BYU football: Andrew George still having fun

PROVO — From witnessing the birth of his son on the eve of the New Mexico game, to scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime to propel BYU to a dramatic 26-23 victory over Utah, the past month has been both joyous and surreal for tight end Andrew George.

"It's definitely not something you plan on all happening at one time. But it's been a great month," said the senior from Englewood, Colo. "I had those two things happen, and I've had family around a lot. It's really hard to describe the emotions I've had the past month, but I definitely wouldn't change the last month for anything, and the way it kind of happened was a lot of fun."

George is hoping the fun times aren't over yet. BYU faces Oregon State in the Maaco Bowl Las Vegas (6 p.m., ESPN) on Dec. 22, and he's eyeing another victory to close out his Cougar career.

"Winning that last game is huge," he said. "I think it builds momentum going forward, not only for the team for next year, but also personally. It builds confidence. It's important. I don't want to go out with a loss, definitely."

After spending most of his career overshadowed by his teammate, All-America tight end Dennis Pitta, George's big moment came on second-and-10 from the 25-yard line in overtime against the Utes.

Quarterback Max Hall threw a strike between two Utah defenders to George, who secured the ball, immediately turned and raced untouched into the end zone — touching off a wild celebration on the field.

In the third quarter, George had an 18-yard reception to the one-yard line, setting up a touchdown that put the Cougars up, 20-6.

Former BYU and Pro Bowl tight end Chad Lewis, who worked with George and Pitta last summer, said both of those catches "displayed the hard work he's put in during his career. During the summer, we worked on the double-move he put on (Ute linebacker Stevenson) Sylvester, which got him open on that second catch. On both plays, he caught the ball securely, and he turned so quickly and turned straight upfield.

"As a tight end, I can totally appreciate it. To someone who just likes football, those are cool plays. But to me, there was so much that went into them. It showed what he learned from (offensive coordinator) Robert Anae. It was a perfect way for him to end his last game at LaVell Edwards Stadium."

Since the memorable catch-and-run against Utah, which will live forever in rivalry lore, George is still relatively anonymous. And he likes it that way.