LB Van Noy leads BYU with 2 TDs

SAN DIEGO (AP) - For the longest time, it seemed as if the Poinsettia Bowl was going to be touchdown-free.

A ponderous field-position struggle resulted in only three field goals going into the fourth quarter.

Then linebacker Kyle Van Noy stepped up and scored two touchdowns on turnovers, leading Brigham Young to a 23-6 victory over San Diego State on Thursday night.

"Turnovers were huge for us," said Van Noy, who had two of BYU's five takeaways. "I think that when we got that first turnover, I think that changed the momentum of the game."

With San Diego State (9-4) pinned on its 3 thanks to terrific punt coverage by BYU (8-5), Adam Dingwell dropped back to pass in the end zone.

Van Noy broke free from the outside and knocked the ball out of Dingwell's hand and jumped on it for the game's first TD.

The play was upheld after video review.

"I wouldn't make those plays if all 11 guys weren't doing what they were doing," Van Noy said. "The ball just happened to land in my lap."

Dingwell fumbled the snap on SDSU's next play from scrimmage and it was recovered by Jordan Johnson at the 14. Jamaal Williams scored on a run up the middle on the next play, BYU's second TD in 17 seconds.

With 6:09 left, Van Noy intercepted Dingwell's pass and weaved 17 yards through traffic and into the end zone. Van Noy was selected the game's defensive MVP.

The Cougars won for the sixth straight time against SDSU.