2008 BYU Cougars football team

American college football season August 2023 February 2026 football 2008 BYU Cougars BYU Cougars logo.svg Mountain West Conference MW 21 25 10–3 6–2 Bronco Mendenhall 4th Robert Anae 4th Jaime Hill 1st Travis Bright Max Hall Jan Jorgensen David Nixon Air raid 3–4Bleacher Report Ellsworth Jon https://bleacherreport.com/articles/61231-byus-winning-formula-part-1 BYU's Winning Formula, Part 1 September 24, 2008 October 21, 2023 LaVell Edwards Stadium Las Vegas Bowl L 21–31 vs. Arizona The 2008 BYU Cougars football team represented Brigham Young University in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Prior to the 2008 season, BYU had won consecutive Mountain West Conference (MWC) championship titles without losing a conference game. It had also finished with an 11–2 overall record for consecutive seasons. The Cougars have won four MWC championships since the league began in 1999 (Co-Champions with CSU and Utah in 1999, and sole Champions in 2001, 2006 and 2007), and 23 conference titles overall. BYU ended last season ranked 14th in the nation in the major polls, one of its best finishes in the last two decades. BYU was selected to win the MWC according to the conference's annual media poll.Cougars Picked to Win MWC, BYUCougars.com The Cougars made their fourth consecutive post-season appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, losing to the Arizona Wildcats Football 31–21. BYU beat the Oregon Ducks in 2006 and the UCLA Bruins in 2007. BYU lost to the California Golden Bears in the 2005 game. BYU played its home games at LaVell Edwards Stadium, named after its former coach, LaVell Edwards. Pre-season Spring Practice started March 17 and ended April 12 with the annual Blue/White game.Annual Blue-White spring game, BYUCougars.com Fall camp began on August 1 with actual practices starting on August 4. Camp ended August 20 with a final scrimmage. Preparation for the first game began on August 22. BYU begins the season ranked #17 in the USA Today Coaches Poll and #16 in the AP Poll. David Nixon and Jan Jorgensen for the defense and Max Hall and Travis Bright for the offense were chosen by their teammates as captains for the 2008 season.David Nixon, Jan Jorgensen, Max Hall, and Travis Bright were chosen as team captains, BYUCougars.com Rankings 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings 15 16 15 18 14 11 8 9 9 18 17 17 16 16 21 20 25 17 15 15 11 11 7 8 8 17 17 16 14 14 19 18 21 5 9 9 8 17 15 16 14 14 18 17 8 21 20 15 17 14 18 18 Preseason rankings In the pre-season, the Cougars were ranked #19Mark Schlabach 2008 top-25 early preseason picks https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3186264 ESPN.com 8 January 2008 May 2, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080514165721/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3186264 May 14, 2008 live and then later #14Mark Schlabach 2008 top-25 preseason picks https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3388100 ESPN.com 9 May 2008 May 11, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080512233227/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3388100 May 12, 2008 live by ESPN's Mark Schlabach, #12 by Rivals.com David Fox and Steve Megargee,David Fox Steve Megargee 2008 Preseason Top 25 http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=759223 Rivals.com May 2, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080423082318/http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=759223 April 23, 2008 live #22 by College Football News,CFN.com 2008 Preseason Top 25 http://cfn.scout.com/2/720771.html College Football News May 2, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080512000936/http://cfn.scout.com/2/720771.html May 12, 2008 dead #17 by Stewart Mandel of CNN's SI.com (Sports Illustrated),CNN's SI.com (Sports Illustrated) 2008 preseason top 25 College Football Power Rankings Stewart Mandel http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/stewart_mandel/05/01/spring.rankings/index.html#?eref=T1 Sports Illustrated May 2, 2008 May 1, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080505093404/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/stewart_mandel/05/01/spring.rankings/index.html May 5, 2008 dead #12 by Lindy's,Lindy's Sports' 2008 preseason top 25 http://www.lindyssports.com/ Lindy's Sports May 28, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080515053508/http://www.lindyssports.com/ May 15, 2008 live #14 by CBS Sportsline,2008 College Football preseason top 25 Dennis Dodds http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10813944 CBS Sports May 8, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080510162558/http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10813944 May 10, 2008 dead #13 by Tony Barnhart (a.k.a. "Mr. College Football") of the Atlanta Constitution-Journal,Tony Barnhart 2008 College Football preseason top 30 http://www.fanblogs.com/ncaa/007541.php fanblogs.com May 8, 2008 #14 by Athlon Sports,Athlon Sports preseason top 25 http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/13525/no-14-byu Athlon Sports May 18, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080517080835/http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/13525/no-14-byu May 17, 2008 live #17 by Phil Steele,Phil Steele's 2008 Preseason Top 25 http://philsteele.com/ philsteele.com May 30, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080509214423/http://www.philsteele.com/ May 9, 2008 live #16 by CBS College Sport's Adam Caparell,CBS College Sports Pre-season 2008 Top 25 http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/050908aac.html CSTV.com May 18, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080518095817/http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/050908aac.html May 18, 2008 dead and #10 by New York Times' Paul Myerberg.New York Times Pre-season 2008 Countdown of all college football teams http://thequad.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/20/the-quad-countdown-no-10-byu/ The New York Times August 20, 2008 Paul Myerberg August 20, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080827110042/http://thequad.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/20/the-quad-countdown-no-10-byu/ August 27, 2008 live They started the season ranked 17th in the Coaches PollESPN – preseason Coaches poll https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?pollId=2&seasonYear=2008&weekNumber=1 ESPN.com May 2, 2008 (with 547 votes), and ranked 16th in the AP Poll (with 590 votes).ESPN – preseason AP poll https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?pollId=1&seasonYear=2008&weekNumber=1 ESPN.com May 2, 2008 Schedule http://themwc.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/08teamskeds.html 2008 MWC football schedule themwc.cstv.com 2008-04-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20080407215751/http://themwc.