ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — Star quarterback Tanner Mordecai and many of his SMU teammates watched curiously after arriving at the main event on Wednesday night as BYU’s traveling contingent from three large buses marched into the amusement center.
There are obviously more than 100 BYU football players here in Albuquerque playing the 17th annual New Mexico Bowl, but also more than two dozen wives of BYU players, some with young children in tow.
“Yes, it’s definitely different. Yeah, I guess they live a little differently than we do.” — SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai on BYU’s large number of married players
“Um, yeah,” Mordecai said Thursday when asked if he was surprised by the number of BYU players who are married and accompanied by their wives and, in some cases, babies in strollers.
“Yes, it sure is different,” Mordecai said. “Yes, I guess they live a little differently than we do.”
When asked how many of his teammates are married, Mordecai said “zero” briefly and without hesitation.
BYU players practice at an indoor practice facility Thursday as they prepare for Saturday’s New Mexico Bowl against SMU.
BYU officials estimate that 30 members of this year’s team are married. For example, star quarterback Jaren Hall is married and has a daughter, 1-year-old Jayda, but likely won’t be playing Saturday (5:30 p.m. ABC) due to a high ankle sprain.
To be honest, it’s a scene that plays out every time BYU is in a bowl game — which is a lot. The Cougars are playing in their 40th bowl game in school history, and as long as anyone associated with the program can remember, players are allowed to bring their wives.
It’s a tradition started by the legendary and late coach LaVell Edwards, who believed bowl games should be treated as rewards for entire families.
BYU leads college football annually in married players, no surprise considering many players serve two-year missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prior to enrollment and are therefore a few years older than their peers the same class.
“We are enjoying our time here in Albuquerque. The people here were incredible. I want them (players and their families) to take it all in,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake, who played for Edwards. “It’s nice that everyone can be here, the whole traveling squad, that’s the squad, and then married men can bring their wives and the coaches and coaches can bring their families, that’s very special. ”
BYU is footing the bill, said Alaina Batty, appreciative wife of defensive end Tyler Batty.
“We love it. We’re all friends here. The football team feels like family,” she said. “It’s always funny how the other team reacts when they see that (BYUs) players have wives they love.” bring to these events. It’s a good time.”
Tyler Batty added: “It’s a lot of fun. I love having her here.”
Perhaps BYU recipient Keanu Hill, who is neither married nor a member of the Latter-day Saint faith, can best explain it to Texans because he played high school football at Trinity High in the Lone Star State and is from Bedford, Texas , stems.
Married players “put me off a little bit initially, yeah,” Hill said, recalling his first season at Provo. “Especially anyone who gets married fairly young. I think that’s how it goes.”
17th Annual New Mexico Bowl on Air
BYU (7-5) vs. SMU (7-5)
December 17 at 5:30 p.m. MST
University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico
TV: ABC
Radio: KSL News Radio 102.7 FM/1160 AM