I have not been to BYU's practices, but I have read from those who cover the Cougars that Heaps is not the same guy on the field during the game that he is in practice. That is something that happened to me playing basketball and as a musician. And it is a problem that the coaches need to address. Surely, there is some sort of confidence issue, some sort of maturity issue, something that is not right upstairs. Brandon Gurney even reports that Heaps has regressed.
What happens when a QB is benched and his backup comes in and wins the game? The fans begin to demand that the backup become the starter. Not certain that will happen right away, however, the Cougars have a long week coming up. If a change is to be made, this would be the week to make it.
It is adversity that can make a person stronger. Getting benched breaks more people than it makes. Heaps could be a better quarterback after riding the pine for a while. But it could be that we will never hear of him again.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Report of the game...Utah State at BYU
BYU 27 Utah State 24...
For the third time in four games, Utah State loses at the buzzer. Riley Nelson, whose little bother just committed to the Aggies, engineered a 96-yard drive which ended in a tipped-ball touchdown with 11 seconds remaining.
Utah State appeared to have the game in control. The Aggies scored an 80-yard Robert Turbin touchdown on the first play of the game and went up 21-13 in the 3rd quarter when Robert Turbin rambled 24 yards on a screen from Chukie Keeton. The Aggies carried a 24-13 lead with 12:43 remaining in the game.
After two drives netted 16 yards to begin the second half, Jake Heaps was pulled from the game in favor of former Aggie Nelson, who seemed to ignite the offense. Heaps had a good first quarter, but then went cold. BYU hit the 200 yard rushing mark for the first time this season. Nelson was also the leading Cougar runner, getting a big chunk of his ground yards on the final drive.
Utah State has a home game against Wyoming before opening WAC play at Fresno State. Hopefully these losses don't kill them but make them stronger. BYU has homecoming against San Jose State next week before taking on a surprising futile Oregon State on the road.
BYU MVP: QB Riley Nelson
USU MVP: RB Robert Turbin
For the third time in four games, Utah State loses at the buzzer. Riley Nelson, whose little bother just committed to the Aggies, engineered a 96-yard drive which ended in a tipped-ball touchdown with 11 seconds remaining.
Utah State appeared to have the game in control. The Aggies scored an 80-yard Robert Turbin touchdown on the first play of the game and went up 21-13 in the 3rd quarter when Robert Turbin rambled 24 yards on a screen from Chukie Keeton. The Aggies carried a 24-13 lead with 12:43 remaining in the game.
After two drives netted 16 yards to begin the second half, Jake Heaps was pulled from the game in favor of former Aggie Nelson, who seemed to ignite the offense. Heaps had a good first quarter, but then went cold. BYU hit the 200 yard rushing mark for the first time this season. Nelson was also the leading Cougar runner, getting a big chunk of his ground yards on the final drive.
Utah State has a home game against Wyoming before opening WAC play at Fresno State. Hopefully these losses don't kill them but make them stronger. BYU has homecoming against San Jose State next week before taking on a surprising futile Oregon State on the road.
BYU MVP: QB Riley Nelson
USU MVP: RB Robert Turbin
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Conference Realignment Update...September 29, 2011
Shoot the messenger for passing along rumors.
The Upset blog has tweeted, but there is not a link on the site, that BYU has accepted an invitation from the Big 12 in principle. That means that it needs to be approved by the BYU board of directors. Those men and women happen to all be in Salt Lake for the LDS General Conference this weekend. No certain when they would vote on the matter. This has not been confirmed by KSL or any other official news agency, like ESPN. Just other blogs like this one.
Again, unconfirmed reports that BYU will join the Big 12 for 2012. Take from this what you will.
The Big 12 will become the Big 14 with TCU, Cincinnati, Louisville and West Virgina also on board.
If all this is true, with and east/west alignment, Cougar Fans can look forward to Texas, Oklahoma and TCU every season in conference play.
TCU was slated to join the Big East in 2012, but may join the Big 12 instead.
Apparently, it is believed that if the Big East football conference is in essence disintegrated, that Cincinnati, Louisville and West Virginia will be able to join in 2012. We'll see how this all works out. It will be a tough football conference, but imagine having Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Louisville, Cincinnati, West Virginia and BYU competing for a hoops conference championship every season? That will be cool.
This leaves out only UConn and South Florida in the Football Big East--just in case you lost your scorecard. However, they will rebuild and could begin with all three service academies (Although I am not certain Army is on-board), Temple, East Carolina and a couple of other C-USA schools. It remains to be seen if they can maintain their BCS status with this alignment. (If this happens, I think Air Force would be better off remaining in the MWC, myself, but scheduling is better for them if they are in the same conference as their sister academies.)
This is all expected to be announced Saturday.
Big 12 (14) East
Cincinnati
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
Louisville
Missouri
West Virginia
Big 12 (14) West
Baylor
Brigham Young
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Texas
Texas Christian
Texas Tech
Source:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/871264-byu-big-12-expansion-latest-rumors-on-cougars-potential-move-to-big-12
Update September 30th...
According to ESPN, two facts about what has been reported yesterday may be inaccurate. 1. The Big 12 has yet to decide how many teams they will expand to. 2. Louisville is working to keep the Big East together as a football conference by inviting the service academies. There is also no refute of the story from any official source of the fact that BYU has agree to join "in principle" or that TCU is on board. All this may be good news for Boise State fans. We could imply that perhaps BYU and Boise would be in the Big 12 north and that TCU would be in the Big 12 south, if all of this is true. Out of all of the possibilities, Boise State would be the best available travel partner for BYU.
Most people are reporting that Louisville is on-board with the Big 12. We'll find out next week.
I was also listening to ESPN700, the flagship station for the Utes when Dave Fox was on. It seems that every media outlet in Salt Lake knows about what is happening with BYU and the Big 12, but are afraid to go out on a limb and break the news. They want to know for certain that Missouri is going to remain before they will break the news that BYU is in the Big 12. And they want to know how far the Big 12 is going to expand...10, 11, 12 or 14.
Theory 2 on Big 12 expansion....
North Division
Boise State
Brigham Young
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
Missouri
South Division
Baylor
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Texas
Texas Christian
Texas Tech
The Upset blog has tweeted, but there is not a link on the site, that BYU has accepted an invitation from the Big 12 in principle. That means that it needs to be approved by the BYU board of directors. Those men and women happen to all be in Salt Lake for the LDS General Conference this weekend. No certain when they would vote on the matter. This has not been confirmed by KSL or any other official news agency, like ESPN. Just other blogs like this one.
Again, unconfirmed reports that BYU will join the Big 12 for 2012. Take from this what you will.
The Big 12 will become the Big 14 with TCU, Cincinnati, Louisville and West Virgina also on board.
If all this is true, with and east/west alignment, Cougar Fans can look forward to Texas, Oklahoma and TCU every season in conference play.
TCU was slated to join the Big East in 2012, but may join the Big 12 instead.
Apparently, it is believed that if the Big East football conference is in essence disintegrated, that Cincinnati, Louisville and West Virginia will be able to join in 2012. We'll see how this all works out. It will be a tough football conference, but imagine having Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Louisville, Cincinnati, West Virginia and BYU competing for a hoops conference championship every season? That will be cool.
This leaves out only UConn and South Florida in the Football Big East--just in case you lost your scorecard. However, they will rebuild and could begin with all three service academies (Although I am not certain Army is on-board), Temple, East Carolina and a couple of other C-USA schools. It remains to be seen if they can maintain their BCS status with this alignment. (If this happens, I think Air Force would be better off remaining in the MWC, myself, but scheduling is better for them if they are in the same conference as their sister academies.)
This is all expected to be announced Saturday.
Big 12 (14) East
Cincinnati
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
Louisville
Missouri
West Virginia
Big 12 (14) West
Baylor
Brigham Young
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Texas
Texas Christian
Texas Tech
Source:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/871264-byu-big-12-expansion-latest-rumors-on-cougars-potential-move-to-big-12
Update September 30th...
According to ESPN, two facts about what has been reported yesterday may be inaccurate. 1. The Big 12 has yet to decide how many teams they will expand to. 2. Louisville is working to keep the Big East together as a football conference by inviting the service academies. There is also no refute of the story from any official source of the fact that BYU has agree to join "in principle" or that TCU is on board. All this may be good news for Boise State fans. We could imply that perhaps BYU and Boise would be in the Big 12 north and that TCU would be in the Big 12 south, if all of this is true. Out of all of the possibilities, Boise State would be the best available travel partner for BYU.
Most people are reporting that Louisville is on-board with the Big 12. We'll find out next week.
I was also listening to ESPN700, the flagship station for the Utes when Dave Fox was on. It seems that every media outlet in Salt Lake knows about what is happening with BYU and the Big 12, but are afraid to go out on a limb and break the news. They want to know for certain that Missouri is going to remain before they will break the news that BYU is in the Big 12. And they want to know how far the Big 12 is going to expand...10, 11, 12 or 14.
Theory 2 on Big 12 expansion....
North Division
Boise State
Brigham Young
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
Missouri
South Division
Baylor
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Texas
Texas Christian
Texas Tech
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The murkiness is beginning to clear on conference realignment
The Big 12.
Texas A&M is gone. That puts the conference down to 9. BYU and Louisville have "according to sources" been invited. But there is no official confirmation. That puts the conference to 11. Where they go next? Add a travel partner for Louisville and pair BYU with Texas Tech. The partner for Louisville could be West Virginia or Cincinnati. They could also go to 14 an add 3 more. Boise State as a partner for BYU. Houston as the seems to be the only acceptable Texas School as the Big 12 has lost a presence in the Houston area. The Louisville and West Virginia. But the other two may not be realistic if the Big East can remain stable. They could also add TCU.
About BYU, if they do accept the Big 12 invite, expect it to be official no later than next Thursday. This is the last time the board of directors will meet before many leave to various parts of the world for LDS church leadership assignments. I am not certain if they meet weekly or monthly.
The Big East.
The Big East will need to spin off the Catholic schools into a new conference. Twitter rumors also have invites out to all three service academies, including Air Force. That invite is reportedly at the same stage as Louisville/BYU to the Big 12.
All of this may leave Conference USA relatively untouched and leave the WAC on life support.
Maybe the murkiness is not really clearing up yet, bu the direction appears to be.
Texas A&M is gone. That puts the conference down to 9. BYU and Louisville have "according to sources" been invited. But there is no official confirmation. That puts the conference to 11. Where they go next? Add a travel partner for Louisville and pair BYU with Texas Tech. The partner for Louisville could be West Virginia or Cincinnati. They could also go to 14 an add 3 more. Boise State as a partner for BYU. Houston as the seems to be the only acceptable Texas School as the Big 12 has lost a presence in the Houston area. The Louisville and West Virginia. But the other two may not be realistic if the Big East can remain stable. They could also add TCU.
About BYU, if they do accept the Big 12 invite, expect it to be official no later than next Thursday. This is the last time the board of directors will meet before many leave to various parts of the world for LDS church leadership assignments. I am not certain if they meet weekly or monthly.
The Big East.
The Big East will need to spin off the Catholic schools into a new conference. Twitter rumors also have invites out to all three service academies, including Air Force. That invite is reportedly at the same stage as Louisville/BYU to the Big 12.
All of this may leave Conference USA relatively untouched and leave the WAC on life support.
Maybe the murkiness is not really clearing up yet, bu the direction appears to be.
Conference Realignment Update September 27
According to the Upset Blog, BYU has an invitation to join the Big 12. That's all. KSL, apparently, is unable to confirm. Both are owned by the LDS church. There is nothing official at this time. Another blogger reports that a 3rd party may have delivered invitations to BYU and Louisville. Stay tuned.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The Computer Predicts, week 5.
I did not have a week 4 projection because I was in the air traveling on business for my paying job. But the computer projected that BYU would lose by 2, Utah State would win by 15, Weber would win by 17 and SUU would lose by 9. It was a bad week for Sagarin and their Beehive State predictions. Sagarin in Utah is now 11-5.
Brigham Young.
The Utah loss really hurt the Cougars and will likely haunt them all season.
September 3 Final BYU 14 Ole Miss 13...Computer predicted a 1 point Cougar victory.
September 10 Texas 17 BYU 16...Computer predicted an 8-point Longhorn victory.
September 17 Utah...Utah 54 BYU 10...Computer projected a 3 point Cougar win.
September 23 Central Florida...BYU 24 UCF 17...Computer projected a 2 point Cougar loss.
September 30 Utah State...BYU wins by 11.
October 8 San Jose State...BYU wins by 18.
October 15 @ Oregon State...BYU wins by 5.
October 22 Idaho State...BYU wins by 33.
October 28 v TCU...BYU loses by 12.
November 12 Idaho...BYU wins by 19.
November 19 New Mexico State...BYU wins by 22.
December 3 @ Hawaii...BYU wins by 1.
Armed Forces Bowl, Dallas, TX
December 30 v SMU...BYU loses by 1. (The Armed Forces Bowl is played on SMU's home field.)
BYU finishes 9-4.
FBS Independents.
1. Navy
2. BYU
3. Notre Dame
4. Army
Utah
It is still looking like a great season for Ute fans, but everything else from here on out is just icing on the cake.
September 1 Final...27-10 Utah. Computer predicted a 28-point Ute victory.
September 10 Final USC 23 Utah 14...Computer predicted a 6-point Trojan win.
September 17 @ BYU...Utah 54 BYU 10...Computer projected a 3-point Cougar win.
October 1 Washington...Utah wins by 17.
October 8 Arizona State...Utah wins by 7.
October 15 @ Pittsburgh...Utah wins by 8.
October 22 @ California...Utah wins by 7.
October 29 Oregon State...Utah wins by 25.
November 5 @ Arizona...Utah wins by 9.
November 12 UCLA...Utah wins by 21.
November 19 @ Washington State...Utah wins by 18.
November 25 Colorado...Utah wins 24.
Utah qualifies for the PAC-12 title game because USC is ineligible.
December 3 @ Stanford...Utah loses by 11.
Holiday Bowl, San Diego, California
December 28 v Texas A&M...Utah wins by 2.
Utah finishes 12-2, 7-2 in conference play, including the conference championship.
Conference Projection (Includes conf championship, but not the bowls)
North
1. Stanford 12-1, (Rose vs Ohio State)
2. Oregon 10-2, 8-1 (Fiesta vs. Oklahoma)
3. California 9-3, 6-3 (Sun vs Maryland)
4. Washington 7-5, 4-5 (Kraft Fight Hunger vs. Fresno State)
5. Washington State 3-9, 1-8
6. Oregon State 2-10, 0-9
South
1. USC 10-2, 8-1 (Ineligible)
1. Utah (tie) 11-2, 8-2 (Holiday vs. Texas A&M) (2nd loss is conf championship)
3. Arizona State 10-2, 7-2 (Alamo vs. Texas)
4. Arizona 6-6, 4-5 (Las Vegas vs. TCU)
5. UCLA 3-9, 2-7
6. Colorado 3-9, 1-8
Note: The PAC-12 will not have a team for the New Mexico Bowl. The bids goes to a WAC or MAC team instead.
Utah State
The loss to CSU cost the Aggies a little bit. Last week, they were projected to have only one more loss the rest of the season, win the WAC and play in the Poinsettia Bowl. But some Aggie fans have still not forgiven me for saying that Montana would get into the MWC over Utah State. If Utah State does win the WAC this year, they will get an MWC invite.
September 3 Final Auburn 41 Utah State 38...Computers predicted a 30 point Tiger victory.
September 10 Final Utah State 54 Weber 17...Computers projected a 9 point Aggie win.
September 24 Final Colorado State 35 Utah State 34...Computer projected a 15 point Aggie win.
September 30 @ BYU...USU loses by 11.
October 8 Wyoming...USU wins by 5.
October 15 @ Fresno State...USU loses by 5.
October 22 Louisiana Tech...USU wins by 4.
November 5 @ Hawaii...USU loses by 5.
November 12 San Jose State...USU wins by 12.
November 19 @ Idaho...USU wins by 5.
November 26 Nevada...USU loses by 1.
December 3 @ New Mexico State...USU wins by 9. (+)
Idaho Famous Potato Bowl, Boise, ID
December 17 vs. Ohio...USU loses by 4
USU finishes 7-6, 4-3 in WAC play.
Conference Projection (Bowl and Opponent)
1. Nevada 8-4, 6-1 (Poinsettia vs. Air Force) (Nevada beats Hawaii)
1. Hawaii 9-3, 6-1 (Hawaii vs Tulsa)
3. Utah State 7-5, 4-3 (Idaho Famous Potato vs. Ohio)
4. Fresno State 5-7, 4-3
5. Louisiana Tech 5-7, 3-4
6. Idaho 4-8, 2-5
7. New Mexico State 3-9, 1-6
8. San Jose State 1-11, 0-7
Weber State
In Big Sky play the Wildcats are better than expected, they will have to be at least two more times this season to make the post season. But they could very well win another conference championship.
September 3 Wyoming 35 Weber State 32...Computer predicted a 7 point Cowboy win.
September 10 Final Utah State 54 Weber 17...Computers projected a 9 point Aggie win.
September 17 Final Weber State 49 Sacramento State 17...Computers projected a 6 point Wildcat triumph.
September 24 Final Weber State 45 Northern Colorado 21...Computer projected a 17 point Wildcat win
October 1 @ Eastern Washington...Weber loses by 2.
October 15 Idaho State...Weber wins by 21.
October 22 Southern Utah...Weber wins by 2.
October 29 @ Montana...Weber loses by 3.
November 5 Montana State...Weber loses by 2.
November 12 Northern Arizona...Weber wins by 7.
November 19 @ Portland State...Weber wins by 14.
Weber finishes 6-5, 5-3 in conference play...Not quite good enough for the FCS playoffs
Conference Projection
1. Montana State10-1, 8-0
2. Montana 10-2, 7-1
3. Weber State 6-5, 5-3
4. Sacramento State 7-4, 5-3
5. Eastern Washington 6-5, 4-4
6. Northern Arizona 4-7, 3-5
7. Portland State 4-7, 2-6
8. Northern Colorado 3-8, 1-7
9. Idaho State 1-11, 0-8
Southern Utah
The win against UNLV does not help their computer projection a lot, but it will help SUU climb into the post-season.
