In protest, there will be no preview of the Hawaii/Louisiana Tech game this week. Chances are that the Hawaii players will not get to attend class at all this week. It puts money ahead of what these kids are really in school to accomplish.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Short Week--Region 1 Preview
Games are on Wednesday this week due to the Teacher's Union convention. So, here is the early preview.
Viewmont at Davis
The Vikings just finished with a heart breaker in one rivalry game. Now it is time to get up and get ready for another big one. The Darts were caught a little unprepared against Northridge last week, but came through in the end. This game has upset potential, but the score will be low. Both teams rely on talent at running back. Davis 17 Viewmont 14
Layton at Roy
The Lancers are likely counting on this one to get back on the winning track. Sometimes a team that goes into a game against an inferior team with a sense of desperation is going to make a lot of mistakes. If the Lancers don't blow the Royals off the field, they will likely loose. Roy 21 Layton 7.
Syracuse at Clearfield
These two schools are only about a mile apart. Many of the kids on opposite sides of the field went to Elementary School together, went to Junior High together, played Little together and some even go to church together. But, this is not a rivalry yet. It has the makings of being a good one one day. I doubt that this will be the year it kicks off. Syracuse 32 Clearfield 6
Northridge at Fremont
A loss for the Knights to the Silver Wolves this week will likely end their fading playoff hopes. So expect the Knights to play with a sense of despair as well. Like their cross-town rivals, they will either blow the Silver Wolves off the ball, or overreach and make a ton of mistakes. Fremont seems to playing sound football after getting the season off to a slow start. Fremont 35 Northridge 15.
Weber at Bonneville
The Lakers have already played Roy, Layton and Northridge. Last week, playing in memory of Coach Budge, they handed the Iron Tigers of Ogden their only loss. The Laker defense was solid. While the Warriors dominated the line on both sides of the ball last week. There will likely be some let down for the Lakers this week, while Weber is playing good football. Weber 35 Bonneville 6.
Viewmont at Davis
The Vikings just finished with a heart breaker in one rivalry game. Now it is time to get up and get ready for another big one. The Darts were caught a little unprepared against Northridge last week, but came through in the end. This game has upset potential, but the score will be low. Both teams rely on talent at running back. Davis 17 Viewmont 14
Layton at Roy
The Lancers are likely counting on this one to get back on the winning track. Sometimes a team that goes into a game against an inferior team with a sense of desperation is going to make a lot of mistakes. If the Lancers don't blow the Royals off the field, they will likely loose. Roy 21 Layton 7.
Syracuse at Clearfield
These two schools are only about a mile apart. Many of the kids on opposite sides of the field went to Elementary School together, went to Junior High together, played Little together and some even go to church together. But, this is not a rivalry yet. It has the makings of being a good one one day. I doubt that this will be the year it kicks off. Syracuse 32 Clearfield 6
Northridge at Fremont
A loss for the Knights to the Silver Wolves this week will likely end their fading playoff hopes. So expect the Knights to play with a sense of despair as well. Like their cross-town rivals, they will either blow the Silver Wolves off the ball, or overreach and make a ton of mistakes. Fremont seems to playing sound football after getting the season off to a slow start. Fremont 35 Northridge 15.
Weber at Bonneville
The Lakers have already played Roy, Layton and Northridge. Last week, playing in memory of Coach Budge, they handed the Iron Tigers of Ogden their only loss. The Laker defense was solid. While the Warriors dominated the line on both sides of the ball last week. There will likely be some let down for the Lakers this week, while Weber is playing good football. Weber 35 Bonneville 6.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Now Hold on Just a Gosh Darn Minute Here
Comments to Make After Reading the Papers and the Polls this Morning.
BYU looked BAD against Colorado State?
Are you kidding? BYU was bad because they only beat previously unbeaten Colorado State by 19 points? This is why I disagree:
1. BYU got 21 points off of turnovers in the first quarter? Not true, in the first quarter, BYU got 14 points off of turnovers, and 7 points from good special teams play. Colorado State also intercepted Max Hall twice and that led to 3 points for the Rams. Turnovers were not the difference. Capitalizing on turnovers was the difference. That is one thing a good football team does.The two interceptions on Max nullified the two in the first quarter. In the end, there was no turnover advantage for BYU.
2. Max Hall has as many interceptions as touchdown passes. This is true, but there is a caveat. The point is to score touchdowns. BYU IS scoring touchdowns on the ground. Yesterday, the Cougars scored six touchdowns. Four of the six were running TDs. Last week, they scored four touchdowns, 2 were Max Hall passes, one was a Riley Nelson pass and the other was a Harvey Unga run. Against Tulane 7 touchnowns. 2 Max Hall passes, 1 defensive and 4 running TDs. Against Oklahoma 2 TD passes. 19 Touchdowns this year, 8 Max Hall passing touchdowns, 1 Riley Nelson Passing touchdown, 1 defensive touchdown and 10 running touchdowns. The point, they are scoring touchdowns. Who cares how. Now, about the interceptions. Most were thrown against Florida State after the Seminoles had a big lead. Take away the FSU game, and the other guys are not converting BYU turnovers into scores. Outside of FSU, BYU opponents have scored 6 points because of BYUs turnovers.
3. One concern of BYU prior to the CSU game was special teams play. This aspect of the Cougar game was improved against CSU. Evidence, blocked punt.
4. Colorado State was unbeaten prior to the BYU game. Maybe the level of their competition is suspect, but you will likely see the Rams finish 8-4 and get to a bowl game. They deserve credit for not quitting after spotting the other team 21 points...unlike the Cougars of last week. They played a quality game after it was lost.
5. Colorado State out gained the Cougars statistically, but BYU only had 15 yards to drive to get their first touchdown. BYU only ran 4 offensive plays and was ahead 14-0. See how much statistics matter?
6. BYU outscored the Rams in the 1st and 4th quarters and in the 3rd quarter, the score was even. BYU outscored CSU in both halfs. BYU won the 1st half 21-7. BYU won the second half 21-16. Colorado State both outscored and out gained the Cougars in the 2nd quarter. It is only the first quarter statistics that were misleading. Colorado State outgained the Cougars, but trailed 21-0.
7. BYUs drop in the polls this morning was likely more fallout from the FSU loss. FSU lost on Saturday making thier blowout over BYU look even worse for the Cougars. If FSU tanks the rest of this season, the worse BYU will look. Even if Oklahoma continues to smother the opposition.
Weber State game reporting error on KSL:
From KSL.com
The sun was shining down on the Weber State Wildcats (2-2) as they escaped Portland State with a 36-29 victory Saturday afternoon at PGE Park in Portland, Oregon. Giving up 14 points in less than 15 seconds, the Wildcats let the Vikings back in the game and eventually blew an 18-point lead before rallying in the last minute and fifteen seconds with a touchdown pass from Cameron Higgins to Tim Toone.
What actually happened:
1st Quarter
07:14 PSU - Zach Brown 20 yd field goal, 13-57 7:46 0 - 3
2nd Quarter
10:13 WSU - Trevyn Smith 4 yd run (Jon Williams kick), 4-64 1:45 7 - 3
07:14 PSU - Aaron Woods 5 yd pass from Drew Hubel (Zach Brown kick), 5-69 2:53 7 - 10
01:40 WSU - Kam. Kaimikaua 10 yd pass from Cameron Higgins (Jon Williams kick), 12-64 5:27 14 - 10
3rd Quarter
07:51 WSU - Tim Toone 4 yd pass from Cameron Higgins (Jon Williams kick), 5-80 1:58 21 - 10
01:57 WSU - Bo Bolen 15 yd pass from Cameron Higgins (Jon Williams kick), 9-96 4:33 28 - 10
01:38 PSU - Aaron Woods 97 yd kickoff return (Zach Brown kick) 28 - 17
01:26 PSU - DeShawn Shead 31 yd interception return (Zach Brown rush failed) 28 - 23
4th Quarter
01:15 PSU - Aaron Woods 15 yd pass from Drew Hubel (C. Kavanaugh rush failed), 11-75 4:58 28 - 29
00:17 WSU - Tim Toone 38 yd pass from Cameron Higgins (Tyrl. Francisco pass from Cameron Higgins), 6-84 0:55 36 - 29
14 points was wrong. PSU got two TDs in less than 15 seconds to get back in the game, but failed to convert the PAT on the second TD. That is only 13 points.
But this brings up a point I made after the CSU loss. Even in the FCS, a team can little afford to make mistakes. Cameron Higgins deserves credit for the successful two-minute drill at the end of the game. But it would not have been needed had he not thrown an the interception in the 3rd quarter. In fact, that int would not have mattered much if the Special Teams for WSU had contained the PSU kick returner. It was the let down in those 15 seconds that almost cost Weber this game. If Weber is to win a Big Sky championship this year, they need to clean up their play considerably. They have four games on the schedule against four teams that are better than PSU. One is this coming week at Stewart Stadium. The Cats have a ton of work to do to get ready for Montana State.
Can Idaho Go Bowling?
To be bowl eligible, a team has to have at least 6 wins. The Vandals are half-way there after four games, much of the conference schedule left. Based upon how well they have played so far this season, you have to think that there are three win-able games left. Here is the remaining schedule.
O3--vs Colorado State
O10-- @ San Jose State
O17-- Hawaii
O24-- @ Nevada
O31-- Louisiana Tech
N7--Fresno State
N14--@ Boise State
N21--bye
N28--Utah State
The Vandals are much improved, but they are not Boise State. I see three more losses--Colorado State, Fresno State and Boise State. They should finish 8-4 and become bowl eligible by Halloween. Also, if you are a TCU fan, Idaho is your best hope. The only winning team left on Boise State's schedule.
Bowl Projections
Mtn West
TCU--Vegas
BYU--Poinsettia
Air Force--Armed Forces
Utah--New Mexico
Colo State--Humanitarian
WAC
Bosie--Orange
Hawaii--Hawaii
Idaho--New Mexico
Fresno--Humanitarian
BYU looked BAD against Colorado State?
Are you kidding? BYU was bad because they only beat previously unbeaten Colorado State by 19 points? This is why I disagree:
1. BYU got 21 points off of turnovers in the first quarter? Not true, in the first quarter, BYU got 14 points off of turnovers, and 7 points from good special teams play. Colorado State also intercepted Max Hall twice and that led to 3 points for the Rams. Turnovers were not the difference. Capitalizing on turnovers was the difference. That is one thing a good football team does.The two interceptions on Max nullified the two in the first quarter. In the end, there was no turnover advantage for BYU.
2. Max Hall has as many interceptions as touchdown passes. This is true, but there is a caveat. The point is to score touchdowns. BYU IS scoring touchdowns on the ground. Yesterday, the Cougars scored six touchdowns. Four of the six were running TDs. Last week, they scored four touchdowns, 2 were Max Hall passes, one was a Riley Nelson pass and the other was a Harvey Unga run. Against Tulane 7 touchnowns. 2 Max Hall passes, 1 defensive and 4 running TDs. Against Oklahoma 2 TD passes. 19 Touchdowns this year, 8 Max Hall passing touchdowns, 1 Riley Nelson Passing touchdown, 1 defensive touchdown and 10 running touchdowns. The point, they are scoring touchdowns. Who cares how. Now, about the interceptions. Most were thrown against Florida State after the Seminoles had a big lead. Take away the FSU game, and the other guys are not converting BYU turnovers into scores. Outside of FSU, BYU opponents have scored 6 points because of BYUs turnovers.
3. One concern of BYU prior to the CSU game was special teams play. This aspect of the Cougar game was improved against CSU. Evidence, blocked punt.
4. Colorado State was unbeaten prior to the BYU game. Maybe the level of their competition is suspect, but you will likely see the Rams finish 8-4 and get to a bowl game. They deserve credit for not quitting after spotting the other team 21 points...unlike the Cougars of last week. They played a quality game after it was lost.
5. Colorado State out gained the Cougars statistically, but BYU only had 15 yards to drive to get their first touchdown. BYU only ran 4 offensive plays and was ahead 14-0. See how much statistics matter?
6. BYU outscored the Rams in the 1st and 4th quarters and in the 3rd quarter, the score was even. BYU outscored CSU in both halfs. BYU won the 1st half 21-7. BYU won the second half 21-16. Colorado State both outscored and out gained the Cougars in the 2nd quarter. It is only the first quarter statistics that were misleading. Colorado State outgained the Cougars, but trailed 21-0.
7. BYUs drop in the polls this morning was likely more fallout from the FSU loss. FSU lost on Saturday making thier blowout over BYU look even worse for the Cougars. If FSU tanks the rest of this season, the worse BYU will look. Even if Oklahoma continues to smother the opposition.
Weber State game reporting error on KSL:
From KSL.com
The sun was shining down on the Weber State Wildcats (2-2) as they escaped Portland State with a 36-29 victory Saturday afternoon at PGE Park in Portland, Oregon. Giving up 14 points in less than 15 seconds, the Wildcats let the Vikings back in the game and eventually blew an 18-point lead before rallying in the last minute and fifteen seconds with a touchdown pass from Cameron Higgins to Tim Toone.
