Crowton reunites with former players

LAS VEGAS — An hour prior to kickoff of the Las Vegas Bowl, Gary Crowton paced the field at Sam Boyd Stadium, greeting some former colleagues from BYU.

But when the game was over, it was a forgettable one for Crowton, who coached the Cougars from 2001-04. BYU whipped the Ducks, 38-8, Thursday night at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Ever a competitor, there's no doubt Crowton craved a victory against the Cougars.

"He's the same guy when it comes to any game that he plays. I'm sure he wants to win this game just as much as any game we've played," said Duck senior tight end Dante Rosario before the game. "But I think he's enjoyed seeing his old players and coaching staff that he used to be associated with."

Crowton resigned under pressure after three losing seasons in Provo, but landed in Eugene.

"He's never seen a play on paper that's not going to go for a touchdown," Rosario said. "He's very optimistic. When he came into this program, that's exactly what we needed on the offensive side of the ball. He's always thinking positively, always thinking down field."

BYU quarterback John Beck enjoyed seeing his former mentor this week.

"It was great to see coach Crowton because he is a good friend of mine and he always will be," he said. "He's not only a great coach, but he's a great person. I've learned so much for him and I'll always have a tremendous amount of respect for him as long as I live. He's always going to be someone I can go to ask things about football because he is so knowledgeable. I'm sure Oregon has learned that as they have one of the top offenses in the nation. Coach Crowton is an offensive genius. The things I've learned from him I'll always hold because it means so much to me."

BROWN HITS 1,000-YARD MARK: With a 120-yard rushing performance in the Las Vegas Bowl, BYU's Curtis Brown eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the season. The senior finished with 1,010 yards in 2006. The all-time leading rusher in school history gained 1,123 yards last season.

INJURY REPORT: BYU freshman wide receiver McKay Jacobson suffered a fractured clavicle in the first half and did not return to action. He caught two passes for 26 yards in the first half. It was Jacobson's final game in Cougar uniform for two seasons as he is set to depart for a mission to Japan in January.

BIG CROWD: The announced crowd of 44,615 was the largest crowd in Sam Boyd Stadium history and Las Vegas Bowl history. It was reportedly also the largest crowd to witness a team sport in the state of Nevada.

---

E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com