MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — This past weekend in the Big 12, defenders showcased their skills by securing numerous interceptions, with many even reaching the end zone for touchdowns. A total of 21 interceptions were recorded across the league, leading to the Big 12 boasting the highest number of interceptions this season in the Bowl Subdivision, totaling 114.
Kansas player Cobee Bryant, a two-time selection to the Big 12’s defensive first team, had an impressive game against Houston, racking up three interceptions. “It was a crazy day,” Bryant expressed, reflecting on his outstanding performance. His three interceptions are the highest number by any player in the Bowl Subdivision this season, and he is the first Kansas player to achieve this feat since 1958. Bryant’s four interceptions this year have matched his personal best from the previous season.
In his post-game remarks, he mentioned feeling surprised yet grateful, stating, “I was like, ‘Man, you really throwing these balls to me, man? You just donate me the ball.’ It felt good. We brought a lot of energy today.” Despite initially being questionable to play due to an undisclosed injury sustained earlier in the month against Arizona State, Bryant felt prepared and eager for the matchup. He quickly switched gears after the game, directing his focus on the upcoming rivalry against No. 16 Kansas State. “We’re ready for K-State,” he declared. “Everybody knows it’s a rivalry game. That’s the main focus.”
For Kansas State, Marques Sigle made his mark with an interception that he returned for a touchdown during the Wildcats’ 45-18 victory against West Virginia. With six career interceptions under his belt, Sigle has now returned two for touchdowns, both for 43 yards. “My eyes got big,” he said, recalling the moment he intercepted a pass from Garrett Greene. He had anticipated the play after noticing an unusual alignment from a West Virginia receiver. “Just took a guess, and we guessed right,” Sigle explained.
Meanwhile, BYU’s Tanner Wall, who transitioned from wide receiver to safety after an injury last season, has made interceptions in consecutive games. He contributed to a 38-35 win over Oklahoma State by intercepting a pass and returning it 51 yards, setting up a touchdown. “Love giving you guys the short field,” he quipped to the quarterback after the game. The No. 11 BYU team has capitalized on turnovers this season, outscoring opponents 66-10 in that area, notably recording 24 points two weeks ago against Arizona.
Iowa State’s Jontez Williams has also been consistently impactful, with interceptions in four consecutive games. His latest pick sealed the Cyclones’ hard-fought 38-35 victory over UCF. Williams reflected on his game-winning play, stating, “I was just proud I was able to make that play for my team and seal the game. We know we can go make those plays.”
In a notable mishap during UCF’s game, Braeden Marshall intercepted a pass and made an impressive 70-yard run but failed to secure a touchdown when he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line. His teammate, Brandon Adams, who successfully returned an interception for a touchdown of 63 yards, commented that Marshall’s interception was creditable, highlighting that there are improvements to be made. UCF managed to retain possession, and RJ Harvey subsequently scored on a short run following the play. Adams is now on a roll with interceptions in consecutive games after going three seasons without one, stating, “I told myself, every game, from now on, I’ve got to do something to impact this game.”