How Does BYU's Vegas Bowl Win Over Oregon State Impact College Football?

BYU beat Oregon State last night 44-20. What did we all learn from last night’s game? What does that mean for BYU, Oregon State, the Mountain West Conference, and the PAC-10?

Not much.

The bowl season is a tradition in college football, and a part of that tradition is trying to extrapolate conclusions based on the results of bowl games.

Why?

The college bowl system is the most backwards system of postseason play in all of sports. Even the Salem Witch Trials laugh at the absurdities and backwards logic of college football bowls.

Add to the ridiculous nature of the bowl system itself the have-have-not system of the BCS. This turns every low level bowl game between automatic qualifying conference and non-automatic qualifying conference teams into a protest game against the establishment of college football.

Major college football experts would have people think, before the start of the bowl games, that if the non-automatic qualifying conference team wins it means the BCS is wrong, and if the automatic qualifying conference team wins then the BCS is right.

Of course, no matter which team wins, there is little to no change in the system of college football.

The anti-BCS crowd will use BYU’s victory over Oregon State as another piece of evidence against the asinine nature of the BCS. They will make the argument that BYU and Oregon State both ended the season in second place in their conference (Oregon State ended in a tie for second place in the PAC-10, although they finished lower due to tie-breakers); therefore, the Mountain West Conference must be better than the PAC-10.

This argument doesn’t hold water.

The BCS crowd will counter with excuses. The wind helped BYU win. This argument is hard to justify, did the heavens hold back the wind every time BYU touched the ball? The officiating favored BYU. While it is understandable for PAC-10 teams to miss their homer officials, both teams ended the game with an equal amount of penalties called against them.

Yet, these arguments are incredibly credible compared to the typical fallacies that BCS and automatic qualifying conference usually use. The automatic qualifying conference team didn’t have any motivation to play. It seems this argument is used far too often to explain an unexpected outcome. What, have football players magically transformed themselves into thespians? Do they need to have a drive and motivation in order to get into character?

The motivation argument is stale from use, but the new vogue argument of BCS supports is: Any team can play one game against an automatic qualifying school, but they can’t play a full schedule in a BCS conference. Wow! So you want teams from non-automatic qualifying conferences to have less money, be at a recruiting disadvantage, play games at neutral sites or on the road, and still discredit them when they beat a bigger name school. That is like asking someone to juggle five chainsaws blindfolded, seeing it, and then scoffing at the juggler because you don’t think he can juggle ten.

The arguments of both sides are normally ludicrous and hardly stand up to scrutiny; however, the arguments just reflect the system they are commenting on.

The reality is that teams like BYU, Utah, TCU, Houston, Boise State, Fresno State, and Air Force could compete just fine in the automatic qualifying conferences. Teams like San Diego State, UNLV, Idaho, and SMU would struggle if they were in a BCS conference. Yet, teams like Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Washington State, and UConn would struggle in the Mountain West Conference.

There just isn’t a huge difference between the average non-automatic qualifying conference team, and an average automatic qualifying conference team.

It didn’t take BYU beating Oregon State to prove that.

Or Utah beating Alabama.

Or Boise State beating Oregon.

Or Houston beating Oklahoma State.

Or TCU beating Clemson.

It doesn’t matter though because both sides, much like the current political landscape, have bunkered down to their separate ideologies. A college football fan is either pro-BCS or anti-BCS and there isn’t any room for a sane middle ground.

There are too many instant reactions in college football. Oregon State is a good football team, and they were beat by a better BYU football team in Las Vegas. No excuses, and sadly due to the current system of college football there cannot be any conclusions drawn from the game.

Until there is a change in college football’s postseason—arguments will try to decide what should be decided on the football field.

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The Big Podcast Episode 34: BYU Football Podcast

Breaking Down Oregon State and The Las Vegas Bowl...

Here is an outline of what hosts Jake Stowell and Mark Welling talked about in this week's podcast.

