Deadspin: No. 8 BYU holds off upset-minded Arizona State in Provo
BYU strikes first
A fumble on Arizona State’s opening drive gave BYU possession at the Sun Devils’ 29-yard line. Six plays later, Sione Moa recovered Bear Bachmeier’s fumble near the goal line and scored from one yard out.
After both teams added field goals, Bachmeier connected with Kyler Kasper for a 13-yard touchdown. BYU led 17-3 at halftime and had held Arizona State to 93 yards while recording six sacks.
Arizona State rallies
The Sun Devils cut into the lead when Jake Fette found Omarion Miller for a 20-yard touchdown. Arizona State then gained possession deep in BYU territory after Owen Long forced a fumble from Kasper and Adrian Wilson recovered it.
Arizona State converted two fourth downs on the resulting drive, including a four-yard reception by Derek Eusebio on a ball batted at the line. Anthony Miller Jr. caught a one-yard touchdown pass to tie the score at 17-17.
Cougars finish the game
Matthias Dunn’s 45-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter gave BYU the lead. The Cougars added to it when Moa scored from one yard out with 2:09 remaining, completing his second rushing touchdown of the game.
Bachmeier converted two fourth downs during the scoring drive. Carson Smith made a 44-yard field goal with 57 seconds left, but BYU recovered his onside kick to secure the win.
Team performances
Bachmeier finished with 236 passing yards and one touchdown for BYU, which improved to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the Big 12. Moa scored twice, while Matthias Dunn supplied the decisive fourth-quarter field goal.
Cardae Mack led Arizona State with 170 all-purpose yards, including 123 rushing. Fette threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns. The Sun Devils fell to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in conference play, and lost their third road game against a Top-10 opponent this season.
Key points
- BYU beat Arizona State 27-20 in Provo, Utah.
- BYU recovered Arizona State’s onside kick after Carson Smith’s late field goal.