September 3 Final South Dakota State 29 SUU 28...Computer predicted a 6 point Jackrabbit victory.
September 10 Final SUU 35 Sacramento State 14...Computer predicted a 3 point Hornet win.
September 17 SUU 45 UTSA 22...Computer projected an 18 point Thunderbird win
September 24 @ SUU 41 UNLV 16...Computer projected a 9 point Rebel triumph
October 1 North Dakota...SUU wins by 11.
October 8 @ South Dakota...SUU wins by 3.
October 15 @ Cal Poly...SUU wins by 1.
October 22 @ Weber State...SUU loses by 2.
October 29 UC Davis...SUU wins by 12.
November 12 @ Northern Iowa...SUU loses by 7.
November 19 Northern Arizona...SUU wins by 2.
SUU finishes 8-3, 4-0 in conference play.
Conference Projection
1. Southern Utah 8-3, 4-0
2. South Dakota 6-5, 3-1
3. Cal Poly 5-6, 2-2
4. UC Davis 6-5, 1-3
5. North Dakota 3-8, 0-4
Brigham Young.
The Utah loss really hurt the Cougars and will likely haunt them all season.
September 3 Final BYU 14 Ole Miss 13...Computer predicted a 1 point Cougar victory.
September 10 Texas 17 BYU 16...Computer predicted an 8-point Longhorn victory.
September 17 Utah...Utah 54 BYU 10...Computer projected a 3 point Cougar win.
September 23 Central Florida...BYU 24 UCF 17...Computer projected a 2 point Cougar loss.
September 30 Utah State...BYU wins by 11.
October 8 San Jose State...BYU wins by 18.
October 15 @ Oregon State...BYU wins by 5.
October 22 Idaho State...BYU wins by 33.
October 28 v TCU...BYU loses by 12.
November 12 Idaho...BYU wins by 19.
November 19 New Mexico State...BYU wins by 22.
December 3 @ Hawaii...BYU wins by 1.
Armed Forces Bowl, Dallas, TX
December 30 v SMU...BYU loses by 1. (The Armed Forces Bowl is played on SMU's home field.)
BYU finishes 9-4.
FBS Independents.
1. Navy
2. BYU
3. Notre Dame
4. Army
Utah
It is still looking like a great season for Ute fans, but everything else from here on out is just icing on the cake.
September 1 Final...27-10 Utah. Computer predicted a 28-point Ute victory.
September 10 Final USC 23 Utah 14...Computer predicted a 6-point Trojan win.
September 17 @ BYU...Utah 54 BYU 10...Computer projected a 3-point Cougar win.
October 1 Washington...Utah wins by 17.
October 8 Arizona State...Utah wins by 7.
October 15 @ Pittsburgh...Utah wins by 8.
October 22 @ California...Utah wins by 7.
October 29 Oregon State...Utah wins by 25.
November 5 @ Arizona...Utah wins by 9.
November 12 UCLA...Utah wins by 21.
November 19 @ Washington State...Utah wins by 18.
November 25 Colorado...Utah wins 24.
Utah qualifies for the PAC-12 title game because USC is ineligible.
December 3 @ Stanford...Utah loses by 11.
Holiday Bowl, San Diego, California
December 28 v Texas A&M...Utah wins by 2.
Utah finishes 12-2, 7-2 in conference play, including the conference championship.
Conference Projection (Includes conf championship, but not the bowls)
North
1. Stanford 12-1, (Rose vs Ohio State)
2. Oregon 10-2, 8-1 (Fiesta vs. Oklahoma)
3. California 9-3, 6-3 (Sun vs Maryland)
4. Washington 7-5, 4-5 (Kraft Fight Hunger vs. Fresno State)
5. Washington State 3-9, 1-8
6. Oregon State 2-10, 0-9
South
1. USC 10-2, 8-1 (Ineligible)
1. Utah (tie) 11-2, 8-2 (Holiday vs. Texas A&M) (2nd loss is conf championship)
3. Arizona State 10-2, 7-2 (Alamo vs. Texas)
4. Arizona 6-6, 4-5 (Las Vegas vs. TCU)
5. UCLA 3-9, 2-7
6. Colorado 3-9, 1-8
Note: The PAC-12 will not have a team for the New Mexico Bowl. The bids goes to a WAC or MAC team instead.
Utah State
The loss to CSU cost the Aggies a little bit. Last week, they were projected to have only one more loss the rest of the season, win the WAC and play in the Poinsettia Bowl. But some Aggie fans have still not forgiven me for saying that Montana would get into the MWC over Utah State. If Utah State does win the WAC this year, they will get an MWC invite.
September 3 Final Auburn 41 Utah State 38...Computers predicted a 30 point Tiger victory.
September 10 Final Utah State 54 Weber 17...Computers projected a 9 point Aggie win.
September 24 Final Colorado State 35 Utah State 34...Computer projected a 15 point Aggie win.
September 30 @ BYU...USU loses by 11.
October 8 Wyoming...USU wins by 5.
October 15 @ Fresno State...USU loses by 5.
October 22 Louisiana Tech...USU wins by 4.
November 5 @ Hawaii...USU loses by 5.
November 12 San Jose State...USU wins by 12.
November 19 @ Idaho...USU wins by 5.
November 26 Nevada...USU loses by 1.
December 3 @ New Mexico State...USU wins by 9. (+)
Idaho Famous Potato Bowl, Boise, ID
December 17 vs. Ohio...USU loses by 4
USU finishes 7-6, 4-3 in WAC play.
Conference Projection (Bowl and Opponent)
1. Nevada 8-4, 6-1 (Poinsettia vs. Air Force) (Nevada beats Hawaii)
1. Hawaii 9-3, 6-1 (Hawaii vs Tulsa)
3. Utah State 7-5, 4-3 (Idaho Famous Potato vs. Ohio)
4. Fresno State 5-7, 4-3
5. Louisiana Tech 5-7, 3-4
6. Idaho 4-8, 2-5
7. New Mexico State 3-9, 1-6
8. San Jose State 1-11, 0-7
Weber State
In Big Sky play the Wildcats are better than expected, they will have to be at least two more times this season to make the post season. But they could very well win another conference championship.
September 3 Wyoming 35 Weber State 32...Computer predicted a 7 point Cowboy win.
September 10 Final Utah State 54 Weber 17...Computers projected a 9 point Aggie win.
September 17 Final Weber State 49 Sacramento State 17...Computers projected a 6 point Wildcat triumph.
September 24 Final Weber State 45 Northern Colorado 21...Computer projected a 17 point Wildcat win
October 1 @ Eastern Washington...Weber loses by 2.
October 15 Idaho State...Weber wins by 21.
October 22 Southern Utah...Weber wins by 2.
October 29 @ Montana...Weber loses by 3.
November 5 Montana State...Weber loses by 2.
November 12 Northern Arizona...Weber wins by 7.
November 19 @ Portland State...Weber wins by 14.
Weber finishes 6-5, 5-3 in conference play...Not quite good enough for the FCS playoffs
Conference Projection
1. Montana State10-1, 8-0
2. Montana 10-2, 7-1
3. Weber State 6-5, 5-3
4. Sacramento State 7-4, 5-3
5. Eastern Washington 6-5, 4-4
6. Northern Arizona 4-7, 3-5
7. Portland State 4-7, 2-6
8. Northern Colorado 3-8, 1-7
9. Idaho State 1-11, 0-8
Southern Utah
The win against UNLV does not help their computer projection a lot, but it will help SUU climb into the post-season.
September 3 Final South Dakota State 29 SUU 28...Computer predicted a 6 point Jackrabbit victory.
September 10 Final SUU 35 Sacramento State 14...Computer predicted a 3 point Hornet win.
September 17 SUU 45 UTSA 22...Computer projected an 18 point Thunderbird win
September 24 @ SUU 41 UNLV 16...Computer projected a 9 point Rebel triumph
October 1 North Dakota...SUU wins by 11.
October 8 @ South Dakota...SUU wins by 3.
October 15 @ Cal Poly...SUU wins by 1.
October 22 @ Weber State...SUU loses by 2.
October 29 UC Davis...SUU wins by 12.
November 12 @ Northern Iowa...SUU loses by 7.
November 19 Northern Arizona...SUU wins by 2.
SUU finishes 8-3, 4-0 in conference play.
Conference Projection
1. Southern Utah 8-3, 4-0
2. South Dakota 6-5, 3-1
3. Cal Poly 5-6, 2-2
4. UC Davis 6-5, 1-3
5. North Dakota 3-8, 0-4
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Conference Report for September 24
FBS Independents.
BYU special teams make the difference in win over Central Florida.
Notre Dame rallies to beat Pittsburgh
Army gets bowled over by Ball State
(Navy was idle)
MVP: BYU KR Cody Hoffman--The game changing touchdown
PAC 12
Arizona State runs away late from USC.
Oregon runs over Arizona
Colorado drops one at Ohio State
UCLA continues the Beaver woes
Washington takes care of California
(Stanford, Washington State and Utah were idle)
MVP: Washington QB Keith Price--5 touchdowns
Oregon RB LaMichael James--288 yards rushing
WAC
San Jose State gets by New Mexico State
Fresno State doubles up Idaho
Louisiana Tech loses in OT to Mississippi State
Nevada falls to a Texas Tech Rally
Utah State drops an overtime battle
(in progress) Hawaii running away from UC Davis
MVP: Fresno State QB Derek Carr--5 touchdowns
Big Sky
TCU blows by Portland State
Weber State runs over Northern Colorado
Northern Arizona shuts down Idaho State
Montana State extends EWU misery
Sacramento State flies past Montana
MVP: Weber State QB Mike Hoke--5 touchdowns
Great West
SUU takes advantage of generous UNLV
Wisconsin mauls South Dakota
Northern Illinois too much for Cal Poly
North Dakota bombards Black Hills State
UC Davis run over and shot by Hawaii (In progress)
MVP: Cal Poly QB Andre Broadous--3 touchdowns
BYU special teams make the difference in win over Central Florida.
Notre Dame rallies to beat Pittsburgh
Army gets bowled over by Ball State
(Navy was idle)
MVP: BYU KR Cody Hoffman--The game changing touchdown
PAC 12
Arizona State runs away late from USC.
Oregon runs over Arizona
Colorado drops one at Ohio State
UCLA continues the Beaver woes
Washington takes care of California
(Stanford, Washington State and Utah were idle)
MVP: Washington QB Keith Price--5 touchdowns
Oregon RB LaMichael James--288 yards rushing
WAC
San Jose State gets by New Mexico State
Fresno State doubles up Idaho
Louisiana Tech loses in OT to Mississippi State
Nevada falls to a Texas Tech Rally
Utah State drops an overtime battle
(in progress) Hawaii running away from UC Davis
MVP: Fresno State QB Derek Carr--5 touchdowns
Big Sky
TCU blows by Portland State
Weber State runs over Northern Colorado
Northern Arizona shuts down Idaho State
Montana State extends EWU misery
Sacramento State flies past Montana
MVP: Weber State QB Mike Hoke--5 touchdowns
Great West
SUU takes advantage of generous UNLV
Wisconsin mauls South Dakota
Northern Illinois too much for Cal Poly
North Dakota bombards Black Hills State
UC Davis run over and shot by Hawaii (In progress)
MVP: Cal Poly QB Andre Broadous--3 touchdowns
Report on the game...Colorado State at Utah State
Colorado State 35 Utah State 34
Even though USU scored in the second overtime, they failed a 2 point conversion in going for the win. Colorado State's Pete Thomas, who did not have a real spectacular game, rallied the Rams for an 85 yard drive in the final 2 minutes to tie the game in regulation. The bright spot for the Aggies was Robert Turpin who had 115 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns. The Aggies fumbled the ball 4 times, two of those fumbles were by Freshman Quarterback Chuckie Keeton.
USU MVP: Robert Turpin
Even though USU scored in the second overtime, they failed a 2 point conversion in going for the win. Colorado State's Pete Thomas, who did not have a real spectacular game, rallied the Rams for an 85 yard drive in the final 2 minutes to tie the game in regulation. The bright spot for the Aggies was Robert Turpin who had 115 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns. The Aggies fumbled the ball 4 times, two of those fumbles were by Freshman Quarterback Chuckie Keeton.
USU MVP: Robert Turpin
Report on the Game...Southern Utah at UNLV
Southern Utah 41 UNLV 16
Most will buy the argument that there is not a huge difference between the better FCS schools and the lower tier of FBS schools. But when an FCS school from little Cedar City, Utah drives to Las Vegas and runs away from their nearest FBS school, people should take note. Brad Sorensen had an awful game, 16/34 for 177 yards 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The Thunderbirds had only 257 yards of total offense, but took advantage of 5 Rebel turnovers to win by 25. The Thunderbirds scored 3 times on interceptions returned for touchdowns.
SUU MVP: Nick Witzman, Blake Fenn and Erron Vonner who each returned an interception for a touchdown.
Most will buy the argument that there is not a huge difference between the better FCS schools and the lower tier of FBS schools. But when an FCS school from little Cedar City, Utah drives to Las Vegas and runs away from their nearest FBS school, people should take note. Brad Sorensen had an awful game, 16/34 for 177 yards 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The Thunderbirds had only 257 yards of total offense, but took advantage of 5 Rebel turnovers to win by 25. The Thunderbirds scored 3 times on interceptions returned for touchdowns.
SUU MVP: Nick Witzman, Blake Fenn and Erron Vonner who each returned an interception for a touchdown.
Report on the Game...Weber State at Northern Colorado
Weber State 45 Northern Colorado 21
Weber State's "running game by committee" rolled up 245 yards and WSU coasted to the finish after taking a 35-0 lead into the locker room at half time. NCU looked to mount a comeback, but after two quick scores cut the lead to 35-14, WSU answers with a drive that burned 3:12 off the clock. The game was iced when Mike Hoke hit Shaydon Kehano with 1:54 left in the 3rd quarter to make the score 42-14. Hoke has yet to throw an interception all season, a problem that plagued his predecessor. He finished the game with 5 TD passes.
WSU MVP: QB Mike Hoke
Weber State's "running game by committee" rolled up 245 yards and WSU coasted to the finish after taking a 35-0 lead into the locker room at half time. NCU looked to mount a comeback, but after two quick scores cut the lead to 35-14, WSU answers with a drive that burned 3:12 off the clock. The game was iced when Mike Hoke hit Shaydon Kehano with 1:54 left in the 3rd quarter to make the score 42-14. Hoke has yet to throw an interception all season, a problem that plagued his predecessor. He finished the game with 5 TD passes.
WSU MVP: QB Mike Hoke
Would the MWC take Montana over Utah State, San Jose State or Idaho?
One commenter I had this week said the following...
I have also seen no reports indicating that the Mtn. West is looking to send an invitation to Montana. Why would they elevate an FCS school when there are plenty of FBS candidates will to join their league? If you are going to report that, provide a link to an article or press release backing it up. Seriously, do a little research and include some actual facts in these posts
OK, here is the research.
1. This is not my theory, it did not come from my imagination. It was something from Bleacher Report from last November.
Here is a link to the article...http://bleacherreport.com/articles/529481-tcu-leaving-for-big-east-what-options-remain-for-mountain-west
Here is the quote...
Again, Thompson made a swift and wise decision. Hawaii was added (as a football-only member) to the (then) 10-team MWC, and the conference made it clear they were looking at options for team 12. Prognosticators (myself included) began considering and debating the merits of about a dozen programs. SMU, Houston, UTEP, Utah State, Tulsa and Montana were some of the most common names.
2. Does it make sense to elevate an FCS program when there are FBS schools wanting into your conference.
Let's do a comparison between Utah State and Montana...
Utah State
Logan/Preston Metro 125,000
~22,000 undergraduates
~3,700 post-graduates
~29% 4-year graduation rate. 53% 6-year graduation rate
Endowment 172 million
USNWR Ranking: 170 National
Student/Faculty ratio: 19:1
16 varsity sports. Men: Football, basketball, track & field (Indoor and outdoor), golf and cross country. Women: basketball, track & field (Indoor and outdoor), volleyball, softball, soccer, gymnastics, golf, cross country and tennis
Football Stadium: Romney stadium, 25,000 and usually about 3/4 full.
Basketball Arena: Dee Glenn Smith Spectrum, 10,000 which usually sounds more like 50,000.
Montana
Missoula Metro 109,000
~12,000 undergraduates
~3,200 post-graduates
~20% 4-year graduation rate. 43% 6-year graduation rate
Endowment 108 million
USNWR ranking: 194 National
Student-Faculty ratio: 20:1
14 varsity sports. Men: Football, basketball, track & field (Indoor and outdoor) golf and cross country.
Women: basketball, track & field (Indoor and outdoor), volleyball, soccer, golf and cross country
Football Stadium: Washington Grizzly stadium, 23,000 and usually full
Basketball Arena: Dahlberg Arena 7,500
Now, you might say that Utah State is clearly the better choice for the MWC by the numbers. Until you consider some other factors.
1. How do you get a football team into Logan? You fly to Salt Lake City and board a bus and drive 1 and 1/2 hours to Logan. Where you can fly directly to Missoula.
2. Recent success. Yes, who knows how Montana would really do at the FBS level, but winning 10 conference championships in 12 years is difficult no matter what conference you are in.
3. Fan support. SRO crowds look good on TV.
Those three negatives are holding Utah State back. USU can do nothing about fact #1, but the other two are completely in their control. Now, what about the others wanted to jump off the sinking WAC ship and onto the MWC life boat?
San Jose State? Where do they stand with fans when competing against Stanford, Cal, the 49ers, the Raiders, the Giants, the Athletics, the Sharks, the Warriors and the Quakes for publicity and exposure? Close to the bottom, but they often beat out the MLS team. There is a lot of competition for media time and print space in San Jose. In Missoula, Montana gets top billing.
Idaho? Attendance, attendance, attendance.
New Mexico State? Academics. Success on the field of play. Etc.
And would anyone leave Conference USA and their TV deal for the mtn?
