1986 FREEDOM BOWL

12.30.86 Anaheim, Calif. (55,422)

Although BYU failed to win the WAC title, the Cougars kept alive an impressive streak of nine bowl appearances in a row by being invited to the third annual Freedom Bowl. There they met familiar foe UCLA. The two teams had met in 1985 when the Bruins came from behind to win a tough game in Provo, 27-24. The Freedom Bowl, however, proved different as UCLA outstanding running back Gaston Green broke open a close game in the third quarter and the Bruins went on to win 31-10. Green finished with 266 yards on 33 carries. The first half was all defense as the two teams punted nine times in the first 30 minutes. BYU struck first when linebacker Andy Katoa recovered a UCLA fumble at the Bruin 47 and Leonard Chitty put the Cougars ahead 3-0 with a 32-yard field goal. UCLA stormed ahead to stay with a 71-yard touchdown drive highlighted by a 49-yard run on a reverse by Bruin receiver Karl Dorrell. From then on, it was UCLA most of the way. Cougar quarterbacks Bob Jensen and Mike Young managed to pass for over 200 yards, but UCLA and Green did most of the damage. Costly injuries to standouts Mark Bellini and Katoa hindered the Cougar effort, but Outland Trophy winner Jason Buck turned in another strong effort.