• Oregon State has everything that BYU struggles to contain. Fast, athletic, play-makers.
• James and Jacquizz Rodgers will cause problems for BYU's defense.
• Sean Canfield and Max Hall should be a epic senior quarterbacking matchup.
• BYU and Oregon State on paper are remarkably similar.
• How will BYU compete with Oregon State's speed?
• Will Brian Logan be the surprise hero of the Las Vegas Bowl?
• Did Pitta deserve to win the John Mackey Award?
• How big is the Las Vegas Bowl for the Mountain West Conference's aspiration gain an automatic BCS-bid.
• Predict the winner and final score of the Las Vegas Bowl.

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Las Vegas Bowl: BYU & Oregon State Is A Must See Non-BCS Bowl

BYU and Oregon State's similarities should make for an interesting game...

The December 22^nd Las Vegas Bowl Matchup of BYU and Oregon is one of the best non-BCS bowl games of the bowl season. The matchup of the Beavers and the Cougars has all the makings of an entertaining instant classic bowl game.

Both BYU and Oregon State are filled with offensive weapons. Both are teams with efficient senior quarterbacks, 1,000 yard rushers, and are loaded with a talented stable of pass catchers.

BYU ended the season ranked 14^th in the BCS and Oregon State finished 18^th; however, both teams had opportunities this season to go to bigger and better places.

Oregon State ended the season being a mere four points away from taking Oregon’s place in the Rose Bowl. BYU, after upsetting then highly ranked Oklahoma, was in National Championship conversations. That was until Florida State came to Provo and humiliated the Cougars on their home field.

Both teams have something left to prove in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Even though both BYU and Oregon State have 1,000 yard running back, both move the ball primarily through the air. The offensive stats for both teams are very similar to each other.

BYU is ranked 18^th in total offense averaging 437.08 yards per game, with 148.17 yards per game coming on the ground (ranked 60^th), and 288.92 yards per game coming through the air (ranked 12^th). Oregon State is ranked 28^th in total offense averaging 419.42 yards per game, with 144.17 yards per game rushing (ranked 64^th), and 275.25 yards per game passing (ranked 21^st).

Although BYU is higher ranked nationally, both teams’ numbers are virtually identical. The proportion of passing offense to rushing offense is especially shockingly similar.

On defense the similarities between the two schools continue. Both teams are much better at stopping the run than the pass. BYU is ranked 23^rd in rushing defense allowing 112 yards a game, but ranked 65^th in passing defense giving up 219.08 yards a game. Oregon State is ranked 25^th in rushing defense holding teams to 114.25 yards per game, and ranked 87^th in passing defense allowing 238.67 yards per game through the air.

Again BYU is ranked slightly higher nationally in both categories, but the actual numbers are remarkably similar for both teams.

The Las Vegas Bowl won’t be the first time both teams have played as Sam Boyd Stadium. Both teams faced off early in the season against UNLV. The Beavers needed a late field goal, after a game saving pass interference call, in order to best the Rebels 23-21. The Cougars on the other hand rolled to an easy 59-21 victory over UNLV, and had 611 yards of total offense.

While using the UNLV game as a comparison of the two schools is convenient and accepted in college football. The use of a common opponent is fallacious argument. BYU played UNLV after the Rebel’s were decimated by in-state rival Nevada. When the Rebels played BYU it was clear UNLV gave up on the game early in the second quarter.

On paper it looks like the Las Vegas Bowl should be a hard fought, and high scoring game between two offensive powers. Yet, for BYU this game is not only important to the school, but also to the Mountain West Conference’s claim to legitimacy.

Starting last summer the Mountain West Conference has made a big push claiming they play a high enough level of football to be considered a BCS caliber conference.

BYU is the second place team in the Mountain West Conference. In order to validate the Mountain West Conference’s claim to belong among the BCS conferences—BYU must beat Oregon State, a third place(after tie-breakers) Pac-10 team.

The Beavers come into the game with less pressure. They are the underdogs according to the rankings, and can play without the pressure of playing against the BCS system.

The game should be a fun one to watch. The Las Vegas Bowl pitting two ranked teams against each other, for the first time in the bowl’s history, is easily one of the three best non-BCS bowl matchups on paper—if not the very best non-BCS bowl matchup.

