The Big Sky Conference in the post-season.

Here are the current Big Sky Conference Standings.

	W	L	PF	PA	W	L	PF	PA	Str	W	L	W	L
Montana State	6	0	231	136	8	1	322	184	Won 8	5	0	3	1
Montana	6	1	236	142	7	2	289	207	Won 5	5	0	2	2
Portland State	3	2	176	158	5	3	277	223	Won 2	3	1	2	2
Eastern Washington	4	3	214	207	4	5	258	267	Lost 1	2	2	2	3
Weber State	3	2	164	122	3	5	241	246	Lost 2	2	1	1	4
Northern Arizona	2	4	152	165	3	5	220	219	Won 1	2	2	1	3
Sacramento State	2	4	155	177	3	5	198	240	Lost 2	1	2	2	3
Idaho State	1	5	113	208	2	7	181	335	Lost 6	2	2	0	5
Northern Colorado	0	6	117	243	0	9	176	325	Lost 9	0	5	0	4

As you may know, FCS rules state that a team must have seven wins in order to qualify for an at-large bid for the playoffs.  This means that there are only four teams left eligible for the post season.  Let's look at their chances.

Montana State will likely still qualify for the post-season even if they lose both of their remaining games.  If they win either of their two remaining games, they will clinch the automatic bid from the Big Sky Conference.  Easier said than done, but their chances look good at this point.  They will have a week off and plenty of motivation to take care of business at home against Montana, but they should try to take care of business on Ogden on Saturday against Weber State.

Montana is ranked and in good position for an at-large bid if they simply beat Western Oregon at home on Saturday.  Because Western Oregon is Division II, they could still blow it and not make the post-season.  They can also win the automatic bid if Weber State beats Montana State on Saturday and if they then can go to Bozeman and take care of the Bobcats in three weeks.

Portland State can no longer win the conference championship, but they can still remain eligible for an at-large bid if they win their three remaining games.  But that is easier said than done as those games are against Sacramento State, Northern Colorado and Weber State.

There will be no post-season for any of the remaining Big Sky Conference teams.  Here is where the season went wrong.

Eastern Washington...yes, they won the National Championship game without Taiwan Jones.  But Bo Levi Mitchell has been unable to will the team to victory in 2011.  The 30-17 loss to South Dakota put their season  in jeopardy before it really began.  With a season opening loss to Washington, and losses to both Montana schools, and their post-season chances were slim after that.

Weber State...Once again the 'Cats put themselves in a hole with scheduling.  They began with games at Wyoming and Utah State.  True, not the strongest of competition at the FBS level, but WSU is not yet an FBS-level team.  They began the season with 2 automatic losses making close losses to Eastern Washington and Southern Utah all the more hurtful.  Yes, the athletic budget is in the black, and people are coming to the games.  But the wins are not coming.  The 'Cats are a better team than their 3-5 record.  But wins and losses are what counts.  Drop Wyoming for a win-able FCS game and avoid the cute rugby-kick goofiness against SUU and the Cats are still in the post-season hunt.  Did you really make that much money going to Laramie anyway?  In 2012 Weber already has BYU on the schedule.  Good luck making the playoffs next year.

Sacramento State...Yes, they beat Oregon State, but they are not that much better than the rest of the conference.  Their offense has produced about 3 to 4 touchdowns a game, but it has not been good enough to overcome the inconsistent defense.

Northern Arizona, Idaho State and Northern Colorado never really had a shot at the post season this year, anyway.

In conclusion, even if Portland State wins all three remaining games, there will likely only be two BSC teams in the playoffs this year.  And look at what happened in the Great West this year.  Yes, Cal Poly, North Dakota and Southern Utah beat each other up this year.  Unless the BSC can schedule some winnable non-conference FCS games next year or unless they can pull of a quality FBS win and have that team remain in contention, it is unrealistic to expect more than 2 playoff teams.  Look at who is already on the schedule for 2012?

Eastern Washington...Washington State and Idaho

Portland State...Washington

Northern Arizona...Arizona State
Weber State...Fresno State and BYU
SUU...Utah State
Montana...Old Dominion
Montana State...Oregon (Was cancelled.)
Northern Colorado...?
North Dakota...?
Idaho State...?
Sacramento State...?
UC Davis...San Jose State
Cal Poly...?



