A new Era in BYU Football, Rivalry comeback in Vegas turned Vegas Bowl into high profile matchup

Kalani Sitake

Following its two year hiatus, the Holy War was back. In two weeks of upheaval the beloved in state match between the Utes and Cougars brought many to their feet. The lead up to the game was filled with turmoil. A mix of coaching changes, brutal conversation, and even question of preparation and desire to play have led the headlines.

Reports from ESPN, CBS college sports, and other credible sites mentioned the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl as the most intriguing match up of the bowl season. In rank of importance, the bowl game was ranked top 5 in the nation. Not only was the bowl game an in state rivalry, but the regional match had national attention as Bronco Mendenhall is sending his talents to the ACC and Virginia.

Unlike most bowl games, it started out with a horrid thud. The five consecutive drives leading to five consecutive turnovers left the stadium in mere silence.

The first quarter alone, lasting over an hour in total, had less than 100 yards of offense, and 35 points for the Utes. The defensive effort seemed almost unbearable as BYU fans began to leave the stadium before half-time. The said to be sell-out event could not have lost national attention any faster than a 35-0 whipping of state-foes.

In those first gut wrenching minutes of football, there is no way viewership could have sustained, and Cavaliers fans cheering from Virginia most certainly gasped for a fresh breath of air. Knowing Bronco Mendenhall and his overall drive for football and his Band of Brothers, there was going to be no quit shown. Following five posessions and five consecutive turnover drives, BYU, led by Tanner Mangum, continued slinging the ball down field.

Tanner Mangum

Under the guidance of Robert Anae, now offensive coordinator of the Hoos, BYU was not going to roll over. Mounting the highest quanitity of throws in a single game dating back to the Max Hall era, Tanner threw for 315 yards on 25/56 throws. Completing less than 50 percent of his throws, including 3 interceptions, it would have been the demise of any other FBS quarterback. But Tanner is not your average FBS quarterback. The former league of 11 MVP led the BYU offense on four scoring drives. The 28 points without an answer certainly drew new life in the cougars, whose final efforts fell short as Utah ran out the clock.

The tale of quarters was truly won by BYU, but overall outcomes are all that matter in college football. The Utes, frustrated by lack of offense fielded comments of amazement from reporters. Kyle Whittingham even stated on ESPN that such an outcome was 'ridiculous' considering the beginning of the game. Athletes on both sides of the ball backed their talk with the play on the field, including Bronson Kaufusi who led the BYU defense in the ferocious comeback.

By games end, ESPN had touted the comeback as coming up just short. The Bronco Mendenhall era was completed. The rivalry dust would finally be able to settle from the anger and hate that had so much driven it for 11 straight years.

Ty Detmer

Living up to every expectation, the game had ended yet again with a score as close as seven points or less. So what can we make of the Rivalry now? Tom Holmoe in his post game thoughts shared that him and new head coach Kalani Sitake have already spoken, the next game against the utes fall in September, no more than 5 months from now. The polynesian pipeline is alive and well in provo, and in a seemingly historical turn, the BYU program is back in the hands of a former Cougar, who, mind you, was coached by the great Lavell Edwards himself.

The years of suffering may not be over for BYU fans. However, seeking a major rising in national clout, the Cougars could not have made a better move. First, by mounting a miraculous comeback in their bowl game, and secondly by landing a star studded name as head coach.

Certainly BYU football has a lot to look forward to, and the new era is taking shape.