Jorgensen said defenders get so focused on keys to stop the option that they come off and hit a reverse and it's tough.

"Coach Mendenhall always has a great scheme for stopping the option. He does a great job of getting us ready to stop it."

Jorgensen said BYU has needed big performances the last few weeks, and the win over the Falcons just adds to the buildup and momentum for a solid finish.

Since losing to TCU in Fort Worth on Oct. 16, they've gone 4-0, including two road wins.

"I think we've proved we are fighters," said Nixon. "Since that TCU loss, we've come together and worked hard. We played hard today. We played with emotion. We made plays out there and we won.

"That says a lot about the players on this team; no matter what outsiders say about us, this is a very good football team."

The Cougars played AFA without two starters and a key reserve. At the end of the game, two other starters were sidelined with injuries. Starting inside linebacker Shawn Doman (appendix) and reserve linebacker Daniel Sorensen (ankle) both stayed home. Starting left guard Ray Feinga suffered back spasms early and sat out most of the game. Starting corner Andrew Rich left the game with a concussion in the fourth quarter, and starting tight end Dennis Pitta also left in the third quarter with a mild MCL sprain in his left knee.

Matt Ah You replaced Doman and R.J. Willing played for Feinga. Brandon Howard filled in for Rich and had a key late-game interception.

"Ray's the starter, but R.J. is ready to go and has had enough reps," said offensive line coach Mark Weber. "R.J. played almost the whole game and he had a few mistakes, like all the guys did, but he did a tremendous job coming into a very difficult situation. We expected him to come in and step up when called upon, just like others have done."

Weber said BYU's win was a quality venture.

"We made plays on both sides of the ball and in critical situations," he said. "This was a fun game."

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E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com