Finally, what the MWC does not need is another Wyoming, or Colorado State or any program that can put together a winning season once every 10 years. They need another Utah or another Boise State. That program is really not out there, but what has happened in Missoula has turned a few heads. Can they be the next Boise State? That is really doubtful, but they could help the MWC get better.
I have also seen no reports indicating that the Mtn. West is looking to send an invitation to Montana. Why would they elevate an FCS school when there are plenty of FBS candidates will to join their league? If you are going to report that, provide a link to an article or press release backing it up. Seriously, do a little research and include some actual facts in these posts
OK, here is the research.
1. This is not my theory, it did not come from my imagination. It was something from Bleacher Report from last November.
Here is a link to the article...http://bleacherreport.com/articles/529481-tcu-leaving-for-big-east-what-options-remain-for-mountain-west
Here is the quote...
Again, Thompson made a swift and wise decision. Hawaii was added (as a football-only member) to the (then) 10-team MWC, and the conference made it clear they were looking at options for team 12. Prognosticators (myself included) began considering and debating the merits of about a dozen programs. SMU, Houston, UTEP, Utah State, Tulsa and Montana were some of the most common names.
2. Does it make sense to elevate an FCS program when there are FBS schools wanting into your conference.
Let's do a comparison between Utah State and Montana...
Utah State
Logan/Preston Metro 125,000
~22,000 undergraduates
~3,700 post-graduates
~29% 4-year graduation rate. 53% 6-year graduation rate
Endowment 172 million
USNWR Ranking: 170 National
Student/Faculty ratio: 19:1
16 varsity sports. Men: Football, basketball, track & field (Indoor and outdoor), golf and cross country. Women: basketball, track & field (Indoor and outdoor), volleyball, softball, soccer, gymnastics, golf, cross country and tennis
Football Stadium: Romney stadium, 25,000 and usually about 3/4 full.
Basketball Arena: Dee Glenn Smith Spectrum, 10,000 which usually sounds more like 50,000.
Montana
Missoula Metro 109,000
~12,000 undergraduates
~3,200 post-graduates
~20% 4-year graduation rate. 43% 6-year graduation rate
Endowment 108 million
USNWR ranking: 194 National
Student-Faculty ratio: 20:1
14 varsity sports. Men: Football, basketball, track & field (Indoor and outdoor) golf and cross country.
Women: basketball, track & field (Indoor and outdoor), volleyball, soccer, golf and cross country
Football Stadium: Washington Grizzly stadium, 23,000 and usually full
Basketball Arena: Dahlberg Arena 7,500
Now, you might say that Utah State is clearly the better choice for the MWC by the numbers. Until you consider some other factors.
1. How do you get a football team into Logan? You fly to Salt Lake City and board a bus and drive 1 and 1/2 hours to Logan. Where you can fly directly to Missoula.
2. Recent success. Yes, who knows how Montana would really do at the FBS level, but winning 10 conference championships in 12 years is difficult no matter what conference you are in.
3. Fan support. SRO crowds look good on TV.
Those three negatives are holding Utah State back. USU can do nothing about fact #1, but the other two are completely in their control. Now, what about the others wanted to jump off the sinking WAC ship and onto the MWC life boat?
San Jose State? Where do they stand with fans when competing against Stanford, Cal, the 49ers, the Raiders, the Giants, the Athletics, the Sharks, the Warriors and the Quakes for publicity and exposure? Close to the bottom, but they often beat out the MLS team. There is a lot of competition for media time and print space in San Jose. In Missoula, Montana gets top billing.
Idaho? Attendance, attendance, attendance.
New Mexico State? Academics. Success on the field of play. Etc.
And would anyone leave Conference USA and their TV deal for the mtn?
Finally, what the MWC does not need is another Wyoming, or Colorado State or any program that can put together a winning season once every 10 years. They need another Utah or another Boise State. That program is really not out there, but what has happened in Missoula has turned a few heads. Can they be the next Boise State? That is really doubtful, but they could help the MWC get better.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Report on the Game--BYU vs UCF
BYU 24 UCF 17
Special teams scored one touchdown and set up another as BYU got past Central Florida 24-17. Cody Hoffman answered a second half score by UCF with a 93-yard kick return for a touchdown. Then the defense came on and turned the game for the Cougars. Jake Heaps continues to struggle. I will repeat what I said last week. The best thing for Heaps at this point in his career is to put him on the bench and make him earn his way back to the starting line-up.
BYU MVP--KR Cody Hoffman
Special teams scored one touchdown and set up another as BYU got past Central Florida 24-17. Cody Hoffman answered a second half score by UCF with a 93-yard kick return for a touchdown. Then the defense came on and turned the game for the Cougars. Jake Heaps continues to struggle. I will repeat what I said last week. The best thing for Heaps at this point in his career is to put him on the bench and make him earn his way back to the starting line-up.
BYU MVP--KR Cody Hoffman
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Saving the WAC...the future is coming.
The time has come for the WAC to prepare for life as a non-football conference. Their best hope remains that the Big 12 can not stay together, which would allow the WAC to possibly add some of the left over pieces like Iowa State or Baylor. Last night the PAC 12 announced that they would not expand. There were two reasons cited by ESPN for this. One was the unbalanced revenue sharing that the Longhorn Network would bring. The 12 existing schools decided to allow schools to develop local television broadcasting networks, such as allowing Utah to broadcast games on K-Jazz. But the Longhorn Network is out of bounds. Then the Arizona Schools decided that they want access to the Los Angeles area, which did not seem likely if Oklahoma and Oklahoma State were added.
As such, the Big 12 is being forced to face reality. Although the may lose Missouri to the SEC, the remaining 8 must find a way to work together. Publicly, the are pursuing Arkansas and BYU. Arkansas seems like a long shot, and seems happy in the SEC. BYU is not a long shot. But the Cougars will want assurances from Texas and Oklahoma that they are committed to keeping the Big 12 going.
Afterwards, the Big 12 will want to get back to 12. If Missouri also leaves, then you have 4 holes to fill. BYU will be one, but who will be the other 3. ESPN reports that Boise State and Air Force are among them. TCU, SMU and Houston could also be in the mix. This will spell curtains for the WAC and here is why. The best case scenario for the Big 12, if they also lose Missouri is BYU, Boise, Air Force and TCU. If the Big 12 can not get TCU, then either Houston or SMU will be the next choice.
The MWC will replace Boise State and Air Force. They are aggressively trying to keep TCU, but TCU could join the Big 12. Their replacement list could include Montana. If both Boise and Air Force are gone, then expect the MWC to at least add Utah State to remain at 9 for football. Then they could make the move to go to 12. They believe that Montana will accept an invite, where the Missoula school would not join the WAC. If the MWC invites 4 to run their number to 12 look for Utah State, San Jose State, Montana and Montana State to get invites.
Conference USA is certain to be decimated by this realignment as well. The Big East is not hunting for replacements for Syracuse and Pittsburgh and will certainly raid C-USA for those replacements. They could include Central Florida, East Carolina, Southern Mississippi, SMU (to keep TCU) and Houston.
Where then will Conference USA go for their replacements. There is a possibility that C-USA, if they fall to 9 will remain there, but they could lose more. They could go back to 12. Three WAC schools are C-USA possibilities. They are UTSA, Louisiana Tech and New Mexico State. C-USA may grab Appalachian State who is transitioning to the FBS. Other possibilities are Middle Tennessee and North Texas and other schools from the Sun Belt including Florida International, Florida Atlantic and Troy.
The WAC is at 7 football members for 2012. At 5, you no longer have a conference. The next move for the WAC would be to simply wave a white flag and become a basketball conference. If the WAC can remain at 8 basketball schools, where they now have three that do not have football, they can keep their NCAA automatic bid. They should immediately make invitations to Utah Valley, CS Bakersfield and Texas A&M Corpus Chisti--the last non-football member of the Southland Conference. They should look for two other schools that are mis-aligned with their current conferences. Summit League member Oral Roberts is one. Houston Baptist and Texas Pan American are others.
Possible Disposition of the remaining 7 WAC football members:
Idaho--Relegated back to the FCS and Big Sky Conference Long shot...Mountain West Conference
Utah State---Mountain West Conference
San Jose State--Mountain West Conference or FCS and Big Sky Conference for football and Big West for other sports.
New Mexico State--Conference USA or Sun Belt Conference
Texas State--Sun Belt Conference
UTSA--Conference USA or Sun Belt Conference
Louisiana Tech--Conference USA or Sun Belt Conference
Possible Basketball-only WAC
CS Bakersfield
Denver
Houston Baptist
Oral Roberts
Seattle
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Texas Arlington
Texas Pan American
Utah Valley
As such, the Big 12 is being forced to face reality. Although the may lose Missouri to the SEC, the remaining 8 must find a way to work together. Publicly, the are pursuing Arkansas and BYU. Arkansas seems like a long shot, and seems happy in the SEC. BYU is not a long shot. But the Cougars will want assurances from Texas and Oklahoma that they are committed to keeping the Big 12 going.
Afterwards, the Big 12 will want to get back to 12. If Missouri also leaves, then you have 4 holes to fill. BYU will be one, but who will be the other 3. ESPN reports that Boise State and Air Force are among them. TCU, SMU and Houston could also be in the mix. This will spell curtains for the WAC and here is why. The best case scenario for the Big 12, if they also lose Missouri is BYU, Boise, Air Force and TCU. If the Big 12 can not get TCU, then either Houston or SMU will be the next choice.
The MWC will replace Boise State and Air Force. They are aggressively trying to keep TCU, but TCU could join the Big 12. Their replacement list could include Montana. If both Boise and Air Force are gone, then expect the MWC to at least add Utah State to remain at 9 for football. Then they could make the move to go to 12. They believe that Montana will accept an invite, where the Missoula school would not join the WAC. If the MWC invites 4 to run their number to 12 look for Utah State, San Jose State, Montana and Montana State to get invites.
Conference USA is certain to be decimated by this realignment as well. The Big East is not hunting for replacements for Syracuse and Pittsburgh and will certainly raid C-USA for those replacements. They could include Central Florida, East Carolina, Southern Mississippi, SMU (to keep TCU) and Houston.
Where then will Conference USA go for their replacements. There is a possibility that C-USA, if they fall to 9 will remain there, but they could lose more. They could go back to 12. Three WAC schools are C-USA possibilities. They are UTSA, Louisiana Tech and New Mexico State. C-USA may grab Appalachian State who is transitioning to the FBS. Other possibilities are Middle Tennessee and North Texas and other schools from the Sun Belt including Florida International, Florida Atlantic and Troy.
The WAC is at 7 football members for 2012. At 5, you no longer have a conference. The next move for the WAC would be to simply wave a white flag and become a basketball conference. If the WAC can remain at 8 basketball schools, where they now have three that do not have football, they can keep their NCAA automatic bid. They should immediately make invitations to Utah Valley, CS Bakersfield and Texas A&M Corpus Chisti--the last non-football member of the Southland Conference. They should look for two other schools that are mis-aligned with their current conferences. Summit League member Oral Roberts is one. Houston Baptist and Texas Pan American are others.
Possible Disposition of the remaining 7 WAC football members:
Idaho--Relegated back to the FCS and Big Sky Conference Long shot...Mountain West Conference
Utah State---Mountain West Conference
San Jose State--Mountain West Conference or FCS and Big Sky Conference for football and Big West for other sports.
New Mexico State--Conference USA or Sun Belt Conference
Texas State--Sun Belt Conference
UTSA--Conference USA or Sun Belt Conference
Louisiana Tech--Conference USA or Sun Belt Conference
Possible Basketball-only WAC
CS Bakersfield
Denver
Houston Baptist
Oral Roberts
Seattle
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Texas Arlington
Texas Pan American
Utah Valley
Conference Realignment Update...September 21
PAC-12
Will not expand at this time. There were concerns about the revenue sharing model that bringing in Texas would cause. There were also concerns from the AZ schools about limited access to the Los Angeles Market, one of their prime recruiting grounds.
SEC
Denying rumors that Missouri will join with Texas A&M. Said to be pursuing an ACC school.
ACC
Unsure if they will go to 16.
Big 12
Rumor is the Arkansas and BYU are in talks to join. Arkansas is probably a long shot. BYU will want assurances of stability, particularly from OU and UTX.
Big East
Have assurances that the remainder of the football schools are committed to the conference, however, West Virginia, Rutger, Cincy and Louisville had their fingers crossed behind their backs.
MWC
Aggressively attempting to get TCU to stay. If the Frogs agree a 12th school, either Utah State or Montana, will be invited. (Probably Utah State as Montana may not come without Montana State, although that could have been a WAC stipulation to avoid joining the floundering conference and may not apply to the MWC.)
Conference USA
Bracing for loss of schools to the Big East. Likely looking at Middle Tennessee, North Texas, UTSA and perhaps Louisiana Tech.
WAC
The WAC will be finished as a football conference if they lose 2 more members. If TCU agrees to remain in the MWC and the MWC invites Utah State, it will likely mean the end of WAC football. The WAC will probably lose at least one member to Conference USA should they need replacements.
Will not expand at this time. There were concerns about the revenue sharing model that bringing in Texas would cause. There were also concerns from the AZ schools about limited access to the Los Angeles Market, one of their prime recruiting grounds.
SEC
Denying rumors that Missouri will join with Texas A&M. Said to be pursuing an ACC school.
ACC
Unsure if they will go to 16.
Big 12
Rumor is the Arkansas and BYU are in talks to join. Arkansas is probably a long shot. BYU will want assurances of stability, particularly from OU and UTX.
Big East
Have assurances that the remainder of the football schools are committed to the conference, however, West Virginia, Rutger, Cincy and Louisville had their fingers crossed behind their backs.
MWC
Aggressively attempting to get TCU to stay. If the Frogs agree a 12th school, either Utah State or Montana, will be invited. (Probably Utah State as Montana may not come without Montana State, although that could have been a WAC stipulation to avoid joining the floundering conference and may not apply to the MWC.)
Conference USA
Bracing for loss of schools to the Big East. Likely looking at Middle Tennessee, North Texas, UTSA and perhaps Louisiana Tech.
WAC
The WAC will be finished as a football conference if they lose 2 more members. If TCU agrees to remain in the MWC and the MWC invites Utah State, it will likely mean the end of WAC football. The WAC will probably lose at least one member to Conference USA should they need replacements.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Realignment Capsule...September 19
Here is the latestest on the realignment from.
1. We know that Pitt and 'Cuse are joining the ACC.
2. We know that TX A&M is joining the SEC
...
It is believed that Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State could head to the PAC-??.
Now, here is the next salvo...
The remaining 7 members of the Big East (Including TCU...UConn, Cincy, Louisville, West Virginia, Rutgers, South Florida, ) and the remaining members of the Big 12 (Iowa State, Missouri, Kansas, Kansas State and Baylor) are talking merger. That would be 12 members and natural divisions if you move TCU with the old Big 12 schools.
That will not be the end of it, I can guarentee that. If the PAC-12 goes to 16, then the SEC will want to keep up, and where will they go for an additional 3 schools?
1. We know that Pitt and 'Cuse are joining the ACC.
2. We know that TX A&M is joining the SEC
...
It is believed that Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State could head to the PAC-??.
Now, here is the next salvo...
The remaining 7 members of the Big East (Including TCU...UConn, Cincy, Louisville, West Virginia, Rutgers, South Florida, ) and the remaining members of the Big 12 (Iowa State, Missouri, Kansas, Kansas State and Baylor) are talking merger. That would be 12 members and natural divisions if you move TCU with the old Big 12 schools.
That will not be the end of it, I can guarentee that. If the PAC-12 goes to 16, then the SEC will want to keep up, and where will they go for an additional 3 schools?
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Saving the WAC...Welcome to the Funny Farm
Karl Benson now has company. Welcome John Marinanto to a new and exciting club. The Big East Conference has joined the WAC in the football conference ICU this morning.
Syracuse and Pitt have now joined the ACC. The Big East has 7 football members for 2012, just like the WAC. The next salvo would be TCU backing out on their commitment and remaining in the Mountain West Conference. This is something that I expect will be announced soon. That could be followed up by the MWC adding either Utah State or Montana to round up to 12. The WAC would still have 6 if Utah State leaves. The best thing that could happen to the WAC at this point is if the Big 12 implodes leaving someone like Kansas State for the MWC to pick up. Perhaps Iowa State will end up being a savior for WAC football.
Clearly this is not about the quality of the program. Syracuse has not been Syracuse for a long time. West Virginia, Cincinnati or Louisville would have been better choices from a quality of competition standpoint. This was a conference money grab. The Big East Conference and UConn, Rutgers, Louisville, Cincinnati, West Virginia, South Florida and TCU fans are the victims. Perhaps all of college football will suffer.
BTW...did anyone else notice that the BYU/Utah game was not a sellout?
Syracuse and Pitt have now joined the ACC. The Big East has 7 football members for 2012, just like the WAC. The next salvo would be TCU backing out on their commitment and remaining in the Mountain West Conference. This is something that I expect will be announced soon. That could be followed up by the MWC adding either Utah State or Montana to round up to 12. The WAC would still have 6 if Utah State leaves. The best thing that could happen to the WAC at this point is if the Big 12 implodes leaving someone like Kansas State for the MWC to pick up. Perhaps Iowa State will end up being a savior for WAC football.
Clearly this is not about the quality of the program. Syracuse has not been Syracuse for a long time. West Virginia, Cincinnati or Louisville would have been better choices from a quality of competition standpoint. This was a conference money grab. The Big East Conference and UConn, Rutgers, Louisville, Cincinnati, West Virginia, South Florida and TCU fans are the victims. Perhaps all of college football will suffer.
BTW...did anyone else notice that the BYU/Utah game was not a sellout?
Conference Realignment News
I am breaking the Holy War Ruckus to pass on the following...
The New York Times is reporting that Congress is looking into the conference realignment issue as soon as this week. The article does not mention who or what state he represents, only that it is from a state that could be hurt by the realignment process. If both the Big East and Big 12 are gone, that would narrow it down to a congressman from either Connecticut, New Jersey, West Virginia, Kansas or Iowa. Expect it to be announced this week.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/19/sports/ncaafootball/congressional-scrutiny-of-conference-realignment-is-said-to-be-likely.html?_r=1
Somewhere out there, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff's day gets a whole lot better.