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/08teamskeds.html 2008-04-07 dead 2008 BYU Cougars football schedule, BYUCougars.com 2008 AP Mountain August 30 4:00 pm w y 16 Northern Iowa 3 (FCS) LaVell Edwards Stadium Provo, Utah The mtn. 41–17 64,108 September 6 1:00 pm w y y 15 Washington Husky Stadium Seattle, Washington FSN 28–27 64,611 September 13 1:30 pm w y 18 UCLA LaVell Edwards Stadium Provo, Utah Versus 59–0 64,153 September 20 3:00 pm w 14 Wyoming LaVell Edwards Stadium Provo, Utah The mtn. 44–0 64,059 October 3 6:00 pm w y y 8 Utah State Old Wagon Wheel Romney Stadium Logan, Utah BYUtv 34–14 23,101 October 11 4:00 pm w y 9 New Mexico LaVell Edwards Stadium Provo, Utah The mtn. 21–3 64,105 October 16 6:00 pm l y 9 TCU Amon G. Carter Stadium Fort Worth, Texas Versus 7–32 36,180 October 25 12:00 pm w 18 UNLV LaVell Edwards Stadium Provo, Utah The mtn. 42–35 64,081 November 1 4:00 pm w y 17 Colorado State Hughes Stadium Fort Collins, Colorado The mtn. 45–42 20,222 November 8 12:00 pm w 17 San Diego State LaVell Edwards Stadium Provo, Utah The mtn. 41–12 64,107 November 15 1:30 pm w y 16 Air Force Falcon Stadium Colorado Springs, Colorado CBSCS 38–24 42,177 November 22 4:00 pm l y 16 Utah 8 Holy War Rice-Eccles Stadium Salt Lake City The mtn./CBSCS 24–48 46,488 December 20 6:00 pm l y y 17 Arizona Las Vegas Bowl Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas ESPN 21–31 40,047 Game summaries Northern Iowa Northern Iowa Panthers football 2008 Northern Iowa Panthers football team #3 (FCS) Northern Iowa Panthers 3 0 14 0 #16/17 BYU Cougars 14 13 0 14 August 30 LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT 4:06 p.m. MST 3:19 64,108 93 F, hot and breezy Terry Leyden Rich Cellini, Jon Berger, Sammy Linebaugh mtn. yes 1 8:56 BYU Michael Reed 27-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 7-0 1 5:31 UNI Billy Hallgreen 33-yard field goal BYU 7-3 1 1:25 BYU Harvey Unga 19-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 14-3 2 4:50 BYU Harvey Unga 2-yard run (kick blocked) BYU 20-3 2 0:17 BYU Harvey Unga 1-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 27-3 3 12:12 UNI Josh Collins 76-yard pass from Victor Williams (Billy Hallgreen kick) BYU 27-10 3 5:59 UNI Mark Huygens fumble recovery in the end zone (Billy Hallgreen kick) BYU 27-17 4 9:02 BYU Max Hall 1-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 34-17 4 7:30 BYU Bryan Kariya 14-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 41-17 yes This was BYU's first-ever game against the University of Northern Iowa Panthers from the Division I FCS. In recent years the Panthers have proven to be a perennial top program in FCS football. Last year Northern Iowa (UNI) was ranked No. 1 in the FCS until a loss to Delaware in the FCS playoffs. UNI was ranked #3 in the 2008 FCS preseason poll. The Panthers agreed to play BYU at the last minute after Nevada backed out of its agreement to play BYU in 2008. Northern Iowa ended the 2007 season with a considerably stronger Sagarin rating than Nevada and finished #4 in the FCS.Northern Iowa game recap, BYUCougars.com In a very physical game from both teams, the Cougars jumped out to a wide early lead of 27–3 at the half. The Panthers could not stop the Cougar offense from driving the field. Despite an ugly, scoreless, third quarter for BYU, which included four fumbles, the Cougars pulled away again in the fourth quarter to defeat the Panthers 41–17 in front of a sold-out crowd in Provo. BYU's Dennis Pitta caught eleven passes for 213 yards and Max Hall threw with an 83% completion for 486 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Pitta lead the nation in receiving yards and Max was second in the nation for passing yards with a 198.6 rating. On the defensive end, junior college transfer Coleby Clawson made his hard hitting debut, knocking out UNI's quarterback Pat Grace three times. Justin Sorensen put all seven kickoffs into the end zone. With the exception of three big plays, UNI's offense struggled against BYU's defense, but UNI capitalized on the turnovers in the third quarter to earn both of its touchdowns. UNI quarterback, Pat Grace, broke through for a 69-yard gain that resulted in a field goal. The play after recovering a BYU fumble, UNI ran a reverse with wide receiver, Victor Williams, making a 76-yard touchdown pass. UNI's final score came on a blind-side, forced fumble against Max Hall in the end zone. David Tafuna carried the team flag onto the field, and LaVell Edwards carried the alumni flag on to the field. Washington #15/15 BYU Cougars 7 7 7 7 Washington Huskies 7 7 7 6 September 6 Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA 12:11 p.m. PST 3:13 64,611 65 F, light overcast, winds E 2 mph on Larry Farina Barry Tompkins, Petros Papadakis, John Jackson FSN yes 1 9:38 BYU Austin Collie 38-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 7-0 1 3:24 UW Jake Locker 14-yard run (Ryan Perkins kick) TIED 7-7 2 10:38 UW Jermaine Kearse 48-yard pass from Jake Locker (Ryan Perkins kick) UW 14-7 2 4:18 BYU Andrew George 2-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) TIED 14-14 3 7:38 UW Luke Kravitz 1-yard run (Ryan Perkins kick) UW 21-14 3 4:17 BYU Fui Vakapuna 11-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) TIED 21-21 4 3:31 BYU Dennis Pitta 15-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 28-21 4 0:02 UW Jake Locker 2-yard run (kick blocked) BYU 28-27 yes BYU and Washington met for the seventh time. This was BYU's first win in a non-conference road game since 2002.Saturday Sound Offs-The Blog for the College Football Junkie: Blogger Q&A: MWC Edition The last meeting with the Huskies was in 1999, when BYU won in Provo 35–28.Washington game recap 1999, BYUCougars.com Washington marred what would have been a perfect season for BYU in 1996. BYU went on to finish #5 in the country with a 14–1 record, winning 13 regular season games, an NCAA record that still stands. The Cougars had to contain the Huskies' athletic quarterback, Jake Locker, who ran for nearly 1,000 yards last season. BYU held Locker below his rushing average to 62 yards on 18 attempts. Locker completed only 17 of his 32 passes for 204 yards. Washington had 337 yards of total offense to BYU's 475. BYU only punted twice in the game. After driving the length of the field again, BYU looked to take the lead early in the fourth quarter when Harvey Unga, who rushed for 136 yards in the game, fumbled the ball at the goal line which was recovered by Washington. The Cougars won the game by blocking a Washington PAT attempt in the fourth quarter.BYU defeats Washington Huskies, BYUCougars.com With 2 seconds left in regulation, the 35-yard extra-point kick by Huskies' Ryan Perkins was blocked by Jan Jorgensen. The PAT was moved back 15 yards on an unsportsmanlike penalty on Locker when he tossed the ball in the air after running the ball in for a touchdown. Two of the last three games BYU has played, they won the game by blocking a last second kick. Max Hall was named Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Week.Max Hall is Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Week, BYUCougars.com Hall hit 31 of 40 pass attempts for 338 yards passing and three touchdowns, including a 15-yarder to tight end Dennis Pitta with 3:31 left. Jan Jorgensen's game winning block was the ESPN Pontiac Game Changing Performance for the week.Jan Jorgensen's game winning block was nominated for ESPN's Pontiac Game Changing Performance, BYUCougars.com Washington Leads series 4-3 UCLA 2008 UCLA Bruins football team UCLA Bruins 0 0 0 0 #18/15 BYU Cougars 7 35 17 0 September 13 LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT 1:37 p.m. MST 3:02 64,153 70 F, clear sunny, wind S 10 mph on Rich Kollen Joe Beninati, Glenn Parker, Tim Neverett VS. yes 1 6:02 BYU Dennis Pitta 10-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 7-0 2 14:30 BYU Austin Collie 2-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 14-0 2 12:59 BYU Austin Collie 37-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 21-0 2 10:07 BYU Michael Reed 12-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 28-0 2 9:42 BYU Harvey Unga 15-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 35-0 2 0:14 BYU Dennis Pitta 2-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 42-0 3 7:43 