BYU football: Kyle Van Noy, Cougar D take over in Poinsettia Bowl win

Published: Thursday, Dec. 20 2012 9:25 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

A stellar BYU defense compensated for an anemic offense as the Cougars scored two defensive touchdowns to defeat the San Diego State Aztecs, 23-6, in the Poinsettia Bowl on Thursday night.

SAN DIEGO — A stellar BYU defense compensated for an anemic offense as the Cougars scored two defensive touchdowns to defeat the San Diego State Aztecs, 23-6, in the Poinsettia Bowl on Thursday night.

Linebacker Kyle Van Noy scored twice, once on a forced fumble and recovery in the endzone and again on an interception return, to give the Cougars two of their three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

The Aztecs took a 6-3 lead into the fourth quarter, but BYU's defense foiled them again and again. The Cougars forced five Aztec turnovers in the game.

Quarterback James Lark had an inconsistent performance, but with Van Noy and the defense leading the way, he didn't need to do much. He finished 23-of-42 with 244 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions.

BYU punter Riley Stephenson also played a key role, pinning the Aztecs back several times and forcing them to take risks that led to turnovers.

Running back Jamaal Williams provided the lone offensive touchdown for the Cougars, a 14-yard scamper after defensive back Jordan Johnson recovered a fumble.

Email: lshumway@desnews.com; Twitter: TheShums

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toosmartforyou

Farmington, UT

Great Game!! And to think that SDSU was a Conference Champion, well, we see that an independent can be as good or better.

Two teams from the State of Utah went to bowl games this year. Two teams from the State of Utah WON their More..

9:33 p.m. Dec. 20, 2012
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spokaloo

Adin, CA

We do NOT need a new coach. Bronco is the most successful BYU coach in their first 8 years in the history of the program. We need a new OC and a new QB. BYU will sorely miss Bronco when he leaves. Bronco naysayers have very, very limited More..

10:11 p.m. Dec. 20, 2012
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JonnyDanger

HOUSTON, TX

So we beat the WAC champ, the MWC champ, the ACC division champ, and were three points from beating the potential national champs. For as terrible a year as it felt like much of the season, it really wasn't all that bad... I just never thought I More..

9:55 p.m. Dec. 20, 2012
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