Max Hall has issued an apology for his post game tirade about the Utah Football team. I think that the lesson to be learned is that one bad experience with one or two people should not taint the entire organization. Especially if those people are sports fans. Comments like this are good for a rivalry, but in the big picture they say more about the person who says them. I personally would be proud to hire anyone who graduated from either BYU or Utah. It was a fun game to watch this year, no matter who won. I'm happy that the Cougars got to celebrate at home. (BTW--I saw my brother-in-law (sister's husband) and nephew in the crowd that rushed the field.)
I remember once being a fan of the team that received similar comments. It happened when I lived in Vancouver, Washington. They were comments I heard on the radio in 1999 as the Trail Blazers and Jazz were meeting in the NBA quarterfinals. As you may recall, this was the lockout shortened season. The Jazz were the two-time Western Conference champions and were fighting for a third. The Jazz and the Spurs tied each other for the best record in the league. But the Jazz were aging, and the regular season had taken it's toll. The first round series against the Sacramento Kings were not kind to the Jazz either, the Kings took the old Jazz the distance. While the Blazers cruised in their first round series, earning a sweep against the Phoenix Suns. As they were preparing in play game 6 in Portland, where the Blazers eliminated the Jazz, Blazer's radio broadcaster Bill Schonely was the guest on a Radio show, to urge and incite the Blazer faithful. He encouraged the fans to be loud and cheer hard. That is OK in my book, but he did not stop there. He spoke of his disdain for John Stockton and Karl Malone. He went on and on and on about what he disliked about the Mailman-who had just won his second MVP award. He concluded his remarks with something that I would never forget, "if there is one team in the NBA I hate, it is the Utah Jazz." Can you imagine what would happen if Greg Wrubell ever said something like this about the Utes?
I will add here, that one criticism that the newspapers in the Portland area lobby at the broadcasters of the Blazers, both TV and radio, is that they are homers--as if their team can do no wrong. This type of rhetoric is normal for Shonely. And that the 1998-1999 Trail Blazers were just a few months away from the beginning of the Jail Blazers. The Blazers beat the Jazz in Game 6, on a controversial no-call (A photographer would bump the basketball standard as Karl Malone was taking a potential game tying free throw.) but would be swept out of the playoffs by the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs. And it was a tough off season for the Blazers that year that would begin when someone wrecked his Hummer in a tunnel.
As of today, three men who are associated with the 1998-1999 Utah Jazz are in the Hall of Fame. John Stockton, Jerry Sloan and radio broadcaster "Hot Rod" Hundley. Bill Schonely is not there, not even as a radio broadcaster. Karl Malone will likely join his former team mate and former coach next year. Larry Miller may end up in the Hall of Fame as well. As for the 1998-1999 Portland Trail Blazers: Scotty Pippen will be in the Hall, but not for what he did in Portland. Ten years later, I can laugh at Shonely's comments. So can Karl Malone, John Stockton and the rest. I can also add that Shonely never said anything bad about Utahans or Mormons, just Stockton, Malone and the Jazz.
Sometimes, the impact of comments like this depend on who is listening. On local radio, when the other team is about 800 miles down the interstate and everyone in your audience is for your team, you can get away with just about anything. I doubt there was nary a mention of Schonely's comments anywhere in or near Salt Lake. In fact, the only mention of the man I could find in the Deseret News archive was in an article about Lakers legend Chick Hearn. I doubt that there will ever be an apology to Jazz fans. I am sure that Schonely still feels the same way about the Jazz that he did ten years ago. And you can say whatever you want to in the locker room or around your family dinner table or even at the bar at the Rose Garden. But in a press conference, choose your words carefully!
This sort of thing happens in sports more than we realize. Even so, I do not think that Max should have said what he did about the "entire organization." I've been paying attention, and if you ask me it is time for Max to think about life beyond football. How about the NFL? It could happen, but there are several college Quarterbacks ahead of Max Hall. He may not even get a realistic chance to play at the next level. Hall's NFL career may only be a few pre-season snaps, much like Robbie Bosco. Some of those Utes he dissed may be across the desk from him when he determines it is time for him go pro in something other than football. These Utah Alumni are everywhere. This will not be the last time Max apologizes for what he said. Max will have to apologize for these remarks all his life. And do it over and over again.
The bottom line...do I agree with Max? It doesn't matter. I agree that he had the right to say what he said, but the venue was a problem. I agree with Coach Mendenhall. It is not what he said, it is where is said it. Shonely chose the time and place to make his comments carefully and suffered no consequences from it.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
College Football Recap for 11/28
Big Sky/FCS Playoff
Montana 61 South Dakota State 48
The Jackrabbits were ahead 48 - 21 at 5:40 in the third quarter. Then the Grizzlies scored the final 40 points of the game. That is why they are the #1 seed. But they will need to play better. They can not afford to give SFA a 27 point lead.
Stephen F Austin 44 Eastern Washington 33
Matt Nichols career comes to a close in a game where SFA proved to be the better offense. If any Big Sky senior will be playing on Sunday next year, it will be Matt Nichols. Jeremy Moses delivered a trip to Missoula for the Lumberjacks.
William and Mary 38 Weber State 0
Word has it that Weber State was the last team picked for the playoffs by the selection committee. There were probably four or five other football teams that were left out that could have been chosen instead. And now those teams are really, really fuming at this outcome. They have a right to be upset. A career will come to an end for several good WSU players. Hopefully, not for Tim Toone. But no one for Weber State impressed anyone today.
Elite 8 Next week. New Hampshire was the only lower-seeded team to win.
Stephen F. Austin at #1Montana
Appalachian State at #4 Richmond
New Hampshire at #2 Villanova
William and Mary at #3Southern Illinois
Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week: Montana QB Andrew Selle
Defensive Team of the Week--against a Big Sky Team: William and Mary
Game of the Week: Montana 61 South Dakota State 48
WAC
Congratulations to Boise State on winning at least a share of the WAC title and getting the tie breaker over the team they would share it with should they loose next week.
Boise State 44 Nevada 33
The Wolfpack had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but they fumbled the ball deep in their own territory. That miscue only led to a BSU field goal, but it was a big momentum shift in the game. Both teams would add a touchdown thereafter. Was this enough style points for the BCS powers that be? It could be as Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech all lost. It would be difficult for the BCS bowls to justify passing up Boise State right now. Can you justify passing on an undefeated Boise State for a 3-loss Virginia Tech? The only hitch would be if Nebraska knocks of Texas in the Big 12 title game.
Utah State 52 Idaho 49
The USU Aggies finish thier season on a high note, while the Vandal faithful have to be scratching their collective heads. This game was as fun as I thought that it could be. There were four lead changes in the second half. The Vandals are still going bowling, but with only 8,500 or so at the Kibbie Dome, I wonder if everyone in Moscow has already given up on the Vandals for the season.
San Jose State 13 New Mexico State 10
This game was also all that I expected. In fact, it did not even live up to my low expectations.
Hawaii 17 Navy 10
The Warriors show that they still have not forgotten how to win a football game. They still need to win next week to become bowl eligible. With a 13 game schedule, they need 7 regular season wins to go bowling. They host Wisconsin next Saturday. More on that on Thursday.
Offensive Player of the Week: Utah State QB Diondre Borel
Defensive Team of the Week: Hawaii
Game of the Week: Utah State 52 Idaho 49
WAC Power Rankings (Not Final, there are three games next week.)
Boise State
Nevada
Fresno State
Idaho
Hawaii
Utah State
Louisiana Tech
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Mountain West Conference
Wyoming 17 Colorado State 16
The Cowboys, picked last in the conference, are going bowling. It took another strong play from behind effort in the fourth quarter to get 'er done. I did not think that the Rams could produce more than one touchdown without Grant Strucker, but former Hillcrest HS/Snow College star Jon Eastman did more than an adequate job in filling in. Makes me wonder if the better quarterback was on the bench all season long and 9 consecutive losses later. Strucker will be gone next season, will Steve Fairchild join him?
TCU 51 New Mexico 10
The Lobos showed that the game they gave BYU two weeks ago was not fluke, for the first quarter. Then the Frogs woke up. TCU should get a BCS bowl. Good luck with whoever they are playing. The Frog Faithful will be wearing Husker Red this week.
BYU 26 Utah 23
This game was the type of defensive battle that I like. Because the offenses never gave up and made successful adjustments. It was a real chess match. Max Hall did not have a good enough game to earn the right to trash talk the Utes like he did. In the second half he was tenative and undecisive and played the game not to loose instead of playing to win. He looked the like inexperienced quarterback while Jordan Wynn looked like the veteran. Hall did not play to win, he played not to loose and then to trash talk the opponent at the end of the game. It was a good win for the Cougars, but it was spoiled by Hall's comments at the end. This is not the quality of player that Bronco Mendenhall needs to recruit at BYU. If BYU wants to suspend Hall for the Bowl game, they have every reason to. It will provide extra motivation for the Utes to win next year. Although this was nothing new in this rivalry. I remember something about pumping gas a few years ago.
UNLV 28 New Mexico 24
Omar Clayton leads the Rebels on a game winning drive to send Mike Sanford out of Las Vegas a winner. It was a good game to see the ending of. There was an unsuccessful Hail Mary at the end. The Aztecs had this game in hand until Ryan Lindley threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Terrance Lee. That is the kind of break that UNLV has not had a lot of in the last seven years or so.
Offensive Player of the Week: TCU QB Andy Dalton
Defensive Team of the Week: Wyoming
Game of the Week: BYU 26 Utah 23
Power Rankings (Final):
TCU
BYU
Utah
Air Force
Wyoming
UNLV
San Diego State
New Mexico
Colorado State
One more note about next week: In the Big 12 Championship game, TCU fans should root for Nebraska to get a shot at the National Title. The Alabama/Florida game is a play-in to the BCS championship. Boise State fans should root for Texas to ensure that there is a BCS spot for them. The BCS has to take the Big 12 Champion and will not pass up a 12-1 Texas to take a 13-0 Boise State.
Bowl Projections:
BCS Championship Bowl: Texas vs Florida
Sugar: Alabama vs Cincinnati
Orange: Boise State vs Georgia Tech
Rose: Oregon vs Ohio State
Fiesta: TCU vs Penn State
Las Vegas: BYU vs Oregon State
Poinsettia: Utah vs Arizona
New Mexico: Wyoming vs Nevada
Armed Forces: Air Force vs SMU
Humanitarian: Idaho vs UCLA
Hawaii: Fresno State vs Marshall
Montana 61 South Dakota State 48
The Jackrabbits were ahead 48 - 21 at 5:40 in the third quarter. Then the Grizzlies scored the final 40 points of the game. That is why they are the #1 seed. But they will need to play better. They can not afford to give SFA a 27 point lead.
Stephen F Austin 44 Eastern Washington 33
Matt Nichols career comes to a close in a game where SFA proved to be the better offense. If any Big Sky senior will be playing on Sunday next year, it will be Matt Nichols. Jeremy Moses delivered a trip to Missoula for the Lumberjacks.
William and Mary 38 Weber State 0
Word has it that Weber State was the last team picked for the playoffs by the selection committee. There were probably four or five other football teams that were left out that could have been chosen instead. And now those teams are really, really fuming at this outcome. They have a right to be upset. A career will come to an end for several good WSU players. Hopefully, not for Tim Toone. But no one for Weber State impressed anyone today.
Elite 8 Next week. New Hampshire was the only lower-seeded team to win.
Stephen F. Austin at #1Montana
Appalachian State at #4 Richmond
New Hampshire at #2 Villanova
William and Mary at #3Southern Illinois
Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week: Montana QB Andrew Selle
Defensive Team of the Week--against a Big Sky Team: William and Mary
Game of the Week: Montana 61 South Dakota State 48
WAC
Congratulations to Boise State on winning at least a share of the WAC title and getting the tie breaker over the team they would share it with should they loose next week.
Boise State 44 Nevada 33
The Wolfpack had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but they fumbled the ball deep in their own territory. That miscue only led to a BSU field goal, but it was a big momentum shift in the game. Both teams would add a touchdown thereafter. Was this enough style points for the BCS powers that be? It could be as Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech all lost. It would be difficult for the BCS bowls to justify passing up Boise State right now. Can you justify passing on an undefeated Boise State for a 3-loss Virginia Tech? The only hitch would be if Nebraska knocks of Texas in the Big 12 title game.
Utah State 52 Idaho 49
The USU Aggies finish thier season on a high note, while the Vandal faithful have to be scratching their collective heads. This game was as fun as I thought that it could be. There were four lead changes in the second half. The Vandals are still going bowling, but with only 8,500 or so at the Kibbie Dome, I wonder if everyone in Moscow has already given up on the Vandals for the season.
San Jose State 13 New Mexico State 10
This game was also all that I expected. In fact, it did not even live up to my low expectations.
Hawaii 17 Navy 10
The Warriors show that they still have not forgotten how to win a football game. They still need to win next week to become bowl eligible. With a 13 game schedule, they need 7 regular season wins to go bowling. They host Wisconsin next Saturday. More on that on Thursday.
Offensive Player of the Week: Utah State QB Diondre Borel
Defensive Team of the Week: Hawaii
Game of the Week: Utah State 52 Idaho 49
WAC Power Rankings (Not Final, there are three games next week.)
Boise State
Nevada
Fresno State
Idaho
Hawaii
Utah State
Louisiana Tech
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Mountain West Conference
Wyoming 17 Colorado State 16
The Cowboys, picked last in the conference, are going bowling. It took another strong play from behind effort in the fourth quarter to get 'er done. I did not think that the Rams could produce more than one touchdown without Grant Strucker, but former Hillcrest HS/Snow College star Jon Eastman did more than an adequate job in filling in. Makes me wonder if the better quarterback was on the bench all season long and 9 consecutive losses later. Strucker will be gone next season, will Steve Fairchild join him?
TCU 51 New Mexico 10
The Lobos showed that the game they gave BYU two weeks ago was not fluke, for the first quarter. Then the Frogs woke up. TCU should get a BCS bowl. Good luck with whoever they are playing. The Frog Faithful will be wearing Husker Red this week.
BYU 26 Utah 23
This game was the type of defensive battle that I like. Because the offenses never gave up and made successful adjustments. It was a real chess match. Max Hall did not have a good enough game to earn the right to trash talk the Utes like he did. In the second half he was tenative and undecisive and played the game not to loose instead of playing to win. He looked the like inexperienced quarterback while Jordan Wynn looked like the veteran. Hall did not play to win, he played not to loose and then to trash talk the opponent at the end of the game. It was a good win for the Cougars, but it was spoiled by Hall's comments at the end. This is not the quality of player that Bronco Mendenhall needs to recruit at BYU. If BYU wants to suspend Hall for the Bowl game, they have every reason to. It will provide extra motivation for the Utes to win next year. Although this was nothing new in this rivalry. I remember something about pumping gas a few years ago.
UNLV 28 New Mexico 24
Omar Clayton leads the Rebels on a game winning drive to send Mike Sanford out of Las Vegas a winner. It was a good game to see the ending of. There was an unsuccessful Hail Mary at the end. The Aztecs had this game in hand until Ryan Lindley threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Terrance Lee. That is the kind of break that UNLV has not had a lot of in the last seven years or so.
Offensive Player of the Week: TCU QB Andy Dalton
Defensive Team of the Week: Wyoming
Game of the Week: BYU 26 Utah 23
Power Rankings (Final):
TCU
BYU
Utah
Air Force
Wyoming
UNLV
San Diego State
New Mexico
Colorado State
One more note about next week: In the Big 12 Championship game, TCU fans should root for Nebraska to get a shot at the National Title. The Alabama/Florida game is a play-in to the BCS championship. Boise State fans should root for Texas to ensure that there is a BCS spot for them. The BCS has to take the Big 12 Champion and will not pass up a 12-1 Texas to take a 13-0 Boise State.
Bowl Projections:
BCS Championship Bowl: Texas vs Florida
Sugar: Alabama vs Cincinnati
Orange: Boise State vs Georgia Tech
Rose: Oregon vs Ohio State
Fiesta: TCU vs Penn State
Las Vegas: BYU vs Oregon State
Poinsettia: Utah vs Arizona
New Mexico: Wyoming vs Nevada
Armed Forces: Air Force vs SMU
Humanitarian: Idaho vs UCLA
Hawaii: Fresno State vs Marshall
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Greatest Moment in Utah Sports History
One stream on BigSoccer.com ask if the win by RSL over LA last Sunday was the biggest moment in Utah Sports history. It was if you are a soccer fan. And in the overall perspective, it was huge as it helps put Utah on the international sports map. This made news, even in England, as the scope of the upset is beginning to set in. David Beckham was denied his shot at becoming just the second player in history to be a member of a club champion in three different countries, having already won with Manchester United in England and Real Madrid in Spain. He will try again after the World Cup, but he may not be a member of the Galaxy when he comes back next summer. I can't imagine him coming back to the Galaxy if the rumors about Landon Donovan playing for Club America are true.
But back to History, here are the biggest ten moments, IMHO, in Utah's sports history.