BYU Harvey Unga 6-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 49-0 3 3:08 BYU Mitch Payne 24-yard field goal BYU 52-0 3 0:39 BYU Wayne Latu 13-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 59-0 yes UCLA offensive coordinator, Norm Chow (former OC at BYU), and UCLA quarterback, Ben Olson (former BYU player) came back to Provo for the 10th meeting between the Bruins and BYU. The teams faced off twice during the 2007 season. The Cougars defeated UCLA in the 2007 Las Vegas Bowl after the Bruins won a close regular-season meeting.UCLA game recap, BYUCougars.com Ben Olson did not play due to injuries. Kellen Fowler carried the team flag onto the field, and Vai Sikahema carried the alumni flag on to the field. BYU scored first on a Max Hall pass to Dennis Pitta for 10 yards for a touchdown; Hall then passed to Austin Collie for another score (2 yards). The Cougars recovered a fumble and scored on the next play to take a 21–0 lead. After another Bruins fumble, Hall passed to Michael Reed for another touchdown. Another Bruins fumble gave Hall his 5th pass touchdown in the first half. Hall's 6th touchdown pass was thrown to Pitta. In the second half, Max Hall passed to Harvey Unga for a 6-yard touchdown, Mitch Payne kicked a 24-yard field goal and Wayne Latu rushed for a 13-yard touchdown to give BYU the 59–0 win. UCLA's worst loss in nearly 80 years. Given the injuries to BYU's linebackers since fall camp through the first two games, BYU added a nickel package to its defense that proved to be effective. So far BYU is 16-18 for scoring in the "Blue Zone" including 15 for touchdowns and its first field goal attempt for the season in the UCLA game. BYU's 2 failures were both fumbles, one at the goal line against Washington that rolled in for a touchback. BYU has no 100-yard rushers against it, and leads the nation in third down conversions to this point. For the second week in a row, Max Hall was named the MWC Offensive Player of the Week and the Walter Camp Football Foundation's Offensive Player of the Week.Max Hall MWC Offensive Player of the Week and the Walter Camp Football Foundation's Offensive Player of the Week, BYUCougars.com Hall broke the BYU record of passing touchdowns during a half with 6 and tied the BYU record for passing touchdowns at 7. This was the worst loss the Bruins endured since a 76–0 defeat in the very first UCLA–USC rivalry football game in 1929.No. 18 B.Y.U. 59, U.C.L.A. 0 Hall’s 7 Touchdown Passes Lead B.Y.U.’s Rout, Associated Press, New York Times, September 13, 2008 UCLA Leads series 7-3 Wyoming 2008 Wyoming Cowboys football team Wyoming Cowboys 0 0 0 0 #14/11 BYU Cougars 7 20 14 3 September 20 LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT 1:06 p.m. MST 3:15 64,059 73 F, mostly sunny Frank White James Bates, Todd Christensen, Sammy Linebaugh mtn. yes 1 11:10 BYU Scott Johnson 64-yard fumble return (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 7-0 2 6:08 BYU Harvey Unga 1-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 14-0 2 4:03 BYU Austin Collie 62-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 21-0 2 0:31 BYU Austin Collie 7-yard pass from Max Hall (kick failed) BYU 27-0 3 11:45 BYU Harvey Unga 11-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 34-0 3 8:25 BYU David Nixon 19-yard interception return (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 41-0 4 6:51 BYU Justin Sorensen 31-yard field goal BYU 44-0 yes This was the 73rd game between Wyoming and BYU. The Cougars have won their last five games against Wyoming by an average of almost 24 points.Wyoming game recap, BYUCougars.com BYU allowed Wyoming's offense to move early, but on the Cowboys' first drive the Cougar defense picked up a dropped lateral pass, returning it for six points. BYU's offense started slow, but ended up scoring frequently in the second quarter. The Cougar defense stepped up and held Wyoming to zero points in all four quarters, leading to the second straight shutout, the first consecutive shutout in twenty three years. David Oswald carried the team flag onto the field, and Ty Detmer carried the alumni flag on to the field. David Nixon, who returned an interception 19 yards for a touchdown, was honored as the MWC Defensive Player of the Week. C.J. Santiago was named as the MWC Special Teams Player of the Week. Santiago had seven punts for an average of 46.7 yards per kick, including a season high punt for 61 yards. His first three punts were all downed inside the Wyoming 20-yard line: the first at the 11, the second at the 5 and the third at the 4-yard line. BYU Leads series 40-30-3 Utah State #8/7 BYU Cougars 24 0 10 0 Utah State Aggies 0 0 0 14 October 3 Romney Stadium, Logan, UT 6:07 p.m. MST 3:09 23,101 cloudy and warm Bill Athan Steve Brown, Mike Norseth, Alema Harrington KJZZ, BYUtv yes 1 11:51 BYU Austin Collie 76-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 7-0 1 8:09 BYU Brando Bradley 38-yard fumble return (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 14-0 1 1:46 BYU Mitch Payne 45-yard field goal BYU 17-0 1 1:23 BYU Harvey Unga 11-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 24-0 3 11:21 BYU Mitch Payne 21-yard field goal BYU 27-0 3 1:26 BYU Austin Collie 12-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 34-0 4 13:47 USU Robert Turbin 40-yard run (Peter Caldwell kick) BYU 34-7 4 9:22 USU Tarren Lloyd 5-yard pass from Diondre Borel (Peter Caldwell kick) BYU 34-14 yes This was the 78th game between the Utah State Aggies and BYU. The annual winner of this interstate contest is awarded The Old Wagon Wheel. The Aggies have not beaten BYU since 1993. BYU defeated Utah State 38–0 in their last meeting in 2006.Utah State game preview, BYUCougars.com The Cougars started fast in the first quarter with a 76-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 35-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, a field goal, and then an interception resulting in another touchdown. Hall completed 23 of 47 passes for 303 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Unga rushed 21 times for 86 yards and a touchdown. Collie added 8 receptions for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns. BYU was plagued with penalties particularly in the last quarter. They had 12 penalties for 123 yards with several personal fouls including an unnecessary roughness penalty by Max Hall. The Aggie's mobile quarterback, Diondre Borel, and speedy running back, Robert Turbin, gave the Cougars some trouble rushing for a combined 117 yards including a 40-yard break-away run for a touchdown by Turbin early in the fourth quarter. BYU Leads series 42-33-3 New Mexico New Mexico Lobos 0 3 0 0 #9/8 BYU Cougars 0 7 7 7 October 11 LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT 4:06 p.m. MST 2:36 64,105 39 F, cloudy Pete Gautreau Tim Neverett, Blaine Fowler, Sammy Linebaugh mtn. yes 2 11:40 UNM James Aho 27-yard field goal UNM 3-0 2 6:34 BYU Andrew George 1-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 7-3 3 6:08 BYU Andrew George 11-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 14-3 4 3:05 BYU Austin Collie 8-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 21-3 yes This was the 58th game between New Mexico and BYU. The Cougars have won four games in a row against the Lobos.New Mexico game recap, BYUCougars.com BYU entertained a 3-3 New Mexico squad at the midway point of the season as chilly October afternoon air settled in Provo. The Cougars held a 15-game winning streak and survived their lowest-scoring game thus far in 2008 to remain unbeaten on homecoming.New Mexico vs. BYU - College Football Game