Duck QB Brady Leaf was sacked several times, as the Cougar Defense shut the Ducks down in the Vegas Bowl
(AP Photo/R. Marsh Starks)

In the Cougars last game of the season, the Defense put on a performance that could easily be praised as one the best outings by the Cougar D this season, or possibly in the last 5 years. Coming into this game, there was a lot of skepticism about whether or not the defense could stop such a potent Oregon offense, especially since their had been injuries at the corner position. But the defense readily responded to that statement, by completely shutting-down the Oregon offense, and helping to put an exclamation point on an already amazing season.

Defensive Line
The Defensive Linemen had the Duck's number all night long. Even when rushing only three, the D-Line was able to power through Oregon's O-Line to hurry Brady Leaf and Dennis Dixon, and get four sacks. They were also able to completely eliminate Oregon's running game, not even letting them cross the century mark in rushing.

Grade: A

Linebackers
Who loves the BYU linebacker corps? The linebackers totaled for more than 30 tackles, showing how the Cougar's philosophy of gang-tackling and flying to the ball is always in effect. Junior Bryan Kehl led the LB's with 5 solo tackles, and played an important part in forcing several 3 and outs. They all showed some great improvement in being able to stop a running quarterback. Whenever Dennis Dixon would be forced to take off, it wasn't long before the linebackers were on him. For the last time this season, I have got to say that the linebackers "Never fail to impress me".

Grade: A

Cornerbacks
The Corners were being doubted that they could compete with Oregon, let alone completely shut them down. With J-ROB (Justin Robison) having an injured shoulder, and Cole Miyahira having to shift over from the Safety position to replace an injured Ben Criddle, the situation was looking bleak. But there was obviously no cause for concern once the game started, as the corners helped to hold the "epic" Oregon offense to only 166 yards through the air. They also forced several coverage sacks, resulting in a near shut-out for the BYU defense.

Grade: A-

Safeties
The safeties were one of the main factors that contributed to Oregon's three scoreless quarters. They also helped prevent any big plays from occurring. Despite Oregon's lone touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter, this was one of the best performances by the safeties this season.

Grade: A

Special Teams
Especcially during that frustrating first quarter, the punting squad punted the ball away a few times, averaging over 40 yards a kick. The Oregon return game was possibly the most feared aspect of the Ducks, but the coverage was great.

Grade: A-

OFFENSIVE RECAP COMING SOON

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The Cougar D was the highlight of the evening, as BYU held Utah State to 36% shooting. Aggie leader Jaycee Carroll was only able to put up 16 points, short of his average of 22 points.

As the preseason rolls on, the next few opponents are very beatable, it will be up to the Cougars to determine their future. After the game, Aggie coach Stew Morrill stated that BYU could be a Mountain West Tournament contender. High praise from one of the winningest coaches in history.

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Coach Mendenhall exchanges post-game words with New Mexico Coach Rocky Long
(AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac)

Earlier, we reported that Bronco had been named as a National Coach of the Year Nominee, well he might have gotten a little closer to that with this honor.

Earlier Today, The American Football Coaches Association gave the "Region 5" Coach of the Year Honor to BYU Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall. This comes after he lead the Cougars to their first 10 win season and conference championship since 2001.

For those who do not know what "Region 5" means, that is just a collection of some Pac-10 and Mountain West Conference Teams. Other Regional Coach of the Year winners for this year include Wake Forest's Jim Grobe (Region 1), Arkansas' Houston Nutt (Region 2), Michigan's Lloyd Carr (Region 3) and Boise State's Chris Petersen (Region 4).

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As the end of the regular season approaches, many teams are facing their rival teams, and there have always been lists, ranking the best college rivalies. Just for kicks, I thought I would throw a list into the mix. While my opinion is biased, I think that many will agree that these are some of the most fiery match-ups in sports.

10. Oregon vs. Oregon State
Gotta give props to a bowl opponent. The "Cival War" is anything but. This Pac-10 match-up is one of the most heated in college athletics. While the Ducks and the Beavers, are perhaps the least threatening mascot you can have, it does not stop the fans from being some of the most threatening people if you are caught wearing the wrong colors.

