Wasatch Swagger is looking for anyone who would like to help cover high school football games for region 1, region 5 or region 11. My kids will be going to Ben Lomond HS this fall. Please send an email to hms_ben_hunt@netzero.net if you are interested. Please include a sample and put wasatch swagger wannabee in the subject line. At this point in time, this blog does not have enough traffic to be able to promise payment. Maybe you can help me change that.
I have seen the coaches rankings,here is how I see the power rankings to begin this season:
Region 1
1. Davis (Kaysville)
2. Syracuse
3. Fremont (Plain City)
4. Northridge (Layton)
5. Viewmont (Bountiful)
6. Layton
7. Weber (Pleasant View)
8. Clearfield
9. Roy
Region 5
1. Mountain Crest (Hyrum)
2. Sky View (Smithfield)
3. Bonneville (Washington Terrace)
4. Logan
5. Ogden
6. Box Elder (Brigham City)
Region 11
1. Juan Diego (Draper, Private)
2. Morgan
3. Judge Memorial (Salt Lake City, Private)
4. Grantsville
5. Ben Lomond (Ogden)
6. Bear River (Tremonton)
High school is so unpredictable. If you have a reason, for example, why Bear River is better than Grantsville this year, email me and let me know! Any well-written letter will be published.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Keeping the BYU/Utah rivalry game alive...
First, there will need to be cooperation from some of the opponents for both BYU and Utah to make this happen. Here are the future schedules for both schools.
In 2011, BYU and Utah would have met in Provo
Utah 2011 schedule
Iowa State
Oregon (Now a conference game for Utah)
@ Boise State
@ Pittsburgh
BYU 2011 Schedule
@ Texas
@ Oregon State
Utah State
Open home game
Possible Solutions:
1. Boise State could agree to change the four-game series with Utah (2011 to 2014) and begin in 2011 in Salt Lake City instead of in Boise. The MWC will need to find a way to compensate BSU for the switch.
2. Utah can drop Iowa State, which may not have room for the Utes in the 10-game Big XII. But would have to find a conference solution that will allow them to play
BYU in Provo in 2011.
3. In 2011, play at a neutral site like Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy. Since this site only seats 20,000, auction all the tickets to the highest bidder and donate the proceeds to Primary Children's Hospital fund or to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
4. Play in Salt Lake City for 2010 and 2011, with the agreement to play in Provo in 2012 and 2013. BYU would have to drop or reschedule their game against Texas to accommodate this.
In 2011, BYU and Utah would have met in Provo
Utah 2011 schedule
Iowa State
Oregon (Now a conference game for Utah)
@ Boise State
@ Pittsburgh
BYU 2011 Schedule
@ Texas
@ Oregon State
Utah State
Open home game
Possible Solutions:
1. Boise State could agree to change the four-game series with Utah (2011 to 2014) and begin in 2011 in Salt Lake City instead of in Boise. The MWC will need to find a way to compensate BSU for the switch.
2. Utah can drop Iowa State, which may not have room for the Utes in the 10-game Big XII. But would have to find a conference solution that will allow them to play
BYU in Provo in 2011.
3. In 2011, play at a neutral site like Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy. Since this site only seats 20,000, auction all the tickets to the highest bidder and donate the proceeds to Primary Children's Hospital fund or to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
4. Play in Salt Lake City for 2010 and 2011, with the agreement to play in Provo in 2012 and 2013. BYU would have to drop or reschedule their game against Texas to accommodate this.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Media Days reaction
1. Mountain West Conference media poll turned out the way that I expected, with TCU, Utah and BYU falling in...in this order. If this plays out, the best new for BYU is that they will get to go somewhere other than Las Vegas for their bowl.
MWC bowls:
1. Las Vegas
2. Poinsettia
3. Independence
4. New Mexico
5. Humanitarian
2. I was not surprised that the coaches picked USU 4th. But in the WAC, the fourth place team may not go bowling. USU will need to win at least one non-conference win to finish 6-6 and go bowling. Fortunately, Idaho State is on the schedule.
WAC Bowls:
1. Emerald
2. Humanitarian
3. New Mexico
4. Hawaii
3. Big Sky Conference. I am surprised that Eastern Washington was voted higher than Weber State. It is a tough choice. Weber State lost an all-conference running back, but still has the good quarterback. Eastern Washington lost the good quarterback, but sill has the hot running back. In the Big Sky Conference, teams 2 through 5 are really close, and if things go well, the BSC will have four teams in the expanded 20-team playoff. It should be a fun season.
