Cougars' Coach Turns the Other Cheek in One of the Most Bizarre Ending to a Game This Season

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The BYU Cougars dropped a heartbreaker to the Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday, losing 28-23 in a game that will be remembered for its chaotic finish. BYU coach Kalani Sitake could have easily lost his cool, and many coaches would have, after Arizona State's student section prematurely stormed the field, delaying the Cougars' final Hail Mary play by about 15 minutes. However, coach Sitake chose to take the high road, avoiding any controversy or altercations.

The scene unfolded with 17 seconds left on the clock when Arizona State thought they had sealed the win, prompting their students to rush onto the field. But, as fate would have it, there was still one second left on the clock. BYU was set to run a final play, a Hail Mary pass, but they had to wait for the field to be cleared. When play resumed, BYU quarterback Jaren Hall threw the ball into the endzone, but it was intercepted, securing the win for the Sun Devils.

After the game, coach Sitake could have expressed frustration over the lengthy delay and its potential impact on his team's final play. However, instead, he showed incredible composure and sportsmanship, acknowledging the challenging circumstances surrounding the game's conclusion. In an era where coaches and players can get emotional in such high-stakes situations, coach Sitake's reaction stood out as class.

When questioned about the delay and potential disruption, Sitake praised his team's focus and determination during the extended break. 'We've been in situations where we've had to wait a while, so our guys were really good at staying focused and staying calm,' he said. He further emphasized that his team managed to stay composed throughout and not let the unusual circumstances throw them off their game.

While it's easy to second-guess the Sun Devils' fans for their hasty celebration, it's worth acknowledging the impact their enthusiasm may have on their team's performance on the field. The outburst could have easily thrown the Sun Devils off their rhythm and put the Cougars in a better position to make a comeback. But it also highlights how precious and meaningful college football is to these fans.

The Sun Devils' head coach, Herm Edwards, understood the outburst as an authentic display of excitement, acknowledging his school's enthusiasm and spirit. Edwards further discussed how delighted his team was with the outcome, the excitement that filled the stadium, and the much-needed victory that, according to him, put a stop to their winless skid.

Although the loss will surely sting the Cougars for a while, coach Sitake's dignity and leadership during these turbulent circumstances laid the groundwork for what could be an excellent lesson in sportsmanship for his players. And for the fans and students of Arizona State, it's an uplifting end to a significant comeback victory for their beloved Sun Devils. As both teams move forward, the high standards set by coach Sitake will undoubtedly inspire future athletes to follow his example.