1. 2002 Olympic Winter Games
2. Utah's 1944 NCAA championship in Basketball.
3. John Stockton sends Jazz to the finals.
4. BYU wins 1984 National Championship in football.
5. Real Salt Lake upsets Donavan and Beckham and the LA Galaxy for the 2009 MLS cup victory.
6. Gene Fullmer, a Utah Native, beats Sugar Ray Robinson for the World Middleweight Championship. He held the title for five years.
7. Utah dumps Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl.
8. Utah's football team busts BCS in 2004 and gets a win over Pittsburgh in Fiesta Bowl
9. BYU's Ty Detmer wins 1990 Heisman Trophy.
10. Utes upset North Carolina in 1998 final four.
I have not been alive to experience all of these moments, but many of them I remember. I have to rank the Olympics first. Utah's 1944 NCAA championship bid did a lot to break down barriers between Utah and the rest of the Nation. It was the first big-time championship in Utah. Arnie Ferrin was the leader on that team. That has to rank high. John Stockton because of how basketball crazy Utahans are. And we are still feeling the ripple effect of BYU's 1984 title. That was the catalyst that led to the creation of the BCS.
It will be a few years before we see the final effects of RSLs championship. Tickets at Rio Tinto may be a little bit harder to get. But I doubt that C&C will ever displace the Jazz as the favorite sports team in Utah. I hope that some results will be the adoption of Men's Soccer by the local college teams and the Mountain West Conference. And I hope this will also lead to the promotion of the Spiders (or the Stars, as they are now called) to the WPS.
Maybe in a few years, this list will change. The RSL championship may be higher or may be a springboard to bigger things for soccer in Utah. It may turn out to be not so big of an event.
Here are some other moments in Utah sports history worthy of note--in no particular order.
Utah Stars win 1971 ABA championship.
BYU wins 1951 NIT title.
1980 Holiday Bowl, BYU erases a 45-25 SMU lead to win 46-45.
BYU wins 1997 Cotton Bowl.
Danny Ainge drives past Notre Dame to put BYU in elite 8.
Jazz battle Lakers in 1988 NBA playoffs.
Wayne Howard's post-game response makes BYU/Utah a real rivalry.
Utah Utes win 34-31 in Provo--first win in Provo for the Utes in the Lavell Edwards Era.
The Red Rocks first NCAA championship.
Merlin Olsen of Utah State wins 1961 Outland trophy.
But back to History, here are the biggest ten moments, IMHO, in Utah's sports history.
1. 2002 Olympic Winter Games
2. Utah's 1944 NCAA championship in Basketball.
3. John Stockton sends Jazz to the finals.
4. BYU wins 1984 National Championship in football.
5. Real Salt Lake upsets Donavan and Beckham and the LA Galaxy for the 2009 MLS cup victory.
6. Gene Fullmer, a Utah Native, beats Sugar Ray Robinson for the World Middleweight Championship. He held the title for five years.
7. Utah dumps Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl.
8. Utah's football team busts BCS in 2004 and gets a win over Pittsburgh in Fiesta Bowl
9. BYU's Ty Detmer wins 1990 Heisman Trophy.
10. Utes upset North Carolina in 1998 final four.
I have not been alive to experience all of these moments, but many of them I remember. I have to rank the Olympics first. Utah's 1944 NCAA championship bid did a lot to break down barriers between Utah and the rest of the Nation. It was the first big-time championship in Utah. Arnie Ferrin was the leader on that team. That has to rank high. John Stockton because of how basketball crazy Utahans are. And we are still feeling the ripple effect of BYU's 1984 title. That was the catalyst that led to the creation of the BCS.
It will be a few years before we see the final effects of RSLs championship. Tickets at Rio Tinto may be a little bit harder to get. But I doubt that C&C will ever displace the Jazz as the favorite sports team in Utah. I hope that some results will be the adoption of Men's Soccer by the local college teams and the Mountain West Conference. And I hope this will also lead to the promotion of the Spiders (or the Stars, as they are now called) to the WPS.
Maybe in a few years, this list will change. The RSL championship may be higher or may be a springboard to bigger things for soccer in Utah. It may turn out to be not so big of an event.
Here are some other moments in Utah sports history worthy of note--in no particular order.
Utah Stars win 1971 ABA championship.
BYU wins 1951 NIT title.
1980 Holiday Bowl, BYU erases a 45-25 SMU lead to win 46-45.
BYU wins 1997 Cotton Bowl.
Danny Ainge drives past Notre Dame to put BYU in elite 8.
Jazz battle Lakers in 1988 NBA playoffs.
Wayne Howard's post-game response makes BYU/Utah a real rivalry.
Utah Utes win 34-31 in Provo--first win in Provo for the Utes in the Lavell Edwards Era.
The Red Rocks first NCAA championship.
Merlin Olsen of Utah State wins 1961 Outland trophy.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
College Football Preview
Big Sky Conference
There is no road trip of the week this week. It is a two day trip from Brookings, SD to Missoula, MT. That is the shortest trip involving a Big Sky Conference school this week. I suspect that the Jackrabbits will fly to Missoula. But it is something that a lot of FBS fans want: a playoff. Are you FBS fans jealous? You should be.
South Dakota State at #1 Montana
I wonder if the Jackrabbits are seeded a little bit low. But it is the Sweet 16 and all teams are expected to be good. If you have not heard, this SDSU came close to beating Minnesota a couple of weeks ago. The main blemish on their record is a 21-14 loss to Cal Poly in SLO where they gave the ball away three times. Those of us who follow the BSC know why the Grizzlies are seeded #1 in this tournament. When they play at their best, no one can beat them. This game will be on the turf in Missoula in front of 23,000 Grizzlies who are no where near ready to hibernate. Don't expect a cake walk, however.
Montana 34 South Dakota State 21
Eastern Washington at Stephen F Austin
Matt Nichols and Taiwan Jones were in sync last week, and will need to be again this week to get a win in Nacogdoches. The Lumberjacks have a quarterback who is in the same fraternity as Nichols, Selle, Herrik, Kempt, Bethel-Thompson and Higgins. SFA has been led to the promised land by Jeremy Moses. This season he is 320/474 3,486 yards, 35 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions. SFA scored 90 against, well it was the Texas College Steers, a win-less Division II school. But still, SFA is a conference champion that deserves to be where they are. However, if anyone can beat them, the Eagles can.
EWU 38 SFA 35
Weber State at William and Mary
In the only college in the United State named for a king and queen of England you will find one of the nation's best defenses. And you will find one of two FCS teams to pull off a win against a FBS team this year. W&M leads the nation (FCS) in rushing yards allowed, scoring defense and sacks. Does Weber State have enough weapons to overcome this? Yes, but Cameron Higgins will need to make like Dan Marino and get rid of the ball very quickly. He has shown trouble in making quick decisions in games like this. If he can, once the ball is in the hands of his talented receivers, they can take care of the rest.
W&M 17 WSU 10
WAC
Nevada at Boise State
I meant what I said, Nevada has the tools to give Boise State all that they can handle and then some. There may only be one or two punts in this game. If the Wolfpack can take care of the ball, this will be a high scoring game where both teams could score in the 50s. Remember Ty Detmer vs Marshall Faulk? The 1991 52-52 tie? This game could be higher scoring by both teams before it is over.
Boise State 63 Nevada 60
Utah State at Idaho
The Vandals are going bowling and have little else that they can prove right now. One of two approaches they can take to this game. Like an NFL team would to a pre-season game or like a game to build momentum into whatever bowl game they will be playing in. It will be senior day, and I suspect that Robb Akey will play all of his seniors, but will not want to loose any momentum...but wait, they are on a three game losing streak. May as well let it all hang out. It should be a fun game.
Idaho 38 Utah State 20
New Mexico State at San Jose State
Yawn!
San Jose State 21 New Mexico State 10
Navy at Hawaii
The Warriors have been on the edge of bowl eligibility for the last three weeks. The Midshipmen should be able to put them out of their misery. But Navy may be looking ahead to their big game next week. Maybe there is still some Aloha in Hawaii.
Hawaii 33 Navy 20
Mountain West
Wyoming at Colorado State
I have yet to find out if Grant Strucker will be playing for the Rams this week. If he does, CSU may only loose by ten or less. Without Strucker, the Cowboys should win in a blowout. Wyoming has a chance to go to a bowl game to play for. Colorado State is playing for pride. They should have been playing for pride a couple of weeks ago in Las Vegas. They may cost their coach his job.
Wyoming 38 Colorado State 21
New Mexico at TCU
Now that the Lobos have won a game, they can relax and take the brutal punishment that is coming to them and enjoy it. Thank you, sir, may I have another!
TCU 50 New Mexico 10
San Diego State at UNLV
Well, the Aztec season came crashing down in the fourth quarter on Senior Day at the Q against Wyoming. I hate to say it, but it looks like the boys in black have another "Q" word in their vocabulary. That is what it looks like what happened last Saturday. I have no other explanation, and the Aztecs should have no excuses for what happened, even if it was Utah in Salt Lake. Look for the Rebels to win one for outgoing coach Mike! A little late, but a nice thought anyway.
UNLV 28 SDSU 12
Utah at BYU
I can remember being at what was then called Cougar Stadium for the BYU/Utah game in 1975. That party was crashed by a hang glider. That was the only time I was ever at a BYU/Utah game in person. I was a young boy then. Today, I tried to talk my nine-year-old nephew out of his ticket. But he was having none of that. The game seems too close to call. Normally, when a senior quarterback is on one side and a freshman is on the other, you go with the more experienced one. But this is Max Hall we are talking about. He has won some close games, but if BYU gets behind by more than 8 points, Hall will become desparate. We saw what Jordan Wynn is capable of against Wyoming. But that was Wyoming. Therefore, if the Utes get a 9 point lead, they will be able to relax. It will likely take a 17 point with less than two minutes left for the Cougars to relax. I also can not cheat and simply pick the home team in this game as the road team has won it more often. I will pick the Cougars simply because there were more blue shirts around the table at dinner than any other color.
BYU 34 Utah 31
There is no road trip of the week this week. It is a two day trip from Brookings, SD to Missoula, MT. That is the shortest trip involving a Big Sky Conference school this week. I suspect that the Jackrabbits will fly to Missoula. But it is something that a lot of FBS fans want: a playoff. Are you FBS fans jealous? You should be.
South Dakota State at #1 Montana
I wonder if the Jackrabbits are seeded a little bit low. But it is the Sweet 16 and all teams are expected to be good. If you have not heard, this SDSU came close to beating Minnesota a couple of weeks ago. The main blemish on their record is a 21-14 loss to Cal Poly in SLO where they gave the ball away three times. Those of us who follow the BSC know why the Grizzlies are seeded #1 in this tournament. When they play at their best, no one can beat them. This game will be on the turf in Missoula in front of 23,000 Grizzlies who are no where near ready to hibernate. Don't expect a cake walk, however.
Montana 34 South Dakota State 21
Eastern Washington at Stephen F Austin
Matt Nichols and Taiwan Jones were in sync last week, and will need to be again this week to get a win in Nacogdoches. The Lumberjacks have a quarterback who is in the same fraternity as Nichols, Selle, Herrik, Kempt, Bethel-Thompson and Higgins. SFA has been led to the promised land by Jeremy Moses. This season he is 320/474 3,486 yards, 35 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions. SFA scored 90 against, well it was the Texas College Steers, a win-less Division II school. But still, SFA is a conference champion that deserves to be where they are. However, if anyone can beat them, the Eagles can.
EWU 38 SFA 35
Weber State at William and Mary
In the only college in the United State named for a king and queen of England you will find one of the nation's best defenses. And you will find one of two FCS teams to pull off a win against a FBS team this year. W&M leads the nation (FCS) in rushing yards allowed, scoring defense and sacks. Does Weber State have enough weapons to overcome this? Yes, but Cameron Higgins will need to make like Dan Marino and get rid of the ball very quickly. He has shown trouble in making quick decisions in games like this. If he can, once the ball is in the hands of his talented receivers, they can take care of the rest.
W&M 17 WSU 10
WAC
Nevada at Boise State
I meant what I said, Nevada has the tools to give Boise State all that they can handle and then some. There may only be one or two punts in this game. If the Wolfpack can take care of the ball, this will be a high scoring game where both teams could score in the 50s. Remember Ty Detmer vs Marshall Faulk? The 1991 52-52 tie? This game could be higher scoring by both teams before it is over.
Boise State 63 Nevada 60
Utah State at Idaho
The Vandals are going bowling and have little else that they can prove right now. One of two approaches they can take to this game. Like an NFL team would to a pre-season game or like a game to build momentum into whatever bowl game they will be playing in. It will be senior day, and I suspect that Robb Akey will play all of his seniors, but will not want to loose any momentum...but wait, they are on a three game losing streak. May as well let it all hang out. It should be a fun game.
Idaho 38 Utah State 20
New Mexico State at San Jose State
Yawn!
San Jose State 21 New Mexico State 10
Navy at Hawaii
The Warriors have been on the edge of bowl eligibility for the last three weeks. The Midshipmen should be able to put them out of their misery. But Navy may be looking ahead to their big game next week. Maybe there is still some Aloha in Hawaii.
Hawaii 33 Navy 20
Mountain West
Wyoming at Colorado State
I have yet to find out if Grant Strucker will be playing for the Rams this week. If he does, CSU may only loose by ten or less. Without Strucker, the Cowboys should win in a blowout. Wyoming has a chance to go to a bowl game to play for. Colorado State is playing for pride. They should have been playing for pride a couple of weeks ago in Las Vegas. They may cost their coach his job.
Wyoming 38 Colorado State 21
New Mexico at TCU
Now that the Lobos have won a game, they can relax and take the brutal punishment that is coming to them and enjoy it. Thank you, sir, may I have another!
TCU 50 New Mexico 10
San Diego State at UNLV
Well, the Aztec season came crashing down in the fourth quarter on Senior Day at the Q against Wyoming. I hate to say it, but it looks like the boys in black have another "Q" word in their vocabulary. That is what it looks like what happened last Saturday. I have no other explanation, and the Aztecs should have no excuses for what happened, even if it was Utah in Salt Lake. Look for the Rebels to win one for outgoing coach Mike! A little late, but a nice thought anyway.
UNLV 28 SDSU 12
Utah at BYU
I can remember being at what was then called Cougar Stadium for the BYU/Utah game in 1975. That party was crashed by a hang glider. That was the only time I was ever at a BYU/Utah game in person. I was a young boy then. Today, I tried to talk my nine-year-old nephew out of his ticket. But he was having none of that. The game seems too close to call. Normally, when a senior quarterback is on one side and a freshman is on the other, you go with the more experienced one. But this is Max Hall we are talking about. He has won some close games, but if BYU gets behind by more than 8 points, Hall will become desparate. We saw what Jordan Wynn is capable of against Wyoming. But that was Wyoming. Therefore, if the Utes get a 9 point lead, they will be able to relax. It will likely take a 17 point with less than two minutes left for the Cougars to relax. I also can not cheat and simply pick the home team in this game as the road team has won it more often. I will pick the Cougars simply because there were more blue shirts around the table at dinner than any other color.
BYU 34 Utah 31
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Big Sky Men's Power Rankings...and a New Number One, Again!
All top three teams had pleasant, surprising wins. These wins should help the conference RPI and hopefully the eventual champion will be seeded higher than 15/16 in the tournament this year. Only the top 3 and Eastern Washington, however, have more than one win. So it was difficult to rank 4 through 9. I suspect that someone else will rank them completely different. The season is still young.
1. Northern Colorado (5-0)
Traveled down to Clune Arena in Colorado Springs and beat Air Force. Not a lot of MWC schools will do that this year. Never figured the Bears would be the last unbeaten team in the Big Sky. Now they travel to Grand Forks to take on the Bison of North Dakota. They have a good shot at being 6-0.
2. Montana (4-1)
Lost to the Pioneers in Denver and then went on to win at Oregon. A disappointing loss followed by an impressive win. The Grizzlies have another chance to impress, but it is an almost impossible game: taking on Washington in Seattle on Sunday.
3. Sacramento State (3-3)
Beat Oregon State in Corvallis this weekend. Another pleasant surprise. However, getting past Idaho in Moscow is another matter. It was only a six point loss. Perhaps the Beavers were just looking past the Hornets. Next: Monday at home against UC Riverside. They get to enjoy their turkey.
4. Weber State (1-3)
I was down on them after they lost on the road to Seattle. But then the RedHawks go to Salt Lake and beat the Utes. Well, Weber lost a game against a team that is better than we thought that they would be. Then won their first game against who we thought they were. It does not get any easier for the Wildcats this week. They play BYU in Provo. Weber State has never beaten BYU in Provo.
5. Idaho State (1-4)
There is a challenging schedule to begin the season, and then there is unrealistic and impossible. The Bengals schedule borders on unrealistic. Too difficult will cost the team confidence heading into conference play. This week, ISU won the only home game they have scheduled so far this year...against Colorado Christian followed by a loss against Utah State in Logan. Looking ahead is their only win able road game until conference play at UMKC on Saturday.
6. Portland State (1-3)
Got their first win against the Mustangs from Cal Poly. Only have one game this week, against Stanford in Palo Alto.
