BYU has had so much momentum walking into the first game of the 2021/2022 season. Coming off of an 11-1 season with the beloved Zach Wilson, the team knew they had to keep up the play, and sure enough, they put up a show.
First Few Games
BYU vs. ARIZONA
Walking into Agilent Stadium on Sep. 4, 2021, the crowds were energetic. BYU and Arizona faced off against each other in Allegiant Stadium, for the Las Vegas kickoff classic. On the tickets, the game was an Arizona home game, but according to the crowds, it looked more like a BYU home game. (And Arizona University is closer, by a whole hour!) The ratio of BYU fans to Arizona fans in the stands was most likely 7-1. 7/9 of the crowd was BYU, and that most likely helped them into this season opener.
The game started off slow, with 0 points being scored in the first quarter, and not much happening. But the game had only just begun, and some scoring started to commence. BYU out-scored a quick 14-3 second quarter, and all the momentum was on BYU going into the second half. The third quarter was an Arizona show, scoring 10 points to BYU’s 7, putting the scoreboard to 21-13. The fourth quarter was hectic, with the ball just going back and forth and not much scoring was actually happening. A field goal by Arizona and BYU sent Arizona home, empty-handed, and the final score 24-16, BYU.
Arizona’s Quarter-Back, Gunner Cruz, led both teams in passing yards, with 336 to Jaren Halls (BYU) 198. Tyler Allgeier led both teams in rushing, running in a solid 94 yards, and A touchdown.
BYU vs. UTAH
Ah yes, the BYU vs. Utah rivalry game. Every time these two teams face-off, it’s the game of the day. LaVell Edwards Stadium was ROCKING on 9/11, and so much respect was sent to the fallen soldiers of the worst day in Manhattan. The BYU cougars had not beaten Utah in 9 whole years, and it was time.
The game itself started off almost just as slow as the Arizona game with BYU posting a small, but good 3-0 lead on Utah out of the first quarter. Utah’s offense already had 2 turnovers in a matter of 3 possessions. The second quarter just gave BYU more and more momentum as it went on, and BYU posted a strong 13-7 outscore, and the score being 16-7 at halftime. The second half brought more momentum, and BYU, having only one touchdown, had the Utes down 23-7 ending the third quarter. The fourth quarter was the Utes game, and all that momentum that BYU had built up, was crushed. A quick 10 points from Utah put the game at 23- 17, with just a few minutes remaining. BYU marched down the field, nearly scoring a touchdown, but got held to a field goal. That kicker, Jake Oldroyd DRILLED right down the middle and held the lead to 9. Utah needed to take the ball all the way down the field, score, then score again after receiving an onsides kick. But BYU didn’t even give them a chance, and stopped the Utes on fourth down, securing the victory for BYU for the first time in 9 games.
BYU’s Jaren Hall barely led both teams in passing yards, posting in 149, just two ahead of Utah’s Charlie Brewer. The Utes Running back, Micha Bernard, rushed an amazing 146 yards, easily beating out Tyler Allgeier.
BYU vs. ARIZONA STATE
LaVell Edwards Stadium and the Cougars were hoping for a win and having two consecutive wins against Ap-Ranked teams for the first time in franchise history. It was just bound to happen.
The game started off quick with a startling fumble from Arizona State on the kickoff return, that BYU immediately scored off of it with a strong Tyler Allgeier. But the fame didn’t last long, and with a perfect throw to Andre Johnson, from Arizona State’s QB, Jayden Daniels for a 58-yard reception. Arizona State quickly followed with a rushing touchdown and tied the game up only 3:50 into the game. The rest of the first quarter was slow, and not much happened. The second quarter started, and Arizona State was just ramming their way down the field. But a great defended pass and big hit lead to a BYU interception. The game was already starting to look like the Utah game with 2 turnovers already on ASU. The cougars quickly get the ball back and march down, with a quick play from their own 14 to their own 45. Another great pass and a trick play double pitch lead to a BYU 34 yard Touchdown reception. After a 3-and-out on ASU’s possession, it led to a 40 yard Gunner Romney reception. Shortly after, BYU’s Jaren Hall throws a perfect 15-yard Touchdown reception by Isaac Rex with 4:40 left on the clock. The rest of the quarter was a cougars interception, but no luck on the next possession with Jaren Hall throwing an interception with 16 seconds left. The Cougars walked into the half up 21-7.
Starting the second half, a quick BYU 3-and-out led to an ASU touchdown only 5 minutes into the half, leaving the score at 21-14. Another BYU punt later, The Sun devils march their way down the field, making people miss, and scoring a solid field goal making the score now 21-17 BYU cougars still up. The cougars make their way down the field and throw an interception on the 25-yard line. But the hustle didn’t stop, and BYU’s Tyler Allgeier chased down the runner and popped the ball out and BYU recovered the ball on their own 13. Two turnovers in one play, and basically a loss of 70 for BYU. BYU with the ball back marched back down the field, but a sack on 3rd down led to a BYU punt inside the 3. ASU started their diver and got immediately stopped, causing a punt. BYU marches back down the field and brings it down to the 5, but Jaren Hall goes down, and Baylor Romney steps in. The ball snapped and Balor slips, recovers, and throws a dime to Tight End-Issac Rex for a BYU touchdown. This basically seals the game, and BYU wins 27-17.
ASU’s QB Jayden Daniels led both teams in yards, stacking in 265 to BYU’s Jaren Hall’s 214.
Players to watch for
Jaren Hall (Quarterback), Tyler Allgeier (Running Back), Ryan Rehkow (Punter)
