Starting in 2001, theLas Vegas Bowl featured a matchup of teams from theMountain West Conference (MWC) andPacific-10 Conference (Pac-10), with organizers having first choice of bowl-eligible teams from the MWC, and the fourth or fifth choice (alternating annually) of bowl-eligible teams from the Pac-10.
Riding a 9-game winning streak entering the game, a veteran BYU squad led by seniorsJohn Beck, Curtis Brown, Jonny Harline, and Justin Robinson dominated Oregon from the start. Beck had 375 yards passing and accounted for 3 touchdowns, while Brown ran for an additional 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. Harline, anAll-American tight end, earned MVP honors with 9 catches for 181 yards and a score. Robinson had 2 interceptions and led a strong effort by the Cougar defense that held the Ducks to just 120 yards through the first three quarters of play. Oregon had attempted to confuse BYU by alternatingDennis Dixon andBrady Leaf at quarterback, but it seemed to backfire, as the Ducks' offense never established any rhythm. Oregon's only touchdown came on a 47-yard pass play in the fourth quarter, after the game's outcome had already been decided. The victory was particularly satisfying for BYU, as Oregon head coachMike Bellotti had made controversial comments prior to the game indicating that BYU (from theMountain West conference) was not good enough to compete in thePac-10.
