BYU's defense was throwing a party Saturday night


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PROVO — No, the BYU defense did not throw a post-game party following another miracle win against then-No. 20 Boise State on Saturday night.

There was, however, another party going on during the game, and if you missed it, you missed one to remember.

"This might have been one of the most fun atmospheres I have been a part of in all my years of coaching," BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said.

This was one of those parties that was planned, executed and enjoyed perfectly, he said. The party hosts were 11 whited-out BYU defensive specialists and in attendance were 60,000 similarly dressed fans. Those making the most noise and excitement were the thousands of die-hard BYU students in the student section.

There were better party food options, like Pyro's Pizza and Kona shaved ice. There was better parking available. There was an upgraded ambience with new features to the video and ribbon boards. Improved cellular activity was available, so fans could Snapchat friends, telling them how much fun they were having.

The party had a special guest appearance from former BYU great Brett Kiesel, who waved around the white BYU alumni flag before the game. The party crashers even began to show up, led by Boise State quarterback Ryan Finley.

But the life of the party was BYU defensive back Kai Nacua, and he was not going to let the vibe die out because Finley and his clique showed up dressed in the wrong outfit of black, blue and orange. This was not a "wear whatever you want" type of party; this was a white out, and it was a white out dedicated to injured quarterback Taysom Hill.

Nacua, who was suspended for the first game of the season against Nebraska for participating in a brawl in the Miami Beach Bowl last season and had to complete 100 hours of community service before being able to suit up again, made three game-changing interceptions to help lift the Cougars over the Broncos.

Harvey Langi (21) goes after Boise State Broncos quarterback Ryan Finley (15) BYU and Boise State play Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. (Photo: Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
Harvey Langi (21) goes after Boise State Broncos quarterback Ryan Finley (15) BYU and Boise State play Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. (Photo: Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)

"The whole game I was just pumped. I had to calm myself down at the hotel," Nacua said. "I was really feeding off the crowd. It was the loudest I have ever heard them."

Mendenhall was impressed to see how Nacua has taken his unfortunate situation and turned it into the best possible scenario off the field. He also praised his athleticism and ability to impact a football game.

"It's great to have Kai back. He changed the game. The range he covers and the plays he makes, that's really who he is," Mendanhall said. "I'm really excited for him regarding all the scrutiny he's been under. For him to be able to come out and play that way, it's fitting. It shows who he is and how he's worked so hard to be back on our team.

With a sloppy offensive performance from the Cougars in the first half, the BYU defense kept Boise State in check, allowing only 10 points. The party had begun, but it wasn't until late in the second half when everybody decided to get comfortable. Senior defensive back Michael Wadsworth set career highs in total tackles (11) and solo tackles (7). Harvey Langi, junior linebacker, had two sacks in the game, with his second coming on a crucial third-down play late in the contest for the first multi-sack game of his career.

"The defense had fun," Mendanhall said. "I had fun working with them today. They got better. We're a work in progress."

And, of course, there was Nacua, who returned his last interception with under a minute to play for a touchdown after hurdling a Boise State defender. He said the key to having success on the defensive side of the ball is staying loose.

"My main thing is having fun," Nacua said. "It can't be serious all the time. You have to go out there and party. When you are out there with your boys, you cannot be a robot. You have to be yourself. That is what I try to bring to the defense; that we are all having a good time."

Another party is planned for this Saturday's game against UCLA. It may or not be as fun as this last week's party, but I promise, it will worth tuning in.

Listen to audio from Monday's post-practice media, availability from Mendenhall, Nacua, Bronson Kaufusi, Tanner Mangum, Mitch Mathews and Fred Warner in the "Cougar Cuts" section below. Tanner is a student at Brigham Young University studying Business Management. He is from the great northwest of Portland, Oregon. He hopes to find a profession that combines his passion of sports broadcasting and marketing. Follow him on Twitter: @Tapeland12

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Tanner Apeland

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