BYU endured its hardest test of the season, rallying from 12 points down in the 3rd quarter to beat Houston 43-26 at TDECU Arena in Houston on Friday night.
Zach Wilson once again led a strong BYU offensive attack, as the visitors scored the final t29 points of the game to put the contest away and hand BYU its most impressive victory of the season.
With the win, BYU enhances to 5-0 while Houston drops to 1-1.
3 takeaways
Quarterback play exceptional on both sides
Wilson had a set of big runs– a 32-yarder in the very first quarter to establish their 2nd touchdowns and a 24-yarder in the fourth quarter with less than 5 minutes to play that established an essential touchdown– to help the BYU hurrying attack.
Dax Milne, Wilsons roomie, was his favorite target, as Milne completed the video game with nine catches for 184 yards and 3 touchdowns. That included a 78-yard rating on BYUs very first offending play of an 18-yarder and the video game to put BYU up 10 with simply over 3 minutes to play.
Wilson finished the game finishing 25 of 35 passes for 400 backyards– his very first 400-yard death game of his career– and four touchdowns. Tune, meanwhile, set up 310 yards passing and 2 goals while completing 21 of 31 passes.
It was a big night for both BYUs Wilson and Houstons Clayton Tune, perhaps fitting for a matchup of two programs known for strong quarterback play.
Onsides kick turns tide
BYUs Talmage Gunther recuperated the onside kick, and while BYUs drive stalled and it needed to punt, it pinned Houston deep and turned momentum in the game.
After a Houston three-and-out helped by charges on the home group, BYU got beneficial position by starting its taking place belongings at the Houston 23 following a 13-yard punt. BYU turned that into points, scoring on a Masen Wake 8-yard goal catch on a good little flip pass from Wilson.
A gutsy call from the BYU coaching personnel played a big role in the rally, as the visitors opted to choose an onside kick late in the third quarter after cutting their deficit to 26-21.
BYUs defense actions up in fourth
After Houston scored a basket on its very first drive, BYU constructed itself a 14-3 lead and forced Houston into back-to-back punts. Over the next two quarters, however, Houston scored on 4 straight belongings– consisting of three goals– to build a 26-14 lead. 2 of those touchdown drives were 90-plus yards.
BYU defense, though, stepped up big in the last quarter. Houston ended up the game with 438 backyards of overall offense– not far behind BYUs 478– however Houston had simply 20 backyards in the last quarter. Tune just finished 1 of 7 passes in the fourth, and the BYU defense developed two sacks and forced 3 straight punts and a turnover on downs before Houston just went out the clock on its last drive.
Grid View
BYU running back Tyler Allgeier commemorates his touchdown throughout the second half of an NCAA college football video game versus Houston, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
BYU pass receiver Dax Milne, left, catches a touchdown pass as Houston cornerback Damarion Williams protects during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
BYU pass receiver Talmage Gunther, right, commemorates recuperating an onside kick with Jason Money, center, and Isaiah Kaufusi during the 2nd half of an NCAA college football game against Houston, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
BYU defensive lineman Zac Dawe (99) commemorates his sack of Houston quarterback Clayton Tune, bottom right, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
BYU wide receiver Neil Pauu (2) screams after his catch in the end zone was ruled incomplete as Carter Wheat (96) watches throughout the second half of an NCAA college football video game versus Houston, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
Houston quarterback Clayton Tune (3) throws a pass throughout the 2nd half of an NCAA college football game versus BYU, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, right, runs previous Houston security JoVanni Stewart during the very first half of an NCAA college football video game, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
Houston protective lineman Payton Turner, right, celebrates his sack of BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, bottom left, during the very first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
BYU pass receiver Dax Milne, right, runs for a goal as Houston cornerback Shaun Lewis, back left, watches throughout the very first half of an NCAA college football video game, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
Houston pass receiver Nathaniel Dell (4) celebrates his touchdown with Deontay Anderson during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
BYU wide receiver Dax Milne, right, runs for a goal as Houston cornerback Shaun Lewis, left, watches during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
BYU pass receiver Dax Milne (5) is dealt with by Houston linebacker Donavan Mutin during the very first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, right, runs past Houston security JoVanni Stewart throughout the first half of an NCAA college football video game, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
BYU quarterback Zach Wilson tosses a pass throughout the first half of an NCAA college football game against Houston, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
BYU large receiver Dax Milne (5) commemorates his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football video game versus Houston, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
Houston tight end Christian Trahan, right, captures a touchdown pass as BYU linebacker Max Tooley, left, defends throughout the very first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
Houston running back Kyle Porter (22) leaves a take on by Houston protective lineman Derek Parish during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
BYU large receiver Dax Milne (5) commemorates his goal with Neil Pauu throughout the first half of an NCAA college football video game against Houston, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
Houston running back Kyle Porter (22) escapes a take on by BYU defensive lineman Hirkley Latu, left, throughout the very first half of an NCAA college football video game, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
Houston large receiver Tre von Bradley, right, catches a pass as BYU protective back Keenan Ellis protects throughout the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
Houston head coach Dana Holgorsen celebrates his teams touchdown throughout the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston.
Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press
Live protection
End 4th quarter
BYU 43, Houston 26
After what appeared like it could easily be BYUs very first loss of the season, BYUs offense, defense and unique teams all make huge plays to complete a return for the visitors.
For the very first time considering that 1991 (with Ty Detmer at quarterback), BYU has gone four straight games without tossing an interception.– Greg Wrubell (@gregwrubell) October 17, 2020
1:40, 4th quarter
BYU 43, Houston 26
BYU makes it a 17-point game as Tyler Allgeier scores on a 14-yard pursue Houston stopped working to transform a 4th down deep in its own area.
3:06, fourth quarter
BYU goes on an essential scoring drive, moving 57 lawns on 6 plays to build a 10-point lead late. Zach Wilson hits Dax Milne with a penny for an 18-yard touchdown pass, Milnes third score of the night.
Its been quite the turnaround for BYU after falling behind by 12.
BYU 36, Houston 26
10:35, fourth quarter
BYU had beneficial beginning position on the drive– at the Houston 23– after a 13-yard punt.
BYU 29, Houston 26
BYU is back in front after tracking by double digits for the very first time this season, scoring on an 8-yard flip pass from Zach Wilson to Masen Wake. With a two-point conversion pass to Tyler Allgeier, BYU is up 3.
End 3rd quarter
BYU is driving after the onside, and will begin the 4th quarter with the ball first-and-10 at the Houston 33.
Houston 26, BYU 21
Some video game notes through 3 quarters:
Houston has 418 yards to 379 for BYU, and Houston has actually run 58 plays to 42 for BYU
Clayton Tune has completed 20 of 24 passes for 307 backyards and two goals while Zach Wilson is 20 of 26 for 332 yards and 2 goals
Houston is more reliable at running the ball, with 111 yards on the ground to 47 for BYU
Both teams are committing expensive charges: Houston has 7 for 86 backyards, and BYU has 6 for 59 lawns
0:50, third quarter
Houston 26, BYU 21
BYU then makes a momentum-changing play, recovering an onside kick near midfield to take back possession.
BYU finally has a reaction, driving 75 yards in five plays before scoring on a 2-yard Dax Milne catch. Milne had a 37-yard grab previously in the drive to get BYU inside the Houston 5, and Zach Wilson completed four passes for 76 backyards.
3:05, third quarter
Houston 26, BYU 14
Clayton Tune ratings the difficult– and quite– way, getting away a sack attempt before rushing for a diving 5-yard touchdown run. That caps a 16-play, 98-yard drive for Houston, after BYUs very first drive of the 2nd half stalled.
9:53, 3rd quarter
Houston 20, BYU 14
BYUs Micah Harper is disqualified for a targeting charge, and Houston is in BYU area near midfield with the ball once again. BYUs first belongings of the 2nd half led to a punt and had a 46-yard touchdown by Tyler Allgeier eliminated by a block in the back charge.
End second quarter
Houston 20, BYU 14
Houston caps a 17-point quarter with a 49-yard Dalton Witherspoon field objective and goes into the half up 6. Some first-half notes:
Houston quarterback Clayton Tune has finished 15 of 18 passes for 234 lawns and 2 goals; BYUs Zach Wilson is 9 of 15 for 203 lawns and a touchdown
Houston owns a 19:18 to 10:42 edge in time of belongings
Houston transformed all four of its third downs in the 2nd quarter, while BYU was 1 of 4
Houston has 334 yards of overall offense on 42 plays, compared to 244 yards on 27 plays for BYU
Kalani on radio as he walked to locker space: “We are not getting a pass rush. We have to regroup and figure something out in the 2nd half.”– Jay Drew (@drewjay) October 17, 2020
1:12, second quarter
Houston 17, BYU 14
Houston makes a substantial stand, stuffing Masen Wake for a 1-yard loss as BYU faced a fourth-and-1 at the Houston 2. This could be a big moment at the end of whats been a tight video game so far, and with Houston in clear control of the momentum now.
