Cougar defense routs Duck offense

LAS VEGAS — Likely overlooked in the ESPN highlights and fans' subsequent reflections of the 2006 Las Vegas Bowl was the number that the BYU defense did on Oregon.

And that number would be "eight" — as in the Cougars holding the nation's eighth-best offense in total yards to a mere eight points in a 38-8 rout.

"We knew they had an explosive offense and that we had to contain them," said linebacker David Nixon. "They have great speed in all aspects of the game, and we held them to eight points."

Those eight points came on a 47-yard desperation-type heave from Oregon substitute quarterback Dennis Dixon to Brian Paysinger well into the fourth quarter and a two-point PAT run by Jeremiah Johnson.

Had the Cougars kept their opponents out of the end zone, the Ducks would have suffered their first shutout since a 63-0 shellacking by Nebraska in September 1985.

"I didn't hear very much about our defense, only about the No. 8-ranked offense this team had, but I think the story has turned," BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said.

All this from a defense that barely blitzed, content instead to sit back in zone coverage and read the Duck receivers.

"We weren't worried," said linebacker Aaron Wagner. "We were trying to be respectful — we knew they were a great offense that put up great numbers. But we knew we were a great defense that could play with anybody."

O-pressed Ducks

Comparing Oregon's per-game averages this season to their Las Vegas Bowl output against the Cougar defense:

    
            

        	
		
        
                
Avg.    Thurs.
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Points          31.2    8
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Total yards     436.8   260
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Rushing yards   234.7   94
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Passing yards   247     166
    
            

        	
		
        
                3rd down        49%     31%
    
            

        	
		
        
                

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