What we learned about Big 12-bound BYU in dramatic victory over No. 9 Baylor
In double overtime win over the Bears, the Cougars made a lasting impression
View Comments
Share
BYU players rush the field after defeating No. 9 Baylor in double overtime 26-20 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Baylor fell into a trap door at the south end zone of LaVell Edwards Stadium Saturday night.
The No. 9 Bears couldn’t get out.
A proud, talented defending Big 12 champion Baylor team saw its vaunted offense sputter and stop in the second overtime against BYU as thundering crowd noise led to a pair of false starts.
Special Collector's Issue: "1984: The Year BYU was Second to None"
Get an inclusive look inside BYU Football's 1984 National Championship season.
Before kickoff, the BYU-Baylor matchup was a measuring tape for what the Cougars need to do in order to compete in the Big 12 starting next year. There were plenty of answers in a BYU win before a packed house and national TV audience.
Cougar trenchmen locked up with Baylor’s nationally ranked offensive and defensive linemen and battled like sumo stars. They didn’t blink, didn’t back down. And in the end, BYU had enough playmakers step up to snatch victory in traditional BYU fashion.
BYU’s thrilling 26-20 double-overtime win over No. 9 Baylor illustrated just how far the Cougars have come since losing in Waco a year ago. All that work on depth, the recovery from injuries, and the added strength in the weight room clearly paid off, establishing a foundation for membership in The Big 12 Club.
“We made one more play than they did and that was the difference,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake.
BYU’s win signaled a confirmation of what the Big 12 is getting with its four new teams: added value.
“This is a huge win for BYU — and I think could be the beginning of legitimately entering the College Football Playoff conversation,” tweeted Shehan Jeyarajah of CBS Sports.
“Feels like a win like this over a Baylor team that I still consider the favorite to win the Big 12 could be akin to Cincinnati beating Notre Dame.”
Jaren Hall’s magical chemistry with freshman receiver Chase Roberts that included a pinpoint TD pass at the end of the first half, his 37-yard laser shot to Roberts in regulation to keep a drive alive, and his touchdown catch on a lateral pass and throw from Roberts, are instant classics.
But even all those fireworks, including Lopini Katoa’s game-winning touchdown run inside the 2-yard line in the second overtime, may be a bit overshadowed by the stout play from the Cougars’ unsung defensive front.
Deploying a myriad of fronts, utilizing twists and stunts, and bringing pressure from the middle and edges really took away Baylor’s passing game when it was desperately needed late.
Then, BYU’s crowd, specifically the student section, wrecked Baylor’s offense when it counted most in the final overtime. Crowd noise led to two Bears false starts, just like the ASU game a year ago. That decibel act and penalties, essentially took Baylor out of scoring position in four-down territory when both kickers were struggling.
“The game changer was our fans, the noise and energy,” said Sitake. “As a coach I love it and so do our players.”
Welcome to Provo, Baylor.
A team bent on playing smash-mouth run ball most of the game and almost exclusively in overtime, the Bears could really have used the pass in the fourth quarter and in OT — and it was rusty.
Baylor ran the ball a whopping 52 times, gaining 137 yards and used four backs interchangeably as offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes believed deep in his Texas heart his returning linemen could whip up on BYU’s front again. But this wasn’t the same BYU defense he saw in Waco last year, not in scheme or personnel.
Baylor’s run game averaged 2.9 yards per play. BYU kept trying to run also, hoping to wear down the Bears at altitude. While BYU rushed 33 times for 83 yards, the Cougars averaged 2.5 yards per try. That’s a .4% difference, as Cougar rushers Chris Brooks and Katoa went up against a Baylor defense that returned basically intact from a year ago.
1 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars players celebrate a touchdown catch by Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (27) as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
2 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Pepe Tanuvasa (45) and Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Earl Tuioti-Mariner (91) chase Baylor Bears quarterback Blake Shapen (12) as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
3 of 43
Baylor Bears wide receiver Gavin Holmes (6) is tripped up by Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Jacob Boren (20) on a punt play as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
4 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars defensive members chase Baylor Bears quarterback Blake Shapen (12) as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
5 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) passes the ball as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
6 of 43
Baylor Bears defensive lineman TJ Franklin (9) brings down Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
7 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) delivers a pass as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
8 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) tries to run away from Baylor Bears linebacker Matt Jones (2) as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
9 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Caden Haws (95) celebrates a sack on Baylor Bears quarterback Blake Shapen (12) as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
10 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (27) celebrates a touchdown as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
11 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (27) makes a touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone ahead of Baylor Bears cornerback Lorando Johnson (11) as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
12 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars wide receivers Keanu Hill (1) and Chase Roberts (27) jump into the air after Roberts scored a touchdown as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
13 of 43
Members of the Cougar Marching Band march through fans as BYU and Baylor prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
14 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake greets fans prior to the game as BYU and Baylor prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
15 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake walks up the stairs to the stadium as he greets fans prior to the game as BYU and Baylor prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
16 of 43
BYU students cheer as team members run onto the field as BYU and Baylor prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
17 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake greets fans prior to the game as BYU and Baylor prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
18 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake greets fans prior to the game as BYU and Baylor prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
19 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) and his teammates greet fans as they arrive at the stadium as BYU and Baylor prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
20 of 43
A young Cougar fan slaps hands with a player as they arrive at the stadium as BYU and Baylor prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
21 of 43
Fans take part in the pregame activities as BYU and Baylor prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
22 of 43
BYU fans cheer as Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake enters the stadium as BYU and Baylor prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
23 of 43
BYU students cheer as Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake walks toward the locker room as BYU and Baylor prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
24 of 43
A Baylor fan and a BYU fan talk after BYU scored a touchdown at the end of the first half as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
25 of 43
BYU fans cheer after the catch by Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (27) was ruled inbounds as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
26 of 43
BYU fans cheer after the catch by Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (27) was ruled inbounds as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
27 of 43
BYU fans cheer after Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (27) makes a catch in the end zone as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
28 of 43
BYU students and fans swarm the field after BYU defeated Baylor in overtime 26-20 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
29 of 43
BYU rush the field after defeating Baylor in overtime 26-20 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
30 of 43
BYU students and fans swarm the field after BYU defeated Baylor in overtime 26-20 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
31 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, gestures to the crowd in the final moments of the game as BYU and Baylor play in overtime at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. BYU won 26-20. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
32 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars running back Lopini Katoa (4) celebrates a touchdown in overtime as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. BYU won 26-20. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
33 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars running back Lopini Katoa (4) dives into the end zone for a touchdown in overtime as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. BYU won 26-20. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
34 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars place kicker Jake Oldroyd (39) walks off the field after missing a field goal as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. BYU went on to win 26-20. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
35 of 43
Baylor Bears linebacker Matt Jones (2) is hit with pass interference as he defends Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Brayden Cosper (20) as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
36 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Jacob Boren (20) watches the action from the sideline as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
37 of 43
A fire dancer performs during the 3rd and 4th quarters as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
38 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars place kicker Jake Oldroyd (39) kicks an extra point as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
39 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Brayden Cosper (20) runs after making a catch as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
40 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) works the get away from Baylor Bears linebacker Jackie Marshall (35) as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
41 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars running back Christopher Brooks (2) looks for running room as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
42 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) moves away from Baylor Bears safety Devin Neal (14) as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
43 of 43
Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman John Nelson (94) celebrates a sack on Baylor Bears quarterback Blake Shapen (12) as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
And what about Hall?
ESPN’s David Hale put it this way, “Jaren Hall might be the most underappreciated QB in college football. Against Baylor’s barbaric defense, and without his top two receivers, Hall still delivered an electric performance, completing 23 of 39 for 269 yards, then rushing for 28 more — including some huge scrambles down the stretch — while also catching a TD pass. Over his past six games, Hall has accounted for nearly 2,000 yards of offense with 17 touchdowns and just three picks. Oh, and BYU is 6-0 in those games.”
In a weekend that saw No. 8 Notre Dame lose to Marshall at home, No. 6 Texas A&M get upset by Appalachian State, and the No. 21 Cougars knock off No. 9 Baylor, there is a trend the first two weeks of this season — rankings are an endangered credibility exercise by AP voters.
“We’re here to shake up college football,” said BYU defensive end Fisher Jackson. “We’re sick of seeing the same four teams — and I think there are more than just us.”
In BYU’s case, it has to be noted how Sitake and his staff are doing more with less. They do not have Power Five money or budget, they do not have recruiting rankings that even come close to those on their schedule, like Baylor, Arkansas, Oregon and Stanford.
Somewhere, there must be an acknowledgment of what BYU’s staff is accomplishing, going 23-4 over the past two seasons and two games.
The Sun Belt Conference registered three wins over top-10 teams on the road but last year the Pac-12 had just three out of conference P5 wins over the course of the entire season.
Consider Saturday’s Baylor-BYU matchup. Essentially, Baylor’s recruits/talent is measured by some to be more than double the ranking value than that of the Cougars.
View Comments
According to 24/7Sports, Baylor’s recruiting class of 2018 was the No. 29th in the country. The Bears followed that up in 2019 with the No 36th recruiting class followed by 54th in 2020, 44th in 2021, and No. 37 in this past February’s signing. That’s a five-year average of 39th.
Comparatively, BYU’s five-year average has been 66th. Starting with 2018, the Cougars came in at 78th, followed by 81st, 78th, 72nd and then its highest under Sitake in 2022 at 55.
Interestingly enough, two hours before kickoff, BYU received a commitment from four-star Timpview High linebacker Siale Tuiteelagi Esera, one of the best edge rushers in the region. It is this kind of recruiting success BYU must have in order to make an impact in future Big 12 play.
As the era of independence winds down this season with a group of seniors who will never play in the Big 12, Saturday was all about proving they belong.
BYU defensive linemen Pepe Tanuvasa (45) Earl Tuioti-Mariner (91) chase Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen as BYU and Baylor play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.