BYU Defies Odds With Gutsy Drive

BYU defeated Arizona State 27-20 on Saturday in an 11-play, 95-yard scoring drive that determined the outcome.

The team entered the fourth quarter trailing 17-20 but managed to reverse the momentum. This specific sequence of plays represented the longest scoring drive for the Cougars since 2016. The decision to go for it on key downs came after a timeout was called.

With 5:52 remaining on the clock, BYU faced a fourth-and-1 situation at their own 14-yard line. Head coach Kalani Sitake called a timeout to evaluate the options. Punting appeared to be the safer strategic choice. However, Sitake observed fatigue in the Arizona State defense. He decided to keep his offense on the field. Running back Sione Moa recalled the moment. He said, "Let's do it," after hearing the play call. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier snapped the ball from the shotgun. He ran for the first down with support from Moa. Sitake noted that the team was supportive of the risk. He added, "I'm just glad it worked out."

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham praised the decision. He stated, "Kudos to Kalani," calling it the right move for his football team. On the following play, Bachmeier threw a 53-yard pass to Legend Glasker. The catch moved the ball to the Arizona State 31-yard line. Glasker described a strong connection with the quarterback. He said he knew the ball was coming when lined up. His performance brought his season totals to 600 receiving yards and 100 rushing yards. This made him the fifth true freshman in Big 12 history to reach those marks.

The drive continued toward the Arizona State six-yard line. BYU faced a fourth-and-4 with 2:30 left in the game. A field goal would have extended the lead to six points. Sitake again chose to attempt a touchdown. Bachmeier threw to Roger Saleapaga at the five-yard line. Saleapaga, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound junior, lunged for the end zone. He crossed the plane but was hit hard enough to exit the game. Running back Sione Moa then scored a touchdown on the next play. This gave BYU a 27-17 lead. Bachmeier called the sequence a rewarding long drive. The win marked BYU's ninth consecutive victory on Halloween. The Cougars improved their record to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the Big 12.

The team now sits in the Big 12 Championship race. The next game is scheduled for the coming week. The Cougars will face their next opponent at home. Arizona State returns to the field for their next contest. Both teams will review film from this matchup. The specific date for the next BYU game is set for Saturday. The venue remains the same for the upcoming fixture. No changes to the schedule have been announced. The final score of 27-20 stands as the official result. The attendance figure of 63,000 was recorded at the stadium. The weather conditions were noted by the broadcast team. The game ended with the Cougars holding the lead.