PROVO -- The BYU honor code is a hot topic here in Utah and all across the nation.

BYU fans are trying to forget Wednesday night's blowout loss against New Mexico and that Brandon Davies is off the team because of a violation of the BYU honor code.

"I thought it was a joke," said BYU student Brian Fager. "I heard about it and was like, no way. It's not true."

Student Todd Glazier was equally devastated. "We were riding this wave and it's devastating to see a No. 3 ranking and all of the possibilities just dwindling," he said.

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No. 3 BYU trying to regroup minus Davies

Zero is the number Brandon Davies wore before being booted off BYU's team for breaking the school's honor code. Does it now also represent the odds the Cougars have of making a deep run in the NCAA tournament?

But a star player being kicked off of the team at the peak of the season is unheard of, and with BYU nationally ranked, people across the country are very interested about it.

Here's the proof: At 10 a.m. Thursday, the top search on Google was Brandon Davies. BYU and the BYU honor code were also in the top 10.

Now the university is trying to explain the situation to the nation.

Athletic Director Tom Holmoe said Thursday afternoon, "We deal with this quite often. Obviously this situation because of the timing of our team and everything, brings a lot of attention. But we've handled it exactly the same way we would have if there was no media."

"A lot of people have speculated and suggested other ways to do it. That's their thoughts, not necessarily BYU's," he added.

He also noted that Davies has received support since being suspended. "The first thing we did was put our arms around him," Holmoe said.

It's tough for those outside the arena, but even tougher for those on the inside.

Head Basketball Coach Dave Rose said, "We all love Brandon. He's a great teammate. He's been great for our team."

He continued, "You're always expecting a fast ball, and sometimes you get a curve. You have to figure out how to hit it."

Cougar Tracks:

Rose: "This is Life"

BYU head coach Dave Rose talked of moving forward after Brandon Davies' suspension, saying, "we learned about our team last night, and that will benefit us in the Saturday game."

While there is intense speculation about why Davies was suspended, BYU officials say they are prohibited by federal privacy law from talking specifics. But they admit there is a tidal wave of national media interest.

BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said, "Most are very curious from a very positive standpoint about the honor code, particularly that we have an honor code and we stick to it."

Students believe the dismissal of an athlete shows that BYU enforces the honor code equally among students. A Dan Jones & Associates poll for KSL and the Deseret News reveals 82 percent of those polled think BYU did right by suspending Davies.

Colton Weeks said, "I think most people agree it's what comes with going here to BYU, you have to live the honor code."

Another student, Carson Teuscher, said, "Just being able to go here is a good experience and it is a good opportunity for all of us. We follow it -- we comply with it because we want to, not because we're forced to."

Glazier said, "There's a level of honor that's been established and I think it's impressive that BYU has made that such an important part of this experience."

Still, fans are feeling for one of their favorite players.

"I don't claim to be perfect," said Glazier. "I know that I've done things, but I can't ever say that my mistakes are broadcast on ESPN.com on the front page."

Fager added, "He's got to feel terrible."

Cougar fans hope team members can put this week behind them as they host Wyoming on Saturday and move on to the Mountain West Tournament in Las Vegas, for their first game a week from Thursday.

Story compiled with contributions from Sam Penrod and Jennifer Stagg.

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