BYU football: Much in common 'Twin' opponents are out to prove something
Yes, No. 17 BYU (10-2) and Arizona (7-5), who collide tonight in the Las Vegas Bowl, have plenty in common.
"There are a lot of similarities," said Cougar coach Bronco Mendenhall. "You have two programs that have reached similar places."
Even statistically, the two teams are almost dead even. BYU scores 35.3 points per game and gives up 21.2, while Arizona averages 37.1 points while allowing 21.3.
If that weren't enough, there's familiarity, too. The Cougars and Wildcats have faced each other the previous two seasons, with the teams splitting the pair of games.
"It's fair to say we kind of have a history with each other. We know each other," said Wildcat wide receiver Mike Thomas. "We're kind of like two brothers playing against each other for a championship. It's going to be fun."
In keeping with that analogy, Thomas was asked if Arizona was the older brother. With some prompting from coach Mike Stoops, Thomas replied, with a smile, that the two teams are like "twins."
"A lot of the schemes, a lot of the plays are even the same," said BYU quarterback Max Hall. "What this is going to come down to is who can execute better, play with emotion and do the right thing. There are very similar things and it's going to be a great game."
This marks the Wildcats' first bowl appearance since 1998, and reaching this milestone has not been easy one for Stoops. He became a little emotional Friday when talking about that arduous journey.
"This has been a really unique team that I've really been appreciative of," Stoops said. "These guys have been through a lot of perseverance to get to this point and get over the hump. It's really gratifying to be here with these players. We've been through a lot and they've been here for me."
Mendenhall can relate. When the Cougars played in the Las Vegas Bowl in 2005, in Mendenhall's first year at the helm, it was the program's first bowl game in four years.
Recent comments
"Sorry BYU but Arizona takes this one".
Anonymous | 12:31
p.m....
Provo Dad | Dec. 20, 2008 at 11:51 p.m.
there are plenty of wealthy Utahns who can more than afford to...
Just an idea.... | Dec. 20, 2008 at 5:17 p.m.
I am so sick of hearing about next year-----I have heard this for...
BYU always next year | Dec. 20, 2008 at 2:59 p.m.
- US says sanctions possible for Iran 11:13 a.m.
- TCU stays 4th in AP; Y. 19th, U. 23rd 11:12 a.m.
- French, Afghan troops push on 10:47 a.m.
- In quieter Baghdad, bingo is back 10:45 a.m.
- Germans ID convert as terror suspect 10:44 a.m.
- Serb Patriarch Pavle dies 10:25 a.m.
- Palin's way of talkin' dissected 10:24 a.m.
- Sponsor for gay-rights bills found 9:53 a.m.
- Aggies beat Spartans in snowy Logan 4:31 a.m.
- TCU 55, Utah 28 4:24 a.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
359 - BYU happy to escape with victory
207 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
200 - TCU creams U.
166 - Will state consider gay rights law?
148 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
130 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
130 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - Celtics crush Jazz
104 - Sloan may toy with starting lineup
87
Erosion is happening and it is all due to global warming! Someone should...
Not trying to downplay the loss of beach sand, but historical research will...
Good luck at nationals!!
Anyone one that competes knows at the time when you have to bare down, when...
can say believe us don't believe your eyes and ears, they can twist and...
Get used to it. Unless we can get to a real conference TCU will rule the MWC...
I agree with much of what has been said. Both the Democratic party and the...
Why in the world should anyone pummel you for having a different point of...
Wow! The L.A. Times must be in a sweat about the upcoming wipe out of the...
I think its interesting to see how many BYU fans comment on this article. I...

