2007 LAS VEGAS BOWL

12.22.07 Las Vegas, Nev. (40,712)

No. 17 BYU (11-2) won its second consecutive Las Vegas Bowl, 17-16, against UCLA (6-7) in dramatic fashion -- by blocking the Bruins’ potential game-winning field goal attempt as time expired. With only three ticks on the clock, true freshman Eathyn Manumaleuna extended his right hand at the right time to block UCLA’s potential game-winning, 28-yard field goal as time expired to create what will be known as one of the most memorable bowl finishes in BYU Football history. The victory also avenged an early-season loss to the Bruins -- one of only two losses the Cougars suffered during the season. The Cougars, who finish the 2007 season on a 10-game winning streak, were led by sophomores Max Hall and Austin Collie. Hall threw 21-35 for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore receiver Austin Collie was named the 2007 Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl Most Valuable Player after racking up a game-high 107 yards on six receptions. Collie’s 14-yard touchdown reception from Max Hall with 10:32 left in the second quarter gave the Cougars a 10-3 advantage. He was also credited with a game-high 195 all-purpose yards, including three kick returns for a total of 88 yards. The win marked the first time BYU has won back-to-back bowl games since the 1994 Copper Bowl and the 1996 Cotton Bowl. The win over UCLA extended the Cougars’ win streak to 10 straight games, which marked the nation’s longest, active winning streak.