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USC’s Gift for BYU & Poinsettia Bowl Turns to Lump of Coal After Cal Loss

How the Cal loss affected BYU and USC...

For BYU it seemed as if the best place for BYU this bowl season would be the Poinsettia Bowl. The Las Vegas Bowl hinted that they didn’t want the Cougars this season, and BYU always had a better shot at getting a better bowl matchup in the Poinsettia Bowl. Both sides seemed happy not to be affiliated this season.

USC’s losing to Arizona really helped out BYU. It meant barring a Washington upset over a ranked Cal team, the Trojans would be playing BYU in San Diego.

Well former BYU quarterback Steve Sarkisian played the role of Grinch for BYU fans. Sark’s unranked Huskies beat #19 California 42-10.

If there is one sure thing in the PAC-10 this season it is not to assume anything is a sure thing.

This means USC finished fifth in the PAC-10 officially, and they are headed to the Las Vegas Bowl. To make matters worse for BYU fans they will most likely face off against Utah.

The only hope for BYU fans is that Vegas will reconsider selecting the Cougars for the Vegas Bowl now that they have a chance to pair them with USC.

The Vegas Bowl has only hinted that they will take Utah. Their reasoning for taking a lower ranked Utah over BYU was economic. BYU fans are known for being frugal, and for their lack of gambling. Utah fans would travel just as well to Vegas as their BYU counterparts. The Vegas Bowl also has hinted it wants to become something more than simply the “BYU Bowl.”

The reasoning of the Vegas Bowl Committee didn’t take into account the chance of getting such a marquee team from the PAC-10 as USC. The chance of putting together a BYU vs. USC matchup might be too good for the Vegas Bowl to resist.

BYU will be ranked in the top 15 going into whatever bowl game they play. USC could still be ranked after losing to Arizona this week, but even if they aren’t the USC brand will attract a national television audience.

BYU won’t find out what bowl game they are going to until after the BCS bowl selection tomorrow. Why? The BCS still hasn’t released BYU from consideration—even though there is no possible way BYU will get a BCS bowl bid.

If the Vegas Bowl selects Utah as it is rumored to tomorrow it will be a very bitter moment for BYU fans. The Utes will get the chance to take on the talented, although underperforming Trojans.

USC’s loss to Arizona really appeared to be an early Christmas present for BYU fans, but it really did turn to a lump of coal when California was upset by Washington.

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USC’s Loss to Arizona Possible Holiday Gift For BYU and Poinsettia Bowl

USC's poor end of year performance might help BYU have a good bowl matchup...

*Author’s Note: I wrote this article before the conclusion of the California vs. Washington game. With Washington upsetting California the bowl scenarios changed. Here is an updated bowl outlook for USC, Cal, and BYU. "USC’s Gift for BYU & Poinsettia Bowl Turns to Lump of Coal With Cal Loss.” *

If BYU gets a bid to the Poinsettia Bowl (as expected) then their bowl opponent could be USC.

Yes, that USC.

The Trojans are having a very disappointing year. A team which was supposed to compete for a national championship, and at the very least a BCS bowl bid. Yet, now USC (barring Cal being upset by Washington) will finish sixth in the PAC-10 and that means they will fall all the way down to the San Diego County Poinsettia Bowl.

The Las Vegas Bowl has already hinted that they are reluctant to select BYU for a fifth consecutive year. It was rumored that unless University of Utah was blown out in the Holy War, the Vegas Bowl Committee would select the Utes. This means a higher ranked BYU would be happily selected by an ecstatic Poinsettia Bowl Committee.

(The only reason that BYU’s bowl fate is still undecided is the BCS has not released the Cougars from consideration—even though there is no possible way BYU would get a BCS bowl bid.)

The chance for BYU to play USC to finish the 2009 season would be a great bookend for the Cougars to go along with BYU opening the season by playing Oklahoma.

Even with USC having an off year it would be a marquee matchup for a second tier bowl, like the Poinsettia Bowl. BYU will be ranked in the top 15, and USC might be able to stay in the top 25 (mainly thanks to the USC brand name and lazy poll voters not doing their homework).

