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PROVO, Utah (Nov. 19, 2006) - Following a decisive 42-17 victory on Saturday over New Mexico, clinching the outright Mountain West Conference Championship, BYU climbed to No. 21 in the Associated Press top-25 poll and No. 23 in the USA Today/Coaches Poll. The Cougars also moved up to No. 21 in the Harris Interactive poll and now sit at No. 23 in this week's BCS rankings.
The Cougars racked up a season-high 653 yards of total offense against the Lobos, handing New Mexico its worst loss since December 24, 2003. BYU quarterback John Beck threw for 464 yards and four touchdowns, passing the 10,000-yard mark for his career. By halftime, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Davey O'Brien Award candidate had compiled 303 yards passing and three touchdowns. Senior running back Curtis Brown ran for 124 yards, including a 49-yard touchdown run to become BYU's all-time rushing leader.
"They're a very good football team," New Mexico head coach Rocky Long said. "I've been lucky enough to be around some good football teams, and to play against some good football teams. It's too bad (BYU) had struggles the first part of the season, where they didn't make field goals, because they're as good as any team in the top-10. I promise you, they are."
Following BYU's victory over New Mexico, Mendenhall accepted an invitation to participate in the 15th annual Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl. The Cougars will face an opponent from the Pac-10.
"We're excited to be returning to the Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl—this time, as conference champions, not as the second-place team," he said. "We're excited to represent our great University and the Mountain West Conference. But, we still have one more game to play before we start thinking about a bowl game. As we have done all season, our focus will be on our next opponent."
Riding an eight-game win streak—the fourth longest in the nation—the Cougars head to Salt Lake on Saturday, Nov. 25 to take on in-state rival Utah in the regular-season finale for both teams. Entering the game nationally ranked, the Cougars own a 13-4 record against the Utes. Overall, BYU is 133-41 (.764) when playing as a ranked team.
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