BYU’s run game was efficient on its first drive, rushing for 21 yards on four carries. But the MSU defense stood in late, forcing a turnover on downs.
After Taysom Hill connected with Nick Kurtz on a 5-yard pass to start the drive, Jamaal Williams picked up a first down on a 9-yard run. Williams was then stuffed for a loss of a yard, before Hill threw deep on a flea flicker. Tyson Smith, starting at cornerback for the Spartans, was flagged for defensive pass interference. BYU then picked up another first down on back-to-back runs from Williams of five and eight yards, respectively.