There are still a few variables which could wreck this bowl matchup. Yet, the way the current bowl picture looks BYU might have hit the jackpot by being snubbed by the Las Vegas Bowl.

BYU would have little problem selling their fan base on heading down to San Diego regardless of their opponent. Thanks largely to BYU’s large fan base in the San Diego area. BYU playing USC would virtually guarantee a sellout in the Poinsettia Bowl regardless of the interest the USC fan base would have in traveling to the game.

The Trojans might have given BYU an early Christmas present if they fall to sixth place and the Poinsettia Bowl.

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The Big Podcast BYU Edition Episode 33 - Record November 29, 2009

BYU Football Podcast: Dramatic Win & Max Hall's Mouth Exemplifies What Make The Holy War Great.

• A review of a nasty, dirty, grind-it-out, Holy War.
• Conservative play calling by BYU.
• The impressive play of BYU's defense.
• Wynn looks to be a very good future quarterback for Utah.
• A debate over whether or not BYU won in spite of Max Hall's performance.
• Why did BYU start the game in the Wildcat formation?
• Was it worth it to rush the field?
• Hall makes sure everyone knows he hates the University of Utah, but who is surprised by these comments?
• Was Hall right going after Utah and BYU fans?
• A quick look ahead to what BYU will look like next season.
• Where will BYU go bowling?
• Grading the 2009 BYU regular season.

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The Big Podcast Episodes 31 and 32 - Talking About the Holy War and the Jazz

Utah Jazz Podcast - Unselfish Play Helps the Jazz Back into Contention in the Western Conference.

• The Jazz finally beat San Antonio, in San Antonio, for first time since 1999.
• A recap of a very successful week for the Jazz.
• Should the Jazz move Okur to the bench?
• Which Jazz rookie has been more impressive this season Maynor or Matthews?
• With Korver and Miles coming back from injury who should the Jazz play at the two-guard position?
• Andrei Kirilenko has been shooting the ball quite a bit from the outside this season. Is that a good thing for the Jazz?
• Is Boozer playing well enough for the Jazz to keep him, or should the Jazz wait until his trade-value is up and move him?
• Predictions for the coming week of Jazz basketball.

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BYU Football Podcast Holy War Edition - What Makes The Holy War One of the Best College Football Rivalries in the Country?

• Excitement over "The Holy War."
• Welcome Matt Stowell to the podcast, and talk about high and low moments in BYU vs. Utah history.
• How does BYU vs. Utah compare to other major college football rivalries?
• Why is the BYU vs. Utah rivalry more than simply two schools being located in a close proximity?
• Welcome Cody Discuss with Cody keys for Utah to beat BYU.
• Give keys for BYU to get the victory over Utah.
• Predict the winner and the final score to the game this weekend.

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BYU Better Be Ready For an Underrated Air Force Team—Or Be Ready For Another Home Upset

BYU better not be thinking about the Holy War this weekend, because Air Force has the talent to beat the Cougars at home...

The Falcons are playing their final regular season game this weekend, and they would like to end their season on a high note.

BYU has traditionally dominated Air Force. The Cougars hold a 22-6 edge in the all-time series against the Falcons. The last time Air Force beat BYU was in 2003 at LaVell Edwards stadium.

Yet, this Air Force team appears to be breaking the mold of a traditional Air Force team. Usually the academy schools tend to fizzle as the season wears on. The training required in addition to football takes a lot out of the Air Force players, and the Falcons struggle to finish the football season strong.

This season the Falcons have won four out of their last five games, with their only loss coming on the road in overtime against Utah.

Air Force has struggled in the past against better football programs. This season the Falcons have competed in every game they have played. Their four losses are each by one touchdown or less. Two of their losses came in overtime. Plus, the Falcons played TCU better than any other conference team this season—losing by three points at home.

Another difference in this year’s Air Force team is their defense. Air Force has one of the better defenses not only in the conference but in the nation. The Falcons are ranked 1^st in passing defense, 7^th in total defense, 9^th in scoring defense and 1^st in turnover margin.

