BYU football falls to Texas 17-16

BYU football falls to Texas 17-16
Published: Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011 8:18 p.m. MDT
Austin — It was largely the tale of two halves in Texas securing a 17-16 victory. The Cougars controlled the play on both sides of the ball during the first half, while Texas came out and took it to the BYU front seven during the second.
The Texas power and athleticism kicked in, as Texas dominated the course of play toward a victory.
The Cougars came out efficient on offense and stifling on defense, outscoring the Longhorns 13-3. They also outgained Texas in yards (168 to 88) and in first downs (13 to three).
The Cougars converted consecutive three-and-outs into two early field goals with Justin Sorensen connecting from 30 and 33 yards out.
The Cougars looked to really take control of the game following a 97-yard drive with 11:41 left in the half. Heaps was 5-of-7 during the drive for 75 yards, which included a 6-yard scoring pass to Ross Apo.
Late in the second quarter, BYU turned the ball over deep in its own territory to keep the Longhorns in it. Texas was able to take advantage of the turnover, converting on a 23-yard field goal attempt by Justin Tucker.
The Longhorn offense was hapless in the first half, gaining just 88 yards and three first downs. It tried to spread the field with a balanced attack.
The Cougar ground game didn't do much of anything, accounting for just 15 yards on 14 carries. Heaps finished the half going 14-of-24 for 153 yards.
During the second half, Texas chose to abandon the run and just take it to the Cougar front seven. True freshman David Ash was the catalyst for a lot of the production along with sophomore Case McCoy.
Following the initial three-and-out by BYU, Texas mounted a 7-play, 62-yard touchdown drive that featured just one pass attempt. Cody Johnson ran it in for the score with 10:38 remaining in the third quarter.
BYU responded with a 12-play, 56-yard drive of their own which culminated into a 32-yard field goal by Sorensen.
Texas then took it right to the Cougar defense again driving it clear down to the Cougar 13 yardline. On a fourth and one attempt, BYU held firm, stuffing an attempted run just inches from the first-down marker.
The Longhorns kept coming, putting the ball into the endzone again on a 52-yard, 8-play drive with 8:46 left in the game to take the lead, 17-16. True freshman Malcolm Brown ran it in for the score from six yards out.
The Cougars had their chances to respond, but were unable to provide consistent drives in securing a victory. Multiple delay of game penalties and other miscues kept them from mounting any real scoring threat during the fourth quarter of Texas' 17-16 victory.
Email: bgurney@desnews.com Twitter: @BrandonCGurney
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