Washington State Cougars vs Brigham Young Cougars Match Player Stats On Aug 30, 2012

SportsDirect Inc. staff
Aug 31, 2012

Brigham Young 30, Washington State 6: Riley Nelson passed for 285 yards and two touchdowns, Kaneakua Friel caught two scoring passes and host Brigham Young spoiled the Washington State coaching debut of Mike Leach.

Skyler Ridley also caught a touchdown pass and BYU’s defense controlled the contest, intercepting two passes and holding Washington State to minus-5 rushing yards.

Leach, who is trying to revive Washington State’s fortunes, has been out of coaching the past two seasons after being fired by Texas Tech.

But BYU’s Cougars currently have more talent than Leach’s Cougars. Nelson was particularly solid in the first half while helping BYU jump out to 24-6 halftime advantage.

Nelson connected with Skyler Ridley on a 7-yard scoring pass with 1:36 left in the opening quarter to get BYU on the board. Backup quarterback Taysom Hill threw an 18-yard scoring pass to Friel early in the second quarter to make it 14-0.

Friel’s second touchdown reception - on a 25-yarder from Nelson - made it 24-3 with 1:43 left in the half. Friel has six receptions for 101 yards.

Andrew Furney booted field goals of 47 and 41 yards for Washington State’s points.

BYU’s Riley Stephenson kicked three field goals - two coming in the second half.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Brigham Young OLB Kyle Van Noy had two sacks. … Washington State WR Marquess Wilson had a spectacular 13-yard scoring reception on the next-to-last play of the first half nullified by a holding penalty. … BYU WR Cody Hoffman (quadriceps) didn’t play in the second half after having three receptions in the first half. … Washington State QB Jeff Tuel was 30-of-45 passing for 229 yards to go with the two interceptions.