First-time starters effective for 'D'

PROVO — Two BYU defensive players made their first career starts on Saturday during the Cougars' 35-10 victory over Wyoming.

Safety Kellen Fowler and defensive lineman Brett Denney performed well, helping the BYU defense limit the Cowboys to 277 yards of total offense, one touchdown and 9 yards rushing.

Fowler, playing in place of Quinn Gooch, who suffered an ACL tear to his knee last week, recorded five tackles and had a six-yard tackle- for-loss against the Cowboys, while Denney, stepping in for an injured Ian Dulan, had three tackles, including one tackle-for-loss and a sack.

"I was just proud of them," said BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall. "It shows that the program is developing players that when they get the chance, they're able to come in and contribute. Not many people know about them, and maybe they're not the biggest or the fastest, but their position mastery, execution and commitment level is such that they can go in and help us win."

Even though he received most of the playing time during practice this past week, Denney didn't think much about his first start.

"I just prepared like it was a normal week," he said. "I've been progressing week by week, getting better and better. I've got a ton of room to go. It feels good to have two years left, good coaches and good players to play with."

Denney said BYU's depth is one of its strengths: "It's always a question mark when somebody gets hurt. It's good we have guys who are paying attention and can go in and do what they're supposed to do."

Cornerback Ben Criddle also saw time at safety in an attempt to give him some experience there. BYU has lost three starting safeties to injuries this season.

GOODIES BUT OLDIES? Wyoming defensive end Mitch Unrein gave BYU's offensive line props for the protection provided to Cougar quarterback Max Hall and holes opened for Harvey Unga. He did, however, take a shot at the BYU hogs' age.

"We couldn't get any pressure on them," said Unrein, a sophomore. "Those little missions, they sure help them a bit."

Unrein called the Cougars' the "biggest" line he's faced, "but I won't say they're the best."

Just so he can know who to call "Gramps" in the future, three of BYU's starting offensive linemen served LDS missions — juniors Dallas Reynolds, Travis Bright and David Oswald. Junior Ray Feinga played for BYU right out of Hunter High, and Sete Aulai, BYU's only senior up front, is a J.C. transfer who isn't LDS.