 6 (1950-1960)Largest BYU margin of victory 59 (59-0 in 1985)Largest Wyoming margin of victory 48 (48-0 in 1950)Most points scored by BYU 59 (59-0 in 1985)Most points scored by Wyoming 48 (48-0 in 1950)Most combined points 87 (BYU 56-31 in 1991)Fewest combined points 0 (Tie 0-0 in 1957)
2016 BYU FOOTBALL TEAM NOTES-4
NATIONAL RANKINGSCollege Football Playoff Rankings
# Team (1st place) Record 1 Alabama 13-02 Clemson 12-13 Ohio State 11-14 Washington 12-15 Penn State 11-26 Michigan 10-27 Oklahoma 10-28 Wisconsin 10-39 USC 9-310 Colorado 10-311 Florida State 9-312 Oklahoma State 9-313 Louisville 9-314 Auburn 8-415 Western Michigan 13-016 West Virginia 10-217 Florida 8-418 Stanford 9-319 Utah 8-420 LSU 7-421 Tennessee 8-422 Virginia Tech 9-423 Pittsburgh 8-424 Temple 10-325 Navy 9-3
Associated Press Top 25# Team (1st place) Record Votes1 Alabama(61) 13-0 15252 Ohio State 11-1 14443 Clemson 12-1 13964 Washington 12-1 13295 Penn State 11-2 12526 Michigan 10-2 12497 Oklahoma 10-2 11738 Wisconsin 10-3 10549 USC 9-3 104010 Florida State 9-3 88911 Colorado 10-3 88612 Western Michigan 13-0 87113 Oklahoma State 9-3 80014 West Virginia 10-2 78815 Louisville 9-3 54216 Stanford 9-3 50817 Auburn 8-4 49318 Virginia Tech 9-4 37219 LSU 7-4 35120 Florida 8-4 33121 Iowa 8-4 27222 Pittsburgh 8-4 23723 Temple 10-3 22924 Nebraska 9-3 19625 South Florida 10-2 173Other’s receiving votes: Houston 101, Utah 99, Boise State 95, Washington State 31, Texas A&M 26, Air Force 20, Navy 15, Tennessee 12, San Diego State 8, Western Kentucky 7, Miami 6, Georgia Tech 3, Kansas State 2
USA Today Coaches Poll# Team (1st place) Record Votes1Alabama(58) 13-0 14502 Ohio State 11-1 13543 Clemson 12-1 13474 Washington 12-1 12835 Penn State 11-2 11866 Michigan 10-2 11817 Oklahoma 10-2 11288 Wisconsin 10-3 992 9 USC 9-3 98110 Florida State 9-3 89811 Colorado 10-3 82812 West Virginia 10-2 80613 Oklahoma State 9-3 75414 Western Michigan 13-0 63515 Louisville 9-3 63116 Stanford 9-3 54217 Auburn 8-4 50418 Florida 8-4 42119 Virginia Tech 9-4 37420 LSU 7-4 35921 Nebraska 9-3 24122 South Florida 10-2 19723 Utah 8-4 17024 Temple 10-3 12625 Iowa 8-4 97Others receiving votes: Pittsburgh 61, Boise State 50, Houston 43, Navy 42, Washington State 39, San Diego State 36, Tennessee 33, Texas A&M 22, Western Kentucky 14, Miami 14, North Carolina 7, Kentucky 2, Appalachian State 2
INDEPENDENCE: YEAR SIXThe 12-game independent schedule featured teams from eight different conferences and an independent team. Six games came against Power Five opponents, including teams from the Pac-12, Big 12, Big Ten and SEC. The schedule ranked No. 7 in Phil Steele’s preseason schedule rankings. The opponents on the 2016 schedule posted a 97-57 record in 2015, with 10 bowl teams and an FCS playoff team.
The Cougars hosted six home games and had four true road contests with two neutral site games, both at NFL stadiums, in 2016. The home schedule consisted of UCLA, Toledo, Mississippi State, Southern Utah, UMass and Utah State. Teams on the home schedule put together a 44-31 record in 2015, with four reaching bowl games and Southern Utah earned an FCS playoff berth. Road contests included Utah, Michigan State, Boise State and Cincinnati with neutral site games against Arizona (University of Phoenix Stadium - home of the Arizona Cardinals) and West Virginia (FedEx Field - home of the Washington Redskins). All six games away from home were against 2015 bowl teams with a combined record of 53-16 last year.
BOWLING OPPONENTSOf BYU’s 12 opponents in 2016, 10 played in a bowl game in 2015. Only USC has more bowl teams on its 2016 schedule with 11. BYU, along with just Ole Miss and Colorado, are the only three teams with 10 bowl teams on the schedule this season.
TEAM CAPTAINSBYU will have four captains for the 2016 season in senior quarterback Taysom Hill, senior running back Jamaal Williams, senior defensive back Kai Nacua and senior defensive lineman Harvey Langi. Hill is serving as a cap-tain for the third time. BYU offensive coordinator Ty Detmer was also a three-time team captain (89, 90, 91).
FLAG BEARERSBYU’s tradition of carrying team flags out of the tunnel adds some new looks for 2016. A United States service-man will carry an American flag for every game, with team flags carried by selected players and alumni flags carried by former BYU players for each game. Arizona ALUMNI: Max Hall, John Beck, Aaron Francisco TEAM: Jamaal Williams, Chris Badger Utah ALUMNI: Jonny Harline, Bryan Kehl, Cameron Jensen TEAM: Colby Pearson, Trajan Pili
UCLA ALUMNI: Eathyn Manumaleuna, Kevin Feterik, Eddie Stinnett TEAM: Nick Kurtz, Sam Baldwin
WVU ALUMNI: Bart Oates, Peter Tuipulotu, Shaun Nua, Jack Damuni TEAM: Mitchell Juergens, Adam Pulsipher
UMass ALUMNI: Todd Watkins, Steve Clements, Dustin Rykert TEAM: Matt Hadley, Jonah Trinnaman
Utah State ALUMNI: Kalin Hall, Carlos Nuno, Spencer Reid, Jamal Willis TEAM: Taysom Hill, Kai Nacua
LAVELL EDWARDS STADIUMLaVell Edwards Stadium with its 63,470-seat capacity is home to BYU football. Originally Cougar Stadium, it was built in 1964 and seated 30,000. It was expanded in 1982 to seat 65,000 permanent seats before official capacity became 63,470 after various refurbishments. For the 2012 season the stadium featured new video walls and LED ribbons on the north and south end zone stands. BYU’s record at LaVell Edwards Stadium is ranked No. 12 among teams playing in their current stadium.Stadium record: 236-70 (.771)2016 stadium record: 5-1Since 2005: 61-12 (.836)
MISSIONSBrigham Young University is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The missionary emphasis of the Church is perhaps one of its most recognized characteristics.
Since the organization of the Church in 1830, over one million missionaries have served. The Church operates missions around the world in 150 nations speaking more than 160 languages. Over 74,000 missionaries repre-senting the Church are serving proselytizing missions in 418 missions around the world. Most of the Church’s proselytizing missionaries are young men between the ages of 18 and 26. A substantial number of young women and older couples also serve proselytizing missions. Missionaries work long hours—seven days a week for two years (or 18 months for women and couples)—teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and participating in community service.
The 2016 team has 84 players that served church missions and there are another 27 currently serving. Mem-bers of the team have served in over 25 countries and six of the seven continents around the globe.
INDEPENDENTS SNAPSHOTBYU is one of four FBS Independent teams. Here is a look at how the Cougars and the three other indepen-dents did last week.
Team W-L Last game Bowl GameBYU 8-4 W 28-10 Utah State Poinsettia BowlArmy 6-5 vs. Navy Heart of Dallas BowlNotre Dame 4-8 L 45-27 at USCUMass 2-10 L 46-40 at Hawaii
2016 BYU FOOTBALL TEAM NOTES-5
ARIZONA 3-9, 1-8 Pac-12 Last week W 56-35 Arizona State This week -- Next week --
UTAH 8-4, 5-4 Pac-12 Last week L 27-22 at Colorado This week Foster Farms Bowl vs. Indiana
UCLA 4-8, 2-7 Pac-12 Last week L 36-10 at Cal This week -- Next week --
WEST VIRGINIA 9-2, 6-2 Big 12 Last week W 49-19 at Iowa State This week Russell Athletic Bowl vs. Miami
TOLEDO 9-3, 6-2 MAC Last week L 55-35 at Western Mich. This week Raycom Media Camellia Bowl vs. Appalachian State
MICHIGAN STATE 3-9, 1-8 Big Ten Last week L 45-12 at Penn State This week -- Next week --
MISSISSIPPI STATE 5-7, 3-5 SEC Last week W 55-20 at Ole Miss This week St. Petersburg Bowl vs. Miami (Ohio)
BOISE STATE 10-2, 6-2 MWC Last week L 27-20 at Air Force This week Cactus Bowl vs. Baylor
CINCINNATI 4-8, 1-6 AAC Last week L 40-37 at Tulsa This week -- Next week --
SOUTHERN UTAH 6-5, FCS Last week W 48-21 at NAU This week -- Next week --
UMASS 2-10, Independent Last week L 46-40 at Hawaii This week -- Next week --
UTAH STATE 3-9, 1-7 MWC Last week L 28-10 at BYU This week -- Next week --
Combined record: 66-75
POLYNESIAN PIPELINEThe Polynesian Islands have become a hotbed for recuiting in recent years, but BYU has been one of the pio-neers in bringing these players from Tonga, Samoa, the Hawaiian Islands and all of Polynesia to the forefront of college football since the early 1950s. More than 40 members of the current roster are of Polynesian descent.
Some of BYU’s most celebrated and decorated players have come from the Pacific islands, including All-Amer-icans, national record holders, players who have gone on to compete in the NFL and now, several members of BYU’s current coaching and support staff.
Kalani Sitake was named BYU’s 14th head coach on Dec. 19, 2015, becoming the first Tongan head football coach in the NCAA. Sitake was raised in Laie, Hawaii and later moved to the mainland. His staff includes Polynesians Ilaisa Tuiaki, Steve Kaufusi, Reno Mahe, Nu’u Tafisi, Russell Tialavea, Tevita Ofahengaue, Jack Damuni, Jasen Ah You, Sione Kinikini, Vince Feula and Harvey Unga.
FORMER PLAYERS ON STAFFThere are 21 former BYU football players on the football and athletic admnistration staff. Members of the staff were part of Cougar teams that won the 1980 “Miracle Bowl,” the 1984 National Championship, Heisman Trophy, 1996 Cotton Bowl along with many other accolades. Tom Holmoe DB 1978-82 Athletic DirectorKalani Sitake RB/FB 1994, 97-00 Head Football CoachChad Lewis TE 1993-96 Associate AD/DevelopmentLee Johnson P 1980-84 Assistant Development DirectorRobbie Bosco QB 1981-85 Varsity Club/DevelopmentFui Vakapuna RB 2002-03, 06-08 Assistant to the ADEd Lamb LB/DE 1994-96 Asst. Head Coach/Safeties/Sp. TmsTy Detmer QB 1987-91 Offensive Coordinator/QuarterbacksSteve Kaufusi DL 1985-87 Defensive LineMike Empey OL 1987, 91-93 Offensive LineBen Cahoon WR 1995-97 Wide ReceiversReno Mahe RB 1998-99, 01-02 Running backsJernaro Gilford DB 1999-03 CornerbacksRussell Tialavea DL 2005-09, 12 Director of Football OperationsTevita Ofahengaue TE 1997-00 Director of Recruiting OperationsJack Damuni DB 1993-94 Director of Player PersonnelVince Feula DL 2004-05 Graduate Assistant/DefenseJD Falslev WR 2009-13 Graduate Assistant/OffenseJan Jorgensen DL 2005-09 Graduate Assistant/DefenseHarvey Unga RB 2006-09 Graduate Assistant/OffenseHebron Fangupo DL 2011 Recruiting Assistant
BROTHERS IN ARMSBYU has six sets of brothers on the current roster, the most sets of brothers on an FBS team in 2016. Dawe Parker (Sr. OL) and Zac (Fr. OL)Juergens Mitchell (Sr. WR) and Garrett (Sr. WR)*Pulsipher Adam (So. LB) and Addison (Fr. OL)Pili Trajan (Fr. DL) and Keenan (Fr. LB)Tanner Beau (Fr. WR) and Young (So. QB)Warner Fred (Jr. LB) and Troy (Fr. DB)**played in a game together in 2016
AVERAGE AGE AND MARRIED PLAYERSThe average age of BYU’s 2016 roster is 21.4 years of age. The Cougars also have 27 married players.
2016 OPPONENTS WEEKLY
COUGARS TOP UTAH STATE 28-10 TO END REGULAR-SEASON PLAY
PROVO, Utah – BYU beat Utah State 28-10 Saturday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium in the regular-season finale, claiming the Old Wagon Wheel for the second-consecutive season.
The Cougars (8-4) collected 355 total yards in the game, including 249 rushing yards, while holding Utah State (3-9) to a season-low 200 total yards.
Taysom Hill went 10 for 21 with 101 yards and a touchdown and Jamaal Williams had 131 rushing yards on 18 attempts, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. Fred Warner and Francis Ber-nard anchored the defense with six total tackles each and Michael Shelton returned a fumble 52-yards for a score.
Utah State marched down the field on the first drive of the game, getting on the board with a 28-yard field goal, capping off the 12 play, 64 yard drive.
With the Cougars going on a 27-yard drive, Hill’s pass was intercepted by the Aggies’ Dallin Leavitt at the Utah State 46-yard line. Utah State couldn’t capitalize on the turnover, howev-er, giving the ball back to BYU after a three-and-out.
Hill completed a 35-yard pass to Nick Kurtz on BYU’s next drive to set his team up at the Utah State 28-yard line. A 2-yard touchdown run from Williams then helped give BYU a 7-3 lead early in the second quarter.
With just under three minutes left in the half, the Aggies went for it on 4th-and-1, converting before Logan Taele forced a fumble. Shelton quickly recovered the turnover, running 52 yards to score the defensive touchdown and give the Cougars a 14-3 advantage.
Near the end of the second quarter, the Aggies’ Jalen Davis picked off Hill, returning the ball 37 yards to the BYU 6-yard line. Two plays later, Utah State scored a 2-yard rushing touch-down to get back within four, trailing 14-10 at halftime.
Hill threw a 10-yard strike to Mitchell Juergens in the end zone with 2:19 left in the third quarter. The Cougars led 21-10 following the Rhett Almond PAT.
Warner picked off the Aggies’ quarterback at the Utah State 40 to set up BYU’s ensuing touchdown drive. After an injured Hill left the game, Mangum threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Colby Pearson to increase the BYU lead at 28-10 with 12.55 left in the game.
Neither team scored in the remaining time as the Cougars ran out the clock to end the game 28-10.
2016 BYU FOOTBALL ROSTER-6
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown/Last School26 Almond, Rhett P/K 6-4 198 So. Valencia, CA / Hart HS22 Amone, Phillip LB 6-0 240 So. Orlando, FL / Dr. Phillips HS24 Anderson, Zayne DB 6-2 200 So. Stansbury Park, UT / Stansbury HS3 Armstrong, Isaiah DB 6-2 193 So. Redlands, CA / Riverside City College17 Badger, Chris DB 6-0 200 Sr. Provo, UT / Notre Dame89 Balderree, Tanner TE 6-3 250 Jr. Sherwood, OR / Sherwood HS45 Baldwin, Sam DB 6-3 196 Fr. Rexburg, ID / Madison HS13 Bernard, Francis LB 6-1 240 So. Herriman, UT / Herriman HS19 Brent, Trevor DB 5-10 180 So. Balch Springs, TX / West Mesquite HS24 Brown, Algernon RB 6-1 250 Sr. Magna, UT / Skyline HS34 Burt, Riley RB 6-1 210 So. Mantua, UT / Box Elder HS22 Canada, Squally RB 5-11 205 So. Milpitas, CA / Washington State58 Chambers, Austin OL 6-4 270 Fr. Gilbert, AZ / Perry HS1 Davis, Akile DB 6-2 200 So. DeSoto, TX / DeSoto HS15 Davis, Michael DB 6-2 196 Sr. Glendale, CA / Glendale HS54 Dawe, Parker OL 6-3 307 Sr. Pleasant Grove, UT / Pleasant Grove HS52 Dawe, Zac OL 6-4 275 Fr. Pleasant Grove, UT / Plesant Grove HS10 Detmer Jr., Koy QB 5-10 171 So. Somerset, TX / Somerset HS6 Dye, Trey RB 5-9 181 Jr. Abilene, TX / Cooper HS16 Edwards, Corey K 6-0 206 Jr. Hurricane, UT / Hurricane HS79 Eide, Andrew OL 6-5 301 Sr. Orem, UT / Southern Utah35 El-Bakri, Brayden RB 6-0 235 So. Salt Lake City, UT / Brighton HS44/55 Ficklin, Quin OL 6-3 280 So. Mesa, AZ / Red Mountain HS64 Foley, Matt LS 6-1 217 So. Temecula, CA / Temecula Valley HS30 Fonua, Kavika LB 6-0 220 So. Syracuse, UT / Syracuse HS16 Fowler, Gavin DB 6-0 186 Jr. Kaysville, UT / Davis HS93 Fuiava, Kainoa DL 6-5 295 Fr. Downey, CA / Warren HS43 Gautavai, Rylee LB 6-1 238 Fr. Bountiful, UT / Bountiful HS10 Greene, Kamel DB 5-11 189 Jr. East Palo Alto, CA / Washington State42 Griffitts, Kyle TE 6-3 240 Fr. Windermere, UT / West Orange HS2 Hadley, Matthew DB 6-0 205 Jr. Connell, WA / Connell HS20 Hall, KJ RB 5-9 175 Fr. Spanish Fork, UT / Maple Mountain HS7 Hannemann, Micah DB 6-0 205 Jr. Alpine, UT / Lone Peak HS30 Hansen, Colby RB 5-11 195 Jr. Clarkston, WA / Clarkston HS52 Harris, Mitch LS 6-4 215 Fr. Gilbert, AZ / Perry HS42 Heder, Austin LB 6-2 240 Sr. Pleasant Grove, UT / Pleasant Grove HS77 Herring, Chandon OL 6-7 282 Fr. Gilbert, AZ / Perry HS88 Hifo, Aleva WR 5-10 180 Fr. Menifee, CA / Heritage HS7 Hill, Taysom QB 6-2 235 Sr. Pocatello, ID / Highland HS44 Hinds, Troy TE 6-5 245 So. Kaysville, UT / Davis HS62 Hogan, Britton LS 6-3 220 Fr. Salt Lake City, UT / Olympus HS4 Hoge, Beau QB 6-1 210 So. Fort Thomas, KY / Highlands HS71 Hoyt, Austin OL 6-8 300 So. Ione, CA / Argonaut HS47 Huntsman, Scott LB 6-4 230 So. Coppell, TX / Coppell HS25 Jacobson, Tanner DB 5-10 185 So. Southlake, TX / Texas Tech70 Jimenez, Jacob OL 6-5 292 So. Pflugerville, TX / Pflugerville HS67 Johnson, Kyle OL 6-4 319 Sr. Sandy, UT / Jordan HS37 Jones, Grant LB 6-6 215 Jr. Concord, CA / Ygnacio Valley High School23 Juergens, Garrett WR 5-10 187 Sr. Houston, TX / Langham Creek HS87 Juergens, Mitchell WR 5-10 184 Sr. Houston, TX / Langham Creek HS78 Kanuch, Tuni OL 6-3 335 Jr. South Jordan, UT / Bingham HS90 Kaufusi, Corbin DL 6-9 270 So. Provo, UT / TImpview53 Kaufusi, Isaiah LB 6-2 216 Fr. Cottonwood Heights, UT / Brighton HS49 Kaumatule, Moses DL 6-2 280 So. South Jordan, UT / Bingham HS56 Koroma, Tejan OL 6-0 295 Jr. Allen, TX / Allen HS25 Kruegar, Taggart WR 6-3 190 So. Sammamish, WA / Skyline HS5 Kurtz, Nick WR 6-6 215 Sr. El Cajon, CA / Grossmont College5 Lake, Dayan DB 5-11 200 Fr. Layton, UT / Northridge HS16 Langi, Harvey DL 6-3 252 Sr. South Jordan, UT / Utah73 Lapuaho, Ului OL 6-7 335 Jr. West Valley, UT / Hunter HS48 Laulile, Tomasi DL 6-4 288 Jr. Westlake, CA / Westlake HS1 Laulu-Pututau, Moroni WR 6-4 220 So. Hyrum, UT / Mountain Crest HS22 Lee, Hiva DB 5-8 190 Fr. Ellensburg, WA / Ellensburg HS58 Leiataua, Uriah DL 6-4 250 Fr. Compton, CA / Dominguez HS51 Lesatele, Lene DL 6-2 245 Jr. Artesia, CA / Gahr HS31 Linehan, Jonny P 6-0 203 Jr. Auckland, NZ / Takapuna Grammar15 Livingston, Hayden QB 6-1 193 Fr. Rigby, ID / Rigby HS74 Longson, Kieffer OL 6-7 295 Fr. San Ramon, CA / Dougherty Valley HS83 Lotulelei, Inoke WR 5-9 190 Fr. Midvale, UT / Cottonwood HS12 Mangum, Tanner QB 6-3 215 So. Eagle, ID / Eagle HS96 Marshall, Hunter TE 6-3 242 So. Acworth, GA / Snow College97 Maxwell, Maurice DL 6-4 260 Sr. Las Vegas, NV / Dixie State27 McChesney, Austin DB 6-1 186 Fr. Highland, UT / Lone Peak HS83 Mikkelsen, Andrew K 6-0 200 Jr. Canby, OR / Oregon State50 Mo’unga, Tevita DL 6-3 314 So. Murrieta, CA / Vista Murrieta HS12 Nacua, Kai DB 6-2 215 Sr. Las Vegas, NV / Liberty HS35 Niumatalolo, Va’a LB 6-2 238 Jr. Annapolis, MD / Broadneck HS76 Norman, Keyan OL 6-3 305 Jr. Highland, UT / Southern Utah65 Nwigwe, JJ OL 6-5 280 So. Rockwall, TX / Rockwall-Heath HS39 Oldroyd, Jake P/K 6-1 170 Fr. Southlake, TX / Carroll HS38 Pau’u, Butch LB 6-0 223 So. Anaheim, CA / Servite HS3 Pearson, Colby WR 6-0 203 Sr. Blackfoot, ID / Blackfoot HS44 Pili, Keenan LB 6-2 216 Fr. Provo, UT / Timpview HS98 Pili, Trajan DL 6-2 240 Fr. Las Vegas, NV / Centennial HS45 Pilimai, Alema LB 6-4 215 Fr. Tustin, CA / Tustin HS34 Powell, Riggs DB 6-2 205 So. Aptos. CA / Aptos HS28 Powell, Sawyer DB 6-1 200 Jr. West Richland, WA / Richland HS41 Pulsipher, Adam LB 6-1 227 So. Temecula, CA / Temecula Valley HS72 Pulsipher, Addison OL 6-5 280 Fr. Temecula, CA / Temecula Valley HS86 Richards, Mack WR 6-1 200 Fr. Sandy, UT / Alta HS46 Richardson, Creed RB 6-1 238 Jr. Provo, UT / Timpview HS85 Sampson, Nate TE 6-2 245 Jr. Pleasant Grove, UT / Pleasant Grove HS46 Sandlin, Rhett LB 6-3 245 So. Draper, UT / Alta HS95 Savage, Cody DL 6-6 260 Fr. Lovell, WY / Lovell HS18 Shelton, Michael DB 5-8 180 So. Raleigh, NC / Wakefield HS59 Shoaf, Thomas OL 6-5 280 Fr. Columbus, IN / Columbus HS27 Shumway, Rickey WR 6-2 200 Fr. Provo, UT / Timpview HS82 Shumway, Talon WR 6-3 206 Fr. South Jordan, UT / Lone Peak HS19 Simon, Micah WR 6-1 190 So. Dallas, TX / Bishop Dunne HS57 Sitake-Tanoai, Leroy OL 6-4 325 Fr. Sherman Oaks, CA / Notre Dame HS29 Stewart, Cody DB 6-3 190 Jr. Mesa, AZ / Mountain View HS62 Taele, Logan DL 6-2 296 Sr. Columbus, OH / Dixie HS33 Takenaka, Eric DB 5-10 210 Sr. Salt Lake City, UT / Snow College54 Taliauli, Merrill DL 6-2 309 So. Salt Lake City, UT / East HS92 Tanielu, Handsome* DL 6-2 318 Jr. Waianae, HI / Snow College80 Tanner, Beau WR 6-0 188 So. Gilbert, AZ / Scottsdale CC34 Tanner, Young DB 6-0 190 So. Gilbert, AZ / Phoenix College43 Tapusoa, Johnny LB 5-10 225 Fr. Laie, HI / Kahuku HS94 Tausinga, Kesni DL 6-1 305 Jr. South Jordan, UT / Bingham HS31 Tautu, Sae DL 6-4 245 Sr. Alpine, UT / Lone Peak HS84 Trinnaman, Jonah WR 6-0 190 Jr. Highland, UT / Snow College91 Tuiloma, Travis DL 6-2 295 Sr. Topeka, KS / Washburn Rural HS51 Unga, Morgan LB 6-5 215 So. Ogden, UT / Bonneville HS4 Warner, Fred LB 6-4 230 Jr. San Marcos, CA / Mission Hills HS11 Warner, Troy DB 6-1 194 Fr. San Marcos, CA / Mission Hills HS32 Wilcox, Chris DB 6-2 180 Fr. Fontana, CA / Eleanor Roosevelt HS21 Williams, Jamaal RB 6-2 215 Sr. Fontana, CA / Summit HS99 Wolfgramm, Solomone DL 6-5 282 So. Menlo Park, CA / BYU-Hawaii
