BYU Overcomes Halftime Deficit, Shuts Out Arizona in Second Half
No. 15 BYU rallied from a 17-14 halftime deficit to beat Arizona 28-17, shutting out the Wildcats in the second half. The Cougars opened the third quarter with a 75-yard touchdown drive, emphasizing the run game. A key fourth-down stop and a dominant success rate in the final two quarters sealed the win.
BYU's second-half turnaround was rooted in a deliberate shift to the ground game. After running just seven times in the opening half, the Cougars leaned on LJ Martin early in the third quarter, which opened up play-action opportunities. The 75-yard scoring drive consumed over five minutes and set the tone for the remainder of the contest.
Kyler Kasper has emerged as a red-zone threat, totaling more receiving yards in two games at BYU than he managed in four seasons at Oregon. The defense also delivered in critical moments, including a fourth-down stop that was overturned on review and a late sack by Tausili Akana that helped seal the victory.
This comeback win could strengthen BYU's early-season standing in the Big 12 race, giving the program momentum and national visibility as a ranked team. The result may also shape Arizona's outlook, potentially affecting its bowl projections and conference positioning. For recruits and fans, the Cougars' second-half dominance may enhance the program's appeal, while the dramatic rally could draw broader attention to competitive parity within the conference.