What Bronco and Max had to say Monday morning

BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall finished his weekly press conference a while ago. The Cougars are receiving a lot of national media attention and because of that, the protocol has changed for media availability. Following Mendenhall’s Q-and-A session, quarterback Max Hall took to the podium to field questions. That is a change and it’s something he’ll be doing every week from now on. Up until now, Hall would sit in a chair and be surrounded by TV cameras and reporters and take questions that way. He’ll also be doing a weekly teleconference, on Tuesdays, to accommodate the national media. Both Mendenhall and Hall acknowledged that all the interview requests were taking a toll on Hall. After his teleconference on Tuesdays, Hall will not be available for interviews the rest of the week.

Mendenhall reported that receiver Spencer Hafoka, who injured his foot on a punt return against Wyoming, should be back for the Utah State game. X-rays on the foot were negative. Cornerback G Pittman suffered a contusion on his upper thigh.

Both Mendenhall and Hall said they’re proud of the Mountain West Conference, which has three teams ranked in the top 25. The Cougars moved up from No. 14 to No. 11 in the Associated Press poll on Sunday.

Linebacker David Nixon won MWC defensive player of the week honors while punter CJ Santiago received special teams player of the week recognition. Hall joked that Nixon should have received the offensive player of the week award because he scored a touchdown (on a 19-yard interception return) against Wyoming.