2016 BYU FOOTBALL 2016 GAME-BY-GAME STARTERS/SUPERLATIVES/SCORING DRIVES-7
OFFENSIVE STARTERSGAME QB RB RB/WR WR WR/TE WR/TE LT LG C RG RT
ARIZONA HILL WILLIAMS BROWN LAULU-PUTUTAU HIFO BALDERREE EIDE NORMAN KOROMA DAWE LAPUAHOUTAH HILL PEARSON M� JUERGENS LAULU-PUTUTAU HIFO TRINNAMAN EIDE NORMAN KOROMA DAWE LAPUAHOUCLA HILL WILLIAMS BROWN KURTZ PEARSON BALDERREE EIDE NORMAN KOROMA DAWE HOYT
WEST VIRGINIA HILL WILLIAMS BROWN KURTZ M� JUERGENS BALDERREE EIDE NORMAN KOROMA KANUCH SHOAFTOLEDO HILL WILLIAMS M� JUERGENS LAULU-PUTUTAI KURTZ TRINNAMAN EIDE NORMAN KOROMA DAWE SHOAF
MICHIGAN HILL WILLIAMS BROWN KURTZ TRINNAMAN BALDERREE EIDE NORMAN KOROMA KANUCH SHOAFMISSISSIPPI ST HILL WILLIAMS TRINNAMAN KURTZ MARSHALL BALDERREE EIDE NORMAN KOROMA KANUCH SHOAF
BOISE ST HILL CANADA BROWN TRINNMAN PEARSON BALDERREE EIDE NORMAN KOROMA KANUCH HOYTCINCINNATI HILL WILLIAMS TRINNAMAN KURTZ MARSHALL BALDERREE EIDE NORMAN KOROMA KANUCH SHOAF
SUU HILL CANADA TRINNAMAN KURTZ M� JUERGENS LAULU-PUTUTAU EIDE NORMAN KOROMA KANUCH SHOAFUMASS HILL HALL TRINNAMAN KURTZ M� JUERGENS LAULU-PUTUTAU EIDE NORMAN KOROMA KANUCH SHOAFUTAH ST HILL WILLIAMS BROWN KURTZ M� JUERGENS G� JUERGENS EIDE NORMAN KOROMA KANUCH SHOAF
DEFENSIVE STARTERSGAME E N E OE FLB MLB BLB LC FS SS RC
ARIZONA KAUMATULE TALIAULI TAELE LANGI F� WARNER PAU’U BERNARD T� WARNER NACUA HANNEMANN M� DAVISUTAH TAUTU TALIAULI TAELE LANGI F� WARNER PAU’U BERNARD LAKE NACUA HANNEMANN M� DAVISUCLA TAUTU TALIAULI TAELE LANGI F� WARNER PAU’U BERNARD WILCOX HADLEY HANNEMANN M� DAVIS
WEST VIRGINIA KAUMATULE TALIAULI TAELE LANGI F� WARNER PAU’U BERNARD T� WARNER NACUA TAKENAKA M� DAVISTOLEDO TAUTU TALIAULI TAELE LANGI F� WARNER PULSIPHER BERNARD WILCOX NACUA HANNEMANN M� DAVIS
MICHIGAN KAUMATULE TALIAULI TAELE KAUFUSI F� WARNER LANGI BERNARD LAKE NACUA HANNEMANN M� DAVISMISSISSIPPI ST TAUTU TUILOMA TAELE KAUFUSI F� WARNER LANGI BERNARD T� WARNER NACUA HANNEMANN LAKE
BOISE ST TAUTU KAUFUSI TAELE LANGI F� WARNER PAU'U BERNARD T� WARNER NACUA HANNEMANN LAKECINCINNATI TAUTU TANIELU TAELE LANGI F� WARNER PAU'U BERNARD T� WARNER NACUA HANNEMANN LAKE
SUU KAUFUSI TAUSINGA TAELE TAUTU F� WARNER LANGI BERNARD T� WARNER NACUA HANNEMANN LAKEUMASS KAUFUSI TAUSINGA TAELE TAUTU F� WARNER PAU'U BERNARD T� WARNER NACUA HANNEMANN LAKEUTAH ST LANGI TAUSINGA TAELE TAUTU F� WARNER PAU'U BERNARD T� WARNER MACUA HANNEMANN LAKE
2016 BYU SUPERLATIVESOverall record 8-4Current Streak Won 4Home record 5-1Current home streak Won 5Road record 2-2Current road streak Won 1Neutral record 1-1Current neutral streak Lost 1Day games 4-1Current day streak Won 4Night games 4-3Current night streak Won 3Friday games 2-0Current Friday streak Won 5 (2015)BYU wins toss 7-1BYU loses toss 1-3BYU scores first 4-0Opp. scores first 4-4BYU leads after 1Q 2-0BYU trails after 1Q 3-1Tied after 1Q 3-2BYU leads at half 5-0BYU trails at half 2-4Tied at the half 1-0BYU leads after 3Q 6-1BYU trails after 3Q 2-3Tied after 3Q 0-0OT Games 1-0BYU has more yards 6-1Opp. has more yards 2-3BYU has more turnovers 1-1Opp. has more turnovers 4-2Turnovers are equal 3-1Record in September 2-3Streak Won 1Record in October 2-1Streak Lost 1Record in November 4-0Streak Won 6 (2015)Vs. top-25 teams 0-1Streak Lost 2 (2015)Vs. non-ranked teams 8-3Streak Won 5On ESPN 1-1On ESPN2 1-2On ESPNU 1-0On ESPN3 0-0On ESPNWS 0-0On ABC 1-0On NBC 0-0On FOX 0-1On Fox Sports 1-0On CBS Sports 1-0On SEC Network 0-0On BYUtv 2-0
2016 BYU SCORING DRIVES
QTR OPP. SCORING PLAY PLAYS-YDS-TOP2 Arizona Rhett Almond 24-yard field goal 8-45-3:022 Arizona Brayden El-Bakri 1-yard rush (PAT kick from Almond failed) 11-65-5:524 Arizona Colby Pearson 6-yard pass from Taysom Hill (2-point pass failed from Hill) 10-80-4:304 Arizona Jake Oldroyd 33-yard field goal 9-53-1:161 Utah Jake Oldroyd 43-yard field goal 8-3-3:171 Utah Jake Oldyord 42-yard field goal 8-12-2:532 Utah Taysom Hill 39-yard rush (PAT kick from Oldroyd good) 5-80-2:064 Utah Taysom Hill 7-yard rush (2-point run failed from Hill) 13-75-2:293 UCLA Jamaal Williams 1-yard rush (PAT kick from Almond good) 10-75-4:174 UCLA Nick Kurtz 23-yard pass from Taysom Hill (PAT kick from Almond good) 9-91-1:391 WVU Mitchell Juergens 25-yard pass from Taysom Hill (PAT kick from Almond good) 12-78-6:332 WVU Rhett Almond 22-yard field goal 5-55-1:392 WVU Rhett Almond 25-yard field goal 10-43-2:143 WVU Jamaal Williams 7-yard run (2-point pass from Hill failed) 8-57-4:084 WVU Jamaal Williams 3-yard run (2-point pass from Juergens failed) 8-67-2:014 WVU Moroni Laulu-Pututau 18-yard pass from Taysom Hill (PAT kick from Almond good) 9-79-2:011 Toledo Jonah Trinnamann 75-yard pass from Taysom Hill (PAT kick from Almond good) 1-75-0:111 Toledo Jamaal Williams 1-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 7-72-3:001 Toledo Jamaal Williams 2-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 2-13-0:313 Toledo Jamaal Williams 48-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 2-72-0:383 Toledo Jamaal Williams 62-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 6-86-3:084 Toledo Squally Canada 17-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 6-79-2:324 Toledo Rhett Almond 32-yard field goal 11-70-5:304 Toledo Jamaal Williams 14-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 3-21:1:294 Toledo Rhett Almond 19-yard field goal 8-71-1:062 Michigan State Rhett Almond 35-yard field goal 11-31-2:303 Michigan State Colby Pearson 4-yard pass from Taysom Hill (PAT kick from Almond good) 13-73-7:294 Michigan State Taysom Hill 12-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 13-70-5:484 Michigan State Jamaal Williams 8-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 3-32-1:29 4 Michigan State Jamaal Williams 1-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 8-82-2:551 Mississippi State Hunter Marshall 1-yard pass from Taysom Hill (PAT kick from Almond good) 15-75-8:254 Mississippi State Moroni Laulu-Pututau 15-yard pass from Taysom Hill (PAT kick from MIkkelsen good) 12-48-5:011OT Mississippi State Taysom Hill 1-yard run (PAT kick from Mikkelsen good) 7-25-na2OT Mississippi State Tanner Balderree 25-yard pass from Taysom Hill (PAT kick from Almond good) 1-25-na2 Boise State Rhett Almond 35-yard field goal 7-36-2:002 Boise State Fred Warner 59-yard interception return (PAT kick from Almond good) --2 Boise State Dayan Lake 50-yard interception return (PAT kick from Almond good) --3 Boise State Taysom Hill 1-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 8-58-1:574 Boise State Rhett Almond 37-yard field goal 4-1-2:191 Cincinnati Rhett Almond 28-yard field goal 9-52-4:062 Cincinnati Taysom Hill 8-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 13-92-6:083 Cincinnati Squally Canada 1-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 12-70-6:264 Cincinnati Rhett Almond 19-yard field goal 16-60-9:411 Southern Utah Taysom Hill 16-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 2-47-0:271 Southern Utah Nick Kurtz 31-yard pass from Taysom Hill (PAT kick from Almond good) 12-80-6:332 Southern Utah Rhett Almond 28-yard field goal 5-30-2:052 Southern Utah Colby Pearson 21-yard pass from Taysom Hill (PAT kick from Almond good) 7-62-3:442 Southern Utah KJ Hall 2-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 6-82-1:084 Southern Utah Rhett Almond 30-yard field goal 10-50-5:364 Southern Utah Rhett Almond 20-yard field goal 10-56-6:082 UMass KJ Hall 11-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 10-75-3:342 UMass Harvey Langi 5-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 13-86-4:213 UMass Rhett Almond 33-yard field goal 11-53-3:223 UMass Rhett Almond 34-yard field goal 4-2-1:253 UMass Harvey Langi 2-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 5-17-1:483 UMass Francis Bernard 39-yard interception return (Almond kick good) --4 UMass Taysom Hill 5-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 12-54-6:014 UMass Garrett Juergens 7-yard pass from Tanner Mangum (PAT kick from Almond good) 4-36-2:384 UMass Rhett Almond 21-yard field goal 4-4-2:132 Utah State Jamaal Williams 2-yard run (PAT kick from Almond good) 8-90-3:522 Utah State Michael Shelton 52-yard fumble recovery (PAT kick from Almond good) --3 Utah State Mitchel Juergens 10-yard pass from Taysom Hill (Rhett Almond good) 15-75-5:344 Utah State Colby Pearson 5-yard pass from Tanner Mangum (Rhett Almond kick good) 9-38-3:33
OFFENSEQB 12 Tanner Mangum 6-3 215 So. Reserve in 4 games in 2016. Started 12 games in 2015 with 3,377 passing yards & 23 TDs, Freshman of Year by TD Club of Columbus 4 Beau Hoge 6-1 210 So. Has not played this season. Played in 3 games in 2015 with 137 passing yards, 1 TD, 49 rushing yards and 2 TDs on the ground -or- 10 Koy Detmer Jr. 5-10 171 So. Has not played this season. Played in 1 game in 2015 with 57 passing yards. Split scout team QB duties with Beau Hoge
RB 21 Jamaal Williams 6-2 215 Sr. BYU's all-time leading rusher (3,691 yards). 34 career rush TDs. Has 1,165 yards in 2016 despite missing 3 games & part of 2 others w/injury 22 Squally Canada 5-11 205 So. 299 rushing yards this season in relief of Williams. Season-high 88 rushing yards at Boise State. Has played in 11 games this year 20 KJ Hall 5-9 175 Fr. Played in 5 games. Rushed 101 yards vs. UMass. Has 183 rush yards and 78 receiving yards on the year with 2 rushing TDs RB 24 Algernon Brown 6-1 250 Sr. Moved to fullback role in 2016 after leading the team in rushing in 2015 with 709 yards and 11 TDs 16 Harvey Langi 6-3 252 Sr. Could play on both offense and defense. Has 20 carries, 85 yards and 2 TDs. Played running back at Utah as a freshman 35 Brayden El-Bakri 6-0 235 So. A fullback, scored the first TD of the season at Arizona on one of only two carries on the year. Has five receptions for 88 yards
WR 5 Nick Kurtz 6-6 215 Sr. Leads team in receptions (46) and receiving yards (482). Has 2 TDs. Had 39 catches, 578 yards and 3 TDs in 2015. 87 Mitchell Juergens 5-10 184 Sr. 34 receptions, 333 yards and 2 TDs. Twin brother Garrett is a WR and PR. Wuerffel Trophy nominee.
WR 3 Colby Pearson 6-0 203 Sr. Leads team in TD receptions (4). Career-highs in receptions (36) and receiving yards (368). Caught at least 2 passes every game 84 Jonah Trinnaman 6-0 190 Jr. Snow College transfer. Caught 75-yard TD pass against Toledo. Best deep threat on roster. Has 27 receptions for 316 yards 1 Moroni Laulu-Pututau 6-4 220 So. Has 26 receptions for 266 yards and 2 TDs. Multiple receptions in 7 games this season. Also plays inside as flex tight end
TE 89 Tanner Balderree 6-3 250 Jr. Converted DE. Has 12 receptions for 151 yards. Caught game-winning 25-yard TD in double-overtime vs. Mississippi State 96 Hunter Marshall 6-3 242 So. Caught TD against Mississippi State. Has 7 receptions, 66 yards LT 79 Andrew Eide 6-5 301 Sr. Started all 12 games at left tackle in first year at BYU. Graduate transfer from Southern Utah 65 JJ Nwigwe 6-5 280 So. Played in 11 games this year, mostly on special teams
LG 76 Keyan Norman 6-3 305 Jr. Started all 12 games at left guard. In first year at BYU after graduate transfer from Southern Utah. Has one more year of eligibility 70 Jacob Jimenez 6-5 292 So. Played in 3 games this year C 56 Tejan Koroma 6-0 295 Jr. Started 37 games (every game played of career) at center. Pro Football Focus graded as No. 4 center in college football for 2016 55 Quin Ficklin 6-3 280 Jr. Backup center but will also come into game wearing jersey #44 as an extra blocking back. Caught a pass against Michigan State.
RG 78 Tuni Kanuch 6-3 330 Jr. Powerful blocker started 8 games & played in all 12. Was the Utah HS 5A Mr. Football as an offensive lineman at Bingham HS -or- 54 Parker Dawe 6-3 307 Sr. Started 4 games and played in all 12. Can play guard and center. Started 2 games in 2015. Burlsworth Trophy candidate
RT 59 Thomas Shoaf 6-5 280 Fr. Started 8 games at right tackle & played in 10. Took over starting duties after two-year starter Ului Lapuaho was sidelined by injury 71 Austin Hoyt 6-8 300 So. Started 2 games and played in 12 overall this year. Started twice in nine games played as a freshman in 2015
DEFENSEE 16 Harvey Langi 6-3 252 Sr. Started 7 games on the D-line, 3 at middle linebacker and has played 2 games as a running back. Has 41 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 FF -or- 90 Corbin Kaufusi 6-9 285 So. Plays both BYU football & basketball. In first season with football has 25 tackles, 2.5 sacks & TFL, 1 PBU, 2 QB hurries & 2 blocks -or- 49 Moses Kaumatule 6-2 280 So. Played in 11 games, starting 3. Has 5 tackles, 2.5 sacks & TFL, 2 pass breakups and 1 quarterback hurry N 94 Kesni Tausinga 6-1 305 Jr. Played in 11 games, starting in the last 3. 13 tackles. Three-time All-American wrestler in high school at Bingham HS (Utah) -or- 48 Tomasi Laulile 6-4 285 Jr. Played in 8 games, missing action due to injury. Has 3.0 sacks & TFL, 2 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble and a blocked kick -or- 92 Handsome Tanielu 6-2 318 Jr. JC transfer from Snow College in first season at BYU. Has 11 tackles in 11 games played. Started once. Recovered one fumble T 62 Logan Taele 6-2 299 Sr. Started every game as most consistent interior performer. Has 37 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 PBU & 1 FF (BYU returned for TD) 50 Tevita Mo’Unga 6-2 314 So. Played in all 12 games, totaling 11 tackles. Had personal-best 3 tackles in BYU's win at Cincinnati -or- 49 Moses Kaumatule 6-2 280 So. Can play inside or at end. Played in 11 games, with 3 starts at end. Has 5 tackles, 2.5 sacks & TFL, 2 PBU and 1 QB hurry
OE 31 Sae Tautu 6-4 245 Sr. Leads team in TFL and sacks with 10.5 and 6.0. Started 9 games and totaled 47 tackles. Career high 9 tackles at Boise State 98 Trajan Pili 6-2 245 Fr. Played in all 12 games after serving a two-year mission in Jacksonville, Florida. Has 8 tackles, 5.0 TFL and 2.5 sacks FLB 4 Fred Warner 6-4 230 Jr. Started all 12 games. 2nd on team in tackles (76), TFL (9.0), PBU (6) & picks (3) w/59-yard pick-six at Boise St. His 2 FF tops team 51 Morgan Unga 6-4 215 So. Played in all 12 games. Has 5 total tackles, 1.0 TFL and one blocked kick MLB 38 Butch Pau’u 6-0 223 So. 8 tackles/game leads team. Has 72 tackles (3rd on team) in 9 games. Tied BYU record (since 2000) with 19 tackles vs. UCLA 16 Harvey Langi 6-3 252 Sr. Started 7 games on the D-line, 3 at middle linebacker and has played 2 games as a running back. Has 41 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 FF 42 Austin Heder 6-2 240 Sr. Played in 9 games. Has 8 total tackles, including 0.5 sacks and TFL. Teammates voted him most likely to be future U.S. President
BLB 13 Francis Bernard 6-1 240 So. Leads team in tackles with 80. Started all 12 games. Had 16 tackles against Mississippi State. Played running back in 2015 30 Kavika Fonua 6-0 220 So. Saw time in all 12 games as returned missionary sophomore. Has 22 total tackles and 1.0 TFL LC 11 Troy Warner 6-1 195 Fr. Played in 9 games, starting in 8 of those. Has a team-high 7 pass breakups along with 19 tackles. Younger brother of Fred Warner 18 Michael Shelton 5-8 180 So. Played in each of the last 6 games. Returned a fumble 52 yards for a TD against Utah State. Has 5 tackles and a pass breakup -or- 32 Chris Wilcox 6-2 175 Fr. Has 9 tackles in 9 games played this season, including 2 starts with Warner out because of injury FS 12 Kai Nacua 6-2 215 Sr. 13 career interceptions most at BYU since 1992 (T5 all-time). Has 5 this year. Polynesian College Football Player of the Year finalist 2 Matt Hadley 6-0 205 Jr. Played in all 12 games with 25 tackles as reserve at safety & regular on special teams. Season-best 5 tackles vs UCLA & West Virginia 36 Zayne Anderson 6-2 200 So. Played in all 12 games, primarily on special teams. Has 9 tackles and 1 fumble recovery SS 7 Micah Hannemann 6-0 205 Jr. Started in all 11 games played (missed West Virginia). Has 26 tackles, 1 interception & 5 pass breakups. Started at corner in 2015 33 Eric Takenaka 5-10 210 Sr. Played in all 12 games, starting vs West Virginia. Has 18 tackles, 1 pick, 1 fumble recovery & his 2 FF is team best with Fred Warner 25 Tanner Jacobson 5-10 185 So. Transfer from Texas Tech played in all 12 games with 8 tackles and 1 pass breakup. Older brother McKay played receiver for BYU RC 5 Dayan Lake 5-11 200 Fr. Started 8 of 12 games. Recorded a pick-six at Boise State. Had 9 tackles vs. Toledo. Has 44 tackles and 2 interceptions. -or- 15 Michael Davis 6-2 196 Sr. Started 6 of 12 games in regular rotation. Fastest defender has 23 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 FR & 1 pick (returned 40 yards at Mich. State) 3 Isaiah Armstrong 6-2 193 So. Played in 6 games in first year at BYU out of Riverside City College. Has 1 tackle and 1 interception, both against UMass
SPECIAL TEAMSPR 23 Garrett Juergens 5-10 187 Sr. Has 27 punt returns for 151 yards, averaging 8.9 yards per return (30th nationally). Season-long return was 27 against Arizona 87 Mitchell Juergens 5-10 184 Sr. Twin brother of Garrett has one return for 15 yards this year. As receiver has 34 receptions, 333 yards and 2 TDs -or- 7 Micah Hannemann 6-0 205 Jr. Has two returns, averaging 11.5 yards per return. His long return was an 18-yard return in BYU's last game vs. Utah State
KR 88 Aleva Hifo 5-10 180 Fr. 18 kick returns for 374 yards. Tied school record with 8 KRs vs. Toledo (148 yards in that game). 50-yard return vs. West Virginia. 2 Matt Hadley 6-0 205 Jr. 7 returns on the season for a team-best 27.9-yard average return. His long return is 41 yards 84 Jonah Trinnaman 6-0 190 Jr. One kickoff return for 13 yards. As receiver, caught 75-yard TD pass vs. Toledo. Great speed and team's top deep threat 23 Garrett Juergens 5-10 187 Sr. One kickoff return for 23 yards. Has 27 punt returns for 151 yards. Caught first career touchdown as receiver against UMass
KO 16 Corey Edwards 6-0 206 So. Left-footed kickoff specialist. The grand nephew of LaVell Edwards -or- 83 Andrew Mikkelsen 6-0 200 So. Kickoff specialist but can also kick field goals and PATs. 2 for 2 on PATs this year, 0-1 on FG
PK 26 Rhett Almond 6-4 198 So. 16 for 20 on field goals, season-long 37. 36 of 37 on PATs. Made game-winner vs. Toledo (19 yards) 83 Andrew Mikkelsen 6-0 200 So. Played in 8 games as kickoff specialist but has also done some placekicking. 2 for 2 on PATs this year, 0-1 on FG
P 31 Jonny Linehan 6-0 203 Jr. Ray Guy Award watch list. 26 punts inside the 20. Averaging 42.7 yards per punt. 3-time BYU rugby national champion 26 Rhett Almond 6-4 198 So. Has one punt this season, out of own end zone against Utah, and the punt was fumbled and recovered by BYU
H 87 Mitchell Juergens 5-10 184 Sr. Has thrown one pass on a fake field goal resulting in a 9-yard gain to Corbin Kaufusi for a first down. No dropped/fumbled holds 31 Jonny Linehan 6-0 203 Jr. BYU's punter and the backup holder but hasn't had to hold for kicks yet this season
DS 64 Matt Foley 6-1 217 So. Consistent performer who has not had any mishandled snaps this season 52 Mitch Harris 6-4 216 Fr. Played in one game this season against Southern Utah
48.1 The Cougars are 89 of 185 on third down for an average conversion rate of 48.1 percent. The mark is good for No. 13 nationally.
