BYU comfortably beats McNeese State after slow start

It took BYU about a quarter and a half to wake up, but the Cougars responded with a big second quarter to beat McNeese State, 30-3.

Sandwiched between a upset win over Wisconsin and a looming game next week at 10th-ranked Washington, BYU came out flat and and fell behind 3-0 after one quarter. After a couple forced turnovers and a punishing offensive line that opened up holes in the run game, BYU took a 24-3 lead into the half.

BYU won the turnover battle 4-1 and held McNeese to 0/10 on third down, allowing the offense to wear down McNeee’s defense.

QB Tanner Mangum wasn’t flashy, but didn’t make any big mistakes either as he finished 15/25 for 118 yards, 1 TD and no picks.

Squally Canada and Lopini Katoa ran through big holes as the duo combined for over 100 rushing yards. Katoa had the best game of his young career, finishing with 64 yards and 2 touchdowns on 10 carries.

BYU’s offense finished with 291 total yards and gave up 207 to the Cowboys.

Freshman QB Zach Wilson came in midway through the fourth quarter when the game was out of hand, but only threw two passes as BYU ran out the clock.

BYU now travels to Seattle to take on Pac 12 favorite and #10 Washington in a likely top 25 matchup.