What actually happened:
1st Quarter
07:14 PSU - Zach Brown 20 yd field goal, 13-57 7:46 0 - 3
2nd Quarter
10:13 WSU - Trevyn Smith 4 yd run (Jon Williams kick), 4-64 1:45 7 - 3
07:14 PSU - Aaron Woods 5 yd pass from Drew Hubel (Zach Brown kick), 5-69 2:53 7 - 10
01:40 WSU - Kam. Kaimikaua 10 yd pass from Cameron Higgins (Jon Williams kick), 12-64 5:27 14 - 10
3rd Quarter
07:51 WSU - Tim Toone 4 yd pass from Cameron Higgins (Jon Williams kick), 5-80 1:58 21 - 10
01:57 WSU - Bo Bolen 15 yd pass from Cameron Higgins (Jon Williams kick), 9-96 4:33 28 - 10
01:38 PSU - Aaron Woods 97 yd kickoff return (Zach Brown kick) 28 - 17
01:26 PSU - DeShawn Shead 31 yd interception return (Zach Brown rush failed) 28 - 23
4th Quarter
01:15 PSU - Aaron Woods 15 yd pass from Drew Hubel (C. Kavanaugh rush failed), 11-75 4:58 28 - 29
00:17 WSU - Tim Toone 38 yd pass from Cameron Higgins (Tyrl. Francisco pass from Cameron Higgins), 6-84 0:55 36 - 29
14 points was wrong. PSU got two TDs in less than 15 seconds to get back in the game, but failed to convert the PAT on the second TD. That is only 13 points.
But this brings up a point I made after the CSU loss. Even in the FCS, a team can little afford to make mistakes. Cameron Higgins deserves credit for the successful two-minute drill at the end of the game. But it would not have been needed had he not thrown an the interception in the 3rd quarter. In fact, that int would not have mattered much if the Special Teams for WSU had contained the PSU kick returner. It was the let down in those 15 seconds that almost cost Weber this game. If Weber is to win a Big Sky championship this year, they need to clean up their play considerably. They have four games on the schedule against four teams that are better than PSU. One is this coming week at Stewart Stadium. The Cats have a ton of work to do to get ready for Montana State.
Can Idaho Go Bowling?
To be bowl eligible, a team has to have at least 6 wins. The Vandals are half-way there after four games, much of the conference schedule left. Based upon how well they have played so far this season, you have to think that there are three win-able games left. Here is the remaining schedule.
O3--vs Colorado State
O10-- @ San Jose State
O17-- Hawaii
O24-- @ Nevada
O31-- Louisiana Tech
N7--Fresno State
N14--@ Boise State
N21--bye
N28--Utah State
The Vandals are much improved, but they are not Boise State. I see three more losses--Colorado State, Fresno State and Boise State. They should finish 8-4 and become bowl eligible by Halloween. Also, if you are a TCU fan, Idaho is your best hope. The only winning team left on Boise State's schedule.
Bowl Projections
Mtn West
TCU--Vegas
BYU--Poinsettia
Air Force--Armed Forces
Utah--New Mexico
Colo State--Humanitarian
WAC
Bosie--Orange
Hawaii--Hawaii
Idaho--New Mexico
Fresno--Humanitarian
Making the statement...again
Big Sky Conference Review...I mean whew!
Weber State 36 Portland State 29
Two weeks ago in Fort Collins, Weber State snatched defeat from the hands of victory. Now they get their redemption in Portland. The Vikings took the lead from the Cats late in the game. But Weber State takes the game late in the 4th with a Tim Toone Touchdown reception. Not the best game the Weber defense had this season, but you take the wins where you can get them!
Montana 41 Northern Arizona 34
The Lumberjacks get a late FG to send the game into OT only to be stalled by the Grizzly defense. It must have given the roof of the Walkup Skydome the best workout it has had in years.
Western Washington 33 Idaho State 22
This was not a Division II team beating a Division I FCS team. This was simply a good football team beating a team that can't get it together this year. The competition has been fierce and what the Bengals need is a week off. Western could compete in the Big Sky and if NAU or NCU drops out, they have my vote. I would love to take a road trip to Bellingham. Besides, we do not have a "Western" in the conference.
Eastern Washington 56 Sacramento State 30
The Eagles ran away with this one in the second quarter. It is like Hornet Stadium is a home away from home for them as they have won three straight in Sacramento. Of course the Hornets gave the ball away four times. And this year, they had a difficult time Taiwan Jones...slightly.
Montana State 25 Northern Colorado 7
The bears finally got a touchdown in Big Sky play late in the forth quarter. Otherwise, it was all Bobcats in Greely.
Offensive Players of the Week: Weber State WR Tim Toone, Eastern Washington RB Taiwan Jones
Defensive team of the week: Montana State
Game of the week: Weber State 36 Portland State 29
Power Rankings
1. Montana
2. Weber State
3. Eastern Washington
4. Montana State
5. Portland State
6. Northern Arizona
7. Sacramento State
8. Northern Colorado
9. Idaho State
WAC Review...Way to go, Idaho! (From Toy Story)
Boise State 49 Bowling Green 14
People are thinking that the Smurfs are slacking because they could only manage 7 touchdowns against this lower-level MAC team.
Missouri 31 Nevada 21
The Wolfpack is becomming the team that people play when they need a confidence boost. That is what happened to Colorado State last week. Although Missouri is undefeated, this game really helped QB Blaine Gabbert step out of the shadow of Chase Daniel.
Utah State 53 Southern Utah 34
The Aggies were only ahead by a touchdown at halftime.
New Mexico State 20 New Mexico 17
Yes, State won in Albuquerque. But don't get so excited. So far MWC 4 WAC 2. Other than Boise State, no one is beating teams from the power conferences. (Look at Fresno State, for example) The two WAC wins vs the Mtn were against San Diego State and New Mexico. Not exactly the perennial MWC BCS busters.
Cincinnati 28 Fresno State 20
Arguably, the Bulldogs are the best 1-3 team in the country. Their defense could not hold the Bearcats out of the end zone in the fourth quarter. Neither could the buy a touchdown when the game was on the line. Same script as you had in Wisconsin two weeks ago, only the location and the antagonist have changed in this sequel. True, not many teams could play Wisconsin, Boise State and Cincinnatti and win all three, let alone one. The big loss to BSU is the meat in the sandwich between coulda and shoulda. For this team, it is best not to dwell on this. I think the Dogs season will be a true failure if they can not bounce back from this considering the remaining schedule. Even if they loose to Hawaii and Idaho, FSU should still be bowling this December.
Idaho 34 Northern Illinois 31
OK, the Idaho Vandals are now 3-1. What?! Ida-who is winning? Let me get used to this! Not quite as shocking as the Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl, or the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA finals, but it is not what we are accustomed to. What's next, the Seattle Mariners in the World Series? And they have a better chance at making a bowl game then a lot of other perinnial celler-dweller teams that you would think are better...like Wyoming, UNLV and UTEP. These teams that have been to a bowl game more recently than Idaho. In fact, to the best of my knowlege and research, Idaho has NEVER been bowling. Now, I am not projecting Idaho to get to the Rose Bowl, but a December in Albuquerque or Boise is a very real possibility. They just need 5 more wins in the remaining 8 games. The Idaho Vandals are the most improved team in the west this year.
San Jose State 19 Cal Poly 9
The Broncos had a 9-6 lead at the half. The Spartans finally woke up, not wanting to join Virgina and Duke as BS teams that lost to CS teams this year.
After all this, I was tempted to give the defensive team award to idle Louisiana Tech. WAC teams need to learn to play defense.
Offensive Player of the Week: San Jose State RB Lamon Muldrow
Defensive team of the week: New Mexico State (Hey, it's the WAC...where defense is a rumor)
Game of the week: Cincinnatti 28 Fresno State 20
WAC Power Rankings
1. Boise State
2. Hawaii
3. Idaho
4. Fresno State
5. Louisiana Tech
6. New Mexico State
7. San Jose State
8. Utah State
9. Nevada
Mountain West
The MWC is not only 4-2 against the WAC with 3 scheduled for next week, they are 2-2 against the Big XII and 2-1 against the ACC and 1-0 against the Big East. The bad news, 0-2 against the PAC-10.
TCU 14 Clemson 10
If you do not follow College Football, you may not know that they refer to Clemson Memorial Stadium as Death Valley. The reason is that many championship dreams die there. Not so for the TCU Horned Frogs. They played some power football in the fourth. Taking the lead, first and then stopping the Tigers twice in the Red Zone on downs. Too bad their BCS hopes rest in the hands of teams the caliber of Utah State.
BYU 42 Colorado State 23
BYU fans have become the most spoiled of the decade. The Cougars win by 19, and people are upset that they did not win by 30. Overrated teams do not beat previously unbeaten teams by three touchdowns. The Cougars have some work to do before their next conference home game...TCU...but this was a good enough bounce back game for this team. Remember what happened last year? The Cougars never really recovered from that flop in Fort Worth last year. This is not last year's team.
Utah 30 Louisville 14
This is not the Louisville that won the Orange Bowl a few years ago. This is not the Utah team that won the Sugar Bowl last year. Guess who has fallen farther? Not the Utes. These Utes will be OK. The problem is that they have to travel to Fort Worth and to Provo this year. They need composure and confidence. A week off will help. They have some challenges in the next few weeks.
Air Force 26 San Diego State 14
The Aztecs get two late touchdowns. Does that qualify as a moral victory? Too little, too late does not work in my book. It was a good enough game for the Falcons even if they allowed to garbage time touchdowns. After all, they play Navy next week. They just got a little head start on the game plan. And that's forgivable if they can escape Annapolis with a win next week.
Wyoming 30 UNLV 27
Wyoming gets the late score to shock the Rebels. This may have cost the Mountain West a chance at a 6th Bowl Eligible team in case someone breaks into a BCS bowl this year. UNLV is now 2-2 and likely only has 3 winnable games left on the schedule this year. Too bad for Mike Sanford. Wyoming will have to pull off an upset or two to get to a bowl game as well.
Offensive Player of the Week: BYU RB Harvey Unga
Defensive Team of the Week: TCU
Game of the Week: Wyoming 30 UNLV 27
Power Rankings
1. TCU
2. BYU
3. Utah
4. Air Force
5. Colorado State
6. Wyoming
7. UNLV
8. San Diego State
9. New Mexico
Weber State 36 Portland State 29
Two weeks ago in Fort Collins, Weber State snatched defeat from the hands of victory. Now they get their redemption in Portland. The Vikings took the lead from the Cats late in the game. But Weber State takes the game late in the 4th with a Tim Toone Touchdown reception. Not the best game the Weber defense had this season, but you take the wins where you can get them!
Montana 41 Northern Arizona 34
The Lumberjacks get a late FG to send the game into OT only to be stalled by the Grizzly defense. It must have given the roof of the Walkup Skydome the best workout it has had in years.
Western Washington 33 Idaho State 22
This was not a Division II team beating a Division I FCS team. This was simply a good football team beating a team that can't get it together this year. The competition has been fierce and what the Bengals need is a week off. Western could compete in the Big Sky and if NAU or NCU drops out, they have my vote. I would love to take a road trip to Bellingham. Besides, we do not have a "Western" in the conference.
Eastern Washington 56 Sacramento State 30
The Eagles ran away with this one in the second quarter. It is like Hornet Stadium is a home away from home for them as they have won three straight in Sacramento. Of course the Hornets gave the ball away four times. And this year, they had a difficult time Taiwan Jones...slightly.
Montana State 25 Northern Colorado 7
The bears finally got a touchdown in Big Sky play late in the forth quarter. Otherwise, it was all Bobcats in Greely.
Offensive Players of the Week: Weber State WR Tim Toone, Eastern Washington RB Taiwan Jones
Defensive team of the week: Montana State
Game of the week: Weber State 36 Portland State 29
Power Rankings
1. Montana
2. Weber State
3. Eastern Washington
4. Montana State
5. Portland State
6. Northern Arizona
7. Sacramento State
8. Northern Colorado
9. Idaho State
WAC Review...Way to go, Idaho! (From Toy Story)
Boise State 49 Bowling Green 14
People are thinking that the Smurfs are slacking because they could only manage 7 touchdowns against this lower-level MAC team.
Missouri 31 Nevada 21
The Wolfpack is becomming the team that people play when they need a confidence boost. That is what happened to Colorado State last week. Although Missouri is undefeated, this game really helped QB Blaine Gabbert step out of the shadow of Chase Daniel.
Utah State 53 Southern Utah 34
The Aggies were only ahead by a touchdown at halftime.
New Mexico State 20 New Mexico 17
Yes, State won in Albuquerque. But don't get so excited. So far MWC 4 WAC 2. Other than Boise State, no one is beating teams from the power conferences. (Look at Fresno State, for example) The two WAC wins vs the Mtn were against San Diego State and New Mexico. Not exactly the perennial MWC BCS busters.
Cincinnati 28 Fresno State 20
Arguably, the Bulldogs are the best 1-3 team in the country. Their defense could not hold the Bearcats out of the end zone in the fourth quarter. Neither could the buy a touchdown when the game was on the line. Same script as you had in Wisconsin two weeks ago, only the location and the antagonist have changed in this sequel. True, not many teams could play Wisconsin, Boise State and Cincinnatti and win all three, let alone one. The big loss to BSU is the meat in the sandwich between coulda and shoulda. For this team, it is best not to dwell on this. I think the Dogs season will be a true failure if they can not bounce back from this considering the remaining schedule. Even if they loose to Hawaii and Idaho, FSU should still be bowling this December.