7. Eastern Washington (2-3)
Picked up a win against UT-Arlington on the road and then lost at home against Boise State. They take a short road trip to Moscow to take on the Vandals at the Kibbie Dome on Saturday. Then they play at home next Tuesday against Walla Walla College.
8. Northern Arizona (1-2)
The Lumberjacks were playing a home game against Pacific on Sunday but then a blackout hit just into the second half. The Jacks had a two point lead at the time. It was not just the Walkup Skydome, but a good percentage of Flagstaff. No word on if or when the game will be finished. NAU has a two game California trip for Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, it is the South Bay and Santa Clara. On Saturday, the Lumberjacks visit San Diego State.
9. Montana State (1-2)
MSU lost to USM--Southern Mississippi at home last weekend. Next is a visit to San Francisco on Wednesday and Oregon on Saturday.
1. Northern Colorado (5-0)
Traveled down to Clune Arena in Colorado Springs and beat Air Force. Not a lot of MWC schools will do that this year. Never figured the Bears would be the last unbeaten team in the Big Sky. Now they travel to Grand Forks to take on the Bison of North Dakota. They have a good shot at being 6-0.
2. Montana (4-1)
Lost to the Pioneers in Denver and then went on to win at Oregon. A disappointing loss followed by an impressive win. The Grizzlies have another chance to impress, but it is an almost impossible game: taking on Washington in Seattle on Sunday.
3. Sacramento State (3-3)
Beat Oregon State in Corvallis this weekend. Another pleasant surprise. However, getting past Idaho in Moscow is another matter. It was only a six point loss. Perhaps the Beavers were just looking past the Hornets. Next: Monday at home against UC Riverside. They get to enjoy their turkey.
4. Weber State (1-3)
I was down on them after they lost on the road to Seattle. But then the RedHawks go to Salt Lake and beat the Utes. Well, Weber lost a game against a team that is better than we thought that they would be. Then won their first game against who we thought they were. It does not get any easier for the Wildcats this week. They play BYU in Provo. Weber State has never beaten BYU in Provo.
5. Idaho State (1-4)
There is a challenging schedule to begin the season, and then there is unrealistic and impossible. The Bengals schedule borders on unrealistic. Too difficult will cost the team confidence heading into conference play. This week, ISU won the only home game they have scheduled so far this year...against Colorado Christian followed by a loss against Utah State in Logan. Looking ahead is their only win able road game until conference play at UMKC on Saturday.
6. Portland State (1-3)
Got their first win against the Mustangs from Cal Poly. Only have one game this week, against Stanford in Palo Alto.
7. Eastern Washington (2-3)
Picked up a win against UT-Arlington on the road and then lost at home against Boise State. They take a short road trip to Moscow to take on the Vandals at the Kibbie Dome on Saturday. Then they play at home next Tuesday against Walla Walla College.
8. Northern Arizona (1-2)
The Lumberjacks were playing a home game against Pacific on Sunday but then a blackout hit just into the second half. The Jacks had a two point lead at the time. It was not just the Walkup Skydome, but a good percentage of Flagstaff. No word on if or when the game will be finished. NAU has a two game California trip for Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, it is the South Bay and Santa Clara. On Saturday, the Lumberjacks visit San Diego State.
9. Montana State (1-2)
MSU lost to USM--Southern Mississippi at home last weekend. Next is a visit to San Francisco on Wednesday and Oregon on Saturday.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Just in case you missed it.
I put this at the bottom of another post. Here are the FCS playoff pairings. Three Big Sky Conference teams make the field of sixteen. Four Colonial Athletic Association teams do as well. On Saturday, Weber State of the BSC meets William and Mary of the CAA. W&M is the second oldest college in the US.
Upper Bracket
South Dakota State @ #1 Montana
Eastern Washington @ Stephen F. Austin
Elon @ #4 Richmond
South Carolina State @ Appalachian State
Lower Bracket
Holy Cross @ #2 Villanova
New Hampshire @ McNeese State
Eastern Illinois @ #3 Southern Illinois
Weber State @ William and Mary
Upper Bracket
South Dakota State @ #1 Montana
Eastern Washington @ Stephen F. Austin
Elon @ #4 Richmond
South Carolina State @ Appalachian State
Lower Bracket
Holy Cross @ #2 Villanova
New Hampshire @ McNeese State
Eastern Illinois @ #3 Southern Illinois
Weber State @ William and Mary
Sunday, November 22, 2009
It's Real
I wanted to find something to say about RSL getting into the MLS Cup final, but found it hard to believe that they got there. I am still shaking my head about about that.
Now they have won the championship. They took the second season for RSL to get going. In November in two seasons, the Royals are 5-1-1 and 4-0-0 this year. They took it to Columbus in a two-game goal aggregate series and won both games. They held Chicago with the mighty Cualtomec Blanco and Brian McBride and mates scoreless for 120 minutes. Then they equaled Beckham and Donovan in Seattle. They won both of the last two games with penalty kicks. Nick Rimando was a brick wall when he needed to be.
So celebrate. This is Utah's first major league championship since the 1971 Utah Stars of the now defunct ABA. Let's hope that it is not another 38 years to the next one.
Now they have won the championship. They took the second season for RSL to get going. In November in two seasons, the Royals are 5-1-1 and 4-0-0 this year. They took it to Columbus in a two-game goal aggregate series and won both games. They held Chicago with the mighty Cualtomec Blanco and Brian McBride and mates scoreless for 120 minutes. Then they equaled Beckham and Donovan in Seattle. They won both of the last two games with penalty kicks. Nick Rimando was a brick wall when he needed to be.
So celebrate. This is Utah's first major league championship since the 1971 Utah Stars of the now defunct ABA. Let's hope that it is not another 38 years to the next one.
Boise State's Worst Enemy
Boise State hosts Nevada and their "steamroll express" this Friday. While the Wolfpack are the best shot at ending a perfect regular season for the Broncos, they have already done a lot of damage to Boise State's BCS chances by loosing their first three games this season. In fact, the rest of the WAC has done little to help Boise State. To illustrate, I reverse-"Oreo" what Nevada did in their first three games, by going outside, inside.
Nevada opened with three three losses. The third loss was a 31-21 loss to Missouri, a middle of the pack Big 12 team. Even though it does not look that bad to lose to a middle of the pack Big 12 team, the way that Nevada is playing now, it is a game that the Wolfpack was talented enough to win. And the game took place at MacKay stadium, where the Wolfpack have demolished everyone else. In this game, a bad 4th quarter red-zone fumble led to a Missouri score and was likely the difference in the game. It was the dreaded 14 point turnaround in a ten point game. This knocks the WAC down a notch.
In the first week of the season, Nevada lost big time at Notre Dame. Sure, the Irish were ranked in the top 25 at the time, but now are 6-5 with a road game at Stanford remaining. The Wolfpack gave away the ball three times in that game, but turnovers were not the final difference. Nevada just lost this one.
But the most costly loss for the Wolfpack and the WAC this year was in their second game, a 35-20 loss at Colorado State. That's right, the same Colorado State team that lost it's next eight games. Going into the Nevada battle, the Rams had just escaped by the narrowest of margins from FCS power Weber State. They were exposed and vulnerable and the Wolfpack was completely unprepared to take advantage. The Rams led from kickoff to gun, but the Wolfpack statistically dominated in all categories, including give aways. It was a -5 giveaway ratio in that game which gave the Rams the win. Five Nevada turnovers, zero for Colorado State. Four of those five turnovers led to 28 Colorado State points. Even if none of those give-away drives end in points for Nevada, the final is still a convincing 20-7 win instead of a two touchdown loss.
At of today, Nevada is in first place in the WAC by 1/2 game. They are 7-0 in conference play where Boise State is 6-0. Colorado State is in last place in the MWC, going 0-7 in conference play so far. Which conference is better? As of today, the last place MWC team has a victory over the first place WAC team. Again, this game just looks bad for Nevada and looks bad for the WAC.
If it was not for turnovers in against Missouri and Colorado State, Nevada would be entering Friday's contest at 10-1, ranked in the top 25, with a shot to give Boise State the same sort of lift that TCU got by beating BYU and Utah. But Nevada is still a dangerous team. They got it figured out since that trip to Fort Collins, and have been rolling ever since the Fremont Cannon Game kicked off in week four. They have scored more that 60 in four of their eight wins. 63 against in-state rival UNLV. 70 against bowl-bound Idaho. 62 against San Jose State. 63 against New Mexico State last Saturday. They also scored 52 against bowl-bound Fresno State. The Nevada Wolfpack are scary and if they take care of the ball, they will give Boise State all that they can handle and perhaps more.
Fresno State also had their chance to help Boise State in the Strength of Schedule department. The Bulldogs lost an overtime game at Wisconsin and another close game at #5 Cincinnati. In the Wisconsin game, the Bulldogs committed three turnovers and missed two field goals and could have won that game in regulation. Neither of the interceptions in regulation led to a Wisconsin score, but the second overtime ended with a Fresno State interception...on the first play after Wisconsin had scored the would-be game winning field goal. Fresno State came closer than anyone else to beating Cincinnati this year. In that game, a Fresno State interception, in field goal range, late in the third quarter led to the final Cincinnati touchdown drive. That was a 10/14 point turnaround in an eight point game.
The difference between TCU and BSU this year is their respective conferences. Don't look at the entire conference, just positions two through four as the teams that will occupy those positions are now settled in both conferences. Two through four for the WAC is 5-6 in non-conference games. With a little crisper execution and a cleaner game or four, they could be 9-2. That would have been more impressive than the MWC's 8-4. Out of the four for the Mountain West losses, it is difficult to find a loss where key turnovers were the difference. Utah's loss to Oregon? Nope, Utah was +2 in take aways in that game. BYU's loss to Florida State? Probably not as FSU had the game well in hand before quarterback Max Hall became desperate and generous with the football. The only game out of those four losses where turnovers were the difference was Air Force's loss to Minnesota. The Golden Gophers returned a Falcon fumble the distance in the fourth quarter. It was a seven point victory that opened Minnesota's new stadium. The MWC's two through four would likely be 9-3 at best.
Give-a ways and take-a ways are just one phase of the game. Good teams take away, they do not give away games. Often, the difference between a 10-1 team vs a 8-3 team, like Nevada, is the turnover ratio. It bet with another hour or two, I could find six or seven more teams just like them.
The difference between the WAC and the MWC this year? TCU is the best of the "Big 3" this year. The WAC? It's the same as it was when BYU ruled the conference in the early 80s. It's the "Big 1" and everyone else. Boise State will continue to be the bridesmaid until their conference gets better.
WAC top-4 in Non-Conference Games
Boise State 5-0
Nevada 1-3
Fresno State 1-2 (So far, with a road game against Illinois on December 5th pending)
Idaho 3-1
Total 10-6 (.625). #2 through #4 5-6 (.455) .
Mountain West top-4 in Non-Conference Games
TCU 4-0
BYU 3-1
Utah 3-1
Air Force 2-2
Total 12-4 (.750) #2 through #4 8-4 (.667)
Nevada opened with three three losses. The third loss was a 31-21 loss to Missouri, a middle of the pack Big 12 team. Even though it does not look that bad to lose to a middle of the pack Big 12 team, the way that Nevada is playing now, it is a game that the Wolfpack was talented enough to win. And the game took place at MacKay stadium, where the Wolfpack have demolished everyone else. In this game, a bad 4th quarter red-zone fumble led to a Missouri score and was likely the difference in the game. It was the dreaded 14 point turnaround in a ten point game. This knocks the WAC down a notch.
In the first week of the season, Nevada lost big time at Notre Dame. Sure, the Irish were ranked in the top 25 at the time, but now are 6-5 with a road game at Stanford remaining. The Wolfpack gave away the ball three times in that game, but turnovers were not the final difference. Nevada just lost this one.
But the most costly loss for the Wolfpack and the WAC this year was in their second game, a 35-20 loss at Colorado State. That's right, the same Colorado State team that lost it's next eight games. Going into the Nevada battle, the Rams had just escaped by the narrowest of margins from FCS power Weber State. They were exposed and vulnerable and the Wolfpack was completely unprepared to take advantage. The Rams led from kickoff to gun, but the Wolfpack statistically dominated in all categories, including give aways. It was a -5 giveaway ratio in that game which gave the Rams the win. Five Nevada turnovers, zero for Colorado State. Four of those five turnovers led to 28 Colorado State points. Even if none of those give-away drives end in points for Nevada, the final is still a convincing 20-7 win instead of a two touchdown loss.
At of today, Nevada is in first place in the WAC by 1/2 game. They are 7-0 in conference play where Boise State is 6-0. Colorado State is in last place in the MWC, going 0-7 in conference play so far. Which conference is better? As of today, the last place MWC team has a victory over the first place WAC team. Again, this game just looks bad for Nevada and looks bad for the WAC.
If it was not for turnovers in against Missouri and Colorado State, Nevada would be entering Friday's contest at 10-1, ranked in the top 25, with a shot to give Boise State the same sort of lift that TCU got by beating BYU and Utah. But Nevada is still a dangerous team. They got it figured out since that trip to Fort Collins, and have been rolling ever since the Fremont Cannon Game kicked off in week four. They have scored more that 60 in four of their eight wins. 63 against in-state rival UNLV. 70 against bowl-bound Idaho. 62 against San Jose State. 63 against New Mexico State last Saturday. They also scored 52 against bowl-bound Fresno State. The Nevada Wolfpack are scary and if they take care of the ball, they will give Boise State all that they can handle and perhaps more.
Fresno State also had their chance to help Boise State in the Strength of Schedule department. The Bulldogs lost an overtime game at Wisconsin and another close game at #5 Cincinnati. In the Wisconsin game, the Bulldogs committed three turnovers and missed two field goals and could have won that game in regulation. Neither of the interceptions in regulation led to a Wisconsin score, but the second overtime ended with a Fresno State interception...on the first play after Wisconsin had scored the would-be game winning field goal. Fresno State came closer than anyone else to beating Cincinnati this year. In that game, a Fresno State interception, in field goal range, late in the third quarter led to the final Cincinnati touchdown drive. That was a 10/14 point turnaround in an eight point game.
The difference between TCU and BSU this year is their respective conferences. Don't look at the entire conference, just positions two through four as the teams that will occupy those positions are now settled in both conferences. Two through four for the WAC is 5-6 in non-conference games. With a little crisper execution and a cleaner game or four, they could be 9-2. That would have been more impressive than the MWC's 8-4. Out of the four for the Mountain West losses, it is difficult to find a loss where key turnovers were the difference. Utah's loss to Oregon? Nope, Utah was +2 in take aways in that game. BYU's loss to Florida State? Probably not as FSU had the game well in hand before quarterback Max Hall became desperate and generous with the football. The only game out of those four losses where turnovers were the difference was Air Force's loss to Minnesota. The Golden Gophers returned a Falcon fumble the distance in the fourth quarter. It was a seven point victory that opened Minnesota's new stadium. The MWC's two through four would likely be 9-3 at best.
Give-a ways and take-a ways are just one phase of the game. Good teams take away, they do not give away games. Often, the difference between a 10-1 team vs a 8-3 team, like Nevada, is the turnover ratio. It bet with another hour or two, I could find six or seven more teams just like them.
The difference between the WAC and the MWC this year? TCU is the best of the "Big 3" this year. The WAC? It's the same as it was when BYU ruled the conference in the early 80s. It's the "Big 1" and everyone else. Boise State will continue to be the bridesmaid until their conference gets better.
WAC top-4 in Non-Conference Games
Boise State 5-0
Nevada 1-3
Fresno State 1-2 (So far, with a road game against Illinois on December 5th pending)
Idaho 3-1
Total 10-6 (.625). #2 through #4 5-6 (.455) .
Mountain West top-4 in Non-Conference Games
TCU 4-0
BYU 3-1
Utah 3-1
Air Force 2-2
Total 12-4 (.750) #2 through #4 8-4 (.667)
Friday, November 20, 2009
College Football Recap for 11/21
Due to my recovery from the flu, I did not attend any games in person this week. To me, that is the worst part about being sick. Not a lot of chances left to scream my lungs out.
WAC
Boise State 52 Utah State 21
The Aggies made it a close game for about the first 25 minutes on Friday night before Boise State broke through with a big victory on National TV. The most impressive thing that BSU did to help their BCS chances was bring a large contingent on the five hour trip to Logan on a Friday Night with a big storm on the way.
Fresno State 30 Louisiana Tech 28
The men from Fresno win the Bulldog bowl. For the third week in a row, the Reston Bulldogs can't hang with a team in the fourth quarter. The reason La Tech is not bowl eligible this year: they must playing hockey. Ryan Matthews was sidelined after getting a concussion in practice this week, otherwise this game may not have been so close.
Hawaii 17 San Jose State10 (OT)
The Warriors win the Dick Tomey Bowl. But it took overtime to get a second half touchdown. I like a defensive battle, but not one with a combined 6 turnovers. In fact, there were only 6 punts. Nevada, as of the end of the third quarter in their game, out gained both teams.
Nevada 63 New Mexico State 6
Again, the Nevada Wolfpack steamroll their way through a WAC opponent. Luke Lippincott was the one with the most yardage today. That makes three different 1,000 yard rushers for Chris Ault this year. I can't wait to see what they can do with Boise State next week, win or loose.
