This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Dallas • Spend any time around the BYU football program, and you will learn about the team's "pillars" as it goes into every game.
"Score at least 24 points and keep our opponent from scoring 24 points," said running back JJ Di Luigi. "Our magic formula."
It worked again Friday, as BYU took a 24-21 win over Tulsa in the Armed Forces Bowl.
The Cougars also believe if they can hold their opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards, they will win.
Tulsa had just 37 rushing yards, on 27 attempts.
Trending on Twitter
Before Riley Nelson's last-second touchdown pass, BYU offensive lineman Matt Reynolds had made the play that coach Bronco Mendenhall said would come to symbolize his team's effort in the Armed Forces Bowl. Reynolds' name began trending nationally on Twitter after his helmetless block in the second quarter freed Nelson to throw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Cody Hoffman.
"You just have to keep playing," Reynolds said. "With Riley, the play is never over. I just did what any other guy on this team would do, just tried to keep helping the team."
Briefly
Former BYU lineman Chris Hoke of the Pittsburgh Steelers carried out the alumni flag for the Cougars; Joe Sampson was on the team flag and Spencer Hadley carried out the special teams flag. … Announced attendance was 30,258 and included a large group of LDS Church missionaries that former BYU basketball star Devin Durrant presides over in Dallas.
Twitter: @drewjay