9. Harvard vs. Yale
While this game is frequently titled, "The Fight Between Nerds", it does not stop these "Nerds" from despising their fellow Ivy-Leaguers. And while it doesn't make for a "great" football game, but every single sport between these two is a heated-battle.

8. USC vs. Notre Dame
This game is interesting, because these two teams are about 2,000 miles apart. This is no cross-town rival, or a in-state foe. Both these schools have a national fan-base, and the winner gives bragging rights, not only to their respective states, but to the country. The Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh, is always highly contested and never predictable.

7. Cal vs. Stanford
"The Big Game", as it is called, never fails to live up to it's name. The annual match-up is a Pac-10 tradition and this particular rivalry is known to divide families. While Cal has dominated the rivalry, it has not hindered the firey dispositions between these two.

6. Alabama vs. Auburn
"Roll Tide" and "War Eagle" are about the only words you here when you go through the state of Alabama when these two meet. Another In-State match-up makes this a treat for the fans, as bragging rights are on the line. If you so desire to get hit in the mouth, try saying "War Eagle" to a member of the Crimson Tide, or "Roll Tide" to a Tiger.

5. Army vs. Navy
One of the most pure rivalries in sports. Army vs. Navy is arguably the best. Whenever the words "Go Army" are spoken, they are quickly followed by "Beat Navy", and vice-versa for "Go Navy, Beat Army". These two also have great respect for eachother, for they know that they will soon be fighting for us, side by side. No matter who is favored, it is always something to watch.

4. USC vs. UCLA
Cross-town rivals in the battle for the Victory Bell. This rivalry divides Los Angeles in two, and no matter how favored one side is, (*cough* USC! *cough*) It is always something that fans look forward to all year.

3. Texas vs. Oklahoma
"The Red River Rivalry" is a storied tradition between these two states. Both are national contenders almost every year, and the fans have quite a vulgar opinion about the other, and it doesn't look like that will ever change.

2. Ohio State vs. Michigan
Arguably the biggest match-up of the year in college football. When these two go at it, it is always a close-one, and the despise of the other only grows. This rivalry is probably not one you want to get involved in too much if you are on the outside looking in.

1. BYU vs. Utah
While many people don't know just how heated this rivalry is, it is often heralded as an "unhealthy" sports rivalry. Due to the fact that these are really the only two competitive Division 1-A schools, thus dividing the state in half. Either side is often persecuted, or even physically harmed. While these occasions are not celebrated, they are just some of the reasons why I rank this as the #1 rivalry in college sports.

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Bronco Mendenhall, after BYU's victoy over Utah.
(AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac)

Does this suprise anyone? Head Football Coach Bronco Mendenhall has been named as a Finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award. This comes in his second year as Coach, and after leading the Cougars to a 10-2 record thus far, pending the bowl game.

I have to congratualate Bronco, he has surely brought this program back into the national spotlight, and he continues to build them back up to the National Powerhouse that they once were.

Congratulations to Coach Mendenhall, and keep up the good work.

GO COUGARS!

ETB

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Cameron Jensen, Kelly Poppinga, and Quinn Gooch take down Ute Wide Receiver Sean Smith
(AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac)

Can you say, "Best BYU-Utah game in years?!" What a game this was! Expectations were high, and a blow-out was expected, but in rivalry games, you can never predict what will happen. While the defense struggled to contain a tough Utah offense, they did not get beat too many times. And when they needed to, the Cougar D made some big plays and helped BYU mount one of the greatest comebacks in Holy War history.

Defensive Line
Hala Paongo was the man on the Defensive line on Saturday. He used his massive size and strength to overpower the smaller Utah linemen, and bring down several runners and getting to Ute QB Brett Ratliff on a couple of occasion. But Utah's offensive scheme brought several different Misdirection and Trick plays that threw the Cougar D-Line off. While the Line was beaten on a couple of occasions, they also brought great pressure and forced Utah to utilize their passing game.
Grade: B-

Linebackers
Almost every week, I have commended the Cougar Linebacking Corps on a dominant performance. They would always contain the opposing offense, and force several turnovers. But this week was different, Utah came ready to play, and actually gave the BYU Linebackers a run for their money. Utah had several plays that confused the LB's, thus leading to some big gains and conversions, even a couple of touchdowns. But in the second half, when BYU needed to make a stand and stop the Utah offense that had been rolling for most of the game, Linebackers like Cameron Jensen and Aaron Wagner stepped up and made great plays. Not a perfect performance, but a solid one.
Grade: B+

Cornerbacks
The cornerbacks had to battle several injuries throughout the game on Saturday. Justin Robinson had problems with his shoulder coming into the game, but had to play through the injury due to the depth of the position facing so many injuries. This could be accredited to several missed tackles and blown coverages. But for the most part, they had awesome coverage, and forced Brett Ratliff to settle for short passes underneath.
Grade: B+

Safeties
The safety position had to be 100% attentive to what was going on when Utah's offense was on the field. With Utah's "Trick-Play" arsenal in effect, they had to account for everybody, in addition to their coverage of the deep pass. But I was very impressed seeing how well the deep-ball was covered, and how Utah never really had many big plays. Quinn Gooch was a big part in helping contain the Utes offense. Like I said before, not a perfect game, but a solid one.
Grade: B+

Special Teams
This was not a great game for the Special Teams. Jared McLaughlin had a few short kick-offs, that lead to good field position for Utah. Nate Meikle was out with a hamstring injury, so McKay Jacobson played the punt-return position that resulted in minimal yards. A blocked XP did not help the Cougars much either.
Grade: C-

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Here is another bit to fuel the rivalry fires.

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TEAM OVERVIEW
"The Big Game", "Church vs. State", "The Holy War".  This game goes by many names, but everyone knows it as BYU-Utah, the biggest football game in the state of Utah. It divides the state in half, one side red, the other blue. While there is a trophy at hand (The Beehive Boot), everyone knows this is a battle for bragging rights for the year. With Utah having won 4 straight, the Cougar faithful have had their fair-share of persecution, but many are thinking that this is the year that BYU finally restores a tradition of beating Utah. Almost every stat in the book says that BYU will win. The only thing that is really stopping them, from getting a blow-out win over their hated rival, is themselves. Utah is one of the best teams in the conference, but that is not saying much.

Many reports talk about Utah and how they use BYU Player quotes, and other rivalry propaganda around the locker room to motivate the players. While this may fuel the "Hatred Fires" for the Utes, I am not sure about their chances when it comes down to the actual game.

UTE OFFENSE
Utah's offense is lead by Senior QB Brett Ratliff. Ratliff has had a completion percentage of 56.9 this season, but is capable of making plays when he needs to (most of the time). Utah's offense relies on a decent passing game that is capable of providing some adequate yards. A couple of the Ute receivers that are posting stats for Utah are Derrick Richards and Brent Casteel. Combined, they have over 1000 receiving yards, and have 13 touchdowns. The BYU corners will have to play their best game of the season if they want to completely contain a potent Utah passing game.

But the Utes are not completely attached to the passing game. The rushing game, lead by Senior RB Darryl Poston, who has put up 531 yards on the ground. He is a powerful runner, and it will take a solid effort from the Cougar Defensive Line and Linebacking Corps, lead by "The General" Cameron Jensen. BYU has faced offenses similar to this before, and they have not had too many problems with them.

UTE DEFENSE
Every single sportswriter in the country will give you Eric Weddle's name if you ask them about Utah's Defense. As far as talent, Weddle is about as deep as it gets. He is known for playing on the offensive side on the ball for as a quarterback and running back. While he is praised as a talented player, and he is, he has not lived up to his pre-season Heisman hype. When it comes to BYU-Utah, he is perhaps the most passionate player on the team, but as ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit has said, "There is more to playing defense than emotion". This could apply to Utah, as their hatred for BYU is strong, but they could quite possibly be ripped to shreds by BYU's offense.

They have held teams to small scores this season, but it is easy to do that in the MWC, but against teams out of the MWC, such as UCLA or Boise State, they fall apart and give up a lot of points. BYU can contend with almost every team in the country, and I think that if BYU comes ready to play, this could make up for one UGLY game.

