Zach Wilson Hits Dax Milne For 78-Yard Touchdown Pass On BYU’s First Play Against Houston

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – BYU quarterback Zach Wilson connected with wide receiver Dax Milne for a 78-yard touchdown pass on the Cougars’ first offensive play against the Houston Cougars.

Houston hosted No. 14 BYU at TDECU Stadium on Friday, October 16.

After the BYU defense held Houston to a 27-yard field goal on opening series of the game, Wilson and Co. took the field at their own 22-yard line.

The junior quarterback received the snap and step up into the pocket before delivering a deep ball to Milne, who was a step ahead of a Houston defender. The defender fell to the turf and Milne sprinted down the field for a BYU touchdown without a defender nearby.

That’s explosive.

Wilson to Milne for 78 yards!@BYUfootball – 7 @UHCougarFB – 3 pic.twitter.com/UxyFk9EuLp

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 17, 2020

The Wilson-to-Milne connection resulted in a 7-3 BYU lead with 9:34 left in the first quarter.

Both the throw and reception were career bests for Wilson and Milne.

Zach Wilson lobs it up for a 78 yard TD pass — the longest of his career 🔥 pic.twitter.com/r0wCTDPNRS

— ESPN (@espn) October 17, 2020

It was Wilson’s ninth passing touchdown this season.

Proper social distancing taking place by @DaxMilne pic.twitter.com/aivbzdHCp3

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 17, 2020

For Milne, it was the receiver’s second TD catch of 2020.

Social Media Reacts

After the deep touchdown, social media exploded with praise for Wilson.

WHOA

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 17, 2020

One play. 78 yards. TD.#BYUvsHouston #BYUFootball

— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) October 17, 2020

BYU’s offense came to play. Wow.

— Andrew Adams (@AndrewAdamsKSL) October 17, 2020

This looks like old school @BYUfootball 😭😭😭 #GoCougs

14-3

— Dr. Derwin L. Gray (@DerwinLGray) October 17, 2020

That’s how you start a game!! Fantastic ball by Zach Wilson.

— David Nixon (@D_Nixon) October 17, 2020

Zach Wilson is for real. Accept it.

— Anish Shroff (@AnishESPN) October 17, 2020

Zach. Wilson.

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) October 17, 2020

it's happening https://t.co/EgUa88Tstu

— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) October 17, 2020

The first play ESPN shows of the BYU- Houston game is a 78-yard TD from Zach Wilson to Dax Milne let’s get nuts

— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) October 17, 2020

Oh helo, BYU. Zach Wilson 78-yard TD throw on their first play.

— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) October 17, 2020

Zach Wilson has the goods, y'all.

Fun player (and legit NFL prospect) – make sure and check him out if you haven't already. https://t.co/aeFnSEyRuB

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 17, 2020

Nice start for Wilson and BYU.

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) October 17, 2020

BYU’s game vs. Houston is broadcast on ESPN and KSL NewsRadio 1160 AM and 102.7 FM.