Mendenhall defends Riley in wake of BYU loss

Moments after BYU fell 7-6 to No. 24 Boise State Thursday night, Mendenhall came to the defense of lefty Riley Nelson, who threw three interceptions, failed to put any points on the board and was sent to the bench in the third quarter.

Speculation of a quarterback controversy may never have surfaced had Nelson's backup, Taysom Hill, not sparked a late, fourth-quarter scoring drive with his speed and a handful of critical throws. BYU's comeback fell short when Hill's last-ditch pass on a 2-point conversion fell incomplete.

Despite Hill's late heroics, Mendenhall says he's standing by Nelson.

"Riley is our quarterback," Mendenhall told reporters after the game. "I want him to be healthy and I want him to be able to look me in the eye and tell me 'Coach I am absolutely ready.' I don't have any different feelings about him than I did going into this game."

Nelson struggled from the outset, killing one first-half scoring drive with an interception. He also fumbled once in the first half and was intercepted on BYU's first two possession in the third quarter. His second pick was returned 33 yards for a touchdown by Boise State nose tackle Mike Atkinson, the Broncos' only points of the game. Nelson finished 4 of 9 for 19 yards and was sacked twice.

Meanwhile, Hill, who grew up in Idaho and was recruited by Boise State, provided a little of the jolt the Cougar offense needed. He led the team in rushing with 72 yards on 12 carries and was 3 of 5 passing on the late scoring drive.

"Obviously I want to play, that's the competitive nature in me," Hill said. "That's ultimately up to the coaches and we will just get ready and prepare for our next game."

The Boise State defense also had a hand in Nelson's long night. The Broncos forced five turnovers and held BYU scoreless until the game's final minutes.

With 8:03 remaining, Hill, a freshman, engineered an 11-play, 95 yard drive capped by his 4-yard touchdown run. But Mendenhall gambled, electing to go for a 2-point conversion to try to secure the Cougars' first victory over Boise State.