Offensive Players of the Week: Nevada RB Luke Lippincott/Boise State RB Doug Martin
Defensive Team of the Week: Boise State
Game of the Week: Fresno State 30 Louisiana Tech 28
Power Rankings
Boise State
Nevada
Fresno State
Idaho
Hawaii
Louisiana Tech
Utah State
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Big Sky
Weber State 47 Cal Poly 14
Weber State earned some style points in their hopes for an at-large playoff bid, but Cal Poly is having a down year this year. Cameron Higgins, Tim Toone and Tryven Smith all had good games and showed the FCS people who deserves the post season. Perhaps a trip to Richmond next week will be in order, but it appears to be all for naught.
Montana 33 Montana State 19
It took a while for the scoring to get going in this one. At one time, the score was tied at 2. This means that both teams were going backwards in the first quarter. Eventually the weather settled and Andrew Selle was able to move the team. It took the Bobcats until late in the third quarter to get a first down.
Sacramento State 31 UC Davis 28
It was a wild finish with the Hornets outscoring the Aggies 21 to 7 in the final frame. The final score for the Hornets came with 20 seconds left on a 12 yard touchdown from Bethel-Thompson to Bradyn Reed. The Hornets finish the season strong by winning 3 of the last 4. It could have been four for four if not for the trip to Frozen Bozeman a couple of weeks ago. As a result, there will likely no representative from the Great West Conference in the FCS playoffs. Good news for Wildcat fans.
Eastern Washington 49 Northern Arizona 45
This was another wild one at the Walkup Skydome. Northern Arizona used their stimulus package to install a roller coaster, as this is the fourth down-to-the wire finish of the season. This time, with over 5 minutes left in the third quarter, Taiwan Jones bust through for a 71 yard scamper. That gave the Eagles a 42 - 27 lead. The Lumberjacks scored the next 18 points to take the lead. Finally, the Eagles scored with 3:30 left and the defense held.
Offensive Player of the Week: Weber State QB Cameron Higgins
Defensive Team of the Week: Montana
Game of the Week: Sacramento State 31 UC Davis 28
Final Power Rankings
Montana
Weber State
Eastern Washington
Montana State
Northern Arizona
Sacramento State
Northern Colorado
Portland State
Idaho State
Mountain West
TCU 45 Wyoming 10
In the Mtn. postgame show, there was a remark about how similar this game ended up to the Wyoming/Texas games. Eeerie. Too bad UT Chattanooga couldn't knock off Alabama. Make sense to me that the best team in Texas is the best team in the country...this year. Wyoming tied the game midway through the second quarter when a fumbled put was taken the distance. It was all Frogs from there.
BYU 38 Air Force 21
This was another game with way too many turnovers, a combined 7. But at least there was some scoring in this one. I thought that when that third fourth quarter touchdown was called back on a controversial penalty, that BYU let Max's Ego get the best of them. That led to an interception. That led to some Air Force momentum instead of a 34 to 7 lead. It made the game at least a little bit more interesting. Up until that point, BYU dominated.
Utah 38 San Diego State 7
This game was over by half-time...at least almost all the scoring was done by then. Utah's defense deserves credit and it will take some careful preparation for Max Hall and company to beat the Utes next week.
New Mexico 29 Colorado State 27
New Mexico is no longer winless, yea! Colorado State has lost 8 in a row and I have to wonder if it will be 9 without Grant Strucker. Even with Josh Mosure having a good game, and a couple of turnovers in their favor, the Rams could not win. Mosure laid the ball on the turf at the wrong time. My brother and I used to play a version of chess called give-away. That is what this chess match was.
Offensive Players of the Week: BYU QB Max Hall/TCU RB Matthew Tucker
Defensive Teams of the Week: Utah/TCU
Game of the Week: Southern Utah 37 San Diego 21..Yes, I know that these teams are not in the MWC. OK, I give...New Mexico 29 Colorado State 27
Power Rankings:
TCU
BYU
Utah
Air Force
Wyoming
San Diego State
UNLV
New Mexico
Colorado State
Weber State's Playoff
WSU is in the Playoffs and the Big Sky gets three teams in. WSU gets to play at William and Mary (9-2) on Saturday. Montana is the #1 overall seed and hosts Missouri Valley Conference runner up South Dakota State. Eastern Washington gets to play at Southland Conference Champion Stephen F. Austin in Texas. All Games are on Saturday and times are to be finalized. I am not only pleasantly surprised that Weber got into the playoffs, but pleasantly surprised that they are seeded so high. William and Mary beat Virgina earlier this year.
Here are the pairings:
Upper Bracket
South Dakota State @ #1 Montana
Eastern Washington @ Stephen F. Austin
Elon @ #4 Richmond
South Carolina State @ Appalachian State
Lower Bracket
Holy Cross @ #2 Villanova
New Hampshire @ McNeese State
Eastern Illinois @ #3 Southern Illinois
Weber State @ William and Mary
WAC
Boise State 52 Utah State 21
The Aggies made it a close game for about the first 25 minutes on Friday night before Boise State broke through with a big victory on National TV. The most impressive thing that BSU did to help their BCS chances was bring a large contingent on the five hour trip to Logan on a Friday Night with a big storm on the way.
Fresno State 30 Louisiana Tech 28
The men from Fresno win the Bulldog bowl. For the third week in a row, the Reston Bulldogs can't hang with a team in the fourth quarter. The reason La Tech is not bowl eligible this year: they must playing hockey. Ryan Matthews was sidelined after getting a concussion in practice this week, otherwise this game may not have been so close.
Hawaii 17 San Jose State10 (OT)
The Warriors win the Dick Tomey Bowl. But it took overtime to get a second half touchdown. I like a defensive battle, but not one with a combined 6 turnovers. In fact, there were only 6 punts. Nevada, as of the end of the third quarter in their game, out gained both teams.
Nevada 63 New Mexico State 6
Again, the Nevada Wolfpack steamroll their way through a WAC opponent. Luke Lippincott was the one with the most yardage today. That makes three different 1,000 yard rushers for Chris Ault this year. I can't wait to see what they can do with Boise State next week, win or loose.
Offensive Players of the Week: Nevada RB Luke Lippincott/Boise State RB Doug Martin
Defensive Team of the Week: Boise State
Game of the Week: Fresno State 30 Louisiana Tech 28
Power Rankings
Boise State
Nevada
Fresno State
Idaho
Hawaii
Louisiana Tech
Utah State
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Big Sky
Weber State 47 Cal Poly 14
Weber State earned some style points in their hopes for an at-large playoff bid, but Cal Poly is having a down year this year. Cameron Higgins, Tim Toone and Tryven Smith all had good games and showed the FCS people who deserves the post season. Perhaps a trip to Richmond next week will be in order, but it appears to be all for naught.
Montana 33 Montana State 19
It took a while for the scoring to get going in this one. At one time, the score was tied at 2. This means that both teams were going backwards in the first quarter. Eventually the weather settled and Andrew Selle was able to move the team. It took the Bobcats until late in the third quarter to get a first down.
Sacramento State 31 UC Davis 28
It was a wild finish with the Hornets outscoring the Aggies 21 to 7 in the final frame. The final score for the Hornets came with 20 seconds left on a 12 yard touchdown from Bethel-Thompson to Bradyn Reed. The Hornets finish the season strong by winning 3 of the last 4. It could have been four for four if not for the trip to Frozen Bozeman a couple of weeks ago. As a result, there will likely no representative from the Great West Conference in the FCS playoffs. Good news for Wildcat fans.
Eastern Washington 49 Northern Arizona 45
This was another wild one at the Walkup Skydome. Northern Arizona used their stimulus package to install a roller coaster, as this is the fourth down-to-the wire finish of the season. This time, with over 5 minutes left in the third quarter, Taiwan Jones bust through for a 71 yard scamper. That gave the Eagles a 42 - 27 lead. The Lumberjacks scored the next 18 points to take the lead. Finally, the Eagles scored with 3:30 left and the defense held.
Offensive Player of the Week: Weber State QB Cameron Higgins
Defensive Team of the Week: Montana
Game of the Week: Sacramento State 31 UC Davis 28
Final Power Rankings
Montana
Weber State
Eastern Washington
Montana State
Northern Arizona
Sacramento State
Northern Colorado
Portland State
Idaho State
Mountain West
TCU 45 Wyoming 10
In the Mtn. postgame show, there was a remark about how similar this game ended up to the Wyoming/Texas games. Eeerie. Too bad UT Chattanooga couldn't knock off Alabama. Make sense to me that the best team in Texas is the best team in the country...this year. Wyoming tied the game midway through the second quarter when a fumbled put was taken the distance. It was all Frogs from there.
BYU 38 Air Force 21
This was another game with way too many turnovers, a combined 7. But at least there was some scoring in this one. I thought that when that third fourth quarter touchdown was called back on a controversial penalty, that BYU let Max's Ego get the best of them. That led to an interception. That led to some Air Force momentum instead of a 34 to 7 lead. It made the game at least a little bit more interesting. Up until that point, BYU dominated.
Utah 38 San Diego State 7
This game was over by half-time...at least almost all the scoring was done by then. Utah's defense deserves credit and it will take some careful preparation for Max Hall and company to beat the Utes next week.
New Mexico 29 Colorado State 27
New Mexico is no longer winless, yea! Colorado State has lost 8 in a row and I have to wonder if it will be 9 without Grant Strucker. Even with Josh Mosure having a good game, and a couple of turnovers in their favor, the Rams could not win. Mosure laid the ball on the turf at the wrong time. My brother and I used to play a version of chess called give-away. That is what this chess match was.
Offensive Players of the Week: BYU QB Max Hall/TCU RB Matthew Tucker
Defensive Teams of the Week: Utah/TCU
Game of the Week: Southern Utah 37 San Diego 21..Yes, I know that these teams are not in the MWC. OK, I give...New Mexico 29 Colorado State 27
Power Rankings:
TCU
BYU
Utah
Air Force
Wyoming
San Diego State
UNLV
New Mexico
Colorado State
Weber State's Playoff
WSU is in the Playoffs and the Big Sky gets three teams in. WSU gets to play at William and Mary (9-2) on Saturday. Montana is the #1 overall seed and hosts Missouri Valley Conference runner up South Dakota State. Eastern Washington gets to play at Southland Conference Champion Stephen F. Austin in Texas. All Games are on Saturday and times are to be finalized. I am not only pleasantly surprised that Weber got into the playoffs, but pleasantly surprised that they are seeded so high. William and Mary beat Virgina earlier this year.
Here are the pairings:
Upper Bracket
South Dakota State @ #1 Montana
Eastern Washington @ Stephen F. Austin
Elon @ #4 Richmond
South Carolina State @ Appalachian State
Lower Bracket
Holy Cross @ #2 Villanova
New Hampshire @ McNeese State
Eastern Illinois @ #3 Southern Illinois
Weber State @ William and Mary
A note about the BSU blowout over Utah State
Please stop with the comparisons between Boise State and the Mountain West teams. TCU will likely have to lay a real stinky egg in Laramie tomorrow or next week to not make a BCS bowl. The teams that Boise State has to look better than right now are Oklahoma State and Pittsburgh. The Cowboys helped the BSU cause with a near loss to hapless Colorado yesterday. Then the Cowboys play thier big rivalry game next week against Oklahoma. This will be the first time since the Barry Sanders days that the Cowboys will be the favorite over the Sooners. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is off this week. Next Friday, the Panthers travel to West Virginia. And they finish the season at home against Cincinnatti. I would root for the Panthers to look bad the rest of the season and for the Sooners if I were a Boise State fan. I would also lobby hard to bring Montana into the WAC.
Final High School Football...year end awards.
Congratulations to the Miners of Bingham High School on their State Title. Tanner Hinds had an impressive night in the loss. When your backup quarterback goes the distance and you win running away, you deserve the Championship.
Here are the end of year awards. Note to the coaches, I did not have complete defensive stats, so if you know anyone else that deserves some recognition, please drop me a line.
Offensive Player of the Year: Davis RB Tanner Hinds
Defensive Player of the Year: Syracuse DT Jake Dallimore
Offensive Underclassman of the Year: Davis QB Gavin Fowler
Defensive Underclassman of the Year: Syracuse DT Hunter Dimik
Special Teams Player of the Year: Viewmont K Austin Duncan
Coach of the Year: Syracuse Head Coach Russ Jones
Honorable Mentions:
Offense
Clearfield QB Kolton Young
Layton RB Adam Bunting
Northridge QB Travis Harper
Northridge WR Colton Hill
Fremont QB Brody Garr
Weber RB David Daines
Viewmont QB Jeremy Leiber
Viewmont WR Dustin Grigg
The entire Weber Offensive Line
The entire Davis Offensive Line
Defense
Viewmont LB Sam Jensen
Roy LB Korbyn Gallegos
Northridge DB Brock Johnson
Layton DB J.T. Anderson
Layton DT Octavius Dickerson
Syracuse DB Mitch Tulane
Syracuse DB Russell Taylor
Clearfield LB Ales Wheeler
Davis DL Josh Kariya
The entire Weber Defensive Line
Special Teams
Weber K Keaton Sherer
Here are the end of year awards. Note to the coaches, I did not have complete defensive stats, so if you know anyone else that deserves some recognition, please drop me a line.
Offensive Player of the Year: Davis RB Tanner Hinds
Defensive Player of the Year: Syracuse DT Jake Dallimore
Offensive Underclassman of the Year: Davis QB Gavin Fowler
Defensive Underclassman of the Year: Syracuse DT Hunter Dimik
Special Teams Player of the Year: Viewmont K Austin Duncan
Coach of the Year: Syracuse Head Coach Russ Jones
Honorable Mentions:
Offense
Clearfield QB Kolton Young
Layton RB Adam Bunting
Northridge QB Travis Harper
Northridge WR Colton Hill
Fremont QB Brody Garr
Weber RB David Daines
Viewmont QB Jeremy Leiber
Viewmont WR Dustin Grigg
The entire Weber Offensive Line
The entire Davis Offensive Line
Defense
Viewmont LB Sam Jensen
Roy LB Korbyn Gallegos
Northridge DB Brock Johnson
Layton DB J.T. Anderson
Layton DT Octavius Dickerson
Syracuse DB Mitch Tulane
Syracuse DB Russell Taylor
Clearfield LB Ales Wheeler
Davis DL Josh Kariya
The entire Weber Defensive Line
Special Teams
Weber K Keaton Sherer
Thursday, November 19, 2009
College Preview
Big Sky Conference
Road Trip of the Week:
Montana at Montana State
Often, I tell you about a detour from the normal route. But this week, there is no reason to do that. The trip from Missoula to Bozeman on I-90 is plenty scenic. Butte, has a reputation for being an ugly city. Sure, the copper mine and that part of town is not a nice part of the city. West of Butte is just that. But the road twists and turns, be very careful and if you must take pictures, pull over to the side of the road.
The Game...Montana State is the team in the Big Sky in most control over their future. A win will give them a tie for second place in the conference and with a win over the previously unbeaten Grizzlies on their resume. According to Captian Obvious, Cody Kempt will need to take good care of the ball and avoid the turnover bug. There is something on the line for the Grizzlies, they could get home field in the semi's of the playoffs. Chase Reynolds should have another big game and that will make the job of everyone else a little easier.
Montana 35 Montana State 15
UC Davis at Sacramento State
The Great West Conference champion does not get an automatic bid to the playoffs. If UC Davis, who has won the Great West, should falter against the cross-valley Hornets, they would likely stay home next week. There is a little bit more at stake than just the usual Sacramento Valley bragging rights. On paper, the Aggies are clearly the better team, but have been playing inconsistently. They were within 3 scores of Boise State, but then gave up 56 to Southern Utah. It has been that kind of season for Sac State as well except with more downs than ups.
UC Davis 27 Sac State 24
Eastern Washington at Northern Arizona
The Eagles fly down to Flagstaff to take on the Lumberjacks. After last week's game, the Jacks are grateful to be playing indoors. And it should show as this should be a showdown between the two best quarterbacks, statistically, this year in the Big Sky. Can Michael Herrick out duel Matt Nichols? Well, Nichols has Taiwan Jones, and that should give the Eagles an edge. Look for another Skydome Shootout.
Eastern Washington 45 Northern Arizona 42
WAC
Boise State at Utah State (Friday)
This game kicks off in Logan about 24 hours before the next cold front does. The Broncos will have much better weather at Romney Stadium than San Jose State did last week. The Broncos should be plenty motivated. There is little chance they can catch up to TCU in the polls now, so it is Oklahoma State and Pittsburgh that they need to stay ahead of now. They need a big, impressive win, but I suspect that the Aggies will not be in a mood to cooperate. USU is much better than their records and I suspect that they will play BSU much like they played their in-state rivals.
BSU 35 USU 17
Louisiana Tech at Fresno State
Here is a game between Bulldogs that does not figure to be much of a dog fight. LaTech has played two consecutive games against top-ten talent and has played them both very well. Fresno returns from a trip to Reno where the defense appeared to be at the Sands. The California Bulldogs should take comfort in that everyone that has visited MacKay Stadium has looked weak on defense. Pat Hill should get his crew up for the fight and Ryan Matthews should be back to his old self.
