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Taysom Hill, Jamaal Williams reminisce on first ‘Holy War’ experience

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PROVO, UTAH – The tag team is back again.

Taysom Hill, quarterback, and Jamaal Williams, running back, reunited in BYU’s season opening game to defeat Arizona, 18-16.

Together, the pair racked up 364 yards – Hill had one passing touchdown and Williams a touchdown, which was called back.

In Monday’s BYU press conference, Hill said it’s the best he's ever felt following a game in his entire career.

The duo’s performance was noted by fans, media and the Cougar defense.

“It was great,” said senior Harvey Langi, a defensive lineman. “I love seeing Taysom back out there. Seeing him out there, doing his thing with the offense, and all the other guys, and Jamaal had a great game too. It’s what we all expected as a team. When they (the offense) take away 37 minutes, it’s like gosh, they’re doing their part, so we gotta do what we gotta do.”

Between Williams and Hill, the two are 0-2 against Utah. Hill played against the Utes in 2012 and 2013, sustaining an injury before the Las Vegas Bowl in 2015. Williams saw action in the same two games, before being suspended for the 2015 season.

Both of their first memories from the BYU-Utah rivalry come from the 2012 game where the Utes were victors on the field with a last-second blocked field goal bringing the score to 24-21.

“When we went up there, we lost a close game,” Hill said. “Kicked a field goal, then we had another shot because fans rushed the field. Then we kicked another one and it hit the upright and we lost. So I certainly remember what it feels like to be that close and not come out on the winning end of that.”

The BYU quarterback said he’s more ready to face the Utes after missing last year’s matchup.

“Last year it was really difficult not being able to be a part of that game. To feel the emotion of it and then not be able to play was difficult, so I look forward to this week. I’m very excited,” Hill said.

The Cougars will once again face off against the Utes on Saturday at the Rice Eccles Stadium.