Miracles Happen

3 seconds remained for the final play of BYU's season. Holding the narrowest of leads 17-16, BYU would need to make a play or go home with a disappointing loss. UCLA had the perfect set up for the game winning field goal. The ball was dead on in the middle of the field and just beyond the 10 yardline. The kicker had nailed two 50 yarders and another 22 yarder earlier, so he was warmed up to hit the 28 yard clincher. BYU had only blocked one field goal attempt all season, so they needed a miracle to pull this off. The snap came and BYU rushed everybody. Several guys broke through, but the Freshman Manumaleuna, who was one of the furthest guys back from the ball ,got his paw on it just enough to keep it from going through the uprights . The ball sailed wounded toward the goal post and fell just a couple feet short of the cross bar. BYU won!

UCLA outgained the Cougars, and shut down BYU's rushing attack. Hall, and the passing attack, were able move the ball well enough to put two touchdowns on the board and aid in another field goal. UCLA scored the only points in the second half on a field goal, and their only touchdown was aided by a BYU fumble with 19 seconds to play in the first half.

BYU finished off the year 11-2, and matched last years phenomenal record. BYU should stay ranked in the top 20 to end the year, and hope to obtain an early 2008 preseason ranking to help them on their way to a BCS run!

All but two of their impressive young offensive players will be returning. Allen, and Aulai are the only two Seniors leaving a group that should put up solid numbers for the next two years. Hall, Collie, Pitta, George, and So'oto are all Sophomores, and Harvey Unga is only a Freshman.

The one area that could take a lot of pressure and attention is the defensive side of the ball. 10 out of the 12 starters are leaving. All-Conference selection Jan Jorgenson, will anchor the D-line, along with outside linebacker David Nixon. As for the rest, two defensive lineman will be heading on missions, while the rest of the starting linebackers and defensive backs will be graduating.

Although there are a lot of key players leaving, there are a lot of talented back ups waiting to step into the spotlight, many of which have played quality snaps backing up the starters. Here are a few names to watch for:

Brett Denney: He played a lot toward the end of the season. He supposedly got a piece of the ball that Manumaleuna also blocked.

Terance Hooks: He is a big fast and physical linbacker that could be another leader of the defense.

Brandon Howard: He played behind Criddle and Buchanon. He is a quick cover corner. Another off-season of experience could turn him into a great fit.

Kellen Fowler: He admireably stepped into the safety spot after Gooch went down in the TCU game. many wondered if teams would be able to expose the BYU's secondary, but he helped keep things secure as they notched wins against Wyoming, Utah, and UCLA.