MWC bowls:
1. Las Vegas
2. Poinsettia
3. Independence
4. New Mexico
5. Humanitarian
2. I was not surprised that the coaches picked USU 4th. But in the WAC, the fourth place team may not go bowling. USU will need to win at least one non-conference win to finish 6-6 and go bowling. Fortunately, Idaho State is on the schedule.
WAC Bowls:
1. Emerald
2. Humanitarian
3. New Mexico
4. Hawaii
3. Big Sky Conference. I am surprised that Eastern Washington was voted higher than Weber State. It is a tough choice. Weber State lost an all-conference running back, but still has the good quarterback. Eastern Washington lost the good quarterback, but sill has the hot running back. In the Big Sky Conference, teams 2 through 5 are really close, and if things go well, the BSC will have four teams in the expanded 20-team playoff. It should be a fun season.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
If this happens
Chris Paul wants a trade from New Orleans. There will be consequences if this happens.
First, you had Katrina wreck the city a few years ago. Now, you have BP and the reaction to the deep well blow-out wrecking the economy. Without Chris Paul, will anyone come and see the Hornets? I doubt interest in basketball in the Delta City will survive. This could be the first step in seeing the Hornets leave New Orleans for Las Vegas, Saint Louis or Seattle.
Second, it signals the end of parity in the NBA...or what is left of it. Smaller market teams, such as OKC or Utah will have trouble keeping stars and being competitive. And if this economy drags on for five years or more, could signal NBA contraction. Why? It would be like watching AAA teams play MLB teams on a regular basis. Like watching the Packers before Favre or the "Orange" Buccaneers. It turns the smaller market franchises into a de facto minor League. Who would show up to see that?
What could have led to this? In hindsight, there are two, perhaps three causes. First, hyper expansion in prior decades which would not have been so bad if not for reason 2. The NBA brings in way to much talent before they have had the chance to develop. How many lottery bust have you seen in the past ten years? How many Rafeal Araujo's have the been for each LeBron James? If you ask me, the NBA and NCAA have weakened the talent pool. The NBA by not letting talent develop at the lower levels, not investing enough in the D-League and the NCAA by hyper-expanding their tournament and to placating the power conferences to the point that many mid-major programs are little more than high schools teams.
This is not a good sign. No, not a very good sign at all.
First, you had Katrina wreck the city a few years ago. Now, you have BP and the reaction to the deep well blow-out wrecking the economy. Without Chris Paul, will anyone come and see the Hornets? I doubt interest in basketball in the Delta City will survive. This could be the first step in seeing the Hornets leave New Orleans for Las Vegas, Saint Louis or Seattle.
Second, it signals the end of parity in the NBA...or what is left of it. Smaller market teams, such as OKC or Utah will have trouble keeping stars and being competitive. And if this economy drags on for five years or more, could signal NBA contraction. Why? It would be like watching AAA teams play MLB teams on a regular basis. Like watching the Packers before Favre or the "Orange" Buccaneers. It turns the smaller market franchises into a de facto minor League. Who would show up to see that?
What could have led to this? In hindsight, there are two, perhaps three causes. First, hyper expansion in prior decades which would not have been so bad if not for reason 2. The NBA brings in way to much talent before they have had the chance to develop. How many lottery bust have you seen in the past ten years? How many Rafeal Araujo's have the been for each LeBron James? If you ask me, the NBA and NCAA have weakened the talent pool. The NBA by not letting talent develop at the lower levels, not investing enough in the D-League and the NCAA by hyper-expanding their tournament and to placating the power conferences to the point that many mid-major programs are little more than high schools teams.
This is not a good sign. No, not a very good sign at all.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
College football preview 2010--Part VII Big Sky Conference
Pre-season offensive player of the year: Chase Reynolds, RB, Montana
Pre-season defensive team of the year: Weber State
Pre-season coach of the year: Rob Ash, Montana State
Pre-Season Power Rankings (Post Season).
1. Montana (First round bye, host 2nd round game)
2. Montana State (First route bye, travel to 2nd round game)
3. Weber State (Host first-round game)
4. Eastern Washington (Travel to first-round game)
5. Northern Arizona
6. Northern Colorado
7. Sacramento State
8. Portland State
9. Idaho State
Note: The FCS playoffs will expand from 16 to 20 teams this year, meaning the first round will involve eight teams. 12 teams will have a first round bye. Four teams with a first round bye will be the road team for the 2nd round and simply have a second week to prepare.
