BYU led from start to finish and cruised to a 34-14 road victory over Wyoming Saturday night at War Memorial Stadium.
The win was BYU’s 10th consecutive in the series and gives the Cougars a perfect non-conference record (3-0) for the second straight season.
BYU QB Jake Retzlaff bounced back from his poor performance last week against SMU as he completed 22-of-36 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns. The dual-threat quarterback also ran for a game-high 62 yards, however, the junior did have another interception, and nearly had two more but the Wyoming players either dropped the ball, or caught it out of bounds.
Retzlaff’s favorite target on the night was Chase Roberts as the junior had 6 catches on the night for a game-high 129 yards. He didn’t have a touchdown, but his catches came in a number of big moments to keep drives alive which led to touchdowns. The Cougars made sure to spread the ball out, and even got some second and third string players in the game. Overall, 12 BYU receives had at least one catch as the Cougars racked up more than 450 yards of total offense.
The biggest improvement was seeing the Cougars getting chunk plays on offense and yards after the catch (YAC). For the game, BYU’s offense had 10 plays of 20+ yards or more, a drastic improvement from last week.
BYU running back Pokaiaua Haunga had a great night as the freshman had five carriers for 35 yards — the second most in the game — and showed why the coaching staff thinks very highly of him with his vision, versatility and playmaking abilities. Haunga will likely still redshirt as he can still play in 3 more games before doing so, but it also depends on the status of LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati.
On special teams, Keelan Marion added a 103-yard touchdown return on the kickoff to start the third quarter. It was the first kickoff return for a touchdown by a Cougar since Adam Hine did so at home against Virginia in 2014. Kicker Will Ferrin went 2-for-2 on field goals (37, 49) and was perfect on PATs. The only mistake of the night was a 13-yard punt from Landon Rehkow that went off the side of his foot.
BYU has held all 3 opponents to 261 yards or fewer this year.
The last time BYU held opponents to no more than 261 yards in at least 3 consecutive games was a 5 game stretch in 2012.
Wazzu – 224
Utah – 245
Boise St. – 261
Hawaii – 149
USU – 243The 2012 defense finished 3rd…
— CougarStats (@CougarStats) September 15, 2024
Not to be outdone, the Cougar defense stepped up once again as BYU held Wyoming to just 217 total yards, including just 77 yards rushing (2.3 yards per carry). The defense also got another takeaway thanks to a beautiful interception from sophomore Evan Johnson. Raider Damuni also had an interception, however, a defensive penalty (offsides) negated the takeaway.
With the win, the Cougars can now focus their attention against No. 14 Kansas State which will likely move up in the polls after their blowout victory at home over No. 20 Arizona (31-7). It should be a rocking atmosphere at LaVell Edwards Stadium with a potential Top-10 team coming to Provo in BYU’s first Big 12 game of the season.
Here’s all the reactions in BYU’s win over the Cowboys:
3-0 pic.twitter.com/muMjr9O4mP
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) September 15, 2024
Half way to bowl eligibility!
— Steven Jackson (@stevenpjackson) September 15, 2024
BYU didn't have 400+ yards of total offense in any game last year. They've exceeded 400 yards in 2 of 3 games this year.
— CougarStats (@CougarStats) September 15, 2024
Overall, Retzlaff made better decisions in the 2nd half. OL needs to clean up some holding, otherwise we win by 30+. Hopefully we get Martin/Ropati back soon. Defense was awesome
— Ys Guide (@YsGuide) September 15, 2024
BYU and Utah both played MWC teams on the road today.
Wyoming was picked to finish 6th in the MWC and BYU won by 20.
