PROVO — Following Tuesday's practice, BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said his team is practicing as well as it has been all season.

"All the way from the time after our game against TCU, our practices are even better than what they were prior. This team practices really well," he said. "They're optimistic, they're playing hard and they're playing very physical."

The Cougars feel a sense of urgency in the wake of an embarrassing 38-7 loss to the Horned Frogs back on Oct. 24.

"Anytime you're faced with adversity, you're faced with a choice. I think that's part of it," explained Mendenhall. "I think seeing the close of the season getting closer, it's almost like running the 400 meters. You finish that last bend and it's not easy, but the tape is close and you dig down deep ... The end is in sight — I think that motivates a lot of people. There's a lot to play for still."

Quarterback Max Hall said he and his teammates are motivated to finish the season strong.

"We're going to give it everything we've got," Hall said. "I know I will because I only have a few more college football games left in my career, then I'm done. Every game from here on out is going to be everything I've got, win or lose. I'm going to leave it on the field."

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