Let me also note that California, Colorado and Utah are looking for FCS schools to fill holes in their schedules.  Let me venture a guess that Idaho State will travel to Utah, North Dakota will play at Colorado and Sacramento State will likely visit Cal.  Maryland, Virginia Tech, Texas Tech, Cincinnati, Rutgers and Syracuse are among those in the FBS ranks looking to take advantage of the lower division and pay handsomely for it.

But let me point something out.  Montana vs. Old Dominion.  This is what needs to happen more often.  But there are reasons why this happens.  Montana has been successful.  They are supported by their community.  Therefore, Old Dominion can visit Missoula and earn enough money to pay for the trip out there.  Why can't Weber State or Sacramento State do the same?  Don't they play in easy-to-get-to venues?  Mainly it is because there are not enough butts in the seats.  If Montana played three winning seasons out of five, they would be seeing crowds of 8,000 to 10,000 as well.  Success breeds support.  And you will rarely make the post-season if you cripple yourself with two automatic losses every year.  The BSC will also see few playoff appearances if they continue to beat each other up.

Conference Report for 10/29/2011

Great West

Southern Utah runs over UC Davis
North Dakota escapes from Northern Colorado (Game of the Week)
Cal Poly edges South Dakota

MVP: SUU RB Austin Minifee

Big Sky Conference

Montana flies past Weber State
Montana State crushes Idaho State
North Dakota escapes from Northern Colorado
Portland State pistol whips Eastern Washington
Northern Arizona nips Sacramento State (Game of the Week)

Commentary: It looks like the Big Sky Conference will qualify no one outside of the Treasure State for the post season...more on that later.

MVP: EWU QB Bo Levi Mitchell (Who can't win the game by himself, but had an incredible game, anyway.)

PAC-12

Utah steamrolls Oregon State
Oregon escapes from Washington State
Washington outshoots Arizona
Arizona State rolls all over Colorado
UCLA clobbers California
Stanford needs 3 overtime periods to get past USC (Game of the Week)

MVP: Utah RB John White IV

FBS Independent

BYU can't overcome mistakes against TCU
Notre Dame crushes Navy
Army rolls over Fordham

MVP: ND WR Michael Floyd

Report on the Games 10/29/2011

TCU 38 BYU 28

First have turnovers and mistakes on special teams created too big of a hole for BYU to dig out of against TCU on Friday night.  The TCU defense shut down the BYU running game, expect for when Nelson had the ball.  The news was not all negative for the Cougars, however.  Using TCU as a measuring stick, the Cougars are improving ahead of last season...although this is not quite the same TCU team as last season, either.  BYU did outscore the Frogs 18-10 in the 2nd half.  Riley Nelson gave an official a high five off of a 2 point conversion in the waning minutes.  BYU is now 6-3 and have only two games in November.  Their next game is home against Idaho on 12th and then at home against New Mexico State on the 19th.  Finally, the Cougars finish against Hawaii on December 3rd.  Expect BYU to be well healed by the time they travel to Oahu.

BYU MVP: Riley Nelson

Utah 27 Oregon State 8

It was blackout day in Utah, and the Ute fans got what they dressed up for, a scary day for the opposition.  John White IV took over and led the Utes to 21 2nd quarter points.  With White as successful as he was, there was not a lot of pressure on mistake-prone Jon Hays, who only attempted 14 passes the entire game, hitting 6 of them.  The Utes are now 4-4 with 4 games remaining against the weaker third of the PAC-12.  They have road games against Arizona and Washington State.  Home games against UCLA and Colorado.  All are winnable.  The Utes could earn a trip to Las Vegas or Albuquerque for Christmas.

MVP: John White IV

Montana 45 Weber State 10

Well, every odd numbered year, Weber State travels to Missoula and experiences an embarrassing loss.  Regular starter Mike Hoke was not available for the 'Cats and his backup Jordan Adanczyk only completed 8 of the 20 passes he attempted, 2 were picked off.  Weber stuck to their ground game and played conservative with the inexperienced QB and it was not effective.  Montana doubled Weber State in total yardage.  It appears that there will be no post-season for the Cats in 2011, they are now ineligible for the post-season unless they win the conference.  Stranger things have happened.