Recap - October 11, 2008 https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/282850252 https://web.archive.org/web/20221228024703/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/282850252 dead December 28, 2022 2022-12-28 ESPN en New Mexico opened the scoring with a short field goal early in the second quarter after the teams traded four punts. Austin Collie sparked the BYU offense with a 58-yard reception on a streak down the sideline and Max Hall found tight end Andrew George in the back of the end zone to take a 7–3 lead. Kicker Justin Sorensen missed a 50-yard field goal before halftime, but Max Hall and George linked up for another score again in the third quarter to extend the lead to 14–3. The Lobos looked to score with 7:14 left in the game to trim the lead, but an illegal block wiped out the touchdown and the drive stalled. The Cougars responded with a 12-play 76-yard drive ending with an 8-yard scoring reception by Collie to seal the game, 21–3. Hall threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns, while Collie finished with nine receptions for 155 yards and a score.New Mexico vs. BYU - College Football Box Score - October 11, 2008 https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore/_/gameId/282850252 2022-12-28 ESPN en BYU Leads series 43-14-1 TCU #9/8 BYU Cougars 0 0 7 0 #27/24 TCU Horned Frogs 14 9 9 0 October 16 Amon G. Carter Stadium, Ft. Worth, TX 7:00 p.m. CST 3:11 36,180 69 F, partly cloudy, wind ENE 15 mph on Terry Leyden Joe Beninati, Glenn Parker, Tim Neverett VS. yes 1 12:10 TCU Jimmy Young 25-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Ross Evans kick) TCU 7-0 1 6:08 TCU Jeremy Kerley 16-yard run (Ross Evans kick) TCU 14-0 2 14:45 TCU Ross Evans 21-yard field goal TCU 17-0 2 1:06 TCU Walter Bryant 12-yard pass from Andy Dalton (kick failed) TCU 23-0 3 11:41 TCU Ross Evans 31-yard field goal TCU 26-0 3 4:26 BYU Max Hall 2-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) TCU 26-7 3 0:16 TCU Joseph Turner 5-yard run (kick failed) TCU 32-7 yes This was the 8th game between TCU and BYU, played on a Thursday night for the third straight year.TCU game recap, BYUCougars.com This was the first loss for the BYU Football program since the 2007 setback against Tulsa. TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson had said this was a game his program was pointing towards since January of that year. TCU ends BYU's BCS hopes,... ESPN.com BYU trails the series 5-6 UNLV UNLV Rebels 7 14 7 7 #18/17 BYU Cougars 14 7 7 14 October 25 LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT 12:06 p.m. MST 3:01 64,081 57 F, clear, No wind Land Clark James Bates, Todd Christensen, Sammy Linebaugh mtn. yes 1 12:25 BYU Andrew George 8-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 7-0 1 6:33 UNLV Frank Summers 6-yard run (Kyle Watson kick) TIED 7-7 1 1:34 BYU O'Neill Chambers 20-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 14-7 2 13:18 UNLV Mike Clausen 1-yard run (Kyle Watson kick) TIED 14-14 2 7:18 BYU Harvey Unga 2-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 21-14 2 4:51 UNLV Frank Summers 1-yard run (Kyle Watson kick) TIED 21-21 3 7:52 BYU Fui Vakapuna 1-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 28-21 3 2:46 UNLV Mike Clausen 2-yard run (Kyle Watson kick) TIED 28-28 4 14:11 BYU Mitch Payne 26-yard field goal BYU 31-28 4 8:36 BYU Mitch Payne 39-yard field goal BYU 34-28 4 6:49 UNLV Ryan Wolfe 15-yard pass from Omar Clayton (Kyle Watson kick) UNLV 35-34 4 1:46 BYU Dennis Pitta 6-yard pass from Max Hall (Harvey Unga pass from Max Hall) BYU 42-35 yes This was the 16th game between UNLV and BYU.UNLV game recap, BYUCougars.com BYU Leads series 13-3 Colorado State #17/17 BYU Cougars 7 14 3 21 Colorado State Rams 14 7 7 14 November 1 Hughes Stadium, Ft. Collins, CO 4:06 p.m. MST 3:21 20,222 74 F, Partly cloudy Frank White James Bates, Todd Christensen, Roger Bailey mtn. yes 1 12:58 CSU Mychal Sisson 20-yard fumble return (Jason Smith kick) CSU 7-0 1 10:09 BYU Austin Collie 58-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) TIED 7-7 1 3:27 CSU John Mosure 9-yard rush (Jason Mosure kick) CSU 14-7 2 8:20 BYU Austin Collie 15-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) TIED 14-14 2 3:50 CSU Dion Morton 32-yard pass from Billy Farris (Jason Smith kick) CSU 21-14 2 0:38 BYU Austin Collie 10-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) TIED 21-21 3 6:56 CSU Rashaun Greer 6-yard pass from Billy Farris (Jason Smith kick) CSU 28-21 3 2:34 BYU Mitch Payne 30-yard field goal CSU 28-24 4 13:15 BYU Dennis Pitta 23-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 31-28 4 7:20 CSU Gartre Johnson 7-yard run (Jason Smith kick) CSU 35-31 4 5:49 BYU Harvey Unga 40-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 38-35 4 1:44 CSU Dion Morton 55-yard pass from Billy Farris (Jason Smith kick) CSU 42-38 4 0:22 BYU Dennis Pitta 17-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 45-42 yes This was the 67th game between Colorado State and BYU.Colorado State game recap, BYUCougars.com BYU Leads series 36-27-3 San Diego State San Diego State Aztecs 0 0 6 6 #17/16 BYU Cougars 7 13 7 14 November 8 LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT 12:06 p.m. MST 3:03 64,107 52 F, sunny w/ high clouds, No wind Bill McCabe Rich Cellini, Jon Berger, Sammy Linebaugh mtn. yes 1 9:42 BYU Fui Vakapuna 7-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 7-0 2 8:37 BYU Mitch Payne 34-yard field goal BYU 10-0 2 5:19 BYU Andrew George 6-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 17-0 2 0:36 BYU Mitch Payne 25-yard field goal BYU 20-0 3 12:55 BYU Wayne Latu 3-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 27-0 3 4:18 SDSU Lane Yoshida 49-yard field goal BYU 27-3 3 1:10 SDSU Lane Yoshida 34-yard field goal BYU 27-6 4 14:03 BYU Austin Collie 61-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 34-6 4 10:07 BYU Austin Collie 9-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 41-6 4 0:49 SDSU Darren Mougey 9-yard pass from Ryan Lindley (kick failed) BYU 41-12 yes This was the 33rd game between San Diego State and BYU. It was "Senior Day" for BYU, and in honor of the occasion, the field had a different look then usual. The endzones were painted in blue, along with the 50-yard line logo. That too, was filled in with blue.San Diego State game recap, BYUCougars.comSan Diego State post game notes, BYUCougars.com BYU Leads Series 25-7-1 Air Force #16/14 BYU Cougars 7 3 21 7 Air Force Falcons 0 14 3 7 November 15 Falcon Stadium, Air Force Academy, CO 1:36 p.m. MST 3:14 42,177 40's°F, Partly cloudy Dan Romeo Tom Hart, Trev Alberts CBSCS yes 1 7:41 BYU Fui Vakapuna 11-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 7-0 2 13:29 BYU Mitch Payne 46-yard field goal BYU 10-0 2 6:44 AFA Asher Clark 6-yard run (Ryan Harrison kick) BYU 10-7 2 1:55 AFA Todd Newell 1-yard run (Ryan Harrison kick) AFA 14-10 3 10:58 BYU Harvey Unga 1-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 17-14 3 9:44 BYU Harvey Unga 2-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 24-14 3 5:15 BYU Austin Collie 6-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 31-14 3 0:56 AFA Ryan Harrison 34-yard field goal BYU 31-17 4 7:37 AFA Jared Tew 19-yard run (Ryan Harrison kick) BYU 31-24 4 4:46 BYU Austin Collie 45-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 38-24 yes This was the 29th game between Air Force and BYU.Air Force game recap, BYUCougars.com BYU has won the last 5 games against the Falcons. BYU Leads series 23-6 Utah #16/14 BYU Cougars 3 14 7 0 #8/7 Utah Utes 10 17 0 21 November 22 Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT 4:10 p.m. MST 3:28 46,488 48 F, Partly cloudy, Winds WSW 7 mph on Greg Burks Rich Cellini, Jon Berger, Blaine Fowler, Sammy Linebaugh, Toby Christensen mtn. yes 1 9:48 UU Louie Sakoda 37-yard field goal UU 3-0 1 8:27 BYU Mitch Payne 40-yard field goal TIED 3-3 1 4:25 UU Brent Castell 16-yard pass from Brian Johnson (Louie Sakoda kick) UU 10-3 2 13:44 UU Matt Asiata 5-yard run (Louie Sakoda kick) UU 17-3 2 10:38 BYU Harvey Unga 23-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) UU 17-10 2 6:26 BYU Harvey Unga 2-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) TIED 17-17 2 1:41 UU Louie Sakoda 35-yard field goal UU 20-17 2 0:15 UU David Reed 32-yard pass from Brian Johnson (Louie Sakoda kick) UU 27-17 3 6:46 BYU Max Hall 11-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) UU 27-24 4 14:31 UU Brent Castell 8-yard pass from Brian Johnson (Louie Sakoda kick) UU 34-24 4 12:00 UU Chris Joppru 4-yard pass from Matt Asiata (Louie Sakoda kick) UU 41-24 4 2:48 UU Colt Sampson 1-yard pass from Brian Johnson (Louie Sakoda kick) UU 48-24 yes This is an annual rivalry game unofficially dubbed "Holy War." Along with Utah State, these teams also compete annually for the "Beehive Boot." This game is typically the most anticipated of the season for BYU and its fans. In November 2005, The Wall Street Journal ranked the BYU–Utah football rivalry as the fourth-best college football rivalry game in the country.https://archive.today/20120707195319/http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635162497,00.html "BYU-Utah rivalry resounds far, wide", Deseret Morning News, 19 November 2005. This will be the 84th game between the teams dating back to 1922. Utah dominated the series 34-2-4 through 1964. Since that time BYU has led the series 28–16. The Cougars were throttled in a 48–24 defeat against the Utes. It was the largest margin of victory since 2004 when the Cougars lost to the Utes 52–21. The rivalry is known for close, exciting finishes. Since 1993, the margin of victory has been seven points or less in all but three games.Utah game recap, BYUCougars.com At stake is the MWC championship, Utah's winning streak (longest in the nation), and a BCS Bowl berth. Utah leads Series 53-33-4 Las Vegas Bowl: Arizona 2008 Las Vegas Bowl #20/18 BYU Cougars 0 7 7 7 Arizona Wildcats 7 3 14 7 December 20 Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, NV 5:06 p.m. PST 3:41 40,047 44 F, partly cloudy and cold, no wind Jeff Flanagan Mike Patrick, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe (ESPN)Eli Gold, Gary Barnett, Rich Herrera (Sports USA) ESPN/Sports USA yes 1 6:23 UA Nic Grigsby 1-yard run (Jason Bondzio kick) UA 7-0 2 9:21 UA Jason Bondzio 31-yard field goal UA 10-0 2 6:50 BYU Harvey Unga 1-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) UA 10-7 3 11:21 BYU Andrew George 1-yard pass from Max Hall (Mitch Payne kick) BYU 14-10 3 7:07 UA Delashaun Dean 37-yard pass from Willie Tuitama (Jason Bondzio kick) UA 17-14 3 0:25 UA Chris Gronkowski 24-yard pass from Willie Tuitama (Jason Bondzio kick) UA 24-14 4 6:09 UA Willie Tuitama 6-yard run (Jason Bondzio kick) UA 31-14 4 3:38 UA Max Hall 1-yard run (Mitch Payne kick) UA 31-21 yes BYU became bowl eligible by finishing the season with a strong 10–2 record. On December 7, the Cougars were officially invited to the Las Vegas Bowl for the fourth consecutive year. On December 20, 2008, BYU played the Arizona Wildcats who finished fifth in the Pac-10 conference with a 7–5 record. The Cougars lost the game, 31–21, to finish the season with a 10–3 record. Coaching and player changes Jaime Hill was promoted to defensive coordinator on January 10.Jaime Hill named defensive coordinator, BYUCougars.com Prior to this, Bronco Mendenhall was acting as both head coach and defensive coordinator. Mendenhall has retained responsibility for play-calling during games. Vic So'oto moved from tight end to outside linebacker as a starter.Vic So'oto moves from tight end to outside linebacker, BYUCougars.com Daniel Sorensen, a safety, also moved to outside linebacker.Daniel Sorensen moves from safety to outside linebacker, BYUCougars.com Coaching staff 250px|thumb|right|Bronco Mendenhall, Head Coach Name Position Year at BYU Alma mater (Year) Bronco Mendenhall Head coach 6th2003–present Oregon State (1987) Lance Reynolds Assistant head coach/Running backs 26th1983–present BYU (1980) Robert Anae Offensive coordinator/Inside receivers 4th2005–present BYU (1986) Jaime Hill Defensive coordinator/Defensive backs 3rd2006–present San Francisco State University (1986) Brandon Doman Quarterbacks 4th2005–present BYU (2002) Patrick Higgins Outside receivers/Special teams 4th2005–present William Penn University (1986) Barry Lamb Outside linebackers/Safeties 16th1994–present Oregon (1978) Paul Tidwell Inside linebackers 8th2001–present Southern Utah University (1979) Mark Weber Offensive line 2nd2007 Cal Lutheran (1980) Steve Kaufusi Defensive line 7th2002–present BYU (1994) Jay Omer Strength and conditioning 8th2001–present Southern Utah University (1972) Kelly Bills Graduate assistant 1st2008 BYU (current) Nick Howell Graduate assistant 1st2008 BYU (current) Players The 14 returning starters from last season are Max Hall (quarterback), Harvey Unga (tail back), Austin Collie and Michael Reed (wide receivers), Dennis Pitta (tight end), Travis Bright and Ray Feinga (offensive guards), Dallas Reynolds and David Oswald (offensive tackles), Jan Jorgensen and Ian Dulan (defensive ends), Russell Tialavea (nose tackle), David Nixon (linebacker), and Kellen Fowler (free safety). Bryce Mahuika also returns as a slot back and kick holder. Experienced lettermen starting this year include: Fui Vakapuna (fullback), Matt Bauman, Shawn Doman, and Coleby Clawson (linebackers), Brandon Howard (field corner), and David Tafuna (strong safety). Statistical leaders Stats https://web.archive.org/web/20080807122911/http://www.byucougars.com/uploads/stats/football/stats.pdf 2008-08-07 As of November 15, 2008 Passing PassingPlayerCOMPATTPct.YDSTDINTQB ratingMax Hall 279 390 71.5% 3,424 34 8 169.95 Rushing RushingPlayerATTYDSYPCTDHarvey Unga 208 945 4.5 8Fui Vakapuna 49 225 4.6 3Austin Collie 7 60 8.6 0Max Hall 48 57 1.2 2Wayne Latu 14 51 3.6 2J.J. DiLuigi 13 48 3.7 0Bryan Kariya 8 36 4.4 1 Receiving ReceivingPlayerRECYDSYPCTDAustin Collie 85 1,315 15.5 15Dennis Pitta 76 992 13.1 6Michael Reed 35 414 11.8 2Harvey Unga 38 298 7.8 4Andrew George 21 204 9.7 5 Defense Tackles & InterceptionsPlayerSoloAsstTotalTFLSacksQBHIntBrUpFFFRBlkkMatt Bauman 39 50 89 8.5 2 1 - 1 1 1 -David Nixon 37 40 77 10.5 1 5 3 4 2 1 1Kellen Fowler 43 22 65 - - - - 2 - 1 -Scott Johnson 27 30 57 2 - - - 5 1 1 -Shawn Doman 17 34 51 1 - 1 - 3 1 2 -Jan Jorgensen 20 29 49 7.5 5 11 - 1 2 1 1David Tafuna 27 21 48 - - - 1 2 - - -Coleby Clawson 23 23 46 10 4 3 - 2 - 3 - Matt Ah You 16 28 44 .5 - - - 1 - 1 - Brandon Howard 15 17 32 - - - 1 2 - - - Brett Denney 19 11 30 7.5 1 4 - 1 - 3 - Brandon Bradley 24 4 28 - - - - 2 - 1 - Andrew Rich 12 12 24 - - - 1 1 1 1 -Matt Putnam 14 9 23 3 2 2 1 3 - - - Ian Dulan 7 11 18 4 3 4 - - - 1 - Russell Tialavea 7 9 16 2.5 - - - 2 - - 1 Injuries and Suspensions Russell Tialavea (nose tackle) and David Tafuna (strong safety) are recovered from their injuries suffered during the 2007 preseason. Both Travis Bright (right guard) and Garret Reden (reserve left guard) have recovered from their broken leg injuries. Bright holds the title of the team's strongest man aka Strong Man On Campus (SMOC): he holds the football team's school record for bench press (540 pounds) from his