Old memories fresh

As a player and an assistant coach at Oregon State, about all Bronco Mendenhall knew was losing and playing in front of empty seats. The pressure was trying just to win any game.

As Brigham Young's coach, Mendenhall is accustomed to packed houses, and any loss creates a weeklong postmortem among Cougars fans. There is pressure to win every game.

"Different and similar," Mendenhall said of the two experiences. "I love having the expectations and greatness all around us. I love how the support can help us reach that level. And, yet, criticism is criticism. Mean-spirited things are still mean-spirited things."

Mendenhall was part of Thursday's news conference to promote the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas. No. 15 BYU (10-2) plays No. 16 Oregon State (8-4) on Dec. 22 at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Mendenhall's last days at Oregon State after the 1996 season coincided with the beginning of coach Mike Riley's first stint as the Beavers' head coach.

Mendenhall, the defensive coordinator, was fired with the rest of the staff after a 2-9 season, clearing the decks for Riley. The Beavers' streak of losing seasons had reached 26.

After being fired, Mendenhall spoke with Riley, and the 10-minute talk left a lasting memory.

"I should have hired him right away because I've watched him rise in the profession," said Riley, 64-46 at Oregon State.

Angry at the time, Mendenhall has come to view the situation differently, saying, "I've been able to put it a lot more into perspective than I once did."

More than most, Mendenhall has a good perspective on how far the Beavers' program has come under Riley, who returned to Oregon State in 2003 after leaving for the NFL for five years. Mendenhall played at the school, starting at safety and linebacker in 1986 and 1987, becoming a senior captain.

Mendenhall and his teammates faced apathy on game day and cutting comments from students and even professors.

"There was no respect for the program," Mendenhall said. "It was very difficult. Yet it really wasn't about them; it was about our team trying to pull together and try to move forward."

So now he gets his shot at his old school, and anticipates an exciting game.

"It's different not because it's my alma mater," Mendenhall said, "but different because it's such a compelling matchup."

• NOTES -- The Las Vegas bowl is sold out for the fifth consecutive year, though fans can buy tickets through their respective schools.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.