For the first time in weeks, the Cougar offense didn't seem like it was sleep-walking through the first part of the game.

"I felt like we started strong," wide receiver Austin Collie said. "Today's game was kind of a shootout, so it was good that we came out confident and were able to move the ball like we did."

After Collie returned the opening kickoff 75 yards, BYU took only five plays to move the remaining 25 yards for the opening score. The Cougars have scored first in six games this season, and 28 times in the last 33 games. They have a record of 26-2 in those 28 games.

The Cougars ended up scoring 14 points in the opening quarter, their most since scoring 24 against Utah State three weeks ago. They were held scoreless in the first quarter the previous two games against New Mexico and TCU. Quarterback Max Hall was especially impressive in the opening period, hitting all eight of his passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

All he does is catch touchdowns: Tight end Andrew George caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Hall less than three minutes into the game. Four of George's nine catches on the year have gone for touchdowns.

Chambers finds the end zone: Freshman receiver O'Neill Chambers caught his first touchdown of the year on a 20-yard jump ball from Hall. Used primarily as a punt and kickoff returner up to this point, Chambers had caught two passes for 22 yards coming into the game.

Flair sets UNLV reception mark: With 5:40 left in the second quarter, senior wide receiver Casey Flair broke UNLV's all-time reception record by hauling in his 188th career catch. Damon Williams, who played from 1995-1998, previously held the record. Flair had eight catches on the day for 92 yards.

Max Hall: running back? Not normally known for his running ability, Hall had his longest run of the year -- a 31-yard scamper -- near the beginning of the second quarter. His run was the longest of the year by any BYU player ... until fullback Fui Vakapuna rumbled for a 33-yard gain in the third quarter.

100 yards for Collie ... Again: Austin Collie set a MWC record with his sixth consecutive 100-yard receiving game. Collie caught seven passes for 113 yards on the day.

Uneven special teams play: Positives: Austin Collie had a 75-yard kickoff return; C.J. Santiago boomed a punt that was downed on the one yard line; Bryan Kariya blocked a UNLV punt, which led to a quick BYU touchdown. Negatives: kicker Justin Sorensen launched two kickoffs out of bounds, giving the Rebels great field position to start their drives.

Another Sellout: A crowd of 64,081 was on hand at LaVell Edwards Stadium to see BYU defeat UNLV. This marks the 11th consecutive sellout for the Cougars, the longest streak since the 1991-92 season.



Copyright Brigham Young University 27 Oct 2008