BYU beats SMU in game-winning fashion by stopping the Mustangs at the goal line on a two-point conversion. The Cougars wrap up the 2022 season at 8-5 and finish the independence era at 99-56. BYU finishes out 8-5 after a season that didn’t go the way much thought and with a defense that couldn’t figure out to play ball. The Cougars honored the late Mike Leach with a helmet decal and the Sailor Cougar helmets.
We'll do our best to 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 in your honor, Coach Leach 💙 pic.twitter.com/RW6xXBdI4E
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 17, 2022
Players with a Great Game
Ben Bywater
Bywater came in as once again a leader of the defense and looking to have another big game. He had 11 tackles, and one interception returned for a touchdown.
Tyler Batty
Batty was all over the place and even lined up off the line last night. He finished the game with six tackles and one tackle for loss.
Sol-Jay Maiava Peters
First Career Start as a Cougar and he showed that he could play no matter the conditions. With the cold, the wind, and the pressure to win his first game. Peters finished with 7/12 for 47 yards and one interception he also rushed for 96 yards on 14 carries and one touchdown.
Kaleb Hayes
Hayes had yet another big game on defense to help the Cougars win their eighth game of the season. He finished with eight tackles.
Jake Oldroyd
Oldroyd finishes out his final game as a Cougar and did by breaking a record.
𝐀𝐋𝐋-𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐑 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑@JakeOldroyd39 pic.twitter.com/O7fZjSZR0a
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022
Players that Stood Out
Hinkley Ropati
Ropati had a good game for the Cougars as he has proved he can be a big asset in the running game. He finished with 29 yards on five attempts.
John Nelson
Nelson is a big guy on the defensive line and one who has been a backup leader when the defense struggled this season. He had five tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss.
Jakob Robinson
Robinson had the biggest play of the game last night to stop the Mustangs on the two-point conversion to win the game. He finished with nine tackles.
Bowl Game Awards
Sol-Jay Maiava Peters
Peters after his first start and first win as a Cougar was named offensive MVP of the game.
Ben Bywater
Bywater after his big game on defense was named defensive MVP of the game.
HOUSED. pic.twitter.com/eQF9GMvShe
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022
Takeaways
Offense
The Offense came out rolling and didn’t miss a beat without their top stars. The run game was a big factor last night in not only gaining yards but killing the clock and keeping the SMU offense off the field. TAfter not seeing it all season long, this run game saw life last night The passing game had some hiccups but with a new quarterback not having those connections with the wide receivers it’s bound to happen.
Defense
The defense started slow like they did all season. They still struggled to stop the run and didn’t have a complete game. This defense though is headed in the right direction after new faces for the coaching staff and with next season having a whole healthy Cougar defense.
Special Teams
The special teams were the highlight of the year for the Cougars. With Jake Oldroyd finishing out his career and loving every minute of it also had some struggles but he never lost his shine.
Check more BYU Content
BYU Transfer Portal Guide for Players Leaving the Program in 2022
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