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Oct 13 | 01:00 PM
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University Stadium
Avenida Cesar Chavez & University Blvd SE Albuquerque NM 87131
Anonymous
| Posted: 13 Oct 2001 | Updated: 9 Nov 2020
ALBUQUERQUE -- Without teammate Luke Staley, "The Domanator" Brandon Doman led the No. 17 Cougars to another Mountain West Conference come-from-behind road victory, defeating the New Mexico, 24-20, to remain undefeated on the season.
Similar to the UNLV game two weeks ago, the Cougars (6-0, 2-0) found themselves down three points late in the game. BYU again faced a fourth down situation, but this time it was fourth-and-eleven. Doman ran the option behind some key blocks on the right side of the line and took the ball for a first down to keep the drive alive.
"I can't take any credit for it," said BYU head coach Gary Crowton. "He went out there and made the play."
On the next play, Doman rolled right and threw off balance into the end zone where Andrew Ord came down with the touchdown catch. Matt Payne connected on the PAT to give the Cougars a four-point lead.
"We didn't execute in the late part of the game and BYU did," said New Mexico head coach Rocky Long. "We had a chance to win the game."
With Brian McDonald-Ashford sidelined with a knee injury, and Luke Staley out while the University investigates his academic eligibility status, Ned Stearns started in place of Staley, finishing the game with 18 rushes for a career high72 yards. Doman tried to make up for Staley's absence through the air, finishing the game 22-of-41 for 258 yards passing, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed for 37 yards.
New Mexico ran a ball-control offense throughout the game, forcing the Cougars' defense to be on the field extensively.
"New Mexico changed its whole offense," Crowton said. "The quarterback draw really hurt us."
But just like the defense has done all year, the Cougars made the plays when they had to.
After the go-ahead touchdown, Jernaro Gilford intercepted an errant Casey Kelly pass, his second interception of the game. Aaron Francisco also made an interception earlier in the game. Linebackers Justin Ena, Isaac Kelley and Paul Walkenhorst were all over the field as well.
The Cougars return home next week for their Homecoming game. BYU will take on Air Force at LaVell Edwards Stadium next Saturday. Game time is slated for 3:45 p.m. (MT)
Freshman speedster Rod Wilkerson scored BYU's first TD on a 28-yard second-quarter reception from Brandon Doman. (BYU Photo / Mark Philbrick)
ò BYU running back Luke Staley did not play in today's game against New Mexico. Staley was withheld from competition while the University looks into issues that may affect his eligibility.
ò Senior running back Ned Stearns was listed as the starter in place of Staley, marking his first-ever career start.
ò Freshman kicker Matt Payne's 33-yard field goal at the 11:18 mark of the first quarter extended BYU's NCAA-leading streak to 330 games without being shutout. The Cougars were last shutout Sept. 17, 1975 (vs. Arizona State).
ò Freshman Aaron Francisco recorded his first career interception at the 5:53 mark of the first quarter , ending a threatening 12-play 48-yard New Mexico drive. The interception was the Cougars' eighth of the year.
ò BYU cornerback Jernaro Gilford recorded two interceptions on the day, including a key grab with just over two minutes left in the game. Gilford has a team-leading four interceptions on the season, including interceptions in the last three games. The Cougars have had at least one interception in each game they have played this season.
ò Gary Crowton became the first head coach in BYU history to start his career at 6-0. It also marked the first time the Cougars started the season 6-0 since the 1984 National Championship season.
ò BYU remained deadly in the Red Zone, scoring both times they crossed the Lobos' 20-yard line. In the first half, the Cougars converted a field goal and in the second half BYU scored a touchdown inside the Red Zone. BYU is now 28-of-30 (.933) inside the Red Zone this season.
ò Stearns' three-yard run at the 6:14 mark of the second quarter converted a fourth-and-one situation, marking the seventh straight fourth-down conversion for the Cougars and the tenth fourth-down conversion on the season.
ò The Cougars are now 11-13 on fourth-down conversions this season. BYU was perfect for the game until the Cougars failed on a fourth down attempt in the third quarter. Three plays later, Rodney Wilkerson converted a fourth-and-three situation into a 28-yard touchdown reception, marking the eighth straight fourth-down conversion on the season. After missing a fourth-down attempt in the third quarter, Doman came up with the biggest fourth-down conversion of the season, overcoming a fourth-and-11 situation late in the fourth quarter.
ò The Cougars' 10 points at the half marked the lowest first-half point total of the season. BYU's previous season low was 21 points (vs. Utah State and Cal). Today's game also marked only the second time this season BYU did not hold the lead at the half.
