PROVO, Utah – BYU desperately needed a touchdown to keep things close against the No. 22 Washington Huskies.

Graduate transfer running back Emmanuel Esukpa delivered with a one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

BYU scored on the next play: Emmanuel Esukpa 1 yard TD run! #BYU pic.twitter.com/VHwzb9rzpA

— #BusinessAintBoomin (@ftbeard_17) September 21, 2019

It was a big touchdown drive for BYU as the Huskies were looking to pull away as they had a three-touchdown lead.

BYU’s offense had their best series of the day and it started with a pair of big pass receptions from quarterback Zach Wilson to tight end Matt Bushman.

Bushman, has earned a lot of praise during the ABC broadcast from sideline reporter Todd McShay as a future NFL tight end.

Emmanuel Esukpa with his first career touchdown as a #BYU Cougar. Feed him that soup.

Washington 24, BYU 9 with 8:22 remaining in the 2nd.#UWvsBYU #KSLsports

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 21, 2019

With BYU on the move and in Washington territory, the Cougars then pulled out a trick play. Running back Ty’Son Williams took the ball on a reverse and then threw a pass down field intended for Bushman. Bushman had Washington defenders all over him and it resulted in a pass interference.

Two plays later, BYU turned to Esukpa for the one-yard touchdown run.

Jake Oldroyd then missed the point after attempt to cut BYU’s deficit to 24-9 in the second quarter.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.