WSU MVP: Shaydon Kehano

SUU 34 UC Davis 3

Until last week in Ogden, Austin Minifee had been a no-show for the Thunderbirds.  Well, he better not change or wash his socks now, because this kid has suddenly caught fire.  He got 131 yards and a touchdown in the Thunderbirds home finale.  SUU can still qualify for the post-season if they can get past Northern Iowa and Northern Arizona, and they just might get selected with a win over an FBS team, even it was UNLV.

MVP: Autin Minifee.

If the NFL Playoffs Were Held Today...October 25, 2011

If a natural disaster or something else ended the NFL regular season today, here is how the playoffs would stack up.

NFC

Division Champions
East-New York
North-Green Bay
South-New Orleans
West-San Francisco

Wild Card
Detroit
Tampa Bay

Home Field-Green Bay
Other 1st Round Bye--San Francisco

Matchups
Detroit at New York, winner plays at San Francisco
Tampa Bay at New Orleans, winner plays at Green Bay

Tie Breaker--Tampa Bay defeated Atlanta on September 25

AFC

Division Champions
East-New England
North-Pittsburgh
South-Houston
West-San Diego

Wild Card
Cincinnati
Buffalo

Home Field-New England
Other first-round bye-Pittsburgh

Matchups

Cincinnati at Houston, winner plays at New England
Buffalo at San Diego, winner plays at Pittsburgh

Tie Breakers...Cincinnati defeated Buffalo on October 2.
Buffalo has a better conference record than Baltimore.

Future Big Sky Rivals to Play at Neutral Site?

The Standard Examiner is reported and both athletic directors for Southern Utah and Weber State have agreed to test moving their annual rivalry game to the a neutral site, Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy Utah which is the home of Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer.  The date of the annual game will also be moved to the first Friday in October.

The move makes sense for Southern Utah as a significant percentage of their student body and alumni come from the Salt Lake City area and they receive sizeable support from these fans whenever they play games along the Wasatch Front, either in Ogden, Salt Lake City or Logan.  (In football SUU has never played Brigham Young.) It will also help reduce traveling expenses for the team from Ogden.

Rio Tinto Stadium seats around 20,000 people and is a state of the art facility for Major League Soccer.  The stadium configuration has provided a sizeable home-field advantage for Utah's MLS franchise, who have lost only 5 home games since the facility was built.  It has hosted the Major League Soccer all-star game and several international soccer and rugby events.  It has also been the site of an annual soccer game between Utah State and Brigham Young.  The stadium is also becoming a favorite concert venue and in 2010 was the site of Paul McCartney's

In gridiron football, it has hosted many high school matches and the annual junior college Top Of The Mountains Bowl.  The game between the soon-to-be Big Sky rivals would become the first gridiron football event for a 4-year college at this facility.

With the cooperation of the Big Sky Conference the game would be moved to the first Friday in October.  The reason is to take advantage of LDS General Conference.  For those not familiar with the event or with LDS Culture, General Conference is where regular LDS Sunday meetings are not held and many Latter-Day Saint faithful travel to Salt Lake City to conduct the business of the church as a whole and to hear counsel from senior church leaders.  As the LDS Church relies on lay ministry and volunteers, it is a weekend when many SUU students who are LDS and from Salt Lake return home to spend with their families.  Utah State and Brigham Young have played their annual rivalry on the first Friday in October for years and it is been well attended.  Many area high schools play their games on Thursday during this week.

It is about 45 miles from the Weber State campus in Ogden to Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy.
Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah and Rio Tinto Stadium are about 239 miles apart.

Rio Tinto Stadium is located in Sandy, Utah at 9256 South State Street.  It is near other popular landmarks in southern Salt Lake County: The Jordan Commons Center, the Southtown Exposition Center and Southtown Mall.  The Stadium opened in the fall of 2008.  It's main tenant is Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer, the top FIFA sanctioned top professional soccer league in the United State and Canada.

Conference Report 10/22/2011

FBS Independents...

BYU whollops Idaho State
East Carolina sneaks past Navy
Army drops one at Vanderbilt
Notre Dame trips up at USC

MVP: Navy QB Trey Miller (Considering the competition...sorry BYU fans.)