4:42, second quarter
Clayton Tune is on fire today, having finished his past eight throws. The latest is a 5-yard touchdown toss to Nathaniel Dell on third-and-goal, and Houston is back out in front after a seven-play, 61-yard drive.
Houston 17, BYU 14
9:01, 2nd quarter
If it appears like UH has had the ball all night, thats because it has; Time of Possession is Houston 15 minutes, BYU 6.– Jay Drew (@drewjay) October 17, 2020
BYU 14, Houston 10
Houston cuts the BYU result in 4 points with an excellent eight-play, 91-yard drive where Clayton Tune completed four passes for 64 lawns and Kyle Potter had 42 hurrying backyards on five carries.
End first quarter
BYU 14, Houston 3
A couple of notes from the opening quarter:
BYU has 178 yards of total offense to 106 for Houston, though BYU has approximately 17.8 backyards per video game to 5.6 for Houston
Zach Wilson is 4-for-4 for 140 backyards (one goal) to begin the video game
In a mainly tidy first quarter, two late 15-yard penalties cost Houston, consisting of one on a fourth down play that forced Houston to punt after reaching BYU territory
BYU is 1 of 1 on 3rd down, Houston is 1 of 4
4:42, first quarter
BYU 14, Houston 3
Zach Wilson is off to an excellent start, leading BYU on a seven-play, 85-yard drive topped by a 1-yard touchdown run from Lopini Katoa. On the drive, Wilson had a 32-yard run, followed by a 35-yard pass inside the Houston 5 on a technique play. Hes completed 3 of 3 passes for 128 yards and a rating and has a 568.4 passer ranking.
9:34, first quarter
BYU 7, Houston 3
Zach Wilson TD pass goes for 78 lawns, longest of his profession. A brand-new career-best for Dax Milne. Milne and Wilson linked for a 70-yarder vs. Troy. #BYUFootball– BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) October 17, 2020
BYU has the best action to Houstons opening score, as Zach Wilson hits Dax Milne for a 78-yard touchdown pass on BYUs very first offending play of the night.
9:53, very first quarter
Houston 3, BYU 0
Houston takes its opening drive 65 backyards for a rating, kicking a basket after taking 5:07 off the clock on the 10-play drive. Quarterback Clayton Tune went 4-for-4 passing for 59 yards on the drive.
Pre-game
Heres a couple of links to other stories you might desire to check out before the contest and throughout the game:
A few gamer workers notes from Deseret News BYU football beat writer Jay Drew:
We might see two Cougars make their season debuts tonight: No. 21 RB Sione Finau and No. 61 OL Keanu Saleapaga. Likewise, holder Hayden Livingston will use No. 28.– Jay Drew (@drewjay) October 17, 2020
BYU OL Tristen Hoge is still out with pneumonia and didnt make the trip; However, Cougars invite back OL Keanu Saleapaga tonight.– Jay Drew (@drewjay) October 17, 2020
BYU center James Empey is out there heating up; Looks like hes favoring his best ankle, slightly.– Jay Drew (@drewjay) October 17, 2020
Appears Like Caden Haws will take Khyiris Tongas spot on the three-man shield that secures the punter, joining regulars Bracken El-Bakri and Pepe Tanuvasa.– Jay Drew (@drewjay) October 17, 2020
BYU backup QB Jaren Hall made the trip and is out there helping the other QBs with snaps and stuff, but hes not dressed to play.– Jay Drew (@drewjay) October 17, 2020
This will be the very first game BYU plays in front of fans during this COVID-19-impacted season:
An hour before kickoff in Houston, and really few of the 8,500 or two fans who will be permitted inside arena have actually arrived. 100 or so BYU fans arrived early.– Jay Drew (@drewjay) October 17, 2020
An appearance inside the stadium pre-game:
On the drive, Wilson had a 32-yard run, followed by a 35-yard pass inside the Houston 5 on a technique play.
After Houston scored a field objective on its very first drive, BYU developed itself a 14-3 lead and forced Houston into back-to-back punts. Over the next two quarters, however, Houston scored on four straight possessions– consisting of 3 goals– to develop a 26-14 lead. Houston completed the video game with 438 yards of total offense– not far behind BYUs 478– however Houston had just 20 backyards in the final quarter. Tune just finished 1 of 7 passes in the 4th, and the BYU defense came up with 2 sacks and forced 3 straight punts and a turnover on downs before Houston simply ran out the clock on its final drive.
