Priesthood still sticks in throat of many blacks and one wonders if that influences their decisions when BYU is on the playing fields.
A study was done in the NBA on black zebras with regards to the nature of their calls when it involved white vs. black players and the findings were interesting. There was an admitted preference for the black player when the black zebra made the call. Not a signifant % but still a measurable one.
BYU is the LDS school which represents the Church and all of its teachings and doctrines.
Call me a racist but I think that can be a difference, especially when the crowd in on your neck and you want to "balance" things out.