BYU football notes: Cougars impressed by Huskies' QB

SEATTLE — BYU's defense knew it had a tough challenge going up against Washington's Jake Locker.

Coach Bronco Mendenhall said the Cougars devised three different plans, including applying pressure and dropping eight players, to slow down the sophomore quarterback.

"None of which were dominant," he said. "I'm not sure there is an effective plan when you don't match up athletically. We used every weapon we thought we had."

After the Cougars' 28-27 win over the Huskies, they had even more respect for Locker, who had 18 carries for 62 yards and two touchdowns. He also completed 17 of 32 passes for 204 yards, including a 48-yard TD pass in the second quarter. BYU also sacked Locker four times.

"I can't say enough about that kid," said Cougar defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen. "We'd take him on our team any day. Not over (quarterback) Max (Hall). (Locker) could play any other position, I'm sure."

Jorgensen added it was frustrating trying to contain Locker. "He is amazing. You think you have a sack on that guy and he's able to squeeze around and go. It's hard to play like someone like him."

Locker kept Washington's final drive alive when he converted on a fourth-and-10 play by scrambling for a 13-yard gain. He later led the Huskies to the three-yard line, where he skirted outside and burst into the end zone for a touchdown.

That made the score 28-27 with two seconds remaining in the game. But after scoring, Locker tossed the ball heavenward in celebration and the official's yellow flag was thrown to the turf. That 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty moved Washington's extra point attempt — to potentially tie the game — back to the 35-yard line. Jorgensen blocked the PAT attempt to lift BYU to victory.

Following the game, referee Larry Farina explained the penalty.

"After scoring the touchdown, the player threw the ball into the air and we are required, by rule, to assess a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. It is a celebration rule that we are required to call. It was not a judgment call."

The rule book states that throwing the ball in the air in celebration is a penalty.

Said Mendenhall of the call: "I didn't see it. But I do know this — throughout the entire game, there were all kinds of plays on both sides. That was the most visible play. Celebration is a penalty. Whether it was or not, I didn't see it. But if it was, it should have been called. Even if it was our team, it should have been called."

Penalty aside, the Cougars were impressed with Locker.

"I credit (Locker) for the courage, effort, playmaking ability and for leading his team," Mendenhall said. "They have a bright future with him in that position."