PAC-12

Oregon pounds Colorado
California humbles Utah
USC trips Notre Dame
Stanford runs over Washington
Oregon State too much for Washington State
Arizona embarrasses UCLA

MVP: Stanford QB Andrew Luck

WAC

Louisiana Tech outruns Utah State
Nevada all over Fresno State
Hawaii outlasts New Mexico State

MVP: Fresno State RB Robbie Rouse

Big Sky

BYU whallops Idaho State
Montana State outruns Northern Colorado
Southern Utah too much for Weber State
Montana escapes from Northern Arizona
Portland State runs over rival Willamette
Eastern Washington outlasts Sacramento State in overtime

MVP: Montana State RB Cody Kirk

Great West

Southern Utah overcomes Weber State
Cal Poly holds off North Dakota
South Dakota nips UC Davis

MVP: Southern Utah RB Austin Minifee

Report on other games...10/22/2011

BYU 56 Idaho State 3

BYU did everything to secure a blowout win without running up the score.  The Cougars, the way that they moved the ball at will, only attempted 27 passes while running the ball 44 times.  Idaho State passed 60 times with 19 running attempts.  The high number of runs for the Cougars ran the clock down when they had the ball.  Yet, BYU was still ahead 35-3 at half-time.  BYU could have put up 70 on the Bengals, but stuck to the ground once current starter Riley Nelson was replaced by former starter Jake Heaps.

MVP: Riley Nelson

California 34 Utah 10

Jon Hays has done little at the starting quarterback for the Utes other than give the ball away.  He did not sacrifice any turnovers last week against Pittsburgh, but much of the scoring was done on special teams and on defense.  The QB situation in Utah is not good, and the main reason why the Utes are still winless in the PAC-12.  Let me also remind my readers that Utah is unbeaten in non conference play, and they have the other weaker PAC-12 teams left on their schedule...Washington State, Arizona, UCLA and Colorado.  If the Utes can win 3 of those 4, they still get a bowl game.  Yes, it will be in Las Vegas or Albuquerque, but it will be bowling non-the-less.  Frankly, the same result they would get if they had remained in the MWC.

MVP: KR Reggie Dunn

Louisiana Tech 27 Utah State 17

Even though the Aggies have look good for 3 quarters the entire season, not finishing gets you the same result.  But the Aggies still deserve credit for their exploits.  There are two main reasons for the 4th quarter melt-downs.  First, the Aggies do not have the fresh legs to turn to late in the game when they are needed.  This is a combination of depth and conditioning.  This problem will take another season or two to correct.  The other problem is the coaching of the team late in the game.  What is my evidence for this?  After going up 14-7 in the 3rd quarter, the Aggies had the ball 6 times.  Three times it was three plays and a punt.  Twice they went for it on 4th down and failed, and these were 4-play drives.  Therefore, on 5/6 drives in the late stages of the game, the Aggies failed to get a first down.  At this late and critical stage of the game, the Aggies only earned 1 first down.  This experience will be valuable for both the coaches and the players in the future.  Don't expect these late-game melt downs to continue in 2012.

MVP: Robert Turpin

Officiating Controversies Mar Southern Utah Victory.

Now, I have to be careful here, because SUU fans have been good to this blog.  They do not get a lot of press coverage, being located in Cedar City.  I have tried to be sensitive to that.  But I need to get this out.

1.  Controversy #1...Third Quarter Safety

Score 21-17 Weber State

With Brad Sorensen in shotgun formation, a the snap was low and the ball skipped on the turn past Sorensen.  In desperation, he heaves the ball into the endzone toward Austin Minifee, but it was intercepted by Jarret Gooden.  Minifee tackles Gooden in the endzone.  Touchback?

No, the officials rule that Gooden attempted to return the ball and that the ball broke the plane of the goal line.  They ruled the play a safety.  The Replay is not clear that the ball ever left the end zone, but it was clearly the intent of Jarret Gooden to return the interception.  If the ball did break the plane of the goal line, then the ruling was correct.  If not, then the play should have been called a touchback.  Those who had a better view of the play than I did, above the opposite 40-yard line, reported that the ball did not leave the end-zone.

Conclusion, inconclusive, however the controversial play clearly kept momentum of the side of the Thunderbirds.

The score at this point became 21-19 Weber State

2.  Controversy #2...4th quarter Mike Hoke fumble

After SUU took the lead, Weber State took the next kick off and were in business after a pair of Tanner Hinds runs.  But on the next play, Mike Hoke was sacked and fumbled the ball when getting ready to pass.  This was, of course, recovered by Southern Utah.  But replay's clearly showed that Hoke was in the act of passing.  As such, the play should have been ruled an incomplete pass.

Conclusion, this was a big mistake by the officials.

