BYU's Heisman hopeful Taysom Hill lost for the season with broken leg

PROVO, Utah -- There were hopes for an undefeated season, a major bowl bid and possibly even a Heisman Trophy. But it all came crashing down Friday night for No. 18 Brigham Young when the Cougars (4-1) lost to Utah State, 35-20, and lost junior quarterback Taysom Hill for the rest of the year.

Hill, who was building a strong case for Heisman consideration with five rushing and five passing touchdowns in BYU's first four games, broke his left leg late in the first half. Without him, the Cougars couldn't recover from a 14-point halftime deficit.

Hill was scrambling right when Utah State safety Brian Suite pulled him down, landing awkwardly on Hill's lower left leg. Hill was scheduled for surgery yesterday and will be out three to four months.

"It was really difficult to watch Taysom go down," BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "Our execution will now have to be better from top to bottom because of Taysom's ability to create. There just isn't another Taysom Hill out there anywhere."

Backup quarterback Darell Garretson threw for 321 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Aggies. Garretson, a sophomore who took over for injured Chuckie Keeton in the second half of a Week 3 win over Wake Forest, also ran for a score. He completed 14 of 17 passes for 257 yards and three TDs in the first half, giving Utah State a 28-14 lead.

Hunter Sharp had five catches for 173 yards and a touchdown for the Aggies (3-2), who were 20-point underdogs. Devonte Robinson added six catches for 98 yards and two TDs.

The Aggies had 457 total yards to BYU's 425. Utah State also had nearly a 16-minute advantage in time of possession and forced four turnovers.AP