Coach in the Hot Seat: John Zamberlin, Idaho State
Freshman of the Year: Tanner Hinds, RB, Weber State
Team that will start strong but fade in the end: Northern Arizona
Team that will struggle early but finish strong: Eastern Washington
Game of the year: October 30, Montana at Weber State
Non-conference game of the year: September 11, Montana at Cal-Poly
Game where the BSC can make the biggest impression: September 11, NAU at Arizona State
Game where the BCS can most embarrass themselves: September 2, Montana-Western at Idaho State
Surprise team: Montana State
Disappointment: Northern Arizona
Story of the year: Who will make an FBS move? Who will quit football or sports?
Pre-season defensive team of the year: Weber State
Pre-season coach of the year: Rob Ash, Montana State
Pre-Season Power Rankings (Post Season).
1. Montana (First round bye, host 2nd round game)
2. Montana State (First route bye, travel to 2nd round game)
3. Weber State (Host first-round game)
4. Eastern Washington (Travel to first-round game)
5. Northern Arizona
6. Northern Colorado
7. Sacramento State
8. Portland State
9. Idaho State
Note: The FCS playoffs will expand from 16 to 20 teams this year, meaning the first round will involve eight teams. 12 teams will have a first round bye. Four teams with a first round bye will be the road team for the 2nd round and simply have a second week to prepare.
Coach in the Hot Seat: John Zamberlin, Idaho State
Freshman of the Year: Tanner Hinds, RB, Weber State
Team that will start strong but fade in the end: Northern Arizona
Team that will struggle early but finish strong: Eastern Washington
Game of the year: October 30, Montana at Weber State
Non-conference game of the year: September 11, Montana at Cal-Poly
Game where the BSC can make the biggest impression: September 11, NAU at Arizona State
Game where the BCS can most embarrass themselves: September 2, Montana-Western at Idaho State
Surprise team: Montana State
Disappointment: Northern Arizona
Story of the year: Who will make an FBS move? Who will quit football or sports?
Friday, July 16, 2010
New Look Jazz
Taking a short break from college football for now. But I thought that I would add my voice to the many about the Jazz new lineup. I am stoked for Al Jefferson and pleased to see Raja Bell back in a Jazz uniform. Here is what I think I would do if I were coach Sloan.
PG--Williams---Price-------Jeffers
SG--Miles------Bell--------Gaines
SF--Okur-------Kirilenko
PF--Milsap-----Hayward-----Evans
C---Jefferson--Fezenko
The Jazz have one more roster spot to fill, probably a small forward and a d-league designee. The other d-leaguer is likely to be Evans.
Just because Gordon Hayward is listed as the backup to Paul Milsap does not mean that Hayward will spell Milsap. Coach Jerry has options. He could bring in Kirilenko for Milsap, move Okur to Center and Jefferson to Power Forward. It will keep the other team guessing.
The Big Sky preview is on the way.
PG--Williams---Price-------Jeffers
SG--Miles------Bell--------Gaines
SF--Okur-------Kirilenko
PF--Milsap-----Hayward-----Evans
C---Jefferson--Fezenko
The Jazz have one more roster spot to fill, probably a small forward and a d-league designee. The other d-leaguer is likely to be Evans.
Just because Gordon Hayward is listed as the backup to Paul Milsap does not mean that Hayward will spell Milsap. Coach Jerry has options. He could bring in Kirilenko for Milsap, move Okur to Center and Jefferson to Power Forward. It will keep the other team guessing.
