--QB Max Hall threw for 303 yards and two scores, but it was easily his worst -- and most frustrating -- game this season. He threw a couple of interceptions, continuing a trend of his last game of being too quick to throw into double- and triple-coverage. It was the first time in 11 games he's been picked off twice. He was also whistled late for an unsportsmanlike penalty. He pushed a Utah State defender in retaliation for what he deemed an unnecessary hit after rushing for a first down. He did, however, connect with seven different receivers while going 23-for-37.
--CB Brandon Bradley, who has found a niche as the fifth defensive back in a nickel scheme, scored BYU's first points when he scooped a fumble and ran 38 yards for a score. Bradley has been a hotly watched Cougar since joining the team a few seasons ago. He's from Florida and once signed with Louisville. A severe knee injury and other defensive backs and cut into his playing time. Bradley appears to be healthier and happier right now. "I can't even explain it," Bradley told the Provo (Utah) Daily Herald following the Utah State game of his score. "I haven't been in the end zone for a long, long time. I was happy to be out there. Once I had a chance to make a play, I picked it up and ran with it and did what I could so I couldn't get caught."
GAME BALL GOES TO: DE Brett Denney made a few tackles for loss early against the Aggies. He corralled fleet-footed USU QB Diondre Borel a couple of times, and that helped the Cougars control the game early.
KEEP AN EYE ON: Hall's interceptions and throwing tendencies. He's been off the past two games and hasn't seemed like quite the same player since he tied a school record against UCLA on Sept. 13 with seven touchdown passes. Wyoming and Utah State are hardly good defenses compared to a few he'll face (New Mexico, TCU and Utah), so he'll have to be smarter with the ball.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "They value the rivalry, and I think the community values the rivalry. To have it that spirited and heated with the margin the way it was right to the end I think is a positive thing for why we play this game." -- Coach Bronco Mendenhall, on what turned out to be a feisty Utah State team and fan base. The Aggies had the last two touchdowns and were driving for another when the game ended.
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