In a game that can only be described as surreal, the BYU Cougars delivered a resounding statement by defeating No. 13 Kansas State 38-9 on September 21, 2024. With 64,201 fans cheering at a sold-out LaVell Edwards Stadium, this victory may well signify BYU’s arrival in the Big 12 after a year of searching for a defining moment.
From unlikely heroes to jaw-dropping plays, the game was filled with remarkable occurrences:
Freshman Safety Takes Center Stage: Tommy Prassas, a seldom-used freshman safety, scored a scoop-and-score touchdown, igniting the Cougars’ momentum.
Defensive Dominance: Tyler Batty, a defensive lineman, and linebacker Harrison Taggart both recorded their first career interceptions, showcasing the defensive prowess that BYU has been developing.
Impressive Offense from Freshmen: Sione I. Moa delivered a dazzling 21-yard touchdown run, proving his mettle in a high-stakes situation.
Explosive Scoring Spree: In a remarkable sequence, BYU scored three touchdowns in just over three minutes, turning the game on its head.
A Pivotal Punt Return: Parker Kingston’s astonishing 90-yard punt return for a touchdown described by head coach Kalani Sitake as “a mistake, and then a mistake made right” left the crowd in awe and solidified the Cougars’ lead.
Despite being outgained in total yards (363 to 241) and facing more plays (72 to 48), BYU’s defense held Kansas State out of the end zone for the first time since 2020. Kansas State’s rushing attack (224 yards) was largely ineffective against BYU’s resilient defense.
Sitake humbly acknowledged the fortune of the night, saying, “We had a lot of things go our way.” Kansas State may have controlled much of the game statistically, but BYU capitalized on every opportunity.
Quarterback Jake Retzlaff outperformed his highly touted counterpart, Avery Johnson, completing 71% of his passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns. In contrast, Johnson struggled with a passer rating of 78.3, despite rushing for 74 yards.
BYU’s defense, led by Batty and Prassas, not only created turnovers but also generated a momentum shift that turned the tide of the game. “We just wanted to let people know who we are. This is who BYU is,” Batty stated post-game.
With this victory, BYU (4-0) may find itself ranked when the new polls are released. Sitake emphasized the need for humility and hard work moving forward: “We didn’t come this far just to win this one game. The work is not done yet.”
As the Cougars gear up for their next challenge, they are keenly aware that the spotlight is now on them. “We are not going to surprise anybody anymore,” Sitake remarked, underscoring the need for continued effort and growth.
This victory is not just a win in the column; it represents a turning point in BYU’s Big 12 journey. With newfound confidence and a team that can perform under pressure, the Cougars are ready to take on the challenges ahead. As they move forward, the message is clear BYU is here to compete.