BYU's defense turned around in the second half to shut out the Miners in this homecoming victory which avenged last season's 23-16 upset.
A key to rallying the Cougar defense was a blistering halftime talk by LaVell Edwards. Edwards secured his 134th victory to make him the winningest coach in WAC history (ASU's Frank Kush had 133).
Other second-half keys were a shanked UTEP punt for 10 yards on its first possession of the third quarter and BYU downing a punt on the Miner one-yard line on BYU's first possession of the fourth quarter--both of which resulted in Cougar touchdowns.
The pair of fourth quarter TD's were also set up by Cougar interceptions from Jeff Wilcox and a one-hander from Scott Peterson.
Quarterback Steve Lindsley, who executed the bootleg often and effectively, scored on a pair of rushing touchdowns in the second half.
Kicker Leonard Chitty was a perfect four for four in PATs and was three of four in field goals of 43, 39 and 26 yards.
Linebacker Thor Salanoa and nose guard David Futrell led the Cougar defensive effort, but El Pasoan Futrell left the game early with a hyperextended knee.
BYU now 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the WAC.
Source:1987 BYU media guide
