Long Punt Return From Hifo Leads To Diving TD By Wilson, Tie Game

HONOLULU, Hawaii – After a long punt return by receiver Aleva Hifo, BYU quarterback Zach Wilson dove into the end zone to tied the game between the Cougars and the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.

Wilson’s touchdown came early in the third quarter of the SoFi Hawaii Bowl at Aloha Stadium on Tuesday, December 24.

Hifo sprinted 52 yards down the sideline on a punt return to put the Cougars in scoring position inside the Hawaii 10-yard line. Two plays later, Wilson kept the snap, ran to the left of his offensive line, and dove across the goal line for the game-tying touchdown.

Aleva Hifo returns a punt 52 yards setting up a Zach Wilson touchdown run and BYU and Hawai'i are tied at 31. #HawaiiBowl #BYUFOOTBALL https://t.co/mswkFuB8kZ pic.twitter.com/soTPSQJsN5

— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) December 25, 2019

Wilson’s score tied the Cougars and Rainbow Warriors at 31-31 with 11:58 left in the third quarter.

After the score, Wilson had carried the ball 7 times for 34 yards and two touchdowns. Through the air, Wilson was 17/26 for 209 yards and an interception.

BYU 31 – UH 31 | 11:58 Q3@zachkapono ties it up with his second rushing TOUCHDOWN of the game!!#BYUFOOTBALL #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/CpBl5ICh9o

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 25, 2019

Hifo’s big special teams play was his first punt return of the game.

In the receiving game, Hifo had posted 5 receptions for 44 yards.