The Deseret News is providing live coverage from today’s game between No. 15 BYU and Idaho State. Follow along for updates throughout the day.
Final
BYU 59, Idaho State 14
The Cougars turned in an efficient first half in rolling to victory over their FCS opponent on Senior Day at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
BYU led 42-7 at halftime behind a big performance from quarterback Jaren Hall, who threw for 298 yards and a career-best four touchdowns in just two quarters of play. Hall also ran for a score.
The BYU defense also delivered a couple of turnovers and the Cougars scored on a blocked punt late in the game.
The win moves BYU to 8-2 on the season, with its first bye of the year next week. The Cougars next play at Georgia Southern on Nov. 20.
4th quarter
4:18 — BYU’s first special teams touchdown of the season came from Keanu Hill, who blocked a punt near the Idaho State goal line and recovered the ball in the end zone. It’s been a good day for the freshman wide receiver, who also had four receptions for 92 yards and another score.
10:49 — Scoring has been tough for BYU in the second half, but the Cougars turned favorable field position into a 39-yard Justen Smith field goal. This came on the end of a six-play, 30-yard drive.
3rd quarter
BYU 49, Idaho State 14
It was a sloppy third quarter for BYU, which had three empty possessions and committed three penalties in the quarter. Both teams scored a touchdown, the Cougars on a long drive and ISU after a long kickoff return.
3:23 — The Bengals responded quickly to the BYU touchdown with one of their own, as a 89-yard kickoff return from Benjamin Omayebu — ISU recovered a fumble late on the return — set up a one-play scoring drive. Idaho State’s second touchdown came on a 7-yard run from Tyevin Ford.
3:46 — After a couple of empty possessions — including one that began deep in ISU territory after a Matthew Criddle interception — the Cougars scored on a 17-yard Dallin Holker touchdown reception from Baylor Romney. The drive covered 76 yards on six plays and took 2:20 off the field.
2nd quarter
BYU 42, Idaho State 7
The Cougars have played mostly mistake-free in taking a commanding lead into the break, opening the way to bring in some backups and develop some of the young talent. BYU scored on six of its seven first-half possessions — a fumble was the only non-scoring drive — and the Cougars have put up 397 yards of total offense, to 97 for Idaho State. Jaren Hall completed 20 of 25 passes for 298 yards and four touchdowns in a brilliant first half. Pepe Tanuvasa had a sack and interception to lead the Cougar defense.
0:15 — BYU showed off its two-minute drill, marching 75 yards in just six plays to score right before the half. This time, Neil Pau’u caught a pass short of the goal line, then fought his way through a pair of defenders to score on a 13-yard touchdown, the fourth touchdown pass for Jaren Hall of the first half.
1:20 — Idaho State got its first points on the board after BYU’s first turnover, a Lopini Katoa fumble that gave the Bengals possession at the Cougars 17. Three plays later, Jared Scott caught a 6-yard pass from Sagan Gronauer to make it 35-7.
7:33 — Puka Nacua showed off his skills on BYU’s latest touchdown drive that put the Cougars up 35-0. After a short 3-yard grab, Nacua followed that up with catches of 42 yards and a 23-yard touchdown catch as BYU moved the ball 92 yards in just six plays, and the Cougars have scored a touchdown on all five first-half possessions.
13:29 — It took longer this time, but BYU scored on its fourth possession on a 14-play drive. Keanu Hill capped the drive by catching a 13-yard touchdown, fighting through a tackle attempt before reaching the ball across the goal line to give Jaren Hall his second touchdown pass of the day.
1st quarter
BYU 21, Idaho State 0
BYU is, not surprisingly, having its way so far against a hurting and overmatched Idaho State team. The Cougars have 200 yards of total offense through one quarter, to 2 for the Bengals. Jaren Hall has completed 10 of 14 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown and is showing nice control of the Cougar offense, while the BYU defense has kept Idaho State from getting a first down so far.
5:22 — BYU had its third touchdown set up by a short field, after Cougar defensive end Pepe Tanuvasa intercepted Idaho State’s Mikey Zele and returned the pick to the ISU 6.
Three plays later, Jaren Hall snuck in for a touchdown from 1 yard out to make it a three-score game.
6:03 — It’s two possessions and two touchdowns for BYU, as Jaren Hill hit Lopini Katoa for a 2-yard touchdown pass to end a drive sparked by two big plays.
After the Cougars found themselves in a second-and-20 hole after a holding penalty, Hall hit Tyler Allgeier on a screen for 46 yards. On the next play, Hall found Puka Nacua long downfield for a 35-yard gain, setting up the score on a five-play, 79-yard drive.
9:38 — Tyler Allgeier scored his 17th rushing touchdown of the season, this one on a fourth-and-2 at the Idaho State 11, and the Cougars are on the board first. BYU took its opening drive 55 yards in nine plays for the score after the Cougar defense forced a three-and-out.
Pregame prep
Here are a few stories to get you ready for the game: