Bronco's Monday morning comments

BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said this morning at his weekly press conference that he enjoys playing Air Force every year, not only because of the Falcons’ unique scheme but because of the type of players they have.

He said one the things he wasn’t expecting going into Saturday’s 24-19 win over New Mexico, was the Lobos’ ability to stop BYU’s running game. Mendenhall said UNM’s run defense forced his offense to be more one-dimensional than usual.

Running back Harvey Unga, who gained 50 yards against UNM, did not play in the later stages of the game. Mendenhall said it was the right decision to hold Unga out in order to avoid hurting the ankle worse. Mendenhall is hopeful that Unga will be ready to go this week against Air Force.

Mendenhall got a little emotional talking about the loss of linebacker Terrance Hooks, who suffered a season-ending knee injury (torn patella tendon). Hooks could have surgery as soon as Tuesday. Without Hooks, the Cougars will have Shane Hunter will back up Shawn Doman. Brandon Ogletree backs up Matt Bauman at the other inside linebacker spot.

Asked about UNLV coach Mike Sanford’s firing, Mendenhall said he was saddened and disappointed, adding that the coach who takes over for Sanford will find the program in much better shape than it was five years ago.