BYU football: Mendenhall not surprised by fourth-and-one decision

PROVO — BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall's longstanding friendship with New Mexico coach Rocky Long is well-documented. They know each other well.

That's why Mendenhall was not surprised when Long opted to go for it on fourth-and-one from the Lobos' 15-yard line midway through the first quarter in the Cougars' 21-3 victory Saturday.

On that play, the Lobos handed the ball to running back Rodney Ferguson, who burst through the line for a five-yard gain and a first down.

When Long made the decision, Mendenhall's assistants called it gutsy. But Mendenhall was not caught off-guard by the move.

"They have nothing lose coming into this game," Mendenhall explained. "They wanted to demonstrate they could run the football. That was the most clear explanation of what they were planning to do. They believed they could run it. The first chance, in a critical situation they had, that's what they did and they got the first down. That set the tone."

UNM had rolled up more than 600 yards on the ground in its previous two games and the Lobos were effective in holding on to the ball against BYU's defense. But in the end, they totaled just 130 yards rushing. Ferguson finished with 86 yards on 24 carries.

New Mexico had thrown for only 88 yards in its previous two games and accumulated 155 through the air against BYU.

"They didn't start throwing the ball downfield until they knew that we were in control of the game," said Cougar defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen.

HOOKS, REED BACK: Linebacker Terrance Hooks, who went down with a knee injury during spring ball, saw his first action in a game this season. "He adds an emotional component to our team," Mendenhall said. "To get him in there was nice."

Also, wide receiver Michael Reed, who missed the past two games after undergoing knee surgery, returned to the lineup. He caught three passes for 23 yards, including a 16-yarder on BYU's first offensive play of the game.

"He's integral to our team," Mendenhall said. "He's one of the most consistent players on our team and has earned that with how long he's been on our team."

Reed went down early in the third quarter and was attended by team trainers. Mendenhall said Reed just had the wind knocked out of him.

AS A RANKED TEAM: BYU is now 144-41 when nationally ranked in the top 25. Dating back to 2006, the Cougars have won 13 straight games while being nationally ranked.

FLAG-BEARERS: Linebacker Matt Bauman was selected to carry the team flag onto the field Saturday for BYU. The alumni flag was carried by former Cougar defensive lineman Chris Hoke.

EXTRA POINTS: Quarterback Max Hall's passing efficiency against New Mexico was 159.29 ... Jorgensen recovered a fumble Saturday, marking the Cougars' 12th recovered fumble this season. BYU had only four fumble recoveries last season ... The Cougars have now won 16 straight games overall, 16 consecutive home games and 18 conference games in a row.

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