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Reno, Nev. • BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy had so many friends and family members in the stands at Mackay Stadium in his return to the place he grew up that he didn't have time to count them all, or thank them for making the day an experience he will never forget.

"To have my family here, and to be able to share a moment … It is going to be something I will remember forever," Van Noy said, after helping the Cougars down Nevada 28-23 in his final regular-season game.

It wasn't one of Van Noy's better performances — he had only three tackles — but he did come up with an interception in the end zone when Nevada was trying for a two-point conversion to get within three in the fourth quarter.

"I will remember this day for the rest of my life, and I was just excited to play in front of friends and family, some who weren't able to travel to Utah for a game," he said. "To be able to play in front of family is awesome."

Coach Bronco Mendenhall said people can't imagine how much pressure has been on Van Noy the last few weeks, as his visibility has increased on a national level.

"He wanted to win this game really badly," Mendenhall said. "I don't know how he played. I haven't watched the film yet, but I know he wanted to win."

Injury update

Junior defensive back Skye PoVey re-tore the plantar fascia in his foot during practice on Thursday and will miss the remainder of the season.

Defensive tackle Eathyn Manumaleuna (shoulder sprain) and defensive back Robertson Daniel (neck sprain) suffered injuries during the game and did not return.

Receiver JD Falslev banged his injured hand early in the game and went out momentarily, but x-rays were negative and the senior returned to the game and caught a 3-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter.

Cornerback Mike Hague's foot was so painful that he needed a pain-killer at halftime, but the senior played the entire second half and recorded a career-high nine tackles, all of them solo.

Briefly

Former running back Fui Vakapuna (2003, 2006-08) carried out the alumni flag for BYU, while Van Noy brought out the team flag and Austin Holt the special teams flag. … The Cougars are now 72-11 under Mendenhall when they allow 24 points or less.

drew@sltrib.comTwitter: @drewjay