Provo » It was one of the best-kept secrets in this town since coach Bronco Mendenhall was hired five years ago.
The BYU Cougars wore royal blue uniforms against the Utes on Saturday, mostly as a tribute to the 1984 national championship team.
"We loved it, what a great honor it was to play in these," said defensive back Brandon Bradley , after BYU's 26-23 overtime win. "When coach told us we were doing this, we just went nuts."
Mendenhall said the plan to wear the color was hatched back in August. But the players weren't told about it until the team meeting right before the game. And while it was originally intended to honor the 1984 team, Mendenhall decided it should include more meaning as well.
"It was a way for me to honor our seniors," he said. "They were under the impression that it happened in a week's time," but it has been planned for a while.
According to school officials, the uniforms worn Saturday will later be available for purchase via auction on BYUcougars.com to help fund athletic scholarships.
"It's an honor and a privilege to wear the royal blue," said safety Andrew Rich , who recorded the game's only turnover, intercepting Jordan Wynn at the end of the first half.
More 1984 honors
Former coach LaVell Edwards and members of the 1984 national championship team were honored at halftime with the presentation of the Coaches National Championship Trophy.
The American Football Coaches Association trophy was not in existence when BYU won the 1984 championship. All former national championship teams prior to the trophy's inauguration in 1986 have now received a trophy.
Seniors honored
The Cougars honored 19 seniors in their final home games at LaVell Edwards Stadium with the traditional presentation of blankets.
Honored Saturday were linebacker Matt Bauman , linebacker Jeff Bell , running back Kelly Bills , linebacker Coleby Clawson , defensive lineman Brett Denney , quarterback Brenden Gaskins , linebacker Shawn Doman , tight end Andrew George , quarterback Max Hall , defensive lineman Tevita Hola , linebacker Terrance Hooks , defensive back Scott Johnson , defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen , receiver Parker Mangum , deep snapper John Pace , tight end Dennis Pitta , running back Manase Tonga , linebacker Dan Van Sweden and offensive lineman RJ Willing .