75 Taysom Hill passed Steve Young's mark of 75 career touchdowns responsible for (passing and rushing) with a touchdown pass against Utah State. He has 43 career passing touchdowns and 32 career rushing scores, the combined total good for No. 5 in school history.
94.2 BYU is converting in the red zone (referred to as the blue zone at BYU) at a rate of 94.2 percent - ranked No. 6 in the FBS at getting points inside the 20s. The Cougars have scored on 49 of 52 attempts.
2,399 With 2,399 rushing yards after 12 games, the Cougars are averaging 199.9 yards on the ground per game. Last year, BYU did not reach 1,700 rushing yards, finishing the year with 1,668 after 13 games. It's the most rushing yards for the team since 2013's 3,475.
33:19 BYU is possessing the ball for 33:19 each game, No. 15 nationally. The Cougars have not aver-aged above 30 minutes of possession time since 2012, and not more than a 32-minute average since 2007. BYU held the ball for a season-high 39:54 against Southern Utah.
#1 Moroni Laulu-Pututau, WR, So.Has 266 receiving yards on 26 receptions this season. Also has two touchdown receptions. #20 KJ Hall, RB, Fr.Has 34 carries, 183 yards and two touchdowns this season. Ran for 101 yards against UMass. #22 Squally Canada, RB, So.Has 299 rushing yards this season and two touchdowns. Career-high 88 rushing yards against Boise State.#24 Algernon Brown, RB, Sr.Has 67 receiving yards and 43 rushing yards. Moved into big-back/fullback role for 2016 after leading the team in rushing in 2015. #35 Brayden El-Bakri, RB, So.Posted career highs with four receptions and 69 yards against Southern Utah. Scored first touch-down of the season on a fullback dive at the goal line against Arizona. #56 Tejan Koroma, C, Jr.Has started all 37 games played at center and is on the Rimington Trophy Watch List. Named a Freshman All-American in 2014 and Phil Steele All-Independent team in 2015. Pro Football Focus graded as No. 4 center in college football for 2016.#80 Beau Tanner, WR, So.Caught first career pass at Boise State. Has played in 10 games this season. #84 Jonah Trinnaman, WR, Jr.Recorded three receptions for 20 yards against the T-Birds. Caught a 75-yard touchdown pass on first play of the game against Toledo. Has 27 receptions for 316 yards on the season. #88 Aleva Hifo, WR, Fr.Has 11 receptions on the year for 58 yards. Also has spent time as a kick returner.#89 Tanner Balderree, TE, Jr.Caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime against Mississippi State. Has 12 receptions, 151 yards and one touchdown this season. #96 Hunter Marshall, TE, Jr.Caught first career touchdown against Mississippi State. Has seven receptions for 66 yards.
OTHER OFFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
#21 | JAMAAL WILLIAMS | RB | 6-2 | 215 | SR. | FONTANA, CA | SUMMIT HS
2016 RUSHING STATS RECEIVING STATS
• BYU career leader in rushing yards - 3,691• No. 17 among active FBS running backs in career rushing yards• Five 100-rushing yard games, including four of 160 or more• School-record 286 yards and five touchdowns against Toledo• Has 4,258 career all-purpose yards (No. 6 at BYU)• Averages 5.3 yards per carry in career
CAREER HIGHSRushing Yards 286, Toledo (2016)Att 33, @Virginia (2013)Rushing TD 5� Toledo (2016)Long rush 70,Idaho State (2013)Receptions 7,@Notre Dame (2012)Receiving Yards 76, Oregon State (2012)Receiving TD 1,@Georgia Tech (2012)
• Career highs with 36 receptions, 368 yards and four touchdowns• Has had at least 210 receiving yards the past three years• Caught at least two passes every game this season• A reception in 28 of 40 career games played
CAREER HIGHSReceptions 5, at Boise State (2014)Receiving Yards 109, at Boise State
(2014)Receiving TD 1, eightLong Reception 81, at Boise State (2014)All-Purpose Yards 109, at Boise State
(2014)
GP REC YDS Y/R LNG TD12 36 368 10�2 33 4
#5 | NICK KURTZ | WR | 6-6 | 215 | SR. | EL CAJON, CA | GROSSMONT COLLEGE
RECEIVING STATS
• Named to the CoSida Academic All-District team• Seven receptions for 62 yards vs. Mississippi State• Had six catches for 78 yards against West Virginia• Posted season-high 83 receiving yards against UCLA• Career-best eight receptions against the Bruins• Leads team in receptions and receiving yards• Had 578 receiving yards in 2015
CAREER HIGHS Receptions 8, UCLA (2016)Receiving Yards 123, at Nebraska (2015)Receiving TD 2, twiceLong reception 53, twice
GP EFFIC COMP ATT YDS Y/A PCT LNG INT TD ATT YDS Y/A LNG TD12 116�9 222 372 2323 6�2 59�7 75 11 12 137 603 4�4 39 8
#7 | TAYSOM HILL | QB | 6-2 | 235 | SR. | POCATELLO, ID | HIGHLAND HS
2016 PASSING STATS RUSHING STATS
• A three-time team captain (2014, 15, 16)• 2016 NFF National Scholar-Athlete• Started 33 of 37 games played• 23-10 record as a starting quarterback• Has rushed for at least 40 yards in 27 of 33 career starts• No. 4 in program history with 9,744 yards of total offense• No. 5 at BYU with 75 career combined touchdowns
• Touchdown Club of Columbus Freshman of the Year (2015)• Completed 14 of 18 passes in 2016 for 145 yards and two TDs (4 games)• 11 of 13 for 121 yards against Southern Utah, also rushed for 42 yards• Freshman-record 3,377 passing yards and 23 touchdowns in 2015• 2016 Davey O'Brien and Walter Camp Award watch lists• Has 25 career passing touchdowns and 3,522 yards
THE BYU OFFENSE• IN GOOD COMPANY. Taysom Hill passed Steve Young with 75 combined touchdowns (43 passing,
32 rushing) for 5th all-time at BYU. With 9,744 yards of total offense he passed Jim McMahon (9,723) for 4th in career total offense.
• SCORING BY QUARTER. BYU has scored 58 points in the first quarter, 94 in the second, 75 in the third, 119 in the fourth quarter and 14 in overtime this season. Averaging 9.9 points in the 4th quarter ranks 15th in the FBS. The Cougars have scored in the 4th quarter every game this year.
• BALANCED ATTACK. BYU has 2,369 rushing yards and 2,656 passing yards. With 286 total first downs, 134 have come rushing and 125 have come via the pass (27 via penalties). The Cougars average 199.9 per game on the ground and 206.4 in the air.
• PASS THE POTATO. Out for the bowl game with injury, Pocatello, Idaho native Taysom Hill hands the reigns over to fellow Idahoan, Tanner Mangum. Mangum, from Eagle, is not your average backup however, having started 12 games in 2015, passing for 3,377 yards and 23 touchdowns. Perhaps Mangum will hookup with another Gem State veteran, wideout Colby Pearson, who leads the team in receiving touchdowns.
3 The Cougar defense held the Bearcats out of the end zone with just three points. It is the first time BYU has held a team without a touchdown since 2014 against Savannah State (W, 64-0). It was the first FBS opponent since SDSU in the 2012 Poinsettia Bowl (W, 23-6).
5 Kai Nacua is ranked sixth in the NCAA in total interceptions with five. Nacua has 13 career interceptions, the most by a BYU player since 2000. As a team, the Cougars have 19 inter-ceptions this year, three off the nation's lead (SDSU, 22).
19.4 Opponents are scoring just 19.4 points against BYU this season. The Cougar defense is ranked No. 15 in scoring defense in 2016.
108.4 BYU's run defense is allowing just 108.4 rushing yards per game, good for No. 8 nationally. The Cougars held SUU to just 21 rushing yards, the fewest for any opponent this season and sixth game under 100 yards.
206 BYU gave up just 206 total yards against Michigan State, which was the fewest the Spar-tans had totaled since tallying 187 against No. 13 Nebraska in 2011. The 206 given up by BYU are the fewest the Cougars have allowed in 2016.
#13 Francis Bernard, LB, So.Is first on the team in total tackles with 80. Recorded a career-high 16 tackles vs. Mississippi State. Played running back in 2015 as a freshman and produced 334 yards, seven touchdowns and caught 17 passes for 156 yards and two scores.#31 Sae Tautu, DL, Sr.Had a career-high 9 total tackles with 1 FF, 1 sack and 1 TFL, both for 9 yards, at Boise State. Leads team in TFL (10.5) and sacks (6.0).#5, Dayan Lake, DB, Fr.Played in all 12 games this year as a true fresh-man. Had a career-high 9 tackles against Toledo. Recorded a pick-six at Boise State.#7 Micah Hannemann, DB, Jr.Recorded 46 tackles as starting cornerback in 2015. Switched to safety in spring 2016. Has 26 tackles in 2016. Recorded an interception against Mississippi State.#33 Eric Takenaka, DB, Sr.Has played in 22 games after transerring from Snow College. Recorded 11 tackles in 2015, has 18 so far in 2016. Had his first fumble recovery against UMass.#48 Tomasi Laulile, DL, Jr.Can play inside or end on the defensive line. Has played in 33 career games and has 47 total tackles including 10 for a loss. Picked up a fumble at Utah State in 2015 and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown. #49 Moses Kaumatule, DL, So.Played in 7 games as a redshirt freshman in 2015.Started in three games in 2016 at defensive end. #62 Logan Taele, DL, Sr.Former walk-on has played in 47 career games and has 98 total tackles, including 17.0 tackles for loss. Can play end or inside and has started games at both positions. #90 Corbin Kaufusi, DL, So.Came back to football after two seasons with men’s basketball. In first collegiate game he posted four solo tackles and his first career sack against Arizona. Had a blocked kick at Boise State. Is the younger brother of Baltimore Ravens defensive end Bronson Kaufusi.#92 Handsome Tanielu, DL, Jr.A four-star JC recruit from Snow College, Tanielu has played in 11 games. He has 11 total tackles, one pass breakup, fumble recovery and QBH.
OTHER DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
GP SOLO AST TOT TFL/Y SACKS YDS INT YDS TD FF FR FRYD QBH PBU12 38 7 45 1�5/8 0�0 0 5 42 0 1 2 0 0 1
#12 | KAI NACUA | DB | 6-2 | 215 | SR. | LAS VEGAS | LIBERTY HS
2016 DEFENSIVE STATS
• Polynesian College Football Player of the Year finalist• Recorded a season-high 9 tackles and an interception against
Mississippi State• Has 13 career interceptions, putting him in 1st place at BYU
since 2000• Six interceptions tied for No. 7 nationally in 2015• Returned the 6 picks 137 yards in 2015
CAREER HIGHSTackles 14, @Cal (2014)Solo 9, @Cal (2014)Assisted 5, @Cal (2014)TFL 2, Idaho State (2013)PBU 2, twice INT 3, Boise St� (2015)FF 1, @Boise State
• Started his first game against Arizona• First career sack in win over Arizona• Has had 9 or more tackles in five games this season• Came back from injury against Mississippi State and had 9
tackles, 0.5 TFL• Notched a career-high 19 tackles against UCLA along with 2.5
tackles for loss
CAREER HIGHSTackles 19, UCLASolo 11, UCLAAssisted 8, UCLATFL 2�5, twiceSacks 1�0, vs� ArizonaIntercetions 1, vs� West Virginia
GP SOLO AST TOT TFL/Y SACKS YDS INT YDS FF FR FRYD QBH PBU BLKD9 38 34 72 7�0/18 1�5 11 1 20 1 0 0 1 0 0
#16 | HARVEY LANGI | DL | 6-3 | 252 | SR. | SOUTH JORDAN, UT | UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
• Moved to defensive end position in fall camp but can play inside or outside linebacker and running back
• Had a season-high 8 tackles and one bass breakup vs. Toledo• Second leading tackler on team in 2015• Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent Team 2015• 2016 Butkus Award Candidate• Intercepted UCLA’s Josh Rosen twice in 2015
GP SOLO AST TOT TFL/Y SACKS YDS INT YDS TD FF FR FRYDS QBH PBU12 21 20 41 4�0/13 2�0 8 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1
#4 | FRED WARNER | LB | 6-4 | 230 | JR. | SAN MARCOS, CA | MISSION HILLS HS
• Had an interception against Utah State• Brought in a pick-six at Boise State, second of his career• Had the game-winning pass breakup in 2OT vs. Mississippi
State• Had a career high 14 tackles (9 solo) vs. West Virginia• Four fumble recoveries in 2015 ranked No. 2 nationally• Younger brother Troy is a true freshman defensive back
CAREER HIGHSTackles 14, vs West VirginiaSolo 9, vs West Virginia Assisted 5, three timesTFL 2�5, Wagner (2015)Sacks 2, twice Interceptions 1, five timesPBU 2, twice
2016 DEFENSIVE STATS
GP SOLO AST TOT TFL/Y SACKS YDS INT YDS TD FF FR FRYD QBH PBU12 43 33 76 9�0/30 1�5 10 3 61 1 2 0 0 0 6
#15 | MICHAEL DAVIS | DB | 6-2 | 196 | SR. | GLENDALE, CA | GLENDALE HS
• Had his first career INT at Michigan State along with 1 TFL• Notched 10 pass breakups in 2015 and has 17 for career• 109 career tackles including 90 solo tackles• Originally came to BYU as wide receiver, converted to defense
as freshman• Has played in 45 career games, starting 30 at cornerback
CAREER HIGHSTackles 9, Nevada (2014)Solo 8, Nevada (2014)Assisted 2, three times)TFL 1, three timesSacks 0Intercecptions 1, @ MSU (2016)Pass breakups 4, ECU (2015)
GP SOLO AST TOT TFL/Y SACKS YDS INT YDS FF FR FRYD QBH PBU BLKD12 18 5 23 2�5/3 0�0 0 1 40 0 1 0 0 0 0
2016 DEFENSIVE STATS
2016 DEFENSIVE STATS
THE BYU DEFENSE• SCORING DEFENSE. The BYU defense has held eight opponents to 20 points or less (16, 20, 17, 14, 3, 7, 9,
10). In 2015, the Cougars were able to hold teams to 20 or less five times.• TFL. The Cougars notched at least six tackles for a loss in 12 out of 13 games in 2015 and have 71 total so far
in the 2016 season, including a season-high of nine against Mississippi State. Last season, the Cougars ranked No. 9 nationally with 7.5 tackles for loss per game.
• STAYING POSITIVE. BYU is 59-10 since 2005 with a positive turnover margin. BYU was plus-5 with two picks and three fumble recoveries at Boise State and plus-3 with three picks and three fumble recoveries against Utah. The Cougars recorded a positive turnover margin in seven games in 2015.
• NEW FACES, NEW PLACES. A number of players have shuffled positions with the coaching change to Kalani Sitake. Notable changes include several linebackers transitioning to defensive line positions with more 4-3 elements in the defensive scheme including Harvey Langi moving from mostly playing middle linebacker to de-fensive end. Two offensive players of note jumped to defense, including Francis Bernard moving from running back to linebacker and Akile Davis moving from receiver to cornerback. Micah Hannemann, the starting field corner in 2015 also moved into the middle at one of the safety positions.
2016 BYU FOOTBALL DEFENSIVE NOTES-12
DEFENSIVE PLAYERS SEASON HIGHS/CAREER HIGHS IN A GAME
#2 MATT HADLEY DBTackles 5, twice/7, ECU ‘15Solo 4, UCLA/sameAssisted 4, vs. WVU/sameTFL 0/1, twice
#4 FRED WARNER LBTackles 14, vs. WVU/sameSolo 9, vs. WVU/sameAssisted 5, twice/5, three timesTFL 1.5, twice/2.5, Wag ‘15Sacks 0/2, twicePBU 2, twice/sameINT 1, three/1, six times
#5 DAYAN LAKE DB Tackles 9, Toledo/same Solo 8, Toledo/same Assisted 4, @MSU/same TFL 1.0, SUU/same PBU 1, three/same INT 1, twice/same
#7 MICAH HANNEMANN DBTackles 4, UMass/10, @Mich ‘15Solo 3, twice/5, @Mich ‘15Assisted 2, three/5, @Mich ‘15TFL 0/1, vs. Utah ‘15Sacks 0/1 vs. Utah ‘15INT 1, MState/1, three timesPBU 2, MState/2, four times
DEFENSIVE RECORDS SINCE 2000(Only defensive statistics since 2000 are officially recognized by the NCAA)
Individual Career Sacks 1. 30 Jan Jorgensen (2006-09)2. 27 Bronson Kaufusi (2012-present)3. 26 Kyle Van Noy (2010-13)4. 19 Brady Poppinga (2001-04)5. 12 David Nixon (2003, 06-08)Active leader: 10.5 Sae Tautu
Individual Career Forced Fumbles1. 11 Kyle Van Noy (2010-13) 2. 6 Andrew Rich (2008-10) 6 Aaron Francisco (2001-04)3. 5 Bronson Kaufusi (2012-2015)4. 4 Three players tied with 4Active player: 2 Fred Warner, Eric Takenaka
Individual Career Fumble Recoveries1. 6 Jan Jorensen (2006-09) 6 Shawn Doman (2006-09) 3. 5 Spencer Hadley (2008, 11-13)4. 4 Matt Bauman (2004, 07-09) 4 Brett Denney (2006-09) 4 Fred Warner (2014-present)
Individual Career Interceptions1. 13 Kai Nacua (2013-present)2. 10 Andrew Rich (2008-10)3. 9 Jernaro Gilford (1999, 2001-03)
Individual Season Interceptions1. 6 Kai Nacua (2015) 6 Jernaro Gilford (2001)3 5 Andrew Rich (2010) 5 Kai Nacua (2016)4. 4 4 players tied with 4
Individual Career Pass Breakups1. 22 Daniel Sorensen (2008, 11-13)2. 21 Brian Logan (2009-10)3. 20 Preston Hadley (2011-12)4. 19 Robertson Daniel (2013-14)5. 18 Jernaro Gilford (1999, 2001-03)6. 17 Michael Davis (2013-present)
Individual Season Total Tackles1. 143 Uani Unga (2013)2. 116 Aaron Francisco (2003)3. 113 Kelly Poppinga (2007)4. 110 Andrew Rich (2010)5. 108 Matt Bauman (2008)Current leader: 80 Francis Bernard
Individual Career Total Tackles1. 330 Aaron Francisco (2001-04)2. 294 Cameron Jensen (2004-06)3. 275 David Nixon (2003, 06-08)4. 267 Paul Walkenhorst (2000-05)5. 245 Brandon Ogletree (2009-12)Active leader: 167 Fred Warner
2.6 BYU's opponents are getting an average punt return of just 2.6 yards. That ranks No. 8 nationally. The Cougars have allowed a total of just 37 return yards and only allowed 14 punts returned the whole season.
5 Jonny Linehan and the special teams pinned five punts inside the 20 at Boise State, a career high for the senior punter. He has 26 punts dropped inside the 20 this year.
9 The longest punt return given up by BYU special teams this season is just nine yards. It was by Utah's Boobie Hobbs.
76% BYU is 19 of 25 on field goals so far in 2016. The Cougars made 82.4 percent of their field goals in 2015, tied for 25th in the nation.
18.45 BYU's kick cover team has also been stellar, allowing an average of just 18.45 yards per return, ranked No. 22 nationally.
#2 Matt Hadley, KR, Jr.Has seven returns for 195 yards, averaging 27.9 yards per return. His career long return went for 41 yards. #16 Corey Edwards, KO, So.One of three kickoff specialists, has seen the most action. He has 53 kickoffs, averaging 61.8. Kicked off eight times for 514 yards against Toledo.The lefty had seven kickoffs over three games last season for 395 yards, averaging 56.4 yards with one touchback.#83 Andrew Mikkelsen, K, So.Kicked off three times at Cincinnati for 194 yards, averaging 64.7. In 2014, he played in 11 games and kicked off 72 times. He averaged 59.1 yards.#7, Micah Hannemann, PR/DB, Jr.Returned two punts for 23 yards against Utah State. Had 11 punt returns in 2015.#84 Jonah Trinnaman, KR, Jr.A 2015 NJCAA First Team All-America selection as a return specialist at Snow College. Picked up first BYU kick return of 11 yards against Arizona. Returned 17 kickoffs for 33.9 yards per return at Snow in 2015. Has returned one kickoff for 13 yards in 2016.#87 Mitchell Juergens, PR, Sr.Twin brother of Garrett Juergens. Has returned one punt in 2016 for 15 yards. Spent time as a kick returner and punt returner in 2014. Had five kickoffs for 112 yards and nine punt returns for 60 yards.#64 Matt Foley, LS, So.Played in all 13 games as the primary long snap-per in 2015.