Their defense causes and takes advantage of the other team’s mistakes, and converts turnovers into points. Air Force’s defense also benefits from the Falcon triple option attack. The triple option offense allows the defense to rest, and also forces the other team to press in order to get the football back.

Air Force, much like BYU, bases their offensive and defensive schemes on out executing the other team on the field.

If the Cougars play in the Air Force game like they did in the New Mexico or TCU game, then it could be a very disappointing afternoon for BYU. Air Force has something left to prove this season, and they will be pulling out all the stops to get a win over a ranked BYU.

A healthy Harvey Unga will really help BYU to avoid an upset this weekend. BYU needs to give their defense a rest, and cannot afford too many three-and-outs during the game. Air Force’s defensive weakness is against the run; they are ranked 56^th giving up 137.45 yards per game. The Cougars should try to win this game on the ground. Out muscling the smaller defensive front of Air Force, and running between the tackles.

This also means BYU cannot panic if they go down early in the game and abandon the running game. Robert Anae continues to be the best defender teams have to stop Harvey Unga. The Cougars have the best back in the Mountain West Conference, but continue to struggle to find ways of giving him the football.

It is important for BYU to score first against Air Force. The Falcons don’t play well from behind. The triple option isn’t designed to mount comebacks, but it is designed to keep games close. When Air Force is forced to go away from the triple option attack that is when teams can really open up a lead against them.

BYU cannot afford any turnovers against Air Force. The Cougars need to clean up the interceptions, fumbles, and mental mistakes (such as dropping first down passes). Giving up easy points to Air Force, due to good field position, is a sure way of setting themselves up for an upset.

Another key is BYU needs to play hungry. Air Force is going to try and punch BYU right in the mouth, and then take away the victory. The Cougars have struggled this season when teams have challenged them. BYU seems to be softer this season, and hasn’t been as quick to be the aggressor in the football games.

If BYU struggles with the challenge of Air Force this weekend, things could be much worse the following weekend against the Utes in the Holy War.

BYU needs to defend their home field, and be the more aggressive team this Saturday. BYU needs to play with some kind of passion.

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The Big Podcast Episodes 29 BYU and 30 Utah Jazz

Episode 29 BYU Football Podcast: Where Does Max Hall Rank Among BYU Greats?

• Was the New Mexico game terrifying or just plain boring?
• BYU completely overlooked New Mexico on the road.
• Why does BYU goes away from the hurry-up offense?
• A preview of Air Force vs. BYU.
• What is causing a drop in Dennis Pitta's production?
• Where does Max Hall rank among BYU quarterbacks?

Download here (Right click and save as) or listen with the player below.



Episode 30 Utah Jazz Podcast: Are the Jazz Playing Better With or Without Williams?

Jake Stowell and Mark Welling welcome in friend of the program and life-long Jazz fan Kenny Rawlins.

• The play of rookies Eric Maynor and Wes Matthews (Mark's Main Man).
• Is it good for NBA players to be so chummy after games.
• Why/IF the Jazz are playing better without Deron Williams?
• Was the four game Eastern Conference road trip a success?
• Should the Jazz start shopping CJ Miles and Kyle Korver?
• Is Boozer's reemergence the last two games due to Williams not being on the court?
• True/False Jerry Sloan plays rookies?
• A look into the future of Jazz prospective coaches once Jerry retires.
• Jake, Kenny, and Mark predict how the Jazz will fare this coming week.

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The All-Time BYU Football Team

Something for BYU fans to talk about during another easy win...

BYU should easily take care of New Mexico this weekend. It should be a game BYU dominates, which basically means it will be fun to watch for about a quarter and a half.

During boring BYU games is the perfect time for speculation about the Cougars. Seeing it is the 25th anniversary of BYU's National Championship I have been discussing and thinking about which players would makeup the All-Time BYU Football team.

Here is the All-Time BYU Football Team by positions.

