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Boise State staves off BYU 7-6

By Nick Kroes
Sep 20, 2012; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos running back D.J. Harper (7) dives for a first down during first half action against the BYU Cougars at Bronco Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-US PRESSWIRE
Sep 20, 2012; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos running back D.J. Harper (7) dives for a first down during first half action against the BYU Cougars at Bronco Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-US PRESSWIRE

Boise State won an ugly game but a win is a win. The only touchdown scored by Boise State was a pick 6 by Boise State's (possibly) biggest guy. Michael Atkinson pretty much won this game single handedly with that play and by putting the pressure on BYU's freshman quarterback Taysom Hill during BYU's 2 point conversion attempt.

Join me after the jump for some more analysis and drop your thoughts on the game in the comments

It was over when...

Taysom Hill's pass fell incomplete on the 2 point conversion attempt. Boise State still had to get a first down to clinch the game, but knowing that BYU had kicking issues of their own, it didn't seem likely there would be another threat.

On first glance

I'm really glad BYU went for 2 and didn't convert it. When I saw them lining up, I thought immediately to the TCU game last year and how we had a shaky kicking game again. However the defense stepped up like and with Atkinson's pressure, the secondary's coverage, and J.C. Percy pass breakup, the ending changed this time.

On second glance

Our offense still has a lot of work. It was definitely a step back tonight. Southwick finished 15/25 for 145 yards but seemed 0 for everything in important situations. D.J. Harper looked good in spurts, but the offensive line got beat again this week in the trenches. It was pathetic that Boise State only got 7 points on 5 turnovers, especially the goal line stand by BYU after the fumble on the goal line. I still feel like Southwick is adjusting to the speed of the game and I have confidence in him. I just hope it clicks soon.

On third glance

Our defense is good, really good. The increased emphasis on turnovers is paying off. Demarcus Lawrence continues to amaze with his athleticism. The defensive line as a whole seemed to be winning the war up front. Jamar Taylor played out of his mind and Jeremy Ioane continues to put himself in the right place at the right time. I'm really excited to see how good this unit can be this year.

What do you think? What are the redeemable values out of an ugly game like this?