RECORD: 6-6 overall (5-3 MWC)
TEAM MVP: Curtis Brown. The junior running back led the team in rushing, was third in receiving and scored a team-high 16 touchdowns. He also has the most 100-yard rushing games in school history (11). Beyond that, he served as a leader, both on and off the field, for the Cougars. He talked the talk and he backed it up on his end with stellar play.
HIGH POINT: It came on the high plains of Laramie, when the Cougars defeated Wyoming, 35-21, and became bowl-eligible for the first time since 2001. The win was a significant one for BYU, capping a stretch that saw the Cougars win five of six games, beginning with a come-from-behind triumph at New Mexico.
LOW POINT: That came the week after the Wyoming win — a crushing overtime loss to Utah at home. The favored Cougars stumbled their way through the first half and dug a big hole for themselves. BYU could have clinched a winning season and halted a three-game losing streak to the Utes, but instead must live with what might have been.
KEY LOSSES: WR Todd Watkins, OL Lance Reynolds, OL Brian Sanders, DL Manaia Brown, DL Justin Maddux, DL Daniel Marquardt, DL Vince Feula, LB Paul Walkenhorst, LB Justin Luettgerodt, DB Spencer White, DB Nate Soelberg, KR Breyon Jones.
KEY RETURNEES: QB John Beck, RB Brown, TE Jonny Harline, TE Daniel Coats, OL Jake Kuresa, OL Eddie Keele, OL Dallas Reynolds, LB Cameron Jensen, DB Dustin Gabriel, DB Kayle Buchanan, K Jared McLaughlin, P Derek McLaughlin.
LOOKING AHEAD: First-year coach Bronco Mendenhall seems to have Cougar football pointed in the right direction with good leadership and vision. He guided BYU to its first non-losing season since 2001. The key is to sustain the improvement and return the program to winning seasons and bowl appearances on a yearly basis. The offense looks to be in good shape, with most of the key players returning while the defense needs immediate help, particularly in the secondary and on the line. BYU should be one of the favorites to win the Mountain West Conference championship in 2006.
Date Opponent Results
Sept. 3 Boston College L, 20-3
Sept. 10 E. Illinois W, 45-10
Sept. 24 TCU L, 51-50 (OT)
Oct. 1 at SDSU L, 31-10
Oct. 8 at New Mexico W, 27-24
Oct. 15 Colorado State W, 24-14
Oct. 22 at Notre Dame L, 49-23
Oct. 29 Air Force W, 62-41
Nov. 5 at UNLV W, 55-14
Nov. 12 at Wyoming W, 35-21
Nov. 19 Utah L, 41-34 (OT)
Dec. 22 California L, 35-28