The Deseret News is providing live coverage of Saturday’s game between BYU and East Carolina. Check back for updates throughout the game.
Halftime
BYU 13, East Carolina 3
The Cougar defense is playing hero once again.
Two Evan Johnson interceptions highlighted the first 30 minutes of play, with his first pick preventing a touchdown and his second scoring one for BYU.
The Cougars have allowed 168 yards of offense — at a 4.9 yards per play average — while holding the Pirates to a 3 of 8 mark on third down and 0 for 1 on fourth.
Second quarter
BYU 13, East Carolina 3
0:56 — Have a night, Evan Johnson.
Johnson snatched his second interception of the night, this time on the East Carolina 4-yard line and with no one in his way for a walk-in pick-six. BYU 13, East Carolina 3.
Johnson’s first interception came in the red zone to prevent an ECU touchdown. His second came with the Pirates playing out of BYU’s end zone, allowing him to score the easy touchdown.
Johnson is the first BYU player with two interceptions in a game since Eddie Heckard in 2023.
4:34 — Evan Johnson to the rescue.
With the Pirates on the move and in the red zone, BYU’s junior cornerback picked off Katin Houser in the end zone to swipe possession back for the Cougars. BYU 6, East Carolina 3.
It got close there, but BYU’s defense still has yet to allow a touchdown this season through nearly 10 quarters of play.
10:50 — Another Will Ferrin field goal puts the Cougars ahead once again. BYU 6, East Carolina 3.
BYU had its most encouraging drive of the night, though the Cougars’ red zone woes returned to hold them to just three points.
With the run game losing steam, Bear Bachmeier began throwing more, pushing the ball downfield with completions to Parker Kingston, Chase Roberts and Carsen Ryan, with Roberts picking up 40 yards on his reception.
But even with a 1st and 8 on the 8-yard yard, the Cougars still couldn’t find the end zone.
BYU has accumulated 149 total yards thus far — 118 passing and 31 rushing — but is just 2 of 6 on third down and has only scored on 1 of 2 red zone trips.
First quarter
BYU 3, East Carolina 3
0:18 — East Carolina ties things up with a 36-yard field goal. BYU 3, East Carolina 3.
While BYU’s offense has sputtered tonight, the Cougars have held the Pirates to 0 for 4 on third down thus far.
9:58 — Will Ferrin opens up tonight’s scoring with a 40-yard field goal. BYU 3, East Carolina 0.
LJ Martin did most of the heavy lifting on the Cougars’ eight-play, 38-yard opening drive, rushing for 36 yards on his own.
BYU gained possession after its defense forced an ECU turnover on downs, with the Pirates’ drive having been derailed by a fumbled third down snap.
Ferrin has now made 23 consecutive field goals, extending his program record.
How to watch the game
BYU’s showdown with East Carolina will be broadcast on ESPN2 and can be streamed through the ESPN app.
Pregame prep
Here are a few stories to get you ready for BYU’s game against East Carolina.