1977 Arizona vs. BYU



"BYU dispels all fears, primes for U." (Bill Ewer, The Deseret News, 10/31/77)

34-14 homecoming win vs. Arizona in front of 33,106 fans after jumping out to 27-0 halftime lead. Concerns had been raised in Wyoming game but some of those doubts about QB Marc Wilson and injury-riddled defense were put to rest. The victory assured BYU its fourth straight winning season for first time in school history.

BYU played without FB Todd Christensen so used six different runners for 218 yards. In the second half, Arizona switched defenses and held BYU to -4 yards rushing.

BYU lost fumble on second offensive play...Dev Duke 41-yd FG midway through the first quarter...90 secs later, backup FB Bill Ring powered in from two for first touchdown as a Cougar...with 30 seconds left in the first, Wilson found George Harris for a six-yd TD and 17-0 lead

Duke kicked 27-yd FG and TB Scott Phillips scored on 17-yd run as much of second quarter was played in driving rainstorm

Arizona opened second half with 72-yd drive to pull within 27-7...after an exchange of punts, Wilson found Mike Chronister for 37-yd TD

Arizona tried to confuse Wilson with variety of defenses (3-man rush, 5-man rush, blitzes and various secondary alignments) but the sophomore responded with 23/43, 334 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT.


 * 1) 92 TE Tod Thompson 5/66, Chronister 4/69, VanDerWouden 4/73, Ring 4/47, Harris 4/28 receiving

Chronister 56, Gourley 55, Phillips 44, Ring 35 rushing

BYU defense: LB Rod Wood & Mekeli Ieremia both injured but played, reserves Gary Kama and Doug Stromberg stepped up...DT Gary Peterson 12 tkls/3 TFL/sack...CB Bob Prested 5 tkls, FR, INT, 2 PD