• Tied school record with 8 kick returns against Toledo• Had 148 kick return yards against the Rockets• Season high 50-yard kick return against West Virginia• Averaging 20.8 yards per return
• No. 30 nationally in punt return average (8.9)• Longest punt return was 27 yards against Arizona• Averaged 17.0 yards per return in 2015• Also saw time as a kick returner• Switched from defensive back to wide receiver in 2016
Grad. Asst. (Defense) Jan Jorgensen (Booth)Grad. Asst. (Defense) Vince Feula (Booth)Grad Asst. (Offense) JD Falslev (Booth)Grad Asst. (Offense) Harvey Unga (Booth)
Kalani Sitake (pronounced kah-lah-nee see-tah-kay) was named head coach overseeing the BYU football program on December 19, 2015, by director of athlet-ics Tom Holmoe.
Sitake is the 14th head coach in BYU history. He came to BYU from Oregon State, where he served as assis-tant head coach and defensive coordinator.
A former Cougar running back (1994, 1997-2000), Sitake returned to his alma mater with 15 years of coaching experience, including seven years a defen-sive coordinator and four seasons as an assistant head coach.
Prior to serving as assistant head coach and de-fensive coordinator at Oregon State in 2015, Sitake spent 10 seasons at the University of Utah. He started at Utah in 2005 as the linebackers coach and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2009 before also being named assistant head coach in 2012.
Sitake has coached several Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference honorees, including Morris Trophy winners Star Lotulelei (2011) and Nate Orchard (2014). He also helped mentor 14 NFL Draft picks during his time at Utah, including 12 all-league players and three freshmen All-Americans. He helped the Utes win seven of eight bowl games during his tenure.
Sitake began his coaching career in 2001 as the defensive backs and special teams coach at Eastern Arizona before becoming a defensive graduate assistant at BYU in 2002. Sitake then joined the staff at Southern Utah where he coached running backs, tight ends and offensive line during the 2003 and 2004 seasons.
Born in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, and raised in Laie, Hawai’i and Provo, Utah, Sitake becomes the first FBS head football coach of Tongan descent. He is the 14th head coach in BYU history, and just the fourth since 1972, when Hall of Fame coach LaVell Edwards took over the program.
Sitake began his BYU playing career in 1994 prior to serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Oakland, California. After returning and redshirting in 1997, Sitake was a three-year starter at fullback for the Cougars from 1998-2000 under Edwards.
He was named BYU’s Football Scholar Athlete of the Year in 1998, Impact Player of the Year in 1999, along with team captain and the most valuable running back in 2000. He signed a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001, but was forced to retire due to an injury.
Sitake graduated from BYU in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in English. He and his wife Timberly have three children, Skye, Sadie and Kelaokalani (KK).
Notables• 13 All-Conference players at Oregon State and Utah• 14 NFL Draft picks• 3 Freshmen All-Americans• Won 7 of 8 bowl games at Utah NFL Draft Picks coached by Sitake• Star Lotulelei (1st Rd, Carolina)• Koa Misi (2nd Rd, Miami)• Eric Rowe (2nd Rd, Philadelphia)• Nate Orchard (2nd Rd, Cleveland)• Jeremiah Poutasi (3rd Rd, Tennessee)• Keith McGill (4th Rd, Oakland)• Robert Johnson (5th Rd, Tennessee)• Stevenson Sylvester (5th Rd, Pittsburgh)• Brandon Burton (5th Rd, Minnesota)• Spencer Toone (5th Rd, Tennessee)
• Kaelin Clay (6th Rd, Tampa Bay)• R.J. Stanford (7th Rd, Carolina)• Joe Kruger (7th Rd, Philadelphia)• Trevor Reilly (7th Rd, New York Jets)
• Playing Career• 1994, 97-2000 BYU fullback• Team captain 2000• Signed with Cincinnati Bengals in 2001
• Education/Family• Bachelor of Arts - English (2000)• Married to Timberly Friddle• 3 children: Skye, Sadie, Kelaokalani• Birthplace: Nuku’alofa, Tonga• Hometown: Laie, Hawai’i/Provo, Utah• LDS Mission: Oakland, California
SITAKE COACHING EXPERIENCE
2016 BYU Head Coach
2015 Oregon State Assistant HC/DC
2012-14 UtahAssistant HC/DC/Linebackers
2009-12 UtahDef. Coordinator/LB
2005-08 Utah Linebackers
2004 Southern Utah Offensive Line/TE
2003 Southern UtahRunning Backs/TE
2002 BYU GA-Defense
2001 Eastern ArizonaDefensive Backs/Sp. Teams
KALANI SITAKE HEAD COACH YEARS AT BYU1st year at BYUYEARS OVERALL1st year as head coach, over 15 years in coaching
2016 BYU FOOTBALL THE LAST TIME . . . (OFFENSE)-15
TEAM OFFENSESCORED 70 POINTS OR MORE:BYU: 2015, vs. Wagner (W, 70-6)Opp: 2001, vs. Hawai`i (L, 72-45)
SCORED DOUBLE-DIGITS EVERY QUARTER:BYU: 2015, 10, 14,14, 13 (W, 51-28)Opp: 2007, 14, 17, 14, 10 at Tulsa (L, 47-55)
DID NOT SCORE A TOUCHDOWN:BYU: 2015, at Michigan (L, 31-0)Opp: 2016, at Cincinnati (W, 20-3)
TOTAL OFFENSE 600 YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 2015, 741 vs. Wagner (W, 70-6)Opp: 2016, 692 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)
TOTAL OFFENSE 500-599 YARDS:BYU: 2016, 596 vs. SUU (W, 37-7)Opp: 2016, 571 at Boise State (L, 28-27)
TOTAL OFFENSE 200 YARDS OR LESS:BYU: 2015, 105 at Michigan (L, 31-0) Opp: 2016, 200 vs. Utah State (W, 28-10)
PASSING 500 YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 2007, 537 at Tulsa (L, 47-55)Opp: 2016, 505 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)
PASSING 400-499 YARDS:BYU: 2016, 441 vs. SUU (W, 37-7)Opp: 2016. 442 at Boise State (W, 28-27)
PASSING 300-399 YARDS:BYU: 2015, 315 vs. Utah (L, 35-28)Opp: 2015, 385 vs. ECU (W, 45-38)
PASSING 51-100 YARDS:BYU: 2015, 55 at Michigan (L, 31-0)Opp: 2012, 40 at Georgia Tech (W, 41-17)
PASSING 50 YARDS OR LESS:BYU: 2003, 41 vs. Utah (L, 3-0)Opp: 2015, 46 vs. Wagner (W, 70-6)
PASSING 10 COMPLETIONS OR LESS:BYU: 2012, 8 at Boise State (L, 7-6)Opp: 2015, 8 vs. Wagner (W, 70-6)
PASSING 5 TOUCHDOWNS OR MORE:BYU: 2012, 6 at New Mexico State (W, 50-14)Opp: 2008, 5 at Utah (L, 48-24)
RUSHING 300 YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 2016, 338 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)Opp: 2010, 409 at Air Force (L, 14-35)
RUSHING 200-299 Yards:BYU: 2016, 246 vs. UMass (W, 51-9)Opp: 2015, 202 at Utah State (W, 51-28)
RUSHING 51-100 YARDS:BYU: 2015, 76 vs. Utah (L, 35-28)Opp: 2016, 97 vs. Utah State (W, 28-10)
RUSHING 50 YARDS OR LESS:BYU: 2016, 23 vs. UCLA (L, 17-14)Opp: 2016, 40 vs. UMass (W, 51-9)
RUSHING ZERO YARDS OR LESS:Opp: 2012, minus-5 vs. WSU (W, 30-6)
RUSHING 60 ATTEMPTS OR MORE:BYU: 2014, 62 vs Houston (W, 33-25)Opp: 2010, 65 at Air Force (L, 14-35)
RUSHING 50-59 ATTEMPTS:BYU: 2016, 54 vs. Utah State (W, 28-10)Opp: 2015, 55 at Missouri (L, 20-16)
RUSHING 4 TOUCHDOWNS OR MORE:BYU: 2016, 4 vs. UMass (W, 51-9)Opp: 2015, 6 vs. Wagner (W, 70-6)
FIRST DOWNS 30 OR MORE:BYU: 2016, 33 vs. SUU (W, 37-7)Opp: 2016, 33 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)
FIRST DOWNS 10 OR LESS:BYU: 2015, 8 at Michigan (L, 31-0)Opp: 2016, 7 vs. SUU (W, 37-7)
THIRD-DOWN CONVERSION 70% OR MORE:BYU: 2011, 71% (10/14) vs. New Mexico St (W, 42-7)Opp: 2005, 78% (7/9) at Wyoming (W, 35-21)
THIRD-DOWN CONVERSION 75% OR MORE:BYU: 2011, 79% (11/14) at Oregon State (W, 38-28)Opp: 2005, 78% (7/9) at Wyoming (W, 35-21)
THIRD-DOWN CONVERSION 80% OR MORE:BYU: 2015, 89% vs. Wagner (W, 70-6)
THIRD-DOWN CONVERSION 90% OR MORE:BYU: 2010, 92% (12/13) vs. Colorado State (W, 49-10)
INDIVIDUAL OFFENSEALL-PURPOSE 200-299 YARDS:BYU: 2016, J. Willias 286 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)Opp: 2016, J. McNichols 249 at Boise State (L, 28-27)
ALL-PURPOSE 300 YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 2007, A. Collie 366 at Tulsa (L, 47-55)
ALL-PURPOSE 2 PLAYERS 100 YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 2016, J. Williams 180 & T. Hill 101 vs. West Virginia (L, 35-32)Opp: 2016, T. Green 120 & D. Gray 105 at Cincinnati (W, 20-3)
ALL-PURPOSE 3 PLAYERS 100 YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 2014, M. Mathews 120, 116 P. Lasike, J. Leslie 101 vs. UNLV (W, 42-23)Opp: 2014, S. Williams-Rhodes 108, J. McNichols 128, J. Ajayi 144, T. Sperbeck 148, at Boise State (L, 55-30)
TOUCHDOWNS SCORED 4 OR MORE IN AQUARTER:BYU: 1952, D. Felt (4 rushing) at San Jose State(L, 44-27) NCAA Record
TOUCHDOWNS SCORED 4 OR MORE IN A HALF:BYU: 2010, L. Ashworth (4 receiving) at CSU (W, 49-10)*
INDIVIDUAL PASSINGPASSING 600 YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 1993, J. Walsh 619 at Utah State (L, 56-58)Opp: Never
PASSING 500-599 YARDS:BYU: 2007, M. Hall 537 at Tulsa (L, 55-47)Opp: 2016, L. Woodside 505 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)
PASSING 400-499 YARDS:BYU: 2014, C. Stewart 408 vs. NEV (L, 42-35)Opp: 2016, B. Rypien 442 @ Boise State (L, 28-27)
PASSING NO TOUCHDOWNS:BYU: 2016, T. Hill vs. UMass (W, 51-9)Opp: 2016, K. Myers vs. Utah State (W, 28-10)
PASSING 25-29 COMPLETIONS:BYU: 2016, T. Hill 26 vs. UCLA (L, 17-14)Opp: 2016, A. Ford 27 vs. UMass (W, 51-9)
PASSING 30-39 COMPLETIONS:BYU: 2015, T. Mangum 35 vs. UConn (W, 30-13) Opp: 2016, L. Woodside 30 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)
PASSING 40-49 COMPLETIONS:BYU: 2005, J. Beck 41 vs. Boston College (L, 3-20)
PASSING 50-59 ATTEMPTS:BYU: 2015, T. Mangum 53 vs. UConn (W, 30-13) Opp: 2014, J. Holman 51 at UCF (L, 31-24)
PASSING 60 ATTEMPTS OR MORE:BYU: 2014, C. Stewart 63 vs. NEV (L, 42-35)
PASSING 3 TOUCHDOWNS:BYU: 2016, T. Hill vs. Mississippi State (W, 28-21)Opp: 2016, B. Rypien vs. Boise State (L, 28-27)
PASSING 4 TOUCHDOWNS:BYU: 2015, Tanner Mangum 4, at Utah State (W 51-28)Opp: 2014, P. Lynch 4 vs. Memphis (L, 55-48 2OT)
PASSING 5 TOUCHDOWNS:BYU: 2012, J. Lark 6 at New Mexico State (W, 50-14) Opp: 2016, L. Woodside 5 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)
PASSING 6 TOUCHDOWNS:BYU: 2012, J. Lark 6 at New Mexico State (W, 50-14)
PASSING 7 TOUCHDOWNS OR MORE:BYU: 2008, M. Hall 7 vs. UCLA (W, 59-0)
NON-QB PASSING TOUCHDOWN:BYU: 2015, R. Peck 15-yard to T. Houk vs. Fresno State (W 52-10)
INDIVIDUAL RECEIVINGRECEIVING 150-199 YARDS:BYU: 2015, M. Juergens 172 vs. Boise State (W, 35-24) Opp: 2016, J. Johnson 182, C. Thompson 161 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)
RECEIVING 200 YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 2008, D. Pitta 213 vs. Northern Iowa (W, 41-17)
RECEIVING 10-14 RECEPTIONS:BYU: 2015, M. Juergens 10 vs. UConn (W, 30-13)Opp: 2015, I. Jones 10 vs. ECU (W, 45-38)
RECEIVING 15 RECEPTIONS OR MORE:BYU: 2014, M. Mathews 16 vs. NEV (L, 42-35)
10 RECEIVERS WITH AT LEAST 1 CATCH:BYU: 2016, 12 vs. SUU (W, 37-7)Opp: 2016, 10 vs. West Virginia (L, 35-32)
RECEIVING 3 TOUCHDOWNS:BYU: 2013, Mitch Mathews 3 at Utah State (W, 31-14)Opp: 2016, J. Johnson 3 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)
RECEIVING 4 TOUCHDOWNS OR MORE:BYU: 2012, C. Hoffman 5 at New Mexico State (W, 50-14)
RECEIVING 50-69 YARD TOUCHDOWN:BYU: 2015, N. Kurtz 53 yards from T. Mangum vs. Cincin-nati (W, 38-24)Opp: 2013, D. Daniels 61 yards from T. Rees at Notre Dame (L, 23-13)
RECEIVING 70-79 YARD TOUCHDOWN:BYU: 2016, J. Trinnaman 75 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)Opp: 2016, B. Davis 70 vs. UMass (W, 51-9)
RECEIVING 80 YARD or more TOUCHDOWN:BYU: 2015, M. Juergens 84 vs. Boise State (W, 35-24)
RECEIVING TWO 100-YARD RECEIVERS:BYU: 2015, D. Blackmon 105, M. Juergens 172 vs. Boise State (W, 35-24) Opp: 2016, T. Sperbeck 109, J. McNichols 109 @ Boise State (L, 28-27)
INDIVIDUAL RUSHINGRUSHING 20-29 CARRIES:BYU: 2016, J. Williams 25 at Cincinnati (W, 20-3)Opp: 2016, A. Williams 21 vs. Mississippi State (W, 28-21)
RUSHING 30-34 CARRIES:BYU: 2016, J. Williams 30 at Michigan State (W, 31-14)Opp: 2016, J. McNichols 20 @ Boise State (L, 28-27)
RUSHING 35 CARRIES OR MORE:BYU: 1976, J. Blanc 36 vs. Wyoming (L, 29-34)Opp: 2003, J. Jones 35 at Notre Dame (L, 33-14)
RUSHING 100-149 YARDS:BYU: 2016, J. Williams 131 vs. Utah State (W, 28-10)Opp: 2016, J. McNichols 147 @ Boise State (L, 28-27)
RUSHING 150-199 YARDS:BYU: 2016, J. Williams 163 at Michigan State (W, 31-14)Opp: 2016, K. Hunt 146 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)
RUSHING 200 YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 2016, J. Williams 286 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)Opp: 2015, P. Perkins 220 at UCLA (L, 24-23)
RUSHING TWO 100-YARD RUSHERS:BYU: 2016, J. Williams 170 & T. Hill 101 vs. West Virginia (L, 35-32)Opp: 2012, Riddick 143 & C. Wood 114 at Notre Dame (L, 17-14)
2016 BYU FOOTBALL THE LAST TIME . . . (DEFENSE, SPEC. TEAMS, GENERAL)-16
RUSHING 5 TOUCHDOWNS OR MORE:BYU: 2016, J. Williams 5 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)
RUSHING 4 TOUCHDOWNS:BYU: 2005, C. Brown 4 vs. Air Force (W, 62-41)Opp: 2002, C. Harridge 4 Air Force (L, 52-9)
RUSHING 3 TOUCHDOWNS:BYU: 2015, A. Brown 3 vs. ECU (W, 45-38)Opp: 2014, P. Lynch 3 vs. Memphis (L, 55-48 2OT)
RUSHING 50-69-YARD TOUCHDOWN:BYU: 2016, J. Williams 62 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)Opp: 2015, C. Keeton 52 at Utah State (W 51-28)
RUSHING 70-YARD TOUCHDOWN OR MORE:BYU: 2015, N. Carter 72 yards vs. Wagner (W, 70-6)Opp: 2011, P. McCarty 82 yards vs. Idaho (W, 42-7)
TEAM DEFENSETACKLES 90-99:BYU: 2013, 96 vs. Boise State (W, 37-20)Opp: 2016, 93 at Cincinnati (W, 20-3)
TACKLES 100 OR MORE:BYU: 2009, 110 vs. Air Force (W, 38-21)Opp: 2013, 117 at Houston (W, 47-46)
TACKLES 3 WITH DOUBLE-DIGITS:BYU: 2013, U. Unga 17, S. Hadley 12, A. Fua 12 vs. Boise State (W, 37-20)Opp: 2014, J. McNeal 11, C. Garrett 10, E. Mitchell 10 vs. NEV (L, 42-35)
TACKLES 4 WITH DOUBLE-DIGITS:BYU: 2009, Denney 13, Johnson 11, Doman 11,Jorgensen 10 vs. Air Force (W, 38-21)Opp: 2013, Oliphant 16, Taylor 15, McDonald 13, Mathews 12, Stewart 10, McMillian 10 at HOU (W, 47-46)
SACKS 5 OR MORE:BYU: 2016, 5 vs. UMass (W, 51-9)Opp: 2014, 6 vs. NEV (L, 42-35)
TURNOVERS CAUSED 4-5:BYU: 2016, 5 at Boise State (L, 28-27)Opp: 2014, 4 vs. Memphis (L, 55-48 2OT)
TURNOVERS CAUSED 6 OR MORE:BYU: 2016, 6 at Utah (L, 19-20)Opp: 2011, 7 vs. Utah (L, 54-10)
INTERCEPTIONS 4 OR MORE:BYU: 2006, 4 vs. UNLV (W, 52-7)Opp: 2008, 5 at Utah (L, 24-48)
FUMBLES RECOVERED 3-4:BYU: 2016, 3 at Boise State (L, 28-27)Opp: 2014, 3 vs. NEV (L, 42-35)
FUMBLES RECOVERED 5 OR MORE:Opp: 2011, 6 vs. Utah (L, 54-10)
FUMBLES FORCED 5 OR MORE:BYU: 2008, 5 vs. Northern Iowa (W, 41-17)Opp: 2011, 7 vs. Utah (L, 54-10)
SCORED A DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNBYU: 2016, fumble return vs. Utah State (W, 28-10)Opp: 2016, INT return vs. West Virginia (L, 35-32)
SCORED TWO DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNSBYU: 2016, 2 INT returns at Boise State (L, 27-27)Opp: 2015, 2 INT returns vs. Utah (L, 35-28)
RETURNED AN INT FOR A TOUCHDOWNBYU: 2016, vs. Boise State (W, 51-9)Opp: 2016, vs. West Virginia (L, 35-32)
RETURNED TWO INTS FOR TOUCHDOWNSBYU: 2016, Fred Warner & Dayan Lake at Boise State (L, 28-27)Opp: 2015, T. Carter & D. Hatfield vs. Utah (L, 35-28)
FUMBLE RECOVERY/RETURN FOR TDBYU: 2016, vs. Utah State (W, 28-10)Opp: 2012, at Utah (L, 24-21)
SAFETY WAS SCORED:BYU: 2014, vs. SSU (W, 64-0)Opp: 2013, at Houston (W, 47-46)
INDIVIDUAL DEFENSETACKLES 15 OR MORE:BYU: 2016, F. Bernard 16 vs. Mississippi State (W, 28-21)Opp: 2014, T. Plummer 17 at UCF (L, 31-24)
TACKLES FOR LOSS 4 OR MORE:BYU: 2015, B. Kaufusi 4 vs. Fresno State (W 52-10)Opp: 2014, T. Plummer 4.5 at UCF (L, 31-24)
SACKS 2:BYU: 2016, T. Laulile 2 vs. SUU (W, 37-7)Opp: 2014, J. Dillon 2 vs. Memphis (L, 55-48 2OT)
SACKS 3:BYU: 2015, B. Kaufusi 3 vs. Fresno State (W 52-10)Opp: 2014, M. Brown 3 at Texas (W, 41-7)
SACKS 4 OR MORE:BYU: 1999, S. Gali 4 vs. New Mexico (W, 31-7)Opp: 2008, J. Hughes 4 vs. TCU (L, 32-7)
INTERCEPTION RETURNED FOR A TD:BYU: 2016, F. Bernard vs. UMass (W, 51-9) Opp: 2016, R. Douglas vs. West Virginia (L, 35-32)
INTERCEPTIONS 2:BYU: 2016, K. Nacua at Utah (L, 19-20)Opp: 2016, S. Tauteoli at Utah (L, 19-20)
INTERCEPTIONS 3 OR MORE:BYU: 2015, K. Nacua vs. Boise State (W, 35-24) FUMBLE WAS RETURNED FOR A TD:BYU: 2016, M. Shelton vs. Utah State (W, 28-10)Opp: 2012, M. Lee at Utah (L, 24-21)
FUMBLE FORCED 2:BYU: 2015, B. Kaufusi 2 at Missouri (L, 20-16)Opp: 2012, K. Smith 2 at San Jose State (L, 20-14)
FUMBLE RECOVERIES 3 OR MORE:BYU: 2005, J. Luettgerodt at Wyoming (W, 35-21)
SPECIAL TEAMSSCORED 15 OR MORE POINTS KICKING:BYU: 2013, J. Sorensen 16 vs. Texas (W, 40-21)Opp: 2014, I. Frye 15 vs. UVa (W, 41-33)
FIELD GOAL 40-49 YARDS:BYU: 2016, J. Oldroyd 42, 43 at Utah (L, 19-20)Opp: 2016, J. Vest 40 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)
FIELD GOAL 50 YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 2006, J. McLaughlin 53 yards at Air Force (W, 33-14)Opp: 2013, J. Elliott 53 yards vs. Memphis (L, 55-48 2OT)
FIELD GOAL BLOCK:BYU: 2016, C. Kaufusi vs. SUU (W, 37-7)Opp: 2016, D. Moa at Boise State (L, 28-27)
FIELD GOAL BLOCKED FOR A TOUCHDOWN:BYU: 2001, R. Denney at SDSU (W, 59-21)
FIELD GOALS 4 OR MORE CONVERTED:BYU: 2013, J. Sorensen 4 vs. Texas (W, 40-21)Opp: 2014, I. Frye 4 vs. UVa (W, 41-33)
FIELD GOAL GAME-WINNING:BYU: 2016, vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)Opp: 2006, at Arizona (L, 16-13)
PAT 10 OR MORE CONVERTED:BYU: 2001, M. Payne 10 vs. Tulane (W, 70-35)2015, T. Samson 10 vs. Wagner (W, 70-6)
BLOCKED A PAT:BYU: 2015, L. Taele, vs. Wagner (W 70-6)Opp: 2012, B. Yap vs. Hawaii (W, 47-0)
TWO-POINT PAT WAS CONVERTED:BYU: 2011, R. Nelson vs. TCU (L, 38-28)Opp: 2016, Roberts pass Woodside, Toledo (W 55-53)
KICKOFF RETURN TEAM 150 YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 2011, 167 vs. TCU (L, 38-28)Opp: 2014, 166 vs. Memphis (L, 55-48 2OT)
KICKOFF RETURN 100 TOTAL YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 2016, A. Hifo 148 vs. Toledo (W, 55-53)Opp: 2015, D. Fuller 114 at UCLA (L, 24-23)
KICKOFF RETURN 50-99 YARDS:BYU: 2016, A. Hifo 50 vs. West Virginia (L, 35-32)Opp: 2016, R. Shelton 69 at Michigan State (W, 31-14)
KICKOFF RETURN 100 YARDS:BYU: 1996, J. Dye vs. UTEP (W, 40-18)
KICKOFF RETURN FOR A TOUCHDOWN:BYU: 2014, A. Hine vs. UVa (W, 41-33)Opp: 2013, J. Ross vs. Washington (L, 31-16)
PUNT RETURN TEAM 100 YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 2013, 107 vs. Mid. Tenn. (W, 37-10)
PUNT RETURN FOR A TD:BYU: 2013, J. Falslev vs. MTSU (W, 37-10)Opp: 2001, C. Owens at Hawai`i (L, 72-45)
PUNT WAS BLOCKED:BYU: 2016, by M. Unga vs. UMass (W, 51-9)Opp: 2015, by T. HIcks vs. ECU (W, 45-38)
PUNT BLOCKED FOR A TOUCHDOWN:BYU: 2004, by G. Lovely at Air Force (W, 41-24)Opp: 2015, by T. HIcks (rec. by Y. Bowden for TD) vs. ECU (W, 45-38)
PUNT 60-69 YARDS:BYU: 2016, J. Linehan 62 vs. Mississippi State (W, 28-21)Opp: 2015, S. Geraci 61 vs. Cincinnati (W, 38-24)
PUNT 70-79 YARDS:BYU: 2015, J. Linehan 77 at Nebraska (W, 33-28.Opp: 2011, T. Campbell 73 at Ole Miss (W, 14-13)
PUNT 80 YARDS OR MORE:BYU: 2014, S. Arellano 81 at Middle Tennessee (W, 27-7)
PUNT AVERAGE 50 OR MORE (min. 3):BYU: 2015, J. Linehan 51.0 at Nebraska (W, 33-28)Opp: 2014, A. Vozenilek 50.7 vs. UVa (W, 41-33)
DID NOT PUNT DURING ENTIRE GAME:BYU: 2011, vs. San Jose State (W, 29-16)
GENERALDEFEATED A RANKED OPPONENT:BYU: 2015, vs. No. 20 Boise State (W, 35-24)Opp: 2015, at Michigan (L, 31-0)
THE LAST TIME OVERTIME WAS PLAYED:BYU: 2016, vs. Mississippi State (W, 28-21 2OT)
TEAM WAS AHEAD AT HALF AND LOST:BYU: 2015, at UCLA (ahead 10-3, lost 24-23) Opp: 2016, vs. Mississippi State (ahead 14-7, lost 28-21)
SHUTOUT BY OPPONENT IN FIRST HALF:BYU: 2015, at Michigan (L, 31-0)Opp: 2016, vs. Arizona (W 18-16)
SHUTOUT BY OPPONENT IN SECOND HALF:BYU: 2015, at Michigan (L, 31-0)Opp: 2016, vs. Utah State (W, 28-10)
SHUTOUT BY OPPONENT:BYU: 2015, at Michigan (L, 31-0)Opp: 2014, Savannah State (W 64-0)
PENALTIES 10 OR MORE:BYU: 2016, 10 at Utah (L, 19-20)Opp: 2016, 11 vs. Utah State (W, 28-10)
PENALTY YARDS 100 OR MORE:BYU: 2016, 112 at Utah (L, 19-20)Opp: 2014, 105 vs USU (L, 35-20)
PENALTIES 1 OR LESS:BYU: 2010, vs. Nevada (L, 13-27)Opp: 2011, vs. Tulsa (W, 24-21)
NO TURNOVERS:BYU: 2016, at Boise State (L, 28-27)Opp: 2015, vs. Utah (L 35-28)
TIME OF POSSESSION 40 MINUTES OR MORE:BYU: 2015, 40:37 at UCLA (L, 24-23)Opp: 2014, 40:55 vs. UVa (W, 41-33)
2015 BYU FOOTBALL BYU BOWL HISTORY-17
SEASON BOWL OPPONENT RESULT RUSH ATT RUSH YDS RUSH TD PASS ATT PASS COMP PASS YDS PASS TD INT TOTAL YDS
1974 FIESTA OKLAHOMA STATE L 16-6 36 130 0 31 15 181 0 3 311
1976 TANGERINE OKLAHOMA STATE L 49-21 26 46 1 34 23 209 1 4 255
1978 HOLIDAY NAVY L 23-16 33 74 1 34 16 181 1 2 255
2015 LAS VEGAS UTAH L 35-28 47 126 3 16 9 71 0 0 197
TOTAL 34 GAMES 30 OPPONENTS 13-20-1 1,571 6,430 71 857 444 5,748 38 31 12,178
BYU BOWL HISTORY - OPPONENT STATISTICS (records in bold)
2016 BYU FOOTBALL BOWL RECORDS/NOTES-18
BYU BOWL NOTES
• BYU has been to 35 bowls, including this year. The last time BYU played in the Poinsettia Bowl was 2012. The Cougars defeated San Diego State 23-6.
