The Deseret News is providing live coverage from tonight’s game between Utah State and No. 13 BYU. Follow along for updates throughout the night.
End of 3rd quarter
BYU 24, Utah State 13
The dynamic of this game changed with Jacob Conover coming in at quarterback for BYU for an injured Baylor Romney to start the second half. As such, this has turned into a defensive struggle.
The Cougars have punted the ball the first three drives with Conover at quarterback, after putting up just 6 yards on 10 plays. BYU finally got a drive going and is deep into Utah State territory as we head into the fourth quarter.
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Brigham Young Cougars players pray prior to warming up in Logan on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah State Aggies fans cheer in Logan on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah State Aggies quarterback Logan Bonner (1) warms up in Logan on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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The Utah State Aggies and Brigham Young Cougars play for the wagon wheel in Logan on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Earl Tuioti-Mariner (91) pressures Utah State Aggies quarterback Logan Bonner (1) in Logan on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah State Aggies quarterback Logan Bonner (1) runs against Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Ben Bywater (33) in Logan on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah State Aggies wide receiver Justin McGriff (10) celebrate this touchwdown with Utah State Aggies running back Elelyon Noa (34) in Logan on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
The Aggies had their chance to capitalize on BYU’s offensive struggles, but the Cougars defense came up with a big fourth-down stop. USU had driven to BYU’s 33-yard line on its seccond drive of the half, but John Gentry was stopped by Chaz Ah You for no gain on a fourth-and-1 to end the threat.
QB change for BYU
Freshman Jacob Conover started the third quarter for BYU in his first college game action. The Cougars’ third-string quarterback became the backup against USU when Jaren Hall wasn’t available for the second straight game, and Baylor Romney got the start against the Aggies. Just before halftime, Romney hit his head on the turf, though he finished out that drive. CBS Sports Network reported Romney is out for the rest of the game.
Halftime
BYU 24, Utah State 13
Both teams were moving the ball in the second quarter, as the Cougars and Aggies scored on two possessions in the quarter.
BYU scored first in the quarter when Baylor Romney hit Isaac Rex for a 15-yard touchdown pass. That capped a 10-play, 75-yard drive that started late in the first quarter.
Utah State responded with an impressive 18-play, 75-yard drive where the Aggies converted four third downs (one on a penalty) and a fourth down before Bonner scrambled and hit Justin McGriff for a 21-yard touchdown on a third-and-15 to make it 17-10.
But BYU had a quick answer to that score, when Tyler Allgeier ran 59 yards for a touchdown on a third-and-2. It was Allgeier’s second touchdown of the first half. He has 97 rushing yards at the half.
Utah State then had a promising drive that ended with a Connor Coles 45-yard field goal to make it an 11-point game, and BYU’s Jake Oldroyd missed a 45-yard field goal attempt on the final play of the half.
Both teams are having little trouble moving the ball through the air. Romney has completed 15 of 19 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown, while Bonner has completed 12 of 21 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown.
End of 1st Quarter
BYU 10, Utah State 3
There is plenty of offense, particularly for BYU, in the early going of this game.
The Cougars moved quickly on their first drive, going 74 yards in three plays to go up 7-0 on a Tyler Allgeier 22-yard touchdown run. That was set up by a 42-yard reception by Puka Nacua from Baylor Romney, who is starting for Jaren Hall at quarterback.
Utah State got the ball first, but its opening drive came to an end when BYU cornerback Malik Moore made an impressive one-handed interception at the Cougar 26.
Both teams added field goals later in the quarter — Jake Oldroyd hit a 49-yarder, and Connor Coles made a 52-yarder — thought BYU missed a chance to get a second touchdown. Its second drive reached the USU 1 before the Aggies pushed them back.
The Cougars have 146 yards of total offense, compared to 59 for Utah State.
Pregame prep
Here are a few stories to get you ready for the game:
