Jay has covered sports in Utah for more than 30 years and has been writing for the Deseret News since 2019.
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For good reason, plucky, playmaking quarterback Zach Wilson captured most of the attention and accolades for his spectacular performance in BYU’s easier-than-expected 49-23 rout of supposedly explosive UCF in the Boca Raton Bowl Tuesday night in South Florida.
The Cougars’ defense, criticized throughout the season for not being as dominant as Wilson and company — hey, BYU fans can be demanding, even delusional, at times — deserves kudos for being just as impressive against the Knights and their own brilliant QB, Dillon Gabriel.
“Really proud of our defense,” BYU coach Kalani Sitake said. “I would have taken holding them to 23 points in a heartbeat, if you had told me that before the game.”
The Knights, who fell to 6-4, were held to season lows for points (23) and total yards (411) and the left-handed Gabriel didn’t do much until the fourth quarter when Sitake was substituting freely on defense.
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Brigham Young Cougars defensive back D'Angelo Mandell (16) and Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Troy Warner (4) applaud after UCF Knights wide receiver Jaylon Robinson (1) dropped the ball on a sure touchdown during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Zac Dawe (99) pressures UCF Knights quarterback Dillon Gabriel (11) during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars tight end Isaac Rex (83) celebrates his touchdown with Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Gunner Romney (18) against the UCF Knights during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars running back Tyler Allgeier (25) runs during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars running back Lopini Katoa (4) makes a diving catch against the UCF Knights during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) dives for additional yards after catching a pass against the UCF Knights during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) throws against the UCF Knights during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars tight end Isaac Rex (83) scores against the UCF Knights during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) scores on UCF Knights defensive back Jon Powell (34) during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) scores on UCF Knights defensive back Jon Powell (34) during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Neil Pau'u (2) celebrates his touchdown against the UCF Knights with Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Connor Pay (70) during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Neil Pau'u (2) celebrates his touchdown against the UCF Knights with Brigham Young Cougars tight end Isaac Rex (83) during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Neil Pau'u (2) celebrates his touchdown against the UCF Knights with Brigham Young Cougars tight end Isaac Rex (83) during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Dax Milne (5) can't make the catch under defense firm UCF Knights defensive back Jermaine McMillian (26) during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Dax Milne (5) runs for a gain during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Gunner Romney (18) makes a catch against UCF Knights defensive back Davonte Brown (7) during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Ella and Carter Griffith cheer for the Cougars during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) is helped up after scoring against the UCF Knights during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) walks off the field slowly after scoring against the UCF Knights during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars linebaker Pepe Tanuvasa hurries UCF Knights quarterback Dillon Gabriel (11) during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake applauds an extra point during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars running back Tyler Allgeier (25) runs for a large gain against the UCF Knights during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars tight end Isaac Rex (83) catches touchdown against the UCF Knights during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars players warms up under the sunset prior to the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, FL on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Sarah, Michael, Melissa and Madison Croxall hold signs prior to the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Florida, on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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The stadium at Florida Atlantic University, used for the Boca Raton Bowl, is pictured in Boca Raton, Florida, on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake and UCF Knights head coach Josh Heupel watch warmups prior to the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) warms up prior to the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Helmets are displayed with the Boca Raton Bowl trophy in Boca Raton, Florida, on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) signs an autograph for a young fan after the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. BYU won 49-23. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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The Brigham Young Cougars players hoist the trophy after the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. BYU won 49-23. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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The Brigham Young Cougars high-five the fans after the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. BYU won 49-23. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) celebrates the win over the UCF Knights with athletic director Tom Holmoe after the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. BYU won 49-23. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates the win over the UCF Knights with athletic director Tom Holmoe the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. BYU won 49-23. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1), Brigham Young Cougars running back Lopini Katoa (4 )and Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Brady Christensen (67) hoist the trophy after the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. BYU won 49-23. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake and Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) celebrate the win over the UCF Knights with fans during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. BYU won 49-23. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) holds up the MVP trophy after the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. BYU won 49-23. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) shoots a selfie with fans after the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. BYU won 49-23. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Payton Wilgar (49) tackles UCF Knights running back Greg McCrae (30) during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Fans are distanced during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Caleb Christensen (15) tackles UCF Knights quarterback Dillon Gabriel (11) during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) takes a snap during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars running back Tyler Allgeier (25) celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Dax Milne (5) can't come up with the catch during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. Interference was called on the play. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Gunner Romney (18) celebrates his touchdown with Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Harris LaChance (76) during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Max Tooley (31) levels UCF Knights punt returner Amari Johnson (17) during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Tyson Pinegar, Darek Andersen and Cooper Sargent cheer on BYU during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates the win over the UCF Knights during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. BYU won 49-23. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
“There wasn’t a specific number that we had in mind, but our mindset week to week is always to dominate, to limit them scoring points,” said BYU senior safety Troy Warner, who had four tackles and broke up a pass. “We had some miscues early on that kind of affected that, but overall we did a really good job of just staying assignment-sound and executing.”
