The Cougars (7-2) escaped when SJSU coach Ron Caragher opted to go for two and the win after quarterback Kenny Potter's 6-yard touchdown run capped an 85-yard drive. On the two-point play, Potter handed the ball to star tailback Tyler Ervin, who tried to throw a pass.
BYU safety Michael Wadsworth did enough to flash in front of the receiver, and the ball fell incomplete. The Cougars still had to withstand an onside kick before it could leave with a one-point win.
Mistakes, costly penalties and an SJSU pick-six that changed the complexion of the game almost amounted to what would have been one of the more embarrassing losses of coach Bronco Mendenhall's era.