The New York Times is reporting that Congress is looking into the conference realignment issue as soon as this week. The article does not mention who or what state he represents, only that it is from a state that could be hurt by the realignment process. If both the Big East and Big 12 are gone, that would narrow it down to a congressman from either Connecticut, New Jersey, West Virginia, Kansas or Iowa. Expect it to be announced this week.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/19/sports/ncaafootball/congressional-scrutiny-of-conference-realignment-is-said-to-be-likely.html?_r=1
Somewhere out there, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff's day gets a whole lot better.
Second Thoughts on the BYU/Utah game
Without turnovers and fatigue on the defense in the fourth quarter, the game would have ended in a 17-16 BYU victory. You don't need a PhD in football to know that turnovers costs games, and can turn a close game into a blowout.
Jake Heaps had his first 300 yard passing game as a Cougar, but the turnovers made this a wasted effort. That being said, it is becoming obvious that if Jake Heaps is the quarterback of the future in Provo, it is a very anemic future indeed. BYU has a long list of great quarterbacks, but can anyone name a highly coveted High School quarterback that made it at BYU? Neither can I. Let me list what has happened to a few of them.
Eric Kryzmarzyk...I am not certain I got the name spelled right. He was recruited to replace Jim McMahon. Ended up following Doug Scovill to San Diego State. Not much happened after that. Some guy name Steve Young ended up taking over for McMahon instead. He only became an All American, finished up as the Heisman Trophy runner up to some guy named Bo Jackson. And then went on to the NFL Hall of Fame.
Drew Miller...could not wait his turn in Provo. Did a nice job at Montana and let the Grizzlies to the I-AA final game, where they lost. Didn't make the NFL, however. I think some guy name Doman took over in his place and did a very nice job as a Senior.
Ben Olsen...came home from a mission and transferred to UCLA where injuries derailed his career. BYU ended up with Max Hall instead.
And now we get Heaps, who plays like he is still in high school. I know that sounds mean, but look at what he has done this year so far. He has thrown 4 interceptions and 3 touchdown passes. His 3 touchdowns have gone to the same receiver. But not all of BYUs problems can be blamed on the quarterback. BYU is near the bottom in the NCAA in nearly every offensive category. Futility they have not seen since, oh, 2004. Perhaps even since the Tommy Hudspeth era. For BYU fans, that is unacceptable.
I find it surprising to find that Bronco Mendenhall has broken the formula for quarterbacks at the Y. He does not appear to be the guy who will give into entitlement. Of any coach in the country, Bronco Mendenhall is the guy who would be more likely to say, "sit on the bench and earn you way to the starting lineup." Heaps has tons of potential, and does well in practice, but in the game, is his head screwed on right? Maybe the answer is to bench Heaps and make him earn his way back to the starting lineup. Make him the example for the rest of the team. It will be interesting to see if what happens this week.
Jake Heaps had his first 300 yard passing game as a Cougar, but the turnovers made this a wasted effort. That being said, it is becoming obvious that if Jake Heaps is the quarterback of the future in Provo, it is a very anemic future indeed. BYU has a long list of great quarterbacks, but can anyone name a highly coveted High School quarterback that made it at BYU? Neither can I. Let me list what has happened to a few of them.
Eric Kryzmarzyk...I am not certain I got the name spelled right. He was recruited to replace Jim McMahon. Ended up following Doug Scovill to San Diego State. Not much happened after that. Some guy name Steve Young ended up taking over for McMahon instead. He only became an All American, finished up as the Heisman Trophy runner up to some guy named Bo Jackson. And then went on to the NFL Hall of Fame.
Drew Miller...could not wait his turn in Provo. Did a nice job at Montana and let the Grizzlies to the I-AA final game, where they lost. Didn't make the NFL, however. I think some guy name Doman took over in his place and did a very nice job as a Senior.
Ben Olsen...came home from a mission and transferred to UCLA where injuries derailed his career. BYU ended up with Max Hall instead.
And now we get Heaps, who plays like he is still in high school. I know that sounds mean, but look at what he has done this year so far. He has thrown 4 interceptions and 3 touchdown passes. His 3 touchdowns have gone to the same receiver. But not all of BYUs problems can be blamed on the quarterback. BYU is near the bottom in the NCAA in nearly every offensive category. Futility they have not seen since, oh, 2004. Perhaps even since the Tommy Hudspeth era. For BYU fans, that is unacceptable.
I find it surprising to find that Bronco Mendenhall has broken the formula for quarterbacks at the Y. He does not appear to be the guy who will give into entitlement. Of any coach in the country, Bronco Mendenhall is the guy who would be more likely to say, "sit on the bench and earn you way to the starting lineup." Heaps has tons of potential, and does well in practice, but in the game, is his head screwed on right? Maybe the answer is to bench Heaps and make him earn his way back to the starting lineup. Make him the example for the rest of the team. It will be interesting to see if what happens this week.
Conference Report
Pac 12
The PAC-12 looks good in week 3.
-Utah takes advantage of 7 turnovers to crush arch rival.
-Stanford Cruises past Arizona in Tuscon
-Colorado doubles up Colorado State
-Texas pounds UCLA
-Nebraska too much for Washington
-Oregon wins sleeper against FCS foe
-California crushed Presbyterian
-San Diego State cruises past Washington State
-Arizona State drops heartbreaker
-USC takes care of Syracuse
MVP: USC QB Matt Barkley
FBS Independents
Hey, Notre Dame and Army finally get a win.
-BYU way to generous to arch rival
-Notre Dame bounces back against Michigan state
-Navy loses a close one
-Army beats Northwestern at home
MVP: Army QB Trent Steelman
WAC
It was a bad week for the WAC.
-Nevada scrapes past San Jose State
-Texas A&M gets past Idaho
-Houston drops Louisiana Tech in a close one
-UTEP handles New Mexico State
-Fresno State survives scare to FCS foe at home
-UNLV surprises Hawaii
MVP : Nevada RB Mike Ball
Big Sky
Some surprisingly lopsided Big Sky contests.
-Montana drops Eastern Washington at home. One more loss could eliminate the defending national champions from the post-season.
-Montana State cruises past Minot State
-Weber State runs past Sacramento State
-Idaho State crushes Northern Colorado
-Portland State nips Northern Arizona
MVP: Portland State RB Corey McCaffrey
Great West
One heartbreaker is the lone blemish for the GWFC
-South Dakota crushes Northwest Oklahoma
-Cal Poly is too much for South Dakota State
-Southern Utah cruises past Texas San Antonio
-UC Davis all over San Diego
-Late score lifts Fresno State past North Dakota
MVP: Cal Poly QB Andre Broadous
The PAC-12 looks good in week 3.
-Utah takes advantage of 7 turnovers to crush arch rival.
-Stanford Cruises past Arizona in Tuscon
-Colorado doubles up Colorado State
-Texas pounds UCLA
-Nebraska too much for Washington
-Oregon wins sleeper against FCS foe
-California crushed Presbyterian
-San Diego State cruises past Washington State
-Arizona State drops heartbreaker
-USC takes care of Syracuse
MVP: USC QB Matt Barkley
FBS Independents
Hey, Notre Dame and Army finally get a win.
-BYU way to generous to arch rival
-Notre Dame bounces back against Michigan state
-Navy loses a close one
-Army beats Northwestern at home
MVP: Army QB Trent Steelman
WAC
It was a bad week for the WAC.
-Nevada scrapes past San Jose State
-Texas A&M gets past Idaho
-Houston drops Louisiana Tech in a close one
-UTEP handles New Mexico State
-Fresno State survives scare to FCS foe at home
-UNLV surprises Hawaii
MVP : Nevada RB Mike Ball
Big Sky
Some surprisingly lopsided Big Sky contests.
-Montana drops Eastern Washington at home. One more loss could eliminate the defending national champions from the post-season.
-Montana State cruises past Minot State
-Weber State runs past Sacramento State
-Idaho State crushes Northern Colorado
-Portland State nips Northern Arizona
MVP: Portland State RB Corey McCaffrey
Great West
One heartbreaker is the lone blemish for the GWFC
-South Dakota crushes Northwest Oklahoma
-Cal Poly is too much for South Dakota State
-Southern Utah cruises past Texas San Antonio
-UC Davis all over San Diego
-Late score lifts Fresno State past North Dakota
MVP: Cal Poly QB Andre Broadous
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Report on the Games
I was waiting for the blood bath in Provo to end before I got to this. Tonight, I witnessed two blowouts. But in one, you could tell the the players on the losing end were still trying. Kudos to Sacramento State for their effort. There was no excuse for the way BYU played at the end of the game. I don't care what the score is.
Now for my MVP selections.
Utah 54 BYU 10
Bronco was complaining earlier in the weeks about criticism from the Cougar Club. He will be facing a mutiny this week. What happened? I don't know. I can tell you that too much has been asked of this defense this season. They are tired and worn down. The offense has not been keeping their end of the bargain. I will have more to say about Heaps in a later blog, but he did have his first 300 yard passing game as a Cougar. Not much to show for it when you give up 7 turnovers. But this is just way to much for a rivalry that is so important to the fans.
Utah MVP: Derrick Shelby
BYU MVP: Jake Heaps
Weber State 49 Sacramento State 17
We were treated to a good sunset in Ogden tonight, and Weber fans had plenty to cheer about. This was the same Sacramento State team that beat Oregon State earlier this year. And there were times when they showed flashes of the same brilliance. The problem is the coaches thought that they could run on WSU like Utah State did last week. And we found out that Bryan Hilliard is no Robert Turpin. It was not until the second half that Sacramento State finally unleashed Jeff Flemming, but desperation led to some WSU points. BTW, the crowd was typical of a WSU crowd. The east stands were nearly full, and the west stands were nearly empty. That speaks volumes about WSU's ticket prices. My MVP honors go to the entire offensive line, because no matter who got the ball, he got yards. The 4 running back rotation ended up with 324 yards, led by redshirt freshman Tanner Hinds with 104.
WSU MVP: Entire Offensive Line
Southern Utah 45 UTSA 22
Brad Sorensen passed for 3 touchdowns to lead the Thunderbirds past the Roadrunners of UTSA. It was a nice homecoming treat for the SUU fans against a Roadrunner team playing in only their third-ever college football game.
SUU MVP: Brad Sorensen
USU was off this week. They get Colorado State at home this coming Saturday.
Now for my MVP selections.
Utah 54 BYU 10
Bronco was complaining earlier in the weeks about criticism from the Cougar Club. He will be facing a mutiny this week. What happened? I don't know. I can tell you that too much has been asked of this defense this season. They are tired and worn down. The offense has not been keeping their end of the bargain. I will have more to say about Heaps in a later blog, but he did have his first 300 yard passing game as a Cougar. Not much to show for it when you give up 7 turnovers. But this is just way to much for a rivalry that is so important to the fans.
Utah MVP: Derrick Shelby
BYU MVP: Jake Heaps
Weber State 49 Sacramento State 17
We were treated to a good sunset in Ogden tonight, and Weber fans had plenty to cheer about. This was the same Sacramento State team that beat Oregon State earlier this year. And there were times when they showed flashes of the same brilliance. The problem is the coaches thought that they could run on WSU like Utah State did last week. And we found out that Bryan Hilliard is no Robert Turpin. It was not until the second half that Sacramento State finally unleashed Jeff Flemming, but desperation led to some WSU points. BTW, the crowd was typical of a WSU crowd. The east stands were nearly full, and the west stands were nearly empty. That speaks volumes about WSU's ticket prices. My MVP honors go to the entire offensive line, because no matter who got the ball, he got yards. The 4 running back rotation ended up with 324 yards, led by redshirt freshman Tanner Hinds with 104.
WSU MVP: Entire Offensive Line
Southern Utah 45 UTSA 22
Brad Sorensen passed for 3 touchdowns to lead the Thunderbirds past the Roadrunners of UTSA. It was a nice homecoming treat for the SUU fans against a Roadrunner team playing in only their third-ever college football game.
SUU MVP: Brad Sorensen
USU was off this week. They get Colorado State at home this coming Saturday.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Future of the Big Rivalry
BYU wants to keep the Big Game going indefinately, but according to the Salt Lake Tribune, Coach Whittingham and athletic director Dr. Chris Hill are not so sure. They are a little intimiated by the PAC-12 schedule...who wouldn't be...and no matter how good or how bad the two teams are, the BYU/Utah game is always a tough one.
For BYU, they recognize the importance of the tradition. And this game, for them, falls between their two other toughest games, Texas and Central Florida. But after taking on the surprising Aggies on September 30, the schedule gets a lot easier. Jake Heaps and company will be able to run up the score on WAC bottom feeders and a surprisingly weak Oregon State as well as perennial Big Sky cellar dweller Idaho State. BYU's post-season was set the very moment Jake Heaps through a reckless pass into the Texas secondary last week. Winning the next 3 games, Utah, UCF and Utah State will make the season for the Cougars. The rest of the year is about impressing potential recruits and the promise that the schedule will get more challenging in the future.
The Utes, even with the loss last week against USC, can still play in the Rose Bowl. They managed to avoid playing Oregon and Stanford in the regular season this year. The team that just beat them, USC, is ineligible for post-season play. And their other main competition for playing in the conference championship game, Arizona State, visits Rice-Eccles Stadium in just a few weeks. While BYU is making like a shark among migrating seals, Utah will be in the heart of the PAC-12 schedule. They will not have an "Easy" game until the previously mentioned Oregon State comes to Salt Lake City. However, after BYU, the toughest challenge for the Utes will be a visit to Arizona. But, week after week from last week through October is it's own challenge. "Every week is like a bowl game."
Will the fans who have grown up with this rivalry accept that Utah wants to replace BYU with someone like Kent or Central Michigan or UTEP? Will it be OK with fans for BYU and Utah to settle bragging rights in Basketball and other sports? I suspect that this will not be the case, but there is little that fans can do about it. The only reason Florida and Florida State meet every year is because their state legislature mandated it. BYU is a private school, and such legislation is not practical as the state legislature has no legal standing to force Utah to play BYU.
This is the brave new world of college football. This is what conference realignment means. The end of rivalries. The BYU/Utah rivalry could go the way of Oklahoma/Nebraska, Penn State/Pittsburgh, or Virginia Tech/West Virginia. Certainly if Oklahoma and goes to the PAC-12 and Texas to the ACC, the Red River rivalry will die. Legislative action will keep Texas A&M and Texas on the gridiron once those schools go their separate ways, but with most of these old rivalries, the government does not get involved.
As the years go by, a lot of Utah fans will begin and continue to look down their long noses to the team from the south, after all, the Utes are in a BCS conference and the Cougars are not-at least not now. But the end of the rivalry can not be blamed on the Cougars. As an independent, BYU can play Utah anytime that they want to meet. Season opener, mid season or late season. BYU can revolve the rest of their schedule around to meet the Utes, and I am certain that they would drop anyone if Utah wants to play. But Utah is not so flexible. Their conference will only give them three weeks to schedule the Cougars. It gives them another convenient excuse to forgetting the Cougars. The Utes also have an instate game in 2013 and 2014, there may not be room for another.
Therefore, enjoy this game and next year's game in Salt Lake. It may be the end of the BYU/Utah series.
For BYU, they recognize the importance of the tradition. And this game, for them, falls between their two other toughest games, Texas and Central Florida. But after taking on the surprising Aggies on September 30, the schedule gets a lot easier. Jake Heaps and company will be able to run up the score on WAC bottom feeders and a surprisingly weak Oregon State as well as perennial Big Sky cellar dweller Idaho State. BYU's post-season was set the very moment Jake Heaps through a reckless pass into the Texas secondary last week. Winning the next 3 games, Utah, UCF and Utah State will make the season for the Cougars. The rest of the year is about impressing potential recruits and the promise that the schedule will get more challenging in the future.
The Utes, even with the loss last week against USC, can still play in the Rose Bowl. They managed to avoid playing Oregon and Stanford in the regular season this year. The team that just beat them, USC, is ineligible for post-season play. And their other main competition for playing in the conference championship game, Arizona State, visits Rice-Eccles Stadium in just a few weeks. While BYU is making like a shark among migrating seals, Utah will be in the heart of the PAC-12 schedule. They will not have an "Easy" game until the previously mentioned Oregon State comes to Salt Lake City. However, after BYU, the toughest challenge for the Utes will be a visit to Arizona. But, week after week from last week through October is it's own challenge. "Every week is like a bowl game."
Will the fans who have grown up with this rivalry accept that Utah wants to replace BYU with someone like Kent or Central Michigan or UTEP? Will it be OK with fans for BYU and Utah to settle bragging rights in Basketball and other sports? I suspect that this will not be the case, but there is little that fans can do about it. The only reason Florida and Florida State meet every year is because their state legislature mandated it. BYU is a private school, and such legislation is not practical as the state legislature has no legal standing to force Utah to play BYU.
This is the brave new world of college football. This is what conference realignment means. The end of rivalries. The BYU/Utah rivalry could go the way of Oklahoma/Nebraska, Penn State/Pittsburgh, or Virginia Tech/West Virginia. Certainly if Oklahoma and goes to the PAC-12 and Texas to the ACC, the Red River rivalry will die. Legislative action will keep Texas A&M and Texas on the gridiron once those schools go their separate ways, but with most of these old rivalries, the government does not get involved.
As the years go by, a lot of Utah fans will begin and continue to look down their long noses to the team from the south, after all, the Utes are in a BCS conference and the Cougars are not-at least not now. But the end of the rivalry can not be blamed on the Cougars. As an independent, BYU can play Utah anytime that they want to meet. Season opener, mid season or late season. BYU can revolve the rest of their schedule around to meet the Utes, and I am certain that they would drop anyone if Utah wants to play. But Utah is not so flexible. Their conference will only give them three weeks to schedule the Cougars. It gives them another convenient excuse to forgetting the Cougars. The Utes also have an instate game in 2013 and 2014, there may not be room for another.