Box Score (Final)Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
----------------- -- -- -- -- -----
#17 Brigham Young... 3 7 0 14 - 24 Record: (6-0,2-0)
New Mexico.......... 0 10 3 7 - 20 Record: (2-4,1-2)
Scoring Summary:
1st 11:18 BYU - PAYNE 33 yd field goal,
9-68 3:42, BYU 3 - NM 0
2nd 08:38 UNM - BAXTER, 1 yd run (BOROMBOZIN kick),
14-80 6:10, BYU 3 - NM 7
04:54 BYU - WILKERSON 28 yd pass from DOMAN, (PAYNE kick),
8-47 3:44, BYU 10 - NM 7
00:23 UNM - BOROMBOZIN 20 yd field goal,
13-76 4:31, BYU 10 - NM 10
3rd 03:07 UNM - BOROMBOZIN 23 yd field goal,
9-49 3:24, BYU 10 - NM 13
4th 11:01 BYU - RIGELL 27 yd pass from DOMAN (PAYNE, Matt kick),
10-80 3:59, BYU 17 - NM 13
06:09 UNM - HANSON 19 yd pass from SHEPHERD (BOROMBOZIN kick),
11-80 4:52, BYU 17 - NM 20
03:33 BYU - ORD 15 yd pass from DOMAN (PAYNE kick),
10-84 2:36, BYU 24 - NM 20
BYU UNM
FIRST DOWNS................... 20 23
RUSHES-YARDS (NET)............ 31-107 48-198
PASSING YDS (NET)............. 258 180
Passes Att-Comp-Int........... 41-22-0 35-18-3
TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS..... 72-365 83-378
Fumble Returns-Yards.......... 0-0 0-0
Punt Returns-Yards............ 4-4 1-4
Kickoff Returns-Yards......... 3-70 0-0
Interception Returns-Yards.... 3-34 0-0
Punts (Number-Avg)............ 6-30.5 4-49.5
Fumbles-Lost.................. 3-0 0-0
Penalties-Yards............... 2-10 4-40
Possession Time............... 26:20 33:40
Sacks By: Number-Yards........ 2-12 1-5
RUSHING: #17 Brigham Young-STEARNS, Ned 18-72; DOMAN, Brandon 12-37; TM
1-minus 2. New Mexico-KELLY, Casey 13-51; BAXTER, Jarrod 15-49; WIGGINS,
Holmon 10-48; COUNTER, Dwight 2-14; MANNING, Joe 2-13; HANSON, Javier 2-12;
THOMAS, Terranc 2-8; SHEPHERD, Derri 2-3.
PASSING: #17 Brigham Young-DOMAN, Brandon 22-41-0-258. New Mexico-KELLY,
Casey 17-33-3-161; SHEPHERD, Derri 1-1-0-19; NM Team Stats 0-1-0-0.
RECEIVING: #17 Brigham Young-HALLADAY, Soren 4-58; MAHE, Reno 4-21;
WILKERSON, Rod 3-81; RIGELL, Mike 3-43; ORD, Andrew 3-25; ANDERSON, Justi
3-17; STEARNS, Ned 1-12; JOLLEY, Doug 1-1. New Mexico-COUNTER, Dwight 7-60;
MANNING, Joe 3-42; WIGGINS, Holmon 3-24; ROBBINS, Kirk 2-8; HANSON, Javier
1-19; THOMAS, Terranc 1-18; SHEPHERD, Derri 1-9.
INTERCEPTIONS: #17 Brigham Young-FRANCISCO, Aaro 1-16; GILFORD, Jernar 1-18;
TANNER, Mike 1-0. New Mexico-None.
FUMBLES: #17 Brigham Young-RIGELL, Mike 1-0; DOMAN, Brandon 1-0; ANDERSON,
Justi 1-0. New Mexico-None.
SACKS (UA-A): #17 Brigham Young-KELLEY, Isaac 1-0; GUNDERSON, Ryan 1-0. New
Mexico-MOSS, Charles 1-0.
