Rivalry games aren't always pretty, and that was the case for BYU on Friday night against Utah State as the Cougar sustained a handful of injuries on offense.
However, it ultimately didn't matter, as BYU found a way to win over the Aggies 34–20 at Maverick Stadium.
Here are three takeaways from the game for BYU, who improved to 5-0 in the season:
Tyler Allgeier carries the Cougars
Utah State was allowing opponents to rush 200 yards per game on Friday nights this season, so there was hope that Tyler Algier of the BYU could have the big night.
Allgeier more than delivered, as the Cougars' star scored a career-high 218 rushing yards on 22 carries and scored three touchdowns, including a 1-yard score in the fourth quarter, which gave BYU a 14-point lead.
Hello? Yes, this is Tyler Allgeier for a house call.
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) October 2, 2021
25 was OUT. Another score for @BYUfootball. pic.twitter.com/luE8TzA06O
Allgeier came frequently for the BYU offense, missing two starting linemen, its starting quarterback and starting fullback, and eventually its backup quarterback. He scored the game's first touchdown on a 22-yard run in less than four minutes into the night, then added a 59-yard scoring run in the second quarter to lead BYU 24-10.
With the Cougars trying to catch up in the fourth quarter, he gave in again. After Utah State reduced the Cougars' lead to 27-20, Allgier broke a 67-yard run—it was originally ruled a touchdown, before a review showed he was 1 -was down on the yard line - and made two plays later.
When USU was forced to punt, Allgeier helped knock down the clock with several grind runs.
Injuries lead to QB shuffle for Cougars
Jaren Hall missed his second straight game because of injury, giving Baylor Romney the chance to start again for the Cougars.
Romney played well, completing 15 of 19 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Problem was, Romney didn’t play in the second half after hitting his head on the turf late in the first half.
Following a hit late in the first half to Baylor Romney, Jacob Conover is starting at QB for BYU to open the second half. pic.twitter.com/7eEDgahuKv
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) October 2, 2021
Stop us if you heard enough about BYU-Utah State games and quarterback injuries.
That meant BYU handed the offense over to freshman Jacob Conover, who made his collegiate debut, for the second half. Conover struggled mightily at first, as BYU punted on his first three possessions and netted just 6 yards on 10 plays.
Conover finished 5 of 9 passing for 45 yards, but he had a couple of nice throws on a field-goal scoring drive that put BYU ahead 27-13. He didn't flash much, but he didn't have to, and more importantly, Conover didn't make any big mistakes that cost the Cougars, who didn't have a turnover in the game.
A week after South Florida used a time-consuming drive to cut down the BYU defense in the second half, the Cougars found ways to keep the Utah State offense out of rhythm into the night.
Sure, the Aggies made 17 more offensive plays than the Cougars and were 11 of 21 on the third down. Still, the BEU worked for the state of Utah for its yards and points.
The Aggies have benefited from great big plays this season, and BYU kept them away from any quick scores. Utah State's two touchdown drives saw 18 and 14 plays, respectively.
The Cougars also came in with a huge fourth-down stop in the third quarter, as Chaz Ah Yu dropped John Gentry to BYU 33 in fourth and -1 for no profit when it looked like the Eggies could seize the momentum. Is .
BYU also had two important interceptions - Malik Moore picked up Logan Bonner on the opening drive of the game, leading to the Cougars' first touchdown, and Jacob Robinson intercepted Andrew Peasley on the Eggies' final drive.
This was more than enough as the Cougars finished with 466 yards of total offense to 336 for Utah State
WOW. Make a play Malik Moore.@BYUfootball getting things started early with a pretty interception. pic.twitter.com/s5WvrZJB6e
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) October 2, 2021