No. 22 BYU Cougars Hold On for Victory Against Baylor

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The No. 22 BYU Cougars (5-0, 2-0 Big 12 Conference) narrowly defeated the Baylor Bears (2-3, 0-2) by a score of 34-28 on Sept. 28 in Waco, Texas. The Bears fought hard and gave the Cougars a scare, but BYU held on tight and reigned victorious on the road. BYU continues its hot streak with the win, and the Bears are struggling to find their identity.

The BYU passing game was not at its best with quarterback Jake Retzlaff completing just over half of his passes, throwing 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The rushing game helped their offense immensely, with Retzlaff and wide receiver Chase Roberts getting touchdowns. Running back Enoch Nawahine put in work on the ground as well. The Bears kept the game close with QB Sawyer Robertson getting the start, throwing for 324 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

Game Summary

The Cougars got things rolling early with Retzlaff leading them to a touchdown on their first drive. Retzlaff threw a 26-yard pass to Miles Davis as BYU started the game up 7-0. Baylor could not respond as Robertson threw an interception on his first pass of the game to Blake Mangelson. The Cougs decided to run the ball for their next drive, ending in a 2-yard rushing touchdown by WR Roberts. The Bears threatened on their next drive but couldn't convert on a fourth-and-1, turning the ball over on downs. Retzlaff used his legs well on this drive, getting a rushing touchdown of 17 yards. With 3:30 left in the first quarter, the Bears were already down 21-0. However, Baylor didn't leave the quarter without scoring as Robertson ran in a 20-yard touchdown on a fourth-and-1 situation as time expired.

BYU started the second quarter with a touchdown once again. The rushing attack from Pokaiaua Haunga and Nawahine chipped some yardage off and set up some nice passing plays for the Cougs. The Retzlaff threw his second passing touchdown to Darius Lassiter on a 44-yard rope. The Bears and Cougs traded punts on each of their next drives as both defenses played well. Baylor was able to score again after a pass interference call on BYU, allowing Robertson to throw a 1-yard touchdown to Josh Cameron. To end the back-and-forth quarter, the Cougs scored a 54-yard field goal from Will Ferrin and Connor Hawkins missed his 50-yarder for the Bears. The Cougs went into halftime up 31-14.

The Bears started the third quarter with a long drive ending in a touchdown, as Robertson threw a 15-yard touchdown to Ashtyn Jenkins. The BYU offense started to slow down, responding to the Bears' touchdown with a field goal. Baylor was forced to punt on their next drive, and Retzlaff threw an interception, giving the Bears the ball back. The Bears remained aggressive, going for it on fourth down once again but failing to convert.

BYU missed a field goal to start the fourth, and the Bears took advantage by scoring another touchdown. Robertson threw another dot to Josh Cameron for a 23-yard score. The teams traded punts, with the Cougars looking like a different team than the first half. Retzlaff threw his second interception giving the Bears good field position while threatening to take the lead. The Bears couldn't convert another fourth down and were forced to punt with 1:43 left in the game. The Bears' defense came up huge, not allowing BYU to pick up a first down, and the Cougs had to punt. However, Robertson couldn't be the hero and threw another interception, effectively ending the game as the Cougars won 34-28.

BYU Play of the Game

The play that saved the Cougars is without a doubt their last-minute interception by Crew Wakley to seal the deal. Baylor could've potentially won the game with a touchdown, making this stop crucial to leave Waco without their first loss. The Cougs offense had fizzled out leading into the fourth quarter, so it was on the defense to secure the lead they had already built.

Wakley was the hero for the Cougs, and Robertson wishes he could have that one back. Had BYU lost, Baylor would've gotten a win against a ranked opponent, boosting their confidence. With the BYU win, they get to enjoy a 5-0 start and two conference wins already. The Cougs can go up in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, but without that interception stopping a Baylor score, they would be likely out.

What's Next?

For the Bears, it is hard to not be disappointed. They were close but couldn't pull off the upset. Now starting the season 2-3 and 0-2 in the conference, Baylor is still in a big hole. There is still hope that this team won't dwell at the bottom of the Big 12, as the team had some bright moments throughout the game. In Week 6, the Bears will face the No. 18 Iowa State Cyclones (3-0) at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa.

BYU can exhale after avoiding the upset. The offense will have to get it together and play well for a full four quarters against better competition. But as many say, "A win is a win." The Cougs have shocked everyone, and many would have not picked this team to be 5-0. BYU looks to continue its hot streak after a bye in Week 6, playing the Arizona Wildcats (2-1) at home in Week 7.