BYU freshman quarterback Joe Critchlow threw for 166 yards and a score and running back Squally Canada got it done on the ground as the junior rushed for 113 yards on just 17 carries for two touchdowns to lead BYU past Hawaii, 30-20, Saturday night at Aloha Stadium.
After rushing for a season-high 266 yards in a win over San Jose State last month, the Cougars put together another impressive performance on the ground as Canada, Austin Kafentzis (98 yards) and Riley Burt (75 yards, 1 TD) helped the team rack up a season-high 285 yards rushing. It was the most rushing yards since the Cougars racked up 338 on the ground against Toledo in 2016.
BYU totaled 451 yards of total offense compared to just 286 for Hawaii and held running back Diocemy Saint Juste — who came in ranked No. 6 nationally with 133.7 yards on the ground — to just 39 yards on 12 carries for an average of 3.3 yards per carry. Corbin Kaufusi had a monster night for the Cougars as the defensive end had six tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.
The Rainbow Warriors only scored one offensive touchdown on the night as linebacker Solomon Matautia returned a fumble 42 yards for the scoop and score in the first quarter.
BYU’s Andrew Mikkelsen connected on his first career field goal which gave the Cougars a 23-13 lead with 6:21 to play in the game. Burt then capped the game off with an 11-yard touchdown for his first career score at BYU.
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With the season now over, Cougar fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the year.
The Good
Y'all already know who wanted it more #BYUFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/6QUdfvTCZI
— Jun from ?? (@jacktherengah) November 26, 2017
This is a positive to look at for 2018. Hopefully we can stay healthy next year. Glad we got the W. #BYUFootball https://t.co/tSuqWx18ob
— Tyler Anderson (@tanderson002) November 26, 2017
Thank you #BYUFOOTBALL it’s been rough but we survived…
— Jason D. Jolley (@JasonDJolley) November 26, 2017
I was on the "One more win won't make me feel any better about this season" train, but I really enjoyed that game. #BYUFootball #BYUSN
— Josh Freeman (@CVFreeman) November 26, 2017
Well..it was a rough season..but at least I never had to see my team wear something like this #BYUFOOTBALL #cougar4life pic.twitter.com/vVOZ2hqdwl
— Now What? (@matticus1619) November 26, 2017
Man, I wish BYU would have used @rileyburt34 more early in the season. He is the real deal. #byufootball #CougarNation
— jonald (@jonaldallan) November 26, 2017
Riley Burt is our best RB. Speed, agility. Starter in 2018. Gotta be. #BYUFootball
— Daniel Evans (@DanielRyanEvans) November 26, 2017
As much as #BYUFootball has sucked this year I can't believe how quick the season has gone and that it's all over tonight. ? #TillNextYear #RepTheYforLife #LoyalStrongTrue pic.twitter.com/z6kYfIwYkl
— Mitch Davis (@MrMitch90) November 26, 2017
So happy @fred_warner is a BYU Cougar. The dude battled all the way to the end. Excited to see him play at the next level! #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/CNsX0DKv4E
— Dan Carlile (@DCHeber83) November 26, 2017
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The Bad
It was so painful to watch #BYUFootball this season but like many great fans I watched every game as difficult as it was. Tonight's results DO NOT matter so let's not pretend it did. Changes Forthcoming
— Derek Schaerrer (@DerekSchaerrer) November 26, 2017
First time I've been happy #BYUFootball is done this early. So long 2017 season. May you never be repeated again.#GoCougs #StillBleedBlue pic.twitter.com/mkCu4hUrBD
— Teentz (@teentz) November 26, 2017
Glad this season is finally over, but happy for the win. @TyDetmer14 and @kalanifsitake NEED to make major adjustments this off-season. On to 2018! #RiseandShout #BYUFOOTBALL
— Katie Borne (@KatieBorne92) November 26, 2017
And with that…this nightmare of a season is over. #byufootball
— Grad School Imposter (@darinself) November 26, 2017
It's Nov 25th and the #BYUFootball season is over. The next game isn't until Sept 1st 2018 which is about 9 months away…That is a very long off-season
— Derek Schaerrer (@DerekSchaerrer) November 26, 2017
This team was hard to watch this season. They were terrible most weeks and sometimes unwatchable. I’m glad the season is over. With that said, I can’t wait for the opener in AZ. Let’s just hope their are some changes this off season. #BYUFOOTBALL
— Jordan Lewis (@jordanlewis19) November 26, 2017
