BYU won in its first game as an independent Saturday, with Kyle Van Noy returning a fumble for the decisive touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Cougars beat host Ole Miss 14-13.

Only one offensive touchdown was scored in the game, and the Cougars (1-0) made the biggest defensive play. Van Noy sacked Ole Miss quarterback Zack Stoudt, forcing a fumble. Van Noy recovered at the Ole Miss 3 and the sophomore linebacker returned it for the touchdown.

Justin Sorensen’s extra point with 5:09 left gave the Cougars a 14-13 lead.

Down 3-0 in the third quarter, the Cougars drove to the Rebels’ 22. But Ole Miss defensive back Charles Sawyer stepped in front of a Jake Heaps pass, eluded several tackles and raced 96 yards for a touchdown to give Ole Miss (0-1) a 10-0 advantage with 8:34 left in the third.

BYU’s offense reached the end zone with 9:52 left in the game on Heaps’ 19-yard touchdown to Ross Apo. Heaps completed 23-of-37 passes for 224 yards.

Stoudt, playing in place of suspended starter Randall Mackey, completed 13-of-23 passes for 140 yards. The Rebels finished with just 208 total yards. Bryson Rose kicked field goals of 20 and 29 yards for Ole Miss.

Brigham Young travels to Texas next Saturday. Ole Miss plays host to Southern Illinois next Saturday.