BYU football notebook: Florida St. snaps Y.'s home streak

PROVO — Florida State's 54-28 victory over No. 7 BYU Saturday marked the Cougars' first loss at home since the end of the 2005 season, halting an 18-game home winning streak.

"I'm disappointed that the streak stopped, but more disappointed that we didn't play at the caliber I was hoping that we would play," said coach Bronco Mendenhall. "I ask our team, and hope to prepare our team, to play our best games at home and I don't think we did that today by any means."

"It definitely hurts, losing a game like this, especially at home," said linebacker Terrance Hooks. "One of our goals is not losing at home. We definitely let ourselves down."

The last time BYU fell at home was in November, 2005, when Utah defeated the Cougars in overtime, 41-34.

The loss was the worst at home for BYU since a 58-13 setback to Colorado State in 2003. Earlier that season, the Cougars were smashed by Boise State, 50-12.

INJURY UPDATE: BYU senior safety Scott Johnson did not play Saturday after suffering a concussion last week at Tulane. He was replaced in the lineup by true freshman Craig Bills.

Hooks said the Cougars missed Johnson out there on Saturday.

"Bills is a great player, but there's nothing like an experienced senior safety who can make calls and has been in the program for a long time," he explained. "It definitely was a loss. It definitely hurt us, but that's no excuse for our loss tonight."

The Cougars also sustained a big blow to their defense when nose tackle Russell Tialavea went down with a knee injury in the first half. The on-field examination by doctors indicated that he has an ACL injury. He is scheduled for an MRI today to confirm the extent of the injury.

Tialavea has already received a mission call to Chile. He pushed back the start of his mission by a few weeks in order to play this season. He is scheduled to enter the Missionary Training Center at the end of December.

BOWDEN'S IMPRESSIONS: Bowden enjoyed his first trip to Provo in more ways than one.

Not only did his team record an impressive victory, but he enjoyed the scenery.

"I had never been here before. But now I know how they are able to get people to come here," Bowden said. "This is such a beautiful place. Before all I saw when I thought Utah was snow."