(I would like to acknowledge contributions from Aaron Welling, Tyler Stimson—Featured Columnist for BYU Football, and Jake Stowell—host of “The Big Podcast.")

Quarterbacks: Ty Detmer Tops the List

Ty Detmer — 15,031 total passing yards, 121 TDs total touchdowns, and a Heisman Trophy. Detmer's numbers at BYU were truly epic, but he was also a winner. Detmer currently holds the BYU record for most wins as a quarterback with 29 career victories (although Max Hall looks to break that record this season).

Jim McMahon — Called by some NCAA statistician "The Babe Ruth of College Football." McMahon set 70 different NCAA records while at BYU, which is a record for most records set. McMahon had 9,723 career passing yards, and 84 total touchdowns (including 47 in a single season). It is a shame BYU hasn't retired McMahon's number.

Steve Young — Tim Tebow really a poor man's Steve Young. Young not only could move the ball on the ground like Tebow, but he had an arm to go with it. Young had 8,817 of total offense in two years at quarterback. His senior season he led the nation in total offense, and he also accounted for 41 total touchdowns.

Running Backs: Luke Staley Over Unga For Now

Luke Staley— A once in a decade college running back. Staley had all the tools to be a great running back before being injured his Junior year. Staley had break-away big play potential every time he touched the ball. He ended his career with 41 career touchdowns and the Doak Walker Award.

Harvey Unga— When Unga finishes his career he could pass Staley as the best running back in BYU history. Yet, for now Unga is #2. Unga doesn't have the break away speed of Staley; however he has better pass catching skills and is a more physical back. Unga will also finish his career with the most rushing yards in BYU history.

Eldon Fortie—A dual threat tailback in the 1960's. Fortie had 1,149 rushing yard, 14 TDs, 814 passing yards and 7 passing TDs his senior year.

Jamal Willis—A smooth running back who was great catching the ball out of the backfield. 2,988 total yards of offense, and 40 career touchdowns.

Wide Receivers: Austin Collie The Best Pass Catcher

Austin Collie— A big, fast, wide receiver with great hands. Collie left BYU a year early, but still is BYU's all time receiving yard leader. Collie finished his career with 3,255 receiving yards and receiving TDs.

Eric Drage— 3,065 career receiving yards and 29 career receiving TDs for BYU's most fundamentally sound receiver.

Matt Bellini— 2,635 career receiving yards and 28 career receiving TDs.

Glen Kozlowski—2,223 career receiving yards and 23 career receiving TDs. Very impressive considering he was injured for most of his senior year.

Reno Mahe— A converted running back who ended his career with 2,163 receiving yards and 19 TDs. Mahe had something lacking in many BYU receivers, speed.

Tight Ends: Pitta's Numbers Good Enough for Third Place Among Very Good Tight Ends

Gordan Hudson—Two time All-American. Set the record while he was playing for most receiving yards by a Tight End. He ended his career with 2,484 career receiving yards, and still has the most touchdowns by a tight end in school history.

Chad Lewis— Lewis played with another BYU great tight end Itula Mili so his career numbers aren't as great as other BYU tight ends. Yet, Chad Lewis was the complete package at tight end.

Dennis Pitta—It helps when your brother-in-law is throwing you the football. Pitta has the most receiving yards of any tight end in BYU history, and is currently fourth on BYU's all-time receiving yards list.

Offensive Lineman: The Best of the OL Group is Outland Trophy Winner Mo Elewonibi

Mo Elewonibi—1989 Outland Trophy Winner. 1989 Cosensus All-American. 1989 First-Team All-WAC

Brad Oates—1974 and 1975 First-team All-WAC

Bart Oates—1982 First-team All-WAC

Evan Pilgrim—1993 Honorable Mention All-WAC. 1994 Second-team All-American. 1994 First-team All-WAC

John Tait—1997 and 1998 First-team All-WAC

Defensive Lineman: Outland Trophy Winner Jason Buck Leads BYU's All-Time Defense

Jason Buck—1986 Outland Trophy winner. 1985 WAC Defensive Player of the Year. 112 total career tackles, 20 for loss, and 24 sacks in just two years of play.