Fresno State 38 Louisiana Tech 17
Hawaii at San Jose State
Dick Tomey annouced his retirement earlier this week and now faces the team he used to coach. But he coached Hawaii before anyone on either team was born, therefore don't expect Greg McMackin's team to be feeling sentimental. The is Hawaii's last trip to the mainland this season and thier final conference game of the year. The Spartans are ice cold and I suspect that they may warm up a little for thier outgoing coach. This may be a close game, but Hawaii will keep their bowl hopes alive.
Hawaii 33 San Jose State 19
Nevada at New Mexico State
The Wolpack express rolls into Las Cruces. They have been less than spectacular away from MacKay Stadium. Duane Walker's crew have been less than impressive since getting a gift win against Utah State earlier this year. These are two teams going in opposite directions and thier respective rolls should continue.
Nevada 28 New Mexico State 10
MWC
TCU at Wyoming
With the way that TCU has been talked up this week, it may be a dissapointment for the Frogs if the score is any closer than 50 points. And why not, the Cowboys won last week and have Colorado State next week, it is a throw away game for them as well. It may not be even that close, or it may be a barn burner. I suspect that Gary Patterson may be better at motivating his troops than Dave Christensen.
TCU 45 Wyoming 10
Air Force at BYU
Captian Obvious told me that BYU can't play Air Force the way that they played New Mexico last week. So I suspect that BYU will rise to the occasion. Air Force has a defense that will cause problems for BYU, but I suspect that the Cougar defense will handle Tim Jefferson et al. This will be a low scoring game, but BYU should finish on top
BYU 20 Air Force 9
San Diego State at Utah
The Aztecs have a lot more riding on the line than the Utes this week. Ryan Lindley and his team will have to be able to out-smart the clever Utah secondary. Perhpas a study of the TCU film will help show the Aztecs how to burn the Utes. If the Aztecs have learned about the Ute defense by studying film, the Aztecs have the tools to make this, at least, a very exciting game. If the Aztecs can win, they have UNLV at home next week and a good shot at a bowl game.
Utah 45 San Diego State 42
Colorado State at New Mexico
Back in September, I never figured that the Rams would take the bus ride to Albuquerque shooting for their first win in confernce play. The Rams were playing well when they rolled into Provo. Something happened in the 4th quarter of the Utah game and they have never recovered. While the Lobos have showed some life the past couple of weeks. I suspect that the Lobos will get their first win of the season.
New Mexico 27 Colorado State 19
Road Trip of the Week:
Montana at Montana State
Often, I tell you about a detour from the normal route. But this week, there is no reason to do that. The trip from Missoula to Bozeman on I-90 is plenty scenic. Butte, has a reputation for being an ugly city. Sure, the copper mine and that part of town is not a nice part of the city. West of Butte is just that. But the road twists and turns, be very careful and if you must take pictures, pull over to the side of the road.
The Game...Montana State is the team in the Big Sky in most control over their future. A win will give them a tie for second place in the conference and with a win over the previously unbeaten Grizzlies on their resume. According to Captian Obvious, Cody Kempt will need to take good care of the ball and avoid the turnover bug. There is something on the line for the Grizzlies, they could get home field in the semi's of the playoffs. Chase Reynolds should have another big game and that will make the job of everyone else a little easier.
Montana 35 Montana State 15
UC Davis at Sacramento State
The Great West Conference champion does not get an automatic bid to the playoffs. If UC Davis, who has won the Great West, should falter against the cross-valley Hornets, they would likely stay home next week. There is a little bit more at stake than just the usual Sacramento Valley bragging rights. On paper, the Aggies are clearly the better team, but have been playing inconsistently. They were within 3 scores of Boise State, but then gave up 56 to Southern Utah. It has been that kind of season for Sac State as well except with more downs than ups.
UC Davis 27 Sac State 24
Eastern Washington at Northern Arizona
The Eagles fly down to Flagstaff to take on the Lumberjacks. After last week's game, the Jacks are grateful to be playing indoors. And it should show as this should be a showdown between the two best quarterbacks, statistically, this year in the Big Sky. Can Michael Herrick out duel Matt Nichols? Well, Nichols has Taiwan Jones, and that should give the Eagles an edge. Look for another Skydome Shootout.
Eastern Washington 45 Northern Arizona 42
WAC
Boise State at Utah State (Friday)
This game kicks off in Logan about 24 hours before the next cold front does. The Broncos will have much better weather at Romney Stadium than San Jose State did last week. The Broncos should be plenty motivated. There is little chance they can catch up to TCU in the polls now, so it is Oklahoma State and Pittsburgh that they need to stay ahead of now. They need a big, impressive win, but I suspect that the Aggies will not be in a mood to cooperate. USU is much better than their records and I suspect that they will play BSU much like they played their in-state rivals.
BSU 35 USU 17
Louisiana Tech at Fresno State
Here is a game between Bulldogs that does not figure to be much of a dog fight. LaTech has played two consecutive games against top-ten talent and has played them both very well. Fresno returns from a trip to Reno where the defense appeared to be at the Sands. The California Bulldogs should take comfort in that everyone that has visited MacKay Stadium has looked weak on defense. Pat Hill should get his crew up for the fight and Ryan Matthews should be back to his old self.
Fresno State 38 Louisiana Tech 17
Hawaii at San Jose State
Dick Tomey annouced his retirement earlier this week and now faces the team he used to coach. But he coached Hawaii before anyone on either team was born, therefore don't expect Greg McMackin's team to be feeling sentimental. The is Hawaii's last trip to the mainland this season and thier final conference game of the year. The Spartans are ice cold and I suspect that they may warm up a little for thier outgoing coach. This may be a close game, but Hawaii will keep their bowl hopes alive.
Hawaii 33 San Jose State 19
Nevada at New Mexico State
The Wolpack express rolls into Las Cruces. They have been less than spectacular away from MacKay Stadium. Duane Walker's crew have been less than impressive since getting a gift win against Utah State earlier this year. These are two teams going in opposite directions and thier respective rolls should continue.
Nevada 28 New Mexico State 10
MWC
TCU at Wyoming
With the way that TCU has been talked up this week, it may be a dissapointment for the Frogs if the score is any closer than 50 points. And why not, the Cowboys won last week and have Colorado State next week, it is a throw away game for them as well. It may not be even that close, or it may be a barn burner. I suspect that Gary Patterson may be better at motivating his troops than Dave Christensen.
TCU 45 Wyoming 10
Air Force at BYU
Captian Obvious told me that BYU can't play Air Force the way that they played New Mexico last week. So I suspect that BYU will rise to the occasion. Air Force has a defense that will cause problems for BYU, but I suspect that the Cougar defense will handle Tim Jefferson et al. This will be a low scoring game, but BYU should finish on top
BYU 20 Air Force 9
San Diego State at Utah
The Aztecs have a lot more riding on the line than the Utes this week. Ryan Lindley and his team will have to be able to out-smart the clever Utah secondary. Perhpas a study of the TCU film will help show the Aztecs how to burn the Utes. If the Aztecs have learned about the Ute defense by studying film, the Aztecs have the tools to make this, at least, a very exciting game. If the Aztecs can win, they have UNLV at home next week and a good shot at a bowl game.
Utah 45 San Diego State 42
Colorado State at New Mexico
Back in September, I never figured that the Rams would take the bus ride to Albuquerque shooting for their first win in confernce play. The Rams were playing well when they rolled into Provo. Something happened in the 4th quarter of the Utah game and they have never recovered. While the Lobos have showed some life the past couple of weeks. I suspect that the Lobos will get their first win of the season.
New Mexico 27 Colorado State 19
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
State Finals Preview
Davis vs Bingham
The only game that the Miners have lost all season was against the mighty Trinity program in Dallas, Texas. No one in the state has been able to touch them. Davis will need the game of the season from the offensive line and Tanner Hinds to win. They will need to keep the ball out of the hands of the powerful Bingham offense. A turnover or two, and it will be all over for the Darts.
Bingham 28 Davis 17
The only game that the Miners have lost all season was against the mighty Trinity program in Dallas, Texas. No one in the state has been able to touch them. Davis will need the game of the season from the offensive line and Tanner Hinds to win. They will need to keep the ball out of the hands of the powerful Bingham offense. A turnover or two, and it will be all over for the Darts.
Bingham 28 Davis 17
Basketball Power Rankings 11/18
The first week of the season was a surprise for many teams in the Big Sky on both ends of the spectrum. Biggest Surprise was Northern Colorado. Biggest disappointment was Portland State. The schedule is light for most between now and Thanksgiving.
1. Montana (3-0)
Won all three games in their own round robin tournament over the weekend. So far, the Grizzlies are getting double-figure points production out of four players, including Anthony Johnson who was on-fire from the outside. Travels to Denver on Thursday and then visits Oregon on Monday
2. Northern Colorado (2-0)
Went to Hawaii and hung up triple figures over McNeese State and then played an impressive game against Southern Utah. Hosts Texas Southern on Friday.
3. Idaho State (0-3)
Like I said last week, most teams in the country would go 0-3 traveling to Iowa State, Bradley and BYU. They should get their first win of the season Saturday against Colorado Christian. Then another difficult road game at Utah State on Tuesday. The early season schedule for the Bengals in unrealistically difficult.
4. Weber State (0-2)
The Wildcats played a close game against Utah State in Logan but then allowed themselves to get blown out at UC Santa Barbara. In the second game, it seems that the Cats were a one-man team. They continue the road trip against Seattle on Sunday and then host Western State on Tuesday.
5. Northern Arizona (1-2)
Played Fresno State close at home, got killed by Arizona in Tuscon but won at home against Southwestern. The Lumberjacks host Pacific on Thursday.
6. Eastern Washington (1-2)
Lost to the Portland Pilots in the Rose city and then lost to in-state rival Washington state before coming home and beating Whitman. They travel to UT-Arlington on Saturday and host Boise State on Tuesday.
7. Sacramento State (1-2)
The Hornets won 1 out of three in Houston over the weekend. They play Bethany college tonight and then travel up I-5 to take on Oregon State on Saturday. Next Tuesday, they visit Moscow to take on Idaho.
8. Portland State (0-3)
It must have been disappointing to loose all three games in Seattle last weekend. Not the best start for Tyler Grieving. Their only game this week is a home game against Cal Poly.
9. Montana State (1-1)
Lost by 14 in Reno before only beating Colorado Christian by ten at home. Their only game this week is a home game against Southern Mississippi.
1. Montana (3-0)
Won all three games in their own round robin tournament over the weekend. So far, the Grizzlies are getting double-figure points production out of four players, including Anthony Johnson who was on-fire from the outside. Travels to Denver on Thursday and then visits Oregon on Monday
2. Northern Colorado (2-0)
Went to Hawaii and hung up triple figures over McNeese State and then played an impressive game against Southern Utah. Hosts Texas Southern on Friday.
3. Idaho State (0-3)
Like I said last week, most teams in the country would go 0-3 traveling to Iowa State, Bradley and BYU. They should get their first win of the season Saturday against Colorado Christian. Then another difficult road game at Utah State on Tuesday. The early season schedule for the Bengals in unrealistically difficult.
4. Weber State (0-2)
The Wildcats played a close game against Utah State in Logan but then allowed themselves to get blown out at UC Santa Barbara. In the second game, it seems that the Cats were a one-man team. They continue the road trip against Seattle on Sunday and then host Western State on Tuesday.
5. Northern Arizona (1-2)
Played Fresno State close at home, got killed by Arizona in Tuscon but won at home against Southwestern. The Lumberjacks host Pacific on Thursday.
6. Eastern Washington (1-2)
Lost to the Portland Pilots in the Rose city and then lost to in-state rival Washington state before coming home and beating Whitman. They travel to UT-Arlington on Saturday and host Boise State on Tuesday.
7. Sacramento State (1-2)
The Hornets won 1 out of three in Houston over the weekend. They play Bethany college tonight and then travel up I-5 to take on Oregon State on Saturday. Next Tuesday, they visit Moscow to take on Idaho.
8. Portland State (0-3)
It must have been disappointing to loose all three games in Seattle last weekend. Not the best start for Tyler Grieving. Their only game this week is a home game against Cal Poly.
9. Montana State (1-1)
Lost by 14 in Reno before only beating Colorado Christian by ten at home. Their only game this week is a home game against Southern Mississippi.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Glanville update and Sanford's parting shot
Portland State head coach Jerry Glanville was fired the PC way today. (He was asked to resign.) For his replacement, PSU should hire the most popular Portland-Area high school coach. It will help with recruiting.
Sanford said in his post-canning interview that UNLV needs to make a greater commitment to football. That if TCU and Boise State can be BCS worthy, so can UNLV.
I agree. Sam Boyd stadium is not one of my favorite to visit, and it has been said that the locker room ambiance, or lack thereof, has cost the Rebels some recruits. (He should visit Stewart Stadium sometime....but I digress.) He mentioned that four MWC programs are BCS worthy. The fourth is Air Force. In the MWC, however, only UNLV is not making improvements to the stadium.
Sanford's advice is not going unnoticed in Las Vegas. The new coach is expect to get twice the money Sanford earned. They may be able to lure Akey away from Idaho. They may even get former New Mexico coach Rocky Long out of the defensive coordinator job in San Diego. I would like to see them get Duane Walker away from New Mexico State. Here is a man that deserves better.
Here is my advice for the rest of the MWC non-BCS teams.
Wyoming. They may not defeat TCU on Saturday, but need to lay it all on the line in their border war two weeks later. A victory over the Rams and a Cowboy bowl game would be big in Dave Christensen's first year. Getting Texas to Warr Memorial Stadium this year was another huge step. Buidling an indoor practice facility was also a big step in the right direction. I also suggest that they build a indoor baseball/softball facility in order to be able to support baseball and softball teams. Finally, they can beat BYU and Utah in one other thing: become the 2nd school in the MWC to have a Division I Hockey program for both men and women.
Academically, I saw the Univeristy President make an appeal for instructors during the BYU/Wyoming game a couple of weeks ago. I found out that those instructors are needed in Petroleum Engineering. I would humbly suggest that Wyoming use some of their oil money to build a national on-line campus.
Colordado State. They do not have the oil money that their border rival has. And they are a little too far from Denver to take full advantage of being there. They can build gradually until the economy improves, much like Montana State. Moby Gym is too old and too small. That facility needs to be the first to be replaced.
San Diego State. It is hard figure out why San Diego State does not succeed. They are the only D-I FBS program in a city and metro of about 3 million. I believe that you can thank the Holiday Bowl. It is a convienient two for one trip for Big XII and Pac-10 teams to go to the bowl game and also visit some SD-area recruits. So if the Holiday Bowl wants to move to the new LA football stadium when it is complete, SD State should not complain.
New Mexico. It is an easy problem to figure out. The schools is too basketball oriented, and football success is secondary. To bad, it is one of the nicer stadiums in the MWC. Perhaps Locksley and the administration can develop a better football marketing program. It would be a good graduation project for an MBA student.
Ranking the Football Stadiums
MWC
1. Rice Eccles (Utah)
2. LaVell Edwards (BYU)
3. Qualcomm (San Diego State and San Diego Chargers)
4. University (New Mexico)
5. Falcon Field (Air Force)
6. Warr Memorial (Wyoming)
7. Amon G. Carter (TCU)
8. Hughes (Colorado State)
9. Sam Boyd (UNLV)
WAC
1. Bulldog (Fresno State)
2. Aloha (Hawaii)
3. Bronco (Boise State)
4. Spartan (San Jose State)
5. Romney (Utah State)
6. MacKay (Nevada)
7. Joe Aillet (Louisiana Tech)
8. Aggie Memorial (New Mexico State)
9. Kibbie Dome (Idaho)
Big Sky
1. Washigton Grizzly (Montana)
2. PGE (Portland State and Portland Timbers(MLS))
3. Woodward (Eastern Washington)
4. Walkup Skydome (Northern Arizona)
5. Reno-Sales (Montana State)
6. Hornet (Sacramento State)
7. Holt Arena (Idaho State)
8. Stewart (Weber State)
9. Nottingham (Northern Colorado)
Sanford said in his post-canning interview that UNLV needs to make a greater commitment to football. That if TCU and Boise State can be BCS worthy, so can UNLV.
I agree. Sam Boyd stadium is not one of my favorite to visit, and it has been said that the locker room ambiance, or lack thereof, has cost the Rebels some recruits. (He should visit Stewart Stadium sometime....but I digress.) He mentioned that four MWC programs are BCS worthy. The fourth is Air Force. In the MWC, however, only UNLV is not making improvements to the stadium.
Sanford's advice is not going unnoticed in Las Vegas. The new coach is expect to get twice the money Sanford earned. They may be able to lure Akey away from Idaho. They may even get former New Mexico coach Rocky Long out of the defensive coordinator job in San Diego. I would like to see them get Duane Walker away from New Mexico State. Here is a man that deserves better.
Here is my advice for the rest of the MWC non-BCS teams.