Therefore, enjoy this game and next year's game in Salt Lake. It may be the end of the BYU/Utah series.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
In Utah...who is hot and who is not
1. Hot--Robert Turpin
Not--JJ DiLuigi
2. Hot--Chuckie Keeton
Not--Jordan Wynn
3. Hot--Brad Sorensen
Not--Jake Heaps
4. Hot--PAC 12
Not--Big 12
5. Hot--Big Sky Conference
Not--WAC
6. Hot--BYU/Utah Rivalry
Not--USU/Weber State Rivalry
7. Hot--BYU and Utah defense
Not--Weber State defense
8. Hot--Utah State Offense
Not--BYU and Utah Offense
Not--JJ DiLuigi
2. Hot--Chuckie Keeton
Not--Jordan Wynn
3. Hot--Brad Sorensen
Not--Jake Heaps
4. Hot--PAC 12
Not--Big 12
5. Hot--Big Sky Conference
Not--WAC
6. Hot--BYU/Utah Rivalry
Not--USU/Weber State Rivalry
7. Hot--BYU and Utah defense
Not--Weber State defense
8. Hot--Utah State Offense
Not--BYU and Utah Offense
What if BYU had remained in the Mountain West?
What if BYU did not decided to become independent, what would have happened? Here is how the schedule could have worked out for them.
September 3. Idaho State TV--None.
BYU cruises to a big 40-point victory in the opening weekend opening weekend game.
September 10. @ Texas TV--ESPN
Same result? Instead of a one-point loss, having a patsy in week 1 gives them the confidence to get one more score in the 2nd have. BYU wins 16-14.
September 17. Utah TV--NBC Sports Channel/The mtn.
The rivalry is moved to September, but few people can see it because it is not on the same channel.
September 24. Air Force TV--The mtn.
BYU would avenge last year's loss with a close game.
September 30. Utah State TV--The mtn.
An exciting shoot-out that almost no one outside of Utah turns into
October 8. @ New Mexico TV The mtn.
BYU passes and runs to an unusually easy win in Albuquerque
October 15. Colorado State (Homecoming) TV The mtn.
Again, BYU cruises to an easy win over the Rams
October 22. BYE
October 29 @ UNLV TV The mtn.
BYU crushes the Rebels
November 5 @Wyoming. TV The mtn.
The Cowboys make the game interesting at first, but a big 2nd half lifts the Cougars.
November 12. TCU
BYU wins a close one at home.
November 19 @ San Diego State TV NBC Sports/The mtn.
In another close game, BYU pulls out a victory at the end and Aztec's fans cry foul
November 26. Boise State TV CBS
Well, here we are, the last week of the season. Two unbeaten teams playing on national TV. The winner goes to the BCS. The loser settles for the Las Vegas Bowl. But Boise State is a better team this year and pulls away in the 4th quarter.
Difference. Yes, if BYU had remained in the Mountain West Conference, they would have a chance to play in the BCS, even with a loss at Texas. But there would have been only 1 game on ESPN and 1 game on CBS. No games on BYU TV. Less revenue for the football team and less exposure and another trip to the Las Vegas Bowl for an 10/11-win team.
September 3. Idaho State TV--None.
BYU cruises to a big 40-point victory in the opening weekend opening weekend game.
September 10. @ Texas TV--ESPN
Same result? Instead of a one-point loss, having a patsy in week 1 gives them the confidence to get one more score in the 2nd have. BYU wins 16-14.
September 17. Utah TV--NBC Sports Channel/The mtn.
The rivalry is moved to September, but few people can see it because it is not on the same channel.
September 24. Air Force TV--The mtn.
BYU would avenge last year's loss with a close game.
September 30. Utah State TV--The mtn.
An exciting shoot-out that almost no one outside of Utah turns into
October 8. @ New Mexico TV The mtn.
BYU passes and runs to an unusually easy win in Albuquerque
October 15. Colorado State (Homecoming) TV The mtn.
Again, BYU cruises to an easy win over the Rams
October 22. BYE
October 29 @ UNLV TV The mtn.
BYU crushes the Rebels
November 5 @Wyoming. TV The mtn.
The Cowboys make the game interesting at first, but a big 2nd half lifts the Cougars.
November 12. TCU
BYU wins a close one at home.
November 19 @ San Diego State TV NBC Sports/The mtn.
In another close game, BYU pulls out a victory at the end and Aztec's fans cry foul
November 26. Boise State TV CBS
Well, here we are, the last week of the season. Two unbeaten teams playing on national TV. The winner goes to the BCS. The loser settles for the Las Vegas Bowl. But Boise State is a better team this year and pulls away in the 4th quarter.
Difference. Yes, if BYU had remained in the Mountain West Conference, they would have a chance to play in the BCS, even with a loss at Texas. But there would have been only 1 game on ESPN and 1 game on CBS. No games on BYU TV. Less revenue for the football team and less exposure and another trip to the Las Vegas Bowl for an 10/11-win team.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
The Computer Predicts...week 3
This year, Wasatch Swagger is examining how well Sagarin is doing at predicting the winners for the 5 Utah College football teams. So far, the computer has predicted the victor in 9 of the 10 games. The only miscue was that Sagarin predicted a Hornet victory in last week's Sacramento State game vs Southern Utah. In the Ed Lamb era, people have been underestimating the Thunderbirds. The margin of victory has been off, however. BYU, Utah State and Southern Utah have been better than expected so far this year. Weber has seen mixed results against computer predictions. Utah has not lived up to expectations so far this year. Of course, we are all surprised by how well the Aggies have been so far this year.
Sagarin is one of the computer polls used by both the BCS and the FCS for playoff seeding.
Brigham Young.
BYU and Ole Miss finished exactly where predicted. No much changes on the projections for the Cougars.
September 3 Final BYU 14 Ole Miss 13...Computer predicted a 1 point Cougar victory.
September 10 Texas 17 BYU 16...Computer predicted an 8-point Longhorn victory.
September 17 Utah...BYU wins by 3. (+)
September 23 Central Florida...BYU wins by 3. (-)
September 30 Utah State...BYU wins by 13. (-)
October 8 San Jose State...BYU wins by 29. (0)
October 15 @ Oregon State...BYU wins by 21. (++)
October 22 Idaho State...BYU wins by 40. (-)
October 28 v TCU...BYU loses by 7. (+)
November 12 Idaho...BYU wins by 23. (-)
November 19 New Mexico State...BYU wins by 24. (-)
December 3 @ Hawaii...BYU wins by 6. (+)
Armed Forces Bowl, Dallas, TX
December 30 v Houston...BYU wins by 10. (+)
BYU finishes 11-2 (+).
FBS Independents.
1. BYU
2. Navy
3. Notre Dame
4. Army
Utah
Utes gain ground on the conference, but it does not show in the projections.
September 1 Final...27-10 Utah. Computer predicted a 28-point Ute victory.
September 10 Final USC 23 Utah 14...Computer predicted a 6-point Trojan win.
September 17 @ BYU...Utah loses by 3. (-)
October 1 Washington...Utah wins by 12. (+)
October 8 Arizona State...Utah wins by 5. (+)
October 15 @ Pittsburgh...Utah wins by 2. (++)
October 22 @ California...Utah loses by 1. (+)
October 29 Oregon State...Utah wins by 17. (+)
November 5 @ Arizona...Utah wins by 1. (++)
November 12 UCLA...Utah wins by 13. (+)
November 19 @ Washington State...Utah wins by 10. (-)
November 25 Colorado...Utah wins 16. (0)
Utah qualifies for the PAC-12 title game because USC is ineligible.
December 3 @ Stanford...Utah loses by 13. (0)
Holiday Bowl, San Diego, California
December 28 v Texas A&M...Utah wins by 1. (-)
Utah finishes 9-5, 7-3 in conference play, including the conference championship.
Conference Projection (Includes conf championship, but not the bowls)
North
1. Stanford 12-1, (Rose vs Ohio State)
2. Oregon 10-2, 8-1 (Fiesta vs. Oklahoma)
3. California 9-3, 6-3 (Alamo vs. Texas)
4. Washington 7-5, 4-5 (Kraft Fight Hunger vs. Fresno State)
5. Washington State 3-9, 1-8
6. Oregon State 2-10, 0-9
South
1. USC 11-1, 8-1 (Ineligible)
2. Utah (tie) 8-6, 7-3 (Holiday vs. Texas A&M) (3rd loss is conf championship)
2. Arizona State 9-3, 6-3 (Sun vs. Maryland)
4. Arizona 6-6, 4-5 (Las Vegas vs. TCU)
5. UCLA 3-9, 2-7
6. Colorado 3-9, 1-8
Note: The PAC-12 will not have a team for the New Mexico Bowl. The bids goes to a WAC or MAC team instead.
Utah State
Utah State gained the most in their near upset of Auburn. They are now projected to go bowling.
September 3 Final Auburn 41 Utah State 38...Computers predicted a 30 point Tiger victory.
September 10 Final Utah State 54 Weber 17...Computers projected a 9 point Aggie win.
September 24 Colorado State...USU wins by 12. (+)
September 30 @ BYU...USU loses by 13. (+)
October 8 Wyoming...USU wins by 11. (+)
October 15 @ Fresno State...USU loses by 2. (+)
October 22 Louisiana Tech...USU wins by 9. (+)
November 5 @ Hawaii...USU loses by 5. (+)
November 12 San Jose State...USU wins by 18. (+)
November 19 @ Idaho...USU wins by 6. (+)
November 26 Nevada...USU wins by 2. (++)
December 3 @ New Mexico State...USU wins by 10. (+)
Idaho Famous Potato Bowl, Boise, ID
December 17 vs. Ohio...USU wins by 1 (++)
USU finishes 10-3, 5-2 in WAC play.
Conference Projection (Bowl and Opponent)
1. Nevada 8-4, 6-1 (Poinsettia vs. Air Force) (Nevada beats Hawaii)
1. Hawaii 10-2, 6-1 (Hawaii vs Tulsa)
3. Utah State 8-4, 5-2 (Idaho Famous Potato vs. Ohio)
4. Fresno State 5-7, 4-3
5. Louisiana Tech 5-7, 3-4
6. Idaho 4-8, 2-5
7. New Mexico State 3-9, 1-6
8. San Jose State 1-11, 0-7
Weber State
Weber State beat the computer projection, but they lose ground on the rest of the conference.
September 3 Wyoming 35 Weber State 32...Computer predicted a 7 point Cowboy win.
September 10 Final Utah State 54 Weber 17...Computers projected a 9 point Aggie win.
September 17 Sacramento State...Weber wins by 6. (++)
September 24 @ Northern Colorado...Weber wins by 9. (+)
October 1 @ Eastern Washington...Weber loses by 9. (+)
October 15 Idaho State...Weber wins by 16. (-)
October 22 Southern Utah...Weber wins by 2. (-)
October 29 @ Montana...Weber loses by 10. (-)
November 5 Montana State...Weber loses by 2. (+)
November 12 Northern Arizona...Weber wins by 4. (0)
November 19 @ Portland State...Weber wins by 3. (-)
Weber finishes 6-5, 5-3 in conference play...Not quite good enough for the FCS playoffs
Conference Projection
1. Montana 10-1, 8-0
2. Eastern Washington 8-3, 7-1
3. Montana State 8-3, 6-2
4. Weber State 6-5, 5-3
5. Sacramento State 6-5,4-4
6. Northern Arizona 4-7, 3-5
7. Portland State 4-7, 2-6
8. Northern Colorado 3-8, 1-7
9. Idaho State 1-11, 0-8
Southern Utah
In week 1, SUU beat the computer projection, but they still lose ground.
September 3 Final South Dakota State 29 SUU 28...Computer predicted a 6 point Jackrabbit victory.
September 10 Final SUU 35 Sacramento State 14...Computer predicted a 3 point Hornet win.
September 17 UTSA...SUU wins by 18. (+)
September 24 @ UNLV...SUU loses by 1. (+)
October 1 North Dakota...SUU wins by 12. (+)
October 8 @ South Dakota...SUU loses by 2. (--)
October 15 @ Cal Poly...SUU wins by 1. (++)
October 29 UC Davis...SUU wins by 10. (+)
November 12 @ Northern Iowa...SUU loses by 11. (+)
November 19 Northern Arizona...SUU wins by 5. (++)
SUU finishes 6-5, 3-1 in conference play.
Conference Projection
1. South Dakota 8-3, 3-1
2. Southern Utah 6-5, 3-1
3. Cal Poly 5-6, 2-2
4. UC Davis 6-5, 1-3
5. North Dakota 3-8, 0-4
Key
(+++) This is a new post-season game.
(++) Last projection had this game as a loss, now it is a win.
(+) Improved point spread
(0) No Change
(-) Worsened point spread
(--) Last projection had this game as a win, now it is a loss.
Impressions, the day after...
BYU @ Texas
Jake Heaps has now been involved in 3 close games as the Cougar quarterback. In all three of those three games, the team has suffered from lack of execution at critical times and has failed when one score was needed to ice the game. At Ole Miss, the defense bailed the team out with a score. That did not happen this week. Just one more touchdown, field goal or safety was all that was needed. The defense has done the job, but the offense has failed. There has been a change in the offensive staff, but the results are the same. The problem has to be the players on the field.
In comparing Heaps to his predecessors, one thing comes to mind. Some of his predecessors were highly touted coming out of high school, but some were not. Jim McMahon "settled" for BYU because Notre Dame did not want him and Utah State did not have baseball. Gifford Neilsen was so unwanted, he split his time between 2 sports. Detmer wasn't even recruited by BYU. The coaches tried to move Steve Young to defense. Robbie Bosco ran the wishbone in high school. Steve Sarkisian had to use the Junior College route. Heaps, like Ben Olson and a couple of others that I would have to look up to find, has so far been a disappointment One has to wonder if the hype that Heaps had in High School is part of the problem. He certainly is not living up to the incredibly high expectations that people had for him. Unlike his predecessors in Provo, he is not delivering wins against quality opponents.
In all fairness to Heaps, however, the play calling in the second half became far to conservative and predictable and lacked the killer instinct needed to win a big game on the road. Now it is time for the Utes, a team that the Cougars lost to in a close game at the end of last season. This will be the real test of whether Heaps, Mendenhall and Doman and the players on the field have learned anything.
Utah @ USC
The Utes opener in PAC 12 play finished almost as predicted. USC's 9-point victory covered the oddsmakers spread. Like BYU, the Ute defense did the job that they were asked to do, that is, they gave the team a chance to win. The problem is that the offense could not deliver a victory. The Utes could drive the ball, but twice could not convert a 4th down and had the blocked field goal at the end of the game. In the long run, it appears that Utah's first season in the PAC 12 will turn out exactly like the experts expect.
The Utes can not afford to dwell on losses. Next week is a trip to Provo. BYU's defense looks good and the Ute offense will need to figure out how to find pay-dirt. The good news for the Utes is that BYU is in the same boat. Expect a defensive battle in Provo this week.
Weber State @ Utah State
Upset bids are often considered a fluke, especially when they occur in the first week of the season. In week 2, USU did exactly what a decent FBS team does, and that is beat up on a team from the lower division. Still, Weber has a lot of experience on defense and this game should have been closer. USU looks much improved over last season, but next week we will know for certain. After demolishing the lower division Cats, the Aggies will need to show they are consistent in what is now a trap game against Colorado State. They will have to prove that they are not looking ahead to the big match-up in Provo.
For Weber, playing 2 FBS opponents every year may be bringing in some cash, but it is not giving them what they need, and that is confidence as they look ahead to next week's Big Sky Conference opener against Sacramento State. Last year, a team that the Cats should have easily handled took them to 4 overtimes. The trouble is that beginning next year, they will belong to the only FCS conference west of the Mississippi. With high fuel costs, playing nearby higher division teams is much more economical that visiting Missouri Valley or Southland Conference stadiums. I still question whether or not Doug Fullerton and the Big Sky Conference presidents made the right decision in creating a super conference. Weber is going to need to learn how to win some of these games if they expect to make the playoffs every season. They are now half-way to the 4 losses needed to eliminate them from post-season contention. For that matter, so is the defending national champion, Eastern Washington. Memo to Mr Bovee: now that BYU is on the schedule, let's visit someone like Missouri State next year and have a realistic chance at the post season.
Sacramento State @ Southern Utah
Looks like we all have underestimated Brad Sorensen and the Thunderbirds again this year. Sacramento State did beat Oregon State in Corvallis last week, but they did not look that good in Cedar City this week. The point is, however, Sacramento State is good enough to surprise an FBS team, even if now OSU looks awful. The T-Bird offense did not rack up big numbers because they did not need to. They had the field position advantage all night, so big offensive numbers were not needed. That means that the defense played a whale of a game, and the special teams had a good game as well. This was a complete victory for SUU. The T-Birds will have to pull off another two or so unexpected wins to make the playoffs, but by the time we reach that point of the season, they may not be unexpected any longer. Next is an early homecoming against the UTSA, playing in just their third football game ever.
Jake Heaps has now been involved in 3 close games as the Cougar quarterback. In all three of those three games, the team has suffered from lack of execution at critical times and has failed when one score was needed to ice the game. At Ole Miss, the defense bailed the team out with a score. That did not happen this week. Just one more touchdown, field goal or safety was all that was needed. The defense has done the job, but the offense has failed. There has been a change in the offensive staff, but the results are the same. The problem has to be the players on the field.
In comparing Heaps to his predecessors, one thing comes to mind. Some of his predecessors were highly touted coming out of high school, but some were not. Jim McMahon "settled" for BYU because Notre Dame did not want him and Utah State did not have baseball. Gifford Neilsen was so unwanted, he split his time between 2 sports. Detmer wasn't even recruited by BYU. The coaches tried to move Steve Young to defense. Robbie Bosco ran the wishbone in high school. Steve Sarkisian had to use the Junior College route. Heaps, like Ben Olson and a couple of others that I would have to look up to find, has so far been a disappointment One has to wonder if the hype that Heaps had in High School is part of the problem. He certainly is not living up to the incredibly high expectations that people had for him. Unlike his predecessors in Provo, he is not delivering wins against quality opponents.
In all fairness to Heaps, however, the play calling in the second half became far to conservative and predictable and lacked the killer instinct needed to win a big game on the road. Now it is time for the Utes, a team that the Cougars lost to in a close game at the end of last season. This will be the real test of whether Heaps, Mendenhall and Doman and the players on the field have learned anything.