TACKLES (UA-A): #17 Brigham Young-ENA, Justin 7-2; STALEY, Dustin 6-3;
MADARIETA, Levi 5-2; GILFORD, Jernar 5-1; KELLEY, Isaac 5-0; FRANCISCO, Aaro
3-2; LAFITTE, Michae 4-0; WALKENHORST, Pa 3-1; PILI, Ifo 3-1; GUNDERSON,
Ryan 3-0; HEANEY, Brandon 2-0; COWART, Jeff 1-1; KEISEL, Brett 1-1; ELLIOTT,
Kurt 1-0; DENNEY, Ryan 1-0; POPPINGA, Brady 1-0. New Mexico-DAVIS, Gary 4-5;
GERHARDT, Scott 6-2; MOSS, Charles 3-4; HALL, David 3-2; PERSLEY, Stephe
3-2; JOSUE, Hebrews 2-3; JOHNSON, Brian 1-2; GOLDEN, Terrell 1-2; MAZOTTI,
Tony 1-2; WALTON, Kevin 2-0; KEGLER, Daniel 2-0; MANNING, Antoni 2-0;
CHILDRESS, Dant 1-1; SPEEGLE, Nick 1-1; KONTE, Mohammed 0-2; HANSON, Javier
1-0; SHEPHERD, Derri 1-0; KINCAID, Shanno 1-0; ROBBINS, Kirk 1-0; CROCKETT,
David 0-1; TERRY, Adrian 0-1.
Stadium: University Stadium Attendance: 29036
Kickoff time: 1:07 PM End of Game: 4:27 PM Total elapsed time: 3:20
Officials: Referee: Jack Wood; Umpire: Richard Hall; Linesman: Tim Podraza;
Line judge: Gary McNanna; Back judge: Craig Clark; Field judge: Steve Lindsay;
Side judge: Kent Payne; Scorer: Marc Russell;
Temperature: 59 F Wind: SW @ 12 Weather: Clear
Anonymous
| Posted: 8 Oct 2001 | Updated: 28 Apr 2011
Anonymous
Following the Cougars' fifth straight victory of the season - a 54-34 win over Utah State - No. 17 BYU will square off against Mountain West Conference rival New Mexico on Saturday, Oct. 13. Game time is slated for 1 p.m. (MT). New Mexico enters the game following a close battle against Wyoming, defeating the Cowboys, 30-29, in Laramie, Wyo. The game will mark the first home game at UNM's University Stadium since defeating UTEP, 26-6, back on Sept. 1, spanning a stretch of six weeks. The game will mark only the second MWC contest for BYU, having posted a league-opening road victory at UNLV on Sept. 29, while New Mexico has already recorded a 1-1 mark in league action.
The BYU-New Mexico Series (The 51st Meeting)
Saturday's game will mark the 51st meeting between the two teams. The Cougars own a 37-12-1 record in the series that dates back to Nov. 17, 1951. BYU has won 18-of-27 meetings in Albuquerque, including nine of the last 10 games. Overall the Cougars have won three straight, including last season's 37-13 victory in a game that marked Edwards' final game in Provo. The Cougars have averaged 36.7 points per game against UNM since the 1990 season, while allowing an average 21.9 points per contest.
Broadcast Plans
Saturday's game will be broadcast on ESPN+Plus, beginning at 1 p.m. (MT). Jim Kelly will call the action, while JC Pearson will lend expert analysis, with Beth Mowins reporting from the sidelines. The game will be broadcast locally (Salt Lake City) on KJZZ, Ch. 14. The game will also be available on pay-per-view through ESPN Game Plan.
Travel Plans
The Cougars will depart Provo on Frontier Airlines charter service at 2 p.m., arriving in Albuquerque at approximately 3:30 p.m (MT). The team will stay at the Albuquerque Wyndham Hotel, located on Yale Blvd. BYU will not practice in Albuquerque on Friday.
Scouting the Lobos
The Lobos narrowly escaped Laramie with a 30-29 victory over Wyoming on Saturday. The Cowboys had a chance to tie the game with a PAT, after scoring two late fourth-quarter touchdowns. The Lobos claimed the hard-fought victory, improving to 2-3, 1-1 on the season, after Wyoming missed the game-tieing PAT with just seconds remaining. The UNM defense was responsible for 14 of the Lobos' 30 points against Wyoming. The Lobos lead the Mountain West Conference in rushing defense, allowing just 72.8 yards per game. However, they rank last in pass defense, giving up 276.8 yards per game. UNM's Jarrod Baxter ranks fourth in the MWC averaging 95.2 rushing yards per contest, while Rudy Caamano ranks fifth in the league, averaging 118.2 yards passing per contest. His pass efficiency, 73.8, ranks 10th in the MWC.Gary Davis leads the New Mexico defense with 47 tackles on the season, averaging 9.4 tackles per game. Davis leads the Mountain West with six sacks, averaging 1.2 per game. The Lobos have recorded victories over Wyoming and UTEP on the season, while falling to Texas Tech, 42-30, Baylor in overtime, 16-13 and Utah, 37-16. UNM has averaged just 23.0 points per game, while allowing 26.0 points per contest.
