BYU Football Dominates No. 13 Kansas State 38-9, Moves to 4-0 on Season

Strategic Insights -

BYU football made history with a commanding 38-9 victory over No. 13 Kansas State, marking the largest margin of victory over a top-15 ranked team in program history. The Cougars' defense forced three Wildcat turnovers in a span of 2:19, resulting in three touchdowns for BYU. The team's 29-point win showcased outstanding team effort and energy, with key performances from multiple players.

Key Takeaways:

  • BYU's 29-point win over Kansas State is the largest margin of victory over a top-15 ranked team in program history.
  • The Cougars held Kansas State without a touchdown for the first time since 2020.
  • With Saturday's win, BYU has now held two opponents without a touchdown for the first time since 2012.
  • The team's punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns in the same season for the first time since 2011, with Parker Kingston's 90-yard punt return and Keelan Marion's kickoff return for a touchdown.
  • Jack Kelly's forced fumble at the Kansas State 30-yard line was a crucial play in shifting the game's tone in BYU's favor, with True freshman safety Tommy Prassas scoring a touchdown on the fumble recovery.
  • The Cougars scored a touchdown in each of the three phases of the game for the first time since 1996.
  • BYU's defense forced three Wildcat turnovers, including two interceptions, a fumble, and a sack, while also tallying three tackles for loss and two pass breakups.
  • Key performers included Harrison Taggart with 10 total tackles, Jakob Robison and Crew Wakely with seven tackles each, and Jake Retzlaff, who completed 15-of-21 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Freshman running back Sione I. Moa led BYU with 15 carries for 76 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown and 56 yards in the second-half alone.

Statistics:

  • BYU's 38-9 victory marked the largest margin of victory over a top-15 ranked team in program history.
  • The team's 29-point win was the most significant margin of victory since 2020.
  • With Saturday's win, BYU has now held two opponents without a touchdown for the first time since 2012.
  • The team's punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns in the same season is a rare feat, last achieved in 2011.
  • Jack Kelly's forced fumble at the Kansas State 30-yard line sparked a game-changing moment for the Cougars.
  • The defense's performance resulted in a total of three Wildcat turnovers, including two interceptions and a fumble.
  • BYU's defense tallied 10 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 2 pass breakups.

Sources:

  • BYU football news release
  • Coach Kalani Sitake's post-game statement