"For the game to end on a play like that, with that kind of surge and that kind of effort is unbelievable," Hall said. "It speaks a lot about our program and where we are going and the type of players that we have here. I don't think we could have gone out on a better play. I just think it was awesome for our seniors to end their season and careers like that."

Though his name is difficult to pronounce, Manumaleuna has suddenly become a household name for Cougar fans after securing a spot in BYU football lore. It was his last play for two years as he sets to depart for an LDS mission to Oklahoma City in January. Manumaleuna had planned to redshirt this season, but those plans changed when Russell Tialavea went down with a season-ending knee injury in August and he acquitted himself well at the noseguard position.

Throughout the season, other players suffered season-ending injuries and, for the most part, their backups picked up where they left off. It happened again in second-half of the Las Vegas Bowl, as offensive guard Travis Bright sustained a compound fracture of his leg. (Bright underwent surgery Saturday in Las Vegas and had a steel rod inserted in his leg. He was released Sunday and will recuperate at home in Arizona.) Center Sete Aulai was switched to guard and sophomore Tom Sorensen filled in admirably.

"Tom stepped right in and we kept going," Hall said. "Travis is obviously a big part of our offensive line and to see him go down was unfortunate. Hopefully he can get healthy for next year. To see Tom step in like that and prove he can play that position, knowing he'll probably play there the next two years is very comforting."

BYU's defense will have to replace a bevy of experienced players at linebacker and in the defensive secondary, but Denney is confident that the 'D' will solid next season.

"We have some young guys that will have to step up. We have the players. It's about executing and doing our thing," he said. "It doesn't matter who you are or where you are on the depth chart. You've got a part and a place to be. Coach Mendenhall expects the best out of us, no matter who it is on the team. When you're trying to do those things, even when you're not in the spotlight, then when the spotlight is turned on you, you're ready."

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E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com