Mendenhall discusses Missouri loss, senior class on weekly show


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PROVO — Much of the discussion at the start of Tuesday's edition of the weekly radio show, "BYU Football with Bronco Mendenhall," focused on the Cougars' tough loss in Kansas City, Missouri, last Saturday, as they fell 20-16 to the Missouri Tigers.

BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall admitted his team's undoing at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, against an SEC opponent in mid-November had an extra sting to it.

"It still hurts. It usually takes a couple of days and then we immerse ourselves in the next opponent Monday morning," Mendenhall said. "This one has lingered a little longer. There were so many great chances for us to come away with a victory in that game, and quite frankly, we expected to. We counted on it. So this one has taken a little longer to regroup from."

Despite the outcome, matchups like the one the Cougars faced last weekend are exactly the type of games Mendenhall wants for the program.

"We're playing our toughest opponents on the road, which is more difficult," he said. "However, I'd still like more and more of those games because what we're finding is you learn great lessons playing against teams and conferences that are perceived to be at a different caliber."

Mendenhall and his players were not pleased with the result of the Missouri game, one in which many expected BYU to prevail. Still he knows his team can take away some positives from the setback.

"If we can teach, through football, that the most difficult tests can make you more resilient and excited for what's next, then that would be a great thing for the players in our program to learn about life," Mendenhall said.

Tuesday's Firehouse Subs "Firestarter of the Game," as selected by Mendenhall, was senior defensive lineman Bronson Kaufusi. He totaled a career-high 10 tackles against Mizzou.

Senior offensive lineman Ryker Mathews, center, and tight end Remington Peck speak with the head coach during "BYU Football with Bronco Mendenhall" on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015. (Photo: Elora Grant, IMG)
Senior offensive lineman Ryker Mathews, center, and tight end Remington Peck speak with the head coach during "BYU Football with Bronco Mendenhall" on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015. (Photo: Elora Grant, IMG)

"He played not only with great production, but great heart and he was really an inspiration on the sideline," Mendenhall said. "He believed that no matter what happened that we were going to win the game, and he certainly played like it and did his part."

Kaufusi is having the best statistical season of his BYU career, and his senior campaign success is catching the attention of scouts and general managers from the professional ranks. Mendenhall identified the characteristics that set apart his senior team captain from others.

"First, his simple length in terms of size and height. Second, his ability to cover ground and be physical at the point of attack," Mendenhall said. "When you have a good pass-rusher who doesn't concede much at the point of attack, then all of a sudden you become more marketable to teams. That is what's happening with Bronson."

Tuesday featured a tandem of senior offensive players, offensive lineman Ryker Mathews and newly converted tight end Remington Peck, as the player guests on the show. They both spoke about what they will miss the most ahead of their final home game at LaVell Edwards Stadium Saturday against Fresno State.

"I would say the times with the guys. When you make a play and you're celebrating with your teammates who you've put in so much work and time with. There really isn't anything like it," Peck said. "Coach Mendenhall will, every once in a while, mention that we'll miss those times, and I don't think we realize it until we're at the point we are now."

Mathews responded similarly, mentioning he will always remember spending time with teammates in the locker room before and after games playing ping pong, shuffleboard and having fun.

Peck also talked about how he made the switch from playing on the defensive line his entire BYU career to his new position at tight end this season.

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"It kind of came out of nowhere. I talked to coach Mendenhall about it before the season, and I said I wanted to help wherever I could," Peck said. "At that time he felt it was best for me to stay on defense, and I was good with that. Then he approached me a few weeks ago about playing tight end and it has worked out pretty well."

In advance of Saturday's senior day, Mendenhall added what he will remember most about the 2015 group of seniors.

"I think this year's class has really tried hard collectively to be close to one another and support each other. There are very few cliques or groups that divide the team. This team is very unified," Mendenhall said. "In addition, I think maybe more than most of the teams I've coached, they've really worked hard to live and embrace the standards off the field like that was every bit as important, if not more, as how we played on the field. We're not perfect, but this particular team has really taken it upon themselves to represent all BYU has to stand for."


Blake Dorton is a BYU student studying broadcast journalism and French. He hopes to pursue a career in sports broadcasting following graduation. Follow him on Twitter @BlakeDorton.

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