Utah @ USC
The Utes opener in PAC 12 play finished almost as predicted. USC's 9-point victory covered the oddsmakers spread. Like BYU, the Ute defense did the job that they were asked to do, that is, they gave the team a chance to win. The problem is that the offense could not deliver a victory. The Utes could drive the ball, but twice could not convert a 4th down and had the blocked field goal at the end of the game. In the long run, it appears that Utah's first season in the PAC 12 will turn out exactly like the experts expect.
The Utes can not afford to dwell on losses. Next week is a trip to Provo. BYU's defense looks good and the Ute offense will need to figure out how to find pay-dirt. The good news for the Utes is that BYU is in the same boat. Expect a defensive battle in Provo this week.
Weber State @ Utah State
Upset bids are often considered a fluke, especially when they occur in the first week of the season. In week 2, USU did exactly what a decent FBS team does, and that is beat up on a team from the lower division. Still, Weber has a lot of experience on defense and this game should have been closer. USU looks much improved over last season, but next week we will know for certain. After demolishing the lower division Cats, the Aggies will need to show they are consistent in what is now a trap game against Colorado State. They will have to prove that they are not looking ahead to the big match-up in Provo.
For Weber, playing 2 FBS opponents every year may be bringing in some cash, but it is not giving them what they need, and that is confidence as they look ahead to next week's Big Sky Conference opener against Sacramento State. Last year, a team that the Cats should have easily handled took them to 4 overtimes. The trouble is that beginning next year, they will belong to the only FCS conference west of the Mississippi. With high fuel costs, playing nearby higher division teams is much more economical that visiting Missouri Valley or Southland Conference stadiums. I still question whether or not Doug Fullerton and the Big Sky Conference presidents made the right decision in creating a super conference. Weber is going to need to learn how to win some of these games if they expect to make the playoffs every season. They are now half-way to the 4 losses needed to eliminate them from post-season contention. For that matter, so is the defending national champion, Eastern Washington. Memo to Mr Bovee: now that BYU is on the schedule, let's visit someone like Missouri State next year and have a realistic chance at the post season.
Sacramento State @ Southern Utah
Looks like we all have underestimated Brad Sorensen and the Thunderbirds again this year. Sacramento State did beat Oregon State in Corvallis last week, but they did not look that good in Cedar City this week. The point is, however, Sacramento State is good enough to surprise an FBS team, even if now OSU looks awful. The T-Bird offense did not rack up big numbers because they did not need to. They had the field position advantage all night, so big offensive numbers were not needed. That means that the defense played a whale of a game, and the special teams had a good game as well. This was a complete victory for SUU. The T-Birds will have to pull off another two or so unexpected wins to make the playoffs, but by the time we reach that point of the season, they may not be unexpected any longer. Next is an early homecoming against the UTSA, playing in just their third football game ever.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Conference Report and Accolades...September 10th
PAC-12
-UCLA holds off San Jose State
-Wisconsin continues the Beaver's woes.
-Cal wins in OT against Colorado (Is a non-conference game.)
-Stanford clobbers Duke
-Washington holds off Hawaii
-Oregon pistol whips Nevada
-Washington state whollops UNLV.
-USC hangs on to hold off Utah in their PAC-12 debut
-Oklahoma State pounds Arizona
MVP: Stanford QB Andrew Luck...4 TD Passes
WAC
-New Mexico State holds on to beat Minnesota
-Hawaii rally falls short
-Nevada faceplants at Oregon
-Idaho bounces back against North Dakota
-Fresno State concedes big 4th quarter to Nebraska
-Louisiana Tech needs overtime to get past FCS Central Arkansas
-Utah State way too much for Weber State
MVP...USU RB Robert Turpin...180 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns.
FBS Independents
-BYU concedes to Texas rally
-Notre Dame can't hold on against Michigan
-Navy all over Western Kentucky
-Army concedes late FG to San Diego State
MVP...Notre Dame RB Cierre Wood...134 yards and 1 touchdown.
Big Sky
-Colorado State way too much for Northern Colorado
-Montana State takes care of UC Davis
-Montana rallies to edge Cal Poly
-Sacramento State stunned by Southern Utah
-Eastern Washington upset by South Dakota
-Northern Arizona all over Ft. Lewis
-Idaho State blows out DII Western State
-Weber State steamrolled by Utah State
MVP...Montana State RB Cody Kirk...155 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns.
Great West
-South Dakota pulls off upset over Eastern Washington
-Cal Poly falls to Montana
-Southern Utah runs past Sacramento State
-North Dakota falls to Idaho
-UC Davis struggles in Bozeman
MVP...SUU RB Deckar Alexander...2 touchdowns.
-UCLA holds off San Jose State
-Wisconsin continues the Beaver's woes.
-Cal wins in OT against Colorado (Is a non-conference game.)
-Stanford clobbers Duke
-Washington holds off Hawaii
-Oregon pistol whips Nevada
-Washington state whollops UNLV.
-USC hangs on to hold off Utah in their PAC-12 debut
-Oklahoma State pounds Arizona
MVP: Stanford QB Andrew Luck...4 TD Passes
WAC
-New Mexico State holds on to beat Minnesota
-Hawaii rally falls short
-Nevada faceplants at Oregon
-Idaho bounces back against North Dakota
-Fresno State concedes big 4th quarter to Nebraska
-Louisiana Tech needs overtime to get past FCS Central Arkansas
-Utah State way too much for Weber State
MVP...USU RB Robert Turpin...180 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns.
FBS Independents
-BYU concedes to Texas rally
-Notre Dame can't hold on against Michigan
-Navy all over Western Kentucky
-Army concedes late FG to San Diego State
MVP...Notre Dame RB Cierre Wood...134 yards and 1 touchdown.
Big Sky
-Colorado State way too much for Northern Colorado
-Montana State takes care of UC Davis
-Montana rallies to edge Cal Poly
-Sacramento State stunned by Southern Utah
-Eastern Washington upset by South Dakota
-Northern Arizona all over Ft. Lewis
-Idaho State blows out DII Western State
-Weber State steamrolled by Utah State
MVP...Montana State RB Cody Kirk...155 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns.
Great West
-South Dakota pulls off upset over Eastern Washington
-Cal Poly falls to Montana
-Southern Utah runs past Sacramento State
-North Dakota falls to Idaho
-UC Davis struggles in Bozeman
MVP...SUU RB Deckar Alexander...2 touchdowns.
Report on the Games
Texas 17 BYU 16
The Cougars could not make a 13-0 lead stand as Texas rallies in the second half to nip the Cougars. Heaps, as good as he was in the first half, could not find receivers in the second half. On his last play of the game, and interception.
BYU MVP...S Daniel Sorensen.
USC 24 Utah 14
The Utes Second half rally falls short. They lined up for a game tying field goal, but it was blocked and returned the block for a touchdown. The offense could not do anything with 5 4th quarter possessions.
Utah MVP...WR DeVonte Christopher
Utah State 54 Weber State 17
It took USU until the 3rd quarter to get over the loss to Auburn. Robert Turpin, who almost out gained the Wildcats by himself, steamrolled the WSU defense.
USU MVP...RB Robert Turpin
WSU MVP...CB Eric Shufford
Southern Utah 35 Sacramento State 14
The same FCS team that pulled out an exciting overtime win in Corvallis against the Beavers, flew into Cedar City and laid a big egg. The Thuderbirds dominated the line of scrimmage and outscored the Hornets 20-7 in the 2nd quarter.
SUU MVP...RB Deckar Alexander
The Cougars could not make a 13-0 lead stand as Texas rallies in the second half to nip the Cougars. Heaps, as good as he was in the first half, could not find receivers in the second half. On his last play of the game, and interception.
BYU MVP...S Daniel Sorensen.
USC 24 Utah 14
The Utes Second half rally falls short. They lined up for a game tying field goal, but it was blocked and returned the block for a touchdown. The offense could not do anything with 5 4th quarter possessions.
Utah MVP...WR DeVonte Christopher
Utah State 54 Weber State 17
It took USU until the 3rd quarter to get over the loss to Auburn. Robert Turpin, who almost out gained the Wildcats by himself, steamrolled the WSU defense.
USU MVP...RB Robert Turpin
WSU MVP...CB Eric Shufford
Southern Utah 35 Sacramento State 14
The same FCS team that pulled out an exciting overtime win in Corvallis against the Beavers, flew into Cedar City and laid a big egg. The Thuderbirds dominated the line of scrimmage and outscored the Hornets 20-7 in the 2nd quarter.
SUU MVP...RB Deckar Alexander
Friday, September 9, 2011
A Look at the FCS Playoffs Week 2...
Automatic Bids...
Big Sky--Eastern Washington
Big South--Liberty
Colonial--William and Mary
MEAC--Bethune Cookman
MVFC--Northern Iowa
NEAC--Central Connecticut State
OVC--Jacksonville State
Patriot--Lehigh
Southland--Stephen F. Austin
SoCon--Georgia Southern
Seedings
1. EASTERN WASHINGTON Eagles (Big Sky)
2. GEORGIA SOUTHERN Eagles (SoCon)
3. Appalachian State Mountaineers (SoCon)
4. NORTHERN IOWA Panthers (MVFC)
5. WILLIAM AND MARY Tribe (CAA)
6. Montana State Bobcats (Big Sky)
7. Delaware Blue Hens (CAA)
8. Wofford Terriers (SoCon)
9. North Dakota State Bison (MVFC)
10. JACKSONVILLE STATE Gamecocks (OVC)
11. Richmond Spiders (CAA)
12. Montana Grizzlies (Big Sky)
13. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN Lumberjacks (Southland)
14. LEHIGH Mountain Hawks(Patriot)
15. Sacramento State Hornets (Big Sky)
16. New Hampshire Wildcats (CAA)
17. Southern Illinois Salukis (MVFC)
18. LIBERTY Flames (Big South)
19. BETHUNE-COOKMAN Wildcats (MEAC)
20. CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE Blue Devils (NEAC)
First Round
Game 1
20. Central Connecticut State at 13. Stephen F. Austin
Game 2
19. Bethune-Cookman at 14. Lehigh
Game 3
18. Liberty at 15. Sacramento State
Game 4
17. Southern Illinois at 16. New Hampshire
Second Round
Game 4 winner at 1. Eastern Washington
9. North Dakota State at 8. Wofford
Game 1 winner at 4. Northern Iowa
12. Montana at 5. William and Mary
Game 2 winner at 3. Appalachian State
11. Richmond at 6. Montana State
Game 3 winner at 2. Georgia Southern
10. Jacksonville State at 7. Delaware
Last 4 in...
Sacramento State, Southern Illinois, New Hampshire, Montana
First 4 out...
James Madison, Central Arkansas, Villanova, McNeese State
Next 4 out...
Chattanooga, Northern Arizona, Cal Poly, UC Davis.
What if there was an FBS Playoff Week 2
Automatic Bids
ACC-Florida State
Big 12-Oklahoma
Big East-West Virginia
Big 10-Wisconsin
C-USA-Central Florida
MAC-Temple
MWC-Boise State
PAC 12-Stanford
SEC-Alabama
WAC-Hawaii
Sun Belt-Middle Tennessee
Seedings (Automatic bids are in CAPS)
1. OKLAHOMA
2. ALABAMA
3. Louisiana State
4. BOISE STATE
5. FLORIDA STATE
6. STANFORD
7. Oklahoma State
8. Texas A&M
9. WISCONSIN
10. Nebraska
11. Virginia Tech
12. South Carolina
13. Arkansas
14. Ohio State
15. Mississippi State
16. WEST VIRGINIA
17. HAWAII
18. CENTRAL FLORIDA
19. TEMPLE
20. MIDDLE TENNESSEE
First Round Games:
Game 1:
MTSU at Arkansas
Game 2:
Temple at Ohio State
Game 3:
Central Florida at Mississippi State
Game 4:
Hawaii at West Virginia
Second round games
Game 4 winner at 1. Oklahoma
9. Wisconsin at 8. Texas A&M
Game 1 winner at 4. Boise State
12. South Carolina at 5. Florida State
Game 2 winner at 3. LSU
11. Virginia Tech at 6. Stanford
Game 3 winner at 2. ALABAMA
10. Nebraska at 7. Oklahoma State
Last 4 in...
Mississippi State, Ohio State, Arkansas, South Carolina
First 4 out...
Oregon, Michigan State, Florida, Baylor
Next 4 out...
South Florida, Penn State, Texas, Missouri
Also Lurking...
Arizona State, Aubrun, Georgia, BYU, Northwestern, Utah, Houston, Arizona, Iowa, TCU
Big 12 Update...September 8, 2011.
There are dozens of tweets from reliable sources that state that BYU is committed to joining the Big 12 as long as Oklahoma does not leave. In other words, if Oklahoma joins the PAC-12, then BYU will remain independent. There appears to no official confirmation for either Brigham Young University nor the Big 12 Conference on this matter.
But T. Boone Pickens has changed his mind. On Saturday, he was saying the conference would not stay together. Tonight, he says it should. On Saturday, he said, "Where the Hell is Provo?" Tonight, he says the future of the Big 12 is west.
Here is a link to an Oklahoma news station running the story...
http://www.newson6.com/story/15419503/report-byu-to-join-big-12-if-ou-remains-in-conference#.Tmoyv8cFSpQ.twitter
But T. Boone Pickens has changed his mind. On Saturday, he was saying the conference would not stay together. Tonight, he says it should. On Saturday, he said, "Where the Hell is Provo?" Tonight, he says the future of the Big 12 is west.
Here is a link to an Oklahoma news station running the story...
http://www.newson6.com/story/15419503/report-byu-to-join-big-12-if-ou-remains-in-conference#.Tmoyv8cFSpQ.twitter
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Big 12 Update...Where will Texa$ Go?
I am reading a lot of mixed tweets about the future of Texa$ and the PAC-12. The ACC and the PAC-12 both have an equal revenue sharing model, which means that the Longhorn Network will be out of the picture. The PAC-12 needs a unanimous vote to expand, and tweets from reliable sources...like the San Jose Mercury News state that Texas will have to give up the LHN to join the PAC 12. If you have to give up the LHN, why not keep the Big 12 together? Word is that Colorado may not vote to include neither Texas nor Oklahoma. The reason they joined the PAC-12 was to get away from these schools.
If Oklahoma and OK State join the PAC-12, the Big 12 is finished. But it appears that no one wants the Longhorns. The ACC and SEC have equal revenue sharing models. The Big East may collapse under their own weight if they add more programs. Therefore, the Longhorns are left to either keep the Big 12 operating without Oklahoma and OK State, go independent or start a new conference.
With a new conference, or a continued Big 12, new schools are needed to ensure access to the Big Cash System, or Bowl Championship Series. As an independent, Texas likely would get the same BCS treatment as Notre Dame, which means an at-large bid if they finish in the Top-8. But Texas, as a member of the Big 12, get's BCS money every year. Notre Dame only gets BCS money when they make it to the BCS. But ND does not have to share that pie with anyone else when they get to go. Notre Dame has made the BCS 3 times, and Texas 4 times.
If Texas decides to go it alone, the most difficulty it will have is building a schedule. Look at how difficult it has been for BYU. None of the old Big 12 buddies will want to schedule them. Many tweets are predicting the death of the Red River rivalry if OU and UT are in different conferences. It may take an act of the State Legislature to keep Texas and Texas A&M playing every season. Notre Dame will not have room for them until 2014 and the Service Academies are booked through 2015. BYU is already on the Longhorn schedule. Sure, other big schools have non conference games to schedule...in September. Filling out a schedule in October and November with quality opponents is very difficult...ask Tom Holmoe (BYU Athletic Director). The fans who are used to seeing quality Big 12 schools late in the season may not be happy about seeing Arkansas State and UTEP in October. (Not a problem at BYU...They replaced late season games against New Mexico and UNLV with New Mexico State and Idaho...probably an even trade.)
The best bet is for Texas to form a new BCS-worthy conference. Based upon performance from the last 10 years, it would need to include TCU and Boise State, who currently have 5 BCS appearances between them. It would help to add BYU, even though they have never been to a BCS bowl. From there, you can build a conference by coloring in all of the states between Idaho and Texas and have a nice conference. There will be plenty willing to join.
If Oklahoma and OK State join the PAC-12, the Big 12 is finished. But it appears that no one wants the Longhorns. The ACC and SEC have equal revenue sharing models. The Big East may collapse under their own weight if they add more programs. Therefore, the Longhorns are left to either keep the Big 12 operating without Oklahoma and OK State, go independent or start a new conference.
With a new conference, or a continued Big 12, new schools are needed to ensure access to the Big Cash System, or Bowl Championship Series. As an independent, Texas likely would get the same BCS treatment as Notre Dame, which means an at-large bid if they finish in the Top-8. But Texas, as a member of the Big 12, get's BCS money every year. Notre Dame only gets BCS money when they make it to the BCS. But ND does not have to share that pie with anyone else when they get to go. Notre Dame has made the BCS 3 times, and Texas 4 times.
If Texas decides to go it alone, the most difficulty it will have is building a schedule. Look at how difficult it has been for BYU. None of the old Big 12 buddies will want to schedule them. Many tweets are predicting the death of the Red River rivalry if OU and UT are in different conferences. It may take an act of the State Legislature to keep Texas and Texas A&M playing every season. Notre Dame will not have room for them until 2014 and the Service Academies are booked through 2015. BYU is already on the Longhorn schedule. Sure, other big schools have non conference games to schedule...in September. Filling out a schedule in October and November with quality opponents is very difficult...ask Tom Holmoe (BYU Athletic Director). The fans who are used to seeing quality Big 12 schools late in the season may not be happy about seeing Arkansas State and UTEP in October. (Not a problem at BYU...They replaced late season games against New Mexico and UNLV with New Mexico State and Idaho...probably an even trade.)
The best bet is for Texas to form a new BCS-worthy conference. Based upon performance from the last 10 years, it would need to include TCU and Boise State, who currently have 5 BCS appearances between them. It would help to add BYU, even though they have never been to a BCS bowl. From there, you can build a conference by coloring in all of the states between Idaho and Texas and have a nice conference. There will be plenty willing to join.