Wyoming. They may not defeat TCU on Saturday, but need to lay it all on the line in their border war two weeks later. A victory over the Rams and a Cowboy bowl game would be big in Dave Christensen's first year. Getting Texas to Warr Memorial Stadium this year was another huge step. Buidling an indoor practice facility was also a big step in the right direction. I also suggest that they build a indoor baseball/softball facility in order to be able to support baseball and softball teams. Finally, they can beat BYU and Utah in one other thing: become the 2nd school in the MWC to have a Division I Hockey program for both men and women.
Academically, I saw the Univeristy President make an appeal for instructors during the BYU/Wyoming game a couple of weeks ago. I found out that those instructors are needed in Petroleum Engineering. I would humbly suggest that Wyoming use some of their oil money to build a national on-line campus.
Colordado State. They do not have the oil money that their border rival has. And they are a little too far from Denver to take full advantage of being there. They can build gradually until the economy improves, much like Montana State. Moby Gym is too old and too small. That facility needs to be the first to be replaced.
San Diego State. It is hard figure out why San Diego State does not succeed. They are the only D-I FBS program in a city and metro of about 3 million. I believe that you can thank the Holiday Bowl. It is a convienient two for one trip for Big XII and Pac-10 teams to go to the bowl game and also visit some SD-area recruits. So if the Holiday Bowl wants to move to the new LA football stadium when it is complete, SD State should not complain.
New Mexico. It is an easy problem to figure out. The schools is too basketball oriented, and football success is secondary. To bad, it is one of the nicer stadiums in the MWC. Perhaps Locksley and the administration can develop a better football marketing program. It would be a good graduation project for an MBA student.
Ranking the Football Stadiums
MWC
1. Rice Eccles (Utah)
2. LaVell Edwards (BYU)
3. Qualcomm (San Diego State and San Diego Chargers)
4. University (New Mexico)
5. Falcon Field (Air Force)
6. Warr Memorial (Wyoming)
7. Amon G. Carter (TCU)
8. Hughes (Colorado State)
9. Sam Boyd (UNLV)
WAC
1. Bulldog (Fresno State)
2. Aloha (Hawaii)
3. Bronco (Boise State)
4. Spartan (San Jose State)
5. Romney (Utah State)
6. MacKay (Nevada)
7. Joe Aillet (Louisiana Tech)
8. Aggie Memorial (New Mexico State)
9. Kibbie Dome (Idaho)
Big Sky
1. Washigton Grizzly (Montana)
2. PGE (Portland State and Portland Timbers(MLS))
3. Woodward (Eastern Washington)
4. Walkup Skydome (Northern Arizona)
5. Reno-Sales (Montana State)
6. Hornet (Sacramento State)
7. Holt Arena (Idaho State)
8. Stewart (Weber State)
9. Nottingham (Northern Colorado)
Dead Weight in the MWC....Mike Sorenson's article.
Rebuilding the Mountain West
I want to respond to Mike Soreson's article in the Deseret Morning News, realizing it is the third post in just a few hours. He spoke about getting rid of the dead weight in the Mountain West Conference. I would like to rebut it by saying that one of the problems with the old WAC was that it was a one-sport conference at one time. In LaVell Edward's heyday, 1979 to 1985, where BYU had six consecutive 10-win seasons, the WAC was really a one-sport conference. That sport was basketball. The MWC does not want to be a one sport conference--football. Here is the justification for keeping some of the so-called dead weight...which is every school except BYU, Utah, Air Force and TCU
UNLV--yes, they have only 1 winning season in football in MWC history, but here is what they do have.
Men's Basketball...1 conference regular season championship, 3 tournament championships, 3 NCAA appearances and an appearance in the Sweet 16.
Women's Basketball--.654 winning percentage
Baseball--5 MWC conference titles.
Men's Golf--Two MWC championships. Consistent top 25 rankings.
Women's Golf--Three MWC titles.
Soccer--4 MWC titles
Softball--3 College World Series appearances
Men's Swimming and Diving--4 MWC titles
Women's Swimming and Diving--1 MWC title
Tennis--Combined 4 conference titles.
Volleyball--1 conference championship
13 Student Athletes have participated in the Olympic Games.
4th largest Metro in the MWC
Conclusion: Keep UNLV
Wyoming
OK...He has a point
No Baseball
Conclusion: Drop Wyoming is spending money on facilities, but are in a small, isolated metro area. They are not in a strong recruiting area.
San Diego State
Men's Basketball--3 Conference titles
Baseball--Produced 11 major leaguers
2nd largest MWC metro area.
Conclusion:San Diego State has good facilities and is a good weather destination and a strong recruiting location for other schools. It would not be a good idea to dump them in spite of the lack of success.
Colorado State
Football--3 Conference Championships and 7 bowl appearances in the MWC
Volleyball--7 of the past 9 Conference Champions. Sweet 16 appearance
No Baseball
Aging facilities
Conclusion: Drop. Overall, CSU is not strong in sports and does not spend money on sports facilities. They are in the shadow of CU in just about every way. They have some strong academtic programs. They are like having Utah State in the conference.
New Mexico
Legendary Venue
Men's Basketball--1 NCAA appearance and 5 NIT appearances since the formation of the MWC.
Football--5 Bowl appearances
Conclusion: Keep Albuquerque is a classy city, but the state of New Mexico is sparsly populated away from the Rio Grande river. I would keep them because this University does add something to the conference on the academic side. Don't expect a lot from the athletic side.
So who are you left with:
Air Force, BYU, UNLV, New Mexico, TCU, San Diego State and Utah
Drop: Colorado State and Wyoming.
Who To Add? Comming up.
Candidates are:
Houston
Rice
SMU
Tulsa
UTEP
Boise State
Fresno State
San Jose State
Hawaii
Montana
Gonzaga
Cal Poly
Portland State
Sacramento State
I want to respond to Mike Soreson's article in the Deseret Morning News, realizing it is the third post in just a few hours. He spoke about getting rid of the dead weight in the Mountain West Conference. I would like to rebut it by saying that one of the problems with the old WAC was that it was a one-sport conference at one time. In LaVell Edward's heyday, 1979 to 1985, where BYU had six consecutive 10-win seasons, the WAC was really a one-sport conference. That sport was basketball. The MWC does not want to be a one sport conference--football. Here is the justification for keeping some of the so-called dead weight...which is every school except BYU, Utah, Air Force and TCU
UNLV--yes, they have only 1 winning season in football in MWC history, but here is what they do have.
Men's Basketball...1 conference regular season championship, 3 tournament championships, 3 NCAA appearances and an appearance in the Sweet 16.
Women's Basketball--.654 winning percentage
Baseball--5 MWC conference titles.
Men's Golf--Two MWC championships. Consistent top 25 rankings.
Women's Golf--Three MWC titles.
Soccer--4 MWC titles
Softball--3 College World Series appearances
Men's Swimming and Diving--4 MWC titles
Women's Swimming and Diving--1 MWC title
Tennis--Combined 4 conference titles.
Volleyball--1 conference championship
13 Student Athletes have participated in the Olympic Games.
4th largest Metro in the MWC
Conclusion: Keep UNLV
Wyoming
OK...He has a point
No Baseball
Conclusion: Drop Wyoming is spending money on facilities, but are in a small, isolated metro area. They are not in a strong recruiting area.
San Diego State
Men's Basketball--3 Conference titles
Baseball--Produced 11 major leaguers
2nd largest MWC metro area.
Conclusion:San Diego State has good facilities and is a good weather destination and a strong recruiting location for other schools. It would not be a good idea to dump them in spite of the lack of success.
Colorado State
Football--3 Conference Championships and 7 bowl appearances in the MWC
Volleyball--7 of the past 9 Conference Champions. Sweet 16 appearance
No Baseball
Aging facilities
Conclusion: Drop. Overall, CSU is not strong in sports and does not spend money on sports facilities. They are in the shadow of CU in just about every way. They have some strong academtic programs. They are like having Utah State in the conference.
New Mexico
Legendary Venue
Men's Basketball--1 NCAA appearance and 5 NIT appearances since the formation of the MWC.
Football--5 Bowl appearances
Conclusion: Keep Albuquerque is a classy city, but the state of New Mexico is sparsly populated away from the Rio Grande river. I would keep them because this University does add something to the conference on the academic side. Don't expect a lot from the athletic side.
So who are you left with:
Air Force, BYU, UNLV, New Mexico, TCU, San Diego State and Utah
Drop: Colorado State and Wyoming.
Who To Add? Comming up.
Candidates are:
Houston
Rice
SMU
Tulsa
UTEP
Boise State
Fresno State
San Jose State
Hawaii
Montana
Gonzaga
Cal Poly
Portland State
Sacramento State
Monday, November 16, 2009
Weber State's Playoff Chances.
There are eight automatic berths in the FCS playoffs and there are eight at-large bids. Three conferences do not get an automatic bid, but usually get an at-large bid.
Automatic Bids
Big Sky--Montana has already clinched it.
Colonial
MEAC--South Carolina State has already clinched it.
Missouri Valley
Ohio Valley
Patriot
Southern
Southland
By-Invitation Conferences
Great West--Cal Davis has already won the championship, but sports a 6-4 record going into a game vs Sacramento State
Northeast--Central Connecticut State has clinched at least a tie for first place
Pioneer--Three-way tie for first, between Drake, Buter and Dayton. But two of the three, Butler and Drake, play Saturday
Likely at-large bids already clinched (5 or 6)
1 and 2. Richmond, William & Mary or Villanova (It is possible that the CAA will get three bids because both Richmond and W&M have wins over FBS schools)
3. Drake, Butler or Dayton
4. Old Dominion
5. Pioneer Conference Champion (Pioneer conference will likely get two bids.)
6. Central Connecticut State
Teams that need to loose on Saturday to open the door for Weber State
1. Montana State (vs Montana)
2. Eastern Washington (@ Northern Arizona)
(Ensures that Weber State is all alone in 2nd in the Big Sky. Even though Weber State beat EWU in Cheney, EWU only has three losses and is a stronger candidate than Weber State. This will make it likely that Weber State will get the second Big Sky bid.)
Not all of the rest of these teams need to loose, but it will help if they do
1. Cal Davis (@ Sacramento State) (Great West Champion has 5 losses if this happens.)
2. Florida A & M (2nd place in MEAC, they would have four losses)
3 and 4. South Dakota State and Northern Iowa (Both in 2nd in M Valley conference and would have four losses)
5. Jacksonville State (Currently 2nd place in Ohio Vally, would give them a fourth loss)
6. Elon (Would only have 3 losses with a loss)
7. Stephen F. Autsin (Would only have 3 losses with a loss)
Will follow-up on Saturday.
Automatic Bids
Big Sky--Montana has already clinched it.
Colonial
MEAC--South Carolina State has already clinched it.
Missouri Valley
Ohio Valley
Patriot
Southern
Southland
By-Invitation Conferences
Great West--Cal Davis has already won the championship, but sports a 6-4 record going into a game vs Sacramento State
Northeast--Central Connecticut State has clinched at least a tie for first place
Pioneer--Three-way tie for first, between Drake, Buter and Dayton. But two of the three, Butler and Drake, play Saturday
Likely at-large bids already clinched (5 or 6)
1 and 2. Richmond, William & Mary or Villanova (It is possible that the CAA will get three bids because both Richmond and W&M have wins over FBS schools)
3. Drake, Butler or Dayton
4. Old Dominion
5. Pioneer Conference Champion (Pioneer conference will likely get two bids.)
6. Central Connecticut State
Teams that need to loose on Saturday to open the door for Weber State
1. Montana State (vs Montana)
2. Eastern Washington (@ Northern Arizona)
(Ensures that Weber State is all alone in 2nd in the Big Sky. Even though Weber State beat EWU in Cheney, EWU only has three losses and is a stronger candidate than Weber State. This will make it likely that Weber State will get the second Big Sky bid.)
Not all of the rest of these teams need to loose, but it will help if they do
1. Cal Davis (@ Sacramento State) (Great West Champion has 5 losses if this happens.)
2. Florida A & M (2nd place in MEAC, they would have four losses)
3 and 4. South Dakota State and Northern Iowa (Both in 2nd in M Valley conference and would have four losses)
5. Jacksonville State (Currently 2nd place in Ohio Vally, would give them a fourth loss)
6. Elon (Would only have 3 losses with a loss)
7. Stephen F. Autsin (Would only have 3 losses with a loss)
Will follow-up on Saturday.
Football Coaching News
MWC
UNLV--Sanford fired, will stay around for final two UNLV games
WAC
San Jose State--Tomey retires
Big Sky
Portland State--Glanville meeting with athletic director and university officials who will make a decision on his future.
UNLV--Sanford fired, will stay around for final two UNLV games
WAC
San Jose State--Tomey retires
Big Sky
Portland State--Glanville meeting with athletic director and university officials who will make a decision on his future.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Utah State's Attendance Problem Resolved? Almost.
The NCAA FBS requirement that a team maintain a 15,000 attendance minimum is over a two year running period. Last year, Utah State averaged 14,736 over the season. This happened even though in-state games against BYU and Utah greatly inflated their attendance numbers. In order to bring the two-year rolling average for 2008-2009 over 15,000 Romney Stadium needs 76,320 fans to spin the turnstyles this season. Here is what has happened so far:
Southern Utah 18,427
Nevada 15,103
La Tech 14,229
San Jose State 13,276
USU needs Boise State to bring in 15,285 fans this Saturday to bring the 2 year rolling average at Romney Stadium to 15,000 for 2008-2009. USU will need to maintain this level consistently to remain eligible for the FBS.
After a one-man brainstorming session, I have a three part strategy for the Aggies in the future that will help:
1. Win some football games. (OK, Captain Obvious contributed to this one.)
2. Recruit locally: You got Jordan's Alex Hart and a couple of other high school stars. Tanner Hinds is still uncommitted.
3. Schedule Smartly
Corollary #1 to #3, this year's best attended game was against Southern Utah. Last year both BYU and Utah brought a lot of fans to Romney. Learn something from this. Try to get at least one home game against Utah, BYU, Weber State or Southern Utah every season. In 2011-- no Utah and BYU is in Provo--this means one thing: get Weber State to Logan in 2011.
Corollary #2 to #3, it's a long drive from Salt Lake to Logan. Avoid the ESPN mid-week games.
Corollary #3 to #3, consider the weather. Please, no evening games in November.
Corollary #4 to #3, have a schedule that gives you a realistic shot at a winning season.
Southern Utah 18,427
Nevada 15,103
La Tech 14,229
San Jose State 13,276
USU needs Boise State to bring in 15,285 fans this Saturday to bring the 2 year rolling average at Romney Stadium to 15,000 for 2008-2009. USU will need to maintain this level consistently to remain eligible for the FBS.
After a one-man brainstorming session, I have a three part strategy for the Aggies in the future that will help:
1. Win some football games. (OK, Captain Obvious contributed to this one.)
2. Recruit locally: You got Jordan's Alex Hart and a couple of other high school stars. Tanner Hinds is still uncommitted.
3. Schedule Smartly
Corollary #1 to #3, this year's best attended game was against Southern Utah. Last year both BYU and Utah brought a lot of fans to Romney. Learn something from this. Try to get at least one home game against Utah, BYU, Weber State or Southern Utah every season. In 2011-- no Utah and BYU is in Provo--this means one thing: get Weber State to Logan in 2011.
Corollary #2 to #3, it's a long drive from Salt Lake to Logan. Avoid the ESPN mid-week games.
Corollary #3 to #3, consider the weather. Please, no evening games in November.
Corollary #4 to #3, have a schedule that gives you a realistic shot at a winning season.
College Review 11/14
Big Sky
Congratulations to the Montana Grizzlies on winning the Big Sky Conference Championship out right. Good luck in the playoffs. Good luck in Bozeman next week. Ogdenites are rooting for the Grizzlies because a Montana State win will pop Weber State's bubble.
Weber State 27 Northern Arizona 9
Northern Arizona had a lead, had the momentum and had to punt to Tim Toone. He returned the punt 90 yards to pay dirt (snow) and put the Wildcats ahead 13-9 midway through the third quarter.
The Wildcat defense deserves credit for keeping the Lumberjacks out of the end zone. There were certainly times when Northern Arizona should have crossed the goal line but could not, including a possession in the third quarter. After Weber State's first second half possession stalled deep in NAU territory, the ball was snapped over punter Mike Snoy's head. The ball was recovered inside the five yard line. It was a gift that should have resulted in a Lumberjack touchdown, but WSU held them to a field goal. Also, when the weather is awful and the field is covered with snow, the offense has the advantage as they know what they are doing and the defense has to react.
According to the official box score, the attendance was 4,321, but I doubt there were even 1000 actually there. (Not that I took time to count.) Snow and a wind-chill in the teens will do that to a crowd that roots for a team that has given away a couple of games.
Montana State 27 Sacramento State 17
Cody Kempt went the distance for the Bobcats in Frozen Bozeman and had a solid game. Not a lot of yards through the air, but was very efficient. He completed 20/29 for 222 yards had two touchdown passes and no interceptions. The Bobcats added 127 yards on the ground and held the Hornets to 35 yards rushing.
