Opening
Kasper's Trick Play Seals BYU's Upset
BYU wide receiver Kyler Kasper has become a central figure in college football this week after two significant moments in the Cougars' 28-24 victory over Notre Dame on October 17. The first was a well-executed trick play in which Kasper, a 6-foot-6 Oregon transfer, threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to quarterback Bear Bachmeier. The second was a quiet act of sportsmanship from Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman, who helped Kasper to his feet after a fourth-quarter interception.
The trick play, which gave BYU a 14-10 lead in the second quarter, came after Kasper convinced coaches he could throw. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick held a tryout during practice, and Kasper nailed his first attempt, earning the job on the spot. "I told them I could throw, and they were like, 'Yeah, yeah, whatever, we will see,'" Kasper told the Deseret News. "We just had a tryout at practice, and I went out there first and threw a good ball, and then that was that."
The play was a callback to BYU's 2022 win over Baylor, when receiver Chase Roberts threw a 22-yard touchdown to Jaren Hall. Roderick dialed up the same concept, and Kasper executed it perfectly. The touchdown was part of a 360-yard offensive effort that helped BYU upset then-No. 2 Notre Dame and rise to No. 2 in the national rankings.
Freeman's Gesture Draws Praise
After the game, another moment involving Kasper gained attention. Following a fourth-quarter interception by Notre Dame's Jayden Sanders, Kasper was left on the ground with his head down. Freeman, instead of joining the celebration, walked over and extended a hand to help Kasper up. The gesture was captured by cameras and later praised by BYU President C. Shane Reese in a Deseret News op-ed.
"It was a small gesture that took place while the camera's attention was focused elsewhere," Reese wrote. "The moment was an easy one to miss. But to me, it conveyed a message that was louder than the stadium cheers and jeers." Reese, who leads BYU, a faith-based institution, noted that Freeman's action exemplified the sportsmanship and faith-driven values shared by both universities.
Context
A Defining Win for BYU
The victory over Notre Dame was one of the most significant in recent BYU football history. The Cougars handed the Irish their first loss of the season and established themselves as a College Football Playoff contender. The game drew 13.2 million viewers, according to Deseret News, underscoring the national spotlight on the program.
Kasper's journey to BYU adds another layer. The receiver transferred from Oregon and had to earn the trust of his coaches and teammates. His confidence in his throwing ability led to a rare opportunity, and he made the most of it. "He's already asking for more throws," Roderick said. "So we'll see."
The Bigger Picture
BYU's win and Kasper's role in it come as the Cougars prepare for a tough road test against UCF, a team that hasn't lost at home. The trick play and the sportsmanship moment have both become part of the narrative surrounding the program's rise. The game also highlighted the strategic creativity of Roderick, who has been praised for his play-calling.
Perspective
Sportsmanship in the Spotlight
Freeman's gesture toward Kasper resonated beyond the final score. In a season where college football is often defined by highlight-reel plays and heated rivalries, the image of a coach helping an opposing player served as a reminder of the values that underpin the sport. For BYU, a faith-based school, the moment aligned with its mission, as Reese noted.
The attention also shines a light on Kasper, whose contributions go beyond receiving. His ability to throw adds a new dimension to BYU's offense, and his willingness to step into a unfamiliar role speaks to his versatility. As the Cougars continue their push toward the playoffs, Kasper's trick-play touchdown and Freeman's kindness will both be remembered as defining moments of a memorable season.
For now, Kasper and BYU turn their focus to UCF, where they will look to build on their momentum. The national conversation around the Cougars is louder than it has been in years, and Kasper is at the center of it.
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