Idaho 34 Northern Illinois 31
OK, the Idaho Vandals are now 3-1. What?! Ida-who is winning? Let me get used to this! Not quite as shocking as the Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl, or the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA finals, but it is not what we are accustomed to. What's next, the Seattle Mariners in the World Series? And they have a better chance at making a bowl game then a lot of other perinnial celler-dweller teams that you would think are better...like Wyoming, UNLV and UTEP. These teams that have been to a bowl game more recently than Idaho. In fact, to the best of my knowlege and research, Idaho has NEVER been bowling. Now, I am not projecting Idaho to get to the Rose Bowl, but a December in Albuquerque or Boise is a very real possibility. They just need 5 more wins in the remaining 8 games. The Idaho Vandals are the most improved team in the west this year.
San Jose State 19 Cal Poly 9
The Broncos had a 9-6 lead at the half. The Spartans finally woke up, not wanting to join Virgina and Duke as BS teams that lost to CS teams this year.
After all this, I was tempted to give the defensive team award to idle Louisiana Tech. WAC teams need to learn to play defense.
Offensive Player of the Week: San Jose State RB Lamon Muldrow
Defensive team of the week: New Mexico State (Hey, it's the WAC...where defense is a rumor)
Game of the week: Cincinnatti 28 Fresno State 20
WAC Power Rankings
1. Boise State
2. Hawaii
3. Idaho
4. Fresno State
5. Louisiana Tech
6. New Mexico State
7. San Jose State
8. Utah State
9. Nevada
Mountain West
The MWC is not only 4-2 against the WAC with 3 scheduled for next week, they are 2-2 against the Big XII and 2-1 against the ACC and 1-0 against the Big East. The bad news, 0-2 against the PAC-10.
TCU 14 Clemson 10
If you do not follow College Football, you may not know that they refer to Clemson Memorial Stadium as Death Valley. The reason is that many championship dreams die there. Not so for the TCU Horned Frogs. They played some power football in the fourth. Taking the lead, first and then stopping the Tigers twice in the Red Zone on downs. Too bad their BCS hopes rest in the hands of teams the caliber of Utah State.
BYU 42 Colorado State 23
BYU fans have become the most spoiled of the decade. The Cougars win by 19, and people are upset that they did not win by 30. Overrated teams do not beat previously unbeaten teams by three touchdowns. The Cougars have some work to do before their next conference home game...TCU...but this was a good enough bounce back game for this team. Remember what happened last year? The Cougars never really recovered from that flop in Fort Worth last year. This is not last year's team.
Utah 30 Louisville 14
This is not the Louisville that won the Orange Bowl a few years ago. This is not the Utah team that won the Sugar Bowl last year. Guess who has fallen farther? Not the Utes. These Utes will be OK. The problem is that they have to travel to Fort Worth and to Provo this year. They need composure and confidence. A week off will help. They have some challenges in the next few weeks.
Air Force 26 San Diego State 14
The Aztecs get two late touchdowns. Does that qualify as a moral victory? Too little, too late does not work in my book. It was a good enough game for the Falcons even if they allowed to garbage time touchdowns. After all, they play Navy next week. They just got a little head start on the game plan. And that's forgivable if they can escape Annapolis with a win next week.
Wyoming 30 UNLV 27
Wyoming gets the late score to shock the Rebels. This may have cost the Mountain West a chance at a 6th Bowl Eligible team in case someone breaks into a BCS bowl this year. UNLV is now 2-2 and likely only has 3 winnable games left on the schedule this year. Too bad for Mike Sanford. Wyoming will have to pull off an upset or two to get to a bowl game as well.
Offensive Player of the Week: BYU RB Harvey Unga
Defensive Team of the Week: TCU
Game of the Week: Wyoming 30 UNLV 27
Power Rankings
1. TCU
2. BYU
3. Utah
4. Air Force
5. Colorado State
6. Wyoming
7. UNLV
8. San Diego State
9. New Mexico
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Controlling the line
Clearfield 14 at Weber 33
I planned on making the second half of the Clearfield at Weber game this week, but was delayed. I had to ask people what happened. The Warriors came away with an impressive second half performance to run up the score on the Falcons. This is good football. Controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The Warriors deserve credit for winning the battle of the trenches and running down the Falcons.
Fremont 36 at Layton 16
The Standard Examiner this morning reported that Fremont won this game becuase they had the hunger. If that is the case, the Silver Wolves were feasting and the Lancers were snacking. This was a smack down. Brody Garr had another great game, throwing 3 touchdown passes.
Davis 21 at Northridge 17
It's one thing to come from behind when you are a passing team, but when you are a running team like Davis, it is more impressive. Tanner did not have his best game of the year, but was the difference at the end.
Roy 0 at Syracuse 42
An impressive homecoming for the Titans even considering the competition.
Viewmont 21 at Bountiful 23
Again, another close one as the Vikings can't quite seal the comeback. A scenario that has played out many times in this cross-town rivalry.
Region 1
Offesnive Player of the Week: Fremont QB Brody Garr
Defensive Team of the Week: Weber
Game of the week: Davis 21 Northridge 17
Power Rankings
Virtual Locks for State playoffs
1. Davis
2. Syracuse
Looking Good
3. Fremont
On The Bubble
4. Weber
5. Viewmont
Fading Chances
6. Clearfield
7. Northridge
Virtually Out
8. Layton
9. Roy
Next week with games on Wednesday thanks to the teacher's union convention.
Viewmont at Davis
Layton at Roy
Syracuse at Clearfield
Northridge at Fremont
Weber at Bonneville
I planned on making the second half of the Clearfield at Weber game this week, but was delayed. I had to ask people what happened. The Warriors came away with an impressive second half performance to run up the score on the Falcons. This is good football. Controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The Warriors deserve credit for winning the battle of the trenches and running down the Falcons.
Fremont 36 at Layton 16
The Standard Examiner this morning reported that Fremont won this game becuase they had the hunger. If that is the case, the Silver Wolves were feasting and the Lancers were snacking. This was a smack down. Brody Garr had another great game, throwing 3 touchdown passes.
Davis 21 at Northridge 17
It's one thing to come from behind when you are a passing team, but when you are a running team like Davis, it is more impressive. Tanner did not have his best game of the year, but was the difference at the end.
Roy 0 at Syracuse 42
An impressive homecoming for the Titans even considering the competition.
Viewmont 21 at Bountiful 23
Again, another close one as the Vikings can't quite seal the comeback. A scenario that has played out many times in this cross-town rivalry.
Region 1
Offesnive Player of the Week: Fremont QB Brody Garr
Defensive Team of the Week: Weber
Game of the week: Davis 21 Northridge 17
Power Rankings
Virtual Locks for State playoffs
1. Davis
2. Syracuse
Looking Good
3. Fremont
On The Bubble
4. Weber
5. Viewmont
Fading Chances
6. Clearfield
7. Northridge
Virtually Out
8. Layton
9. Roy
Next week with games on Wednesday thanks to the teacher's union convention.
Viewmont at Davis
Layton at Roy
Syracuse at Clearfield
Northridge at Fremont
Weber at Bonneville
College Football Week 4--Bozeman to Greely
Mountain West Conference
San Diego State at Air Force
Time for San Diego State to prove that they are making steps in the right direction, that they are going to be able to rebuild. The Falcons are reeling from the loss of QB Tim Jefferson. A little more than a half in Albuquerque and a start against a defense like SDSU should be a way to break in Connor Deitz. The main hope for the Aztecs is that next week, AF travels east to take on sister service academy, Navy. Air Force is a 17 point favorite. I'm not betting on this one. Air Force 34 SDSU 17.
UNLV at Wyoming
UNLV handled Hawaii's run and shoot in the second half last week by controlling the clock. Wyoming's run and shoot has been a more of a run dead offense. It's like taking my minivan into a drag race. It takes two or three years to get a run and shoot offense going. Athletes have to be recruited to make it work. UNLV should be able to keep the Cowboy offense off the field. Omar Clayton should have another 'Player of the Week' type of game. UNLV 35 Wyoming 14
TCU at Clemson
This is the MWC statement game of the week. Last week the ACC got the best of the MWC. BYU did not take the Seminoles seriously enough to win. TCU and Clemson should both be weel prepared and both respect each other. That should make for a good game. TCU has the talent to win it. TCU 23 Clemson 17
Colorado State at BYU
BYU did not take FSU seriously enough last week and were unprepared for that game. They should not make the same mistake this week. If they take Colorado State lightly, they will be 2-2 before halftime. CSU has been preping for this game since they walked out of Boulder a victor in week 1. They nearly paid the price against Weber State. BYU, in order to win like they did in the day, has to be ready every week. Bronco Mendenhall knows this and his assistants know it. Do the players on the field? We'll Find out. BYU 43 CSU 19
Louisville at Utah
This is not the same Louisville team that took the Big East by surprise a few years ago. But the Utes need to be ready. They need to take care of the ball. They will have a sell-out crowd behind them. That should help motivate them to clean up their game and get them to the quick start that they had in week 1. Utah 27 Louisville 12.
New Mexico State at New Mexico
I am not certain that the best team from the Land of Enchantment this year will be on the field in this game. Is it basketball season yet? UNM 21 NMSU 14
WAC
Missouri at Nevada
Sorry to my readers. This game is already over. Little surprise that Mizzou won. More on it later
Fresno State at Cincinnati
Fresno had a close one at Wisconsin a couple of weeks ago. Believe it or not, that was the easier game. I think that the 'Dogs are a bowl team this year. Cincicnatti is too, and it is colored Orange. Fresno will have to wait another week to get on the winning track. Cincy 27 Fresno 17
Idaho at Northern Illinois
NIU is 2-1 and one of those wins was at Purdue. Not to shabby for a MAC team. They also lost a close game at Wisconsin. That puts them on par with Fresno and ahead of Idaho--this year. NIU 28 Idaho 6
Boise State at Bowling Green
BSU looks to be cruising right to a BCS bowl right now. Their toughest games are behind them. I think that they will slip up somewhere. I think it would be sweet if it was in Logan, but that is later this season. But this is a similar game. A road game that the Broncos should win easily. But I suspect that the Falcons had this game marked on the schedule since day one of spring practice. That may be over reaching. BSU 60 BGU 10
Southern Utah at Utah State
The SUU Thunderbirds would love to win one in Logan, but USU should win this easily. USU 35 SUU 10.
Cal Poly at San Jose State
The Broncos are a very good FCS team, and the Spartans are hungry after two disappointing losses. This is a game where the FCS team could beat the FBS team. It would be bad for the WAC--making it difficult for them to fill their bowl slots if SJSU looses. This game looks interesting, but San Jose State will likely win. SJSU 28 CP-SLO 24
(San Louis Obispo to San Jose would be a nice road trip!)
New Mexico State at New Mexico
See MWC preview
Big Sky
Only one road trip per week from now on. They would get to redundant.
Road trip of the week:
Montana State at Northern Colorado
You can get from Bozeman to Greely and stay on the Interstate. And it is quite a scenic trip for an all-interstate trip. East on I-90 from Bozeman to Billings. It's all mountains with just a few small valleys and towns sprinkeld in. This is the best of Big Sky Country. From Livingston, the road follows the Yellowstone River which is the longest un-dammed river in the entire world...as far as I know. Remain on I-90 until the road reaches Sheridan Wyoming. Then on I-25 the rest of the way. The Front Range, when it is not croweded by sprawl looks as good today as it was 100 years ago. And there is very little sprawl between Sheridan and Greely.
The game. Northern Colorado did not look much improved against Eastern on offense in last week's defensive slug fest. The defense was adequate enough. So far this year, the Bobcat offense has struggled as well. This figures to be another game where the bus trip will be better than the game. If the Bears have truly improved, then they will win. NCU-12 MSU-6
Weber State at Portland State
Two years ago, these two teams met at PGE park for the highest scoring game in NCAA history. This game will not quite have those kind of fireworks. Ron McBride's defense has improved over two years ago...otherwise they would not have been able to hang with Colorado State or Wyoming. And the 'Cats have already seen the Run and Shoot this year. The Cat's have Trevyn Smith and should be able to control the ball and keep the Viking offense off the field. The Cat's are also without Cody Nakamura, a big weapon. WSU 52 PSU 38
Central Washington at Idaho State
ISU has opened the season with three consecutive road games, the first two against FBS teams. They finally get a home game against Division II Central Washington. This does not mean an automatic win for the Bengals. The Wildcats are ranked 4th in DII and are undefeated. ISU has to be tired and thinking that they have a laugher. I may be the only one outside of Ellensburg that believes this...CWU 35 ISU 20.
Montana at Northern Arizona
Nothern Arizona showed that they are at least as good as they were last year, and held off the T-birds furious comback attempt last week. But they have to hold off the furious Grizzly attack this week. Likely that it will be the Lumberjacks that need to make the furious comeback this week. Montana 35 NAU 20
Eastern Washington at Sacramento State
This looks to be an interesting game. The Eagles are ranked, but are on the road. Thier offense was also aneimic last week. Western Oregon played them close for 3 quarters. Meanwhile Sacramento State has scored a total of 26 points all season. EWU 27 CSU-SAC 23
San Diego State at Air Force
Time for San Diego State to prove that they are making steps in the right direction, that they are going to be able to rebuild. The Falcons are reeling from the loss of QB Tim Jefferson. A little more than a half in Albuquerque and a start against a defense like SDSU should be a way to break in Connor Deitz. The main hope for the Aztecs is that next week, AF travels east to take on sister service academy, Navy. Air Force is a 17 point favorite. I'm not betting on this one. Air Force 34 SDSU 17.
UNLV at Wyoming
UNLV handled Hawaii's run and shoot in the second half last week by controlling the clock. Wyoming's run and shoot has been a more of a run dead offense. It's like taking my minivan into a drag race. It takes two or three years to get a run and shoot offense going. Athletes have to be recruited to make it work. UNLV should be able to keep the Cowboy offense off the field. Omar Clayton should have another 'Player of the Week' type of game. UNLV 35 Wyoming 14
TCU at Clemson
This is the MWC statement game of the week. Last week the ACC got the best of the MWC. BYU did not take the Seminoles seriously enough to win. TCU and Clemson should both be weel prepared and both respect each other. That should make for a good game. TCU has the talent to win it. TCU 23 Clemson 17
Colorado State at BYU
BYU did not take FSU seriously enough last week and were unprepared for that game. They should not make the same mistake this week. If they take Colorado State lightly, they will be 2-2 before halftime. CSU has been preping for this game since they walked out of Boulder a victor in week 1. They nearly paid the price against Weber State. BYU, in order to win like they did in the day, has to be ready every week. Bronco Mendenhall knows this and his assistants know it. Do the players on the field? We'll Find out. BYU 43 CSU 19
Louisville at Utah
This is not the same Louisville team that took the Big East by surprise a few years ago. But the Utes need to be ready. They need to take care of the ball. They will have a sell-out crowd behind them. That should help motivate them to clean up their game and get them to the quick start that they had in week 1. Utah 27 Louisville 12.
New Mexico State at New Mexico
I am not certain that the best team from the Land of Enchantment this year will be on the field in this game. Is it basketball season yet? UNM 21 NMSU 14
WAC
Missouri at Nevada
Sorry to my readers. This game is already over. Little surprise that Mizzou won. More on it later
Fresno State at Cincinnati
Fresno had a close one at Wisconsin a couple of weeks ago. Believe it or not, that was the easier game. I think that the 'Dogs are a bowl team this year. Cincicnatti is too, and it is colored Orange. Fresno will have to wait another week to get on the winning track. Cincy 27 Fresno 17
Idaho at Northern Illinois
NIU is 2-1 and one of those wins was at Purdue. Not to shabby for a MAC team. They also lost a close game at Wisconsin. That puts them on par with Fresno and ahead of Idaho--this year. NIU 28 Idaho 6
Boise State at Bowling Green
BSU looks to be cruising right to a BCS bowl right now. Their toughest games are behind them. I think that they will slip up somewhere. I think it would be sweet if it was in Logan, but that is later this season. But this is a similar game. A road game that the Broncos should win easily. But I suspect that the Falcons had this game marked on the schedule since day one of spring practice. That may be over reaching. BSU 60 BGU 10
Southern Utah at Utah State
The SUU Thunderbirds would love to win one in Logan, but USU should win this easily. USU 35 SUU 10.
Cal Poly at San Jose State
The Broncos are a very good FCS team, and the Spartans are hungry after two disappointing losses. This is a game where the FCS team could beat the FBS team. It would be bad for the WAC--making it difficult for them to fill their bowl slots if SJSU looses. This game looks interesting, but San Jose State will likely win. SJSU 28 CP-SLO 24
(San Louis Obispo to San Jose would be a nice road trip!)
New Mexico State at New Mexico
See MWC preview
Big Sky
Only one road trip per week from now on. They would get to redundant.
Road trip of the week:
Montana State at Northern Colorado
You can get from Bozeman to Greely and stay on the Interstate. And it is quite a scenic trip for an all-interstate trip. East on I-90 from Bozeman to Billings. It's all mountains with just a few small valleys and towns sprinkeld in. This is the best of Big Sky Country. From Livingston, the road follows the Yellowstone River which is the longest un-dammed river in the entire world...as far as I know. Remain on I-90 until the road reaches Sheridan Wyoming. Then on I-25 the rest of the way. The Front Range, when it is not croweded by sprawl looks as good today as it was 100 years ago. And there is very little sprawl between Sheridan and Greely.
The game. Northern Colorado did not look much improved against Eastern on offense in last week's defensive slug fest. The defense was adequate enough. So far this year, the Bobcat offense has struggled as well. This figures to be another game where the bus trip will be better than the game. If the Bears have truly improved, then they will win. NCU-12 MSU-6
Weber State at Portland State
Two years ago, these two teams met at PGE park for the highest scoring game in NCAA history. This game will not quite have those kind of fireworks. Ron McBride's defense has improved over two years ago...otherwise they would not have been able to hang with Colorado State or Wyoming. And the 'Cats have already seen the Run and Shoot this year. The Cat's have Trevyn Smith and should be able to control the ball and keep the Viking offense off the field. The Cat's are also without Cody Nakamura, a big weapon. WSU 52 PSU 38
Central Washington at Idaho State
ISU has opened the season with three consecutive road games, the first two against FBS teams. They finally get a home game against Division II Central Washington. This does not mean an automatic win for the Bengals. The Wildcats are ranked 4th in DII and are undefeated. ISU has to be tired and thinking that they have a laugher. I may be the only one outside of Ellensburg that believes this...CWU 35 ISU 20.
Montana at Northern Arizona
Nothern Arizona showed that they are at least as good as they were last year, and held off the T-birds furious comback attempt last week. But they have to hold off the furious Grizzly attack this week. Likely that it will be the Lumberjacks that need to make the furious comeback this week. Montana 35 NAU 20
Eastern Washington at Sacramento State
This looks to be an interesting game. The Eagles are ranked, but are on the road. Thier offense was also aneimic last week. Western Oregon played them close for 3 quarters. Meanwhile Sacramento State has scored a total of 26 points all season. EWU 27 CSU-SAC 23
Thursday, September 24, 2009
This week's little Region 1 preview
Viewmont at Bountiful
I loved this rivalry when I was a teen. Most of the town, except for south of 5-points, was into it. Many of the games were close. The rivalry does not mean as much now that the teams are in different classes. For Bountiful, Woods Cross has become the big rival. And for Viewmont, it is Davis.
This one should be close as well. Bountiful is possibly the best team in 4-A, and Viewmont is not that shabby. The fact that the game is being played on Orchard Drive this year means little. The east stands will be full as well. The D-News has the Braves as a two-point favorite. The question is whether or not Austin Cheney had a breakout game last week, or it was just a fluke. The Brave defense is much better than the Knight defense. This rivalry is still big enough for the Braves to take it seriously enough to take care of business. Bountiful 24 Viewmont 14.
Clearfield at Weber
There are only two or three winnable left of the Falcon schedule this year. This is one of them. The Warriors have been consistent on D this year, but the offense has be sporadic. Weber has been able to string together some good performances. Clearfield 14 Weber 9.
Davis at Northridge
The Knights have not been able to stop anyone this year. Tanner Hinds has been running through everyone this year. If that happens, the potent Northridge offense will remain on the sidelines too long to be effective enough. Just like last week against Mr. Cheney and his Vikings. Davis 35 Northridge 21.
Fremont at Layton
This is a meeting of two teams that are going in opposite directions. Unless both figure out how to break that inertia, that will continue. The season is far from over for the Lancers, but they need to start winning. Fremont 27 Layton 15
Roy at Syracuse
A match between two teams at the opposite end of the spectrum. Someone this year will look past the Royals, but the Titans are chasing Davis. It will not be this week for Roy. Syracuse 42 Roy 6
Current Standings
1. Davis 4-0, 4-1
2. Syracuse 3-1, 4-1
2. Viewmont 3-1, 3-2
4. Fremont 2-2, 2-3
4. Weber 2-2, 3-2
6. Clearfield 1-2, 3-2
6. Northridge 1-2 3-2
8. Layton 0-3, 1-4
8. Roy 0-3, 0-5
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I loved this rivalry when I was a teen. Most of the town, except for south of 5-points, was into it. Many of the games were close. The rivalry does not mean as much now that the teams are in different classes. For Bountiful, Woods Cross has become the big rival. And for Viewmont, it is Davis.
This one should be close as well. Bountiful is possibly the best team in 4-A, and Viewmont is not that shabby. The fact that the game is being played on Orchard Drive this year means little. The east stands will be full as well. The D-News has the Braves as a two-point favorite. The question is whether or not Austin Cheney had a breakout game last week, or it was just a fluke. The Brave defense is much better than the Knight defense. This rivalry is still big enough for the Braves to take it seriously enough to take care of business. Bountiful 24 Viewmont 14.
Clearfield at Weber
There are only two or three winnable left of the Falcon schedule this year. This is one of them. The Warriors have been consistent on D this year, but the offense has be sporadic. Weber has been able to string together some good performances. Clearfield 14 Weber 9.
Davis at Northridge
The Knights have not been able to stop anyone this year. Tanner Hinds has been running through everyone this year. If that happens, the potent Northridge offense will remain on the sidelines too long to be effective enough. Just like last week against Mr. Cheney and his Vikings. Davis 35 Northridge 21.
Fremont at Layton
This is a meeting of two teams that are going in opposite directions. Unless both figure out how to break that inertia, that will continue. The season is far from over for the Lancers, but they need to start winning. Fremont 27 Layton 15
Roy at Syracuse
A match between two teams at the opposite end of the spectrum. Someone this year will look past the Royals, but the Titans are chasing Davis. It will not be this week for Roy. Syracuse 42 Roy 6
Current Standings
1. Davis 4-0, 4-1
2. Syracuse 3-1, 4-1
2. Viewmont 3-1, 3-2
4. Fremont 2-2, 2-3
4. Weber 2-2, 3-2
6. Clearfield 1-2, 3-2
6. Northridge 1-2 3-2
8. Layton 0-3, 1-4
8. Roy 0-3, 0-5
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Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Idea for Major League Soccer
Teams in Major League Soccer are trying to emulate the names and styles of European Football. Look at this list of names:
DC United
Red Bull New York
Toronto FC
FC Dallas
Real Salt Lake
Sounders FC
With so many Euro-style names, it is time for MLS to change to a Euro-Style name:
Now Introducing:
Premier League-North America
DC United
Red Bull New York
Toronto FC
FC Dallas
Real Salt Lake
Sounders FC
With so many Euro-style names, it is time for MLS to change to a Euro-Style name:
Now Introducing:
Premier League-North America
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Who's Representin'? Part 2
MWC
For the Mountain West Conference, it was a bad weekend. Well, that is an understatement. There is no way to describe what has happened this week. The statements that needed to be made were not. One reason you recruit Junior College players is because they have the experience. Cain was not riding the pine behind Brian Johnson for two years. He was playing real games against real opponents. So, he should have known what to do with the football when the game is on the line. He blew it with not one, not two, but three chances to make the difference in the fourth quarter.
Max Hall pitched a good game today, but did not have any "run support" from the defense. A baseball pitcher needs good bats to win, and a quarterback needs his defense to help him out. FSU just ran right through the Cougar D. You don't take anything for granted when Bobby Bowden is the coach on the other sideline, even when he is having a down year. His team was prepared. So if this game was lost for the Cougars, it was lost in the preparation on the defensive side of the ball. Sure, there were turnovers, but BYU never had a chance in this one. It was over before you could sing "home of the brave." It is the coaching staff that has the responsibility to have their players prepared. No opponent should ever expose a weakness. And if it is the case that the players were not listening to the coaches, then there is not much anyone can do. Last year, when TCU clobbered them, BYU was not able to bounce back. They had three close games against teams they should have blown away. They won all three of them, but got lucky three weeks in a row. If BYU has improved over last season, we will truley find out when they play Colorado State next Saturday.
Here is a differnece between the Mountain West and the power conferences. Florida State is ready to play every single week because they have to. Next week, FSU has to travel to Boston College. As good as they played this week, they have to put this game behind them and play another tough one next week. If anything needs to improve in the MWC, it is getting consistency not just from BYU, Utah and TCU; but from Air Force, UNLV and Colorado State. The middle 3 need to push the top 3 to be better.
The most improved team in the MWC is UNLV. Beating the run and shoot means keeping the offense off the field. UNLV did that in the second half. Hawaii only ran four plays in the third quarter, and that is where the game changed.
WAC
If any team from the Beehive State was impressive this week, it was Utah State. I don't believe in moral victories. But the Utah Aggies did very well in a very intimidating environment. Dealing with the student section in College Station is not an easy thing to do, especially if you are used to playing in front of 12,000. Getting to within a touchdown was an accomplishment. They will suprise someone this year. If you are an MWC fan this year, you hope that it will be Boise State!
Speaking of improvement, Utah State has some competition in that department. Idaho really looks better this year. They took it to San Diego State at home. They have a winning record. Meanwhile, Nevada looks as bad as they did on TV against Notre Dame. And who is the best team in the Land of Enchantment? Looks like New Mexico Highlands to me. Both the Lobos and the Aggies look terrible. They play each other, so one of them will not be winless.