Montana 38 Northern Colorado 10
The Grizzlies only had a 14 - 7 lead at halftime. I would have loved to hear the halftime speech as the Grizzlies found their swagger again in the third quarter and outscored the Bears 24-3 in the second half. Chase Reynolds shredded the bear defense for 151 yards and 3 touchdowns. Montana is your 2009 Big Sky Champion.
Eastern Washington 41 Southern Utah 28
The Eagles took an early 21 to 0 lead and did not look back from that point on, they answered nearly every Thunderbird score except the one that took place with only 15 seconds on the clock. Matt Nichols had 380 yards in the air and 4 touchdowns.
Idaho State 41 Portland State 34
The Bengals avoid a winless season by outscoring the Vikings 17-7 in the final period. This was the final game of the season for both teams. If you ask me, both coaches deserve to loose their job. Jerry Glanville will likely not be back in Portland next season. John Zamberlin may be back next year as he signed a contract extension mid-season. Maybe Idaho State did that to make it easier to fire him?
Offensive Player of the Week: Eastern Washington QB Matt Nichols
Defensive Team of the Week: Weber State
Game of the Week: Idaho State 41 Portland State 34
Power Rankings
Montana
Montana State
Weber State
Eastern Washington
Northern Arizona
Northern Colorado
Sacramento State
Portland State
Idaho State
WAC
Utah State 24 San Jose State 9
Down 14 to 9, in inclement weather, San Jose State decides to go for two to cut the Aggie lead to three. That failed and that was all she wrote in Logan and Gary Anderson's team get's win #3 on the season. The Aggies turned to their running game in the snow and Robert Turbin ended up with the type of game that we knew he is capable of...190 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns.
Boise State 63 Idaho 25
Yes, Boise State got a big win and looked solid from start to finish. But again, TCU won the beauty pageant points again this week as their blowout victory was against another ranked team.
Nevada 52 Fresno State 14
Another big win for the Wolfpack in Reno. Fresno State is probably shaking their heads on this one, but there is something in the water in Reno. But the big, nice surprise was the job the Nevada defense did in handling Ryan Matthews and the Bulldogs. I am interested to see what the Wolfpack can do in Boise in two weeks.
LSU 24 Louisiana Tech 16
The Bulldogs had a 13-10 lead at halftime and it took until the 4th quarter to put away the boys from Reston. I think that Tech did the WAC and the Boise State cause a big favor in death valley.
Hawaii 24 New Mexico State 6
Bryant Moniz had a solid game under center for Hawaii who still has a shot at becoming bowl eligible. Trouble is, Navy and Wisconsin are on their way to Oahu after a trip to San Jose next week.
Power Rankings
Boise State
Nevada
Fresno State
Idaho
Louisiana Tech
Hawaii
Utah State
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Offensive Player of the Week: Utah State RB Robert Turbin
Defensive Team of the Week: Nevada
Game of the Week: LSU 24 Louisiana Tech 16
MWC
BYU 24 New Mexico 19
A lot of people will ask, how did this happen? Well, New Mexico held BYU to just 57 yards rushing. Harvey Unga was not at full speed and neither JJ DeLuigi nor Paul Kariya were up to taking up the slack. The BYU offense relies on having a running game to support the spread passing attack and control the clock. (This is not the same style of BYU team that LaVell Edwards coached.) New Mexico left ten points on the field. Many are saying that this would be a "morale" victory for the Lobos. I would agree if this had not been the third time the Lobos came this close and lost this season.
Air Force 45 UNLV 17
Air Force had a 14-3 lead and UNLV was driving for a score and I thought that this would be a good, close game. Then Omar Clayton threw an interception in the endzone. Air Force was in cruise control from there. This one should be the final nail in Mike Sanford's coffin. He will not be back in Las Vegas next season unless he learns how to be a Blackjack dealer.
TCU 55 Utah 28
There are five teams that deserve to be in the National Championship conversation right now. Boise State is the unbeaten team that is left out right now. TCU has wins over three ranked teams, they shut out one and blew away the other two. Boise State has the win over Oregon to hang their hats on. The team that needs to loose, Texas. In the game, Ed Wesley ran for 137 yards. But the Frogs were their usual balance on Offense.
Wyoming 30 San Diego State 27
On the final play of the game, instead of a quick 15 yard play to set up a game tying field goal, Ryan Lindey throws a "Hail Mary" pass that was knocked to the turf. That capped a come-back victory where the Cowboys outscored the Aztecs 24 to 0 in the fourth quarter. There have been only a few crazier at the Q and that stadium has a reputation for crazy games. Carta-Samuels is now back in the lead for MWC freshman of the year as Wynn did not have the greatest of games this week.
Offensive Player of the Week: TCU RB Ed Wesley
Defensive Team of the Week: Air Force
Game of the Week: Wyoming 30 San Diego State 27
Power Rankings:
TCU
BYU
(tie) Utah
Air Force
Wyoming
San Diego State
UNLV
Colorado State
New Mexico
Congratulations to the Montana Grizzlies on winning the Big Sky Conference Championship out right. Good luck in the playoffs. Good luck in Bozeman next week. Ogdenites are rooting for the Grizzlies because a Montana State win will pop Weber State's bubble.
Weber State 27 Northern Arizona 9
Northern Arizona had a lead, had the momentum and had to punt to Tim Toone. He returned the punt 90 yards to pay dirt (snow) and put the Wildcats ahead 13-9 midway through the third quarter.
The Wildcat defense deserves credit for keeping the Lumberjacks out of the end zone. There were certainly times when Northern Arizona should have crossed the goal line but could not, including a possession in the third quarter. After Weber State's first second half possession stalled deep in NAU territory, the ball was snapped over punter Mike Snoy's head. The ball was recovered inside the five yard line. It was a gift that should have resulted in a Lumberjack touchdown, but WSU held them to a field goal. Also, when the weather is awful and the field is covered with snow, the offense has the advantage as they know what they are doing and the defense has to react.
According to the official box score, the attendance was 4,321, but I doubt there were even 1000 actually there. (Not that I took time to count.) Snow and a wind-chill in the teens will do that to a crowd that roots for a team that has given away a couple of games.
Montana State 27 Sacramento State 17
Cody Kempt went the distance for the Bobcats in Frozen Bozeman and had a solid game. Not a lot of yards through the air, but was very efficient. He completed 20/29 for 222 yards had two touchdown passes and no interceptions. The Bobcats added 127 yards on the ground and held the Hornets to 35 yards rushing.
Montana 38 Northern Colorado 10
The Grizzlies only had a 14 - 7 lead at halftime. I would have loved to hear the halftime speech as the Grizzlies found their swagger again in the third quarter and outscored the Bears 24-3 in the second half. Chase Reynolds shredded the bear defense for 151 yards and 3 touchdowns. Montana is your 2009 Big Sky Champion.
Eastern Washington 41 Southern Utah 28
The Eagles took an early 21 to 0 lead and did not look back from that point on, they answered nearly every Thunderbird score except the one that took place with only 15 seconds on the clock. Matt Nichols had 380 yards in the air and 4 touchdowns.
Idaho State 41 Portland State 34
The Bengals avoid a winless season by outscoring the Vikings 17-7 in the final period. This was the final game of the season for both teams. If you ask me, both coaches deserve to loose their job. Jerry Glanville will likely not be back in Portland next season. John Zamberlin may be back next year as he signed a contract extension mid-season. Maybe Idaho State did that to make it easier to fire him?
Offensive Player of the Week: Eastern Washington QB Matt Nichols
Defensive Team of the Week: Weber State
Game of the Week: Idaho State 41 Portland State 34
Power Rankings
Montana
Montana State
Weber State
Eastern Washington
Northern Arizona
Northern Colorado
Sacramento State
Portland State
Idaho State
WAC
Utah State 24 San Jose State 9
Down 14 to 9, in inclement weather, San Jose State decides to go for two to cut the Aggie lead to three. That failed and that was all she wrote in Logan and Gary Anderson's team get's win #3 on the season. The Aggies turned to their running game in the snow and Robert Turbin ended up with the type of game that we knew he is capable of...190 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns.
Boise State 63 Idaho 25
Yes, Boise State got a big win and looked solid from start to finish. But again, TCU won the beauty pageant points again this week as their blowout victory was against another ranked team.
Nevada 52 Fresno State 14
Another big win for the Wolfpack in Reno. Fresno State is probably shaking their heads on this one, but there is something in the water in Reno. But the big, nice surprise was the job the Nevada defense did in handling Ryan Matthews and the Bulldogs. I am interested to see what the Wolfpack can do in Boise in two weeks.
LSU 24 Louisiana Tech 16
The Bulldogs had a 13-10 lead at halftime and it took until the 4th quarter to put away the boys from Reston. I think that Tech did the WAC and the Boise State cause a big favor in death valley.
Hawaii 24 New Mexico State 6
Bryant Moniz had a solid game under center for Hawaii who still has a shot at becoming bowl eligible. Trouble is, Navy and Wisconsin are on their way to Oahu after a trip to San Jose next week.
Power Rankings
Boise State
Nevada
Fresno State
Idaho
Louisiana Tech
Hawaii
Utah State
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Offensive Player of the Week: Utah State RB Robert Turbin
Defensive Team of the Week: Nevada
Game of the Week: LSU 24 Louisiana Tech 16
MWC
BYU 24 New Mexico 19
A lot of people will ask, how did this happen? Well, New Mexico held BYU to just 57 yards rushing. Harvey Unga was not at full speed and neither JJ DeLuigi nor Paul Kariya were up to taking up the slack. The BYU offense relies on having a running game to support the spread passing attack and control the clock. (This is not the same style of BYU team that LaVell Edwards coached.) New Mexico left ten points on the field. Many are saying that this would be a "morale" victory for the Lobos. I would agree if this had not been the third time the Lobos came this close and lost this season.
Air Force 45 UNLV 17
Air Force had a 14-3 lead and UNLV was driving for a score and I thought that this would be a good, close game. Then Omar Clayton threw an interception in the endzone. Air Force was in cruise control from there. This one should be the final nail in Mike Sanford's coffin. He will not be back in Las Vegas next season unless he learns how to be a Blackjack dealer.
TCU 55 Utah 28
There are five teams that deserve to be in the National Championship conversation right now. Boise State is the unbeaten team that is left out right now. TCU has wins over three ranked teams, they shut out one and blew away the other two. Boise State has the win over Oregon to hang their hats on. The team that needs to loose, Texas. In the game, Ed Wesley ran for 137 yards. But the Frogs were their usual balance on Offense.
Wyoming 30 San Diego State 27
On the final play of the game, instead of a quick 15 yard play to set up a game tying field goal, Ryan Lindey throws a "Hail Mary" pass that was knocked to the turf. That capped a come-back victory where the Cowboys outscored the Aztecs 24 to 0 in the fourth quarter. There have been only a few crazier at the Q and that stadium has a reputation for crazy games. Carta-Samuels is now back in the lead for MWC freshman of the year as Wynn did not have the greatest of games this week.
Offensive Player of the Week: TCU RB Ed Wesley
Defensive Team of the Week: Air Force
Game of the Week: Wyoming 30 San Diego State 27
Power Rankings:
TCU
BYU
(tie) Utah
Air Force
Wyoming
San Diego State
UNLV
Colorado State
New Mexico
Bowl Picture getting clearer.
Mountain West Conference
Bowl Commitments (5): Las Vegas, Poinsettia, Armed Forces, New Mexico and Humanitarian. Plus an outside chance at a BCS bowl.
Already Bowl Eligible 4:
TCU 10-0--Needs Texas to loose to get to play for the National Championship. Or needs Florida or Alabama to loose before the SEC championship game. Of course the Frogs need to take care of business at Wyoming and then at home against winless New Mexico
Utah 8-2
BYU 8-2
Air Force 7-3
Remaining Teams:
San Diego State
4-6
Projected Wins 1: @ UNLV
Projected Losses 1: @ Utah
Projected Record: 5-7
Best Case Scenario: 6-6
Worst Case Scenario: 4-8
Wyoming
5-5
Projected Wins: 1 @Colorado State
Projected Losses: 1 TCU
Projected Record: 6-6
Best Case Scenario: 6-6
Worst Case Scenario: 5-7
I project them to the Humanitarian Bowl vs Idaho. Sounds like nice border battle. Besides, who else would consider Boise a nice warm bowl destination other than the good folks in Laramie?
Eliminated from Bowl Contention 3:
UNLV, 3-7
Colorado State, 3-7
New Mexico, 0-9
Bottom line for the Mountain West: The conference will not have enough bowl eligible teams to fill all of their commitments should TCU earn a BCS bowl bid, unless San Diego State can pull off an upset in Salt Lake City this week.
WAC
Bowl Commitments: Hawaii, New Mexico, Humanitarian. Poinsettia if PAC-10 does not have enough bowl eligible teams.
Already Bowl Eligible: 4
-Boise State 10-0
-Idaho 7-4 Should finish 8-4 and get to host the Humanitarian Bowl
-Nevada 7-3
-Fresno State 6-4
Others
Hawaii
4-6
(Plays a 13-game regular season)
Projected Wins 1: @ San Jose State
Projected Losses 2: Navy, Wisconsin
Projected Record: 5-8
Best Case Scenario: 6-7
Worst Case Scenario: 4-9
Eliminated from Bowl Contention 4:
Louisiana Tech 3-7
New Mexico State 3-7
Utah State 3-7
San Jose State 1-8
WAC Bottom Line: The WAC already has it's four bowl-eligible teams. There will be no others.
More about Boise State: I do not see them being left out of the BCS if they remain unbeaten. There are four at-large slots: TCU should get one of them. The Florida/Alabama looser will get the other. Either Iowa or Penn State will get the third. The only problem scenarios for BSU would be a Pitt win over Cincinnati or Texas loosing in the Big XII title game. Cincinnati did beat Fresno State earlier. A Pitt win would weaken Boise's SOS, even though it would put BSU in the top 5 in the polls. A Pitt win would not keep BSU out, but it would make it more difficult. So Relax Boise State fans, I think you have a shot a big money bowl.
Big Sky Playoff Scenarios--Brief
-Montana, already has the conference championship. If they win in Bozeman, they have a shot at either the #1 or #2 overall seed and should host the semi-finals should they make it that far.
-Montana State should get an at large bid if they pull of the upset against their in-state rivals at home on Saturday
-If Montana takes care of their Treasure State rival, Eastern Washington has the inside track at an at-large bid. They will tie Weber State for second place and have a tie breaker with an impressive win.
-Weber State needs both Montana State to loose against Montana and Eastern Washington to loose against Northern Arizona to even have a shot. In looking over the FCS standings, it looks like there are only three at-large seats up for grabs this week...but more on that Monday.
Bowl Commitments (5): Las Vegas, Poinsettia, Armed Forces, New Mexico and Humanitarian. Plus an outside chance at a BCS bowl.
Already Bowl Eligible 4:
TCU 10-0--Needs Texas to loose to get to play for the National Championship. Or needs Florida or Alabama to loose before the SEC championship game. Of course the Frogs need to take care of business at Wyoming and then at home against winless New Mexico
Utah 8-2
BYU 8-2
Air Force 7-3
Remaining Teams:
San Diego State
4-6
Projected Wins 1: @ UNLV
Projected Losses 1: @ Utah
Projected Record: 5-7
Best Case Scenario: 6-6
Worst Case Scenario: 4-8
Wyoming
5-5
Projected Wins: 1 @Colorado State
Projected Losses: 1 TCU
Projected Record: 6-6
Best Case Scenario: 6-6
Worst Case Scenario: 5-7
I project them to the Humanitarian Bowl vs Idaho. Sounds like nice border battle. Besides, who else would consider Boise a nice warm bowl destination other than the good folks in Laramie?
Eliminated from Bowl Contention 3:
UNLV, 3-7
Colorado State, 3-7
New Mexico, 0-9
Bottom line for the Mountain West: The conference will not have enough bowl eligible teams to fill all of their commitments should TCU earn a BCS bowl bid, unless San Diego State can pull off an upset in Salt Lake City this week.
WAC
Bowl Commitments: Hawaii, New Mexico, Humanitarian. Poinsettia if PAC-10 does not have enough bowl eligible teams.
Already Bowl Eligible: 4
-Boise State 10-0
-Idaho 7-4 Should finish 8-4 and get to host the Humanitarian Bowl
-Nevada 7-3
-Fresno State 6-4
Others
Hawaii
4-6
(Plays a 13-game regular season)
Projected Wins 1: @ San Jose State
Projected Losses 2: Navy, Wisconsin
Projected Record: 5-8
Best Case Scenario: 6-7
Worst Case Scenario: 4-9
Eliminated from Bowl Contention 4:
Louisiana Tech 3-7
New Mexico State 3-7
Utah State 3-7
San Jose State 1-8
WAC Bottom Line: The WAC already has it's four bowl-eligible teams. There will be no others.
More about Boise State: I do not see them being left out of the BCS if they remain unbeaten. There are four at-large slots: TCU should get one of them. The Florida/Alabama looser will get the other. Either Iowa or Penn State will get the third. The only problem scenarios for BSU would be a Pitt win over Cincinnati or Texas loosing in the Big XII title game. Cincinnati did beat Fresno State earlier. A Pitt win would weaken Boise's SOS, even though it would put BSU in the top 5 in the polls. A Pitt win would not keep BSU out, but it would make it more difficult. So Relax Boise State fans, I think you have a shot a big money bowl.