• The Cougars have been to 12 consecutive bowl games, one of just eight teams with a current streak of 12 games or longer and only six with a streak longer than 12
• In 1984, BYU defeated Michigan in the Holiday Bowl held in San Diego to become that year’s National Champion.
• BYU offensive coordinator Ty Detmer still holds NCAA bowl records for most total yards in a game (594) and most passing yards in a game (576) against Penn State in the 1989 Holiday Bowl.
BYU BOWL RECORDSMost Points Scored by Both Teams
Game 103, Memphis (55) vs BYU (48), Miami Beach Bowl 2014 91, BYU (46) vs S. Methodist (45), Holiday Bowl 1980First Half 52, BYU (28) vs Memphis (24), Miami Beach Bowl 2014 44, Texas A & M (37) vs BYU (7), Holiday Bowl 1990Second Half 64*, Penn St. (38) vs BYU (26), Holiday Bowl 19891st Quarter 35, Utah (35) vs. BYU (0), Las Vegas Bowl 2015 31, Memphis (17) vs BYU (14), Miami Beach Bowl 20142nd Quarter 35, Oklahoma St. (21) vs BYU (14), Tangerine Bowl 19763rd Quarter 30, BYU (13) vs Penn St. (17), Holiday Bowl 19894th Quarter 34, BYU (27) vs Southern Methodist (7), Holiday Bowl 1980 34, BYU (13) vs Penn St. (21), Holiday Bowl 1989
Fewest Points Scored by Both TeamsGame 17, Ohio State (10) vs BYU (7), Florida Citrus Bowl 1985First Half 9, BYU (3) vs SDSU (6), Poinsettia Bowl 2012Second Half 3, BYU (0) vs UCLA (3), Las Vegas Bowl 20071st Quarter 0, BYU vs Michigan, Holiday Bowl 1984 0, BYU vs Ohio State, Florida Citrus Bowl 19852nd Quarter 0, UCLA vs BYU, Freedom Bowl 19863rd Quarter 0, BYU vs Iowa, Holiday Bowl 1991 0, BYU vs UCLA, Las Vegas Bowl 2007 0, BYU vs. SDSU, Poinsettia Bowl 20124th Quarter 0, Oklahoma State vs BYU, Tangerine Bowl 1976 0, BYU vs Ohio State, Florida Citrus Bowl 1985 0, Ohio State vs BYU, Holiday Bowl 1993
Biggest Point Difference in a Win BYU 30, vs Oregon (38-8), Las Vegas Bowl 2006(OPP.) 51, Texas A&M (65-14), Holiday Bowl 1990
Smallest Point Difference in a Win BYU 1, vs SMU (46-45), Holiday Bowl 1980 1, vs UCLA (17-16), Las Vegas Bowl, 2007(OPP.) 1, Indiana (38-37), Holiday Bowl 1979
Most Touchdowns Scored (GAME) BYU 7, vs UTEP, New Mexico Bowl 2010 7, vs SMU, Holiday Bowl 1980(OPP.) 9*, Texas A&M, Holiday Bowl 1990
Most PATs Scored (GAME) BYU 7, UTEP, New Mexico Bowl, 2010(OPP.) 9, Texas A&M, Holiday Bowl 1990
MOST PATS ATTEMPTED (GAME) BYU 7, UTEP, New Mexico Bowl, 2010(OPP.) 9, Texas A&M, Holiday Bowl 1990
Most 2 point PATs Scored (GAME) BYU 1, vs Southern Methodist, Holiday Bowl 1980(OPP.) 2, Washington State, Holiday Bowl 1981
All-Time 2 POINT PATS versus One Opponent 1, vs Southern Methodist, Holiday Bowl 1980
All-Time 2 POINT PATS One Opponent versus BYU 2, Washington State, Holiday Bowl 1981
Career BYU 171 (24 rushes, 147 pass attempts), Ty Detmer vs Colorado, Freedom Bowl 1988; (4 rushes, 21 pass atts) vs Penn St., Holiday Bowl 1989; (8 rushes, 59 pass atts) vs Texas A&M, Holiday Bowl 1990; (4 rushes, 23 pass atts) vs Iowa, Holiday Bowl 1991; (8 rushes, 44 pass atts)
INDIVIDUAL RUSHINGMost Rushes
Game BYU 31, Taysom Hill, Washington, Fight Hunger Bowl (2013)(OPP.) 39, Raymont Harris, Ohio St., Holiday Bowl 1993
CareerBYU 58, Harvey Unga vs. UCLA, Las Vegas Bowl 2007 (17) vs Arizona, Las Vegas Bowl 2008 (17); vs Oregon State, Las Vegas Bowl 2009 (24)(OPP.) 39, Raymont Harris, Ohio St., Holiday Bowl 1993
Career BYU 163, Harvey Unga vs. UCLA, Las Vegas Bowl 2007 (16) vs Arizona, Las Vegas Bowl 2008 (71); vs Oregon State, Las Vegas Bowl 2009 (76)
Fewest Yards Rushing (minimum 5 rushes)Game
BYU -38 (7 rushes), Mike Young, vs UCLA, Freedom Bowl 1986(OPP.) -68 (7 rushes), Bob Zurbrugg, Michigan, Holiday Bowl 1984
Career BYU -44 (24 att), Ty Detmer vs Colorado, Freedom Bowl 1988 (-10/4); vs Penn State, Holiday Bowl 1989 (18/8); vs Texas A & M, Holiday Bowl 1990 (-27/4); vs Iowa, Holiday Bowl 1991 (-25/8)
Most Rushes for QBGame
BYU 31, Taysom Hill, vs. Washington, Fight Hunger Bowl 2013(OPP.) 16, Shaun King, vs. Tulane, Liberty Bowl 1998
Most Yards Rushing for QBGame
BYU 133, Taysom Hill, vs. Washington, Fight Hunger Bowl 2013(OPP.) 119, Bucky Richarson, vs. Texas A&M, Holiday Bowl 1990
Best Rushing Average Game (minimum 5 rushes)
BYU 10.33 (6/62), Kalin Hall vs Kansas, Aloha Bowl 1992(OPP.) 20.8 (5/104), Marcus Greenwood, UCLA, Freedom Bowl 1986
Career (minimum 9 rushes) BYU 9.44 (9/85), Matt Bellini vs Virginia, All-American Bowl 1987 (1/7) vs Colorado, Freedom Bowl 1985 (8/78)(OPP.) 9.92 (12/119), Bucky Richardson, Texas A&M, Holiday Bowl 1990
Most Touchdowns Scored RushingGame
BYU 2, Scott Phillips vs Southern Methodist, Holiday Bowl 1980 2, Ty Detmer vs Penn St., Holiday Bowl 1989 2, Curtis Brown vs Oregon, Las Vegas Bowl 2006 2, Paul Lasike vs Memphis, Miami Beach Bowl 2014(OPP.) 4, Terry Miller, Oklahoma St., Tangerine Bowl 1976
Career BYU 2, Scott Phillips vs Southern Methodist, Holiday Bowl 1980 2, Fred Whittingham Jr. vs Virginia, All American Bow 1987 (1); vs Penn St., Holiday Bowl 1989 (1) 2, Ty Detmer vs Penn St., Holiday Bowl 1989 2, Curtis Brown vs Oregon, Las Vegas Bowl 2006 2, Paul Lasike vs Memphis, Miami Beach Bowl 2014
Most 2 pt. PATs Scored RushingGame & Career
BYU HAS NOT HAPPENED(OPP.) 1, Ricky Turner, Washington St., Holiday Bowl 1981 1, Chip Hilleary, Kansas, Aloha Bowl 1992 1, Mike Lawrence, Kansas St., Cotton Bowl 1996
Longest Run from Scrimmage BYU 47, Curtis Brown vs Oregon, Las Vegas Bowl 2006(OPP.) 87, Doug Chapman, Marshall, Motor City Bowl 1999
Longest Scoring Run from ScrimmageBYU 29, Jamal Willis vs Kansas, Aloha Bowl 1992(OPP.) 87*, Doug Chapman, Marshall, Motor City Bowl 1999 *NCAA RECORD
2016 BYU FOOTBALL BOWL RECORDS/NOTES-19
INDIVIDUAL PASSINGMost Yards Passing
Game BYU 576*, Ty Detmer, vs Penn St., Holiday Bowl 1989(OPP.) 306, Paxton Lynch, Memphis, Miami Beach Bowl 2014 276, Shaun King, Tulane, Liberty Bowl 1998
Career BYU 1,175, Ty Detmer vs Colorado, Freedom Bowl 1988 (129) vs Penn State, Holiday Bowl 1989 (576) vs Texas A&M, Holiday Bowl 1990 (120) vs Iowa, Holiday Bowl 1991 (350)
Most Touchdown PassesGame
BYU 4, Jake Heaps, vs UTEP, New Mexico Bowl 2010 4, Jim McMahon, vs Southern Methodist, Holiday Bowl 1980 4, John Walsh, vs Oklahoma, Copper Bowl 1994(OPP.) 4, Paxton Lynch, Memphis, Miami Beach Bowl 2014 3, G.J. Kinne, Tulsa, Armed Forces Bowl 2011 3, Trevor Vittatoe, UTEP, New Mexico Bowl 2010 3, Dave Ragone, Louisville, Liberty Bowl 2001
Career BYU 8, Jim McMahon, vs Navy (1), SMU (4), WSU (3)
BYU 39 (4/10), Sean Covey vs Colorado, Freedom Bowl 1988(OPP.) 6 (1/5), Cyler Miles, Washington, Fight Hunger Bowl 2013
Career BYU 43, (4/5), Gary Sheide vs Oklahoma St., Fiesta Bowl 1974
Most Passes AttemptedGame
BYU 61*, Sean Covey, vs Virginia, All American Bowl 1987(OPP.) 46, Paxton Lynch, Memphis, Miami Beach Bowl 2014 38, Shaun King, Tulane, Liberty Bowl 1998
Career BYU 143, Ty Detmer vs Colorado, Freedom Bowl 1988 (17) vs Penn State, Holiday Bowl 1989 (59) vs Texas A&M, Holiday Bowl 1990 (23) vs Iowa, Holiday Bowl 1991 (44)
Fewest Passes AttemptedGame (minimum 3 attempts)
BYU 5, Gary Sheide vs Oklahoma St., Fiesta Bowl 1974(OPP.) 4, Scott Burk, Oklahoma St., Fiesta Bowl 1974
Career (minimum 5 attempts) BYU 5, Gary Sheide vs Oklahoma St., Fiesta Bowl 1974(OPP.) 9, Marion Adler, Missouri, Holiday Bowl 1983 9, Charlie Weatherbie, Oklahoma St., Tangerine Bowl 1976
Most Passes CompletedGame
BYU 42*, Ty Detmer vs Penn State, Holiday Bowl 1989(OPP.) 24, Paxton Lynch, Memphis, Miami Beach Bowl 2014 23, Shaun King, Tulane, Liberty Bowl 1998
Career BYU 93, Ty Detmer vs Colorado, Freedom Bowl 1988 (11) vs Penn State, Holiday Bowl 1989 (42) vs Texas A&M, Holiday Bowl 1990 (11) vs Iowa, Holiday Bowl 1991 (29)
Fewest Passes Completed by a StarterGame (minimum 3 attempts)
BYU 4 (4/5), Gary Sheide vs Oklahoma St., Fiesta Bowl 1974 4 (4/10), Sean Covey vs Colorado, Freedom Bowl 1988(OPP.) 2 (2/9), Charlie Weatherbie, Okla. St., Tangerine Bowl 1976
Career (minimum 5 attempts) BYU 4 (4/5), Gary Sheide vs Oklahoma St., Fiesta Bowl 1974
Most Pass Interceptions ThrownGame
BYU 4, Gifford Nielsen vs Oklahoma St., Tangerine Bowl 1976 4, Robbie Bosco vs Ohio St., Florida Citrus Bowl 1985(OPP.) 3, Adam Dingwell, San Diego State, Poinsettia Bowl 2012
Career BYU 7, Robbie Bosco, vs Michigan, Holiday Bowl 1984 (3) vs Ohio State, Florida Citrus Bowl 1985 (4)
Best Completion Percentage (minimum of 8 attempts)Game
BYU 73.5% (25-34), Jake Heaps, vs. UTEP, New Mexico Bowl 2010(OPP.) 81.8% (9/11), Bucky Richardson, Texas A&M, Holiday Bowl 1990
Career BYU 67.6% (23/34), Gifford Nielsen vs Okla. St., Tangerine Bowl 1976
Worst Completion Percentage (minimum of 8 attempts)Game
BYU 40% (4/10), Sean Covey vs Colorado, Freedom Bowl 1988(OPP.) 22.2% (2/9), Charlie Weatherbie, Okla. St., Tangerine Bowl 1976 22.2% (2/9), Ricky Turner, Wash. St., Holiday Bowl 1981
Career BYU 42.3% (11/26), Mark Giles vs Okla. St., Fiesta Bowl 1974
Most Combined Pass Attempts (2 opposing starting quarterbacks)85, Robbie Bosco (50) BYU vs Jim Karsatos (35) Ohio St., Florida Citrus Bowl 1985
Most Combined Pass Completions (2 opposing starting quarterbacks)52, Ty Detmer (42) BYU vs Tony Sacca (10) Penn St., Holiday Bowl 198951, John Beck (35) BYU vs. Steve Levy (16) Cal, Las Vegas Bowl 2005
Fewest Combined Pass Attempts (2 opposing starting quarterbacks)9, Gary Sheide (5) BYU vs Scott Burk (4) Oklahoma St., Fiesta Bowl 1974
Fewest Combined Pass Completions (2 opposing starting quarterbacks)8, Gary Sheide (4) BYU vs Scott Burk (4) Okla. St., Fiesta Bowl 19748, Sean Covey (4) BYU vs Sal Aunese (4) Colorado, Freedom Bowl 1988
Best Interception Avoidance Game
BYU 0 INTs (45 atts), John Walsh vs Oklahoma, Copper Bowl 1994 0 INTs (43 atts), Jim McMahon vs. Wash. St., Holiday Bowl 1981(OPP.) 0 INTs with 38 atts, Shaun King, Tulane, Liberty Bowl 1998
INDIVIDUAL RECEIVINGMost Receptions
Game BYU 12, Cody Hoffman vs. Washington, Fight Hunger Bowl 2013 12, Nathan Meikle vs. Cal, Las Vegas Bowl 2005(OPP.) 7, Jon Filloon, Iowa, Holiday Bowl 1991 7, Kevin Lockett, Kansas State, Cotton Bowl 1996
Career BYU 38, Cody Hoffman vs. Wash., Fight Hunger Bowl 2013 (12); vs. San Diego State, Poinsettia Bowl 2012 (10); vs. Tulsa, Armed Forces Bowl 2011 (8); vs. UTEP, New Mexico Bowl 2010 (8)
Most Touchdown ReceptionsGame
BYU 3, Cody Hoffman vs. Tulsa, Armed Forces Bowl 2011, vs. UTEP, New Mexico Bowl 2010 3, Clay Brown vs SMU, Holiday Bowl 1980(OPP.) 3, Kris Adams, UTEP, New Mexico Bowl 2010
Career BYU 6, Cody Hoffman, vs. UTEP, New Mexico Bowl 2010 (3 TD), vs. Tulsa, Armed Forces Bowl 2011 (3 TD)
Longest Pass PlayBYU 67, Margin Hooks, vs Marshall, 2nd quarter, Motor City Bowl 1999(OPP.) 74, Rodney Harris, Kansas, 1st quarter, Aloha Bowl 1992
Longest Pass from Scrimmage Without ScoringBYU 67, Margin Hooks, vs Marshall, 2nd quarter, Motor City Bowl 1999(OPP.) 55, Cornelius Patterson, Texas A & M, 2nd qtr, Holiday Bowl 1990
Game BYU 2, Andrew Rich, vs. UTEP, New Mexico Bowl 2010 2, Justin Robinson vs Oregon, Las Vegas Bowl 2006(OPP.) 2, Dexter McCoil, Tulsa, Armed Forces Bowl 2011 2, Larry Kolic, Ohio State, Florida Citrus Bowl 1985 2, Sherrod Rainge, Penn State, Holiday Bowl 1989
Career BYU 2, Andrew Rich, vs. UTEP, New Mexico Bowl 2010 2, Tony Crutchfield vs Penn St., Holiday Bowl 1989; vs Iowa, Holiday Bowl 1991 2, Justin Robinson vs Oregon, Las Vegas Bowl 2006
Most Yards Interception ReturnsGame
BYU 35, Tom Holmoe (1 ret.) vs Wash. St., 3rd qtr, Holiday Bowl 1981(OPP.) (regular play) 79 (1 ret.), Michael Jordan, Tulane, Liberty Bowl 1998 (conversion play ) 102 (1 ret. for 2 pt. conv.), Andre Collins, Penn St., Holiday Bowl 1989*NCAA RECORD
BYU BOWL NOTES• BYU linebacker Shay Muirbrook holds the NCAA bowl record for most sacks and most tackles-for-loss after earning 6 sacks against Kansas State in the 1996
Cotton Bowl.
