Highlights, key games and photos from No. 19 BYU’s 38-26 win over Utah State

Editor’s Note: The Deseret News provides live coverage of Thursday’s game between BYU and Utah State. Check back for updates throughout the game.

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Result: BYU 38, Utah State 26

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Fourth trimester

0:00

BYU wins this one leaving after a strong first half from Utah State.

Both teams have positives to take away, with big issues to address as well.

1:09

Utah State adds a late score, as Cooper Legas hit Brian Cobbs for a 27-yard touchdown pass. The Aggies went for 2 and couldn’t convert. BYU 38, State of Utah 26.

3:20

Jake Oldroyd missed another field goal — he’s no good from 35 yards — and the Cougars left quite a few runs on the field in the second half.

Worse still, this kicking game is really fragile.

4:36

After BYU failed to land a first down on a fourth-and-3 in USU territory, Ben Bywater put the BYU offense back in the field with an interception.

The Cougars will have one more chance to add up front.

8:18

BYU stayed on the ground to add to their lead, as Chris Brooks threw for an 18-yard touchdown. BYU 38, Utah State 20.

The Cougars ran the ball on six consecutive plays on the 44-yard run – which included three carries for Miles Davis (before limping off the field and into the medical tent) for 12 yards and three from Brooks for 32 yards.

The play before the touchdown, Brooks converted a third-and-6 with a 10-yard run.

11:22

BYU’s defense comes in with the huge play, as Tyler Batty stopped Cooper Legas winless on a fourth-and-one at USU 44.

This gives the Cougars the ball in great position on the field with the ability to slam the door on the Aggies.

14:08

Jake Oldroyd misses a field goal from 33 yards — after hitting one from longer range in the first half — and BYU squanders a chance to build on their lead.

It was a 12-play, 69-yard practice that ended scoreless. Can the State of Utah make the Cougars pay?

Third quarter

6:12

BYU’s offense finally continues, ending a second straight possession with a touchdown on an 8-yard touchdown catch from Kody Epps. BYU 31, Utah State 20.

Gunner Romney extended the course seven plays and 75 yards by making a 17-yard catch on a third and 10 by landing an angled pass intended for a teammate.

After that, Epps had catches 27 and 26 yards before the touchdown.

10:03

An interesting call by BYU — trying an oncoming kick after their touchdown — gives Utah State short ground, and Connor Coles hits a 33-yard field goal. BYU 24, State of Utah 20.

Cooper Legas hit Justin McGriff for a 28-yard gain to put the Aggies in field position on the six-play, 37-yard course.

12:19

After a first-half misfire, BYU looked energized on the first drive of the second half and regained the lead.

The Cougars moved it 70 yards in six plays — with a healthy mix of rushing (hello, Miles Davis) and passing — before Jaren Hall hit Ethan Erickson for a 14-yard touchdown. BYU 24, Utah State 17.

It was Erickson’s first touchdown — and first catch — of his career.

second quarter

0:00

The Aggies have controlled the pace is this and are tied with the ranked Cougars at halftime.

Utah State held BYU to 21 rushing yards in the first half and 107 total yards — mind you, 65 of those came in the Cougars’ first two plays.

The Aggies, meanwhile, have 246 total rushing yards and a 21:21 advantage at 8:39 in possession time.

2:32

In what has largely been a frustrating night for BYU so far, there is at least one positive sign, as Jake Oldroyd hits a 45-yard field goal to end his miss streak. Utah State 17, BYU 17.

BYU’s offense finally showed signs of life to enter USU territory – sparked by a 40-yard Brayden Cosper catch – although the Aggies held off the Cougars after reaching USU 17 to force Cart.

5:04

Utah State is back in front, as Cooper Legas hits Brian Cobbs for a 14-yard touchdown pass. Utah State 17, BYU 14.

The Aggies rushed for 57 yards in six plays — they’re absolutely winning field position and time in the possession battle right now — on a drive where USU chewed up 37 rushing yards.

9:34

Utah State converts its fourth possession into points, despite falling back 4 yards.

Connor Coles scored a 50-yard field goal after USU coach Blake Anderson was hit with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and the Aggies are within four after driving seven games that started at BYU’s 33. BYU 14, Utah State 10.

12:26

After BYU’s first quick score, the Aggies defense bottles up this Cougar offense.

It’s two straight three-and-outs for the BYU offense, and Utah State is deep in Cougar territory to begin its fourth practice.

first quarter

0:00

Utah State held the ball for 13:46 in that first quarter, while BYU only ran for five plays.

The Aggies may trail by a touchdown, but Cooper Legas and that Aggie running offense have them competing.

4:09

Both defenses offer saves but in very different ways.

Utah State moved into BYU territory before it had to punt, then the Cougars went three times with three straight incompletions.

8:35

Make these two choices for Max Tooley this season.

Tooley caught a ball hit by John Nelson at the line of scrimmage and scored on a 34-yard interception return. BYU 14, Utah State 7.

Just like that, the Cougars scored two touchdowns just over a minute apart.

9:56

Talk about a quick hit – BYU responds to USU’s first touchdown with a two-time touchdown.

First, Jaren Hall hit Gunner Romney (yes, he’s back) for 34 yards.

Then Keanu Hill took a short 31-yard pass for a touchdown. BYU 7, Utah State 7.

10:39

Utah State strikes first, as Cooper Legas takes the Aggies downfield for an impressive 75-yard opening touchdown.

Legas capped off the practice with a 7-yard run at second base, his first career touchdown. Utah State 7, BYU 0.

Pregame

Utah State will have a quarterback change due to injury:

Here are some stories to prepare you for the rivalry game between BYU and Utah State: