Outright victory — Cougs celebrate but say they're far from content
BYU's quest for Mountain West Conference perfection rolled on Saturday afternoon at LaVell Edwards Stadium, where the No. 23 Cougars smashed New Mexico, 42-17, and claimed their first outright conference championship since 2001.
During the postgame celebration on the field, BYU received the championship trophy from MWC commissioner Craig Thompson and accepted an official invitation to the Las Vegas Bowl.
Amid the festivities, coach Bronco Mendenhall emphasized that he still isn't satisfied. "We have another game," he deadpanned to the roar of the crowd.
As if anyone had forgotten. Next week, the Cougars (9-2, 7-0) visit arch-rival Utah.
Quarterback John Beck also addressed the crowd, noting that his team isn't looking ahead to the Las Vegas Bowl. "We're looking up north," he shouted. "Beat Utah!"
BYU, winners of eight consecutive games, enters Rivalry Week on the heels of another memorable day in Provo. While the Cougars clinched at least a share of the MWC title more than a week ago, they wanted the crown all for themselves.
"I feel honored to be able to represent this football team in re-linking a program to championship football, which is what the expectation here at BYU is, which we all know and understand," Mendenhall said. "It's a great day for our program and a great day for these young men and the work they've provided."
Brown, who gained 124 yards on 13 carries and scored two touchdowns, became the school's all-time leading rusher. Brown broke the record on a 49-yard TD run on BYU's first offensive series.
The Cougars also honored their 25 seniors playing in their final home game, and with the win, they completed their first undefeated home campaign in five years.
While BYU has been overwhelmingly dominant all year long at LaVell Edwards Stadium, New Mexico provided some actual drama.
The first half was almost a carbon copy of the Cougars' other five home victories. BYU scored on three of its first four possessions, which included spectacular touchdown passes from Beck to freshman wide receiver McKay Jacobson (20 yards) and senior tight end Jonny Harline (71 yards).
The Cougar defense, meanwhile, forced three New Mexico turnovers.
BYU led 28-3 at halftime, then the plucky Lobos scored a touchdown in the first minute of the second half, striking from 80 yards in two plays. On BYU's next possession, Quincy Black intercepted a Beck pass and returned it 88 yards for another TD.
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