Albuquerque, NM- Most folks thought this would be all about the offense but with 0:08 left on the clock SMU choose to go for the win with a failed 2point conversion by Tanner Mordecai. BYU defense held one last time for the slim 24-23 Cougars victory in the New Mexico Bowl.
BYU quarterback Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters got his first start of the year and went 7/12 passing for 47 yards but used his legs on 14 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown.
“He’s (Maiava-Peters) playing great, it’s how he practiced,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake, “We gonna let him loose.”
The Cougars allowed the Mustangs to bring the game close in the 4th quarter with 13 unanswered points.
Tanner Mordecai almost led a comeback throwing for 218 yards with 2 touchdowns and a costly interception for the Mustangs.
Ben Bywater third pick of the season went for a pick 6 by reading a bubble screen and goes 76 yards to grab the lead 17-10 in the 3rd quarter.
On the next drive they went 9 plays 82 yards capped off by 22-yard touchdown run by Brooks. This 9-play drive was all on the ground eating up the clock as increased their lead 24-10.
“We have to do a better job containing him (Maiava-Peters)” said SMU coach Rhett Lashlee.
This was a grudge match to see who would be standing last. You have to tip your hat to SMU for going for the win and not playing for overtime.
Now BYU will take this bowl win and build on this next year going into spring practice with a bright future with Maiava-Peters all around game being dual threat.
“It was a great game,” said Sitake, “Nothing warms your heart then to win a game.”