Big Sky
Trevyn Smith and Cameron Higgins looked like FCS All Americans. 3 TD passes for Higgins and 177 rushing yards for Smith. The 'Cats did get off to a slow start, but once the shook off the rattling they had in Fort Collins last week and dominated for the last three quarters. The Bengals once again come away from Ogden empty. The shortest bus trip in the Big Sky Conference took a long two hours.
There could be a QB controversy brewing in Missoula. PSU took an early 14-0 lead, but Andrew Selle came off the bench and from there the Grizzlies cruised past the Vikings. Montana can turn the game on you quickly, and they did that today.
I said that Northern Colorado had the opportunity to show improvement in Cheney against the Eagles. But Eastern Washington shut those Bears down and won 16 to 0. There was not much offense from EWU either-the stats were very similar-they just managed to get the ball into the end zone where NCU could not.
In Flagstaff, there was shootout worthy of the scenery as Southern Utah's comeback falls short at the Skydome. SUU nearly capped off a comeback. Down 34-14 early in the third, the Thunderbirds loose by only 3.
MWC
Offensive Player of the week: UNLV QB Omar Clayton
Defensive team of the week: Air Force
Game of the week: UNLV 24 Hawaii 23
Power Rankings
1. TCU
2. Air Force
3. Colorado State
4. BYU
5. UNLV
6. Utah
7. San Diego State
8. Wyoming
9. New Mexico
WAC
Offensive Player of the week: Utah State QB Diondre Borrell
Defensive team of the week: Idaho
Game of the Week: UNLV 34 Hawaii 33
Power Rankings
1. Boise State
2. Fresno State
3. Louisiana Tech
4. Hawaii
5. Idaho
6. San Jose State
7. Utah State
8. Nevada
9. New Mexico State
Big Sky
Offensive Player of the week: Weber State QB Cameron Higgins, Weber State RB Trevyn Smith
Defensive team of the week: Eastern Washington
Game of the week: Northern Arizona 42 Southern Utah 39
Power Rankings
1. Montana
2. Weber State
3. Eastern Washington
4. Montana State
5. Sacramento State
6. Northern Arizona
7. Portland State
8. Idaho State
9. Northern Colorado
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For the Mountain West Conference, it was a bad weekend. Well, that is an understatement. There is no way to describe what has happened this week. The statements that needed to be made were not. One reason you recruit Junior College players is because they have the experience. Cain was not riding the pine behind Brian Johnson for two years. He was playing real games against real opponents. So, he should have known what to do with the football when the game is on the line. He blew it with not one, not two, but three chances to make the difference in the fourth quarter.
Max Hall pitched a good game today, but did not have any "run support" from the defense. A baseball pitcher needs good bats to win, and a quarterback needs his defense to help him out. FSU just ran right through the Cougar D. You don't take anything for granted when Bobby Bowden is the coach on the other sideline, even when he is having a down year. His team was prepared. So if this game was lost for the Cougars, it was lost in the preparation on the defensive side of the ball. Sure, there were turnovers, but BYU never had a chance in this one. It was over before you could sing "home of the brave." It is the coaching staff that has the responsibility to have their players prepared. No opponent should ever expose a weakness. And if it is the case that the players were not listening to the coaches, then there is not much anyone can do. Last year, when TCU clobbered them, BYU was not able to bounce back. They had three close games against teams they should have blown away. They won all three of them, but got lucky three weeks in a row. If BYU has improved over last season, we will truley find out when they play Colorado State next Saturday.
Here is a differnece between the Mountain West and the power conferences. Florida State is ready to play every single week because they have to. Next week, FSU has to travel to Boston College. As good as they played this week, they have to put this game behind them and play another tough one next week. If anything needs to improve in the MWC, it is getting consistency not just from BYU, Utah and TCU; but from Air Force, UNLV and Colorado State. The middle 3 need to push the top 3 to be better.
The most improved team in the MWC is UNLV. Beating the run and shoot means keeping the offense off the field. UNLV did that in the second half. Hawaii only ran four plays in the third quarter, and that is where the game changed.
WAC
If any team from the Beehive State was impressive this week, it was Utah State. I don't believe in moral victories. But the Utah Aggies did very well in a very intimidating environment. Dealing with the student section in College Station is not an easy thing to do, especially if you are used to playing in front of 12,000. Getting to within a touchdown was an accomplishment. They will suprise someone this year. If you are an MWC fan this year, you hope that it will be Boise State!
Speaking of improvement, Utah State has some competition in that department. Idaho really looks better this year. They took it to San Diego State at home. They have a winning record. Meanwhile, Nevada looks as bad as they did on TV against Notre Dame. And who is the best team in the Land of Enchantment? Looks like New Mexico Highlands to me. Both the Lobos and the Aggies look terrible. They play each other, so one of them will not be winless.
Big Sky
Trevyn Smith and Cameron Higgins looked like FCS All Americans. 3 TD passes for Higgins and 177 rushing yards for Smith. The 'Cats did get off to a slow start, but once the shook off the rattling they had in Fort Collins last week and dominated for the last three quarters. The Bengals once again come away from Ogden empty. The shortest bus trip in the Big Sky Conference took a long two hours.
There could be a QB controversy brewing in Missoula. PSU took an early 14-0 lead, but Andrew Selle came off the bench and from there the Grizzlies cruised past the Vikings. Montana can turn the game on you quickly, and they did that today.
I said that Northern Colorado had the opportunity to show improvement in Cheney against the Eagles. But Eastern Washington shut those Bears down and won 16 to 0. There was not much offense from EWU either-the stats were very similar-they just managed to get the ball into the end zone where NCU could not.
In Flagstaff, there was shootout worthy of the scenery as Southern Utah's comeback falls short at the Skydome. SUU nearly capped off a comeback. Down 34-14 early in the third, the Thunderbirds loose by only 3.
MWC
Offensive Player of the week: UNLV QB Omar Clayton
Defensive team of the week: Air Force
Game of the week: UNLV 24 Hawaii 23
Power Rankings
1. TCU
2. Air Force
3. Colorado State
4. BYU
5. UNLV
6. Utah
7. San Diego State
8. Wyoming
9. New Mexico
WAC
Offensive Player of the week: Utah State QB Diondre Borrell
Defensive team of the week: Idaho
Game of the Week: UNLV 34 Hawaii 33
Power Rankings
1. Boise State
2. Fresno State
3. Louisiana Tech
4. Hawaii
5. Idaho
6. San Jose State
7. Utah State
8. Nevada
9. New Mexico State
Big Sky
Offensive Player of the week: Weber State QB Cameron Higgins, Weber State RB Trevyn Smith
Defensive team of the week: Eastern Washington
Game of the week: Northern Arizona 42 Southern Utah 39
Power Rankings
1. Montana
2. Weber State
3. Eastern Washington
4. Montana State
5. Sacramento State
6. Northern Arizona
7. Portland State
8. Idaho State
9. Northern Colorado
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Friday, September 18, 2009
Hammer down and rollin.
Region 1 Week 5
When choosing a game of the week, you choose a game that would be exciting to watch as a neutral observer. One with crisp execution by both teams and lots of lead changes or a last second score to win. There was no such game this week. Week 5 featured some dominating performances. The Clearfield Falcons took the long bus ride to Lehi and won by 3 scores. The biggest surprise was the way that Viewmont put the hammer down on Northridge. Austin Cheney had the game that many of the experts thought he had in him from the beginning of the season. Layton's Adam Bunting had a good game, but only crossed the goal line once as the Darts dominate again. Someone will look past Roy sometime this season, but Weber did not do that this week. And there was one second half lead change. Fremont could not hold a half-time lead against Syracuse as the Titans take down the Silver Wolves.
I never explained the rationale for choosing a defensive team instead of a defensive player. On offense, you can have an outstanding individual performance that can determine the game. On defesnse, and individual performance will never get the job done. Time and time again, I have seen one player have an incredible game on defense but have seen the rest of the team steamrolled. I also consider the competition.
Offensive player of the week: Viewmont RB Austin Cheney
Defensive team of the week: Davis
Game of the week: Syracuse 23 Fremont 14
Power Rankings:
1. Davis
2. Syracuse
3. Viewmont
4. Northridge
5. Weber
6. Fremont
7. Clearfield
8. Layton
9. Roy
Next Week
Viewmont at Bountiful
Clearfield at Weber
Davis at Northridge
Fremont at Layton
Roy at Syracuse
When choosing a game of the week, you choose a game that would be exciting to watch as a neutral observer. One with crisp execution by both teams and lots of lead changes or a last second score to win. There was no such game this week. Week 5 featured some dominating performances. The Clearfield Falcons took the long bus ride to Lehi and won by 3 scores. The biggest surprise was the way that Viewmont put the hammer down on Northridge. Austin Cheney had the game that many of the experts thought he had in him from the beginning of the season. Layton's Adam Bunting had a good game, but only crossed the goal line once as the Darts dominate again. Someone will look past Roy sometime this season, but Weber did not do that this week. And there was one second half lead change. Fremont could not hold a half-time lead against Syracuse as the Titans take down the Silver Wolves.
I never explained the rationale for choosing a defensive team instead of a defensive player. On offense, you can have an outstanding individual performance that can determine the game. On defesnse, and individual performance will never get the job done. Time and time again, I have seen one player have an incredible game on defense but have seen the rest of the team steamrolled. I also consider the competition.
Offensive player of the week: Viewmont RB Austin Cheney
Defensive team of the week: Davis
Game of the week: Syracuse 23 Fremont 14
Power Rankings:
1. Davis
2. Syracuse
3. Viewmont
4. Northridge
5. Weber
6. Fremont
7. Clearfield
8. Layton
9. Roy
Next Week
Viewmont at Bountiful
Clearfield at Weber
Davis at Northridge
Fremont at Layton
Roy at Syracuse
Thursday, September 17, 2009
College Football Week 3
Mountain West Conference.
So far, there are four unbeaten teams in the MWC after two week. And there is only one winless team. After this week, the MWC should have at least 3 unbeaten teams. Three of the four are putting their record up against a team that are legitimate threats to knock them from the ranks of the unbeaten. If all four remain unbeaten, it will make a big statement for the conference.
Utah at Oregon. The closest matchup of the week. Both are strong, but both have shown volnerabilities. Autzen Stadium is a tough place for the visitors, one of the best home field advantages in the US. But the Utes are no stranger to hostile environments. It took these Utes three quarters to warm up against the San Jose State Spartans and they will not have that luxury this week. The Utes will need to be out of the gate quickly, like they did against Utah State. The Utes win a defensive battle. Utah 17 Oregon 14.
Wyoming at Colorado. What has happened to the Buffaloes this year? They are replacing Baylor as the worst football team in the Big XII. They looked weak against Colorado State. Then both Centennial State teams looked bad in week 2. The Buffs were throttled by Toledo last week. Dan Hawkins has been starting his son at quarterback, and that controversy is beggining to shadow everything else that they need to work on. There are more problems in Bolder than who is under center. Wyoming hung with Texas for half a game last week. The Cowboys do much better than that this week. Wyoming 28 Colorado 17.
Nevada at Colorado State. Which CSU team shows up this week? The one that thrashed Colorado, or the one that let Weber State dominate them for three quarters? Perhaps they are one in the same. Perhaps Colorado IS that bad. If so, Colorado State is also not as good as I thought they were after they won the Rocky Mountain Rivalry game. Nevada looked weak playing at Notre Dame on national TV a couple of weeks ago, but anyone who is not prepared to play in the shadow of "Touchdown Jesus" can look bad. I am going with the Wolfpack on this one. Nevada 28 Colorado State 17.
San Diego State at Idaho. Which school is on the comeback trail this year? Neither. But both are improved and neither is the weakest school in their respective conference this year. I will pick the Aztecs. SDSU 35 Idah0 20.
Florida State at BYU. Role reversal? Not often an MWC team is the favorite against an ACC team. There is upset potential because Bobby Bowden is on the other sideline. He's won a few football games. It's not often that a mid-major gets two statement games in the same season. If BYU controls the ball and plays as tough defense as they have so far this year, the Seminoles will be lucky to sniff the end-zone paint. Even without Bradford, OU had the talent to score more than one touchdown against BYU. FSU is not quite as talented at Oklahoma, but does not want to let an upstart beat them. I have to think the Cougars are as good as they appear to be this year. BYU 31 FSU 13.
Texas State San Marcos at TCU. If this were the only college football game this weekend, I would watch an episode Desperate Housewives instead. TCU in laughs. 48-0.
Air Force at New Mexico. Perhaps the MWC could have picked a better game to kick off the conference schedule this year. There appears to be a reason why Rocky Long quit. The Lobos look like they have already quit on this season. Air Force 28 New Mexico 3.
Hawaii at UNLV. If the Rebels are to play in a bowl game this year, this is one game they must win. UNLV will likely loose 4 to 5 conference games. They already have one loss. Loosing to Hawaii would cripple their bowl chances. It will help the Warriors that Hawaii's coach will be back on the sidelines in Las Vegas, but will it be enough? I doubt it. UNLV 28 Hawaii 17.
