Van Noy and the BYU Defense Took Over the Poinsettia Bowl

BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy's forced fumble and recovery in the endzone proved to be the decisive play of the game. (Kent Horner)

With San Diego State leading the Poinsettia Bowl 6-3 heading into the fourth quarter, someone had to step up and make the big play. BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy had already made a number of big plays earlier in the game, but he reminded the Aztecs of his presence down the stretch.

In the red zone, the BYU offense looked poised to at least tie the game up if they could not punch the ball in for the game's first touchdown. However, BYU quarterback James Lark's pass was intercepted by San Diego State cornerback King Holder at the two-yard line.

That's when Van Noy decided to take matters into his own hands. He rushed San Diego State quarterback Adam Dingwell in the end zone, forced a fumble and recovered it for a touchdown. The very next play from scrimmage did not go any better for the Aztecs. Dingwell fumbled the exchange from the center and Cougars cornerback Jordan Johnson emerged from the pile with the football. One play later, it was Jamaal Williams dancing his way into the endzone on a 14-yard run. A missed extra point made it a 16-6 BYU lead.

With the outcome of game still undetermined, Van Noy decided to finish San Diego State off. With just over six minutes to go in the game, Dingwell's pass was intercepted by Van Noy, who elusively returned it 17 yards for a touchdown. Van Noy's teammate Alani Fua added another interception of Dingwell on the Aztecs' next drive for good measure. When it was all said and done, the Cougars had decisively won 23-6.

The victory was not because of their anemic offense. Instead, it was their leader on defense that made it all happen. Van Noy wasn't only BYU's defensive MVP, but their offensive one as well. He finished the game with eight tackles, including three for loss and 1.5 sacks. Van Noy also had a blocked punt, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, an interception and two defensive touchdowns.

The Cougars defense had only had one defensive touchdown all season, but Van Noy came up with two when they needed them the most. He finished the season with 51 tackles, including 21.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. Van Noy is considering joining teammate Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah in entering the NFL Draft. He certainly gave the scouts watching plenty to think about. If this Van Noy's last game as a Cougar, he will long be remembered as the reason they won the 2012 Poinsettia Bowl.