Shawn Knight— 119 total career tackles, 7 for loss, and 22.5 sacks. Led BYU in sacks in 1986.

Brady Poppinga— 192 total career tackles, 39 for loss, and 20 sacks. led BYU in sacks 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Mike Morgan— Holds BYU record for most sacks in a season 21, and also most career sacks 38.

Linebackers: Rob Morris is at The Head of The All-Time Linebacker List

Rob Morris—345 total career tackles, 34.5 for loss, 13 sacks, and an interception. Led BYU in tackles 1997 and 1998. Led BYU in sacks 1998. 1998 WAC Defensive Player of the Year. 1998 and 1999 First-team All-WAC. 1999 Second-team AP All-American.

Bob Davis—349 total career tackles, 6.5 for loss, 10.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. 1988 and 1989 led team in tackles. 1989 Third-team All-American. 1989 First-team All-WAC

Shad Hansen—BYU's all-time tackle leader with 408 total career tackles. 1992 First-team All-WAC.

Shay Muirbrook—345 total career tackles, 22.3 for loss, and 18.5 sacks. Led BYU in both tackles and sacks in 1996. 1996 WAC Defensive Player of the Year. Muirbrook also holds the record for most sacks in a single game—six sacks versus Kansas State in the 1997 Cotton Bowl.

Secondary: Kyle Morrell the Best of the Secondary Players

Kyle Morrell—Made a national championship saving tackle to seal the win over Hawaii. 232 career tackles, 2 sacks, and 8 interceptions.1984 First-team All-American. 1984 First-team All-WAC. 1984 WAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Derwin Gray—273 career tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 8 interceptions. Holds BYU record for most tackles in a single game, with 22 against Penn State. 1992 First-team All-WAC

Brian Mitchell—171 total career tackles, and 13 interceptions. 1990 First-team All-WAC.

Tim Mctyer—Was a true shutdown cover corner for BYU. 1996 First-tam All-WAC.

David Atkinson—BYU's all-time interception leader with 20 interceptions. 179 total career tackles. 1972 First-team All-WAC.

Special Teams: Lee Johnson Could Plain Punt, But Matt Payne Would Lay Down Some Hits

Lee Johnson, Punter—Holds BYU records for: Longest punt, 80 yards against Wyoming; best punting average in a game, 60.4 yards against Wyoming; best punting average in a season, 50.6 yards per kick 1982; and best career punting average, 47 yards per kick.

Matt Payne, Kickoffs—It is hard to be the most popular player on your team if you are the kicker; however, Payne enter BYU legend and BYU fan's hearts with his intense kickoff and punt coverage.

Owen Pochman, Place Kicking—The most consistent kicker in BYU history. Pochman missed just three PATs during his three year career.

Jame Dye, Punt and Kick Return—Every time Dye handled a punt or kickoff he had the potential to score. Dye holds the BYU record for best career punt return average 19.8 yards per return. He is also tied for the lead for most punt return touchdowns in his career with four.

The All-Time BYU Football Team Roster

Offense

QB Ty Detmer

QB Jim Mcmahon

QB Steve Young

RB Luke Staley

RB Harvey Unga

RB Eldon Fortie

RB Jamal Willis

FB Todd Christensen

FB Lakei Hemuli

WR Austin Collie

WR Eric Drage

WR Matt Bellini

WR Glen Kozlowski

WR Reno Mahe

TE Gordan Hudson

TE Chad Lewis

TE Dennis Pitta

OL Mo Elewonibi

OL Brad Oates

OL Bart Oates

OL Evan Pilgrim

OL John Tait

Defense

DL Jason Buck

DL Brady Poppinga

DL Shawn Knight

DL Mike Morgan

LB Bob Davis

LB Rob Morris

LB Shad Hensen

LB Shay Muirbrook

DB Derwin Gray

DB Brian Mitchell

DB Tim Mctyer

DB Kyle Morrell

DB Dave Atkinson

Special Teams

P Lee Johnson

KO Matt Payne

PK Owen Pochman

P/K Return Jame Dye

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