Las Vegas Bowl:
BYU vs. Oregon State
Could be good, could be bad ... only one way to find out:
BYU is no stranger to the Las Vegas Bowl, as this will be their fifth straight appearance, going 2-2 against Pac-10 teams in the bowl. This game also has special implications for Cougar coach Bronco Mendenhall. Should BYU win this one, and he will be defeating the team he played for over 20 years ago. Oregon State has won five straight bowl games, but has to be disappointed they are not closing out their season in the Rose Bowl. BYU boasts a powerful, high-scoring offense that ranks 18th in the nation in total yards as well as 13th in the nation in both passing yards and points per game. The Cougars will expect big things from QB Max Hall who set a school record for victories by a QB at 31. Hall will be throwing to Tight End Dennis Pitta, who leads the team with 57 catches, 784 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Beavers' QB Sean Canfield looks to be equally impressive, after throwing 21 touchdowns, and leading the conference with 3,103 passing yards. BYU's rush defense needs to be on point, as they face a major problem in Beaver RB Jacquizz Rodgers, who ran for 1,377 yards and a school record 20 touchdowns ... as a sophomore. His older brother James led Oregon State in receptions with 87, and had 1,007 yards and 9 touchdowns. I've got to with Oregon State in this one. When BYU has been bad this season, it has been miserable. If QB Max Hall has a bad game, the Cougars have no chance. BYU would love to make a statement against a Pac-10 team, but they are up against Canfield and the Rodgers brothers. Close game, but the edge goes to the Beavers ... 31-30.