Cougars Continue to Climb National Polls
Following the Cougars' 54-34 victory over Utah State on Friday, BYU climbed to No. 17 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll, from No. 18 last week. BYU also jumped to No. 18 in the Associated Press top-25 poll, after sitting at No. 20 for back-to-back weeks. Despite having not played since Sept. 8, the Cougars climbed to No. 20 in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll on Sept. 23. After routing Cal on Sept. 8, BYU cracked both top-25 polls. The Sept. 9 polls marks the first time BYU had been ranked nationally since the final game of the 1999 season - a 21-3 loss to Marshall in the Motor City Bowl. BYU entered the Motor City Bowl ranked 25th in the coaches poll, while it had dropped from the AP poll on Nov. 21. Nov. 14, 1999 marked the last time BYU was ranked in both the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches polls. BYU was ranked 19th in each poll that week, but dropped out of the AP poll and fell to 25th in the coaches poll on Nov. 21. BYU has now been ranked in the Top-20 or Top-25 polls in 22 of the last 26 years. The only years in which BYU has never been ranked during the season since 1976 were 1978,1987, 1998 and 2000. The Cougars are just one of seven teams in this week's polls with a record of 5-0 or better.
Cougars Score 33 Unanswered Point to Corral Aggies
After Utah State (0-5) took a 34-21 lead with 12:41 remaining in the third quarter, the Cougars finally decided to get their high-powered offense in gear. Fueled by Jernaro Gilford's 62-yard interception that led to the game-tieing touchdown, BYU recorded 33 unanswered points in the second half to squash any chances of a Utah State upset. With all the pre-game hype on the Aggies talented running back, Emmett White, BYU running back Luke Staley may have taken offense. Staley recorded a career-high 207 yards rushing and a record-tieing five touchdowns on the night. His offensive performance marked the first 200-yard night for a BYU rusher since Ronney Jenkins chalked up 250 yards against San Jose State in 1998. His five touchdowns tied Jenkins and Eric Lane for the most TDs in a single game. Staley's effort improved his career total to 32 touchdowns, ranking second on the BYU career touchdown list. The play of the game came with 8:58 remaining in the third quarter when Staley turned a fourth-and-three situation into a 37-yard touchdown run to cut the USU lead to 34-27. Staley would go on to score the Cougars' next two TDs, including the go-ahead touchdown with 1:33 left in the third quarter. Brandon Doman connected on 24-of-34 attempts for 293 yards on the night, including four touchdowns. Reno Mahe proved to be the top target for Doman, chalking up five receptions for 90 yards. On the night, BYU recorded 563 yards of total offense, averaging 7.3 yards per play. Defensively, the Cougars chalked up two interceptions, three sacks and a blocked kick. Justin Ena led BYU with 11 tackles, while Brett Keisel recorded two sacks and Ryan Denney picked up a sack and a blocked kick.
Utah State's 0-5 Start Creates Deception
Prior to Friday's game, Utah State had hung tough against then No. 13 LSU and No. 6 Oregon, losing to each team by just 17 points. In each of its two previous games against nationally-ranked opponents, the games, like Friday, were not decided until late in the third quarter. It was no surprise that the Aggies put up a tough fight before the Cougars could haul away the 20-point victory - the Aggies' worst loss of the season. Utah State also lost a close one to Utah earlier this season, 23-19.
Staley Named MWC Offensive Player of the Week
Junior running back Luke Staley was named the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Week after recording his first 200-yard rushing game and his fourth career 100-yard game against Utah State on Friday. The 6-foot-2, 218-pound running back totaled a career-high 207 yards rushing on 23 carries, averaging 9.0 yards per touch. Staley also picked up 44 yards receiving on four receptions, a team season-high 49-yard kick return and threw one pass for 11 yards. On the night, Staley totaled an astounding 311 all-purpose yards. His 200-yard rushing performance marked the first time a BYU back has rushed for more than 200 yards since Ronney Jenkins posted 250 yards against San Jose State in 1998. He tied the BYU individual single-game record with five touchdowns on the night, including four rushing TDs. Staley also tied the BYU individual single-game record with 30 points. Staley has produced 32 career touchdowns, tieing him with Lakei Heimuli and Waymon Hamilton for second on the all-time BYU touchdown list. With eight games remaining, Staley has already posted a career-high 12 touchdowns on the season. With his first-quarter touchdown against the Aggies, Staley has produced at least one touchdown in 17 of the 24 games he has played over his career, including multiple-scoring games in nine different outings. After posting 207 yards against a USU defense, Staley ranks 13th nationally, averaging 119.4 yards per game and averages a hefty 8.9 yards per carry. The Tualatin, Ore., native ranks third nationally with a 14.40 points-per-game average. Staley also ranks ninth in all-purpose yards, averaging 176.20 yards per contest.
