BYU football: Hall caps career in blaze of glory

LAS VEGAS — As BYU senior quarterback Max Hall was writing the final chapter of his career Tuesday at the Las Vegas Bowl — a 44-20 triumph over No. 16 Oregon State that capped another 11-2 campaign — fans and observers were left to wonder about his place in Cougar football history.

In his three years as a starter, Hall won more games (32) than any other Cougar QB. He's only the second quarterback, along with Jim McMahon, to lead BYU to two bowl victories.

Yet some may point out that he won just one Mountain West Conference championship and failed to lead the Cougars to a Bowl Championship Series berth.

To coach Bronco Mendenhall, Hall's performance (19-of-30 passing for 192 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions) against the Beavers, which earned him the bowl's MVP honors, this victory in the Las Vegas Bowl speaks volumes and should leave a lasting impression.

"If Max had to be judged by any one game, I'd use this one," Mendenhall said. "You saw some of the hits that he took, you saw the way he led our team to a convincing victory on this stage.

"My hope is if there are comments (about Hall), they would be based on this football game and how he responded and then it can be substantiated by being the winningest quarterback in BYU history, if there's anyone looking for other evidence that this wasn't enough."

At the same time, Mendenhall added, this effort wasn't much different from the slew of other performances by Hall during his time in Provo.

"This is just the next manifestation of a great player, a great quarterback and a great person," said Mendenhall, explaining the only difference in this one was that more people were able to watch Tuesday's contest because it was on national television.

Some may remember Hall for his inflammatory statements about Utah after BYU beat the Utes, 26-23 in overtime, last month — which, for a time, overshadowed his 25-yard, game-winning touchdown pass to Andrew George.

But Hall's teammates say they will remember his contributions to the program. They were thrilled with the way he played in his final game as a Cougar.

"I feel great for Max. He's taken a lot of flak, most of it undeserved," said senior defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen. "I couldn't be happier for him. If there was anybody that I wanted to be the MVP and have a great game, it was Max."