workout this summer, and the team record for the hang clean lift (434 pounds).Travis Bright has spoken, Deseret News Terrance Hooks, a reserve inside linebacker, tore his patella tendon during Spring practice and underwent surgery the following day.Terrance Hooks out for 2008 with torn patella tendon, BYUCougars.com He has missed most of the 2008 season. In late spring, senior fullback Manase Tonga was ruled to be academically ineligible for the 2008 season, and was suspended from school. Tonga may re-apply for admission in October for the 2009 Winter Semester.Tonga suspended - ruled academically ineligible, BYUCougars.com Just prior to Fall Camp Grant Nelson, a backup for outside linebacker behind Vic So'oto, had two surgeries related to kidney problems and will miss the 2008 season. Austin Collie, starting wide receiver, had limited participation in Fall Camp while recovering from a stress facture in his lower leg. Matt Bauman, starting inside linebacker, missed the beginning of camp while he recovered from a foot injury suffered in a scooter accident. Projected starting center, Tom Sorensen, had limited participation in camp with a shoulder problem. After attempting a moderate treatment, he opted for surgery and will miss 4 to 6 weeks to recover. Dan Van Sweden, reserve inside linebacker, broke his leg during camp and will be out 8 to 10 weeks. In the third week of camp, Kelly Bills, reserve fullback, quit as a player after suffering his fourth concussion, but was enthused to stay on as a graduate assistant for the team. Starting fullback, Fui Vakapuna, missed the first game against Northern Iowa due to an academic issue which he resolved that week. Vic So'oto, starting outside linebacker, broke his foot in the first half in the game against Washington and is expected to be out for about 5 to 8 weeks. Michael Reed, starting wide receiver, injured his knee in the Wyoming game and was out for 3 weeks before returning for the New Mexico game. G. Pittman became academically ineligible under team rules about mid-season and chose to transfer to Washington State. Scott Johnson suffered an unlikely double groin tear in the Colorado State game and was out for the rest of the season. Players' backgrounds Because BYU is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), many of the team members are Latter-day Saints (LDS) commonly referred to as Mormons. Because of this religious and cultural affiliation, many of the team members have served a two-year proselyting mission (often in a foreign country, speaking the native language), are married, and sometimes have children. Because of missions the average age of the team is often slightly higher than other college football teams. The effect of a mission is believed to be both an advantage and a disadvantage. It is an advantage in that the players can be either more physically developed, or more intellectually or emotionally mature. It is a disadvantage in that the player often returns from the mission grossly under-conditioned and out of practice. A player often redshirts his first year back from his mission. Because of the long-standing ties of the LDS Church in Polynesia, many football players are also Polynesian. Bryce Mahuika, for example, is Māori, and he introduced the tradition of the team performing the Haka in 2005. Of the players participating in 2008 fall Camp, 60 served a two-year mission and 42 speak a second language. Sixteen players speak Spanish, twelve speak Tongan, eight speak Portuguese, two speak German, and one each speaks Mandarin Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, and Tagalog. There are 27 married players. The most recent newlywed, Dennis Pitta, married quarterback Max Hall's sister-in-law.Sixty players served missions, of which 42 speak a second language. Twenty-seven players are married. BYUCougars.com Roster 2008 RosterRoster https://web.archive.org/web/20081016015657/http://www.byucougars.com/Roster.jsp?SP=130&NUM 2008-10-16 EditWide receivers #2 Bryce Mahuika†† – seniorBryce Mahuika, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071203132038/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2074 2007-12-03 #3 Michael Reed†† – seniorMichael Reed, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071011152718/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2138 2007-10-11 #7 Tyler Kozlowski – 10px|RedshirtSophomoreTyler Kozlowski, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071010102956/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2871 2007-10-10 #9 Austin Collie††– juniorAustin Collie, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20080316172248/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2127 2008-03-16 #11 O'Neill Chambers – freshmanO'Neill Chambers, BYUCougars.com. #13 Luke Ashworth – sophomoreLuke Ashworth, BYUCougars.com. #16 BJ Peterson – sophomoreBJ Peterson, BYUCougars.com. #20 Reed White† – seniorReed White, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071010102252/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2875 2007-10-10 #27 Matt Marshall – 10px|RedshirtFreshmanMatt Marshall, BYUCougars.com. #83 Spencer Hafoka – freshmanSpencer Hafoka, BYUCougars.com. #85 Landon Jaussi – sophomoreLandon Jaussi, BYUCougars.com. Fullbacks #1 Fui Vakapuna†† – seniorFui Vakapuna, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005815/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=959 2007-09-27 #28 Bryan Kariya – freshmanBryan Kariya, BYUCougars.com. #30 Isaac Taylor – seniorIsaac Taylor, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20080815101400/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2741 2008-08-15 Offensive linemen #53 Tom Sorensen††* – juniorTom Sorensen, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071011152800/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2773 2007-10-11 #56 Chris Muehlmann†† – seniorChris Muehlmann, BYUCougars.com. #59 John Pace†† – sophomoreJohn Pace, BYUCougars.com. #60 Terence Brown – sophomore Terence Brown, BYUCougars.com. #61 Mark Freeman – sophomoreMark Freeman, BYUCougars.com. #62 Lawrence Pico – freshmanLawrence Pico, BYUCougars.com. #63 Jesse Taufi – juniorJesse Taufi, BYUCougars.com. #64 R.J. Willing – juniorR.J. Willing, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071008102225/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=1428 2007-10-08 #65 Dallas Reynolds†† – seniorDallas Reynolds, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071011152906/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2462 2007-10-11 #66 Garrett Reden – 10px|Redshirt sophomoreGarrett Reden, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071010101357/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2769 2007-10-10 #67 Nate Hartung – freshmanNate Hartung, BYUCougars.com. #68 David Oswald†† – seniorDavid Oswald, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005823/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2393 2007-09-27 #70 Matt Reynolds† – 10px|Redshirt freshmanMatt Reynolds, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005739/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=3036 2007-09-27 #72 Nick Alletto – 10px|Redshirt sophomoreNick Alletto, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20080810022634/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2125 2008-08-10 #72 Jason Speredon – 10px|Redshirt sophomoreJason Speredon, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20080823172646/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2740 2008-08-23 #74 Travis Bright†† – seniorTravis