No. 11 BYU Run Game Success Among Questions Answered Against UCF

Oct 26, 2024, 5:53 PM

Follow @kslsports...

Orlando, Fla – The No. 11 BYU Football team continues a magical season after soundly beating the UCF Knights 37-24.

Things got dicey late in the second quarter before Jake Retzlaff found Chase Roberts for a 62-yard touchdown pass. The Cougars never looked back.

Let’s answer some questions from the happiest place on earth.

Who was the MVP for BYU Football?

Jake Retzlaff was once ranked the worst quarterback in the Big 12. It was a meaningless preseason ranking, however, the doubt of Retzlaff has fueled him all season long.

It’s safe to say he’s no longer the worst quarterback in the Big 12. He’s one of the better quarterbacks in the conference with the way he is playing.

Retzlaff marched BYU down the field on their opening drive of the game for a touchdown. It was a beautiful run up the middle after he couldn’t find an open receiver.

He’s improving each week. I liked his decision-making all game. His lone turnover wasn’t his fault.

UCF threatened in the fourth quarter after cutting the lead to 16 points. Facing third and nine, Retzlaff kept the ball on an option play. It was a critical first down that allowed BYU to bleed tons of clock. His legs are a real weapon in this offense.

The Cougars signal-caller finished with 228 yards passing with two touchdowns. He added 38 yards on the ground which included the 29-yard touchdown rush.

What was the most impactful play of the game?

BYU dominated the first quarter. The Cougars gained 144 yards of offense in the quarter while possessing the ball for over 12 minutes.

The second quarter provided BYU with a little adversity.

UCF is the best rushing team in the Big 12 conference, led by star running back RJ Harvey. He broke free for several big runs in the quarter.

The Knights kicked a field goal with with 59 seconds left in the half, cutting the lead to seven points.

It felt like BYU had dominated the half, and yet they only led by one score.

Credit to offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick for letting Retzlaff operate the two-minute drill to perfection after the field goal.

On the 4th play of the drive, Chase Roberts caught an intermediate pass, made a man miss, and took it to the house.

BYU stole back the momentum and cruised to victory.

What was the most interesting stat from the game?

BYU won the box score in most categories.

However, the most jarring statistic was the time of possession discrepancy. The Cougars had twice as much as the Knights.

BYU had the ball for more than 40 minutes, while UCF had it for less than 20.

This contributed to BYU outgaining UCF 101 total yards and 71 yards on the ground.

When was the game won by BYU Football?

After Retzlaff was stripped on a questionable deep shot play call in the 4th quarter, the BYU defense closed the door on UCF.

Jacurri Brown overthrew his tight end Evan Morris and freshman safety Faletau Satuala secured the easy interception.

UCF added some 14 points after BYU began playing their backups on defense, but the Cougars were never really in danger.

BYU has a bye week next before playing the rivalry game at Utah on November 9th, 2024.

You can hear Matt Baiamonte every Saturday on KSL Newsradio for Cougar Sports Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or you can find him on Twitter @baiamontematt here.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

KSL 5 TV Live

KSLSports Feed

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Bronny James Gifts BYU WR JoJo Phillips Signed Game Jersey

Bronny James reunited with his former high school teammate JoJo Phillips and gifted the BYU wide receiver a signed game jersey.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Luka Doncic Carves Time To Sign Autographs For Fans In Utah

Luka Doncic made time on Wednesday to sign autographs for his fans in Utah as the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Jazz.

3 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jazz Get Revenge Over Doncic, Lakers 131-119

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz sent Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers into the All-Star break with a 131-119 loss. Lauri Markkanen led all scorers with 32 points while the Lakers were led by Rui Hachimura who scored 19. Game Blog: Jazz Blowout Lakers In Salt Lake City Jazz Guards Stuff Stat […]

3 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jazz Sink Lakers In Home Blowout

NBA-title hopeful Los Angeles Lakers take their traveling circus on the road to face the Utah Jazz three days after beating Utah by 19.

4 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Three-Point Barrage Helps Jazz Pull Away From Lakers

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Jazz are firing on all cylinders, building a 20-point lead over the superstar-laden Lakers late in the third quarter.

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Howard Eisley Returns To Delta Center As Jazz Host Lakers

SALT LAKE CITY - Former Utah Jazz backup point guard Howard Eisley is in the house at Delta Center tonight, returning to his former NBA home. 

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

No. 11 BYU Run Game Success Among Questions Answered Against UCF