BYU 38 Oregon 8

I want to take a moment and acknowledge the amazing season BYU finished by beating the Pac-10's Oregon University in the Las Vegas Bowl. I cannot even put into words how amazing this season has felt.

Since 2001 I have been a part of BYU football and never have I seen such a great effort by the players under Coach Mendenhall. Through the 2004 season I was quite disappointed at BYU's performance under Coach Crowton. As soon as I heard the grounds for firing Crowton and the plans for Mendenhall to return BYU to its winning tradition, I knew that we were on the right track.

Through the 2005 season I watched in satisfaction as the cougars steadily improved under the new conductor. I was pleased that the problems which pestered the BYU team of the Crowton era were changing with discipline and strong leadership. I became endeared to the team as they committed to their spiritual heritage. Asking for the help of the Lord and exercising the same faith that made them worthy to come to BYU, the blessings were poured out on them. Finishing 2005 barely .500 did not bother me at all; I could feel they were headed in the right direction.

As the 2006 season began, I was troubled that the first two games were frustrating losses, but I knew that they were learning experiences that would be used during the conference schedule. Sure enough, those games proved to be motivation for the rest of the season.

The real breakthrough for BYU was the win against TCU. It was just the victory they needed. There was no looking back. I was amazed at the focus they held entering each and every game. As they entered the Las Vegas bowl, I knew they would have nerves, but I also knew that they would be prepared and focused as they had proven all season.

What a fantastic game and an end to an equally amazing season. Now as the season has ended, the players can look back at their efforts with pride and satisfaction; yet I feel BYU will be looking more to the future as their prospects for next season are endless. Amazing recruits? Another winning season? Another ranking in the top 25? Absolutely. Way to go Cougars!