Chips are down for UCLA at end - Forbath has a short field-goal try blocked on the final play, and BYU hangs on for a 17-16 Las Vegas Bowl win. Players lobby for Walker.

A moment before, the Bruins were on the edge of ecstasy, lining up for a game-winning field goal. Then kicker Kai Forbath's 28-yard attempt was tipped and fluttered harmlessly short as time ran out, sending Brigham Young players into wild gyrations after the Cougars' 17-16 victory in the Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday in front of 40,712 at Sam Boyd Stadium.

While the Cougars whooped and hollered, a teary-eyed DeWayne Walker was on his own journey. The Bruins' interim coach walked, head up, to the locker room. Next week, he will be interviewed by UCLA Chancellor Gene Block about the head coaching job.

A copy of game film might be a handy visual aid.

The Bruins (6-7) came oh-so-close to taking one final last good memory from a season of too many bad ones. They drove from their own two-yard line to the Cougars' 11 in 1 minute 28 seconds, leaving three seconds for Forbath to knock home his fourth field goal.

Only Forbath, who had already made kicks of 22, 52 and 50 yards, had this one blocked by Eathyn Manumaleuna.

"I told the players that life is full of adversity," Walker said. "I think adversity builds character. Whoever the head coach is next year, they are really going to inherit a bunch of good guys."

That could still be Walker, who will be the third candidate to be interviewed by Block. Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel and Temple Coach Al Golden interviewed with Block last week.

UCLA officials are not believed to be interested in interviewing other coaches, at least at this time, according to a source familiar with the search.

"It's flattering," Walker said of getting the interview. "It just reinforces the things we talk about as a staff. . . . I think it's encouraging. All I can do is what I can do."

Walker added, "It feels like you're getting the respect of the job that you've done. I appreciate it."

Athletic Director Dan Guerrero would comment only on the game, but that revolved around Walker.

"I thought the team played very hard," Guerrero said. "Obviously to have chance to win it at the end, that's pretty much where you want to have your team. It's a reflection of the coaching staff and the seniors and team rallying together."

Guerrero, standing in the the postseason news conference room, received a message from senior tailback Chris Markey.