Mendenhall's message to the bowl: Thanks for the compliment.
The fact that the bowl could have taken No. 11 TCU (10-2) instead of No. 16 BYU was not lost on Mendenhall, who said in his Provo news conference Monday that the Las Vegas Bowl has helped build his program.
"I can't speak for them, but I am guessing when they had a choice, the BYU brand [won out], and I think the way our football team has played over the past three years there has generated a lot of excitement, a lot of national respect, and I think [we have] a strong partnership with the Las Vegas Bowl."
Mendenhall said that although TCU defeated BYU 32-7, "there is a lot less risk for Las Vegas, knowing who we will bring, how we will play, and what kind of team we have. And I think there's a proven formula there that has been really effective, and it wouldn't make smart business sense to go away from [that]."
TCU isn't unhappy, though, because the Horned Frogs will get a shot at No. 9 Boise State in the Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 23 in San Diego.
Tickets still available
BYU has gone through the process of offering its allotment of Las Vegas Bowl tickets to its season ticket holders first, and is now ready to make the $58 tickets available to students, employees and the general public.
Tickets are now on sale at the Marriott Center Ticket Office, or online at BYUtickets.com, and BYU marketing director David Almodova said plenty of good seats are still available.
"There is a misconception that the bowl game is sold out," Almodova said.
"While it's true the Las Vegas Bowl does not have any tickets left, BYU still has seats in the Cougar section that are now available to the general public."
Athletic director Tom Holmoe said that BYU fans will not be charged a premium for the tickets, as has been the case in previous years.
There is an $8 additional fee, though, for postage and handling.
Injury update
Tight end Dennis Pitta, who suffered an MCL sprain in the win over Air Force and was limited against Utah, catching just two passes for 33 yards, continues to recover and should be close to 100 percent for the bowl game, Mendenhall said.
Defensive back Scott Johnson, who suffered a double groin tear against CSU on Nov. 1, "has surprised our trainers and the doctors" with his recovery rate, Mendenhall said, and is now likely to play against Arizona.
Back to practice
The Cougars have been watching film, and taking part in conditioning drills and weightlifting sessions the past two weeks, but have yet to engage in a full-scale practice. That will change today, as the team will have a 4 p.m. practice to begin on-field preparations for Arizona.
The Cougars will depart for Las Vegas on Tuesday and hold their first practice in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning.Briefly
Holmoe said BYU is a couple of weeks away from finalizing its 2009 schedule. An opening remains for the season-opener, and The Tribune reported last month that negotiations have been under way with Oklahoma to play a game at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium in Texas. Holmoe did not specifically mention OU on Monday, but noted the proposed matchup could be "big" for BYU.
drew@sltrib.com
Las Vegas Bowl
When: Dec. 20, 6 p.m.
Where: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas
Who: No. 16 BYU vs. Arizona
TV: ESPN
Tickets: Still available through BYU and can be purchased for $58 each at the Marriott Center Ticket Office or online at BYUtickets.com.