The Big Sky preview is on the way.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
College football preview 2010--Part VI WAC
WAC Preview
Pre-season offensive player of the year: Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
Pre-season defensive team of the year: Boise State
Pre-season coach of the year: Gary Anderson, Utah State
Pre-season Power Rankings (Post Season Bowl)
1. Boise State (NC-Game)
2. Nevada (Emerald)
3. Idaho (Humanitarian)
4. Fresno State (New Mexico)
5. Utah State (Hawaii-if eligible)
6. Louisiana Tech
7. Hawaii
8. New Mexico State
9. San Jose State
Freshman of the Year: Holden Huff, WR, Boise State
Coach in the Hot Seat: Greg McMackin, Hawaii
Team that will struggle early and finish strong: Utah State
Team that will be hot early and fade to a finish: Louisiana Tech
Game of the year: November 26, Boise State at Nevada
Non-conference game of the year: September 6, Boise State at Virginia Tech
Game where the WAC can make the biggest impression: September 11, Louisiana Tech at Texas A&M
Game where the WAC can most embarrass themselves: October 2, Idaho at Western Michigan
Surprise team: Utah State
Disappointment: Hawaii
Story of the year: Saying goodbye to Boise State
Next: Big Sky Conference
Pre-season offensive player of the year: Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
Pre-season defensive team of the year: Boise State
Pre-season coach of the year: Gary Anderson, Utah State
Pre-season Power Rankings (Post Season Bowl)
1. Boise State (NC-Game)
2. Nevada (Emerald)
3. Idaho (Humanitarian)
4. Fresno State (New Mexico)
5. Utah State (Hawaii-if eligible)
6. Louisiana Tech
7. Hawaii
8. New Mexico State
9. San Jose State
Freshman of the Year: Holden Huff, WR, Boise State
Coach in the Hot Seat: Greg McMackin, Hawaii
Team that will struggle early and finish strong: Utah State
Team that will be hot early and fade to a finish: Louisiana Tech
Game of the year: November 26, Boise State at Nevada
Non-conference game of the year: September 6, Boise State at Virginia Tech
Game where the WAC can make the biggest impression: September 11, Louisiana Tech at Texas A&M
Game where the WAC can most embarrass themselves: October 2, Idaho at Western Michigan
Surprise team: Utah State
Disappointment: Hawaii
Story of the year: Saying goodbye to Boise State
Next: Big Sky Conference
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
College football preview 2010--Part V Mountain West Conference
Pre-season player of the year: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
Pre-season defensive team of the year: TCU
Pre-season coach of the year: Gary Patterson, TCU
Pre-season power rankings (Post Season)...
1. TCU (Sugar)
2. Utah (Las Vegas)
3. BYU (Poinsettia)
4. Air Force (Independence)
5. Wyoming (Armed Forces)
6. San Diego State (New Mexico-if eligible)
7. Colorado State (Humanitarian-if eligible)
8. UNLV
9. New Mexico
Coaches on the hot seat: Steve Fairchild, Colorado State; Mike Locksley, New Mexico
Freshman of the year: Jake Heaps, QB, BYU
Team that will struggle early and finish strong: BYU
Team that will be hot early and fade to a finish: Air Force
Game of the year: November 6, TCU at Utah
Non-conference game of the year: September 18, BYU at Florida State
Game where the MWC can make the biggest impression: September 11, Wyoming at Texas
Game where the MWC can most embarrass themselves: October 2, Wyoming at Toledo
Surprise team: San Diego State
Disappointment: Colorado Sate
Story of the year: Comings (Boise State) and Goings (Utah)
Next: WAC
Pre-season defensive team of the year: TCU
Pre-season coach of the year: Gary Patterson, TCU
Pre-season power rankings (Post Season)...
1. TCU (Sugar)
2. Utah (Las Vegas)
3. BYU (Poinsettia)
4. Air Force (Independence)
5. Wyoming (Armed Forces)
6. San Diego State (New Mexico-if eligible)
7. Colorado State (Humanitarian-if eligible)
8. UNLV
9. New Mexico
Coaches on the hot seat: Steve Fairchild, Colorado State; Mike Locksley, New Mexico
Freshman of the year: Jake Heaps, QB, BYU
Team that will struggle early and finish strong: BYU
Team that will be hot early and fade to a finish: Air Force
Game of the year: November 6, TCU at Utah
Non-conference game of the year: September 18, BYU at Florida State
Game where the MWC can make the biggest impression: September 11, Wyoming at Texas
Game where the MWC can most embarrass themselves: October 2, Wyoming at Toledo
Surprise team: San Diego State
Disappointment: Colorado Sate
Story of the year: Comings (Boise State) and Goings (Utah)
Next: WAC
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
College football preview 2010--Part IV Utah Utes
questions for the 2010 Season
-Can the Utes avoid the let-down in their last MWC season?
-Sophomore Slump for Jordan Wynn?
-Can Kyle Whittingham replace all of the key players lost from last year's defense? (Six starters from last season have moved on.)
2010 Schedule and Predicted Results
September 2: Pittsburgh (Win)
September 11: UNLV (Win)
September 18: @New Mexico (Win)
September 25: San Jose State (Win)
October 2: (BYE)
October 9: @Iowa State (Win)
October 16: @Wyoming (Win)
October 23: Colorado State (Win)
October 30: @Air Force (Win)
November 6: TCU (Loss)
November 13: @Notre Dame (Loss)
November 20: @San Diego State (Win)
November 27: BYU (Win)
Outlook. The MWC game of the year will be November 6 at Rice Eccles Stadium when TCU visits. Both teams will likely be unbeaten when this game kicks off. Just because I think the Utes will finish 10-2 and go to the Las Vegas Bowl, does not mean that all of these games will be easy. The rest of the conference teams will be gunning for the Utes this year. With so much inexperience on defense, offenses will try and test the newbies, especially the secondary, where three of the four starters will be new. But the Utes have all of the tools they will need on offense. Expect a shootout or two.