Bright, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005325/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2115 2007-09-27 #75 Stetson Tenney – freshmanStetson Tenney, BYUCougars.com. #76 Ray Feinga†† – seniorRay Feinga, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071011152029/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2128 2007-10-11 #78 Brock Stringham – freshmanBrock Stringham, BYUCougars.com. #79 Ron Best – freshmanRon Best, BYUCougars.com. Punters/kickers #18 Justin Sorensen† – freshmanJustin Sorensen, BYUCougars.com. #26 C.J. Santiago†† – seniorC.J. Santiago, BYUCougars.com. #38 Mitch Payne†† – 10px|Redshirt sophomoreMitch Payne, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005859/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2736 2007-09-27  Tight ends #32 Dennis Pitta†† – juniorDennis Pitta, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005852/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2086 2007-09-27 #80 Kaneakua Friel – 10px|RedshirtFreshmanKaneakua Friel, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071008102225/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=1428 2007-10-08 #88 Andrew George – juniorAndrew George, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071010102735/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2463 2007-10-10 #96 Braden Brown – freshmanBraden Brown, BYUCougars.com. #96 Jonathan McCullough – sophomoreJonathan McCullough, BYUCougars.com. Quarterbacks #4 Kurt McEuen – 10px|Redshirt sophomoreKurt McEuen, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071011152502/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2732 2007-10-11 #6 Brenden Gaskins – juniorBrenden Gaskins, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071011152610/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2998 2007-10-11 #10 Stephen Covey – 10px|RedshirtFreshmanStephen Covey, BYUCougars.com. #13 Christian Stewart – freshmanChristian Stewart, BYUCougars.com. #15 Max Hall†† – juniorMax Hall, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20090402183950/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2761 2009-04-02 Tailbacks #10 J.J. DiLuigi – 10px|RedshirtFreshmanJ.J. DiLuigi, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071010102827/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=3024 2007-10-10 #33 Wayne Latu – juniorWayne Latu, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20080619033355/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2395 2008-06-19 #34 Tucker Lamb – freshmanTucker Lamb, BYUCougars.com. #44 Jerry Bruner – freshmanJerry Brauner, BYUCougars.com. #45 Harvey Unga†† – 10px|Redshirt sophomoreHunter Unga, BYUCougars.com. Defensive line #51 Matt Ah You – juniorMatt Ah You, BYUCougars.com. #52 Russell Tialavea†† – juniorRussell Tialavea, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005654/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2485 2007-09-27 #54 Kyle Luekenga – juniorKyle Luekenga, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005646/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2480 2007-09-27 #55 Solomone Kafu – freshmanSolomone Kafu, BYUCougars.com. #71 Rick Wolfley – 10px|Redshirt sophomoreRick Wolfley, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071010102711/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2777 2007-10-10 #77 Ian Dulan – juniorIan Dulan, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20081023165342/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2757 2008-10-23 #84 Jan Jorgensen†† – juniorJan Jorgensen, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071011152322/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2477 2007-10-11 #90 Bernard Afutiti – juniorBernard Afutiti, BYUCougars.com. #92 Brett Denney† – juniorBrett Denney, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005844/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=1411 2007-09-27 #93 Mosese Foketi – seniorMosese Foketi, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071010101924/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2758 2007-10-10 #94 Brock Richardson – seniorBrock Richardson, BYUCougars.com. #97 Tevita Hola – juniorTevita Hola, BYUCougars.com. #98 Justin Blackmore – freshmanJustin Blackmore, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20080809222726/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=6468 2008-08-09 #99 Victor Unga – freshmanVictor Unger, BYUCougars.com. (†)† (Returning) starter at position * Injured ** Suspended *** Transferred Linebackers #6 Daniel Sorensen – freshmanDaniel Sorensen, BYUCougars.com. #34 Jefferson Court – freshmanJefferson Court, BYUCougars.com. #35 Matt Bauman† – juniorMatt Bauman, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071010102907/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2215 2007-10-10 #37 Vic So'oto* – juniorVic So'oto, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071008103824/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2483 2007-10-08 #39 Grant Nelson* – 10px|Redshirt sophomoreGrant Nelson, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071011152936/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2136 2007-10-11 #39 Iona Pritchard – freshmanIona Pritchard, BYUCougars.com. #41 Coleby Clawson† – juniorColeby Clawson, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20080815093123/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=6358 2008-08-15 #42 Shawn Doman† – juniorShawn Doman, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071011153008/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2471 2007-10-11 #43 David Nixon †† – seniorDavid Nixon, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005905/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=1421 2007-09-27 #44 Dan Van Sweden – juniorDan Van Sweden, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071010102119/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=1425 2007-10-10 #45 Shane Hunter – sophomoreShane Hunter, BYUCougars.com. #46 Masi Tuitama – freshmanMasi Tuitama, BYUCougars.com. #47 Dustin Graham – freshmanDustin Graham, BYUCougars.com. #47 Terrance Hooks* – juniorTerrance Hooks, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20080408160323/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2473 2008-04-08 #48 Michael Alisa – freshmanMichael Alisa, BYUCougars.com. #49 Jadon Wagner – 10px|Redshirt freshmanJadon Wagner, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005830/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=3010 2007-09-27 #50 Spencer Hadley – freshmanSpencer Hadley, BYUCougars.com. #51 Matt Ah You – juniorMatt Ah You, BYUCougars.com. #57 Matt Putnam – 10px|Redshirt freshmanMatt Putnam, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20090627142705/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=3007 2009-06-27 #58 Jeff Bell – juniorJeff Bell, BYUCougars.com. Cornerbacks #4 Brandon Howard† – juniorBrandon Howard, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071010101813/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2474 2007-10-10 #5 Brandon Bradley† – 10px|Redshirt sophomoreBrandon Bradley, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071010102223/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2754 2007-10-10 #17 G Pittman*** – 10px|Redshirt freshmanG Pittman, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005403/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=3035 2007-09-27 #21 Scott Johnson* – juniorScott Johnson, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20080924195819/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2731 2008-09-24 Safeties #2 Shiloah