Big Sky Playoff Scenarios--Brief
-Montana, already has the conference championship. If they win in Bozeman, they have a shot at either the #1 or #2 overall seed and should host the semi-finals should they make it that far.
-Montana State should get an at large bid if they pull of the upset against their in-state rivals at home on Saturday
-If Montana takes care of their Treasure State rival, Eastern Washington has the inside track at an at-large bid. They will tie Weber State for second place and have a tie breaker with an impressive win.
-Weber State needs both Montana State to loose against Montana and Eastern Washington to loose against Northern Arizona to even have a shot. In looking over the FCS standings, it looks like there are only three at-large seats up for grabs this week...but more on that Monday.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
High School Semi and Weber State-USU Review.
First, the basketball game. It was good to see the Dee filled. It was not so good to see that more than half the crowd were clad in blue and not purple. The Cats put on a valiant effort to close the game at the end. But when you live by the outside shot you die by it...when you do not have the size up front to match the other team. Weber State can expect all that they can handle and more when they play a team with size up front. My apologies for not getting good sources on the starting line up on both teams. Franklin Sessions started instead of Darin Mahoney, and played very well.
State Semi's
Bingham 28 Alta 19
The Hawks were within a score until late in the third quarter. It was then that the deeper, more conditioned team one the battle and pushed the lead beyond one score. Stefan Cantwell carried the ball over the goal line with 3:18 remaining in the third quarter to make the score 22-7. From that point on, the Hawks were officially playing catch up.
Davis 41 Hunter 17
The Wolverines never were able to provide an answer to Tanner Hinds. He had another career night with 187 yards and two touchdowns. Gavin Fowler looked like a chip off of the old block as well. It was not a total domination as Ekuasi Tavo ran for 171 and a touchdown for Hunter.
Offensive Player of the Week: Davis RB Tanner Hinds
Defensive Team of the Week: Bingham
Game of the week: Bingham 28 Alta 19
State Semi's
Bingham 28 Alta 19
The Hawks were within a score until late in the third quarter. It was then that the deeper, more conditioned team one the battle and pushed the lead beyond one score. Stefan Cantwell carried the ball over the goal line with 3:18 remaining in the third quarter to make the score 22-7. From that point on, the Hawks were officially playing catch up.
Davis 41 Hunter 17
The Wolverines never were able to provide an answer to Tanner Hinds. He had another career night with 187 yards and two touchdowns. Gavin Fowler looked like a chip off of the old block as well. It was not a total domination as Ekuasi Tavo ran for 171 and a touchdown for Hunter.
Offensive Player of the Week: Davis RB Tanner Hinds
Defensive Team of the Week: Bingham
Game of the week: Bingham 28 Alta 19
Thursday, November 12, 2009
College Preview 11/14
Big Sky Conference
Road Trip of the Week.
Northern Arizona at Weber State
A tip to all of the Lumberjack fans visiting our fair city the weekend for the big game. There is an easy and scenic way to avoid all of the Salt Lake traffic. Take the Wasatch Back tour. Exit I-15 at 800 North in Orem and travel east. Eventually, you will come to Provo Canyon and US Highway 189. Travel east through Provo Canyon and you come to the Heber Valley. If you have a little extra time, travel north on Utah 113 through Midway. It will take you near Soldier Hollow, the Cross Country Ski venue of the 2002 Winter Games. Either way you go, you will eventually come to US-40 on Heber City's main street. Travel north on this route to Park City. From Park City, take I-80 west, but exit at Mountain Dell and travel north from there. It will take you by East Canyon Reservoir, Porterville and Morgan. That is where you meet I-84 and can travel west from there into Ogden. BTW--there is snow in the forecast for this weekend.
The Game,
Both Northern Arizona and Weber State have four losses with two of those to FBS schools. Technically, both are still alive for the FCS playoffs. But more is at stake for the home team. WSU was in range for a game winning field goal against Colorado State, but muffed the center/quarterback exchange. The Rams then went on to fall out of bowl eligibility by loosing seven straight games. Speaking of loosing streaks, the Lumberjacks have lost the last two games, including a heart breaker at Sacramento State. The Jack defense was a little suspect at the beginning of the years, but has since solidified. The Wildcats seem to have overcome the turnover problems that cost them a couple of games. The question is whether or not Trevyn Smith can get back on track as the suspension against Northern Colorado seems to have knocked him off track. Weber State needs a good ball control offense to win.
Weber State 38 Northern Arizona 32
Northern Colorado at Montana
The Bears conclude their season in Missoula and not under the best circumstances. Of course, there is much for that is chilly right now in Missoula than the weather after the Grizzlies nearly gave away the game in Pocatello last week. The folks in Bozeman are hoping that their rival's funk continues for another week. The Bears are not to be taken lightly if the Grizzlies wish to remain the only unbeaten in the FCS. If Montana plays their game, and takes care of the ball, they will easily win this bear fight.
Montana 38 Northern Colorado 28
Sacramento State at Montana State
Something has made the Hornet's nest angry as of late. Suddenly, they have a winning streak. Chances are, however, the weather will be a bit of a shock. Frozen Bozeman will live up to it's nickname this week. Snow in the forecast will put another wrinkle into the game. The Bobcats have reason to take care of business this weekend. They are the only other team still in conference title contention and perhaps the only realistic scenario to get two teams this week. My suggestion for the cold weather, stick to what is hot, and that means going with Cody Kempt the entire game.
Montana State 27 Sacramento State 10.
Eastern Washington at Southern Utah
The Thunderbirds have a shot to finish with a winning record this season. For this program, that is a remarkable form of improvement compared to say, the last 35 years. Cade Cooper and his buddies have not lost at home, but likely has not seen the likes of Matt Nichols and Taiwan Jones this year. EWU needs to win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive and they should, but it will be a fun one to watch.
EWU 45 SUU 38
Portland State at Idaho State
This game is the pillow fight of the week. It is a good chance for the Bengals to avoid the golden goose egg award for the season, but they will have to earn it. I doubt that Glanville's team will give them any gifts. Yes, there is snow in the forecast, but the game is indoors.
PSU 31 ISU 17
WAC
San Jose State at Utah State
Gary Anderson will have his crew ready to help the Spartans continue on their tailspin. Expect, however, that this will be another interesting game where the Aggies build a little bit of a lead just to watch it disappear. It's not like Dick Tomey and his crew have been absolutely out of every game they have played this year. It's been a few weeks and the Spartans are due for another near win.
Utah State 38 San Jose State 26
Idaho at Boise State
I do not see Idaho having a chance to win this game if Nathan Ederle is on the bench. The stakes are high enough, so if there is anyway Ederle will play, he will. Boise State needs some style points to remain in the BCS conversation and will need a big win, but this is not the team that will let them off the hook easily. In fact, Boise State needs to get used to the idea that everyone will be gunning for them for the next couple of years. I expect a close one for three quarters plus, then the Broncos will pull away at the end.
BSU 48 Idaho 35
Fresno State at Nevada
Both teams started the season slow, but are now on fire. The Nevada running attack has been steamrolling just about everyone lately. They have scored 60+ three times this season. Fresno has been a little more ball control. Ryan Matthews is the main man for the Bulldogs. Nevada has been an attack by committee. But this game is in Reno, where the steamrollers will have the home crowd at MacKay stadium behind them.
Nevada 35 Fresno 31
Louisiana Tech at Louisiana State
One more loss for the boys from Reston and they will be home during the holidays. Don't worry, the Bayou Bengals will make this quick and painful.
LSU 45 LaTech 10
New Mexico State at Hawaii
I saw the end of last week's Hawaii game, and there seemed to be some thought that winning game number 3 would help McMackin survive the season. It will take more than this. The Warriors will need to win again and again. Speaking of streaks, it has been a while since the Aggies have tasted victory. As consistent as both teams have been this year, it could be anyone's game, but I will take the Aggies as the only thing consistent about these two teams has been their inconsistency.
NMSU 29 Hawaii 20
Mountain West
BYU at New Mexico
The Lobos are still winless and the Cougars have had some trouble with the Lobos this last decade. But those wins, by the Lobos, have been in Provo during the Gary Crowton era. In fact, a loss to the Lobos in 2004 is believed to have been the final straw for Coach Crowton in Provo. Now the Lobos are down to the end of their season, a loss to the Cougars in Albuquerque could be end of the very short Mike Locksley era. It may not be that bad, UNM has two chances to end their skid after this game, and one of those teams is currently on a long skid of thier own and has a bye this week. The other is on a long winning streak. Oh yes, Max Hall seems to be on a hot streak and the defense has been playing well as of late.
BYU 55 New Mexico 13
UNLV at Air Force
The "Save Mike Sanford" campaign rolls into Colorado Springs. How will UNLV do against a team that can run the ball? Well, Air Force is not as explosive as Nevada, BYU or TCU; but the defense is a brick wall. I would expect that this game may not be a big scoring affair, but these teams could surprise us.
Air Force 34 UNLV 16
Wyoming at San Diego State
After five blowouts last week, and likely two in the afternoon games; finally we will have a game that will be close. Both teams have a shot at being bowl eligible and both teams end the season with a cup cake. But both teams also have one of the big three left on the schedule. So it is a must win game for both. So which young quarterback will have a better game, the one that has been on a hot streak or the one that has been streaky? I expect that Ryan Lindley will keep humming. I also expect that Wyoming will try to jump start their struggling offense with a little trickery. This should be a fun one to watch. Also, to my readers in San Deigo...get out and support your Aztecs, win or loose they are a fun team to watch.
San Diego State 45 Wyoming 43
Utah at TCU
Another "game of the year" for the Mountain West. College game day is there. Wait a minute? Did we not go through this three weeks ago? Did that game not end up as a one-sided affair? I remember 2005 where TCU and Utah played an overtime affair in Fort Worth that the Horned Frogs came out ahead. I hope for a game like that.
TCU 35 Utah 28
Road Trip of the Week.
Northern Arizona at Weber State
A tip to all of the Lumberjack fans visiting our fair city the weekend for the big game. There is an easy and scenic way to avoid all of the Salt Lake traffic. Take the Wasatch Back tour. Exit I-15 at 800 North in Orem and travel east. Eventually, you will come to Provo Canyon and US Highway 189. Travel east through Provo Canyon and you come to the Heber Valley. If you have a little extra time, travel north on Utah 113 through Midway. It will take you near Soldier Hollow, the Cross Country Ski venue of the 2002 Winter Games. Either way you go, you will eventually come to US-40 on Heber City's main street. Travel north on this route to Park City. From Park City, take I-80 west, but exit at Mountain Dell and travel north from there. It will take you by East Canyon Reservoir, Porterville and Morgan. That is where you meet I-84 and can travel west from there into Ogden. BTW--there is snow in the forecast for this weekend.
The Game,
Both Northern Arizona and Weber State have four losses with two of those to FBS schools. Technically, both are still alive for the FCS playoffs. But more is at stake for the home team. WSU was in range for a game winning field goal against Colorado State, but muffed the center/quarterback exchange. The Rams then went on to fall out of bowl eligibility by loosing seven straight games. Speaking of loosing streaks, the Lumberjacks have lost the last two games, including a heart breaker at Sacramento State. The Jack defense was a little suspect at the beginning of the years, but has since solidified. The Wildcats seem to have overcome the turnover problems that cost them a couple of games. The question is whether or not Trevyn Smith can get back on track as the suspension against Northern Colorado seems to have knocked him off track. Weber State needs a good ball control offense to win.
Weber State 38 Northern Arizona 32
Northern Colorado at Montana
The Bears conclude their season in Missoula and not under the best circumstances. Of course, there is much for that is chilly right now in Missoula than the weather after the Grizzlies nearly gave away the game in Pocatello last week. The folks in Bozeman are hoping that their rival's funk continues for another week. The Bears are not to be taken lightly if the Grizzlies wish to remain the only unbeaten in the FCS. If Montana plays their game, and takes care of the ball, they will easily win this bear fight.
Montana 38 Northern Colorado 28
Sacramento State at Montana State
Something has made the Hornet's nest angry as of late. Suddenly, they have a winning streak. Chances are, however, the weather will be a bit of a shock. Frozen Bozeman will live up to it's nickname this week. Snow in the forecast will put another wrinkle into the game. The Bobcats have reason to take care of business this weekend. They are the only other team still in conference title contention and perhaps the only realistic scenario to get two teams this week. My suggestion for the cold weather, stick to what is hot, and that means going with Cody Kempt the entire game.
Montana State 27 Sacramento State 10.
Eastern Washington at Southern Utah
The Thunderbirds have a shot to finish with a winning record this season. For this program, that is a remarkable form of improvement compared to say, the last 35 years. Cade Cooper and his buddies have not lost at home, but likely has not seen the likes of Matt Nichols and Taiwan Jones this year. EWU needs to win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive and they should, but it will be a fun one to watch.
EWU 45 SUU 38
Portland State at Idaho State
This game is the pillow fight of the week. It is a good chance for the Bengals to avoid the golden goose egg award for the season, but they will have to earn it. I doubt that Glanville's team will give them any gifts. Yes, there is snow in the forecast, but the game is indoors.
PSU 31 ISU 17
WAC
San Jose State at Utah State
Gary Anderson will have his crew ready to help the Spartans continue on their tailspin. Expect, however, that this will be another interesting game where the Aggies build a little bit of a lead just to watch it disappear. It's not like Dick Tomey and his crew have been absolutely out of every game they have played this year. It's been a few weeks and the Spartans are due for another near win.
Utah State 38 San Jose State 26
Idaho at Boise State
I do not see Idaho having a chance to win this game if Nathan Ederle is on the bench. The stakes are high enough, so if there is anyway Ederle will play, he will. Boise State needs some style points to remain in the BCS conversation and will need a big win, but this is not the team that will let them off the hook easily. In fact, Boise State needs to get used to the idea that everyone will be gunning for them for the next couple of years. I expect a close one for three quarters plus, then the Broncos will pull away at the end.
BSU 48 Idaho 35
Fresno State at Nevada
Both teams started the season slow, but are now on fire. The Nevada running attack has been steamrolling just about everyone lately. They have scored 60+ three times this season. Fresno has been a little more ball control. Ryan Matthews is the main man for the Bulldogs. Nevada has been an attack by committee. But this game is in Reno, where the steamrollers will have the home crowd at MacKay stadium behind them.
Nevada 35 Fresno 31
Louisiana Tech at Louisiana State
One more loss for the boys from Reston and they will be home during the holidays. Don't worry, the Bayou Bengals will make this quick and painful.
LSU 45 LaTech 10
New Mexico State at Hawaii
I saw the end of last week's Hawaii game, and there seemed to be some thought that winning game number 3 would help McMackin survive the season. It will take more than this. The Warriors will need to win again and again. Speaking of streaks, it has been a while since the Aggies have tasted victory. As consistent as both teams have been this year, it could be anyone's game, but I will take the Aggies as the only thing consistent about these two teams has been their inconsistency.
NMSU 29 Hawaii 20
Mountain West
BYU at New Mexico
The Lobos are still winless and the Cougars have had some trouble with the Lobos this last decade. But those wins, by the Lobos, have been in Provo during the Gary Crowton era. In fact, a loss to the Lobos in 2004 is believed to have been the final straw for Coach Crowton in Provo. Now the Lobos are down to the end of their season, a loss to the Cougars in Albuquerque could be end of the very short Mike Locksley era. It may not be that bad, UNM has two chances to end their skid after this game, and one of those teams is currently on a long skid of thier own and has a bye this week. The other is on a long winning streak. Oh yes, Max Hall seems to be on a hot streak and the defense has been playing well as of late.
BYU 55 New Mexico 13
UNLV at Air Force
The "Save Mike Sanford" campaign rolls into Colorado Springs. How will UNLV do against a team that can run the ball? Well, Air Force is not as explosive as Nevada, BYU or TCU; but the defense is a brick wall. I would expect that this game may not be a big scoring affair, but these teams could surprise us.
Air Force 34 UNLV 16
Wyoming at San Diego State
After five blowouts last week, and likely two in the afternoon games; finally we will have a game that will be close. Both teams have a shot at being bowl eligible and both teams end the season with a cup cake. But both teams also have one of the big three left on the schedule. So it is a must win game for both. So which young quarterback will have a better game, the one that has been on a hot streak or the one that has been streaky? I expect that Ryan Lindley will keep humming. I also expect that Wyoming will try to jump start their struggling offense with a little trickery. This should be a fun one to watch. Also, to my readers in San Deigo...get out and support your Aztecs, win or loose they are a fun team to watch.
San Diego State 45 Wyoming 43
Utah at TCU
Another "game of the year" for the Mountain West. College game day is there. Wait a minute? Did we not go through this three weeks ago? Did that game not end up as a one-sided affair? I remember 2005 where TCU and Utah played an overtime affair in Fort Worth that the Horned Frogs came out ahead. I hope for a game like that.
TCU 35 Utah 28
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