"This isn't now just about winning football games. This is about improving as a program in all different kinds of circumstances," Mendenhall said. "Certainly, it's gratifying to win. But I would like to see a higher level of consistency, poise, maturity and resolve, regardless of circumstances around.

"There were times when it became not as sharp, more ragged, and I think that's the main thing because hostile environments and games we're going to be playing throughout a tough conference race we're going to have to be a little bit more poised and a little bit more execution-sound, no matter what the circumstances are."

MOVING UP THE CHARTS: With 132 receiving yards against USU, Collie has 2,235 career receiving yards, eclipsing Glen Kozlowski as No. 8 on BYU's all-time list. He needs just 133 more yards to go past Chris Smith, who stands at No. 7. Collie has surpassed the 100-yard receiving mark in each of his last three games.

THE KICKING GAME: Sophomore placekicker Mitch Payne hit a pair of field goals (from 45 and 21 yards, respectively) and he missed two (a 30-yarder and a 34-yarder that was blocked with 3:55 remaining in the game). BYU had attempted only two field goals in its previous four games this season.

INJURY UPDATE: Linebacker David Nixon and cornerback Scott Johnson each sustained leg contusions in the second half against Utah State. They'll be evaluated this weekend.

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E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com