As the BYU Cougars looked to add onto their early 7-0 lead in Orlando, Will Ferrin lined up for a field goal that would add an extra few points in his team's point total.
The ball was snapped, and the hold was in terrible position. Certainly, this kick wouldn't be going anywhere. But Ferrin doesn't look like he wants to kick, either. What's going on??
FAKE FIELD GOAL FROM BYU 🫢 pic.twitter.com/5ahmgTfWKW
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 26, 2024
Wrapping around the end, Ferrin took off toward the sideline, while Vander Haar, the holder and punter, threw the ball between his legs (this being the second snap of the play) and hit the kicker in stride.
Suddenly, with plenty of green ahead of him, but defenders closing in, he looked up to see an open receiver downfield. If he finds his target, this could be a touchdown-scoring play, but understanding that a sure-thing first down is better than a chance at a bigger play, he wisely carried the ball to the sideline and secured a first down.
I couldn't help but lean back and laugh while watching the Cougars remain extra-aggressive, even while in firm control of the football game. But Will Ferrin has been the model of reliability for the Cougars all year, and the silent hero of the team.
Think back on the closest games this year, namely SMU and Baylor. When the offense couldn't pull itself together, and the team stalled out, Ferrin stepped up, hitting several field goals against the Mustangs, including the go-ahead score that proved to spell death for SMU.
Against Baylor, Ferrin bailed out his team several times, even knocking down a career-long 54-yarder with ease.
#BYU kicker Will Ferrin makes a 54-yard field goal. That's a new career high for the second-year starter.#BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 28, 2024
The transfer from Boise State is 14-17 this year, with 75 total points on the season. Never missing an extra point (and I pray this doesn't jinx his season), and providing a voice of reason for a team that loves to play aggressive on 4th down. If there's any doubt of conversion, look down the sideline for Mr. Reliable.
Will Ferrin's season has been terrific for BYU, and they'll need him again this season, no doubt.