New Mexico Bowl: BYU RB Christopher Brooks Bursts For Touchdown Against SMU

SALT LAKE CITY – BYU running back Christopher Brooks burst up the middle for a 22-yard touchdown to help the Cougars extend their lead over the SMU Mustangs in the New Mexico Bowl.

The Mustangs and Cougars played at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday, December 17.

With 1:21 to go in the third quarter, the senior broke up the field for 22 yards and into the end zone for six points.

Brooks’ score helped BYU stretch its lead to 24-10.

BEAST MODE 😈 pic.twitter.com/C87sMNtEq0

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 18, 2022

The score capped a nine-play, 82-yard drive that took 5:43. BYU ran the ball on all nine plays.

After the touchdown, Brooks had 17 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown.

Chris Brooks goes off for a 22-yard touchdown run. 🏈 #BYU is rolling after 17 unanswered points.#BYUFootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/hYjpRuvv00

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

BYU’s bowl game against SMU is broadcast on ABC, KSLSports.com, and KSL NewsRadio.

New Mexico Bowl: SMU vs. BYU

The game marks the final game of the Independence era for BYU. After today, BYU will join the Big 12 Conference starting in 2023.

Both teams come into the New Mexico Bowl with 7-5 records. However, the big story around BYU is at quarterback. Fifth-year junior Jaren Hall is expected to be out, leaving an opening for a new face to emerge as the starting quarterback.

The Cougars will start Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters at quarterback in place of an injured Jaren Hall.

LISTEN LIVE: @BYUfootball concludes the independence era and the 2022 season against SMU in the New Mexico Bowl.

Catch all the action on @kslnewsradio and https://t.co/4kU961UAvR.#GoCougs #BYUFootball https://t.co/A7cn2OajAs pic.twitter.com/4fZTpJ3jrt

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2022

BYU has three players under consideration to get time at quarterback. None of the three quarterbacks have played a snap this season. Those quarterbacks are Boise State transfer Cade Fennegan, Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters, and preferred walk-on Nick Billoups.

“All three guys can do things that are unique and may be different from each other. But we feel really good about all three guys,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake to KSL Sports. “I gave the challenge to (BYU offensive coordinator) A-Rod (Aaron Roderick) to just play the right guy at the right times. We have no tendencies right now with the three [quarterbacks], so just go out and have fun and see what we can do.”

On the opposite sideline, SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai is preparing for his final game with the Mustangs. Mordecai, an Oklahoma transfer, is pursuing an NFL career after today’s game.

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