Wasatch Swagger Bowl Projection
Here is the latest bowl prognostication
BCS Bowls
Rose...Stanford vs. Ohio State
Fiesta...Florida State vs Oregon
Sugar...LSU vs Boise State
Orange...Virginia Tech vs West Virginia
BCS Championship...Oklahoma vs. Alabama
BCS Bowls
Rose...Stanford vs. Ohio State
Fiesta...Florida State vs Oregon
Sugar...LSU vs Boise State
Orange...Virginia Tech vs West Virginia
BCS Championship...Oklahoma vs. Alabama
Other Bowls
New Mexico...Colorado State vs. Bowling Green
Idaho Famous Potato...Utah State vs. Ohio
New Orleans...FIU vs. Marshall
Beef O'Brady...Cincinnati vs. Southern Mississippi
Poinsettia...Nevada vs Air Force
Las Vegas...Arizona vs. TCU
Hawaii...Hawaii vs. Tulsa
Independence...San Diego State vs. Georgia Tech
Little Cesar's...Temple vs. Iowa
Belk...NC State vs. Notre Dame
Military...Virginia vs. Northern Illinois
Holiday...Utah vs. Texas A&M
Champ Sports...Clemson vs. South Florida
Alamo...California vs Oklahoma State
Armed Forces...BYU vs Houston
Pinstripe....Baylor vs Pittsburgh
Music City...Miami vs Kentucky
Insight...Missouri vs Michigan State
Meineke...Texas Tech vs. Michigan
Sun...Arizona State vs. Maryland
Kraft Fight Hunger...UConn vs. Arizona
Liberty...Central Florida vs. Syracuse
Chick Fil-A...Arkansas vs. North Carolina
Ticket City...SMU vs. Michigan State
Capital One...Wisconsin vs. Florida
Gator...Illinois vs. Mississippi State
Outback...Nebraska vs. South Carolina
Cotton...Texas vs. Auburn
Compass...Middle Tennessee vs. Arkansas State
GoDaddy.com...Troy vs. Toledo
ACC
1. BCS (Orange)...Virginia Tech, Florida State (At Large...Fiesta)
2. Chick Fil-A...North Carolina
3. Champ Sports...Clemson
4. Sun...Maryland
5. Belk...NC State
6. Music City...Miami (FL)
7. Independence...Ga Tech
8. Military...Virginia
9. Kraft Fight Hunger if Army is BCS or not bowl eligible....(None Eligible...?)
Big 12
1. BCS (Fiesta)...Oklahoma (BCS Championship)
2. Cotton...Texas
3. Alamo...Oklahoma State
4. Insight...Missouri
5. Holiday...Texas A&M
6. Meineke...Texas Tech
7. Pinstripe...Baylor
Big East (Notre Dame selected with the Big East when not BCS Selected.)
1. BCS...West Virginia (Orange)
2. Champ Sports...South Florida
3. Belk...Notre Dame
4. Pinstripe...Pittsburgh
5. Liberty...Syracuse (Compass goes to Middle Tennessee)
6. Beef O'Brady...Cincinnati
Also Bowl Eligible...U Conn (Kraft Fight Hunger)
Big 10
1. BCS (Rose)...Ohio State
2. Capitol One...Nebraska
3. Outback...Wisconsin
4. Gator...Illinois
5. Insight...Michigan State
6. Meineke...Michigan
7. Ticket City...Penn State
7. Ticket City...Penn State
8. Little Ceasars...Iowa
Conference USA
1. Liberty...Central Florida
2. Hawaii...Tulsa
3. Armed Forces...Houston
4. Beef O'Brady...Southern Mississippi
5. New Orleans...Marshall
6. (If Navy is not eligible or BCS) Military...Navy
7. Ticket City...SMU
Also Bowl Eligible...UAB, UTEP
MAC
1. Little Cesar's...Temple
2. GoDaddy.com...Toledo
3. Idaho Famous Potato...Ohio
4. Military...Northern Illinois
5. (New Mexico as an alternative)...Bowling Green
Also Bowl Eligible Central Michigan, Western Michigan
Mountain West
Boise State...BCS (Sugar)
1. Las Vegas...TCU
2. Poinsettia...Air Force
3. Independence...San Diego State
4. New Mexico...Colorado State
5. Armed Forces if BYU is BCS or not Eligible...BYU
PAC-12
1. BCS (Rose)... Stanford (Rose) and Oregon (Fiesta)
2. Alamo...California
3. Holiday...Utah
4. Sun...Arizona State
5. Las Vegas...Arizona
6. Kraft Fight Hunger...Washington
7. New Mexico...(None Eligible...)
SEC
1. BCS (Sugar)...Alabama (BCS Championship) LSU (Sugar)
2. Capitol One...Florida
3. Cotton Bowl...Auburn
4. Outback Bowl...South Carolina
5. Chick Fil-A...Arkansas
6. Gator...Tennessee
7. Music City...Kentucky
8. Liberty...(Big East)
9. Compass...Mississippi State
Sun Belt
1. New Orleans...FIU
2. GoDaddy.com...Troy
3. (Compass as a backup)...Arkansas State
Also Eligible...Louisiana Lafayette, Louisiana Monroe
WAC.
Hawaii...Hawaii (If Bowl Eligible and not BCS...Hawaii goes to this bowl.)
1. Poinsettia...Nevada
2. Idaho Famous Potato...Utah State
3. Kraft Fight Hunger (Alt)...None Eligible
4. New Mexico (Alt)...None Eligible
3. Kraft Fight Hunger (Alt)...None Eligible
4. New Mexico (Alt)...None Eligible
The Computer Predicts...Week 2
In week 1, Sagarin's formula predicted the winner in all 5 games involving Utah teams. The margin of victory was narrower in than predicted in 4 of the 5 games. Utah State gained ground on their competition, and are now projected to finish with a winning record and go bowling. Even though Weber State and SUU beat the computer's projection, they lost ground on their competition. The main reason for this is that a common opponents are Sacramento State and Northern Arizona, both who did much better than projected.
Brigham Young.
BYU and Ole Miss finished exactly where predicted. No much changes on the projections for the Cougars.
September 3 Final BYU 14 Ole Miss 13...Computer predicted a 1 point Cougar victory.
September 10 Texas 17 BYU 16...Computer predicted an 8-point Longhorn victory.
September 17 Utah...BYU wins by 1. (0)
September 23 Central Florida...BYU wins by 8. (+)
September 30 Utah State...BYU wins by 18. (-)
October 8 San Jose State...BYU wins by 29. (+)
October 15 @ Oregon State...BYU loses by 1. (0)
October 22 Idaho State...BYU wins by 42. (+)
October 28 v TCU...BYU loses by 8. (+)
November 12 Idaho...BYU wins by 25. (+)
November 19 New Mexico State...BYU wins by 33. (+)
December 3 @ Hawaii...BYU wins by 3. (-)
Armed Forces Bowl, Dallas, TX
December 30 v Southern Mississippi...BYU wins by 9. (+)
BYU finishes 10-3 (0).
FBS Independents.
1. BYU
2. Navy
3. Notre Dame
4. Army
Utah
Utes gain ground on the conference, but it does not show in the projections.
September 1 Final...27-10 Utah. Computer predicted a 28-point Ute victory.
September 10 Final USC 23 Utah 14...Computer predicted a 6-point Trojan win.
September 17 @ BYU...Utah loses by 1. (0)
October 1 Washington...Utah wins by 11. (+)
October 8 Arizona State...Utah wins by 3. (-)
October 15 @ Pittsburgh...Utah loses by 1. (0)
October 22 @ California...Utah loses by 3. (-)
October 29 Oregon State...Utah wins by 7. (+)
November 5 @ Arizona...Utah loses by 3. (-)
November 12 UCLA...Utah wins by 11. (+)
November 19 @ Washington State...Utah wins by 18. (+)
November 25 Colorado...Utah wins 16. (+)
Utah qualifies for the PAC-12 title game because USC is ineligible and because they will own a tie-breaker over Arizona State.
December 3 @ Oregon...Utah loses by 11. (-)
Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX
December 28 v Maryland...Utah wins by 5. (-)
Utah finishes 8-6, 6-4 in conference play.
Conference Projection (Includes conf championship, but not the bowls)
North
1. Stanford 12-1, (Rose vs Oklahoma)
2. Oregon 10-2, 8-1 (Alamo vs. Texas)
3. California 9-3, 6-3 (Holiday vs. Texas Tech)
4. Washington 5-7, 3-6
5. Oregon State 3-9, 1-8
6. Washington State 2-10, 0-9
South
1. USC 11-1, 8-1 (Ineligible)
2. Utah (tie) 7-6, 6-4 (Sun vs. Maryland) (4th loss is conf championship)
2. Arizona State 9-3, 6-3 (Las Vegas vs. TCU)
4. Arizona 6-6, 4-5 (Kraft Fight Hunger vs. Fresno State)
5. UCLA 3-9, 2-7
6. Colorado 3-9, 1-8
Note: The PAC-12 will not have a team for the New Mexico Bowl. The bids goes to a WAC or MAC team instead.
Utah State
Utah State gained the most in their near upset of Auburn. They are now projected to go bowling.
September 3 Final Auburn 41 Utah State 38...Computers predicted a 30 point Tiger victory.
September 10 Final Utah State 54 Weber 17...Computers projected a 9 point Aggie win.
September 24 Colorado State...USU wins by 5. (+)
September 30 @ BYU...USU loses by 18. (+)
October 8 Wyoming...USU wins by 6. (+)
October 15 @ Fresno State...USU loses by 8. (+)
October 22 Louisiana Tech...USU wins by 2. (++)
November 5 @ Hawaii...USU loses by 11. (+)
November 12 San Jose State...USU wins by 7. (+)
November 19 @ Idaho...USU wins by 4. (++)
November 26 Nevada...USU loses by 17. (+)
December 3 @ New Mexico State...USU wins by 11. (+)
Idaho Famous Potato Bowl, Boise, ID
December 17 vs. Central Michigan...USU loses by 2 (+++)
USU finishes 7-6, 4-3 in WAC play.
Conference Projection (Bowl and Opponent)
Nevada 9-3, 7-0 (Poinsettia vs. Air Force)
Hawaii 10-2, 6-1 (Hawaii vs Houston)
Fresno State 7-5, 5-2 (Kraft Fight Hunger vs. Arizona)
Utah State 7-5, 4-3 (Idaho Famous Potato vs. Central Michigan)
Louisiana Tech 5-7, 3-4
Idaho 4-8, 2-5
San Jose State 1-11, 1-6
New Mexico State 1-11, 0-7
Weber State
Weber State beat the computer projection, but they lose ground on the rest of the conference.
September 3 Wyoming 35 Weber State 32...Computer predicted a 7 point Cowboy win.
September 10 Final Utah State 54 Weber 17...Computers projected a 9 point Aggie win.
September 17 Sacramento State...Weber wins by 1. (--)
September 24 @ Northern Colorado...Weber wins by 8. (+)
October 1 @ Eastern Washington...Weber loses by 11. (-)
October 15 Idaho State...Weber wins by 21. (+)
October 22 Southern Utah...Weber wins by 7. (+)
October 29 @ Montana...Weber loses by 8. (-)
November 5 Montana State...Weber loses by 5. (-)
November 12 Northern Arizona...Weber wins by 4. (-)
November 19 @ Portland State...Weber wins by 5. (-)
Weber finishes 6-5, 5-3 in conference play...Not quite good enough for the FCS playoffs
Conference Projection
1. Montana 10-1, 8-0
2. Eastern Washington 9-2, 7-1
3. Montana State 8-3, 6-2
4. Weber State 6-5, 5-3
5. Sacramento State 6-5,4-4
6. Northern Arizona 5-6, 3-5
7. Portland State 4-7, 2-6
8. Northern Colorado 3-8, 1-7
9. Idaho State 1-11, 0-8
Southern Utah
In week 1, SUU beat the computer projection, but they still lose ground.
September 3 Final South Dakota State 29 SUU 28...Computer predicted a 6 point Jackrabbit victory.
September 10 Final SUU 35 Sacramento State 14...Computer predicted a 3 point Hornet win.
September 17 UTSA...SUU wins by 15. (+)
September 24 @ UNLV...SUU loses by 8. (-)
October 1 North Dakota...SUU wins by 4. (-)
October 8 @ South Dakota...SUU wins by 1. (-)
October 15 @ Cal Poly...SUU loses by 2. (+)
October 29 UC Davis...SUU wins by 4. (+)
November 12 @ Northern Iowa...SUU loses by 13. (-)
November 19 Northern Arizona...SUU loses by 6. (-)
SUU finishes 4-7, 3-1 in conference play.
Conference Projection
1. Cal-Poly 6-5, 4-0
2. Southern Utah 4-7, 3-1
3. UC Davis 5-6, 2-2
4. North Dakota 6-5, 1-3
5. South Dakota 3-8, 0-4
BTW--BCS Bowl Pairings.
Rose...Stanford vs. Ohio State
Fiesta...Florida State vs Oregon
Sugar...LSU vs Boise State
Orange...Virginia Tech vs West Virginia
BCS Championship...Oklahoma vs. Alabama
Key
(+++) This is a new post-season game.
(++) Last projection had this game as a loss, now it is a win.
(+) Improved point spread
(0) No Change
(-) Worsened point spread
(--) Last project had this game as a win, now it is a loss.
Brigham Young.
BYU and Ole Miss finished exactly where predicted. No much changes on the projections for the Cougars.
September 3 Final BYU 14 Ole Miss 13...Computer predicted a 1 point Cougar victory.
September 10 Texas 17 BYU 16...Computer predicted an 8-point Longhorn victory.
September 17 Utah...BYU wins by 1. (0)
September 23 Central Florida...BYU wins by 8. (+)
September 30 Utah State...BYU wins by 18. (-)
October 8 San Jose State...BYU wins by 29. (+)
October 15 @ Oregon State...BYU loses by 1. (0)
October 22 Idaho State...BYU wins by 42. (+)
October 28 v TCU...BYU loses by 8. (+)
November 12 Idaho...BYU wins by 25. (+)
November 19 New Mexico State...BYU wins by 33. (+)
December 3 @ Hawaii...BYU wins by 3. (-)
Armed Forces Bowl, Dallas, TX
December 30 v Southern Mississippi...BYU wins by 9. (+)
BYU finishes 10-3 (0).
FBS Independents.
1. BYU
2. Navy
3. Notre Dame
4. Army
Utah
Utes gain ground on the conference, but it does not show in the projections.
September 1 Final...27-10 Utah. Computer predicted a 28-point Ute victory.
September 10 Final USC 23 Utah 14...Computer predicted a 6-point Trojan win.
September 17 @ BYU...Utah loses by 1. (0)
October 1 Washington...Utah wins by 11. (+)
October 8 Arizona State...Utah wins by 3. (-)
October 15 @ Pittsburgh...Utah loses by 1. (0)
October 22 @ California...Utah loses by 3. (-)
October 29 Oregon State...Utah wins by 7. (+)
November 5 @ Arizona...Utah loses by 3. (-)
November 12 UCLA...Utah wins by 11. (+)
November 19 @ Washington State...Utah wins by 18. (+)
November 25 Colorado...Utah wins 16. (+)
Utah qualifies for the PAC-12 title game because USC is ineligible and because they will own a tie-breaker over Arizona State.
December 3 @ Oregon...Utah loses by 11. (-)
Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX
December 28 v Maryland...Utah wins by 5. (-)
Utah finishes 8-6, 6-4 in conference play.
Conference Projection (Includes conf championship, but not the bowls)
North
1. Stanford 12-1, (Rose vs Oklahoma)
2. Oregon 10-2, 8-1 (Alamo vs. Texas)
3. California 9-3, 6-3 (Holiday vs. Texas Tech)
4. Washington 5-7, 3-6
5. Oregon State 3-9, 1-8
6. Washington State 2-10, 0-9
South
1. USC 11-1, 8-1 (Ineligible)
2. Utah (tie) 7-6, 6-4 (Sun vs. Maryland) (4th loss is conf championship)
2. Arizona State 9-3, 6-3 (Las Vegas vs. TCU)
4. Arizona 6-6, 4-5 (Kraft Fight Hunger vs. Fresno State)
5. UCLA 3-9, 2-7
6. Colorado 3-9, 1-8
Note: The PAC-12 will not have a team for the New Mexico Bowl. The bids goes to a WAC or MAC team instead.
Utah State
Utah State gained the most in their near upset of Auburn. They are now projected to go bowling.
September 3 Final Auburn 41 Utah State 38...Computers predicted a 30 point Tiger victory.
September 10 Final Utah State 54 Weber 17...Computers projected a 9 point Aggie win.
September 24 Colorado State...USU wins by 5. (+)
September 30 @ BYU...USU loses by 18. (+)
October 8 Wyoming...USU wins by 6. (+)
October 15 @ Fresno State...USU loses by 8. (+)
October 22 Louisiana Tech...USU wins by 2. (++)
November 5 @ Hawaii...USU loses by 11. (+)
November 12 San Jose State...USU wins by 7. (+)
November 19 @ Idaho...USU wins by 4. (++)
November 26 Nevada...USU loses by 17. (+)
December 3 @ New Mexico State...USU wins by 11. (+)
Idaho Famous Potato Bowl, Boise, ID
December 17 vs. Central Michigan...USU loses by 2 (+++)
USU finishes 7-6, 4-3 in WAC play.
Conference Projection (Bowl and Opponent)
Nevada 9-3, 7-0 (Poinsettia vs. Air Force)
Hawaii 10-2, 6-1 (Hawaii vs Houston)
Fresno State 7-5, 5-2 (Kraft Fight Hunger vs. Arizona)
Utah State 7-5, 4-3 (Idaho Famous Potato vs. Central Michigan)
Louisiana Tech 5-7, 3-4
Idaho 4-8, 2-5
San Jose State 1-11, 1-6
New Mexico State 1-11, 0-7
Weber State
Weber State beat the computer projection, but they lose ground on the rest of the conference.
September 3 Wyoming 35 Weber State 32...Computer predicted a 7 point Cowboy win.
