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PROVO -- Riley Nelson got the start for the Cougars at QB, and just like all season the team seemed to sputter in the second half, but it was enough to take down San Jose State University.
Bronco didn't announce a starter at QB until Friday night, and at first it looked like he made a good choice.
"Bronco said Nelson earned this start with his performance against USU. And he starts with a nice sideline pass to Apo- then a nice run," tweeted ksl.com news director Graydon Johns.
Nelson looked sharp early and hit tight end Richard Wilson for a 20-plus yard TD.
"Suddenly, opponents can't keep BYU tight ends out of the end zone. Richard Wilson's 21-yard TD grab gives Cougars a 9-0 lead," tweeted the Salt Lake Tribune's Jay Drew.
Nelson had three TD tosses all in the first half, including a beautiful long ball to McKay Jacobson.
"Give Nelson the respect and attention he deserves! He's done more in two games than Heaps in 6 games," tweeted Jano Rees.
BYU's defense also looked pretty sharp in the first half and came up with some big plays.
"KVN(Kyle Van Noy) hauls in an INT. Hurdles a defender. Stadium erupts as future BYU AA(All America) makes the play," tweeted KSL News Radio's Andrew Adams.
That wasn't the only time Van Noy impressed the masses.
"Van Noy fends off a block to make stop on screen. That dude is good. Really good," tweeted Kevin Graham.
BYU headed to the locker room and when they came out they ran into the same problems they have in second halves all season.
"Nelson intercepted again at the SJSU 2 yard line. That's 3 turnovers for Nelson tonight," tweeted ESPN 700's Jason Shepherd.
Despite some miss-steps, there were a few bright spots, like Jordan Pendleton who was lighting up the SJSU QB all night and Mike Alisa who had a coming out party as a hard hitting yard gaining back.
"Alisa is a beast. Keep feeding him the ball! BYU," tweeted Kevin Schaefer.
Despite some mistakes BYU pulled out the 29- 16 win, but if the Cougs give up three turnovers and blow coverage's in a few weeks against TCU like they did Saturday, expect a much different attitude from the Cougar faithful.