Coming next--the Mountain West Conference.
-Can the Utes avoid the let-down in their last MWC season?
-Sophomore Slump for Jordan Wynn?
-Can Kyle Whittingham replace all of the key players lost from last year's defense? (Six starters from last season have moved on.)
2010 Schedule and Predicted Results
September 2: Pittsburgh (Win)
September 11: UNLV (Win)
September 18: @New Mexico (Win)
September 25: San Jose State (Win)
October 2: (BYE)
October 9: @Iowa State (Win)
October 16: @Wyoming (Win)
October 23: Colorado State (Win)
October 30: @Air Force (Win)
November 6: TCU (Loss)
November 13: @Notre Dame (Loss)
November 20: @San Diego State (Win)
November 27: BYU (Win)
Outlook. The MWC game of the year will be November 6 at Rice Eccles Stadium when TCU visits. Both teams will likely be unbeaten when this game kicks off. Just because I think the Utes will finish 10-2 and go to the Las Vegas Bowl, does not mean that all of these games will be easy. The rest of the conference teams will be gunning for the Utes this year. With so much inexperience on defense, offenses will try and test the newbies, especially the secondary, where three of the four starters will be new. But the Utes have all of the tools they will need on offense. Expect a shootout or two.
Coming next--the Mountain West Conference.
Monday, July 12, 2010
College football preview 2010--Part III BYU Cougars
2010 BYU Cougars
Questions for the 2010 season.
-Can the Cougars capitalize after being jilted by the big conferences?
-Who will start at quarterback, tight end and running back?
-Can the defense contain some of the best quarterbacks in the country? Jake Locker, Colin Kaepernick, Diondre Borel, Ryan Lindley, Christian Ponder, Austyn Carta-Samuels, Jordan Wynn and Andy Dalton all line up against the Cougars this year. Many of these men will be on NFL rosters in the future.
2010 Offensive MVP: OL Matt Reynolds
2010 Schedule and Predictions:
September 4: Washington (Win)
September 11: @Air Force (Loss)
September 18: @Florida State (Loss)
September 25: Nevada (Win)
October 1: @Utah State (Win)
October 9: San Diego State (Win)
October 16: @TCU (Loss)
October 23: Wyoming (Win)
October 30: (BYE)
November 6: UNLV (Win)
November 13: @Colorado State (Win)
November 20: New Mexico (Win)
November 27: @Utah (Loss)
Outlook: It says a lot about a team when your impact player on offense anchors the offensive line. But this will be the key to the Cougars 2010 season. Good blocking will provide the best chance the Cougars have of launching the career of the next great BYU quarterback. Good blocking will also give the running game the best chance at replacing the impact of the loss of Harvey Unga. Good blocking will give the Cougars a chance to win any or the four games they are not expected to win this year. If Air Force does the usual deBerry-style late-season fade, BYU should finish third in the conference. 8-4 and San Diego's Poinsettia bowl are my prediction for this season.
Questions for the 2010 season.
-Can the Cougars capitalize after being jilted by the big conferences?
-Who will start at quarterback, tight end and running back?
-Can the defense contain some of the best quarterbacks in the country? Jake Locker, Colin Kaepernick, Diondre Borel, Ryan Lindley, Christian Ponder, Austyn Carta-Samuels, Jordan Wynn and Andy Dalton all line up against the Cougars this year. Many of these men will be on NFL rosters in the future.
2010 Offensive MVP: OL Matt Reynolds
2010 Schedule and Predictions:
September 4: Washington (Win)
September 11: @Air Force (Loss)
September 18: @Florida State (Loss)
September 25: Nevada (Win)
October 1: @Utah State (Win)
October 9: San Diego State (Win)
October 16: @TCU (Loss)
October 23: Wyoming (Win)
October 30: (BYE)
November 6: UNLV (Win)
November 13: @Colorado State (Win)
November 20: New Mexico (Win)
November 27: @Utah (Loss)
Outlook: It says a lot about a team when your impact player on offense anchors the offensive line. But this will be the key to the Cougars 2010 season. Good blocking will provide the best chance the Cougars have of launching the career of the next great BYU quarterback. Good blocking will also give the running game the best chance at replacing the impact of the loss of Harvey Unga. Good blocking will give the Cougars a chance to win any or the four games they are not expected to win this year. If Air Force does the usual deBerry-style late-season fade, BYU should finish third in the conference. 8-4 and San Diego's Poinsettia bowl are my prediction for this season.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Labron vs. the Cavs Owner...and the premiere of a funny movie.