Te'o – freshmanShiloah Te'o, BYUCougars.com. #16 Kellen Fowler†† – seniorKellen Fowler, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071010101710/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2752 2007-10-10 #22 Andrew Rich – sophomoreAndrew Rich, BYUCougars.com. #23 David Tafuna† – seniorDavid Tafuna, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005419/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2124 2007-09-27 #27 Jordan Pendelton – 10px|Redshirt freshmanJordan Pendelton, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071011152056/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=3034 2007-10-11 Defensive backs #7 Garett Nicholson – freshmanGarett Nicholson, BYUCougars.com. #12 Brannon Brooks – 10px|Redshirt freshmanBrannon Brooks, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071011152749/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=3023 2007-10-11 #18 Travis Uale – freshmanTravis Uale, BYUCougars.com. #19 Cameron Comer – freshmanCameron Comer, BYUCougars.com. #19 Rex Morgan – freshmanRex Morgan, BYUCougars.com. #24 Steven Thomas – 10px|Redshirt freshmanSteven Thomas, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20080815101418/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=3041 2008-08-15 #25 Gary Nagy – 10px|Redshirt freshmanGary Nagy, BYUCougars.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20071010101426/http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=3033 2007-10-10 #26 Ryan Love – freshmanRyan Love, BYUCougars.com. #29 Tana Uyema – freshmanTana Uyema, BYUCougars.com. #30 Blake Morgan – freshmanBlake Morgan, BYUCougars.com. #31 Jameson Frazier – freshmanJameson Frazier, BYUCougars.com. #31 Byron Putnam – freshmanByron Putnam, BYUCougars.com. Depth chart Edit + Defensive Starters FS Kellen Fowler Andrew Rich WLB BLB MLB SLB Coleby Clawson Shawn Doman Matt Bauman David Nixon Michael Alisa Matt Ah You Iona Pritchard Daniel Sorensen KAT/SS David Tafuna Shiloah Te'o BCB Brandon Bradley Andrew Rich LE NT RE Brett Denney Russell Tialavea Jan Jorgenson Matt Putnam Ian Dulan Matt Putnam FCB Brandon Howard Gary Nagy +Offensive Starters SE/XR Michael Reed O'Neill Chambers LT LG C RG RT Matt Reynolds Ray Feinga Dallas Reynolds Travis Bright David Oswald R.J. Willing Terence Brown Garrett Reden Jason Speredon Nick Alleto TE/YR Dennis Pitta Andrew George SB/HR Kaneakua Friel Reed White QB Max Hall Brenden Gaskins FL/ZR Austin Collie Luke Ashworth FB Fui Vakapuna Wayne Latu TB Harvey Unga J.J. DiLuigi +Special teams Kicker Mitch Payne orJustin Sorensen Punter C.J. Santiago Justin Sorensen DS John Pace (PK/FG)orChris Muehlmann (Punt) Holder Bryce Mahuika Austin Collieor Brenden Gaskins Kickoff cover unit Andrew Rich, O'Neill Chambers, Daniel Sorensen, Shiloah Te'o, Matt Bauman (or Iona Pritchard),Coleby Clawson, Kaneakua Friel, Jeff Bell, Bryan Kariya and Isaac Taylor KR O'Neill Chambers & Austin Collie PR O'Neill Chambersor Reed White Recruits Recruits joining the team this year include O'Neill Chambers and Justin Sorensen. Justin Sorensen was widely regarded as the best high school football kicker in the country last year with a record high 62-yard field goal and kickoffs that regularly go into the endzone and often through the goal posts. Awards and citations Outland Trophy Senior offensive linemen, Ray Feinga and Dallas Reynolds, were named to the 2008 Outland Trophy watch list.Ray Feinga and Dallas Reynolds named to the 2008 Outland Trophy watchlist, BYUCougars.com BYU boasts two previous Outland Trophy winners, defensive lineman Jason Buck (1986) and offensive lineman Mohammed Elewonibi (1989). Lott Trophy Jan Jorgensen was selected as a preseason candidate for the Lott Trophy's Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year.Jan Jorgensen selected as a candidate for the Lott Trophy, BYUCougars.com He is one of 42 preseason candidates being considered for the award. Bronko Nagurski Trophy Jan Jorgensen was named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy which is awarded to the best defensive player in college football.Jan Jorgensen on the preseason watchlist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, BYUCougars.com Ted Hendricks Award Jan Jorgensen is also a candidate for the Ted Hendricks Award presented to the premier defensive end in college football.Jan Jorgensen is candidate for the Ted Hendricks Award, BYUCougars.com Chuck Bednarik Award Jan Jorgensen is a candidate for the Chuck Bednarik Award. Maxwell Award Junior quarterback, Max Hall, was named on the preseason watch list for the Maxwell Award, given to the year's best college football player. Ty Detmer won the award at BYU in 1990. Davey O'Brien Award Max Hall is one of thirty-one quarterbacks named to the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award watch list.Max Hall on the watch list for the Davey O'Brien Award, BYUCougars.com The award honors the nation's best quarterback. Jim McMahon, Steve Young, and Ty Detmer (twice) have all won the award. Honored four times, BYU has earned more Davey O' Brien Awards than any other team. Walter Camp Award Max Hall was one of 35 candidates named on the watch list for the Walter Camp Award for the Player-of-the-Year.Max Hall on the watch list for the Walter Camp Award, BYUCougars.comDecember 2021 InternetArchiveBot yes In his first year as a starter in 2007, Hall was the nation's top sophomore quarterback in terms of passing yards. On the season, he completed 298-of-496 passes for 3,848 yards and 26 touchdowns. John Mackey Award Dennis Pitta is one of thirty tight ends named to the John Mackey Award preseason watch list.Dennis Pitta on the watch list for the John Mackey Award, BYUCougars.comJohn Mackey Award watch list, Nassau Sports. Fred Biletnikoff Award Junior Austin Collie is on the watch list for the Fred Biletnikoff Award. Dick Butkus Award Senior outside linebacker, David Nixon, is on the watch list for the Dick Butkus Award. Doak Walker Award Sophomore Harvey Unga is one of 42 of the nation's top college running backs named as a candidate for the Doak Walker Award.Harvey Unga on the watch list for the Doak Walker Award, BYUCougars.com Luke Staley won the award at BYU in 2001. All-America Team Candidates for the All-America team are Ray Feinga, Dallas Reynolds, Jan Jorgensen, Max Hall, Harvey Unga, Dennis Pitta and Austin Collie.NationalChamps.net All-Americans, ksl.com Fifty-three BYU players have earned 59 All-America citations including 11 consensus All-Americans and 21 Academic All-America citations.http://www.byucougars.com/football/history/all-american.jsp Fifty three BYU players have earned 59 All-America citations BYUCougars.com 2008-08-09 2008-06-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20080612112610/http://www.byucougars.com/football/history/all-american.jsp dead Harvey Unga earned Freshman All-America accolades last year.FWAA's 2007 Freshman All-America TeamRivals.com 2007 Freshman All-America Team All-Mountain West Conference Football Team (Pre-season) First Team Offense: Max Hall, Harvey Unga, Austin Collie, Dennis Pitta, Ray Feinga, and Dallas ReynoldsFirst Team Defense: Jan JorgensenSecond Team Offense:Second Team Defense:Offensive Player of the Year: Max HallHonorable Mention: http://themwc.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072108aai.html 2008 All-Mountain West Conference Football Team (preseason picks) 2008-07-24 themwc.cstv.com https://web.archive.org/web/20080724140120/http://themwc.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072108aai.html 2008-07-24 dead References 2 BYU Cougars Category:BYU Cougars football seasons BYU