The final matchup of Saturday’s Big 12 slate concluded late in typical Big 12 after-dark fashion, with the final whistle blowing at 12:50 a.m. CT. Kalani Sitake’s BYU Cougars took control of a massive win over 13th-ranked Kansas State to advance to 4-0 on the season, while Kansas State left Utah with a disappointing September loss.
Here are the three biggest takeaways from this game.
The Play
Without question, the biggest play of the night came on a SportsCenter Top 10-esq punt return from sophomore wide receiver Parker Kingston, who made an unbelievable play in the third quarter.
Kinston muffed a punt deep in his own territory before scrambling to pick up the loose ball inside the 10-yard line. Kingston recovered the bouncing ball and sprinted to the opposite sideline, juking out multiple Kansas State defenders in his way.
After making the turn, Kingston kicked on the afterburns all the way to the end zone, which would have blown the roof off of LaVell Edwards Stadium if it had one.
Signature Win
Offense, defense, and special Teams. BYU dominated every facet of the matchup with Kansas State, helping the team earn a signature 38-9 win. The Cougars’ defense bottled up Kansas State’s offense and surrendered just nine points in three trips to the red zone.
In addition to the stout performance, BYU forced Kansas State to turn the football over three times. The team snagged sophomore Avery Johnson’s second and third career interceptions and forced star running back DJ Giddens into his second career fumble.
On offense, BYU wasn’t asked to do much, as their defense continually set them up with good field position. Regardless, the offense sealed the deal with two passing touchdowns from Jake Retzlaff and one rushing touchdown for Sione Moa.
Momentum Matters
Saturday’s game was a textbook example of momentum in the game of football. Heading into the final two minutes of first-half action, K-State led BYU 6-3 and was set to start the drive off with a 1:29 remaining.
BYU’s defense then completely switched the game’s tune by forcing back-to-back turnovers before the half and capitalizing heavily. BYU started by forcing a scoop-and-score fumble from the steady-handed DJ Giddens, which was picked up and returned 30 yards to the house by freshman safety Tommy Prassas.
With the Cougars now leading 10-6, Avery Johnson and the Kansas State offense committed another turnover on a botched screen pass. Johnson threw an interception to veteran defensive end Tyler Batty, which was capped off two plays later on a 23-yard touchdown connection from Jake Retzlaff to Chase Roberts.
