#84 - 11/24/12 – Cody Hoffman makes record 5 TD catches: BYU - 50, New Mexico St. - 14

        Both starting quarterback Riley Nelson and WR Cody Hoffman played through injuries in BYU’s 20-14 loss to San Jose State the previous week. Although Riley wasn’t available to play the season finale, Cody was ready to go when the Cougars (6-5) prepared to face the New Mexico State Aggies (1-10). 
        The Aggies got the ball first but went three-and-out. In his first start at quarterback, James Lark led the Cougars 52 yards on their first possession, but the FGA went wide. Both teams punted on their next possessions as the defenses established early dominance in the match. However, as the first quarter drew to a close, the Aggies were driving. 
         In the second quarter, the Aggies drew first blood with an 8-yard TD reception to Perris Scoggins by Andrew Manley. The Cougars responded with a 73-yard scoring drive of their own. Lark took the snap from the shotgun and fired a 5-yard TD pass to Cody Hoffman in the back of the end zone for their first score. Unfortunately, the PAT failed. After a good punt return by J.D. Falslev, BYU’s next drive started at the Aggie 36. This one was extended by a Wildcat snap to Jamaal Williams on fourth down for a 17 yard gain. It ended with Lark passing to Falslev in the right, front corner of the end zone for a 4-yard TD reception. Another Aggie punt put the ball at the Cougar 34 with only a 1:36 remaining in the half. No problem. The 66-yard Cougar drive culminated with Lark lobbing a 2-yard reception to Hoffman in the right corner of the end zone with 0:34 remaining in the half. After two quarters, the Cougars led 20-7. 
         The Cougars started the third quarter with another 66-yard drive. But this one was capped by a 31-yard FG by Justin Sorensen. The Aggies responded quickly, scoring on a 67-yard TD pass from Manley to Kemonte Bateman. The Cougars were forced to punt on their next possession, but got the ball back at the Aggie 42. The short drive was extended when Hoffman fell to the ground to catch a low third down pass to convert a first down. Then, Lark found Hoffman open along the right sideline. Hoff man ran up the sideline, vaulting over a defender at the 15, somehow managing to stay in bounds despite being hit at the 3, and lunging into the end zone for a 31-yard TD reception. After three, the Cougars led 30-14. 
        The Cougars got great field position again after yet another Aggie punt. Lark finished the drive with a 6-yard TD pass to Hoffman (his record-tying fourth) in the back of the end zone. After two straight drives that started in enemy territory, the Cougars’ next possession started way back at their own 36. This “drive” consisted of one play - a 64-yard TD bomb to a wide-open Cody Hoffman - setting a new BYU record with 5 TD receptions in a game. The Cougars weren’t done yet. On their next possession, they drove 73 yards, capped by a 1-yard TD rush by Zed Mendenhall. The Aggies got one more possession, but the Cougar D pushed them back and forced the Aggies to punt for the ninth time on the afternoon. The Cougars were then able to run out the clock to record a 50-14 victory.
Cody Hoffman's 5 TD performance
Courtesy of BYU Photo
James Lark
Courtesy of BYU Photo
        Hoffman set a record with 5 TD catches (1st), and had a career high 182 receiving yards on 12 catches (T8th). Hoffman would finish the season with 100 receptions (T2nd) for 1,248 receiving yards (2nd) and 11 TD receptions (T7th), with 8 100+ yard receiving games (2nd). Backup quarterback James Lark, making the first start of his career, threw 6 TD passes (T4th) and threw for 384 yards – both records for a BYU QB making his first start. Senior Brandon Ogletree led the Cougars with 10 tackles, while Junior Kyle Van Noy had 5 tackles, including 3 sacks. Following the regular season, the Cougars played San Diego State in the Poinsettia Bowl, beating the Aztecs 23-6. Game link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfmKJtM2t8E

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