3.  Controversy #3...Penalty on Field Goal

After the Hoke fumble, the Weber State defense did their job, and held SUU to a field goal attempt.  But one Weber State linebacker climbed up the back of a lineman in an attempt to block the kick.  The play was correctly called a personal foul.  But the officials at first said the penalty would be assessed on the kick off, but then changed their mind gave Southern Utah an automatic first down.  The officials were correct at first, and wrong when they changed their call.  Here is the quote from the NCAA rule book... 


Rule 9, Section 1
For Team A fouls during free or scrimmage kick plays: Enforcement may be at the previous spot or the spot where the subsequent dead ball belongs to Team B (field-goal plays exempted).

Enforcement is at the spot the foul for kick offs, free kicks and punts, but not for field goals. The question on field goals is whether the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. Normally, once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage, the the enforcement of any penalty is after the result of the play.  Before the ball crosses the line of scrimmage, enforcement is at the previous spot.  But the section on personal fouls clearly states the enforcement on any personal foul on a field goal attempt is after the result of the play.  I could not find any rule about this particular type of personal fould.  Now, if I am wrong on this assessment, then the rules are confusing.

Conclusion: the enforcement of this penalty is unclear in the rule book. Here is a link to the rule book, please enlighten me.

http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/FR12.pdf

The officials gave the ball back to Southern Utah and they scored a touchdown.  The score at this point was 35-21.  And may Weber fans left the stadium at this point.  But they missed a 63-yard kickoff return that put Weber State back in business.

The actual back breaker for Weber State was the final kick off return by Austin Minifee for 67 yards, after Weber cut the lead to 35-28.  This allowed SUU to pin Weber within the 5 yard line their final drive.  SUU is not Utah State, after all, and were able to force Weber to turn the ball over on downs.

However, none of this field goal business would have mattered had the officials called the Hoke fumble correctly.

Now, for those SUU fans that I have offended....

Even though there were controversial calls, and by my count, resulted directly to 9 SUU points, the lack of proper kick coverage by Weber State was what really cost the Cats the game.  This poor coverage prevented WSU from keeping any momentum they may have gained from their two second half scores.  All three Weber kickoffs in the second half were poorly covered and gave the T-birds a short field an momentum.  If anyone cost Weber the game, it was their special teams.  But the officiating was terrible and played a role in the final score.  And what about the rugby style kicks which led to the blocked punt, anyway?

Weber fans should keep in mind that we do not have the benefit of ESPN replays at the FCS level.

This time, SUU benefited from Big Sky officiating.  Wait until it costs them a game next year when they have to deal with it every week.

SUU MVP: Austin Minifee
Weber State MVP: Josh Booker

BYU Schedule 2013 and beyond...

BYU's schedule beyond 2012.

I have very hesitant about publishing anything beyond 2012 because of the conference realignment drama.  But this is how things stand as of today.  2013 is where the independent schedule begins to get good.

A31 Open
S7 Texas
S14 @ Hawaii
S21 Open
S28 Open
O4 @Utah State
O12 Georgia Tech
O19 @Houston
O26 Boise State
N2 Open
N9 Open
N16 @ Notre Dame
N23 Open
N30 Open

TBA: Utah (Current discussion is to have this the season opener and it may not take place in 2013 (Salt Lake Tribune))
@ Washington State (Probably September 21)

Needs: 1 road game and 2 home games plus the possible "Hawaii Exception."

2014 Schedule

A30 Open
S6 @Texas
S13 Open
S20 Open
S27 Houston
O4 Open (General Conference Weekend)
O11 @ Georgia Tech
O18 Open
O25 @Boise State
N1 Open
N8 Open
N15 Open
N22 Open
N29 Open

TBA: Southern Mississippi, Utah State, @ Utah, @Central Florida
Hawaii may or may not be scheduled this year.
Needs: 1 road game, 2/3 home games depending on Hawaii.

2015 Schedule

S5 Open
S12 Boise State
S19 Open
S26 Open
O2 Utah State
O10 Open
O17 Open
O24 Open
O31 Open
N7 Open
N14 Open
N21 Open
N28 Open

TBA: Utah, Southern Mississippi, Hawaii

Note: Whether Hawaii is a home or road game or even happens in the series in 2015 depends on what happens in 2014.