WAC
Hawaii at UNLV--See MWC report above
SanDiego State at Idaho--See MWC report above, except this time I pick the Vandals...just joking!
Nevada at Colorado State--Also see the MWC report.
Bosie State at Fresno State. Perhaps the MWC can learn something from the WAC! (See Air Force at New Mexico--MWC) Oregon could not beat BSU this year. This is the next best chance for a Broncos loss until bowl time. There are three stadiums in the WAC that are as intimidating as any in the country. Bulldog stadium is one of them. As good as BSU is, this will be no cakewalk. But Boise State has the talent and the tools to get the job done. Boise State 33 Fresno State 23
Louisiana Tech at Nichols Sate--NSU is the same team that Air Force drubbed 72-0. This game can't be that lopsided? LaTech 48 NSU 14
New Mexico State at UTEP--Sports Illustrated referred to this game as the pillow fight of the week. Darryl Walker vs Mike Price. At least the coaching battle is interesting. Back in the day, when UTEP was a one win team, that one win would usually be against the Aggies. The UTEP of old has returned. The Miners will struggle and win 2 games this year. This should be one of them. UTEP 27, NMSU 17.
San Jose State at Stanford. This Bay Area battle looks like a blood bath. The Spartans showed some spunk against Utah last week. On a Saturday, it should not be that difficult to get from San Jose to Palo Alto, not will Dick Tomey have a hard time motivating his crew. Stanford is out to prove that they are REALLY the most improved team in the PAC-10 this year. Just like for UNLV, Stanford must consider this a must win game if they want to go bowling at the end of the season. This week, the Cardinal will get the job done. Stanford 21 San Jose State 10.
Utah Sate at Texas A & M. This would have been a good match up back in the early sixties when Bear Bryant was the coach at TAMU and Merlin Olsen was anchoring the USAC defense. Fast forward 50 years and this seems like another pillow fight. Chances are no one on the USU sideline has ever seen anything like Kyle field, especially how loud and united the student section gets in the fouth quarter. It will be an experience the Utah Aggies will never forget. (Kyle Field is one of the items on my list of sports venues to visit before I die.) It does not matter that the Texas Aggies are having an "off" year. The 12th man will be ready. So will the 11 in maroon on the field. Texas A&M 35 USU 17.
Big Sky Conference
Finally, a real chance to find out how good the Big Sky Confernence is! It is light schedule this week. Montana State and Sacrament State are taking a week off. And there are three games on the conference docket this week. Montana did not drop out of the top ten, either. Many of the Big Sky teams travel to road games by bus, and there are a couple of nice road trips this week. For the Big Sky Conference games, I will describe the road trip as well.
Portland State at Montana--Jerry Glanville is in his 3rd year of NFL exile in Portland. He has made things interesting with the Run and Shoot offense, but recruting in the shadow of four PAC-10 teams is difficult, as you must do in Portland. They only managed a touchdown against Oregon State. The drive from Portland to Missoula is pretty (I've driven it) but the game probably will not be. Montana 35 PSU 10
Road Trip: Portland to Missoula...I-84 east through the Columbia River Gorge...incredible. Try the Washington side of the Gorge if you want to take it slower. I-86 through the Tri-Cities, not bad. I-90 through the Palouse from the tri cities to Spokane looks a little too much like Western Iowa, except not as green. (Seriously, Washington is not as green west of the Cascades.) I-90 east of Spokane to Missoula is almost as nice as the Gorge. Couer d'Alane is one of the most scenic small cities I've visited. The road is a little steep and scary once you cross the border into Montana. If you are a fan of Geology, you will find the entrance to the Missoula Valley interesting...it is the mouth of a former glacial lake, just like in Ice Age 2.
Northern Colorado at Eastern Washington--EWU is one of three ranked Big Sky teams and NCU is possibly the most improved team in the conference this year. This is where the Bears can prove that they are indeed a better team then they have been since moving up to the FBS. Last year the Bears Lost 31 to 16 in Greely. To show that they have improved, loosing by less than two touchdowns in Cheney would help. EWU 28 UNC 17.
Road Trip: Too far to drive.
Southern Utah at Northern Arizona--This is the game that NAU needs. They are not playing the PAC 10 schools downstate. It's the border battle game that the Lumberjacks have dominated for years. The T-Birds are making the bus ride on 89-A to Flagstaff. They have an ax to grind as well. They have a former BYU assistant on the sidelines and a former BYU wannabee QB under center. The 'Jacks have to prove that they are beyond the rumors about their football program and stadium. The 'Tbirds have an ax to grind as well. They are hungry from a winning season. Cade Cooper and the 'T-Birds take one and will enjoy the long, scenic ride back home. SUU 24 NAU 23.
Road Trip:
Cedar City to Flagstaff is one of the most scenic in the US. I highly recommend it, but check the weather report if you go in the winter. You have a choice between highway 89 and highway 89-A. They split at Kanab. On 89-A there are a couple of mountain passes that can be difficult in Winter. If you take the trip during the rest of the year, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is not far out of the way. The Road from Jacob's Lake to the North Rim is closed in winter time. 89 veers east from Kanab south of the Vermillion Cliffs. Then through the Piria Valley. This is at the southern end of the Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument. Then the road veers down toward Glen Canyon, the Glen Canyon Dam and Page. South of Page, there is a steep drop off and an incredible view. Just past Lee's Ferry on the Colorado, the two routes meet again.
Idaho State at Weber State--Weber State did not have the roughest non-conference schedule in the Big Sky. Idaho State takes that honor. They had to play at Oklahoma the week after the BYU loss. This is the closest thing to a rivalry for either team right now. I have personally witnessed some wild ones between these two schools back in the Mike Price days. In 1986, the game was far more interesting than the girl I went with. (The next time I took a girl to a WSU football game was 5 years later with Dave Arslenian on the sideline...I had an engagement ring in my pocket. But I was never shallow enough to propose at a football game, I just did not trust my roomate. I popped the question the next day at Temple Square.) ISU had in-state rivals in those days, so the rivalry was not reciprocal then. (Just like my date at that 1986 game.) ISUs old rivals are now in the WAC. My wife and I now have 3 kids. And she is much more interesting than the girl I went with then. Last year's Big Sky rushing leader and passing leader need a bounce back game in a big way. The Bengals were lucky to get out of Norman in one piece. WSU will not let this one get away. WSU 35 ISU 14.
Road Trip:
If you make this road trip, don't take I-15. It's nice enough if you are not from the West, but average for a western road trip. Get off I-15 at Lava Hot Springs to Soda Springs and along the Bear River valley south to Montpelier. Follow highway 89 to Bear Lake and Garden City. At this time of year, the Monte Christo Pass is still open, so don't take Logan Canyon, follow Highway 30 to Woodruff and then west to Ogden through Monte Christo. The view from there is very, very nice. You can see three states from the summit. Then the road to Ogden goes through Ogden Valley and Huntsville. After going through Ogden Canyon, take a left at the first traffic light and it takes you right to the WSU campus.
So far, there are four unbeaten teams in the MWC after two week. And there is only one winless team. After this week, the MWC should have at least 3 unbeaten teams. Three of the four are putting their record up against a team that are legitimate threats to knock them from the ranks of the unbeaten. If all four remain unbeaten, it will make a big statement for the conference.
Utah at Oregon. The closest matchup of the week. Both are strong, but both have shown volnerabilities. Autzen Stadium is a tough place for the visitors, one of the best home field advantages in the US. But the Utes are no stranger to hostile environments. It took these Utes three quarters to warm up against the San Jose State Spartans and they will not have that luxury this week. The Utes will need to be out of the gate quickly, like they did against Utah State. The Utes win a defensive battle. Utah 17 Oregon 14.
Wyoming at Colorado. What has happened to the Buffaloes this year? They are replacing Baylor as the worst football team in the Big XII. They looked weak against Colorado State. Then both Centennial State teams looked bad in week 2. The Buffs were throttled by Toledo last week. Dan Hawkins has been starting his son at quarterback, and that controversy is beggining to shadow everything else that they need to work on. There are more problems in Bolder than who is under center. Wyoming hung with Texas for half a game last week. The Cowboys do much better than that this week. Wyoming 28 Colorado 17.
Nevada at Colorado State. Which CSU team shows up this week? The one that thrashed Colorado, or the one that let Weber State dominate them for three quarters? Perhaps they are one in the same. Perhaps Colorado IS that bad. If so, Colorado State is also not as good as I thought they were after they won the Rocky Mountain Rivalry game. Nevada looked weak playing at Notre Dame on national TV a couple of weeks ago, but anyone who is not prepared to play in the shadow of "Touchdown Jesus" can look bad. I am going with the Wolfpack on this one. Nevada 28 Colorado State 17.
San Diego State at Idaho. Which school is on the comeback trail this year? Neither. But both are improved and neither is the weakest school in their respective conference this year. I will pick the Aztecs. SDSU 35 Idah0 20.
Florida State at BYU. Role reversal? Not often an MWC team is the favorite against an ACC team. There is upset potential because Bobby Bowden is on the other sideline. He's won a few football games. It's not often that a mid-major gets two statement games in the same season. If BYU controls the ball and plays as tough defense as they have so far this year, the Seminoles will be lucky to sniff the end-zone paint. Even without Bradford, OU had the talent to score more than one touchdown against BYU. FSU is not quite as talented at Oklahoma, but does not want to let an upstart beat them. I have to think the Cougars are as good as they appear to be this year. BYU 31 FSU 13.
Texas State San Marcos at TCU. If this were the only college football game this weekend, I would watch an episode Desperate Housewives instead. TCU in laughs. 48-0.
Air Force at New Mexico. Perhaps the MWC could have picked a better game to kick off the conference schedule this year. There appears to be a reason why Rocky Long quit. The Lobos look like they have already quit on this season. Air Force 28 New Mexico 3.
Hawaii at UNLV. If the Rebels are to play in a bowl game this year, this is one game they must win. UNLV will likely loose 4 to 5 conference games. They already have one loss. Loosing to Hawaii would cripple their bowl chances. It will help the Warriors that Hawaii's coach will be back on the sidelines in Las Vegas, but will it be enough? I doubt it. UNLV 28 Hawaii 17.
WAC
Hawaii at UNLV--See MWC report above
SanDiego State at Idaho--See MWC report above, except this time I pick the Vandals...just joking!
Nevada at Colorado State--Also see the MWC report.
Bosie State at Fresno State. Perhaps the MWC can learn something from the WAC! (See Air Force at New Mexico--MWC) Oregon could not beat BSU this year. This is the next best chance for a Broncos loss until bowl time. There are three stadiums in the WAC that are as intimidating as any in the country. Bulldog stadium is one of them. As good as BSU is, this will be no cakewalk. But Boise State has the talent and the tools to get the job done. Boise State 33 Fresno State 23
Louisiana Tech at Nichols Sate--NSU is the same team that Air Force drubbed 72-0. This game can't be that lopsided? LaTech 48 NSU 14
New Mexico State at UTEP--Sports Illustrated referred to this game as the pillow fight of the week. Darryl Walker vs Mike Price. At least the coaching battle is interesting. Back in the day, when UTEP was a one win team, that one win would usually be against the Aggies. The UTEP of old has returned. The Miners will struggle and win 2 games this year. This should be one of them. UTEP 27, NMSU 17.
San Jose State at Stanford. This Bay Area battle looks like a blood bath. The Spartans showed some spunk against Utah last week. On a Saturday, it should not be that difficult to get from San Jose to Palo Alto, not will Dick Tomey have a hard time motivating his crew. Stanford is out to prove that they are REALLY the most improved team in the PAC-10 this year. Just like for UNLV, Stanford must consider this a must win game if they want to go bowling at the end of the season. This week, the Cardinal will get the job done. Stanford 21 San Jose State 10.
Utah Sate at Texas A & M. This would have been a good match up back in the early sixties when Bear Bryant was the coach at TAMU and Merlin Olsen was anchoring the USAC defense. Fast forward 50 years and this seems like another pillow fight. Chances are no one on the USU sideline has ever seen anything like Kyle field, especially how loud and united the student section gets in the fouth quarter. It will be an experience the Utah Aggies will never forget. (Kyle Field is one of the items on my list of sports venues to visit before I die.) It does not matter that the Texas Aggies are having an "off" year. The 12th man will be ready. So will the 11 in maroon on the field. Texas A&M 35 USU 17.
Big Sky Conference
Finally, a real chance to find out how good the Big Sky Confernence is! It is light schedule this week. Montana State and Sacrament State are taking a week off. And there are three games on the conference docket this week. Montana did not drop out of the top ten, either. Many of the Big Sky teams travel to road games by bus, and there are a couple of nice road trips this week. For the Big Sky Conference games, I will describe the road trip as well.
