3 big plays that contributed BYU’s lopsided win vs. Portland State

BYU and Portland State combined for 110 plays on offense Saturday night. The Cougars used their 66 to create 606 yards and score 69 points. The Vikings ran 44 plays for just 51 yards, including minus five rushing. As it did so, Portland State became the victim of the largest shutout in BYU history.

Bear Bachmeier’s debut dominated the night as he became the first true freshman to start a season opener at BYU. Bachmeier also became the first newbie in Provo to account for five touchdowns (two rushing, three passing) in a game.

Not to be lost in the night of fireworks, both on the ground and in the air, were the three most important plays that led the Cougars to a 12th victory in their last 14 games.

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Using your head

With the game scoreless midway through the first quarter, Portland State lined up to attempt a 57-yard field goal. BYU defensive tackle John Taumoepeau used his 6-foot-2, 300-pound frame to bulldoze through the offensive line with such force that he blocked the kick with his facemask. Linebacker Jack Kelly scooped up the ball and ran 54 yards for BYU’s first blocked field goal return for a touchdown since Kelly’s linebackers coach Justin Ena blocked one that Ryan Denney returned 82 yards in 2001. Taumoepeau’s block and Kelly’s return landed like a prize fighter’s upper cut to the chin and Portland State was never the same after that.

Fast feet

Leading 21-0 in the second quarter, receiver Cody Hagen took a handoff around the right side and raced 57 yards for a touchdown. The restoration of Hagen’s pre-mission speed was among the storylines coming out of fall camp and with his first rushing attempt as a Cougar, Hagen showed off the same wheels that made him a coveted four-star prospect out of Corner Canyon High. BYU will use him in multiple ways this season, including on kickoffs, punt returns, as a receiver and occasionally on end-around runs that go to the house.

Mega boot

With 2:09 remaining in the third quarter, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake sent out his kicker to attempt a field goal that was far from ordinary. Not only was it from a robust 56 yards out, but the wind was blowing into Will Ferrin’s face. The outcome of the game was already decided, but the extension of a streak that Cougar fans have never witnessed before was literally up in the air.

Ferrin moved into position with the weight of a school record 17 consecutive field goals on his shoulders. Baylor transfer Garrison Grimes delivered a perfect snap to holder Sam Vander Haar and Ferrin launched a rocket that fought off the breeze and sailed through the goal posts to give BYU a 55-0 lead and extend his streak to 18.

“As a kicker, it’s hard to live in that world of streaks,” Ferrin said. “I don’t think about it a lot. Just wipe it and move on with the next one.”

Ferrin’s 56-yard field goal tied Owen Pochman for the longest in program history. Pochman, who was Sitake’s teammate, booted his bomb in 2000 during LaVell Edwards’ final home game as BYU’s head coach.

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Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts “Y’s Guys” at ysguys.com and is the author of the children’s book “C is for Cougar,” available at deseretbook.com