BYU CAREER TOUCHDOWN LIST
Player Years TDs Rushing Receiving
Jamal Willis 1991-94 40 35 5
Luke Staley 1999-Present 32 26 6
Lakei Heimuli 1984-86 32 30 2
Waymon Hamilton 1981-83 32 29 3
Eric Drage 1990-93 29 0 29
Ronney Jenkins 1996,98 29 24 5
BYU SINGLE-SEASON TOUCHDOWN LIST
Player Year TDs Rushing Receiving
Waymon Hamilton 1981 16 14 2
Ronney Jenkins 1998 15 13 2
Clay Brown 1980 15 0 15
Roy Oliverson 1951 15 n/a n/a
Ronney Jenkins 1996 14 11 3
Jamal Willis 1994 14 12 2
Luke Staley* 2001 12 9 3
Staley Projections
With eight regular-season games remaining, Staley is on pace to not only break the BYU career touchdown record, but could also break the single-season record as well. Staley is on pace to finish the season with over 19 touchdowns. For his career Staley is projected to score a record 58 touchdowns (1.3 TDs per game). Staley is also on pace for his first 1,000-yard season at BYU. Averaging 119.4 yards per game, Staley could eclipse the single-season rushing record with over 1,500 yards on the season. The Cougars have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since 1998. BYU has produced only five running backs (and six seasons) with 1,000-yard seasons since 1952. (Jamal Willis twice eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark).
Cougars Aim For Single-Season Scoring Record
Through the first five games of the season, BYU has produced 255 points, averaging a nation's best 51.0 points per game. However, during the 1980 season, BYU posted a record 280 points over a five-game stretch. With eight games remaining, BYU is on pace to break the current single-season scoring record set in 1980. BYU chalked up 606 points that year, averaging 46.6 points per contest.
A Look At The Rivalries
Since 1922, BYU has maintained several long-standing rivalries. Saturday's game against New Mexico will mark the 51st meeting between the two schools, ranking as the fifth longest rivalry in school history. BYU will face each of its oldest rivals during the 2001 season. The Cougars own a winning record against four of the five rivals. Following is a look at the Cougars' five oldest rivalries:
School No. Games Series Record First Game Last Game
Utah 76 Utah leads, 45-27-4 Oct. 14, 1922 Nov. 24, 2000
Utah State 75 BYU leads, 39-33-3 Oct. 7, 1922 Oct. 5, 2001
Wyoming 67 BYU leads, 35-29-3 Nov. 14, 1922 Oct. 26, 2000
Colorado St. 59 BYU leads, 31-25-3 Nov. 25, 1922 Nov. 2, 2000
New Mexico 50 BYU leads, 37-12-1 Nov. 17, 1951 Nov. 18, 2000
Off To A Great Start
The Cougars 54-34 win over Utah State on Saturday gave BYU its fifth straight win of the season, marking the best single-season start since 1984. (BYU went undefeated in 1984, winning the National Championship with a 13-0 record.) BYU's Gary Crowton became the first head coach in BYU football history to win the first five games of his career. With the Cougars' victory over Utah State, the former Louisiana Tech head coach has posted a 26-13 career coaching record. With BYU's 52-7 win over Nevada, Crowton became the first BYU coach to win the first two games of his career at BYU since G. Ott Romney won his first two games in 1928. Romney went on to post a 3-3-1 record in his first season. After winning the first game of his career, defeating Kansas, 32-9, former head coach LaVell Edwards lost to Utah State in his second game, 42-19. With a 35-point victory over Tulane to kickoff the Gary Crowton era, the Cougars are 6-7 in the opening game of a coach's tenure at BYU.
Red Zone Review
The Cougars have scored on 26-of-28 trips to the Red Zone (.929), including six of seven trips inside the Red Zone against Utah State. The Cougars' seven trips to the Red Zone against the Aggies marked a season-high. Friday's game also marked the third time this season BYU has scored six different times inside the Red Zone. Prior to a BYU fumble on the eight-yard line against UNLV, the Cougars were a perfect 20-for-20 inside the Red Zone. 23 of the Cougars' 26 Red Zone scoring drives have been touchdowns, while three have been field goals. The BYU defense has held its opponents to just 14-of-20 Red Zone scores on the season.
