BYU football: Hall, Unga etch names into the record books

PROVO — On a record-setting day, BYU turned in the kind of performance it desperately needed — one week after squeaking past lowly New Mexico and one week before its rivalry showdown with Utah.

In the No. 19 Cougars' 38-21 victory over Air Force on Saturday afternoon at LaVell Edwards Stadium, quarterback Max Hall etched his name into the record books, becoming the school's all-time leader in career victories with 30 — eclipsing former Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer.

And running back Harvey Unga, despite being hampered by an ankle sprain, became BYU's all-time leading rusher, surpassing Curtis Brown.

The Cougar offense set the tone early and Hall torched an Air Force squad, which entered Saturday's game ranked No. 1 in the nation in passing defense, for 377 yards through the air along with five touchdown passes.

For its part, the BYU defense forced four Falcon turnovers against a team that had turned the ball over only seven times all year before Saturday.

Put it all together, and it was a big win for the Cougars.

"We limited big plays and made (Air Force) drive the ball on us. Everyone just played hard all around," said BYU safety Andrew Rich, who recorded two interceptions, seven tackles and a pass break-up. "When the offense plays well and puts up points against a team like Air Force that has to run the ball, it puts them in situations they're not comfortable with. Credit to our offense for putting points up early."

BYU jumped out to a 24-0 lead and cruised from there. The Cougars improved to 9-2 overall and 6-1 in Mountain West Conference play, while the Falcons fell to 7-5 and 5-3.

"BYU played exceptionally well today," said Air Force coach Troy Calhoun. "They came out as a greased-up, physical team, and their execution was exceptional. For us to win a game like this, we have got to be at top-notch level. I think we can be a program that is capable of winning games like this, so we have got to take this game and learn from it."

Unlike last week in Albuquerque, the Cougars played with passion — and it showed.

"In New Mexico, it was a little rough," Unga said. "We weren't having as much fun as we should have been. We tried to make that an emphasis today to play poised and confident and just play a fun football game."

BYU started fast, taking the opening kickoff and marching all the way down to the Air Force 15. But a Hall touchdown pass to Dennis Pitta was nullified due to a pass interference call on wide receiver Spencer Hafoka. The drive ended when Mitch Payne's 47-yard field goal attempt was blocked.

The Cougars got on the scoreboard on their next possession on a 49-yard Payne field goal.