• College Football Hall of Fame head coach LaVell Edwards is tied for fifth on the list of all-time bowl apperances with 22 in 29 seasons, all with BYU.
• BYU’s 13-13 tie with Iowa in the 1991 Holiday Bowl was the last tie to ever occur in a bowl game.
• BYU’s only New Year’s Day bowl game was in 1996 when the Cougars defeated Kansas State 19-15 in the Cotton Bowl. The Cougars won an NCAA-best 14 games and finished the season ranked No. 5 in the nation.
2016 BYU FOOTBALL BOWL RECORDS/NOTES-20
Longest Interception Return & Return for a scoreBYU 35 yards, Tom Holmoe vs Wash. St., 3rd qtr, Holiday Bowl 1981(OPP.) (regular play) 79 (1 ret.), Michael Jordan, Tulane, Liberty Bowl 1998 (conversion play) 102 yards for 2 pt. conversion, Andre Collins, Penn St., Holiday Bowl 1989
PUNTINGMost Punts
Game BYU 9, Pat Thompson vs UCLA, Freedom Bowl 1986(OPP.) 8 (5 tied), last: K. Fitzpatrick, Tulsa, Armed Forces Bowl 2011
Career BYU 14, Pat Thompson vs. UCLA, Freedom Bowl 1986 (9); vs. Virginia, All American Bowl 1987 (1); and vs. Colorado, Freedom Bowl 1988 (4)(OPP.) 12, Cliff Parsley, Fiesta Bowl 1974 (7) & Tangerine Bowl 1976 (5)
Fewest Punts Game
BYU 1, Lee Johnson vs Michigan, Holiday Bowl VII, 1984 1, Pat Thompson vs Virginia, All American Bowl XI, 1987 1, Earl Kauffman vs Penn State, Holiday Bowl XII, 1989 1, Joe Herrick vs Kansas, Aloha Bowl XI, 1992(OPP.) 1, Sean Wilson, Texas A&M, Holiday Bowl XIII, 1990
Career BYU 1, Joe Herrick vs Kansas, Aloha Bowl XI, 1992
Best Punting AverageGame
BYU 53.3 (3 punts), Riley Stephenson, vs. UTEP, New Mexico Bowl 2010(OPP.) 50.5 (2 punts), Don LaBomme, Wash. St., Holiday Bowl IV, 1981
Career (more than 2 punts) BYU 48.29 (7 punts), Jesse Sowards vs Marshall, Motor City Bowl, 1999
Longest punt BYU 60, Riley Stephenson, vs. Oregon State, Las Vegas Bowl 2009, vs. UTEP, New Mexico Bowl 2010 60, Jesse Sowards, vs Marshall, 3rd quarter, Motor City Bowl, 1999OPP. 56, Tom Hackett, Utah, Las Vegas Bowl, 2015 56, Dan Eichloff, Kansas, 1st quarter, Aloha Bowl XI, 1992
KICKOFF RETURNSMost Kickoff Returns
Game BYU 7*, Homer Jones, vs Indiana, Holiday Bowl 1979(OPP.) 5, O. J. McDuffie, Penn State, Holiday Bowl 1989 5, J. Stewart, Oregon, Las Vegas Bowl, 2006
Career BYU 11, Stacey Corley vs Colorado, Freedom Bowl 1988 (1); vs Penn St., Holiday Bowl 1989 (5); vs Texas A & M, Holiday Bowl 1990 (5)
Most Kickoff Return YardsGame
BYU 220 (6 returns), Mike Rigell, vs Tulane, Liberty Bowl 1998(OPP.) 128 (5 returns), O. J. McDuffie, Penn State, Holiday Bowl 1989
Career BYU 220 (6 returns), Mike Rigell, vs Tulane, Liberty Bowl 1998
Fewest KO Return YardsGame BYU -3 (1 return), Vai Sikahema vs Michigan, Holiday Bowl 1984(OPP.) 0 (1 return), Kevin Richardson, Ohio State, Holiday Bowl 1982 0 (1 return), Shane Garrett, Texas A & M, Holiday Bowl 1990
Career BYU 1 (1 return), Danny Plater vs Navy, Holiday Bowl 1978
Longest Kickoff Return Without ScoringBYU 79, Mike Rigell vs Tulane, Liberty Bowl 1998(OPP.) 54, Maurice Douglas, Kansas, Aloha Bowl 1992
Longest Kickoff Return for Score BYU 102 yds, Dave Lowry vs Okla. St., 3rd qtr, Tangerine Bowl 1976(OPP.) 100 yds, John Ross vs. Washington, 2nd qtr, Fight Hunger Bowl 2013
BYU 45 yds, Justin Sorensen vs Washington, 2nd qtr, Fight Hunger Bowl 2013(OPP.) 52, Kai Forbath, UCLA, 4th qtr, Las Vegas Bowl 2007
Shortest Field Goal BYU 20, Kurt Gunther vs Wash. St., 2nd qtr, Holiday Bowl 1981 20, Leonard Chitty vs Virginia, 1st qtr, All American Bowl 1987 20, Jason Chaffetz vs Penn St., 1st qtr, Holiday Bowl 1989(OPP.) 19, Pat Blottiaux, Colorado, 4th qtr, Freedom Bowl 1988
FUMBLESLongest Fumble Return for Score
BYU 34, Matt Bauman, Oregon St., 1st qtr, Las Vegas Bowl 2009(OPP.) 53, Gary Brown, Penn St., 4th qtr, Holiday Bowl 1989
DEFENSIVE SACKSMost Sacks
Game BYU 6, Shay Muirbrook vs Kansas St., Cotton Bowl 1996 3, Josh Arnold vs Iowa, Holiday Bowl 1991 3, Setema Gali vs Marshall, Motor City Bowl 1999(OPP.) 4, Bobby Bell, Missouri, Holiday Bowl 1983
Career BYU 6, Shay Muirbrook vs Kansas St., Cotton Bowl 1996 3, Josh Arnold vs Iowa, Holiday Bowl 1991 3, Setema Gali vs Marshall, Motor City Bowl 1999 3, Kyle Van Noy vs San Diego State, Poinsettia Bowl 2012
Career BYU 33 (3 sacks), Josh Arnold vs Iowa, Holiday Bowl 1991
Best Average Yardage Per Sack Game
BYU 14.5 (2 sacks), Leon White vs Michigan, Holiday Bowl 1984(OPP.) 19.5 (2/39), Quentin Coryatt, Texas A&M, Holiday Bowl 1990
Career BYU 14.5 (2 sacks), Leon White vs Michigan, Holiday Bowl 1984
Most Defensive TouchdownsGame
BYU 2 Kyle Van Noy vs San Diego State, Poinsettia Bowl 2012 *NCAA RECORD
BYU BOWL NOTES• BYU has competed in 17 different bowls while 2016 is the second trip to the Poinsettia Bowl.
• BYU’s longest bowl streak was 17 straight bowls from 1978-1994.
• BYU’s largest margin of victory in a bowl was a 38-8 triumph over Oregon in the 2006 Las Vegas Bowl.
• BYU is one of only 10 programs to earn a bowl invitation each of the last 12 years. Other teams include Florida State, Alabama, LSU, Boise State, Georgia, Oklaho-ma, Clemson, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin.
2016 BYU FOOTBALL SEASON REVIEW/PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS/BOWL HIGHLIGHTS-21
2016 SEASON REVIEW
BYU came into the 2016 season with a brand new head coach in former Cougar fullback Kalani Sitake. The Cougars navigated through one of the most difficult and diverse schedules in program history and came away with an 8-4 regular season record. Coach Sitake was one of just six new FBS head coaches in their first full season to garner a winning record.
The Cougars enter the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl having won seven of their last eight games and are rated No. 31 in ESPN’s Football Power Index of FBS teams.
Playing a strong national schedule that included games against the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, American, Mountain West and the MAC, the Cougars proved to be an always-competitive team under the direction of first-time head coach Kalani Sitake and first-time coordinators Ty Detmer (offense) and Ilaisa Tuiaki (defense). BYU’s new coaching staff took the Cougars into a top-10 early schedule that put BYU on the road for six of the team's first nine games, including three of the first four.
Sitake’s new staff and his team rose up to the challenge as the Cougars had the opportunity to win every game this season, each loss coming down to the final moments, if not the final play. BYU suffered its four defeats by a combined eight points with one-point road losses at Utah and Boise State and three-point setbacks on the road against West Virginia and at home against the then Josh Rosen-led UCLA Bruins. West Virginia, Utah and Boise State were fixtures in the national rankings during the season. If BYU is able to win in San Diego against Wyoming, it will set a new NCAA standard for the fewest points separating a four-loss team from an undefeated season.
Among BYU’s eight victories, the Cougars defeated 9-3 Toledo (55-53) of the MAC and bowl-bound Mississippi State (28-21) of the SEC at LaVell Edwards Stadium along with the Big Sky’s Southern Utah (37-7), fellow independent UMass (51-9) and the MW’s Utah State (28-10). BYU picked up wins away from Provo against the Big Ten’s Michigan State (31-14), Arizona (18-16) of the Pac-12 and Cincinnati (20-3) of the American Conference (see the following pages for game-by-game recaps).
The Cougars boast one of the nation’s top running backs in Jamaal Williams, who ranks No. 8 in the nation at 129.4 rushing yards per game. Williams, among the Heisman Trophy contenders officially recognized by the Heisman Trophy Trust, missed three full games due to injury, including BYU’s one-point setback at then No. 14 Boise State. In addition to those three games, Williams also missed parts of BYU’s close losses at Utah and vs. UCLA. Once again healthy, Williams will be a significant part of BYU’s offensive attack as the Cougars play Wyoming in the Poinsettia Bowl. Williams became BYU’s career rushing leader this season against Mississippi State and set the school’s single-game mark with 286 yards in BYU’s win over Toledo.
Senior quarterback Taysom Hill started every game for BYU before suffering a season-ending elbow injury early in the fourth quarter of BYU’s win over in-state rival Utah State. The three-year team captain won 23 games as a starting quarterback at BYU and accounted for 9,744 total yards of offense, which ranks No. 4 in school history, just ahead of Jim McMahon. He finished his career with 6,929 passing yards and 2,815 rushing yards, the most rushing yards by any BYU quarterback, while ranking fifth among all players. He also accounted for 75 total touchdowns (43 passing, 32 rushing), No. 5 all-time at BYU, surpassing Steve Young in BYU’s last game. Sophomore Tanner Mangum, the 2015 Touchdown Club of Columbus National Freshman of the Year, will start in the bowl game after appearing in four games during the season, going 14 of 18 for 145 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, BYU ranks 32nd in total defense while excelling at creating turnovers and stopping the run. The Cougars are No. 2 nationally in forced turnovers (29), including No. 4 in interceptions (19) and No. 6 in defensive touchdowns scored (4), while also ranking No. 8 against the run (108.4) and No. 15 in scoring defense (19.4). Safety Kai Nacua ranks No. 9 nationally with five interceptions while linebackers Fred War-ner and Francis Bernard each have three picks. Warner and cornerback Dayan Lake each boast pick-six touchdowns. Bernard leads the team with 80 tackles while Warner (76) and Butch Pau’u (72), who missed three games due to injury, are close behind.
BYU's special teams have also been strong, ranking in the top 25 statistically in six different categories. Corbin Kaufusi, who also plays on the basketball team at BYU, has used his 6-foot-9 frame to block two kicks, which ranks No. 4 nationally. BYU ranks 10th as a team with four total blocks.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• No. 5 in total wins (365) over the past 40 seasons — the top five include Nebraska (394), Florida State (381) Ohio State (378) , Oklahoma (374), and BYU (365)
• Tops all FBS programs for most players selected (37) to NFF Hampshire Honor Society since program began in 2007 (starter/significant contributor finishing career with 3.2 GPA or better)
• One of six schools with winners of the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Davey O’Brien Award and Doak Walker Award (BYU, Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, Iowa, Boston College)
• BYU and Penn State are the only schools in the nation to boast winners of the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Doak Walker Award, Davey O’Brien Award and Sammy Baugh Trophy.
• BYU is tied for the most Power 5 wins (23) since 2003 than any other non-Power 5 team (Navy, 23)
• The Cougars have won a game against a Power 5 team in the last 11 seasons, the longest streak among non-Power 5 teams
• Five 10-win seasons since 2005
• Twelve straight bowl appearances; 6-5 record, in-cluding wins over Oregon, UCLA, Oregon State, UTEP, Tulsa and San Diego State.
BOWL HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS
• The San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl will be BYU’s 35th bowl appearance dating back to 1974.
• BYU all-time record: 13-20-1 (.382)
• Last bowl appearance: 2015 Las Vegas Bowl vs. Utah, lost 35-28
• Last bowl victory: 2012 Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego/BYU defeated San Diego State, 23-6
• BYU is one of eight programs to earn a bowl invita-tion for an 12th-straight season this year and only six have a streak longer than BYU's.
• BYU won a program-best four consecutive bowls from 2009-12.
• BYU has played bowl games in the following 10 states, including this year’s game: Alabama, Arizona (2), California (16), Florida (3), Hawaii, Michigan, Nevada (6), New Mexico, Tennessee (2) and Texas (2).
• BYU has played in 17 different bowl games in program history. BYU has been invited to the following bowl games:
Fiesta (1) Aloha (1) New Mexico (1) Tangerine (1) Copper (1) Armed Forces (1) Holiday (11) Cotton (1) Poinsettia (2) Citrus (1) Liberty (2) Fight Hunger (1) Freedom (2) Motor City (1) Miami Beach (1) All-American (1) Las Vegas (6)
2016 BYU FOOTBALL RECAPS-22
ARIZONABYU 0 9 0 9 18ARIZONA 0 0 3 13 16
9/3/16 • University of Phoenix Stadium • Glendale, Ariz. • Fox Sports 1• Att: 50,528
GLENDALE, Ariz. – True freshman Jake Oldroyd made a game-winning 33-yard field goal to give the BYU football team an 18-16 win over Arizona in its first game under head coach Kalani Sitake Saturday night at University of Phoenix Stadium in the Cactus Kickoff.
Oldroyd came in for his first collegiate field goal attempt with eight seconds remaining and put it through for the win. The kick capped a nine play, 53-yard drive highlighted by a 17-yard strike to Moroni Laulu-Pututau to get things moving.
BYU was led by senior running back Jamaal Williams, who had 29 carries for 162 yards. It was his 11th career 100-yard rushing game. Senior quarterback Taysom Hill completed 21 of 29 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown while adding 37 yards on the ground.
The Cougars (1-0) held the Wildcats (0-1) to 328 total yards and no first-half points en route to the win. It was Arizona's fewest total yards since a 55-17 loss at Stanford in 2015. BYU forced the Wildcats into two turnovers.
BYU's new-look offense recorded 415 total yards, balanced with 213 rushing and 202 passing.
"Things just went our way," Sitake said. "We were able to get the victory, I’m super pleased with how the guys played. This isn’t about me, it’s about these guys, they worked extremely hard for this win. It was just a great game all together."
Sophomore linebacker Butch Pau'u led the defense wit nine total tackles including sev-en solo, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble. Senior safety Kai Nacua had an interception and running back turned linebacker Francis Bernard recorded an interception and a sack in his defensive debut.
BYU claimed a 9-0 first-half advantage after a 24-yard field goal by Rhett Almond and a one-yard touchdown run by fullback Brayden El-Bakri in the second quarter.
The Cougars' first three points were set up by a 33-yard run from Williams. After rum-bling to the Arizona 10 yard line, the ball was placed on the 20 due to a block in the back. After a few short gains, Almond booted the field goal for a 3-0 lead with 10:42 on the second-quarter clock.
It was about eight minutes later that El-Bakri punched in the only touchdown of the first half. His first career carry and touchdown culminated an 11-play, 65-yard steady drive in which Hill completed all four of his pass attempts. The extra point was no good.
The defensive shutout BYU pitched in the first half was primed by Bernard. He inter-cepted a pass from Wildcat quarterback Anu Solomon to lead to the touchdown and also had a sack late in the half.
More than half of the third quarter went by without either team scoring before Arizona kicker Josh Pollack hit a 46-yard field goal. That trimmed the Cougars' lead to 9-3 with 5:59 remaining in the third quarter.
Williams went over the century mark on the ground with a 36-yard run down to the Wildcat 44 yard line late in the third quarter. BYU preserved its 9-3 edge heading into the last period of play.
Senior receiver Colby Pearson capped off the drive that Williams sparked by reeling in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Hill. A failed two-point attempt left the Cougars up 15-3 with 11:36 left in the game.
Arizona put together a pair of drives for touchdowns, finding the end zone for the first time just two minutes after BYU. A failed two-point attempt after the second touch-down had the Wildcats up 16-15 with the clock showing 1:26.
Matt Hadley returned the ensuing kickoff to the BYU 31-yard line. Hill marched the Cou-gars down the field to set up Oldroyd with the 33-yard attempt that went right down the middle with four seconds left to lift BYU to victory.
Quickie Statistics (Final)BYU vs Arizona (09/03/16 at Glendale, Ariz.)
Passing C-A-I Yds TD Long SackSolomon, A. 20-30-2 213 0 32 4
Receiving No. Yards TD LongTR IN N A M A N , Jonah 6 49 0 15LA U LU -P utu tau ,M oro 4 49 0 17PEARSON, Colby 4 37 1 15M A R S H A LL, H unter 2 29 0 19
Receiving No. Yards TD LongPhillips, N. 7 69 0 24Griffey, T. 4 66 0 32Grant, S. 3 14 0 6Johnson, T. 2 28 0 20
Tackles UA-A Total Sacks TFLPAU'U, Butch 7-2 9 1.0 2.5NACUA, Kai 6-0 6 0.0 0.0BERNARD, Francis 4-0 4 1.0 1.0KAUFUSI, Corbin 4-0 4 1.0 1.0
Tackles UA-A Total Sacks TFLMagloire Jr, P. 8-2 10 0.0 2.0Cruikshank, D. 8-0 8 0.0 0.0Mariscal, A, 6-0 6 0.0 1.0Miller, D. 6-0 6 0.0 2.0
Qtr Time Scoring Play V-H2nd 10:42 BYU - ALMOND, Rhett 24 yd field goal, 8-45 3:02 3 - 0
02:53 BYU - EL-BAKRI, Brayden 1 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick failed), 11-65 5:53 9 - 03rd 05:59 ARIZ - Pollack, J. 46 yd field goal, 9-69 3:39 9 - 34th 11:36 B Y U - P E A R S O N , C o lby 6 yd pass from H ILL , Taysom (H ILL , Taysom pass fa iled), 10-80 4 :30 15 - 3
09:33 ARIZ - Wilson, N. 15 yd run (Pollack, J. kick), 7-75 2:03 15 - 1001:26 ARIZ - Wilson, N. 49 yd run (Solomon, A. pass failed), 4-80 1:38 15 - 1600:04 BYU - OLDROYD, Jake 33 yd field goal, 9-53 1:16 18 - 16
2016 BYU FOOTBALL RECAPS-23
BYU 6 7 0 6 19UTAH 7 7 3 3 20
9/10/2016 • Rice-Eccles Stadium • Salt Lake City, Utah • FOX • Att: 46,915
SALT LAKE CITY – In a game that saw nine total turnovers, BYU football’s comeback fell short on a failed two-point conversion to drop the game 20-19 at Utah in the Deseret First Duel on Saturday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
In the Cougars' final drive, Taysom Hill marched down the field with big receptions from Jonah Trinnaman, Nick Kurtz and Mitchell Juergens. With 18 seconds left, Hill rushed 7-yards for the touchdown. BYU went for two to try to secure a win, but Hill and the comeback was stopped short after Hill slipped one tackle but not the next and was dropped shy of the goal line.
Despite forcing the Utes to turn the ball over six times, the Cougars were only able to score 13 points off of turnovers. Utah managed just seven point off of three BYU interceptions.
Hill completed 21 of 39 passes for 176 yards with two interceptions. He also rushed for 87 yards to lead the Cougars and both of BYU's touchdowns. Juergens led the receiving core with eight catches for 52 yards.
Kai Nacua had two interceptions to go along with his two tackles before he was ejected in the third quarter on a targeting call. Francis Bernard filled out the stat sheet with eight tackles, one interception, one pass breakup and one forced fumble.
The first quarter saw three turnovers between the teams. On the first offensive play of the game, Hill’s pass to Aleva Hifo was tipped off of Hifo’s fingers right into the arms of a Utah defender. The interception was returned 42 yards for a touchdown with just 14:44 on the clock.
The second turnover came on Utah’s first offensive play when the ball was fumbled, recovered by Nacua at the 13:01 mark. BYU settled for the field goal. Jake Oldroyd hit a 43-yarder straight through the uprights, making it 7-3 with 9:44 on the clock.
On the Utes’ next offensive possession, they had two-straight first down receptions before Harvey Langi forced a fumble, which was recovered by Dayan Lake. Oldroyd hit another field goal for the Cougars, this time from 42 yards. BYU was down by one, 7-6, with 5:05 to play in the first quarter.
Turnovers continued to be the trend in the second quarter. Nacua picked off Utah quarterback Troy Williams with 13:57 on the clock. However, the offense was unable to take advantage of the interception and Jonny Linehan punted the ball away.
Nacua intercepted Troy Williams again, this time in the end zone to stop a potential Utah touchdown. The BYU offense came alive in the drive with two gains over 10 yards from Moroni Laulu-Pututau and Jamaal Williams. After faking a handoff to Williams, Hill rushed out to the left, found space and rushed 39 yards along the sideline for the touchdown and the lead. With 4:06 left in the half, the Cougars were up 13-7 following the PAT.
Utah took back the lead with 17 seconds left in the first half after a 21-yard reception by Tim Patrick scored the touchdown. BYU was down by just one, 14-13, heading into the locker room at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Utes struck first. Andy Phillips kicked a 47-yard field goal to extend their lead to 17-13 with 7:53 on the clock.
A defender hit Hill's arm before he got the pass off, resulting in a fumble recovered by the Utes. BYU’s defense came out strong to get a three and out, bringing back out the Cougar offense. However, Hill threw another interception with less than four minutes to play in the third quarter for his third pick of the game.
During Utah’s drive at the end of the third quarter, many penalties and personal fouls were handed out. Nacua was ejected for targeting, which was followed by Kalani Sitake being issued a personal foul after arguing with an official. On the next play, Bernard intercepted Utah’s Troy Williams with 2:11 left in the third with a one-handed grab, but on the same play, defensive back Austin McChesney was also ejected for targeting.
BYU went three and out on its ensuing drive. Rhett Almond came in to punt pinned in the end zone and Utah muffed the catch and Michael Davis recovered it with 44 seconds left in the quarter to get the offense back on the field. However, the Cougars went three and out once again, bringing out Linehan to punt the ball away.