Fast Times at BYU
On the season, BYU has produced nine scoring drives of under 1:00 or less, including scoring drives of :27 and :45 against Utah State. The Cougars began the 2001 campaign with a season-high four scoring drives under 1:00 against Tulane. The quickest drive came in the Cal game, ending the second quarter on a two-play, :14 second drive. Equally impressive, the Cougars have 22 scoring drives of under 2:00. Against Tulane, BYU produced a season-high six scoring drives under 2:00. BYU closed out the second quarter (against the Green Wave) with four straight scoring drives of :55, :47, :46 and :33. A week later, the Cougars posted five scoring drives of 1:58 or less. Against Cal, the Cougars posted five scoring drives of 1:50 or less, including two scoring drives under 1:00. On the Cougars' six scoring drives against Cal, two totaled three plays or less. On the season, BYU has totaled 18 scoring drives of five plays or less. The Cougars are averaging 6.0 plays per scoring drive.
THE STREAK IS STILL ALIVE ... 327 Games And Counting
With Luke Staley's one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter at Utah State, BYU extended its NCAA record streak to 329 games without being shutout. BYU was last shutout during the 1975 season (Sept. 27, 1975 vs. Arizona State). The Cougars have only one player on its 2001 roster who was alive the last time BYU was shutout. Offensive lineman Aaron McCubbins was just two days old.
Another Streak of Note
Dating back to last season, BYU has won a total of seven straight games, marking the eighth longest winning streak in the country. Oklahoma leads the nation with 18 straight wins, followed by Miami with 14. Washington and Toledo are tied for third with 12 straight wins.
Looking Ahead
Following the Cougars' game at New Mexico on Saturday, BYU will return to Provo to take on Air Force on Saturday, Oct. 20. Game time is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. (MT). The game will be broadcast to a national television audience on ESPN2. The Cougars own a 17-4 lead in the series, however, the Falcons have won three of the last four meetings. Last season, the Falcons took advantage of a tired BYU squad, upending the Cougars, 31-23, in Colorado Springs.
Natural Born Winners ... 27 Seasons And Counting
After a magical fourth-quarter, come-from behind victory over Utah, 34-27, to end the 2000 season, BYU posted a 6-6 record, marking the 27th straight season without a losing record for the Cougars. BYU has not had a losing season since posting a 5-6 mark in 1973-former head coach LaVell Edward's second season as head coach. The Cougars' streak of 27 straight seasons ranks 11th all-time at the NCAA Division I-A level and is currently the third longest non-losing streak in the nation. (Nebraska leads with an impressive 39 straight seasons without a losing record.) With five wins already on the season and eight more to play, BYU needs just two more wins to ensure a 28th straight non-losing season.
Compare The Stats
STATS BYU UNM
Scoring 255 115
Points Per Game 51.0 23.0
First Downs 138 78
Rushing yardage 1,300 860
Average Per Game 260.0 172.0
Rushing TDs 21 6
Passing Yardage 1,566 808
Att-Comp-Int 174-119-2 149-60-6
Average Per Game 313.2 161.6
Passing TDs 10 4
Total Offense 2,831 1,668
Total Plays 374 367
Average Per Game 566.2 333.6
Kick Returns: #-yards 17-399 15-282
Punt Returns: #-yards 21-268 14-135
INT Returns: #-yards 7-93 10-107
Kick Return Average 23.5 18.8
Punt Return Average 12.8 9.6
INT Return Average 13.3 10.7
Fumbles-lost 16-4 11-6
Penalties-yards 40-371 44-361
Punts-yards 14-610 43-1,620
Time of possession/game 28:52 30:26
3rd-down Conversions 28/64 22/85
4th-down Conversions 8/9 1/4
Sacks by-yards 16-115 18-139
Touchdowns 35 12
Field Goals-Attempts 4-9 9-10
PAT-Attempts 31-34 10-10
Pick A Receiver; Any Receiver
Throughout the 2001 season, the Cougars have used 17 different receivers, including a season-high 12 different receivers against Nevada. The BYU receiving corps has accounted for 1,566 of the Cougars' 2,831 (55.3 percent) total yards on the season, including a season high 389 yards against Nevada. Reno Mahe ranks ninth nationally and leads all BYU receivers with 36 receptions for 418 yards and two touchdowns. The Cougars rank fifth in the nation in passing offense, averaging 313.2 yards per game. Seven different receivers have over 100 yards on the season, while only three receivers have 10 or more receptions. Luke Staley and tight end Spencer Nead are tied with three touchdown receptions to lead all BYU receivers. Mahe and Rod Wilkerson each have two.
