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Fifth-year senior linebacker Brandon Ogletree, who has a team-best 57 tackles after seven games, anchors a unit that boasts the nation's third-ranked run defense (67.9 yards allowed per game). is that, while the offense figures out a way to be more productive, their defense has kept them in ball games, sans the unfo- cused effort against Oregon State. Heading into the contest, BYU was ranked 12th nationally in passing defense, surrendering only 169.8 yards per game. The program plummeted to No. 24 af- ter the aerial bombing from the Beavers, but is confident it can get back on track against Notre Dame. Before facing Oregon State, Brigham Young ranked third in the country in scor- ing defense (8.8 points allowed per con- test) and fifth in total defense (229.3 yards allowed per game). The defense had been especially stout in the red zone, holding teams to just a 40-percent conversion rate (three touch- downs and a field goal in 10 chances) prior to facing the Beavers. Fifth-year senior linebacker Brandon Ogletree paces the team with 57 stops, including six for loss. Junior linebacker Kyle Van Noy has added 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, while fellow junior linebacker Spencer Hadley contributed PHOTO COURTESY BYU 7.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 3.5 sacks. "BYU, defensively, has been very im- pressive," Call said before the loss in Cor- vallis, Ore. "It's incredible; week after week they keep shutting down opponents." Brigham Young gave up just 10 points over three games from Sept. 20-Oct. 5. The Cougars lost a 7-6 decision to Boise State, beat up on Hawaii (47-0) and edged Utah State (6-3). Eventually, though, the offense has to give some support. "They've got to get this turned around," Call said. "I'm not sure they can at this point. Here we are halfway through the season and we're expecting Riley Nelson will start [against Oregon State], but with the back injury being what it is, I don't think he'll be 100 percent again this season. "He's going to take more shots just be- cause of his playing style. I think at some point you'll see them turn to James Lark, and that will require the team to take on a different personality and style. "James Lark does have the best arm, but whether or not he can help turn things around I'm not sure." ✦ ✦ PAGE 3