It is funny that on the same week that the movie Despicable Me opens that Labron James decided to sign with a new team. The move, I hear (I will not see it until next week) is quite funny. The Labron James incident is just despicable on all levels.
-First, an hour long reality TV show on the decision on ESPN. This sort of self-serving TV episode should be banned by all major leagues in the future, even if all of the commercial profits go to charity.
-Second, the reaction by the Cleveland majority owner, Dan Gilbert. Losing people to other organizations happens to businesses of all levels. Sure, James is a big star and puts a lot of backsides in the seats of the Quicken Loans Arena. His jersey was one of the best selling and James brought a lot of money to his team in a lot of other ways. His loss will represent a loss of significant revenue to Gilbert and his co-owners. Gilbert is not the first owner of a major league-level team to loose a star player. He is not the first business person in America to lose a star player. Perhaps this is the biggest loss in business since Colonel Saunders lost Dave Thomas. But in the long run, both were better off.
Gilbert's reaction was self serving and his prediction was unfounded. When it was announced that Utah would join the PAC-10, I wanted to predict that BYU would win a Rose Bowl before Utah. But that would be silly because the Utes have the inside track as they are part of the PAC-12 and the PAC-12 feeds the Rose Bowl. Suddenly, the Miami Heat are are one of the top-3 teams in the NBA and could really beat the Lakers in a 7-game series. My advice is to the Cavaliers is trade away the remaining quality players, get a top-3 draft pick and hit the free agent market with a ton of money in 2011. They could be a contender again in 2011-2012. Yao will be the biggest fish in the pond next time.
-First, an hour long reality TV show on the decision on ESPN. This sort of self-serving TV episode should be banned by all major leagues in the future, even if all of the commercial profits go to charity.
-Second, the reaction by the Cleveland majority owner, Dan Gilbert. Losing people to other organizations happens to businesses of all levels. Sure, James is a big star and puts a lot of backsides in the seats of the Quicken Loans Arena. His jersey was one of the best selling and James brought a lot of money to his team in a lot of other ways. His loss will represent a loss of significant revenue to Gilbert and his co-owners. Gilbert is not the first owner of a major league-level team to loose a star player. He is not the first business person in America to lose a star player. Perhaps this is the biggest loss in business since Colonel Saunders lost Dave Thomas. But in the long run, both were better off.
Gilbert's reaction was self serving and his prediction was unfounded. When it was announced that Utah would join the PAC-10, I wanted to predict that BYU would win a Rose Bowl before Utah. But that would be silly because the Utes have the inside track as they are part of the PAC-12 and the PAC-12 feeds the Rose Bowl. Suddenly, the Miami Heat are are one of the top-3 teams in the NBA and could really beat the Lakers in a 7-game series. My advice is to the Cavaliers is trade away the remaining quality players, get a top-3 draft pick and hit the free agent market with a ton of money in 2011. They could be a contender again in 2011-2012. Yao will be the biggest fish in the pond next time.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
College football preview 2010--Part II Utah State Aggies
2010 Utah State Aggies
Storyline: Can the Aggies go bowling?
2010 Offensive MVP: QB Diondre Borel, Sr
Questions to the 2010 Season
-How can the Aggies compensate for the loss of Robert Turpin?
-How can USU keep crowds coming to Merlin Olsen Field?
-Can the Aggie defense continue to be solid?
Schedule and Predicted Results
September 4: @ Oklahoma (Loss)
September 11: Idaho State (Win)
September 18: Fresno State (Loss)
September 25: @ San Diego State (Loss)
October 1: BYU (Loss)
October 9: @ Louisiana Tech (Loss)
October 16: (BYE)
October 23: Hawai'i (Win)
October 30: @Nevada (Loss)
November 6: New Mexico State (Win)
November 13: @ San Jose State (Win)
November 20: Idaho (Win)
November 27: Bye
December 4: @ Boise State (Loss)
Key Games: Fresno State to Louisiana Tech. The Aggies will need to win at least one of these four games in order to get to a bowl game this year. Each will stretch the team in a different way. The most winnable is September 25 at San Diego State. The other three all have unanswered replacement questions and will be winnable if these teams are unable to answer them.
