The BYU Cougars opened up their 2012 season in dominating fashion, beating the Washington State Cougars 30-6 on Thursday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.

BYU opened the game's scoring on a Riley Nelson seven-yard pass to Skyler Ridley in the first quarter. BYU took control of the football after Washington State quarterback Jeff Tuel was intercepted by Uona Kaveinga at BYU's 20-yard line. Nelson marched his team 80 yards down the field in 10 plays, concluding the drive with the touchdown pass to Ridley.

BYU later extended their lead to 14-0 in the second quarter in a surprising way. BYU freshman backup quarterback Taysom Hil entered the game on fourth down and threw his first collegiate pass for a touchdown, tossing a 18-yard strike to Kaneakua Friel. Nelson later connected with Friel for a 25-yard touchdown late in the second quarter.

Washington St. only managed a pair of field goals in the second quarter, failing to score a touchdown in head coach Mike Leach's debut as a Cougar.

Box Score Hero: Riley Nelson, 25-for-36, 285 yards, 2 touchdowns

Rankings Ramifications: BYU's convincing win could help them win some votes to move into the Top 25

But Did They Cover? BYU covered the 13.5 spread easily.

For More On This Game: For more on Wazzu football, visit Coug Center. For more on BYU football, visit blog Vanquish The Foe.

Next Week's Schedule: Washington St. vs. Eastern Washington on Saturday Sept. 8 (3:00 p.m. ET), BYU vs. Weber State on Saturday Sept. 8 (3:00 p.m. ET)

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