In The Trenches
The experienced BYU offensive line, which includes three seniors and two juniors-all of which started last season, weighs in at a beefy 1,479 pounds, averaging 295.8 pounds per man. The O-line will be squaring off against a New Mexico defensive line (a sophomore, a junior and a senior) that tips the scales at an average 275.0 pounds per man. On defense, the Cougars' line (two seniors, a junior and a sophomore) weighs in at 279.5 pounds per man, while the UNM offensive line (two seniors, a junior, a sophomore and a freshman) average 303.0 pounds per man. Four of the Cougars' five starting offensive lineman received All-Conference honors last season, including Aaron McCubbins, Dustin Rykert, Jason Scukanec and Ben Archibald. The BYU offensive line has allowed just three four on the season, while the Lobos have given up six sacks. The BYU defense has produced 16 sacks, while the New Mexico defense has tallied 18 sacks over five games.
The Crowton File
Gary Crowton, a native of Orem, Utah, takes over a BYU program that has been under the direction of college football's sixth all-time winningest coach, LaVell Edwards. Edwards took over the program in 1972, coaching the Cougars to a 257-101-3 (.716) record. Crowton, 44, comes to BYU with a long and proven list of coaching accomplishments. Prior to serving the past two seasons as the offensive coordinator with the NFL's Chicago Bears, where his offense ranked third in the NFL in passing yardage during the 1999 season, Crowton was head coach at Louisiana Tech from 1996-1998. There he guided the Bulldogs to a 21-13 (.618) record over three seasons, including a 9-2 mark in 1997. Competing as an independent for three straight years, Louisiana Tech recorded wins over the likes of Mississippi State, Cal and Alabama. Using its Crowton-designed, high-powered offense, the program also recorded impressive wins by scoring 50-or-more points against eight different opponents, including games of 60-or-more points in five different games. Crowton's offense ranked third in the nation, both in passing and total offense, while the Bulldogs racked up 12,746 yards passing in three years, an average of 4,249 yards per season. The prolific Tech offense also produced 115 touchdown receptions, averaging 38.3 TDs per season. Under Crowton, Louisiana Tech engineered 22 different 300-yard passing games, including a school-record 10, 300-yard outings during the 1998 season. In 1998, Crowton's final season at Louisiana Tech, the Bulldogs combined for a school-record 4,943 yards passing. Crowton's coaching career actually began in 1982 as a student assistant under Edwards at BYU. While at BYU he worked with current Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren and future NFL Hall of Famer, Steve Young. From BYU, Crowton moved on to Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, where he coached from 1983-86. While at Snow College, Crowton moved from defensive backs coach to offensive coordinator. Under his offensive leadership, the Badgers won the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship in 1985. From Snow College, Crowton moved to Western Illinois for one season, before taking over as the offensive coordinator at New Hampshire. In 1991, Crowton was hired as the quarterbacks coach at Boston College under head coach Tom Coughlin. There he helped develop quarterback Glenn Foley as a candidate for the Heisman Trophy. After three successful seasons with the Eagles, Crowton was hired as the co-offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech, where his offense led the Yellow Jackets to a No. 21 national ranking in his first and only season in Atlanta. In 1995, Crowton was hired as the offensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech, where he would become the head coach the following season. Crowton, who is the first-ever head football coach at BYU to serve an LDS Church mission, is married to the former Maren Peterson of Bountiful, Utah. The couple was married on August 3, 1985. The Crowtons have six children. NOTEABLE: Crowton is the first coach in BYU history to start his career 5-0 with the Cougars ... In only his fourth year as a Division-IA coach, Crowton recorded his 25th career victory - a 35-31 victory over future Hall of Fame coach John Robinson and the UNLV Rebels.
The Domanator
BYU launched a national award campaign for quarterback Brandon Doman this week as it readies to play at UNLV on Saturday. (Designed by Dave Broberg / photos by Mark Philbrick)
In only his seventh career start (vs. Utah State), senior quarterback Brandon Doman became the first BYU signal caller since Robbie Bosco in 1984 to win his first seven games as a starter. Doman led BYU to back-to-back wins to close out the 2000 season and has guided the Cougars to five straight wins to open the 2001 season - the Cougars best start since the 1984 season. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound senior has paced the Cougars to a national-leading 51.0 points per game this season, posting over 315.80 yards of total offense per game, which ranks second in the country. His passing efficiency (171.18) ranks fourth in the nation. Click HERE for the Domanator Update.