Outlook: The Aggies have the 2nd-best/3rd-best quarterback in the WAC in Borel, but this year he will be without the service of Robert Turbin to keep defenses honest and force opponents to respect the running game. They still have the services of power running back Michael Smith. If Borel can respond to the pressure, be mobile, find open receivers and avoid turnovers...doing what he does best; then the Aggies should be just fine. He has Stanley Morrison as a primary target. The Aggies will be close, but probably not get to go bowling. 5-7
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
College football preview 2010--Part I Weber State
2010 Weber State Wildcats
Storyline: Post Season for the Third Consecutive year?
2010 Offensive MVP: QB Cameron Higgins, Sr
Questions For the 2010 Season:
-How do you handle opening and closing the season at FBS/BCS powers?
-How do you replace all of the star power that left last season? Bo Bolen, Trevyn Smith, Tim Toone, Kyle Mucher and Mike Snoy among others who have mostly gone pro in something other than football.
-Can a running game get established with four freshmen and a sophomore?
-Can Cam avoid the costly turnovers?
Schedule and predicted results:
September 4: @ Boston College (Loss)
September 11: Northern Colorado (Win)
September 18: @ Sacramento State (Win)
September 24: Cal-Davis (Win)
October 2: Eastern Washington (Win)
October 16: @ Idaho State (Win)
October 23: Portland State (Win)
October 30: Montana (Loss)
November 6: @ Montana State (Loss)
November 13: @ Northern Arizona (Win)
November 20: @ Texas Tech (Loss)
Outlook:
Key games: September 11 vs. Northern Colorado. It is important for the 'Cats to get the FCS season to a good start. Struggling against NCU could set the table for a long, hard season. No doubt that both Montana games will be critical as well, it would be nice for WSU fans to get a win against one of the Treasure State schools.
WSU will go to the post-season for certain with 2 or fewer losses before the November 20th game at Texas Tech. If WSU can turn the final game into an exhibition game, all will be well. Cam Higgins is back for one more year, and he has Tyler Francisco and Mike Phillips back as primary targets. Likely starting running back will be last season's Utah 5A MVP Tanner Hinds from nearby Davis High School. There is also an all-stater from last year taking over kicking duties. The defense will continue to be strong. Prediction: 7-4, tie for 2nd place in the Big Sky with Montana State. WSU could still host a first-round game in November as the FCS playoffs expands to 20. They will need to run the table against FCS competition and/or win one of the FBS games to be one of the top-4 seeds. That will mean hosting a second round games against a team without a first-round bye. Beat either Montana or Montana State and WSU should get a first-round bye. Chances are good that the Big Sky Conference will have three teams in the playoffs again this year.
Coming Next: Utah State Aggies
Storyline: Post Season for the Third Consecutive year?
2010 Offensive MVP: QB Cameron Higgins, Sr
Questions For the 2010 Season:
-How do you handle opening and closing the season at FBS/BCS powers?
-How do you replace all of the star power that left last season? Bo Bolen, Trevyn Smith, Tim Toone, Kyle Mucher and Mike Snoy among others who have mostly gone pro in something other than football.
-Can a running game get established with four freshmen and a sophomore?
-Can Cam avoid the costly turnovers?
Schedule and predicted results:
September 4: @ Boston College (Loss)
September 11: Northern Colorado (Win)
September 18: @ Sacramento State (Win)
September 24: Cal-Davis (Win)
October 2: Eastern Washington (Win)
October 16: @ Idaho State (Win)
October 23: Portland State (Win)
October 30: Montana (Loss)
November 6: @ Montana State (Loss)
November 13: @ Northern Arizona (Win)
November 20: @ Texas Tech (Loss)
Outlook:
Key games: September 11 vs. Northern Colorado. It is important for the 'Cats to get the FCS season to a good start. Struggling against NCU could set the table for a long, hard season. No doubt that both Montana games will be critical as well, it would be nice for WSU fans to get a win against one of the Treasure State schools.
WSU will go to the post-season for certain with 2 or fewer losses before the November 20th game at Texas Tech. If WSU can turn the final game into an exhibition game, all will be well. Cam Higgins is back for one more year, and he has Tyler Francisco and Mike Phillips back as primary targets. Likely starting running back will be last season's Utah 5A MVP Tanner Hinds from nearby Davis High School. There is also an all-stater from last year taking over kicking duties. The defense will continue to be strong. Prediction: 7-4, tie for 2nd place in the Big Sky with Montana State. WSU could still host a first-round game in November as the FCS playoffs expands to 20. They will need to run the table against FCS competition and/or win one of the FBS games to be one of the top-4 seeds. That will mean hosting a second round games against a team without a first-round bye. Beat either Montana or Montana State and WSU should get a first-round bye. Chances are good that the Big Sky Conference will have three teams in the playoffs again this year.