Portland State at Montana--Jerry Glanville is in his 3rd year of NFL exile in Portland. He has made things interesting with the Run and Shoot offense, but recruting in the shadow of four PAC-10 teams is difficult, as you must do in Portland. They only managed a touchdown against Oregon State. The drive from Portland to Missoula is pretty (I've driven it) but the game probably will not be. Montana 35 PSU 10
Road Trip: Portland to Missoula...I-84 east through the Columbia River Gorge...incredible. Try the Washington side of the Gorge if you want to take it slower. I-86 through the Tri-Cities, not bad. I-90 through the Palouse from the tri cities to Spokane looks a little too much like Western Iowa, except not as green. (Seriously, Washington is not as green west of the Cascades.) I-90 east of Spokane to Missoula is almost as nice as the Gorge. Couer d'Alane is one of the most scenic small cities I've visited. The road is a little steep and scary once you cross the border into Montana. If you are a fan of Geology, you will find the entrance to the Missoula Valley interesting...it is the mouth of a former glacial lake, just like in Ice Age 2.
Northern Colorado at Eastern Washington--EWU is one of three ranked Big Sky teams and NCU is possibly the most improved team in the conference this year. This is where the Bears can prove that they are indeed a better team then they have been since moving up to the FBS. Last year the Bears Lost 31 to 16 in Greely. To show that they have improved, loosing by less than two touchdowns in Cheney would help. EWU 28 UNC 17.
Road Trip: Too far to drive.
Southern Utah at Northern Arizona--This is the game that NAU needs. They are not playing the PAC 10 schools downstate. It's the border battle game that the Lumberjacks have dominated for years. The T-Birds are making the bus ride on 89-A to Flagstaff. They have an ax to grind as well. They have a former BYU assistant on the sidelines and a former BYU wannabee QB under center. The 'Jacks have to prove that they are beyond the rumors about their football program and stadium. The 'Tbirds have an ax to grind as well. They are hungry from a winning season. Cade Cooper and the 'T-Birds take one and will enjoy the long, scenic ride back home. SUU 24 NAU 23.
Road Trip:
Cedar City to Flagstaff is one of the most scenic in the US. I highly recommend it, but check the weather report if you go in the winter. You have a choice between highway 89 and highway 89-A. They split at Kanab. On 89-A there are a couple of mountain passes that can be difficult in Winter. If you take the trip during the rest of the year, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is not far out of the way. The Road from Jacob's Lake to the North Rim is closed in winter time. 89 veers east from Kanab south of the Vermillion Cliffs. Then through the Piria Valley. This is at the southern end of the Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument. Then the road veers down toward Glen Canyon, the Glen Canyon Dam and Page. South of Page, there is a steep drop off and an incredible view. Just past Lee's Ferry on the Colorado, the two routes meet again.
Idaho State at Weber State--Weber State did not have the roughest non-conference schedule in the Big Sky. Idaho State takes that honor. They had to play at Oklahoma the week after the BYU loss. This is the closest thing to a rivalry for either team right now. I have personally witnessed some wild ones between these two schools back in the Mike Price days. In 1986, the game was far more interesting than the girl I went with. (The next time I took a girl to a WSU football game was 5 years later with Dave Arslenian on the sideline...I had an engagement ring in my pocket. But I was never shallow enough to propose at a football game, I just did not trust my roomate. I popped the question the next day at Temple Square.) ISU had in-state rivals in those days, so the rivalry was not reciprocal then. (Just like my date at that 1986 game.) ISUs old rivals are now in the WAC. My wife and I now have 3 kids. And she is much more interesting than the girl I went with then. Last year's Big Sky rushing leader and passing leader need a bounce back game in a big way. The Bengals were lucky to get out of Norman in one piece. WSU will not let this one get away. WSU 35 ISU 14.
Road Trip:
If you make this road trip, don't take I-15. It's nice enough if you are not from the West, but average for a western road trip. Get off I-15 at Lava Hot Springs to Soda Springs and along the Bear River valley south to Montpelier. Follow highway 89 to Bear Lake and Garden City. At this time of year, the Monte Christo Pass is still open, so don't take Logan Canyon, follow Highway 30 to Woodruff and then west to Ogden through Monte Christo. The view from there is very, very nice. You can see three states from the summit. Then the road to Ogden goes through Ogden Valley and Huntsville. After going through Ogden Canyon, take a left at the first traffic light and it takes you right to the WSU campus.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Region 1 Week 4 Preview:
It is too early to be talking playoffs, but a couple of Northern Utah's mightiest are at critical points in the season. Davis dealt Syracuse a setback last week, but everyone is still mathematically in it.
Current Standings:
1. Davis 3-0, 3-1
2. Syracuse 2-1, 3-1
2. Viewmont 2-1, 2-2
2. Fremont 2-1, 2-2
5. Northridge 1-1, 3-1
6. Clearfield 1-2, 2-2
6. Weber 1-2, 2-2
8. Layton 0-2, 1-3
8. Roy 0-2, 0-4
Clearfield at Lehi--Lehi was 5A and asked to be sent back down. This could be a close game, but the hungry Pioneers are winless so far this year. They have played, arguably, the roughest schedule in the state. They had not scored a touchdown prior to last week's shoot-out against Timpanogos. We'll see if Kolton Young and co. can build on Last Week's momentum. This would be the game for it. Lehi's defense has given up an average of 42 points this year. Hopefully, the Falcon bus will not get stuck in traffic. (Take Legacy!) That would be Lehi's best defensive move this week. I will pick the Falcons in this one. Clearfield 38 Lehi 7.
Layton at Davis--The Darts can permanently dart the Lancer season with a win. Layton has had trouble on the defensive side of the ball this season, especially when a star player is on the other sideline. Tanner Hinds is as big of a star as there is up north. Layton can not afford to loose but this should be an easy Dart win. Davis 35 Layton 10.
Northridge at Viewmont--Northridge has a potent passing game, and the Vikings had trouble with Bingham and their potent passing game. It is a big opportunity game for the Vikings. Only one region loss and Davis in the future. Viewmont and Fremont could still win the region title. It is homecoming for this former Viking, but speaking objectively, I think that the Knights may win it. Northridge 27 Viewmont 24
Syracuse at Fremont--This is a bounce back game for both the Titans and the Wolves. The winner is in control of their own destiny, especially Fremont as they still have a date with Davis in the future. But Syracuse is the better team. It will be a close one, but the Titans will emerge victorious. Syracuse 24 Fremont 20.
Weber at Roy--Sometime this season, someone is going to look past the Royals and Roy will steal a game. It could be this week. Weber won a big rivalry game last week and it was a barn burner. There could be some magic on the sandridge this Friday, or some Warrior burnout. Maybe Roy's most famous alum (Jimmy Mac) will show up for homecoming and bring back some magic. I am actually picking Roy. Roy 10 Weber 3.
Also, if you are interested in blogging about region 5 or region 11, let me know. If this blog actually begins to make money, I will cut a percentage. My main requirement...don't get snarky.
It is too early to be talking playoffs, but a couple of Northern Utah's mightiest are at critical points in the season. Davis dealt Syracuse a setback last week, but everyone is still mathematically in it.
Current Standings:
1. Davis 3-0, 3-1
2. Syracuse 2-1, 3-1
2. Viewmont 2-1, 2-2
2. Fremont 2-1, 2-2
5. Northridge 1-1, 3-1
6. Clearfield 1-2, 2-2
6. Weber 1-2, 2-2
8. Layton 0-2, 1-3
8. Roy 0-2, 0-4
Clearfield at Lehi--Lehi was 5A and asked to be sent back down. This could be a close game, but the hungry Pioneers are winless so far this year. They have played, arguably, the roughest schedule in the state. They had not scored a touchdown prior to last week's shoot-out against Timpanogos. We'll see if Kolton Young and co. can build on Last Week's momentum. This would be the game for it. Lehi's defense has given up an average of 42 points this year. Hopefully, the Falcon bus will not get stuck in traffic. (Take Legacy!) That would be Lehi's best defensive move this week. I will pick the Falcons in this one. Clearfield 38 Lehi 7.
Layton at Davis--The Darts can permanently dart the Lancer season with a win. Layton has had trouble on the defensive side of the ball this season, especially when a star player is on the other sideline. Tanner Hinds is as big of a star as there is up north. Layton can not afford to loose but this should be an easy Dart win. Davis 35 Layton 10.
Northridge at Viewmont--Northridge has a potent passing game, and the Vikings had trouble with Bingham and their potent passing game. It is a big opportunity game for the Vikings. Only one region loss and Davis in the future. Viewmont and Fremont could still win the region title. It is homecoming for this former Viking, but speaking objectively, I think that the Knights may win it. Northridge 27 Viewmont 24
Syracuse at Fremont--This is a bounce back game for both the Titans and the Wolves. The winner is in control of their own destiny, especially Fremont as they still have a date with Davis in the future. But Syracuse is the better team. It will be a close one, but the Titans will emerge victorious. Syracuse 24 Fremont 20.
Weber at Roy--Sometime this season, someone is going to look past the Royals and Roy will steal a game. It could be this week. Weber won a big rivalry game last week and it was a barn burner. There could be some magic on the sandridge this Friday, or some Warrior burnout. Maybe Roy's most famous alum (Jimmy Mac) will show up for homecoming and bring back some magic. I am actually picking Roy. Roy 10 Weber 3.
Also, if you are interested in blogging about region 5 or region 11, let me know. If this blog actually begins to make money, I will cut a percentage. My main requirement...don't get snarky.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Who's Representin'?
Week 2 really shakes up the power rankings in all conferences.
The Mountain West Conference still is not quite at the level of the other big conferences. There is a reason the SEC has 8 bowl slots...most years they get 8 bowl eligible teams. Maybe the level of competition that Kentucky and Vanderbilt play out of conference is suspect, but they get the job done outside of conference. If you win all four of your non-conference games, then you can go 2-6 in conference play and still reach a bowl game. That is why Kanas State will be in a bowl game this year and San Diego State will stay home. The MWC's top 3 are as good as anyone in the country...we saw that in the Sugar Bowl and in the Poinsettia Bowl last year and in Dallas last week. But the middle tier of this conference is still a little sharky. It is the middle tier teams that separate the MWC from the SEC. It is the middle tier teams that also are bringing down the ACC and Big East as well. The MWC in my opinion is the 5th best conference in the country right now...and a long way from fourth.
BYU, Utah and TCU took care of business today--as expected...but it took the Utes until the 4th quarter to get going. Colorado State did not snatch victory from the hands of defeat today...Weber State snatched defeat from the hands of victory...more on that later. Air Force let one get away at Minnesota today. UNLV gave me hope, but could not seal the deal either. Wyoming was only down by a feild goal at half-time. But the second half was all Longhorns. At least SDSU took care of Southern Utah. New Mexico looks lost this year at least they have New Mexico State coming up, but they may not even win that one. Too bad it is not New Mexico Highlands.
Game of the Week: Oregon State 23 UNLV 21
Offensive Player of the Week: BYU QB Max Hall
Defensive Team of the Week: BYU
Power Rankings:
1. BYU (BCS Bowl)
2. TCU (Las Vegas)
3. Utah (Poinsettia)
4. UNLV (Armed Forces)
5. Air Force (New Mexico)
6. Colorado State (Humanitarian)
7. San Diego State
8. Wyoming
9. New Mexico
WAC
Pherhaps Hawaii saw my blog last week when I put them behind Idaho. They took it to the Cougars at Martin Stadium and held on against a furious comeback attempt. Their head coach stayed home serving the second game of his suspension for a gay slurr. I did not expect a poor Hawaii team to win a game on the mainland this year after almost giving a game to Arkansas State at home. Fresno State came close, but could not quite get the Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Navy sank Louisiana Tech. San Jose State deserves credit for the way the handled Utah for 3 quarters. New Mexico State actually won a game, but almost gave it away to a pathetic FCS-level team. And Idaho became the team that ended the longest loosing streak in the country.
Where does the WAC belong? Well, after two weeks, there remains only two unbeaten teams in this conference.
Game of the Week: Wisconsin 34 Fresno State 31 2OT
Offensive Player of the Week: Hawaii QB Greg Alexander
Defensive Team of the Week: Boise State
Power Rankings
1. Boise State (BSC Bowl)
2. Fresno State (Hawaii Bowl)
3. Nevada (Humanitarian Bowl)
4. San Jose State (New Mexico Bowl)
5. Louisiana Tech
6. Hawaii
7. Idaho
8. Utah State
9. New Mexico State
Big Sky
The Big Sky had two top ten teams at the beginning of the season. But so much for that stat. Even in the FCS, good teams do not give away games on turnovers. Weber State deserves to be dropped in the rankings. Defensively, Weber State has done all they can. But even in the Big Sky, Cameron Higgins does not have the luxury of throwing interceptions or dropping the center QB exchange. I have watched him for three years now, and he has a big problem with turnovers. I hope that he is attending classes, because he will be going pro in something other than football. The game has to be cleaned up. The Big Sky may not get a second playoff team the rate the season has started. Cal Davis is a good team, but Montana should have taken them and not have needed a miracle finish. They deserve to be dropped out of the top 10 as well, but probably will not be. But, on the bright side, Northern Colorado suprised me with a win over San Diego. The Bears appear to be this year's most improved team. Montana State almost gave one to Division II Dixie State. Every other game went according to script.
