Difference Makers: Jay Hill’s defense, special teams and LaVell Edwards Stadium

What began as a sluggish Big Ten game quickly transformed into a Pac-12 After-Dark special.

With 4:06 left in the first half, Kansas State led 6-0. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff had just taken a 12-yard sack, stalling the Cougars’ offensive momentum. The offense had been stuck in second gear all night, while Kansas State’s offense was moving the ball with ease — though inefficiencies in the red zone kept the score low.

Photo by Daily Universe Sports (Miles Romney)

BYU settled for a field goal to cut the deficit to 6-3. With 2:10 left in the half, Kansas State received the ball and would get it again to start the second half. The Cougars were on the brink of seeing the game slip away.

But then, out of nowhere, BYU linebacker Jack Kelly made a game-changing play, stripping the ball from Kansas State’s D.J. Giddens. BYU’s Tommy Prassas scooped it up and ran it back for a touchdown. In an instant, the energy in LaVell Edwards Stadium flipped.

Photo by Daily Universe Sports (Miles Romney)

What followed was one of the most shocking two-minute stretches in recent memory. Just two plays after the fumble, BYU’s Tyler Batty intercepted a poorly thrown pass by Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson. Two plays later, Retzlaff delivered a perfect 23-yard strike to Chase Roberts, giving BYU a 17-6 lead. LaVell Edwards Stadium was deafening.

As the second half began, Kansas State was looking to respond, but just three plays in, Johnson threw another interception — this time to linebacker Harrison Taggart. Once again, BYU capitalized quickly, with Retzlaff connecting with Darius Lassiter for his second passing touchdown of the night.

Photo by Daily Universe Sports (Miles Romney)

This is not the same BYU defense from two years ago. It’s not a good defense, it's an elite defense. Kansas State’s high-powered offense, which had scored no fewer than 31 points in any game this season, was held to just three field goals and zero touchdowns. Zero.

Remember the SMU game two weeks ago? BYU didn’t give up a single touchdown then either, and Saturday, SMU put up 66 points against TCU. Jay Hill has completely transformed this defense, and in less than two years, it has become the heart and soul of this team.

Then came the defining moment of the night. Words won’t do it justice, so do yourself a favor and watch the video. Turn the volume all the way up.

After that, the game was effectively over. All that was left was for the clock to run out. LaVell Edwards Stadium was rocking, the defense was swarming, the offense was clicking and the special teams were, well, special.

As the clock hit zero, you could see the emotion from the fans and players.

A BYU team that had looked lifeless earlier in the game suddenly became one of the most dominant teams in the Big 12.

Nights like this are why LaVell Edwards Stadium is considered one of the best venues for college football. “I don’t think there’s another place like LaVell Edwards in the country,” BYU defensive end Tyler Batty said.

After tonight, it’s hard to argue.