BYU jumps out to early lead

Cougars jump out early

BYU was held to a field goal on its first possession, but Harvey Unga scored a 33-yard touchdown run after an Omar Clayton interception to give the Cougars a 10-0 lead after one quarter at Sam Boyd Stadium. Clayton was 4 of 8 for 29 yards and an interception in the quarter. Michael Johnson and Channing Trotter each ran for 10 yards.

Unga ran for 48 yards and a score, while Max Hall completed 7 of 9 passes for 87 yards for the Cougars. BYU is controlling the game and is driving as the second quarter begins.

Clayton starts

After missing last week’s game at UNR, Omar Clayton was back in the starting lineup tonight. Clayton made a huge mistake on the second possession.

He was rolling out right and was going to take a loss of several yards by running out of bounds. Just before he crossed the boundary, the junior flipped the ball in the air in an attempt to throw the ball away and save the yards.

It backfired. Clayton didn’t get it far enough out of bounds and BYU linebacker Jordan Pendleton reached out with his left hand and secured an interception before stepping out of bounds.

It was an unbelievable grab and two plays later, the Cougars extended the lead on Unga’s long run. For UNLV’s defense, Starr Fuimaono and Preston Brooks are not playing, but Jason Beauchamp is on the field.

Musical quarterbacks

Throughout the past two seasons, Mike Sanford has inserted his backup quarterback for a series or two each game just to make sure Mike Clausen would be ready when called upon.

It also provides a different look from what the defense has prepared for as the Rebels can throw both a right and left-handed quarterback.

Clausen has been needed on several occasions and he has played well. The strategy was taken to a new level tonight.

Clayton and Clausen both played on the first drive, with Clausen coming in for a play to throw a pass for a first down.If this continues, it will be interesting to see whether either of the two will be able to establish a rhythm.