Cougars Take Time to Enjoy the Holiday

The plane carrying the BYU football team arrived at Lindbergh Field at 4:15 Tuesday. Right on time.

A bunch of guys in blue sweat suits climbed down the steps and walked into the USAir Hangar. But it wasn’t a big bunch.

More than half the team was given permission by Coach LaVell Edwards to join the rest of the group in San Diego as long as they arrived in time for the team’s late afternoon workout. That enabled players from California to be with their families for the holidays.

As for the rest of the group, Edwards said he didn’t think they were glum from having to travel on Christmas day.

“If they are, I haven’t seen it,” he said. “They’re excited about being here.”

With no national championship playoffs, half of college football is speculation at this time of year.

So, let’s speculate:

If Brigham Young hadn’t lost to Hawaii Dec. 1, the Cougars conceivably could be ranked in the top five. If that would be the case, what would they think of having to play in the Holiday Bowl--where the Western Athletic Conference champion is obligated to play--rather than picking another bowl and maybe facing a top-ranked team?

Fullback Matt Bellini: “If it came down to a legitimate shot at the national championship, and we were (ranked) second or third, I think it would be a shame we wouldn’t have the opportunity to play in a New Year’s Day Bowl.

“I think there should be some kind of flier where we would be able to buy ourselves out of (the Holiday Bowl).”

Edwards: “No, I’ll play in the Holiday Bowl every year and take my chances on the other thing.”

An affinity for San Diego, coach?

“I like San Diego, but the Holiday Bowl represents the championship of the WAC.”

Texas A&M; practiced at College Station before hopping the plane to San Diego Tuesday.

“Tried to run some of the Christmas dinner off this afternoon,” Coach R.C. Slocum said.

That wasn’t necessary for running back Darren Lewis, the third leading rusher in the nation.

” I didn’t even get a chance to eat,” he said. “I haven’t eaten all day.”

Edwards said BYU is having trouble simulating Texas A&M;’s option attack in practice. It seems the Cougars don’t have too many skill players who are as big as Lewis (6-0, 220) or quarterback Bucky Richardson (6-1, 214).

Colorado State is the only team BYU has faced this season with anything remotely resembling Texas A&M;’s option attack.

“And Colorado State didn’t have the size or the speed these guys have,” Edwards said.