2016 and Beyond
Boise State--Every season 2012 through 2023
Hawaii--9 more games, but may take 2014 and/or 2015 off
Notre Dame--4 more games, 2 in Utah, 2 in Indiana
Utah--Every season through the end of the millennium...maybe.
West Virginia--2016 season opener in DC.
Georgia Tech--Series wraps up in Provo 2017

TBA
Louisiana Tech--canceled in 2011 and 2012...still an agreement for these games to be held.
San Jose State--According to the SJSU athletic director..."They need games and we need games," but no formal agreement beyond 2012 has been signed.
Tulane...Return trip to Provo for BYU visiting New Orleans in 2009.

If BYU joins the Big 12 in 2013, there are 4/5 games that will need to have cancellation fees paid.  There are 4/5 for 2014.  Part of the process will be to determine which dates BYU will need to have available to play conference games.  If BYU joins the Big 12, Texas becomes a conference game. From 2015 and beyond, there will likely be no commitments that need to be altered other than the 1 to 2 games every year are rescheduled at the last minute, anyway.

Source: FBSchedules.com

BYU's 2012 schedule complete

BYU has completed their 2012 slate by scheduling a home and home with Washington State.  They will play in Provo in 2012 and in Pullman in 2013.  The dates have not been announced, but will probably be September 29 for the 2012 game.  This game, or Oregon State, will be the 2012 homecoming game.

S1 @ Georgia Tech (2003 in Provo, 24-13 Cougars, Series tied 1-1)
S8 Weber State (1979 in Provo, 48-3 Cougars, BYU leads series 2-0)
S15 @Utah (2011 in Provo, 54-10 Utes. Utah leads the series 52-31-4)
S22 @Boise State (2004 in Boise, 28-27 Broncos. Boise leads series 2-0)
S29 Open--likely Washington State (1990 in Provo, 50-36 Brigham Young.  BYU leads series 2-1)
O5 Utah State (2011 in Provo, 27-24 Cougars, BYU leads series 44-34-1)
O13 Oregon State (Last Meeting: 2011 in Corvalis, 38-28 Cougars. Series tied at 5 wins each)
O20 @ Notre Dame (2005 in South Bend, IN, 49-23 Irish, Notre Dame leads series 4-2)
O27 Open
N3 Open
N10 Open
N17 Open
N24 Open
D1 Open

Home TBA: Hawaii, Idaho
Road TBA: San Jose State, New Mexico State

2012 schedule by conference
WAC-4
PAC-12-3
MWC-2
ACC-1
Big Sky-1
FBS Indy-1

Can BYU get to the BCS with this schedule?
-If they run the table?  Probably.
-With 1 loss?  If that loss is a close one @ Notre Dame and Notre Dame is also in the BCS or a close one @Utah or @Georgia Tech and those schools win their respective conferences.  And if the BCS slate includes some 2-loss schools then maybe.  It would depend on where the Cougars are ranked.  Boise State will be without Kellen Moore in 2012, but almost nobody wins on the blue turf. Washington State and Oregon State have a long way to go to be competitive in the PAC-12 and BYU has them at home.  A loss to a WAC school or at home to Hawaii (who is a much weaker team away from Oahu) will be the kiss of death for the BCS. Even though Weber State is good for an FCS team and are coached by Ron McBride who has a good record in Provo, a loss here would cost the Cougars a ton of respectability.
-With 2 losses, forget about it.

If the FBS had a playoff

If there was an FBS playoff, with the same rules as the FCS, here is how it would shake down...

Automatic Bids.

ACC--Clemson
Big 12--Oklahoma
Big East--Rutgers
Big Ten--Wisconsin
C-USA--Houston
MAC--Temple
MWC--Boise State
PAC-12--Stanford
SEC--LSU
Sun Belt--Louisiana Lafayette
WAC--Fresno State

Seedings (Based on BCS Standings) with Automatic bids in CAPS.

