Central Washington Downs BYU in the Wind

03.03.2024

Central Washington pulled off an impressive win over BYU on Saturday, taking down the Cougars 21-12.

It was a windy day and CWU played into the wind in the first half. That, of course, favored BYU to a certain extent, but the wind normally benefits teams that kick and BYU loves to run.

The Cougars got the game going with a try and led 7-0. They held that lead through most of the first half before powering over for a second and a 12-0 lead just before halftime.

“I think we managed to hang on,” said CWU Head Coach Todd Thornley. “In the second half the conditions were in our favor and that suits our game a bit more. We were able to build pressure over time.”

And that’s what they did. Midway through the second half Tiai Vavao broke through, and moments later Malakai Tacbian’s score, with Jac Tregoning’s conversion, would nudge CWU ahead 14-12.

Patience was a virtue for CWU and they continued to keep the pressure up. BYU, used to finding space and attacking chances and playing fast, found they didn’t have so much space anymore.

“We brought a bit of line speed and did well there,” said Thornley. “With BYU if you let them play it’s very difficult.. We were a bit more accurate around the collision and in the tackles and that helped, That was something we were disappointed in our game last week.”

As time wound Charlie Platt iced the game with a try that perhaps flattered Central a little bit.

But, this was a huge win for Central Washington in what has become a college season where just about anyone can beat anyone else.