Coming Next: Utah State Aggies
Friday, July 2, 2010
The WAC is not expanding...for now.
Word is that the Western Athletic Conference, and it is official, will not expand for now. There is only one thing to read out of this...that there is not a current FBS program that wants to join the WAC. Mainly, North Texas has decided it likes the Sun Belt Conference better than the WAC. Same with Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana Lafayette. Since it is too late for an FCS program to jump on board at the moment, they may as well take their time and get it right.
Current WAC membership:
Fresno State
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana Tech
Nevada
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Utah State
The WAC is likely looking at FCS programs. Here is a list of programs, and it is not a long list, by state
1. California
-University of California at Davis
-California Polytechnic University at San Louis Obispo
-Sacramento State University
-University of San Diego
2. Washington
-Eastern Washington University (Travel Partner for Idaho)
3. Texas
-Texas State University at San Marco
-Stephen F. Austin University (Nacogdoches)
-Texas State San Marcos
-Lamar University
-Texas Southern University (Houston)
-Texas San Antonio
Short list, isn't it?
Why not Montana?
-Montana likes being the "big fish in the small pond."
-Montana, unlike other western states, does not have a concentrated population center.
-Montana's regents may not approve unless Montana State can come with. Montana does not have the population to support both.
Why not Portland State?
-PSU does not have strong support in the Portland Metro.
-Oregon does not have the population to support a third FBS program.
-PSU athletics are in decline. They are not adding programs.
-On-Campus facilities
Why not Weber State?
-Utah does not have the population to support a fourth FBS program, and may not have the population to support the three it currently has.
Why not Northern Arizona?
-Too far away from Arizona's population center.
-Struggling athletic department crumbling under budget constrains. Already subsidized by other Arizona FBS schools.
Outlook. If there is an opening in the C-USA, such as Tulane dropping football or as a result of one of the big conferences adding someone else, La Tech will likely jump. The WAC needs to make travel easier for La Tech. Sure, go for the money and population in California, but add at least one program from Texas.
What the WAC could look like assuming it keeps La Tech. Adding Cal-Davis, Cal Poly, Eastern Washington and Texas Southern.
East
Eastern Washington
Idaho
Louisiana Tech
New Mexico State
Texas Southern
Utah State
West
Cal Davis
Cal Poly
Fresno State
Hawaii
Nevada
San Jose State
Current WAC membership:
Fresno State
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana Tech
Nevada
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Utah State
The WAC is likely looking at FCS programs. Here is a list of programs, and it is not a long list, by state
1. California
-University of California at Davis
-California Polytechnic University at San Louis Obispo
-Sacramento State University
-University of San Diego
2. Washington
-Eastern Washington University (Travel Partner for Idaho)
3. Texas
-Texas State University at San Marco
-Stephen F. Austin University (Nacogdoches)
-Texas State San Marcos
-Lamar University
-Texas Southern University (Houston)
-Texas San Antonio
Short list, isn't it?
Why not Montana?
-Montana likes being the "big fish in the small pond."
-Montana, unlike other western states, does not have a concentrated population center.
-Montana's regents may not approve unless Montana State can come with. Montana does not have the population to support both.
Why not Portland State?
-PSU does not have strong support in the Portland Metro.
-Oregon does not have the population to support a third FBS program.
-PSU athletics are in decline. They are not adding programs.
-On-Campus facilities
Why not Weber State?
-Utah does not have the population to support a fourth FBS program, and may not have the population to support the three it currently has.
Why not Northern Arizona?
-Too far away from Arizona's population center.
-Struggling athletic department crumbling under budget constrains. Already subsidized by other Arizona FBS schools.
Outlook. If there is an opening in the C-USA, such as Tulane dropping football or as a result of one of the big conferences adding someone else, La Tech will likely jump. The WAC needs to make travel easier for La Tech. Sure, go for the money and population in California, but add at least one program from Texas.
What the WAC could look like assuming it keeps La Tech. Adding Cal-Davis, Cal Poly, Eastern Washington and Texas Southern.
East
Eastern Washington
Idaho
Louisiana Tech
New Mexico State
Texas Southern
Utah State
West
Cal Davis
Cal Poly
Fresno State
Hawaii
Nevada
San Jose State
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