Some things in life are just bigger than football.

Prior to today’s BYU-Michigan State game (which can be seen on ABC/ESPN2), BYU displayed what kind of program it is – a classy one.

Mylan Hicks was a former three-year letterwinner with the Spartans and was tragically killed in a club shooting in Calgary on Sept. 25. Hicks was 23-years-old and was a player for the Calgary Stampede of the Canadian Football League.

Mike Sadler was also a former Spartan player – a punter – who died in a tragic car accident this past summer (along with former Nebraska punter Sam Foltz). Sadler, 24, was the driver of the vehicle when it lost control on wet pavement.

The Cougars showed their class as the Spartans probably have their thoughts and hearts focused on both of their recent losses.