GAMEDAY PREDICTION
Well, this is it, the finale to one of the best regular seasons that BYU has had in a long time, and it is almost time to say goodbye for another year. I don't know about you, but I am sick of losing to Utah. There is no reason why BYU should lose this game. Utah will have to have their best game of the season if they want to keep this one close. But BYU is the Nationally-Ranked Conference Champs because they are they best team in the conference, and one of the best teams in the Nation. BYU will finally beat Utah, and they will do it in a rather convincing fashion.

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Here is another joke that tickled my funny bone.

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In the spirit of rivalry week, I will be posting a few different Ute jokes that you may use throughout the week if you please.

GO COUGARS!

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In the Cougars last home game of the season, there were indeed some highlights and some lowlights for the Cougar D. But in BYU's 41-17 win over New Mexico, the Defense stepped up on two crucial fourth downs that ultimately sealed the win, and the Conference Championship.

Defensive Line
The Defensive Linemen had their hands full with a powerful Lobo Offensive line, and an impressive running game. The D-Line was pushed and shoved all over the place, allowing New Mexico to put up 173 rushing yards. They also had a hard time getting pressure on the quarterback. But they were able to overcome that, ending up with a handful of sacks. Not a great performance, but a solid one.
Grade: B-

Linebackers
On Senior Day, there were several Senior Linebackers making things happen. Aaron Wagner lead the Linebacker's Corps with 9 total tackles, 7 of those being solo. The Corps General, Cameron Jensen, also got in on some crucial plays, and made a few plays as well. Jensen had an incredible one-handed INT that halted any momentum that New Mexico had in that game. But a few failed assignments gave the Lobos some positive yards that lead to scores. Nevertheless, the Linebackers position never fails to impress me with their leadership and passion in every game.
Grade: A-

Cornerbacks
The cornerbacks had to be on their toes all game long. New Mexico played with an Offensive scheme that allowed several receivers to get open. But they stuck with their assigned receivers well. Justin Robinson made some clutch plays that prevented any chance of a New Mexico comeback. Great performance today.
Grade: B+

Safeties
All of the Defensive Backs made some good plays, the Safety position was no different. Although there were a few plays that most of the Safeties would probably like to have back, including some long runs and a couple long pass plays (one of them being a TD pass). But good coverage was provided also, forcing Lobo quarterback, Chris Nelson, to scamper around and avoid getting sacked. Not too bad.
Grade: B-

Special Teams
Not a heroic game by the Special teams squad today like the game against Wyoming. Several of New Mexico's punts and kickoffs were returned for minimal yards, and Jared McLaughlin missed a FG (53 yard attempt) just before halftime. But besides those two occurrences, the Special teams gave another solid game. They made ALL their extra points.
Grade: C+

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Team captains, Cameron Jensen and John Beck hoist BYU's new hardware, a Conference Championship
(AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac)

In a night filled with a broken record, a conference title, and a bowl bid, BYU gets a perfect record at home, beating the stingy New Mexico Lobos 41-17. As per usual, BYU got the ball first, scored first, and went on to win. But there were several interesting things that came out. Such as Curtis Brown breaking the record for Career rushing yards. He broke the record on a 49 yard touchdown run.

And again, officiating in the game was poor at best. Several calls were missed or ignored, including a holding call that was so blatent it started a stadium-wide chant of "HOLDING...HOLDING". Several cheap shots by New Mexico were not called, such as when a certain New Mexico player deliberatly stepped on a BYU players helmet as he was down. It is easy to pin a bad game on the officials, but anyone who was there can back-up my statement that the officiating was bad.

All bad things aside, BYU had a great Senior Day, clinching the title, and earning a bid to the Las Vegas Bowl in December. At the end, Greg Wrubell was on the field congratulating the conference champs, and he lead the crowd with a chant that seems to fit the current situation perfectly. "VIVA LAS VEGAS, BEAT UTAH!"

Congratulations to all the Seniors, and the rest of the Mountain West Conference Champion BYU Cougars!!

Offensive and Defensive Recaps Coming Soon!

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