BYU football notebook: BYU Lineman Famika Anae's career over from injuries

PROVO — BYU offensive lineman Famika Anae's career ended just as it was getting started.

Anae made his first start last week at left guard against Hawaii and his physical presence had a huge impact on the Cougar offense. BYU rushed for 396 yards in its 47-0 blanking of the Warriors — its highest rushing total since amassing 410 in a 56-34 win over Colorado State in 2001.

Then, just prior to Friday night's game against Utah State, the school announced that Anae's days of playing football are expected to be over due to the cumulative effects of a variety of medical issues, primarily with his knee.

Anae has been hampered by injuries during his time at BYU. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the spring of 2010.

The 6-foot-6, 318-pound sophomore from Provo is the son of current Arizona assistant, and former BYU coach and player, Robert Anae.

Solomone Kafu, a 6-foot-2, 305-pound sophomore from Rio Linda, Calif., started Friday in place of Anae at left guard.

SCORELESS STREAK OVER: Entering Friday's game, BYU's defense had a streak of nine scoreless quarters going.

That streak was snapped with 34 seconds remaining in the first quarter when Utah State's Josh Thompson booted a 26-yard field goal. Prior to Thompson's field goal, the Cougar defense hadn't allowed an opponent to score since Utah's touchdown in the third quarter in Salt Lake City on Sept. 15.

Against Boise State and Hawaii, BYU's defense did not allow the opposing offenses to score.

FLAG-BEARERS: Quarterback Taysom Hill carried out the team flag prior to the game, while punter/placekicker Riley Stephenson carried out the special teams flag. Former Cougar linebacker Paul Walkenhorst (2000-04) carried out the alumni flag.

COLORFUL ATTIRE: BYU announced earlier in the week that next Saturday's game against Oregon State will be a "blackout." The Cougars will don all-black uniforms and fans are encouraged to wear black as well.

On Friday, BYU players sported pink on their shoes, wristbands, mouth guards and gloves in honor of those battling breast cancer.

SATURDAY FOOTBALL: One of the benefits of playing on Friday night, according to BYU senior offensive lineman Braden Brown, is the opportunity to watch college games on Saturday.

"I try to catch as many games as I can on Saturday," Brown said. "My wife is the one who actually pushes us to watch football games. It's a really good thing. I married well."

EXTRA POINTS: BYU wide receiver Cody Hoffman has now caught a pass in 25 consecutive games. He had seven receptions for 86 yards in the first half, and set up the Cougars' only touchdown in the first half … Utah State has outscored opponents 54-0 in the first quarter this season … BYU punter Riley Stephenson boomed a 57-yard punt in the first half, but he also missed an extra point. The Cougars' other placekicker, Justin Sorensen, had a 34-yard field goal attempt blocked.

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