Playing in it’s final regular season game as an Independent, BYU (7-5) closed it out on a high note as the Cougars held on for a 35-26 victory over Stanford (3-9) Saturday night.
The win gave the program it’s first three-game winning streak of the season. It was also notable in that it gave the Cougars their first victory over Stanford. After coming up short in the two previous meetings, the third time was the charm for the Cougars who rolled out to 35-12 lead in the second half before holding on for the win.
The win also meant that BYU has now defeated every current Pac 12 team. And during the Independence run, the Cougars have now won 98 of its 154 games, and have played against 70 different teams from 36 different states. The win also assured the fifth consecutive winning season under Kalani Sitake.
Led by Jaren Hall, BYU’s offense couldn’t be stopped in the early going as the Cougars scored touchdowns on its first four possessions. And while Hall didn’t have a big game throwing the ball (93 yards), the junior dual-threat quarterback more than made up for it on the ground as he rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown before being taken out of the game in the second half after appearing to sprain his ankle.
Running back Chris Brooks ran for 164 yards — a new season high — Hinckley Ropati added 85 yards and a touchdown, and wide receiver Puka Nacua ran for 38 yards and a touchdown as well. BYU’s 358 rushing yards were also a season high and were the most since the program racked up 385 yards against Virginia. The 50 rushing attempts are the most since 56 against South Florida in 2019.
In another milestone, Saturday’s contest was also the first time since 1972 that the Cougars did not have a single penalty. This was great to see after the team racked up 132 yards in penalties the week before.
On defensive side of the ball, BYU came in ranked second to last in sacks per game. However, with Saturday’s performance, the Cougars will likely be moving up after recording three sacks on the night. The three sacks (Gabe Jeudy-Lally, Lorenzon Fauatea and Tyler Batty) were the most since the Cougars had four against then-No. 9 Baylor at the start of the season.
Here’s how the media and fans reacted after the win:
fan love🥰 pic.twitter.com/ETAuWnJnMT
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 27, 2022
What a crazy season. I know I’ve been critical of the team but I’m proud of the way they finished. 60 minutes of BYU football left! Go win a bowl game fellas! 🤙
— Jonny Linehan (@jlinehan9) November 27, 2022
Next time #BYUFootball plays a regular season game, they will be a member of the Big 12. Crazy to think about that…
— Brent Fredrickson (@thebrentar14) November 27, 2022
TD or no? pic.twitter.com/1VvcvgNfIX
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 27, 2022
Can we stop scheduling PAC12 games? So many years of such pathetic officiating.
— CougarStats (@CougarStats) November 27, 2022
Ball don’t lie.
— The ROC (@byuROC) November 27, 2022
Ball don't lie.
— BYU Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) November 27, 2022
Free 9 points so far.
— Greg Welch (@ArtDirectorBYU) November 27, 2022
BYU needs to finish this game BUT they’ve been gifted 9 points by this officiating crew. Absurd.
— Jonny Linehan (@jlinehan9) November 27, 2022
Stanford blows the PAT?! Two score game. Geez that’s terrible.
— Jarom Jordan (@jaromjordan) November 27, 2022
That's 2 failed PAT's for Stanford.. wow..
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) November 27, 2022
Things I don’t understand:
1. A-rod’s short yardage play calling. It’s beyond abysmal.
2. How can a team that drops into coverage so much play so poorly against the pass time and time again? The run and the pass – they’re both baffling to defend for this defense.— Jacob Ostler (@JacobOstler4) November 27, 2022
Tanner McKee is 31/40 for 313 yards & 1 TD in this game for Stanford. BYU's defense allowing him look like a top-shelf NFL prospect with 75+% completion percentage #BYUvsSTAN #BYUfootball #BYU
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) November 27, 2022
Roderick needs to have breakfast with Tanner McKee tomorrow morning. #BYUFootball
— Donald Lee (@PatoDonald80) November 27, 2022
Well got the win. Thank god the regular season is over… lots of coaching changes needed. Lots . hope Hall can play the bowl game. #BYUFootball
— Ty Jensen (@TyScottJensen) November 27, 2022
Hearing B-Y-U chants in opponent stadiums. A tradition like no other. #GoCougs #BYUfootball pic.twitter.com/6ZJOFzNwwx
— Taquineur 🇫🇷 (@Taquineur) November 27, 2022
caught em sleepin' 😴 pic.twitter.com/4Uca1fR8eG
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 27, 2022
18.9% of Isaac Rex's targets have been TD catches, the highest in BYU history and it's not even close (since 1973, min. 100 targets)#BYUFootball
— BYU Stats, Man (@BYUstatsMAN) November 27, 2022
Isaac Rex with his 21st TD catch passes Clay Brown and moves into a tie with Dennis Pitta for 2nd all-time in TD catches by a TE at BYU.#BYUFootball | #GoCougs
— BYU Stats, Man (@BYUstatsMAN) November 27, 2022
BYU had zero penalties tonight; dating back to 1972, its BYU's first infraction-free game.
— Greg Wrubell (@gregwrubell) November 27, 2022
What a season for #BYUFootball. Honestly enjoyed it. Had some great times, and some hard times. In the end, I was right about our record.
My question is…why did so many people overestimate the talent on this roster, and more importantly the ability of this staff to coach them? https://t.co/MqlkPJCHuA
— J XC (@irunxc4fun) November 27, 2022
we love you cougar nation 🫶 pic.twitter.com/2Js1iOX8wW
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 27, 2022
