BYU blocked a field goal and returned it en route to a dominant home win.
BYU Football has completed its first game of the season. What a game. BYU started slow, but then went crazy. The Cougars fumbled the ball on a punt return, and then a defensive lineman blocked a field goal with his facemask, and Jack Kelly ran it back for a touchdown. BYU would then continue to score while the defense played lights out.
True freshman Bear Bachmier impressed, throwing three touchdowns and rushing for two more. Of the nine touchdowns, eight were scored by a player who was new to BYU. The Cougars scored on eleven straight drives, and kicker Will Ferrin tied the BYU record for the longest field goal with a successful 56-yard attempt. BYU kept scoring, and it looked like they would never stop.
BYU rushed for 468 yards and threw for 138 more for a total of 606 yards. The Cougars picked up 28 first downs and turned one takeaway into seven points. The Cougs averaged 9.2 yards per play and were 60% on third down. The Cougars held the Vikings to 51 total yards, including 51 passing and -5 rushing yards.
Three Takeaways from BYU’s 69-0 win over Portland State
- Bear is a solid quarterback: Bear Bachmier was fantastic. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for two more. BYU is in good hands this year.
- The defense has picked up where it left off last year: BYU’s defense pitched a shutout and held Portland State to three first downs and 1/13 on third down. BYU has a tough defense and it shows.
- Will Ferrin is even better this year: Ferrin was perfect on extra points tonight and hit a 56-yard field goal to tie the school record. He shows no signs of slowing down and could be key this year.
Overall, it was a good win for BYU. The Cougars were able to keep pounding and didn’t break down defensively. The Cougars are ready for FBS competition, and this year could be special. There are still eleven more games to go, and BYU is prepared.
What a game and great article, Jake!
Thanks!
Did BYU ever put I. Second string? If so, how did they perform? Thanks for the fun report!
BYU put in four quarterbacks, and they all performed well.