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Start your day with BYU football: Luke Staley runs wild in 2001

By Nathan Cunningham

Oct 16, 2015; Provo, UT, USA; Fans and players file in to Lavell Edwards Stadium for the game between Brigham Young Cougars and Cincinnati Bearcats. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2015; Provo, UT, USA; Fans and players file in to Lavell Edwards Stadium for the game between Brigham Young Cougars and Cincinnati Bearcats. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Luke Staley might be the best running back in BYU football history. In 2001 he won the Doak Walker Award, despite missing three games. Never forget.

The 2001 season was a bittersweet campaign for BYU football. The Cougars went 12-2, but were shellacked in their final two games. Luke Staley won the Doak Walker Award, but was injured late in the season.

Not to be lost in the disappointment is the season that Luke Staley put together.

Staley ran over and around opposing tacklers en route to 1,582 yards (the second-most in the country). He averaged 8.1 yards per carry, scored 24 touchdowns on the ground and 28 total. Staley hauled in 32 passes for 334 yards.

He was an animal for BYU football. Running with power and finesse, Staley was a dominating force.

You can check out a compilation of his 2001 highlights in the video below.

Staley’s 2001 Game Log

Here are Staley’s game-by-game numbers for that year.

vs Tulane: 10 carries, 142 yards, 3 touchdowns; 4 receptions, 38 yards

vs Nevada: 11 carries, 124 yards, 2 touchdowns

at California: 9 carries, 47 yards; 2 receptions, 46 yards, touchdown

at UNLV: 15 carries, 77 yards; 4 receptions, 40 yards, touchdown

vs Utah State: 23 carries, 207 yards, 4 touchdowns; 4 catches, 44 yards, touchdown

at New Mexico: DNP

vs Air Force: 14 carries, 134 yards, 2 touchdowns; 3 receptions, 33 yards

at San Diego State: 17 carries, 165 yards, 3 touchdowns; 2 receptions, 13 yards

vs Colorado State: 22 carries, 196 yards, 5 touchdowns; 3 receptions, 28 yards

at Wyoming: 31 carries, 172 yards, 4 touchdowns; 3 receptions, 26 yards

vs Utah: 17 carries, 169 yards, touchdown; 3 receptions, 28 yards, touchdown

at Mississippi State: 28 carries, 149 yards; 4 receptions, 24 yards

at Hawaii: DNP

Liberty Bowl vs Louisville: DNP

It’s a shame injuries took their toll on Staley. He seemingly had every tool necessary to be an NFL running back. Still, his junior season – his last in Provo – needs to be applauded. It was truly incredible.

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