Utah State was picked to finish 7th in the MWC and Utah won by 17. #November9th pic.twitter.com/JYe39M3tft
— Sporty (@SportyMcSports) September 15, 2024
103-YARD KICKOFF RETURN TD FOR @BYUfootball! pic.twitter.com/d4lVvgfHnJ
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) September 15, 2024
BIG play in tonight’s game. Special Team’s touchdowns change games. Great blocks – Way to fly Keenan! https://t.co/nQhTg7UXRJ
— Tom Holmoe (@TomHolmoe) September 15, 2024
CAPTAIN ATLANTA 🫡 pic.twitter.com/LDTfqym3Ya
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) September 15, 2024
Gerry! Gerry! Gerry! pic.twitter.com/7KJBmIOess
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) September 15, 2024
He seems relaxed not frantic like Jake
— Billy Mac (@billypenn2380) September 15, 2024
I know it's late and just mop up, but Bohanon looks like an FBS qb out there. Guy has won a Sugar Bowl for heavens' sake. #BYUFootball
— Justin Park (@rpjpark) September 15, 2024
Alright who’s the third string? I’ve gotta know who I should call for when Gerry throws his first incompletion.
— Jonny Linehan (@jlinehan9) September 15, 2024
For those that enjoy the occasional parlay like I do, BYU + Over was a winner tonight. BYU is now 3-0 versus the spread.
— Nate Kennedy (@n8rix) September 15, 2024
Dateline: Laramie pic.twitter.com/3WJZfBu4pP
— Greg Welch (@ArtDirectorBYU) September 15, 2024
These MWC refs don't have anywhere to be after this game in Laramie.
— Jarom Jordan (@jaromjordan) September 15, 2024
I swear these MWC refs are still mad at BYU.
That’s not a hold.
— Sporty (@SportyMcSports) September 15, 2024
cougs definitely beating utah this year 👀
— jayhawk lasso (@jaylassoku) September 15, 2024
The BYU defense is swarming to the ball ‼️Disciplined, physical, and fast!
— Dr. Derwin L. Gray (@DerwinLGray) September 15, 2024
Just so much more poise.
— Michael Smith (@mikesgoY) September 15, 2024
Harvey Unga
Harve Unga
Harv Unga
Har Unga
Haunga#GoCougs #BYUFootball— Trent Ladle (@phred84044) September 15, 2024
Huanga looks good. #BYUFootball
— Football Babe (@KarenFromUtah) September 15, 2024
I get the frustrations with Jake…
The stat line ain’t bad.
If he can do this against big 12 competition then we good…
Can he though 🤷🏼♂️ #BYU pic.twitter.com/qzpT4PvYqy— Brandon Reeves (@tatted_coug_Sj) September 15, 2024
Nothing but love for 12 don’t get it twisted 🤝🏾 @jretz11 https://t.co/2OVrtGO646
— DL (@darius_lassiter) September 15, 2024
Have they considered running 4th down on 3rd down?
— Jonny Benson (@slcjuanb) September 15, 2024
That was SOME play by Evan Johnson. That guy is going to a baller for #BYU.
Can’t say enough good things about the job Jernaro Gilford has done with the DB’s. #BYUFootball
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) September 15, 2024
No better sight than the opposing fans heading to the exits before the end of the third quarter. #GoCougs #BYUFootball
— Jonathan Hokanson (@JonathanHok) September 15, 2024
Playing we will rock you during the targeting review is wild #BYUFootball #BYU #BYUWyoming
— Jefferson Ogden (@jeffersontogden) September 15, 2024
They're really playing "We Will Rock You" after that hit on Hill? Get outta here. #BYUFootball #GoCougars #BeatWYO #RunItUp #BYUvsWYO
— EP Patterson (@Sportifications) September 15, 2024
big12 power rankings through week 3:
1. oklahoma state
2. arizona state
3. iowa state
4. kansas state
5. ucf
6. byu
7. arizona
8. cincinnati
9. tcu
10. baylor
11. texas tech
12. colorado
13. houston
14. west virginia37. kansas
(utah has rejoined the pac12)
— jayhawk lasso (@jaylassoku) September 15, 2024
All love Cougar Nation 🫶 pic.twitter.com/nQCYTg2SOx
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) September 15, 2024