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Colorado Springs, Colo. • About the only bright spot for BYU's defense on Saturday in its 35-14 loss to Air Force was a nifty interception made by senior linebacker Shane Hunter.
It was the first forced turnover of the season for the Cougars, and the first interception of Hunter's career. However, it did little to change the momentum of the game, because the Cougars couldn't capitalize on the field position, and had to punt.
"The interception was great, but I would rather have a win, that's for sure," Hunter said.
Hunter and Brandon Ogletree got the starts at the inside linebacker positions.
"I was just trying to get underneath those crossing routes," Hunter said, describing the interception. "I just saw his eyes, and saw the ball go, and just got a hold of it."
Plagued by penalties
Air Force is known for its disciplined style of play, but the Falcons were penalty-prone on Saturday. They had 10 penalties for 125 yards, although only two of those infractions came after halftime.
The Falcons had four personal fouls, including a late hit on BYU quarterback Riley Nelson.
"We had far too many penalties, probably as many penalties as we've had at the Air Force Academy, but they did some good things out there," coach Troy Calhoun said.
Observing 9-11
Air Force honored the memory of the 9-11 attacks on its helmets. The traditional lightning bolts on the sides were in the colors of the American flag. Four stickers on the backs of the helmets honored the New York City Police Department, the New York City Fire Department, the Pentagon, and the Port Authority Police of New York-New Jersey.
The coin used in the pregame coin toss had the U.S. Flag on one side and the twin towers on the other side. Air Force won the toss.
Honorary game captains were NYPD detective Steve Hayden and FDNY firefighter Kenny Haskell.