Upset! BYU holds on late for season-opening win over Arizona

Tucson, Arizona — It got stressful there at the end, but BYU held on for a 28-23 victory over the Arizona Wildcats.

After trailing 10-7 at halftime, BYU scored 3 touchdowns on 3 possessions in the third quarter to open up a 28-10 lead. BYU controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball all night, and was rewarded with a big night from Squally Canada. The senior ran hard all night, finishing with 98 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.

The run game also opened up the play-action pass for Tanner Mangum, who finished 18/28 with 209 yards, 1 touchdown and 0 interceptions.

Arizona QB Khalil Tate was touted as a Heisman candidate coming into the game, but BYU largely neutralized the dual-threat QB all night. Tate finished with a pedestrian 14 rushing yards and was 17/34 with 197 passing yards.

Great win for BYU, who came into the game as a double-digit favorite versus a team that was just outside the top 25.

BYU next goes back to Provo with another PAC 12 matchup with the Cal Golden Bears.