FORT COLLINS, Colo. - It's OK to breathe now. Really.

Another thrilling ending left BYU with its second consecutive come-from-behind victory in as many weeks, using a last-minute touchdown from tight end Dennis Pitta to defeat Colorado State, 45-42.

"I think you enjoy these kinds of games more," quarterback Max Hall said. "I think when it comes down to the wire and the game is on the line and you're able to make a play, it becomes a game that you remember for a long time."

After a back-and-forth game that featured three ties and five lead changes, Colorado State fans went crazy when the team took a 42-38 lead on a 55-yard touchdown reception by Dion Morton late in the fourth quarter. The only problem with the play, however, was that it left 1:37 on the clock, which turned out to be more than enough time for the Cougars to strike back.

Hall led the offense 76 yards in a little more than a minute and found Pitta from 17-yards out for the winning touchdown with 22 seconds remaining. What was once a raucous and confident crowd instantly fell dead silent. Hall completed 28-of-35 passes for 389 yards and five touchdowns on the day, and proved once again to be clutch when the game is on the line.

"Max threw a great ball, high and away, and fortunately I was able to make the catch and barrel into the end zone," Pitta said. "We're a confident group and we know we can move the ball. It's just a matter of making plays, and we were able to do that tonight."

On a night when offenses reigned supreme, it was the play-making ability of the Cougars' marquee players that made the ultimate difference in the game's outcome.

Austin Collie set a MWC record with his seventh consecutive 100-yard receiving game and finished with nine catches for 156 yards and three touchdowns, including a 58-yard one-handed grab that got the Cougars on the board in the first quarter. Each of Collie's touchdowns came in the first half.

Not to be outdone, Pitta and running back Harvey Unga gave the Rams' defense fits in the second half. Pitta finished with 12 catches for 175 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner, while Unga ran for 133 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. His 40-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter was his longest run of the year, surpassing his previous high of 17 yards.

These types of close games may give some coaches ulcers, but BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall will take a victory in any way, shape or form.

"Each game seems to take on a life of its own, and this one seemed like it went on for five hours," Mendenhall said. "It was an amazing game and I credit our team for finding a way to win the game. Early in the year, when we were being measured against the top 10 and the BCS, it was taking away the fun of coaching and playing college football. This game was exciting, and I won't let anything overshadow the victory."

The Cougars improved to 8-1 with the win and will host San Diego State on Saturday in their final game of the year at LaVell Edwards Stadium.



Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Nov 2008