LaVell Edwards Stadium
On November 18, 2001, Cougar Stadium was forever changed, honoring the man who built BYU's football tradition from the ground up. LDS Church President, Gordon B. Hinckley announced the historic name change prior to Edwards' final home game (vs. New Mexico). Now known as LaVell Edwards Stadium; Home of the BYU Cougars, the stadium has been home to more than 110 games since it was expanded to 65,000 seats in 1982. BYU has produced a 92-22 record in the Stadium since the 1982 season, including a 37-13 victory over New Mexico in Edwards' final game in the stadium. Fittingly, Edwards retired with a perfect record (1-0) in LaVell Edwards Stadium. Since 1972, BYU has posted an impressive 134-22 (.859) record in Provo. The Cougars have won four straight in Provo, dating back to 2000.
Fans Donate Over $13,000 for Disaster Relief Fund
In a combined effort between Brigham Young University, the United Way and the Red Cross, volunteers from BYUSA and the Red Cross collected donations from fans at Friday's game for the Disaster Relief Fund. The fund-raising effort raised over $13,875. The University, United Way and Red Cross wish to extend a heart-felt expression of gratitude to all those who contributed.
Paper Or Plastic
After five games, BYU has allowed just four sacks on the season. Nevada got to Brandon Doman in the first quarter for the first sack allowed on the season. UNLV picked up two more sacks against the Cougars. BYU has only allowed sacks in three of the five games it has played this season. In the first five games last season, BYU had already given up 23 sacks, including five against Air Force and three more against Mississippi State. During the 2000 season, BYU allowed 36 sacks, averaging 3.0 per game. However, the BYU offensive line did not allow a sack in back-to-back games, including the Colorado State and New Mexico games and allowed just one sack against Wyoming as the line began to gel. On the defensive side of the ball, BYU has already sacked its opponent 16 times, including a season-high five sacks against Cal. In the 2000 season, the Cougars had just 14 sacks after five games. Senior defensive end Ryan Denney ranks second in the MWC with six sacks on the season.
Fourth-And-Go For It!
After going 2-for-2 at UNLV, the Cougars went 3-for-3 on fourth-down conversions against Utah State, improving their season average to .890 (8-for-9). BYU has converted six straight fourth-down conversions. Two of those fourth-down conversions have gone for touchdowns, including Luke Staley's 37-yard touchdown run on a fourth-and-three in the third quarter against Utah State.
Extra Points
With 11:05 left in the first quarter of Friday's game, Brett Keisel was credited with BYU's first blocked kick of the season. Ryan Denney picked up the block of the 48 yard attempt and ran it to the Utah State 49. It was the first blocked field goal for the Cougars since Denney blocked a field goal in the 2000 San Diego State game.
BYU scored first on Friday, marking the first time this season since the Nevada game. In both the Cal and UNLV games, the Cougars played from behind early in the game. The Cougars first score of the game came with 7:29 remaining in the first quarter. Staley scored on a one-yard run to cap a nine-play, 49-yard drive.
Friday's game marked the first game at Edwards Stadium since Sept. 1, 2001, ca ping a 34-day stretch between games in Provo. The 34-day layoff between home games is the longest such streak during the season in BYU football history.
The Cougars' :17 scoring drive in the first quarter was the second fastest scoring drive of the season. In the Cal game, BYU drove 59 yards in just :14 to score a touchdown to end the first half.
After the Cougars' 35-31 victory at UNLV, in which a BYU tight end did not catch a single pass, the Cougars went back to the tight ends this week. Spencer Nead recorded three receptions for 18 yards and one touchdown, while senior Doug Jolley made a good-hands grab for a 19-yard touchdown. Jolley's first-quarter touchdown marks his first of the season and his first since scoring at Virginia last season.
In the first half, BYU and Utah State piled up 10 penalties for 105 yards. With 131 penalty yards, it marked the first time BYU had more than 100 penalty yards since the San Diego State game last year. In that game, BYU had 159 yards in penalties. Utah State had 141 penalty yards on 13 penalties.
Brandon Doman threw four touchdowns in the game, giving him 13 TD passes on the season. He was 24-of-34 for 293 yards. With 2:59 left in the first half, Brandon Doman threw only his second interception of the season and his second in as many games. It was also the Aggies'first interception of the season. With the win, Doman improved to 7-0 as a starter.
Utah State took a 27-21 lead into halftime, marking the first time this season the Cougars have trailed at the half.
Having scored a combined 95 points in the second quarter of the four previous games, averaging 23.75 points in the second quarter, the Cougars managed a season low seven points in the second quarter of Friday's game.
When Utah State scored with 12:41 left in the game to take a 34-21 lead, it marked the first time BYU had been down by 13 points in a game.
Jernaro Gilford's 69-yard interception return against Utah State was his second interception of the season, including his second is as many games. It also marked the longest interception return for BYU this season.