Fellow senior Isaiah Kaufusi, a linebacker who got dinged up in BYU’s 28-14 win over San Diego State on Dec. 12 and was a game-time decision before deciding to make a go of it in what was likely the final game of a brilliant career in Provo, said the key was a game plan devised by defensive coaches Ilaisa Tuiaki, Preston Hadley, Jernaro Gilford and Sitake, a former DC at Utah and Oregon State.
“I just want to give huge credit to our coaches. The game plan that they put together was one of the best I have seen throughout my time at BYU. That comes from coach Tuiaki and Kalani and just funnels down.” — BYU linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi
“I just want to give huge credit to our coaches,” said Kaufusi, who had eight tackles. “The game plan that they put together was one of the best I have seen throughout my time at BYU. That comes from coach Tuiaki and Kalani and just funnels down.”
Linebacker Keenan Pili led the Cougars (11-1) with nine tackles and earned defensive MVP honors, while Payton Wilgar had seven and Max Tooley six. The Cougars didn’t force any turnovers or make any sacks, but they were in Gabriel’s face all night and had the sophomore clearly rattled.
Zach Wilson of @BYUfootball is the only FBS player in the last 25 years to ...
-throw for 400+ yards -complete 75.0+ percent of his passes -pass for 3+ TDs -rush for 2+ TDs -catch a pass
“The goal was to contain their quarterback,” Kaufusi said. “We knew they were going to get some big plays here and there, but just stay consistent. We rotated a lot of guys. A lot of young guys played. Overall, just a great team effort from everybody.”
Twenty-five Cougars made tackles. Cornerback Micah Harper seemingly had an interception, but a ruling on the field was reversed by replay officials.
Gabriel entered the game No. 2 in the nation in passing yards per game (372.4), but was held to 95 in the first half, when he was 9 of 22. He finished 21 of 45 for 217 yards. His two TD throws — a 21-yarder to Jacob Harris and 9-yarder to Jaylon Robinson — came in the fourth quarter after BYU had a 49-10 lead.
“We had seen on film that he struggled when the passing lanes were disrupted and there were guys in his face,” Kaufusi said. “The game plan was created around that concept. The D-line worked their butts off and really played a heckuva game. Huge credit to those guys for flushing the quarterback out of the pocket. That was what the game plan was based around, was getting in those passing windows.”
Toward the end of the second quarter, after the Knights had driven to BYU’s 18, Gabriel threw three straight incomplete passes and UCF had to settle for a 35-yard field goal, a curious call from coach Josh Heupel considering the Cougars were leading 35-7 at the time.
“We didn’t do a good job offensively, and the statistics showed that,” Heupel said.
Gabriel’s futility streak reached nine incompletions early in the third quarter before he connected with Harris for 13 yards. However, Troy Warner knocked down a pass intended for Tre Nixon on fourth-and-6 to end the drive.
“Coming in we felt very confident in our ability and just in the players that we have, and the game plan,” Warner said. “We came out here with a swagger and just wanted to execute at a high level. That was a big part of the game plan coming in.”
UCF did rush for 194 yards, but most of that damage was done late and allowed the clock to run. The Knights averaged just 4.7 yards per play. They ran 88 plays to BYU’s 73.
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Sitake wasn’t totally satisfied, at least outwardly.
“Although we felt like we were disruptive as a team, honestly we felt like there were a lot of plays out there that could have been made,” he said. “Their run game got a few runs, but I feel like we were able to corral it, for the most part, and not let them break big ones.”
Another senior defensive ace likely playing his final game, safety Zayne Anderson, added four tackles and broke up a pass. Kick returner Caleb Christensen was the special teams MVP.
“These guys understand football. I think they increased their football IQ in the offseason, and it showed,” Sitake said. “It has been a pleasure, man. I can’t wait to see what these guys can do from here on out.”
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