Controversial Win?

ESPN's Opinion of BYU's Last Second Victory of Washington

If you watched ESPN's Sportscenter yesterday, you probably saw the clip I have posted above. It seems that the ESPN analysts and others feel that BYU's win over Washington was given to them by the officials.

They say that somehow the outcome would have been different had the officials not flagged Jake Locker for throwing the ball in the air. I guess they are right. BYU would have blocked the PAT from the 2.5 yard line and still would have won.

Okay, let's talk about the rules. Here is what it says.

"After a score or any other play, the player in possesion immediately must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead-ball spot.

This prohibits: ...
(c) Throwing the ball high in the air."

Take a look at the video. Jake Locker clearly throws the ball into the air. It is not simply throwing the ball over his shoulder, like some of the analysts are claiming. He throws it at least 10 feet in the air. If that is not considered "high in the air" then I don't know what is. It is clear that Jake Locker violated the rule. That can't be disputed. If you don't like the rule, take it up with the NCAA at the end of the season, because nothing is going to be changed mid-season.

As for the outcome of the game, I have already said that it might have changed how BYU won, but not necessarily that BYU won. Let's not forget that BYU won the Las Vegas Bowl last December with a last second field goal block. The team is capable of winning a game by blocking a kick. The official's call did no create an automatic blocked field goal for BYU.

Also, Field goals are made from 35 yards out on a regular basis. It's can't be argued that the official's call made the PAT an impossible task. Yes, it was more difficult, but let's remember that BYU was the one that blocked the field goal. It was not like the Washington kicker muffed the kick. Had BYU not blocked it, odds are in favor of it going in for Washington. Like I said before, 35 yard field goals are made on a regular basis in college football.

Let's get over this dumb controversy. The officials made the right call. Like it or not, the officials did make the right call. Jake Locker clearly celebrated. It is sad that a game had to end with such a call, but it did. And no one is to blame but Locker.

Another Blocked Kick Keeps BYU in the Running for the BCS

This is the second time in their last three games that BYU has blocked a kick at the end of the game to produce a win. With two seconds left on the clock BYU defensive end, Jan Jorgensen, blocked Washington's PAT that would have tied the game and sent it into overtime. The previous play, Washington quarterback, Jake Locker, ran it in from three yards out, making the score 28-27.

“I asked (Assistant Coach) Paul Tidwell if there was any chance they would have the nerve to fake it and he said, ‘there’s always a chance.’” Mendenhall said. “So I said, ‘all out rush.’ And the players nodded like they believed they could block it. They were smiling, just like they were against UCLA.”

Today's win not only was monumental to the Cougars because it keeps their BCS hopes alive, but also because BYU has not beaten a non-conference road game since 2002. This was the hurdle that BYU needed to surpass this year to prove to the nation that they are ready for the BCS. Over the years they have been critized about the non-conference road record. Today's game was tough, but they pulled it off. In a post game interview, Bronco Mendenhall, commented, "What I don't do is ever doubt these players. When it comes down to it, they find a way to win and that's why they are having the success they are."

BYU's offense operated just like they normally do. Max Hall threw for 339 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, the offense (with the help of Harvey Unga) racked up 143 yards rushing. Total yards passing and rushing yards for this game was 482.

Player of the Game
Harvey Unga racked up 167 yard with 22 carries and 5 catches. Unga did not score this game, but provided the means of many touchdowns. When Washington found somewhat of an answer for BYU's passing attach, Unga kept the defense honest. They had no answer for his power running.

Areas of Improvment
The ball security problems from last week appeared to to by resolved. BYU only fumbled the ball once, and it was forced. This week's area of improvment with be the defense. Although they played well, they allowed more points than they should have. Washington's quarterback, Jake Locker, was allowed to run with the ball whenever he couldn't find a reciever open.