Utah started its drive with 14:08 on the clock in the fourth quarter. The Utes marched down the field, their drive spanning over 11 minutes. The Cougar defense was limited them to a 29-yard field goal and keeping BYU's chances alive with a one-score game at 20-13 with 2:47 to play.
The Cougars’ final drive resulted in a touchdown, but the team’s attempted two-point conver-sion failed. BYU fell on the road 20-19.
UTAH
Quickie Statistics (Final)BYU vs Utah (Sep 10, 2016 at Salt Lake City, UTAH)
Receiving No. Yards TD LongJU E R G E N S , M itche ll 8 52 0 12KURTZ, Nick 3 35 0 19LA U LU -P utu tau ,M oro 3 31 0 16TR IN N A M A N , Jonah 2 27 0 18
2nd 04:06 BYU - HILL, Taysom 39 yd run (OLDROYD, Jake kick), 5-80 2:06 13 - 700:17 U TA H - P a trick , T im 21 yd pass from W illiam s, T roy (P h illips , A ndy k ick), 10-72 3 :41 13 - 14
3rd 07:53 UTAH - Phillips, Andy 47 yd field goal, 5-42 1:48 13 - 174th 02:47 UTAH - Phillips, Andy 29 yd field goal, 19-78 11:21 13 - 20
00:18 BYU - HILL, Taysom 7 yd run (HILL, Taysom rush failed), 13-75 2:29 19 - 20
PROVO, Utah – Despite rallying late, BYU came up short in its home opener against UCLA Saturday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium, falling 17-14.
"It was a tough loss," BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said. "We've got some things we need to work through. We need to find a way to score more points. We'll work together to turn things around."
The Cougars (1-2) scored all 14 points in the second half, but were still playing catch-up as time expired. The Bruins (2-1) nabbed BYU in a close game for the second year in a row.
Jamaal Williams and Nick Kurtz both scored their first touchdowns of the season for the Cougars. In addition to finding the end zone, Kurtz wound up with 83 receiving yards on eight receptions. Butch Pau'u tied the BYU record (since 2000) for tackles in a single game with 19.
BYU also picked up its longest pass player earlier in the first quarter with a 39-yard pass completion from Taysom Hill to Williams. Hill finished the game completing 26 of 48 pass-es for 250 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Also of note was Fred Warner's first interception of the season. He picked off UCLA quar-terback Josh Rosen at the UCLA 33-yard line, jumping a Bruin receiver's route.
Both teams were held scoreless in the first quarter, but UCLA had the ball on the BYU 32-yard line as time ran out. The Bruins connected on a six-yard touchdown pass from Rosen to fullback Cameron Griffin early in the second quarter and made the PAT for a 7-0 lead.
A UCLA interception halfway through the second quarter led to a Bruin field goal. With 6:57 left in the half, UCLA led 10-0.
No points were scored by either team for the remainder of the half as the Cougars headed to the locker room down by 10.
The Bruins opened the second half scoring with 7:24 remaining in the third quarter. Rosen completed a 33-yard touchdown pass to Darren Andrews, who did most of the work after the catch to cushion UCLA's lead. A successful PAT attempt put the Bruins up 17-0.
BYU responded with a touchdown on the subsequent drive. The Cougars used 10 plays for 75 yards to get into the end zone, with Williams punctuating the drive with a one-yard carry for his first touchdown of the year. After Rhett Almond's PAT, BYU trailed 17-7 with 3:07 left in the third quarter.
A minute and a half into the fourth quarter, the Bruins put themselves in position for a field goal. The 38-yard attempt missed wide right to turn the ball over to the Cougars.
After BYU punted with 7:34 left in the game, the UCLA offense ate up more than five minutes before punting back to the Cougars.
Hill and BYU used a series of passes to move down the field and score a touchdown with 37 seconds left on the clock. The nine-play, 91-yard scoring drive finished with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Hill to Nick Kurtz. Another successful PAT cut the Bruins' lead to 17-14.
The Cougars were unable to recover an onside kick and UCLA melted the rest of the clock to secure the win.
UCLA
Quickie Statistics (Final)UCLA vs BYU (Sep 17, 2016 at Provo, Utah)
03:07 BYU - WILLIAMS, Jamaal 1 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick), 10-75 4:17 17 - 74th 00:37 B Y U - K U R TZ, N ick 23 yd pass from H ILL , Taysom (A LM O N D , R hett k ick), 9 -91 1 :39 17 - 14
LANDOVER, Md. – In another close battle, BYU football lost to 35-32, to West Virginia at FedEx Field on Saturday despite having another chance at late-game rally.
With less than five minutes left in the game, the BYU offense had two different chances to drive down the field to take the lead. However, turnovers proved to be costly for the Cougars. An interception with over four minutes to go looked to doom any chances but West Virginia coughed it up at the goal line on a fumble to give BYU one more shot.
After driving to the Mountaineer 28-yard line, BYU went for it all with just over a minute on the clock on a long pass for the end zone and the ball was tipped up just in front of the goal line and intercepted. West Virginia was able to run out the clock to hold on to the win.
BYU (1-3) out-gained West Virginia (3-0) 521 to 481 yards, but struggled with turnovers. The Cougars had three interceptions and one lost fumble. The Mountaineers capitalized on those, scoring 14 points off of turnovers. For BYU, every game this season has been decided by three points or less, with three losses coming by a combined seven points.
Both Jamaal Williams and Taysom Hill rushed for over 100 yards. Williams totaled 169 on 24 attempts with two touchdowns. Hill completed 23 of 35 passes for 241 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions to go with his 105 rushing yards.
West Virginia took control early in the game, scoring on its opening drive. Made up of big third and fourth down conversions, the Mountaineers put together 13 plays to reach the end zone. After their initial touchdown was called back due to an illegal formation penalty, they scored on a 6-yard rush with 9:22 on the clock, taking the early 7-0 lead.
For the first time this season, BYU scored a touchdown in the first quarter and on its first drive of the game. The Cougars had a couple of third down conversions to keep the drive alive. The first came from a 5-yard pass to Aleva Hifo. The second third down conversion came after facing first and 20, but the offense strung together a few plays, including a run from Williams to convert on third down. Facing a third down for the third time in this drive, Hill found Mitchell Juergens for a 25-yard reception and the touchdown. With 2:44 left in the first quarter, BYU tied the game 7-7.
In West Virginia’s ensuing drive, Pau’u intercepted a pass for the first time in his career. Williams burst past the Mountaineers’ defense with a 56-yard run to set up the Cougars at first and goal. However, BYU was unable to find the end zone, settling for a 22-yard field goal. The Cougars took the 10-7 lead at the 14:17 mark in the second quarter.
The Mountaineers answered with a methodical drive, earning short gains to march down the field. After a 13-yard completion to reach first and goal, the BYU defense was unable to stop West Virginia. With 9:50 on the clock, the 2-yard rush into the end zone put the Cougars back down 14-10.
With less than three minutes to go in the first half, Hill was intercepted by West Virginia’s Rasul Douglas and returned the pick for a 55-yard touchdown to extend his team’s lead to 21-10.
After a season-long 50-yard kick return by Aleva Hifo, the offense was in good position to get to the end zone. A couple of big gains from Williams and Juergens got BYU close, but the Cougars ended up bringing out Rhett Almond to kick another field goal, this one a 25-yarder as the clock expired. BYU was down 21-13 heading into halftime.
BYU’s opening drive in the second half got things rolling for the offense. Hill hurdled over two defenders to cap off his 27-yard rush, putting the Cougars in the blue zone. For the second time this season, Williams reached the end zone on a 7-yard rush. BYU got within two points, 21-19, with 10:44 left in the third quarter.
The BYU defense faced fourth and short against the West Virginia offense with less than seven minutes to play in the third quarter. Quarterback Skyler Howard kept the ball to try to get the inches needed, but Harvey Langi and Logan Taele were able to stop him from even crossing the line of scrimmage, bringing out the BYU offense.
With 4:02 on the clock, the offense turned the ball back over to West Virginia. For the first time in his career, Williams lost a fumble. The Mountaineers took advantage of the turn-over. After a 51-yard reception set up West Virginia in the blue zone, quarterback Howard rushed 5 yards for the touchdown, pushing the lead up to 28-19 with 2:32 on the clock.
Despite a punt pinned at the 1-yard line from Jonny Linehan, the Mountaineers marched 99 yards to score another touchdown. A 32-yard pass set up West Virginia in the blue zone, which allowed the wide-open 9-yard touchdown reception. BYU was down 35-19 with 11:27 to play in the game.
A14-yard reception by Colby Pearson set BYU up the blue zone and Williams scored his second touchdown of the day on a 3-yard rush with 9:19 left. However, the offense went for the two-point conversion again, which failed, making the score 35-25 in favor of West Virginia.
The Cougar defense had a huge three and out, forcing the Mountaineers to punt. Anoth-er big reception from Pearson put BYU in position to score. Hill found Moroni Laulu-Pu-
tutau for a 19-yard reception in the end zone, closing in on West Virginia’s lead, 35-32, with 5:55 to play.
With the Mountaineers facing another third down, a receiver dropped the pass, bringing out the punt team. On the first play of the drive, Hill overthrew Juergens, allowing Jeremy Tyler to intercept the pass and get the ball back to the Mountaineers offense with 4:15 left in the game.
At the BYU, West Virginia fumbled the ball on the snap. Francis Bernard recovered the fumble with 2:36 on the clock, giving the offense one last chance to win the game.
A pair of receptions over 20 yards by Nick Kurtz kept the Cougars’ hopes alive. Howev-er, Hill threw his third interception with one minute to play to seal the 35-32 win for the Mountaineers.
WEST VIRGINIA
Quickie Statistics (Final)BYU vs West Virginia (Sep 24, 2016 at Landover, Md.)
Tackles UA-A Total Sacks TFLWARNER, Fred 9-5 14 0.0 0.5NACUA, Kai 4-2 6 0.0 0.0TAELE, Logan 3-2 5 0.0 0.5
Tackles UA-A Total Sacks TFLWhite, Kyzir 6-3 9 0.0 1.0Harper, Jarrod 3-5 8 0.0 0.0Fleming, M 6-1 7 0.0 0.0
Qtr Time Scoring Play V-H1st 09:22 WVU - Shell, Rushel 6 yd run (Molina, Mike kick), 13-88 5:38 0 - 7
02:44 B Y U - JU E R G E N S , M itche ll 25 yd pass from H ILL , Taysom (A LM O N D , R hett k ick), 12-78 6 :33 7 - 72nd 14:17 BYU - ALMOND, Rhett 22 yd field goal, 5-55 1:39 10 - 7
4th 11:27 W V U - S horts , D a ik ie l 9 yd pass from H ow ard , S ky le r (M o lina , M ike k ick), 12-99 4 :18 19 - 3509:19 BYU - WILLIAMS, Jamaal 3 yd run (JUERGENS, Mitchell pass failed), 8-67 2:01 25 - 3505:55 B Y U - LA U LU -P utu tau ,M oron i 18 yd pass from H ILL , Taysom (A LM O N D , R hett k ick), 9 -79 2 :01 32 - 35
PROVO, Utah – Rhett Almond kicked a 19-yard field goal as time expired and Jamaal Williams had a career night to give BYU a 55-53 win over Toledo Friday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
"It was another nail-biter," BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said. "I'm glad we got the win. There are obviously some things we need to fix, but it's good to be on the winning side of a close game."
Williams broke the BYU (2-3) single-game rushing record with 286 yards on the ground and had five rushing touchdowns to tie a school record. The previous single-game rushing record, held by Eldon Fortie, was set in 1962.
A Toledo (3-1) touchdown and two-point conversion with 1:11 on the game clock gave the Rockets a 53-52 lead and set up Taysom Hill, Williams and the Cougar offense up for its game-winning drive. Almond's kick went right down the middle to give BYU the win.
The Cougars and Rockets traded blows in the first quarter, as BYU took a 21-14 advan-tage.
Hill completed his longest career pass on the Cougars’ first play from scrimmage for a 75-yard touchdown to Jonah Trinnaman, who scored his first BYU touchdown.
Williams pounded out two touchdowns on the ground for the Cougars’ other two scores.
A BYU defensive highlight in the first quarter was Dayan Lake’s interception, which came after Harvey Langi tipped a Toledo pass. Lake returned it 49 yards to the Rocket 13-yard line to set up one of Williams’ touchdowns.
The only scoring strike of the second quarter came halfway through, as Toledo quarter-back Logan Woodside connected with Corey Jones for a 26-yard touchdown completion to tie the game at 21-21.
The third quarter was similar to the first, as both teams scored multiple times. The Rockets connected on two touchdown passes and made a field goal. BYU found the end zone twice, as Williams rumbled for touchdowns from 48 and 62 yards out.
Three quarters through, Williams had his first career game with four rushing touchdowns. The Cougars trailed 38-35 heading into the fourth quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter, Squally Canada scored his first BYU touchdown on a 17-yard rush. That gave the Cougars a 42-38 lead with 13:20 on the clock.
Toledo responded with a 75-yard touchdown pass from Woodside to Cody Thompson. With 10:57 left, it put the Rockets up 45-42.
Rhett Almond squared the score at 45-45 with a 32-yard field goal for BYU with 5:21 left in the game.
On the following drive, Kai Nacua intercepted a pass from Woodside returned it 20 yards to the Rocket 21-yard line. It was Nacua’s fourth interception on the season and the 12th of his career.
Williams punched in his fifth touchdown of the night and broke Fortie’s record with three minutes left in the game. His 14-yard carry gave BYU a 52-45 lead.
That set up the Toledo drive, with Woodside connecting with Kareem Hunt for a sev-en-yard touchdown and Michael Roberts for the two-point conversion to make it 53-52 with just over a minute to go.
On the Cougars' final drive Hill completed a 33-yard pass to Colby Pearson and ran for 11 yards as part of eight plays and 71 yards that set up Almond's game-winner.
TOLEDO
Quickie Statistics (Final)TOLEDO vs BYU (Sep 30, 2016 at Provo, Utah)
TOLEDO BYURushing No. Gain Loss Net TD Lg AvgHUNT, Kareem 27 152 6 146 1 17 5.4SWANSON, Terry 10 45 0 45 1 13 4.5JONES-MOORE, D. 1 1 0 1 0 1 1.0W O O D S ID E , Logan 3 7 12 -5 0 7 -1.7
Rushing No. Gain Loss Net TD Lg AvgWILLIAMS, Jamaal 30 287 1 286 5 62 9.5CANADA, Squally 9 49 0 49 1 17 5.4HILL, Taysom 6 23 20 3 0 11 0.5
Passing C-A-I Yds TD Long SackW O O D S ID E , Logan 30-38-2 505 5 79 2
Tackles UA-A Total Sacks TFLLAKE, Dayan 8-1 9 0.0 0.5BERNARD, Francis 6-2 8 1.0 1.0
Qtr Time Scoring Play V-H1st 14:49 B Y U - TR IN N A M A N , Jonah 75 yd pass from H ILL , Taysom (A LM O N D , R hett k ick), 1 -75 0 :11 0 - 7
12:23 TOLEDO - SWANSON, Terry 8 yd run (VEST, Jameson kick), 7-75 2:26 7 - 704:24 BYU - WILLIAMS, Jamaal 1 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick), 7-72 3:00 7 - 1400:47 BYU - WILLIAMS, Jamaal 2 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick), 2-13 0:31 7 - 2100:31 TO LE D O - JO H N S O N ,Jon 'V ea 79 yd pass from W O O D S ID E , Logan (V E S T, Jam eson k ick), 1 -7 14 - 21
2nd 07:45 TO LE D O - JO N E S , C orey 26 yd pass from W O O D S ID E , Logan (V E S T, Jam eson k ick), 9 -61 3 :1 21 - 213rd 11:02 TO LE D O - JO H N S O N ,Jon 'V ea 12 yd pass from W O O D S ID E , Logan (V E S T, Jam eson k ick), 9 -8 28 - 21
10:18 BYU - WILLIAMS, Jamaal 48 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick), 2-72 0:38 28 - 2808:17 TOLEDO - VEST, Jameson 28 yd field goal, 5-64 2:01 31 - 2805:01 BYU - WILLIAMS, Jamaal 62 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick), 6-86 3:08 31 - 3500:58 TO LE D O - JO H N S O N ,Jon 'V ea 15 yd pass from W O O D S ID E , Logan (V E S T, Jam eson k ick), 9 -8 38 - 35
4th 13:20 BYU - CANADA, Squally 17 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick), 6-79 2:32 38 - 4210:57 TO LE D O - TH O M P S O N , C ody 78 yd pass from W O O D S ID E , Logan (V E S T, Jam eson k ick), 5 -9 45 - 4205:21 BYU - ALMOND, Rhett 32 yd field goal, 11-70 5:30 45 - 4503:00 BYU - WILLIAMS, Jamaal 14 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick), 3-21 1:29 45 - 5201:11 TO LE D O - H U N T, K areem 7 yd run (R O B E R TS , M . pass from W O O D S ID E , Logan), 8 -79 1 :43 53 - 5200:00 BYU - ALMOND, Rhett 19 yd field goal, 8-71 1:06 53 - 55
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Seniors Taysom Hill and Jamaal Williams led BYU football to a 31-14 win over Michigan State on the road on Saturday with a big second-half effort.
The Cougars (3-3) outgained the Spartans (2-3) 398 to 206 in total yards. The BYU de-fense held Michigan State to its lowest output since 187 against No. 13 Nebraska in 2011.
The rushing attack churned up 260 yards on the ground, the fourth time this season with 200-plus rushing yards.
After being down 7-3 at the half, BYU scored touchdowns on its first four possessions of the second half and held the Spartans to one late score in the fourth quarter.
"You know our guys kept fighting through and second half was ours," head coach Kalani Sitake said. "I think I made the statement before, we could win this game at the line of scrimmage and I thought our guys did a great job on the offensive line, defensive line and so it was a great win and I'm proud of the guys and looking forward celebrating this one and getting on to the next one."
Taysom Hill completed 18 of 27 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown along with rushing 47 yards and one touchdown. Jamaal Williams tallied 163 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the win. It was his fourth game of 160-plus rushing yards this season.
After missing the first half, Sae Tautu notched six tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss. Harvey Langi and Fred Warner also had six total tackles in the strong defensive effort.
In BYU’s first offensive possession of the game, the team was facing 4th and 6. After de-ciding to go for it, Hill found Jonah Trinnaman, but he was stopped 2 yards short.
Michigan State marched down the field on its first possession. Draining the clock, the Spartans scored on an 8-yard rush with 4:10 left in the first quarter to take the early 7-0 lead. They would not score again until 4:59 remained in the game.
The Cougars reached the blue zone to start the second quarter, but the Spartan defense made the stop on 4th and 1. BYU responded with tough defense of its own, holding Michigan State to punt on their second quarter drives.
To end the first half, the Cougars had the ball to try to get on the board. After Hill rushed 11 yards to convert on third down, Rhett Almond kicked a 35-yard field goal to make it 7-3 heading into the break.
After Michigan State’s opening offensive drive that tallied 72 yards, the BYU defense held the Spartans just 33 yards the rest of the half.
To start off the second half, Tautu recorded two tackles in a row, including a sack, to force the Spartans to punt.
In BYU’s ensuing possession, the offense drained 7:29 from the clock as it methodically moved down the field. Facing third down, Hill rushed 3 yards to convert. He ran the ball four times on the drive, including one for 12 yards. He was also 4 for 4 passing on the drive. Colby Pearson caught a 4-yard pass from Hill for the Cougars’ first touchdown. BYU took the 10-7 lead with 4:52 left in the third quarter.
Travis Tuiloma came up with a big sack in the Spartans’ next possession to force a punt.
Squally Canada boosted the Cougars’ drive with two lengthy runs in a row for 14 and 9 yards. On 4th and 1, Hill found Quin Ficklin rolling out from being an extra blocker for a gain of 2 yards and the first down. Hill then found an opening and rushed 12 yards into the end zone to push the lead to 17-7 with 12:43 to play.
Following a fourth down conversion by Michigan State, Michael Davis picked off backup quarterback Damion Terry. Davis returned it for 40 yards to put the offense in a good position with 9:29 on the clock.
Rushing got the job done for the Cougar offense again. Canada put BYU in position with a 21-yard gain. Williams finished off the drive, carrying the ball 8 yards for another touch-down. The Cougars’ lead extended to 24-7 with eight minutes to play.
Michigan State was able to score after allowing 24-unanswered points from BYU. The Spartans capped off a 75-yard drive with a 1-yard rush to make it 24-14 with 4:59 on the clock.
After a 62-yard rush by Williams to get into the blue zone, Hill handed it off to Williams again for a 1-yard rush for his second touchdown on the day. With 1:59 to play, BYU was up 31-14, which would hold as the final score.
MICHIGAN STATE
Quickie Statistics (Final)BYU vs Michigan State (Oct 08, 2016 at East Lansing, Mich.)
Tackles UA-A Total Sacks TFLNicholson, M. 6-11 17 0.0 1.0Frey, Chris 3-10 13 0.0 0.0Jones, Shane 3-10 13 0.0 0.0Cox, Demetrious 4-5 9 0.0 0.0
Qtr Time Scoring Play V-H1st 04:10 MSU - Holmes, Gerald 8 yd run (Geiger, Michael kick), 15-72 7:03 0 - 72nd 00:00 BYU - ALMOND, Rhett 35 yd field goal, 11-31 2:30 3 - 73rd 04:52 B Y U - P E A R S O N , C o lby 4 yd pass from H ILL , Taysom (A LM O N D , R hett k ick), 13-73 7 :29 10 - 74th 12:43 BYU - HILL, Taysom 12 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick), 13-70 5:48 17 - 7
PROVO, Utah – Jamaal Williams became BYU's all-time career rusher as the Cougars beat Mississippi State 28-21 in two overtimes Friday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
"Overall I'm really proud of the guys and how they played," BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said. "A lot of these games have been close, and that takes a toll, but I'm happy with the outcome. We got some things worked out and got the win."
Taysom Hill rolled right and found tight end Tanner Balderree who did most of the work after catch to give BYU a 28-21 lead after the Cougars' second overtime possession. BYU linebacker Fred Warner broke up a fourth-down pass in the end zone on the Bulldogs' possession to seal BYU's win.
BYU improved to 4-3 while Mississippi State fell to 2-4 on the season.
Williams rushed for 76 yards in the game to increase his career rushing total to 3,468 yards, which broke Harvey Unga's career mark. Unga, whose last year was in 2009, had 3,455 career rushing yards as a Cougar.
Mississippi State got on the board first with a 44-yard touchdown pass from Nick Fitzger-ald to Keith Mixon. Fitzgerald was pressured outside a dumped it off to the sideline where Mixon went down the line for the score. The subsequent PAT put the Bulldogs’ up 7-0 about six minutes into the game.
BYU responded by going on a 15-play, 75-yard drive for a touchdown. On fourth and goal from the one yardline, Hill found Hunter Marshall in the back left corner of the end zone with 48 seconds left in the quarter to even things up at 7-7.
It was Marshall’s first touchdown as a Cougar and Hill’s seventh touchdown pass of the year.
