BYU’s Mendenhall prefers ending Las Vegas bowl streak

Actually, the Cougars are about ready to try another city after four consecutive appearances in what was called the Las Vegas Bowl, losing last year’s game 31-21 to Arizona.

“I underestimated maybe the effect that would have on our players,” BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said. “We had come off not winning the Utah game and then going back to the same bowl game. So there are a lot of things that I could’ve learned that I take responsibility for.

“(Another bowl) would’ve been my preference, but the idea of preparing my team, not just schematically but emotionally, is something I could’ve done a better job of.”

Maybe there is a sign BYU — the driving force behind four consecutive sellouts — won’t be back. The game itself changed, and is called MAACO Bowl Las Vegas.

* MOVING ON — Now that new management will be in place, UNLV coach Mike Sanford said he didn’t feel additional pressure entering his fifth season.

But that doesn’t mean he isn’t affected by the departure of athletic director Mike Hamrick to Marshall. Hamrick, who leaves in mid-August, was hired by his alma mater on Monday.

“I’m very appreciative that Mike Hamrick gave me the opportunity to be the head coach at UNLV,” Sanford said. “I was surprised that Mike left, but I also understand this profession and I understand different things come into play in people’s decisions.

“He’s going back to his alma mater and basically his home, and I completely understand that and I wish him well.”

* NO NEW RULES — The “Rooney Rule,” which requires NFL teams to interview at least one minority head coaching candidate, generally has been seen as a success. Two of the past three Super Bowl winners were led by black coaches, and there are six minority heads in the 32-team league.

Of the 120 major colleges, only nine minorities are head coaches, including New Mexico first-year coach Mike Locksley. So maybe college football need its own version of the “Rooney Rule.”

“I think the NFL is a different animal than college football,” Locksley said. “People that make the decisions in college sometimes are not even in the room. I’ve been afforded the opportunity to coach here based on my merit and hard work.”

* STAYING ON — Mountain West Conference commissioner Craig Thompson received a contract extension through June 2012.

He gives his annual state-of-the-league news conference this morning. How often do you think the Bowl Championship Series will be mentioned?

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