1.  LOUISIANA STATE
2.  Alabama
3. OKLAHOMA
4. Oklahoma State
5. BOISE STATE
6. WISCONSIN
7. CLEMSON
8. STANFORD
9. Arkansas
10. Oregon
11. Kansas State
12. Virginia Tech
13. Nebraska
14. South Carolina
15. West Virginia
16. HOUSTON
17. RUTGERS
18. TEMPLE
19. FRESNO STATE
20. LOUISIANA LAFAYETTE

First Round

Game 1
ULLAF at Nebraska

Game 2
Fresno State at South Carolina

Game 3
Temple at West Viginia

Game 4
Rutgers at Houston

Second Round

Game 4 winner at 1. LSU
9. Arkansas at 8. Stanford

Game 1 winner at 4. Oklahoma State
12. Virginia Tech at 5. Boise State

Game 2 winner at 3. Alabama
11. Kansas State at 6. Wisconsin

Game 3 winner at 2. Oklahoma
10. Oregon at 7. Clemson

Last 4 in
Virginia Tech, Nebraska, South Carolina and West Virginia

First 4 out
Michigan State, Texas A&M, Michigan and Auburn

Next 4 out
Penn State, Georgia Tech, Illinois and Texas

Lurking
Washington, Georgia, Arizona State and Notre Dame

If The NFL Playoffs were held today.

If the NFL playoffs were held today, here is how it would stack up.

NFC

The Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be the division champions.  The Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints would be the wildcard teams.  The Packers have home field throughout the NFC playoffs.

Round 1...Detroit at New York Giants.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay.

Round 2.  Detroit/New York at San Francisco.
New Orleans/Tampa Bay at Green Bay.

AFC

New England, Baltimore, Tennessee and San Diego are the division champs.  Buffalo and Cincinnati are the wildcard teams.  Buffalo holds the tie breaker over Oakland and Cincy has a better division record.  New England has home field throughout the AFC playoffs.

Round 1...Buffalo at Tennessee
Cincinnati at Baltimore

Round 2...Buffalo/Tennessee at New England
Cincinnati/Baltimore at San Diego

Reprot on the Games...October 15, 2011

Weber State 39 Idaho State 12

In spite of a mistake-prone 1st quarter, filled with penalties and Mike Hoke's first interception of the season, the Weber State Wildcats rolled to victory against their rivals from just over the border.  Twice, quarterback Mike Hoke found Shaydon Kehano all alone for long touchdowns.  The first was for 56 yards in the 2nd quarter and the second was an 83 yard strike in the 3rd quarter.  The second Kehano touchdown broke open what was at that point a close game.  Mike Hoke left with an injury in the 4th quarter, came back for one play, but was rested afterwords.  It is a strained abdominal muscle.  He should be OK for next week's game vs. Southern Utah.  Idaho State finished with -1 net yards rushing, gave up a safety and 2 blocked punts.  WSU is now 3-3, 3-1 in Big Sky play.

WSU MVP: WR Shaydon Kehano

Utah 26 Pittsburgh 14

The Utes played a mistake free game and came out on top 26-16.  Their bowl hopes are still alive.  John White IV ran up 171 yards and the Utes controlled the clock and the game.  The Utes came just over a minute short of having a 2-1 time of possession advantage.  The final Ute Score, the one that iced the game, was a 21-yard interception return for a touchdown by Derrick Shelby with less than 2 minutes remaining.  The Utes are now 3-3 and 0-3 in conference play.  The Utes play next at California and are still hunting for their first ever PAC-12 victory.

Utah MVP: RB John White IV

BYU 38 Oregon State 28

Riley Nelson had a big 2nd half, where he tossed 3 touchdowns.  Nelson accounted for 304 yards on the day.  217 with his arm and 87 with his legs.  On the flip side, Nelson tossed a pick-6 at the end of the second half.  Receiving half of Nelson's passes on the day was Cody Hoffman, who had 9 catches for 162 yards and a 3rd quarter touchdown. This game was also not as close as the final score indicated.  It would have been more one-sided but the turnover bug continues bite BYU.  The Cougars are now 5-2 and host Idaho State next week.

BYU MVP: WR Cody Hoffman, QB Riley Nelson

Cal Poly 31 Southern Utah 27

Cal Poly's Andre Broadous scored the game winning touchdown with only 45 seconds remaining as the Mustangs topped Southern Utah in another close loss for the Thunderbirds.  Brad Soresen led the way with 296 yards passing, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.  Perhaps the lack of a running game cost the T-Birds again as they managed only 70 yards on the ground.

MVP: QB Brad Sorensen

Fresno State 31 Utah State 21

The Aggies had a 21-17 lead going into the fourth quarter and surrendered 2 bulldog touchdowns in the final frame, while failing to score themselves.  Not a last-second collapse, to be sure, but again not able to put together a complete game.  Football isn't hockey.  The Aggies could be 6-0 if there were only 3 periods.  Robert Turpin with 155 yards on the ground.  Chukie Keeton left the game near the end of the last drive and had to be assisted from the field. No report on what the injury was.

