BYU season in review: A storybook ending

PROVO — What a difference a year, and a strong finish, makes.

In 2000, BYU posted a 6-6 record and failed to qualify for a bowl game, but retired coach LaVell Edwards and the Cougars are — to borrow a familiar Edwards phrase — obviously pleased. And why not? BYU finished the season with two memorable victories, including the finale at Utah, as Edwards closed out his brilliant career.

"There's a much different feeling now than there was at the end of last season," Edwards said this week.

In 1999, BYU won eight games, claimed a piece of the conference championship and earned a trip to a bowl game. But because the Cougars wound up with three straight losses, there was frustration and bitterness.

Despite the many setbacks and disappointments suffered in 2000, it's likely that what people will remember most about Edwards' final team are those wins over New Mexico and Utah. "It was a storybook ending," said athletic director Val Hale. "LaVell's got a pretty big smile on his face these days. It's as though a big load has been lifted from his shoulders."

Of course, going into the season, Edwards knew his last one would be tough. The Cougars opened on the road in Jacksonville, Fla., for the Pigskin Classic against No. 2 Florida State, a team that likely will be playing for the national championship in January. Though BYU lost, it was encouraged by the fact that it held its own against the Seminoles in the second half.

Then came that improbable comeback at Virginia. Trailing 21-0 at halftime, the previously lifeless BYU offense, behind the arm of Bret Engemann, rallied to win, 38-35, in overtime. The sophomore quarterback passed for 447 yards (318 in the second half) and a pair of touchdowns.

But the game that many BYU players and coaches believe was the turning point of the season came the following week at Air Force. Way back in February, when the conference schedule was released, Edwards said that playing the Falcons on the road in the conference opener after back-to-back games on the East Coast would be trouble. He was right.

In the first half, the BYU offense more or less picked up where it left off at Virginia, scoring 20 first-half points. But toward the end of the second quarter, Engemann injured his ankle. Engemann remained in the game but was never the same. He managed to complete only 7 of 20 attempts for 54 yards in the second half. The Cougars turned the ball over on their final three possessions and lost the game, 31-23.