BYU football: Much in common — 'Twin' opponents are out to prove something

LAS VEGAS — The two head coaches are no-frills, defensive-minded men who are laboring tirelessly to restore glory to their respective programs. The two offensive coordinators were both previously employed at Texas Tech. The two teams are yearning for national respect and highly motivated to capture one more victory this season.

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."

The Wildcats' offense is guided by Sonny Dykes, while Robert Anae is the Cougars' offensive coordinator. They won't be confused as twins, but their play-calling mirrors each other.

"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.

"It's been really fun to watch and play against Arizona the past number of years and see the growth and progress happen," he said. "Having gone through something similar at BYU, I think you'll see two teams that are very anxious to play and thrilled to be in this game."