September 10 Final Utah State 54 Weber 17...Computers projected a 9 point Aggie win.
September 17 Sacramento State...Weber wins by 1. (--)
September 24 @ Northern Colorado...Weber wins by 8. (+)
October 1 @ Eastern Washington...Weber loses by 11. (-)
October 15 Idaho State...Weber wins by 21. (+)
October 22 Southern Utah...Weber wins by 7. (+)
October 29 @ Montana...Weber loses by 8. (-)
November 5 Montana State...Weber loses by 5. (-)
November 12 Northern Arizona...Weber wins by 4. (-)
November 19 @ Portland State...Weber wins by 5. (-)
Weber finishes 6-5, 5-3 in conference play...Not quite good enough for the FCS playoffs
Conference Projection
1. Montana 10-1, 8-0
2. Eastern Washington 9-2, 7-1
3. Montana State 8-3, 6-2
4. Weber State 6-5, 5-3
5. Sacramento State 6-5,4-4
6. Northern Arizona 5-6, 3-5
7. Portland State 4-7, 2-6
8. Northern Colorado 3-8, 1-7
9. Idaho State 1-11, 0-8
Southern Utah
In week 1, SUU beat the computer projection, but they still lose ground.
September 3 Final South Dakota State 29 SUU 28...Computer predicted a 6 point Jackrabbit victory.
September 10 Final SUU 35 Sacramento State 14...Computer predicted a 3 point Hornet win.
September 17 UTSA...SUU wins by 15. (+)
September 24 @ UNLV...SUU loses by 8. (-)
October 1 North Dakota...SUU wins by 4. (-)
October 8 @ South Dakota...SUU wins by 1. (-)
October 15 @ Cal Poly...SUU loses by 2. (+)
October 29 UC Davis...SUU wins by 4. (+)
November 12 @ Northern Iowa...SUU loses by 13. (-)
November 19 Northern Arizona...SUU loses by 6. (-)
SUU finishes 4-7, 3-1 in conference play.
Conference Projection
1. Cal-Poly 6-5, 4-0
2. Southern Utah 4-7, 3-1
3. UC Davis 5-6, 2-2
4. North Dakota 6-5, 1-3
5. South Dakota 3-8, 0-4
BTW--BCS Bowl Pairings.
Rose...Stanford vs. Ohio State
Fiesta...Florida State vs Oregon
Sugar...LSU vs Boise State
Orange...Virginia Tech vs West Virginia
BCS Championship...Oklahoma vs. Alabama
Key
(+++) This is a new post-season game.
(++) Last projection had this game as a loss, now it is a win.
(+) Improved point spread
(0) No Change
(-) Worsened point spread
(--) Last project had this game as a win, now it is a loss.
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Super Conference Era of College Football...Who Will Be Left Out
Everyone is talking about the break up of the Big 12 and the potential for the Super Conference Era of College Sports. For those not familiar with the scenario, it is that there will be 4 and only 4 16-member conferences in a new division of College Sports. If the Big 12 break up, and Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma state make the PAC-12 become the PAC-16, other conferences will follow. We know that the Big 10 and the SEC will be 2 of the other 3 conferences. The fourth will be either the Big East or the ACC. But, we also know that there are really about 80 elite universities in the world of college athletics, so some universities will be left out. Here is who will be left out.
Big East or ACC...One of these two conferences will not be part of the new super division of college sports. Not everyone in the other conference will make it to the one that survives. This one is going to be ugly. If you are a fan of Maryland, Rutgers or Syracuse, hope your school makes the right choice. I will give you a hint as to which one will be the winner. Whichever one U Conn goes to. Why? U Conn is near Bristol, Connecticut...the home of the World Wide Leader in Sports...ESPN.
Big 12...those not going to either the PAC 16 or the 16 member Big 10 are at risk. Missouri seems destined to be part of the Big 10. Kansas may make it there as well. So if you are Baylor, Kansas State and Iowa State and you have a choice between the ACC and Big East, you had better pick wisely.
But if your school does not become part of the new Super Division of college athletics, don't be dismayed. You will be in good company. Here is a list of 6 other elite programs that you will join in the new middle sub-division of Division I.
Air Force, Army and Navy. There is no room for the US service academies if there are only 4 16-team conferences. With all of the tradition and pomp and circumstance that many other college programs attempt to mimic, the service academies will be left on the doorstep. Forget Army's 2 national championships and 3 Heisman Trophy winners. How about Navy, their National Championship and 2 Heisman Trophy winners? What about Air Force, probably the most respected program in the west? If they can to play for a championship in the top division of college football, they can still play for the Commander in Cheif's trophy and national pride.
Boise State. Even though the Broncos have captured the imagination of college football fans in recent years, the masters of the blue turf, the hook-and-lateral and Statue of Liberty plays will be relegated down. There is, after all, justification for this. Boise State has only been a 4-year college since the 1940s where other colleges in the west have been around since the 1880s. In other words, other universities have had another 6 decades to work on their elitism.
Brigham Young. LaVell Edwards built this program from the ground up since 1972. They have won a National Championship, have a Heisman Trophy winner and since 1972 have only four losing seasons and two shutouts. But it is OK for them to be left out because their sports programs will not play games on Sundays and because their sponsoring church lobbied for Proposition 8 in California.
Houston. Remember the old Southwest Conference. These Cougars joined in 1972 and won that league 4 times. They boast the 1989 Heisman Trophy Winner, Andre Ware. They reside in America's 4th largest metro area. But were left out of the Big 12 in favor of Baylor, probably because scandal hit them at the wrong time. Timing is everything.
Some other programs on the outside looking in include SMU, Tulsa, Hawaii, Fresno State, Nevada, Central Florida and Southern Mississippi. Basketball powers on the outside looking in include former NCAA champions Wyoming, UTEP and UNLV as well as Gonzaga, Crieghton and St. Louis which do not have football teams.
Big East or ACC...One of these two conferences will not be part of the new super division of college sports. Not everyone in the other conference will make it to the one that survives. This one is going to be ugly. If you are a fan of Maryland, Rutgers or Syracuse, hope your school makes the right choice. I will give you a hint as to which one will be the winner. Whichever one U Conn goes to. Why? U Conn is near Bristol, Connecticut...the home of the World Wide Leader in Sports...ESPN.
Big 12...those not going to either the PAC 16 or the 16 member Big 10 are at risk. Missouri seems destined to be part of the Big 10. Kansas may make it there as well. So if you are Baylor, Kansas State and Iowa State and you have a choice between the ACC and Big East, you had better pick wisely.
But if your school does not become part of the new Super Division of college athletics, don't be dismayed. You will be in good company. Here is a list of 6 other elite programs that you will join in the new middle sub-division of Division I.
Air Force, Army and Navy. There is no room for the US service academies if there are only 4 16-team conferences. With all of the tradition and pomp and circumstance that many other college programs attempt to mimic, the service academies will be left on the doorstep. Forget Army's 2 national championships and 3 Heisman Trophy winners. How about Navy, their National Championship and 2 Heisman Trophy winners? What about Air Force, probably the most respected program in the west? If they can to play for a championship in the top division of college football, they can still play for the Commander in Cheif's trophy and national pride.
Boise State. Even though the Broncos have captured the imagination of college football fans in recent years, the masters of the blue turf, the hook-and-lateral and Statue of Liberty plays will be relegated down. There is, after all, justification for this. Boise State has only been a 4-year college since the 1940s where other colleges in the west have been around since the 1880s. In other words, other universities have had another 6 decades to work on their elitism.
Brigham Young. LaVell Edwards built this program from the ground up since 1972. They have won a National Championship, have a Heisman Trophy winner and since 1972 have only four losing seasons and two shutouts. But it is OK for them to be left out because their sports programs will not play games on Sundays and because their sponsoring church lobbied for Proposition 8 in California.
Houston. Remember the old Southwest Conference. These Cougars joined in 1972 and won that league 4 times. They boast the 1989 Heisman Trophy Winner, Andre Ware. They reside in America's 4th largest metro area. But were left out of the Big 12 in favor of Baylor, probably because scandal hit them at the wrong time. Timing is everything.
Some other programs on the outside looking in include SMU, Tulsa, Hawaii, Fresno State, Nevada, Central Florida and Southern Mississippi. Basketball powers on the outside looking in include former NCAA champions Wyoming, UTEP and UNLV as well as Gonzaga, Crieghton and St. Louis which do not have football teams.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Conference Recap, September 3rd
PAC-12
The PAC-12 struggles in Week 1.
-Colorado got their buffalo handed to them by Hawaii.
-USC squeaks by Minnesota
-UCLA loses to Houston
-Sacramento State takes care of Oregon State
-Washington needed late-game heroics to get past Eastern Washington.
-Oregon gets served by LSU
-Utah's offense struggles, but defense shines against Montana State
-Arizona State cruises by UC Davis.
-Stanford Crushes San Jose State.
-Cal runs past Fresno State.
-Washington State blows out Idaho State
-Arizona big 2nd half beats Northern Arizona
MVP of the week: Arizona QB Nick Foles with 5 TD Passes against the Lumberjacks.
Game of the Week: USC 19 Minnesota 17
FBS Independents
While Navy sails past their opponent, the others struggle in week 1.
-BYU's defense saves the day against Ole Miss
-Navy handles Delaware
-Notre Dame drops opener against South Florida
-Army slow out of the gate against Northern Illinois
MVP of the Week: BYU LB Kyle Van Noy with the game winning TD against Ole Miss
Game of the Week: BYU 14 Ole Miss 13
WAC
Hawaii is the lone week 1 victor.
-Idaho anemic against Bowling Green.
-Utah State can't seal the Auburn upset.
-San Jose State crushed by Stanford
-Fresno State run over by Cal
-Ohio crushes New Mexico State
-Southern Mississippi squeaks by Louisiana Tech
-Hawaii buffaloes Colorado
MVP of the Week: Hawaii QB Bryant Moniz for 3 touchdowns vs. Colorado
Game of the Week: Auburn 42 Utah State 38
Big Sky
Big Sky mostly struggles against the higher division, with one exception.
-Montana State impresses but can't upset Utah
-Northern Colorado can't beat DII Linwood
-Sacramento State surprises Oregon State
-Portland State all over Southern Oregon
-Washington State cruises past Idaho State
-Tennessee tars Montana
-Eastern Washington close, but not quite over Washington
-Weber State loses heartbreaker to Wyoming
-Arizona big 2nd half beats Northern Arizona
MVP of the Week: Weber State QB Mike Hoke for passing efficiency of 185.6 vs. Wyoming
Game of the Week: Sacramento State 29 Oregon State 28
Great West
-North Dakota shuts out Drake
-Arizona State no problem with UC Davis
-Air Force runs over South Dakota
-Southern Utah's comeback just short at South Dakota State
-Cal Poly no match for San Diego State
MVP of the Week: Southern Utah QB Brad Sorensen for 340 yards, 3 tds and 3 int vs South Dakota State
Game of the Week: South Dakota State 29 Southern Utah 28
The PAC-12 struggles in Week 1.
-Colorado got their buffalo handed to them by Hawaii.
-USC squeaks by Minnesota
-UCLA loses to Houston
-Sacramento State takes care of Oregon State
-Washington needed late-game heroics to get past Eastern Washington.
-Oregon gets served by LSU
-Utah's offense struggles, but defense shines against Montana State
-Arizona State cruises by UC Davis.
-Stanford Crushes San Jose State.
-Cal runs past Fresno State.
-Washington State blows out Idaho State
-Arizona big 2nd half beats Northern Arizona
MVP of the week: Arizona QB Nick Foles with 5 TD Passes against the Lumberjacks.
Game of the Week: USC 19 Minnesota 17
FBS Independents
While Navy sails past their opponent, the others struggle in week 1.
-BYU's defense saves the day against Ole Miss
-Navy handles Delaware
-Notre Dame drops opener against South Florida
-Army slow out of the gate against Northern Illinois
MVP of the Week: BYU LB Kyle Van Noy with the game winning TD against Ole Miss
Game of the Week: BYU 14 Ole Miss 13
WAC
Hawaii is the lone week 1 victor.
-Idaho anemic against Bowling Green.
-Utah State can't seal the Auburn upset.
-San Jose State crushed by Stanford
-Fresno State run over by Cal
-Ohio crushes New Mexico State
-Southern Mississippi squeaks by Louisiana Tech
-Hawaii buffaloes Colorado
MVP of the Week: Hawaii QB Bryant Moniz for 3 touchdowns vs. Colorado
Game of the Week: Auburn 42 Utah State 38
Big Sky
Big Sky mostly struggles against the higher division, with one exception.
-Montana State impresses but can't upset Utah
-Northern Colorado can't beat DII Linwood
-Sacramento State surprises Oregon State
-Portland State all over Southern Oregon
-Washington State cruises past Idaho State
-Tennessee tars Montana
-Eastern Washington close, but not quite over Washington
-Weber State loses heartbreaker to Wyoming
-Arizona big 2nd half beats Northern Arizona
MVP of the Week: Weber State QB Mike Hoke for passing efficiency of 185.6 vs. Wyoming
Game of the Week: Sacramento State 29 Oregon State 28
Great West
-North Dakota shuts out Drake
-Arizona State no problem with UC Davis
-Air Force runs over South Dakota
-Southern Utah's comeback just short at South Dakota State
-Cal Poly no match for San Diego State
MVP of the Week: Southern Utah QB Brad Sorensen for 340 yards, 3 tds and 3 int vs South Dakota State
Game of the Week: South Dakota State 29 Southern Utah 28
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Report of the Game...Southern Utah at South Dakota State
Final Score: South Dakota State 29, Southern Utah 28
SUU MVP: QB Brad Sorensen
Brad Sorensen found Jared Ursa with 2 seconds left to play, but the 2-point conversion was batted down by the defense as SUU loses a heart breaker at South Dakota State. The Thunderbirds took an early 7-0, but then gave up 29 unanswered points. In the 4th quarter, Jackrabbit turnovers led to a furious SUU rally that fell short.
SUU MVP: QB Brad Sorensen
Brad Sorensen found Jared Ursa with 2 seconds left to play, but the 2-point conversion was batted down by the defense as SUU loses a heart breaker at South Dakota State. The Thunderbirds took an early 7-0, but then gave up 29 unanswered points. In the 4th quarter, Jackrabbit turnovers led to a furious SUU rally that fell short.
Report of the Game...Weber State at Wyoming
Final Score: Wyoming 35 Weber State 32
WSU MVP: QB Mike Hoke
With less than 2 minutes remaining, Brett Smith drove the Cowboys the length of the field for the game winning score. It was a heartbreaking loss for WSU, who has not beaten a team for the higher division since a 1978 win at Utah State.
WSU MVP: QB Mike Hoke
With less than 2 minutes remaining, Brett Smith drove the Cowboys the length of the field for the game winning score. It was a heartbreaking loss for WSU, who has not beaten a team for the higher division since a 1978 win at Utah State.
Report on the Game...BYU at Ole Miss
Final Score BYU 14 Ole Miss 13.
BYU MVP: LB Kyle Van Noy
Just when you though that BYU had laid an egg on their first game of football independence, Kyle Van Noy forces a fumble and then takes it to the house to give BYU a 14-13 victory at Mississippi. BYU drove the ball well and dominated on time of possession, but could not get the ball over the goal line until less than 10 minutes remained on the clock. But an ugly win is better than looking pretty and losing.
BYU MVP: LB Kyle Van Noy
Just when you though that BYU had laid an egg on their first game of football independence, Kyle Van Noy forces a fumble and then takes it to the house to give BYU a 14-13 victory at Mississippi. BYU drove the ball well and dominated on time of possession, but could not get the ball over the goal line until less than 10 minutes remained on the clock. But an ugly win is better than looking pretty and losing.
Report on the Game...Utah State at Auburn
Final Score...Auburn 42 Utah State 38
USU MVP: QB Chuckie Keeton
For 56 minutes, Utah State not only played with Auburn, but beat them. Trouble is, the game lasts 60 minutes. With under 3 minutes remaining, the defending national champions score two touchdowns to scorch the Aggies. Some USU fans may take this as a positive sign of things to come. But remember what happened last year...when the Aggies had Oklahoma on the ropes and could not finish the game. To know if the Aggies are actually improved, let's see how they are in two weeks.
USU MVP: QB Chuckie Keeton
For 56 minutes, Utah State not only played with Auburn, but beat them. Trouble is, the game lasts 60 minutes. With under 3 minutes remaining, the defending national champions score two touchdowns to scorch the Aggies. Some USU fans may take this as a positive sign of things to come. But remember what happened last year...when the Aggies had Oklahoma on the ropes and could not finish the game. To know if the Aggies are actually improved, let's see how they are in two weeks.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Report on the Game...Montana State at Utah
Final Score: Utah 27 Montana State 10
Utah MVP: Safety Brian Blechen--2 Interceptions.
Utah's new offense looked a little shaky to begin with. They have their work cut out for them if they want to beat USC next week. However, with the defense playing well, anything is possible. Brian Blechen made this victory possible for the Utes with a pair of interceptions. The first one was returned inside the 10 yard line to set up a score and the second one was on a 4th and long. As the first half ended, the game seemed as if it would end up with a comfortable Ute victory, but Rob Ash rallied his troops at halftime and the Bobcats held the Utes to just a lone field goal in the second half. The Utah defense played very well. At times, DaNarius McGhee looked like he was trying to win the game himself. This is because the defense did well enough to take all of the supporting players out of the game.
Utah MVP: Safety Brian Blechen--2 Interceptions.
Utah's new offense looked a little shaky to begin with. They have their work cut out for them if they want to beat USC next week. However, with the defense playing well, anything is possible. Brian Blechen made this victory possible for the Utes with a pair of interceptions. The first one was returned inside the 10 yard line to set up a score and the second one was on a 4th and long. As the first half ended, the game seemed as if it would end up with a comfortable Ute victory, but Rob Ash rallied his troops at halftime and the Bobcats held the Utes to just a lone field goal in the second half. The Utah defense played very well. At times, DaNarius McGhee looked like he was trying to win the game himself. This is because the defense did well enough to take all of the supporting players out of the game.
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