BYU Holds Off Umass

BYU hangs on to beat Umass 38-30 in a closer than expected ball game. Throughout this season, we haven't been able to predict who this BYU football team will become. They have won games we thou8ght they were going to lose and then were beaten handily in games they should have won.

The cougars dominated in the 1st quarter. Max Hall had a big run to set up BYU's first touchdown of the game. BYU nearly broke the game open when they had the ball in Umass territory, but the Minutemen forced them to punt. On the next play, Umass scored on an 81 yard run to cut thei deficit to seven.

BYU looked to break things open again on the next kickoff. Austin Collie raced 90 yards into the endone to push the lead back to 14 points.

Both teams traded possessions before Max Hall was picked off. Umass defensive back Carlos Royal picked off the pass and returned it 50 yards for the score. Umass would score again in the second quarter with what seemed to be the game tying touchdown, but on the ensuing extra point, BYU blocked the kick to salvage their lead. They led 28-27.

BYU special teams came up big again on the kickoff. Michael Reid had a big return for 90 yards and another touchdown.

BYU held a 35-27 advantage late in the fourth quarter. They held the Minutemen to a field goal as they were driving deep in cougar territory. BYU then added a field goal of their own.

The cougars intercepted a pass at midfield, but would still give Umass one final chance. Umass crossed midfield and completed a pass near the 30 yardline, but they ran out of time.

BYU's offense was outgained 307-230. They moved the ball well early in the game, but struggled as Umass adjusted and gained momentum after the pick-six.

The cougar's special teams came up big with two kick returns for touchdowns, and a blocked extra point.

The cougars now have four wins on the season compared with two losses. They face UNLV next week. UNLV has played as good or better than any of the opponents BYU has faced, so they should pose a stiff challenge for the cougars.