BYU - Utah Postgame Notes
Friday's game marked the final contest in the 29-year career of BYU head coach LaVell Edwards. The 34-27 win improved the Cougars' record to 6-6 on the season, marking the 28th non-losing season in Edwards' 29-year career. Edwards finishes his long and storied career with a 257-101-3 (.716), ranking as the sixth all-time winningest coach in college football history. His 257 career wins at BYU ranks second all-time behind Joe Paterno for most wins at the same school.
With Friday's win, LaVell Edwards finishes his career with a 22-7 (.759) record over the Utes. When Edwards took over the BYU program in 1972, the Cougars had won only five games since the series officially began in 1922. The Cougars are now 15-30-3 in Salt Lake City and 27-45-4 overall since 1922.
Andre Dyson's 24-yard interception for a touchdown on the opening drive marks the second pass returned for a touchdown on the season. The Cougars gave up a fourth-quarter, 36-yard interception for a TD against Mississippi State.
Margin Hooks' eight-yard reception with 13:47 in the first quarter marked the 36th straight game the senior receiver has had at least one reception, ranking as the fourth longest streak in the nation. Hooks finished the day with 25 yards on three receptions, concluding his career as the second-leading receiver in BYU history. Hooks registered 2,841 yards over his career, missing the career record by just 225 yards.
Pochman's 45-yard field goal with 7:50 remaining in the first quarter extended BYU's consecutive game scoring streak to 324 games. LaVell Edwards' only shut out of his 29-year career came on Sept. 27, 1975 (vs. Arizona State, 20-0). BYU scored at least three points in 360 of 361 career games over 29 seasons under LaVell Edwards.
Jared Lee's interception with 6:21 in the first quarter marked the seventh interception of the season for the Cougars, including Lee's first of the season.
True freshman Paul Walkenhorst finished the night with a career-high 10 tackles, including four unassisted tackles. After earning the start against UNLV, following season-ending injuries to Josh Lowe and Jeff Holtry, Walkenhorst finished the season with 48 tackles, including 24 solos.
Brian McDonald's three-yard touchdown run in the first quarter marked his team-leading eighth rushing touchdown of the season.
The Cougars' scored a season-high 13 points in the first quarter and scored in all four quarters for the second straight game.
Friday's victory marked wins in back-to-back games for the first time this season.
Pochman's 22-yard field goal with 4:42 left in the second quarter marked his fourth field goal of the first half, setting a BYU record for most field goals in a half. Pochman finished the season connecting on 19-of-24 field-goal attempts and a perfect 29-of-29 PATs. Pochman scored 14 points on the night, extending his BYU scoring record to 333 career points.
The Cougars' nine-point halftime lead marks the largest scoring margin after two quarters since outscoring Utah State, 24-7, on Oct. 21, 2000.
Junior Brandon Doman's 36-yard touchdown pass to Mike Rigell with 4:36 left in the third quarter marked his second career touchdown pass. The 36-yarder also marked the longest touchdown strike since Jonathan Pittman recorded a 39-yard touchdown against Mississippi State on Sept. 14.
Arnold Parker's sack with 9:15 in the second quarter marks the first sack the Cougars have allowed in over two games.
With 284 yards passing on the night, Doman finished the season with 782 yards, marking the first time three different BYU quarterbacks have recorded 500 (or more) yards on the season. (Peterson, 1,617; Engemann, 896).
Friday's BYU win marks the sixth straight season the visiting team in the Holy War has won the game on the home team's field. By virtue of an early-season victory over Utah State and Friday's win at Utah, the Cougars earn the Beehive Boot Trophy, given annually to the team with the most in-state wins.
Saturday morning marks the first time in 29 years BYU has not had a head football coach. Congratulations LaVell on a wonderful career!
