PROVO — Amid a season that has seen BYU's running backs struggle to gain yards and pick up first downs, sophomore Michael Alisa burst onto the scene last Saturday.
And the Cougars may have found an answer to their rushing woes.
"We've been looking for a back to run between the tackles with the physical presence from the beginning of the season until now," said coach Bronco Mendenhall. "Mike has been so impressive on special teams and so impressive in practice that it appeared over time that he deserved an opportunity. Through his work, consistency and production, over the past six weeks, that gave him the opportunity and he made the most of it."
In 2008, as a freshman, Alisa played linebacker, recording 11 tackles, a forced fumble and a blocked kick. Then he went on a mission, and when he returned last spring, he was switched to running back. Going into last Saturday's game against San Jose State, Alisa had rushed three times for two yards.
In the Cougars' 29-16 win over the Spartans, he rushed for 91 yards on 16 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. "Averaging over five yards a carry is exceptional," Mendenhall said.
Just as impressive, six of Alisa's 16 rushing attempts resulted in a first down.
BYU would like to see the 6-foot-1, 213 pound Timpview product reprise that role throughout the rest of the season, which continues Saturday (2 p.m., MT, KBYU) at Oregon State.
"I love being able to run hard and get the first down," Alisa said. "(Running backs) coach (Joe) DuPaix has been talking to us a lot about driving our legs after contact and not going down on the first hit. That's what we focused on."
Sophomore running back Joshua Quezada also turned in his best rushing game of the season on Saturday with 47 yards on nine attempts. As a team, the Cougars amassed a season-best 224 yards on the ground.
"I'm glad we got the win," Alisa said. "I'm happy for the offense that we were able to establish a good running game."
Alisa's big game made a big impact on his team, Mendenhall said.
"It was really fun being on the sidelines and having the players, once they saw how hard he was running, that generated a lot of excitement and enthusiasm, not only for him but for the team. I think it affected the offensive line as well. I think they became more excited and really enjoying the game more and finishing blocks because of the way he was running the football and the physical presence he was showing."
"He's a really tough player. He works his butt off," said linebacker, and team captain, Jameson Frazier. "I'm really happy for the kid. He did some great things this past week. It was great to see him out there getting third-down conversions and doing some good things for our offense. His work ethic is visible in everything he does. It was just a matter of time, really. With the stable of running backs we have right now, we can do some good things."
"He ran hard. That's the biggest thing that I noticed," wide receiver McKay Jacobson said of Alisa. "He really stepped up. Our running game really helped us a lot. It really starts with our guys up front. Our offensive linemen did a good job opening up some holes. Mike's a strong runner and he did a good job."
Asked about his breakout game, Alisa gave the credit to the offensive line. "They did an excellent job up front, opening up big holes," he said.
Throughout the season, Alisa was patiently waiting for his chance to help the Cougar offense.
"I've just been working hard," he said. "Every opportunity I've had in practice, I've just tried to show the coaches that I want to play and that I'm aggressive. Luckily, I got a shot."
BYU's coaches told Alisa last week that he'd get more carries.
"They told me they were going to give me a few touches to see how I did," he said. "I just told myself that I would make the best of every opportunity that I was given."
It looks like Alisa could get many more opportunities this season to gain yards and pick up first downs.
Cougars on the air
BYU (4-2) at Oregon State (1-4)
Saturday, 2 p.m. MT
Reser Stadium, Corvallis, Ore.
TV: KBYU, Fox College Sports Pacific
Radio: 1160 AM, 102.7 FM
email: jeffc@desnews.com