BYU Stuns No. 13 Kansas State in a Wild Night of Football in Provo

BYU football has been searching for its first big moment since joining the Big 12, and on September 21, 2024, they found it in an unforgettable fashion. The Cougars pulled off a stunning 38-9 victory against No. 13 Kansas State, leaving a packed LaVell Edwards Stadium in awe. In front of 64,201 fans, BYU delivered its most significant statement since joining the Power Four conference, showing that they are ready to compete with the best.

What made the night so unbelievable wasn’t just the victory, but the way it unfolded. From unexpected plays to wild moments, the game became an instant classic. Here's how BYU pulled off this shocking win:

Unlikely Heroes and Jaw-Dropping Moments

It wasn’t the usual stars that led BYU to victory. Freshman safety Tommy Prassas made an unforgettable impact with a scoop-and-score, capitalizing on a fumble that shifted momentum in BYU’s favor. Defensive lineman Tyler Batty and linebacker Harrison Taggart both grabbed their first career interceptions, adding to the chaos Kansas State struggled to control.

The night was full of highlight plays, but perhaps none were more stunning than freshman running back Sione I. Moa’s 21-yard touchdown run, where he twisted and turned through defenders to break free. Moa’s performance on the night was key, as he rushed for 76 yards on 15 carries, keeping BYU's offense moving.

But the defining moment of the night came when Parker Kingston returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown. The play was described by head coach Kalani Sitake as “a mistake made right,” as Kingston scooped up a loose ball, dodged defenders, and found his way to the end zone. It was the first time BYU had returned a punt for a touchdown since 2013, and the sequence left fans in disbelief.

A Defense That Delivered

Kansas State came into the game as heavy favorites, and early on, it seemed they would dominate. The Wildcats controlled time of possession, had more yards, and were running the ball effectively. At one point, Kansas State had racked up 122 rushing yards, while BYU had only one.

However, the Cougars’ defense turned the tide. BYU only allowed Kansas State to score three field goals, keeping them out of the end zone entirely. In fact, it was the first time Kansas State had been held without a touchdown since 2020. The defensive performance was fueled by key turnovers, including the fumble return by Prassas, that shifted the game’s momentum in favor of BYU.

Kansas State’s quarterback Avery Johnson was a constant threat with his legs, but BYU’s defense managed to stop him when it mattered most. One critical play came when linebacker Isaiah Glasker made a shoestring tackle on Johnson that likely saved a touchdown.

BYU Offense Steps Up When Needed

BYU’s offense had its struggles early on, but quarterback Jake Retzlaff found his rhythm just in time. After a shaky start that included two punts on BYU’s first two drives, Retzlaff settled in and completed 71% of his passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns. His performance outshined Johnson, whose passer rating of 78.3 paled in comparison to Retzlaff’s 162.5.

One of the key offensive plays came late in the first half when Retzlaff connected with wide receiver Chase Roberts for a 23-yard touchdown, extending BYU’s lead to 17-6. That score set the stage for the wild sequence of plays that followed in the second half.

BYU Sends a Message

The win against Kansas State wasn’t just an upset; it was a statement. For a BYU team that had started 3-0, some critics had questioned whether they could compete with the top-tier teams in the Big 12. Those doubts were silenced on this wild night in Provo.

Kalani Sitake, ever the humble coach, credited the win to effort and preparation. “We had a lot of things go our way,” he said. He emphasized that while the victory was sweet, the team still had work to do. BYU’s next challenge, as Sitake put it, is to remain humble and continue improving.

Defensive lineman Tyler Batty summed up the feeling of the night perfectly: “We just wanted to let people know who we are. This is who BYU is.”

For BYU, this victory wasn’t just about beating a ranked opponent; it was about proving that they belong in the Big 12. As Sitake said, “The work is not done yet.” But for now, BYU can celebrate its arrival on the big stage with a win that will be remembered for years to come.

A Night to Remember

This was no ordinary football game. It was a night filled with bizarre and breathtaking moments, from Kingston’s incredible punt return to BYU’s defense stepping up at every critical juncture. Kansas State dominated several key statistics, including total yards and time of possession, yet BYU walked away with a 29-point victory. The Cougars capitalized on every opportunity, leaving no doubt that they were the better team on this unforgettable night.

BYU has officially arrived in the Big 12, and with this signature win, they’ve made it clear: they are a team to be reckoned with.