Offensive Player of the Week: Weber State WR Tim Toone
Defensive Team of the week: Northern Colorado
Game of the Week: Colorado State 24 Weber State 23
1. Montana
2. Weber State
3. Portland State
4. Eastern Washington
5. Northern Colorado
6. Montana State
7. Sacramento State
8. Idaho State
9. Northern Arizona
The Mountain West Conference still is not quite at the level of the other big conferences. There is a reason the SEC has 8 bowl slots...most years they get 8 bowl eligible teams. Maybe the level of competition that Kentucky and Vanderbilt play out of conference is suspect, but they get the job done outside of conference. If you win all four of your non-conference games, then you can go 2-6 in conference play and still reach a bowl game. That is why Kanas State will be in a bowl game this year and San Diego State will stay home. The MWC's top 3 are as good as anyone in the country...we saw that in the Sugar Bowl and in the Poinsettia Bowl last year and in Dallas last week. But the middle tier of this conference is still a little sharky. It is the middle tier teams that separate the MWC from the SEC. It is the middle tier teams that also are bringing down the ACC and Big East as well. The MWC in my opinion is the 5th best conference in the country right now...and a long way from fourth.
BYU, Utah and TCU took care of business today--as expected...but it took the Utes until the 4th quarter to get going. Colorado State did not snatch victory from the hands of defeat today...Weber State snatched defeat from the hands of victory...more on that later. Air Force let one get away at Minnesota today. UNLV gave me hope, but could not seal the deal either. Wyoming was only down by a feild goal at half-time. But the second half was all Longhorns. At least SDSU took care of Southern Utah. New Mexico looks lost this year at least they have New Mexico State coming up, but they may not even win that one. Too bad it is not New Mexico Highlands.
Game of the Week: Oregon State 23 UNLV 21
Offensive Player of the Week: BYU QB Max Hall
Defensive Team of the Week: BYU
Power Rankings:
1. BYU (BCS Bowl)
2. TCU (Las Vegas)
3. Utah (Poinsettia)
4. UNLV (Armed Forces)
5. Air Force (New Mexico)
6. Colorado State (Humanitarian)
7. San Diego State
8. Wyoming
9. New Mexico
WAC
Pherhaps Hawaii saw my blog last week when I put them behind Idaho. They took it to the Cougars at Martin Stadium and held on against a furious comeback attempt. Their head coach stayed home serving the second game of his suspension for a gay slurr. I did not expect a poor Hawaii team to win a game on the mainland this year after almost giving a game to Arkansas State at home. Fresno State came close, but could not quite get the Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Navy sank Louisiana Tech. San Jose State deserves credit for the way the handled Utah for 3 quarters. New Mexico State actually won a game, but almost gave it away to a pathetic FCS-level team. And Idaho became the team that ended the longest loosing streak in the country.
Where does the WAC belong? Well, after two weeks, there remains only two unbeaten teams in this conference.
Game of the Week: Wisconsin 34 Fresno State 31 2OT
Offensive Player of the Week: Hawaii QB Greg Alexander
Defensive Team of the Week: Boise State
Power Rankings
1. Boise State (BSC Bowl)
2. Fresno State (Hawaii Bowl)
3. Nevada (Humanitarian Bowl)
4. San Jose State (New Mexico Bowl)
5. Louisiana Tech
6. Hawaii
7. Idaho
8. Utah State
9. New Mexico State
Big Sky
The Big Sky had two top ten teams at the beginning of the season. But so much for that stat. Even in the FCS, good teams do not give away games on turnovers. Weber State deserves to be dropped in the rankings. Defensively, Weber State has done all they can. But even in the Big Sky, Cameron Higgins does not have the luxury of throwing interceptions or dropping the center QB exchange. I have watched him for three years now, and he has a big problem with turnovers. I hope that he is attending classes, because he will be going pro in something other than football. The game has to be cleaned up. The Big Sky may not get a second playoff team the rate the season has started. Cal Davis is a good team, but Montana should have taken them and not have needed a miracle finish. They deserve to be dropped out of the top 10 as well, but probably will not be. But, on the bright side, Northern Colorado suprised me with a win over San Diego. The Bears appear to be this year's most improved team. Montana State almost gave one to Division II Dixie State. Every other game went according to script.
Offensive Player of the Week: Weber State WR Tim Toone
Defensive Team of the week: Northern Colorado
Game of the Week: Colorado State 24 Weber State 23
1. Montana
2. Weber State
3. Portland State
4. Eastern Washington
5. Northern Colorado
6. Montana State
7. Sacramento State
8. Idaho State
9. Northern Arizona
"D" Plus Art = Dart
Tanner Hinds is a work of art. He is the Chuck Norris of Utah football this year. Since the debacle at Brighton, he has been shredding defenses all over northern Utah. Kyle Wittingham must be plenty excited about this future Ute! Another 200 yard game, this time against the best defense in the region. But it was the defense that gave this game to the Darts. Imagine engineering a long drive to go ahead, and interception and a long Tanner Hinds run seals the game for Davis.
There were other games in the region this week. Viewmont dominated their must win game at Layton. Weber held off Fremont. Clearfield was all over Roy. Northridge took care of Bonneville. Kolton Young finally delivered the kind of game he promised.
Region 1
Offensive player of the week: Davis RB Tanner Hinds and Clearfield QB Kolton Young
Defensive TEAM of the week: Davis
Game of the week: Davis 28 Syracuse 14
Power Rankings
1. Davis
2. Syracuse
3. Northridge
4. Viewmont
5. Weber
6. Layton
7. Fremont
8. Clearfield
9. Roy
Next Week
Clearfield at Lehi
Layton at Davis
Northridge at Viewmont
Syracuse at Fremont
Weber at Roy
There were other games in the region this week. Viewmont dominated their must win game at Layton. Weber held off Fremont. Clearfield was all over Roy. Northridge took care of Bonneville. Kolton Young finally delivered the kind of game he promised.
Region 1
Offensive player of the week: Davis RB Tanner Hinds and Clearfield QB Kolton Young
Defensive TEAM of the week: Davis
Game of the week: Davis 28 Syracuse 14
Power Rankings
1. Davis
2. Syracuse
3. Northridge
4. Viewmont
5. Weber
6. Layton
7. Fremont
8. Clearfield
9. Roy
Next Week
Clearfield at Lehi
Layton at Davis
Northridge at Viewmont
Syracuse at Fremont
Weber at Roy
Friday, September 11, 2009
Big Sky Week 2 Preview
This Week, a few Big Sky Schools are going to play up at the higher division again. Northern Arizona will likely get wiped out in Tuscon. For Weber State, the task seems slightly more ominous, taking on Colorado State in Fort Collins. Just as tough for Eastern Washington taking on California. It is even worse for Idaho State, who has to play Oklahoma. Someone has to play OU the week they are trying to bounce back from the big loss. Try not to get hurt.
The more interesting action will be in a couple of WAC games. I expect a couple of shootouts. The critical game in the MWC is Oregon State at UNLV. TCU, BYU, and Utah will win this week. UNLV has the burden of making the statement this week.
Big Sky Prediction
Colorado State 45 Weber State 15
Oklahoma 77 Idaho State 6
Sacramento State 14 Cal Poly 35
San Diego 21 Northern Colorado 3
Dixie State 7 Montana State42
Southern Oregon 3 Portland State 35
Eastern Washington 10 California 49
Sacramento State 14 Cal Poly 28
Northern Arizona 6 Arizona 32
Cal Davis 21 Montana 28
Wac Prediction
Fresno State 28 Wisconsin 31
Louisiana Tech 35 Navy 42
Idaho 20 Washington 37
Hawaii 7 Washington State 21
Miami (Ohio) 3 Boise State 42
Prairie View 17 NM State 21
Utah 35 San Jose State 6
MWC Predictions
Texas 42 Wyoming 6
BYU 38 Tulane 15
TCU 32 Virginia 10
Colorado State 45 Weber State 15
Air Force 21 Minnesota 20
Tulsa 28 New Mexico 15
Southern Utah 7 San Diego State 21
Oregon State 28 UNLV 21
Utah 35 San Jose State 6
The more interesting action will be in a couple of WAC games. I expect a couple of shootouts. The critical game in the MWC is Oregon State at UNLV. TCU, BYU, and Utah will win this week. UNLV has the burden of making the statement this week.
Big Sky Prediction
Colorado State 45 Weber State 15
Oklahoma 77 Idaho State 6
Sacramento State 14 Cal Poly 35
San Diego 21 Northern Colorado 3
Dixie State 7 Montana State42
Southern Oregon 3 Portland State 35
Eastern Washington 10 California 49
Sacramento State 14 Cal Poly 28
Northern Arizona 6 Arizona 32
Cal Davis 21 Montana 28
Wac Prediction
Fresno State 28 Wisconsin 31
Louisiana Tech 35 Navy 42
Idaho 20 Washington 37
Hawaii 7 Washington State 21
Miami (Ohio) 3 Boise State 42
Prairie View 17 NM State 21
Utah 35 San Jose State 6
MWC Predictions
Texas 42 Wyoming 6
BYU 38 Tulane 15
TCU 32 Virginia 10
Colorado State 45 Weber State 15
Air Force 21 Minnesota 20
Tulsa 28 New Mexico 15
Southern Utah 7 San Diego State 21
Oregon State 28 UNLV 21
Utah 35 San Jose State 6
Monday, September 7, 2009
Mountain West Conference Strength
One of the reasons that the MWC is not an automatic qualifier for the BCS has to do with the strength of the conference and the strength of the schedule. After watching Colorado State beat Colorado, I occurred to me that the MWC may have arrived. Six conference members were victorious in their first game and TCU has yet to open the season. The MWC has the potential to have three, four or even more teams go unbeaten in their non-conference schedule. That is BCS-conference stuff. Here is what the schedule looks like
Air Force--Road games against Minnesota and Navy. Home game against Army
BYU--Road game against Tulane. Home games against Florida State and Utah State
Colorado State--Home games against Weber State and Nevada and a road game against Idaho
TCU--Road games against Virginia and Clemson and home games against Texas A&M San Marcos and SMU
Utah--Road games against San Jose State and Oregon with a home game against Louisville
UNLV--Home games against Oregon State and Hawaii, road game against Nevada
Wyoming--Home game against Texas, road games against Colorado and Florida Atlantic
Chances of going unbeaten outside of MWC play from best to worst.
1. Colorado State should easily beat Weber State and Idaho and will be favored to beat Nevada at home.
2. BYU will be favored in all of their remaining games. They have to avoid a let down against Tulane, and FSU will be tough. They could also look past Utah State and find themselves in a shootout.
3. Utah may find themselves as the favorite against the Ducks and should win the other two.
4. TCU will be challenged by Clemson in Death Valley but should win the other three.
5. Air Force will not be favored in either of the road games, but they are winnable games for Troy Calhoun's team. Air Force should take Army.
6. UNLV will not be favored to beat Oregon State, not will they be the favorite to win the Fremont Cannon this year, but these are winnable games for them. They should handle a weak Hawaii team in Sin City.
7. Wyoming beating Texas wouldeclipse BYU's win over Oklahoma as the biggest upset so far this year. Colorado did not look strong against Colorado State, and perhaps the 'Boys can win one there. And FAU will also be favored to take the Cowboys.
Now, if you have not done the math, if you win all four of your non conference games, you only need to win two conference games to be bowl eligible. If UNLV wins just two more non conference games, they will only need to win 3 conference games to get to a bowl. They can beat Wyoming, New Mexico and San Diego state. If your are UNLV, Colorado Sate or Wyoming, becoming bowl eligible this year will be big. If you can't win a conference championship, getting to a bowl will do.
I think that Colorado State, Utah, BYU and TCU will all get four wins outside the conference. UNLV will get three and Air Force will get two.
Air Force--Road games against Minnesota and Navy. Home game against Army
BYU--Road game against Tulane. Home games against Florida State and Utah State
Colorado State--Home games against Weber State and Nevada and a road game against Idaho
TCU--Road games against Virginia and Clemson and home games against Texas A&M San Marcos and SMU
Utah--Road games against San Jose State and Oregon with a home game against Louisville
UNLV--Home games against Oregon State and Hawaii, road game against Nevada
Wyoming--Home game against Texas, road games against Colorado and Florida Atlantic
Chances of going unbeaten outside of MWC play from best to worst.
1. Colorado State should easily beat Weber State and Idaho and will be favored to beat Nevada at home.
2. BYU will be favored in all of their remaining games. They have to avoid a let down against Tulane, and FSU will be tough. They could also look past Utah State and find themselves in a shootout.
3. Utah may find themselves as the favorite against the Ducks and should win the other two.
4. TCU will be challenged by Clemson in Death Valley but should win the other three.
5. Air Force will not be favored in either of the road games, but they are winnable games for Troy Calhoun's team. Air Force should take Army.
6. UNLV will not be favored to beat Oregon State, not will they be the favorite to win the Fremont Cannon this year, but these are winnable games for them. They should handle a weak Hawaii team in Sin City.
7. Wyoming beating Texas would
Now, if you have not done the math, if you win all four of your non conference games, you only need to win two conference games to be bowl eligible. If UNLV wins just two more non conference games, they will only need to win 3 conference games to get to a bowl. They can beat Wyoming, New Mexico and San Diego state. If your are UNLV, Colorado Sate or Wyoming, becoming bowl eligible this year will be big. If you can't win a conference championship, getting to a bowl will do.
I think that Colorado State, Utah, BYU and TCU will all get four wins outside the conference. UNLV will get three and Air Force will get two.
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