BYU football notebook: Rodgers' brothers BYU defense's top concern

LAS VEGAS — BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said there's an important distinction to be made when it comes to describing, and defending, Oregon State's 5-foot-7, 190-pound sophomore running back, Jacquizz Rodgers.

"He's short but not small," Mendenhall said. "And there are players that are small and there are players that are short. He's short and very powerful and very fast and very quick. He has a unique combination of quickness, speed and power, all packed together."

Rodgers, who was the Pac-10 offensive player of the year in 2008, has rushed 255 times for 1,377 yards and 20 touchdowns this season.

The key for BYU's defense to contain Rodgers?

"All 11 players doing exactly what they're supposed to do, playing longer than what they're used to playing because he rarely goes down with the first tackler and the ball can go anywhere," Mendenhall said. "He runs for power straight ahead, then he can certainly cut back. He can bounce it, and he makes the first guy miss the majority of times. It will be a true collective effort."

The Cougars will also have to deal with Rodgers' brother, James, a star wide receiver, who has caught 87 passes for 1,004 yards and nine touchdowns.

BYU linebacker Coleby Clawson said the defense is up to the challenge, having carried momentum from its performances against Air Force and Utah last month.

"As a defense, we've prepared really well. We've watched a lot of film and we've been ready to play those last two opponents, Air Force and Utah. I think as a team, in general, coming off that (38-7) loss to TCU (on Oct. 24), we've been hungry to play and most of all we've been having fun, especially as a defense."

"Our defense has a lot of confidence right now," said defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen. "It's the confidence we'll need to go against that Oregon State offense. Those (Rodgers) brothers there are very good football players. We're going to have to bring our best to hold those guys down."

THIN IN THE SECONDARY: OSU senior right cornerback Tim Clark suffered a broken right leg in the Beavers' 37-33 loss to Oregon and will be sidelined for the Las Vegas Bowl.

Clark, who once shut down former Cal receiver — and Philadelphia Eagles star — DeSean Jackson, will be replaced in the lineup by sophomore Brandon Hardin.