By Stephenson Beck
Thanks to quarterback Brandon Doman, BYU head coach LaVell Edwards will retire undefeated at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Making his first collegiate start, Doman completed 21-of-35 passes for 349 yards, leading BYU to a 37-13 victory over New Mexico Saturday night, Nov. 18, in LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Doman also led the team with 56 rushing yards.
“I had a hunch he would play well,” Edwards said.
Doman’s mobility was a welcome addition to the offense, as he demonstrated midway through the third quarter.
Following defensive tackle Hans Olsen’s fumble recovery, BYU had the ball on New Mexico’s 20-yard line.
Two plays later, Doman broke three tackles and ran eight yards into the end zone, making the score 31-13.
“He’s a gamer,” receiver Ben Horton said. “He had a chance to play and showed he could.”
The Cougars accumulated 512 yards of total offense. The 37 points scored were the most New Mexico has allowed this season.
Seniors Margin Hooks, Jonathon Pittman, Tevita Ofahengaue and Ben Horton, playing in their final home game, combined for 13 catches for 242 yards.
“It’s sad to say, but the second to last game of the year BYU finally showed up,” Horton said.
Kicker Owen Pochman set a school record with his 56-yard field goal at the end of the second half, increasing BYU’s lead to 17-10.
“The thing that makes it even more impressive is the fact that LaVell is very conservative,” said assistant coach Chris Pella. “That he let him try it was a good sign. And he can kick them farther than that.”
The Cougar defense took over in the second half, allowing only 101 yards and a field goal.
Safety Jared Lee led the way with nine tackles and defensive end Setema Gali, Jr. had a sack for the Cougars.
The victory improved the Cougars’ record to 5-6 heading into their season finale. New Mexico finished its season with a 5-7 record.
BYU wraps up its season Friday against the University of Utah.
See related story:
Cougar stadium renamed 11/19/2000
