BYU scrapes win from Lobos
- posted: 25 Sept. 2007
- scrollsports@byui.edu
After a game where the Cougars were held to their lowest offensive output of the season, Coach Bronco Mendenhall was pleased with the outcome.
“Coach Long (of the Lobos) had his team very well prepared, getting after us defensively,” Mendenhall said. “The bottom line to me is we played on the road against a conference team and found a way to make enough plays to win the game.”
BYU beat New Mexico by a score of 31-24 while gaining a relatively small amount of offensive yardage: 363 yards. Quarterback Max Hall completed only 45 percent of his passes, though he did throw two touchdown passes.
BYU’s running game struggled, as running backs Harvey Unga and Manase Tonga averaged only 3.1 yards per carry on their way to a combined 110 yards and one touchdown.
Much of the reason for this sub-par offensive performance was New Mexico’s use of the 3-3-5 formation on defense. This formation has proved to be very difficult for new quarterbacks to adjust to because it employs many different types of blitzes and coverages in the secondary.
Mendenhall used the 3-3-5 defense while he was the defensive coordinator for BYU before becoming head coach. BYU now employs a 3-4 defense, which takes advantage of the depth the Cougars have at linebacker.
BYU’s defense had another good outing after holding Air Force to a single touchdown last week. New Mexico quarterback Donovan Porterie came into the game as the second-rated passer in the MWC but was held to 230 yards passing and one touchdown while throwing two interceptions.
The highlight of the game for the defense was linebacker Brian Kehl returning an interception 36 yards for a touchdown during the Lobos’ first possession of the game.
Cougar wide receiver Austin Collie had four receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. Collie also re-injured his ankle and limped off the field several times after taking hits from Lobo defenders.
Tight end Dennis Pitta continued to be a major part of the offense, catching four passes for 49 yards and a critical touchdown in the fourth quarter.
BYU has a bye this week and hopes that the extra rest will allow Collie and other injured players to be fully recovered and ready for the rest of conference play. 