Micah Hannemann’ first interception of the season and third of his career gave the ball back to BYU early in the second quarter. That eventually led to a 42-yard field goal attempt but Rhett Almond missed wide right.
Fitzgerald punched in a touchdown on the ground to cap off a 15-play, 75-yard touch-down drive to put Mississippi State back on top, 14-7, with 3:54 left in the first half. The two teams took that score into halftime.
Neither team scored in the third quarter, although time ran out with the Cougars on the Bulldog eight yardline and third down coming up.
After penalties by both teams, BYU capitalized, as Hill threw a laser through two defenders for a touchdown to Moroni Laulu-Pututau, who made a diving catch between the defend-ers in the end zone. The PAT tied things up at 14-14 with 13:15 left to play.
Mississippi State’s next drive came to a halt when Kai Nacua picked off Fitzgerald and returned it 10 yards to the BYU 28. That marked five interceptions on the year for Nacua, and 13 on his career.
The ball exchanged hands a few times and both teams were unable to score as the game headed to overtime.
The Bulldogs started in overtime and scored a touchdown via a two-yard rushing touch-down. The Cougars trailed 21-14 as they took over on offense.
On BYU’s first play, Williams carried the ball for nine yards to break Unga’s record. Several plays later, Hill punched in a quarterback sneak for a touchdown. Andrew Mikkelsen made the PAT to send the game to a second overtime.
The Cougars needed just one play to score a touchdown in the second extra period with the connection between Hill and Balderee for the touchdown. It was Balderee's first career touchdown reception and capped off a night of 165 passing yards and three touchdown passes for Hill.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
Quickie Statistics (Final)Mississippi State vs BYU (Oct 14, 2016 at Provo, Utah)
MS BYUScore 21 28FIRST DOWNS 23 20RUSHES-YARDS (NET) 49-163 47-146PASSING YDS (NET) 223 165Passes Att-Comp-Int 37-18-2 28-16-1TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS 86-386 75-311Fumble Returns-Yards 0-0 0-0Punt Returns-Yards 0-0 1-15Kickoff Returns-Yards 1-14 1-12Interception Returns-Yards 1-27 2-10Punts (Number-Avg) 5-36.8 6-47.7Fumbles-Lost 1-0 2-1Penalties-Yards 7-63 9-84Possession Time 29:02 30:58Third-Down Conversions 8 of 19 9 of 17Fourth-Down Conversions 1 of 3 1 of 1Red-Zone Scores-Chances 2-3 3-3
Mississippi State BYURushing No. Gain Loss Net TD Lg AvgAeris Williams 21 86 4 82 0 12 3.9Nick Fitzgerald 16 58 17 41 2 22 2.6Malik Dear 3 17 0 17 0 8 5.7Keith Mixon 3 13 0 13 0 6 4.3
Rushing No. Gain Loss Net TD Lg AvgWILLIAMS, Jamaal 26 81 5 76 0 9 2.9HILL, Taysom 17 65 16 49 1 12 2.9CANADA, Squally 3 11 0 11 0 7 3.7TEAM 1 0 1 -1 0 0 -1.0
Passing C-A-I Yds TD Long SackNick Fitzgerald 17-36-2 214 1 44 2Fred Ross 1-1-0 9 0 9 0
Tackles UA-A Total Sacks TFLLeo Lewis 7-5 12 0.0 0.0Richie Brown 8-1 9 0.0 0.0J. Calvin 4-2 6 0.0 0.0M. Spencer 4-1 5 0.0 1.0
Tackles UA-A Total Sacks TFLBERNARD, Francis 13-3 16 0.0 1.0NACUA, Kai 6-3 9 0.0 0.0PAU'U, Butch 5-4 9 0.0 0.5TAUTU, Sae 6-2 8 1.5 2.5
Qtr Time Scoring Play V-H1st 09:13 M S - K e ith M ixon 44 yd pass from N ick F itzgera ld (W estin G raves k ick), 6 -60 1 :24 7 - 0
00:48 B Y U - M A R S H A LL, H unter 1 yd pass from H ILL , Taysom (A LM O N D , R hett k ick), 15-75 8 :25 7 - 72nd 03:54 MS - Nick Fitzgerald 1 yd run (Westin Graves kick), 14-75 5:44 14 - 74th 13:15 B Y U - LA U LU -P utu tau ,M oron i 15 yd pass from H ILL , Taysom (M IK K E LS E N , A ndrew k ick), 12-48 14 - 14OT 15:00 MS - Nick Fitzgerald 2 yd run (Westin Graves kick), 4-25 0:00 21 - 14
15:00 BYU - HILL, Taysom 1 yd run (MIKKELSEN, Andrew kick), 7-25 0:00 21 - 2115:00 B Y U - B A LD E R R E E , Tanner 25 yd pass from H ILL , Taysom (A LM O N D , R hett k ick), 1 -25 0 :00 21 - 28
BOISE, Idaho – Despite the defense forcing five turnovers, BYU football’s comeback effort fell short 28-27 at No. 14 Boise State on Thursday night.
In the final drive of the game, BYU attempted a 44-yard field goal for the win but Rhett Almond’s attempt on second down was blocked. The Cougars recovered the blocked kick to try to win the game. Taysom Hill threw the ball into the end zone on a final attempt but it went incomplete as time expired.
BYU drops to 4-4 on the year as Broncos remain undefeated at 7-0 (3-0 Mountain West Conference). The Cougar defense forced five turnovers, including two pick-sixes in the contest, but the offense was able to score just three points when the possession was returned to them. Boise State had 571 total yards to BYU’s 322.
On the defense, Sae Tautu led the team with nine total tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble. Butch Pau’u also had nine tackles to go along with his 0.5 sacks and 0.5 tackles for loss. Fred Warner and Dayan Lake each recorded an interception for a touchdown. Warner filled out the stat sheet with seven total tackles and a forced fumble to go along with the interception. Freshman Lake had a well-rounded game as well, earning eight tackles, including five solo stops. There were also three fumble recoveries, recovered by Troy Warner, Handsome Tanielu and Zayne Anderson.
Hill completed 21 of 41 passes for 187 yards. He also rushed for 48 yards and a touch-down. Sophomore running back Squally Canada rushed a career-high 88 yards on 21 carries. Nine different BYU receivers caught a pass in the game, led by Mitchell Juergens’ four catches for 57 yards.
The Broncos struck early in the game. They scored touchdowns on their first two drives to take the early 14-0 lead over the Cougars.
Boise State was on the verge of scoring again, but the BYU defense held tough, bringing out the field goal team. On the attempt, Corbin Kaufusi blocked the kick, deflecting it right into Kai Nacua’s arms. Nacua returned the ball 25 yards to set up the offense in good position.
To start the second quarter, BYU finished off the drive started by the blocked field goal. The Cougars ended up settling for a 35-yard field goal from Almond, putting them on the board, 10-3.
In Boise State’s ensuing drive, the defense turned the tide once again. Fred Warner picked off the Broncos’ quarterback Brett Rypien, returning it 59 yards for a pick-six, the first of the season for the Cougars. With 14:22 to play until the half, BYU made it a four-point game, 14-10.
Backed into their own end zone, the Cougars were set up for the punt, but Jonny Linehan ran on a fake punt but it was snuffed out by BSU. He was tackled on the 2-yard line, turning the ball over on downs. After a 15-yard penalty on the Broncos, the defense held them to a field goal attempt, which missed to keep the score at 14-10.
BYU’s defense came up with another big play with less than five minutes to go in the half. Off a tipped pass, Lake snagged it and returned a second interception for a touchdown. The freshman took the pick 50 yards down the field into the end zone to give the Cougars their first lead of the game, 17-14.
Nacua had another big defensive play in the Broncos’ next drive. He forced a fumble that was recovered by Handsome Tanielu. BYU’s offense was unable to capitalize on the turn-over, giving the ball back to Boise State after an attempted fourth-down conversion failed.
With 35 seconds until the break, the Broncos scored on a 36-yard pass to head into the locker room back on top, 21-17.
In the third quarter, a big defensive play sparked BYU once again. With Boise State going for the fourth down conversion, Tautu sacked the quarterback, forcing a turnover on downs.
The offense took over from there, marching down the field. Hill found Juergens for a 33-yard diving catch just short of the end zone. The 1-yard rushing touchdown from Hill put the Cougars up 24-21 with 6:55 on the clock.
With less than five minutes to go in the third quarter, Linehan punted the ball away, but the ball was fumbled by Boise State’s returner. Anderson recovered the ball, but the BYU offense ended up punting again.
In the following series, the Broncos fumbled the ball again. Fred Warner forced the ball loose and Troy Warner recovered it, bringing the offense back out to start the fourth quarter. The Cougars were held to just a field goal, a 37-yarder from Almond that pushed the lead up to 27-21 with 13:33 left in the game.
After a 46-yard pass, Boise State responded, scoring on a 4-yard rush with 10:37 to play to take the 28-27 lead over BYU. When the Cougar offense could not convert on third down, they punted the ball back to the Broncos, who drained four minutes off the clock.
Hill and the offense got the ball back with 2:16 to go in the game. BYU marched down the field for a final comeback effort. With 15 seconds left, Almond attempted a 44-yard field goal on second down that was blocked by Boise State. The Cougars still had a chance since Juergens recovered it facing a 3 and 25 with 10 seconds to play. After an incomplete pass, Hill attempted the Hail Mary, but it went incomplete.
No. 14 BOISE STATE
Quickie Statistics (Final)BYU vs #14 Boise State (Oct 20, 2016 at Boise, Idaho)
Tackles UA-A Total Sacks TFLVALLEJO, Tanner 5-6 11 0.5 0.5WEAVER, Ben 5-5 10 0.0 1.0LEE, Darren 3-5 8 0.5 0.5HOYTE, Elliot 5-2 7 1.5 2.5
Qtr Time Scoring Play V-H1st 14:11 B S U - M cN IC H O LS , J . 76 yd pass from R Y P IE N , B re tt (R A U S A , Ty le r k ick), 3 -82 0 :49 0 - 7
08:13 B S U - S P E R B E C K , T . 12 yd pass from R Y P IE N , B re tt (R A U S A , Ty le r k ick), 8 -58 3 :52 0 - 142nd 14:49 BYU - ALMOND, Rhett 35 yd field goal, 7-36 2:00 3 - 14
14:22 BYU - WARNER, Fred 59 yd interception return (ALMOND, Rhett kick) 10 - 1404:54 BYU - LAKE, Dayan 50 yd interception return (ALMOND, Rhett kick) 17 - 1400:35 B S U - W ILS O N , C edrick 36 yd pass from R Y P IE N , B re tt (R A U S A , Ty le r k ick), 7 -69 1 :06 17 - 21
CINCINNATI – BYU football took down Cincinnati 20-3 on the road on Saturday with a stout defensive effort and a strong run game.
BYU improves to 5-4 on the season after outgaining Cincinnati (4-5, 1-4 American Ath-letic Conference) 338 to 286. The Cougars were successful on third down in the game, converting 10 of 16 attempts and holding the Bearcats to just 4 of 13 on third down and 0 for 2 on fourth.
The Cougar defense held Cincinnati without a touchdown, marking the first time BYU has kept an opponent out of the end zone since 2014 against Savannah State and first FBS opponent since SDSU in the 2012 Poinsettia Bowl. It was the fewest points the Bearcats have scored since a 10-3 loss to Rutgers in 2012.
Taysom Hill led the offense, completing 15 of 25 passes for 130 yards and one intercep-tion along with rushing 75 yards for a touchdown. Jamaal Williams had 25 carries for 92 yards while Squally Canada spelled him with nine carries, 41 yards and one touchdown.
On defense, Francis Bernard led the team with nine total tackles along with one pass breakup. Corbin Kaufusi had notched three tackles and one sack while Troy Warner logged three pass breakups in the first half.
In the Bearcats’ opening drive, they made it to the BYU 6-yard line. The Cougars stayed tough, however, holding the home team to a 23-yard field goal, which would be the only score of the game for Cincinnati.
After BYU turned the ball over on downs on its first possession, freshman Austin Mc-Chesney picked off Gunner Kiel for his first interception of his career. He returned it 37 yards with 7:12 remaining in the first quarter. However, the Cougar offense stalled, punting the ball back to the Bearcats.
The defense held Cincinnati to a three and out in the next possession. On third down for BYU, Hill rushed 9 yards for the first down. Rhett Almond kicked a 28-yard field goal to tie the game 3-3 with 38 seconds left in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Hill was picked off, turning the ball over with 11:46 to play until the half. The Cougar defense stifled the Bearcats, forcing a three and out.
BYU finally got the offense going late in the second quarter. Colby Pearson and Nick Kurtz each had key third down conversions to keep the drive alive. To spark the team, Hill threw 43-yard flea flicker to Jonah Trinnaman, setting up the score. Hill rushed 8 yards into the end zone for the first touchdown of the game, taking the 10-3 lead heading into the break.
The Cougars outgained Cincinnati 115 to 9 in the second quarter.
To start the second half, Pearson and Canada were clutch on third down to get the first downs in the opening drive of the half. Williams rushed 13 yards to get just short of the end zone, setting up the score. Canada punched in that last yard for his second touch-down of the year, pushing BYU’s lead to 17-3 with 8:26 left in the third quarter.
The Bearcats’ next chance to score came on a 39-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter, but it went wide left to keep the Cougars up 17-3.
BYU defense came up big again when Cincinnati went for it on fourth and two. Fred Warner and Tevita Mo’Unga combined to keep Bearcats running back Tion Green short, forcing a turnover on downs.
Draining 9:41 off the clock in the fourth quarter, the Cougars took their time marching down the field on their final scoring drive Williams converted on fourth down with a 2-yard rush. But on the second fourth down BYU faced, the team settled for a 19-yard field goal, pushing the lead to 20-3 with just 1:39 left in the game.
To seal the win, the Cougar defense held the Bearcats to a turnover on downs at the BYU 19-yard line . Hill took a knee in victory formation to take the last road game of the season for BYU.
CINCINNATI
Quickie Statistics (Final)BYU vs Cincinnati (11/05/16 at Cincinnati, Ohio)
PROVO, Utah – BYU beat Southern Utah 37-7 on Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium to become bowl eligible for a 12th-consecutive season.
"It's good to be bowl eligible and get it done early," BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said. "Overall I'm happy about the win and proud of the way the guys played. I think they were excited to play this game and it showed from the get-go."
The Cougars (6-4) recorded several offensive season highs in the win. They tallied 596 total yards, 441 of which were through the air.
Taysom Hill played for most of the first three quarters, and passed for 320 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 59 yards and another trip to the end zone.
Tanner Mangum played several series behind center, and threw for 121 yards with 42 rushing yards.
Freshman running back KJ Hall contributed significantly to BYU’s offensive attack, rushing for 59 yards and a touchdown, with 68 receiving yards.
BYU used just two plays on its first drive to find the end zone. After forcing a turnover on downs on the Southern Utah 47 yardline, Hill connected with Mitchell Juergens for a 31-yard pass and followed it up with a 16-yard touchdown run for a 7-0 lead.
As the first quarter neared its end, Hill hooked up with Nick Kurtz for a 31-yard touchdown pass. The Cougars held a 14-0 lead as the first quarter ended.
About five minutes into the second quarter, BYU drove 29 yards before Rhett Almond made a 28-yard field goal to put the Cougars up 17-0.
With 3:56 left in the first half, Hill connected with Colby Pearson on a 21-yard touchdown pass. That punctuated a seven-play, 62-yard drive to put BYU up 24-0 after Almond’s PAT.
The Thunderbirds got on the board with 2:02 left in the first half, via a 17-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Tyler to Logan Parker. The ensuing PAT cut the Cougars’ lead to 24-7.
Hall scored his first BYU touchdown 46 seconds before halftime, finishing a six-play, 82 yard drive with a two-yard run. BYU increased its advantage to 31-7 going into halftime.
Neither team scored in the third quarter, as the Cougars maintained their 31-7 lead.
Almond hit a 30-yard field goal with 10:31 left in the game to put BYU up 34-17.
With 51 seconds left, Almond hit another field goal, this time a 20-yarder, to put the Cougars up 37-7.
Following the game, the Cougars accepted an invitation to the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, which will be held on Dec. 21 in San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium against a Mountain West Conference opponent.
SOUTHERN UTAH
Quickie Statistics (Final)Southern Utah vs BYU (Nov 12, 2016 at Provo, Utah)
SUU BYUScore 7 37FIRST DOWNS 7 33RUSHES-YARDS (NET) 18-21 40-155PASSING YDS (NET) 144 441Passes Att-Comp-Int 33-19-1 42-33-1TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS 51-165 82-596Fumble Returns-Yards 1-5 0-0Punt Returns-Yards 0-0 6-68Kickoff Returns-Yards 4-40 2-60Interception Returns-Yards 1-0 1-0Punts (Number-Avg) 8-46.4 1-48.0Fumbles-Lost 2-0 3-2Penalties-Yards 2-20 6-65Possession Time 20:06 39:54Third-Down Conversions 3 of 14 8 of 16Fourth-Down Conversions 1 of 2 2 of 2Red-Zone Scores-Chances 1-1 5-6
Southern Utah BYURushing No. Gain Loss Net TD Lg AvgMalik Brown 8 26 1 25 0 17 3.1Raysean Pringle 3 15 0 15 0 12 5.0Patrick Tyler 7 11 30 -19 0 9 -2.7
Rushing No. Gain Loss Net TD Lg AvgHALL, KJ 12 59 0 59 1 16 4.9MANGUM, Tanner 4 59 17 42 0 35 10.5HILL, Taysom 7 50 21 29 1 16 4.1BROWN, Algernon 7 28 0 28 0 12 4.0
Qtr Time Scoring Play V-H1st 12:14 BYU - HILL, Taysom 16 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick), 2-47 0:27 0 - 7
01:27 B Y U - K U R TZ, N ick 31 yd pass from H ILL , Taysom (A LM O N D , R hett k ick), 12-80 6 :33 0 - 142nd 09:31 BYU - ALMOND, Rhett 28 yd field goal, 5-30 2:05 0 - 17
03:56 B Y U - P E A R S O N , C o lby 21 yd pass from H ILL , Taysom (A LM O N D , R hett k ick), 7 -62 3 :44 0 - 2402:02 S U U - Logan P arker 17 yd pass from P atrick Ty le r (K e ita C a lhoun k ick), 6 -75 1 :54 7 - 2400:46 BYU - HALL, KJ 2 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick), 6-82 1:08 7 - 31
PROVO, Utah – Behind a strong rushing attack and second half takeaways on defense and special teams, BYU defeated Massachusetts 51-9 on Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
The Cougars (7-4) were dominant on the ground, rushing for 247 yards and amassing 437 yards of total offense, while holding the Minutemen (2-9) to just 40 rushing yards on 20 attempts.
KJ Hall rushed for 101 yards on 18 carries and senior Harvey Langi gained 56 yards on 14 carries on his first game on offense this season. Senior quarterback Taysom Hill passed for 165 yards and rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
On the defensive side of the ball, sophomore Francis Bernard recorded seven tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown. BYU’s special teams forced two fumbles with Hiva Lee and Eric Takenaka each recovering fumbles to set up BYU scores.
Despite falling behind early in the first half, the Cougars scored 44 unanswered points and dominated in the second half thanks to four turnovers and a blocked punt.
UMass quarterback Andrew Ford connected with Bernard Davis for a 70-yard touch-down pass and the Minutemen took a 6-0 lead after a missed PAT attempt with at the 3:27 mark in the first quarter.
The Cougars began the next drive on the 25-yard line and drove 75 yards in 10 plays for their first score of the game. Hall scored on an 11-yard run and the Cougars took a 7-6 lead with 14:53 remaining in the second quarter.
The Minutemen answered quickly with a 50-yard kickoff return that resulted in a 44-yard field goal and UMass took a 9-7 lead with 12:58 remaining in the first half.
To cap off an 86-yard drive for the Cougars, Langi scampered into the endzone from five yards out with 5:22 remaining in the half to help BYU retake the lead with the score 14-9.
The Minuteman threatened to score again driving to the Cougars’ 35-yard line, but a third down sack by Logan Taele pushed UMass out of field goal range, forcing a punt.
To open the second half, BYU drove 53 yards in 11 plays and finished the drive with a 33-yard field goal from Rhett Almond. The score extended the Cougars’ lead to eight and BYU led 17-9 at the 11:30 mark in the third quarter.
On the next Minutemen possession, linebacker Morgan Unga reached the UMass punter in time to block the punt and BYU took over on the UMass 19-yard line. Almond tacked on another field goal, this time from 34 yards, and BYU led 20-9 with 9:13 left in the third.
On the ensuing kickoff, BYU’s Takenaka forced and recovered a fumble to give BYU possession on the UMass 17-yard line. Facing a long third down, Hill bulldozed several UMass defenders for an 11-yard rush that moved the ball to the two yard line and Langi scored his second touchdown of the afternoon on a 2-yard rush to make the score 27-9 in favor of BYU.
Three plays into the next UMass drive, Bernard picked off Ford and returned the inter-ception 39 yards for the score to put the Cougars ahead, 34-9.
BYU’s next scoring drive featured a fourth down conversion with Hill finding receiver Mitchell Juergens for a first down. After advancing the ball to the 5-yard line, Hill scram-bled to the left side of the field for another score to make it 41-9.
With 7:56 remaining in the fourth quarter, BYU forced another turnover with Isaiah Arm-strong getting an interception on the UMass 36-yard line. Tanner Mangum found Garrett Juergens in the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown pass to make the score 48-9. It was the first career touchdown for Juergens.
The following kickoff bounced off the hands of the UMass returner and Lee recovered the ball on the UMass 8-yard line. Almond added a 21-yard field goal with 3:05 remain-ing in the game and BYU held on to win by a final score of 51-9.
MASSACHUSETTS
Quickie Statistics (Final)UMASS vs BYU (Nov 19, 2016 at Provo, Utah)
Tackles UA-A Total Sacks TFLCasali, S. 6-6 12 0.0 0.5Calhoun, C. 6-4 10 1.0 1.0Bailey-Smith,K. 6-1 7 0.0 0.0
Tackles UA-A Total Sacks TFLBERNARD, Franci 3-4 7 0.0 0.0HANNEMANN, Mic 3-1 4 0.0 0.0PAU'U, Butch 3-1 4 0.0 0.0
Qtr Time Scoring Play V-H1st 03:27 U M A S S - D avis , B . 70 yd pass from Ford , A . (C agg iano, M . k ick fa iled), 3 -71 1 :08 6 - 02nd 14:53 BYU - HALL, KJ 11 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick), 10-75 3:34 6 - 7
12:58 UMASS - Laurent, L. 44 yd field goal, 6-22 1:47 9 - 705:22 BYU - LANGI, Harvey 5 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick), 13-86 4:21 9 - 14
4th 12:50 BYU - HILL, Taysom 5 yd run (ALMOND, Rhett kick), 12-54 6:01 9 - 4105:22 B Y U - JU E R G E N S , G arre 7 yd pass from M A N G U M , Tanner (A LM O N D , R hett k ick), 4 -36 2 :38 9 - 4803:05 BYU - ALMOND, Rhett 21 yd field goal, 4-4 2:13 9 - 51