After coming into the game averaging just six yards per contest on the ground, BYU improved with 106 yards on the ground to knock off defending WAC champion Colorado State at Hughes Stadium, 28-21.
Mark Atuaia had 77 yards on 22 carries and Steve Sarkisian was 17 of 32 for 254 yards and three touchdowns.
The defense was particularly stingy, tallying three picks, halting the Rams on 12 of 13 third-down conversions and holding on a fourth-and-foot in the third quarter.
A BYU fumble and a successful onside kick helped the Rams overcome a 28-6 fourth-quarter deficit, drawing to 28-21 with 1:39 remaining.