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BYU football: Craig Bills hit sets early tone for BYU defense in first half against San Diego State

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By Dick Harmon, Deseret News

Published: Thursday, Dec. 20 2012 9:45 p.m. MST

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Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Kyle Van Noy (3) celebrates a tackle on San Diego State Aztecs running back Adam Muema (4) during the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012.

Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Summary

In a first half in which BYU's defense gave up yards but only two field goals, safety Craig Bills set the tone. SDSU led the Cougars 6-3 at halftime. It could have been 21-3.

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BYU's defense gave up early yards to SDSU sensational running back Adam Muema, but the Aztecs failed to score a touchdown in a first half they dominated.

Some of the credit for BYU's defense early in the Poinsettia Bowl goes to safeties Craig Bills and Daniel Sorensen, who made a lot of tackles on a slippery turf in which SDSU had a lot of success gaining big yards.

But it was Bills' hit on SDSU receiver Colin Lockett at the goal line that appeared to wake up BYU's defense in the first quarter. SDSU led the Cougars 6-3 at halftime. It could have been 21-3.

Bills caught Lockett running a post pattern with the ball headed for his hands when he lowered his shoulder and took Lockett right off his feet. Lockett did not get up for three minutes as officials directed Aztec trainers to the field. He walked off under his own power and returned to the game.

The turf in Qualcomm Stadium was a factor for both teams. A myriad of players lost their footing through the game on slips and slids and failed to make plays due to poor footing.

Dick Harmon, Deseret News sports columnist, can be found on Twitter as Harmonwrites and can be contacted at dharmon@desnews.com.

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  • Video highlights: BYU downs SDSU in Poinsettia Bowl

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Featured Comments

See all 3 comments »
worf
Mcallen, TX

Two needs for next year:

1. An offensive line
@. A field goal kicker

Great game! Even Chris B was impressed.

  • 10:45 p.m. Dec. 20, 2012
  • Top comment
Y Grad / Y Dad
Richland, WA

Ah, I felt that one all the way in South Central Idaho.

Man it's nice to have your games on ESPN, can I just say that?

  • 10:23 p.m. Dec. 20, 2012
  • Top comment
Rockarolla
West Jordan, UT

Good ole' smash mouth football

  • 9:46 a.m. Dec. 21, 2012
  • Top comment
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About the Author
Dick Harmon

Dick Harmon

Dick Harmon is a columnist for the Deseret News with a focus on college athletics. He previously worked as executive sports editor, sports columnist, city editor and police reporter for the Provo Daily Herald for 26 more ..

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