MVP: RB Robert Turpin

Sad day for BYU fans

I have just seen ESPN on TV report that Boise State, Air Force and Navy will be football-only Big East members.  BYU turned down the Big East weeks ago and could not work out differences with the Big 12.

The Mountain West Conference and Conference USA are merging.

This means that independence has cost BYU access to the BCS bowls and not helped them at all...if BYU can not find a way to get BCS access what will become of the football program?

I am also seeing tweets...unconfirmed, of course, that Tanner Mangum has switched from BYU to Boise State.

Any thoughts?

Has College Football Armageddon arrived? Is BYU football, the only mid-major to win a national championship in the last 40 years, forever shut out of college football?

WasatchSwagger@gmail.com

I will share the best ideas.

Bad luck for the Utes

Jordan Wynn will have season ending surgery.  He should apply for and get a medical redshirt.  It is apparent that Utah has Pac-12 talent, but not Pac-12 depth.  It will take a couple of seasons for Whittingham's program to build it.

This should also be a warning for BYU Cougar Fans should they receive and accept a Big 12 invite.  You lose a couple of star players and bam, the season is over.  In order to play with the big boys, you need to have shark teeth.

This means that the backup is just as capable as the starter at running things.  While Utah does not have a credible backup at quarterback, this season, they have some recruits coming in that look real good.  It 3 to 5 years, the shark teeth will be set up and ready.

BYU is stacked at quarterback, so they say, at least at the talent end of the spectrum.  One problem with having so much talent is that you never know how a person will perform on the field of play until they get the opportunity.  You hope for someone fearless like Chuckie Keeton.  But sometimes you get someone who is a little more mistake prone like Jake Heaps.  You simply hope that the backup is ready to go.

The first season for Utah in the PAC-12 may turn into a bust, or Jon Hays may turn into another Chuckie Keeton.  Hopefully, the latter, so that the season and a bowl game for Utah can be salvaged.

Saving the WAC...another non-football member?

This is according to tweets and a lot of speculation, therefore, please take this for what it is worth and no comments about...Where do you get this stuff...my source is twitter.

Air Force will join the Big East as a football only member and be in the same conference as their sister service academies Army and Navy.  This will open up football scheduling for Air Force and allow them to play up to four non conference games all over the country, where now they only have the flexibility to schedule 2.

That is not a surprise.  Here is what is...

They spurned a chance to join the Big 12.  This is one reason why BYU did not get an invite last week.  If this is true, it is really good news for Boise State fans...and good news for BYU fans.

And this conference affiliation is for football only.  Their other sports programs will either remain in the MWC or they will re-join the WAC...likely the latter.  If this is true, it furthers the WAC closer to a future like the Big West, of being a non-football conference.  Good news for Utah Valley fans.

If the MWC has to replace Boise and Air Force, that is good news for Utah State fans.

Remember that this is speculation that I am passing along.  You will not find this yet from a source like ESPN and it may not happen at all.  So please take it for what it is worth.

***

Let me be non-cryptic....My apologies to those who did not read through my vaugue statements.  I should not have been so vague.

Service academies keep Big East football conference together, leaving no reason for Louisville and other to jump to the Big 12...leaving an openings for BYU and Boise State.

The MWC, having to replace 2 schools takes Utah State and another WAC school.

The WAC becomes a non-football conference takes on Air Force and Utah Valley and CS Bakersfield and a couple of others to maintain the NCAA auto-bid.

Conference Report October 8, 2011

FBS Independents...

BYU gets past San Jose State
Army loses a close game to Miami of Ohio
Southern Mississippi cruises past Navy
Notre Dame is too much for Air Force

MVP: Notre Dame QB Andrew Hendrix

PAC-12

UCLA squeaks past Washington State
Oregon State nets first win of the season against Arizona
Arizona State runs past mistake-prone Utah
Stanford crushes Colorado
Oregon is too much for California
USC and Washington were idle

MVP: Oregon RB LaMichael James

WAC

Utah State takes out frustration on Wyoming
Louisiana Tech too much for Idaho
Nevada cannons UNLV
San Jose State comes up short in Provo
Boise State pummels Fresno State
New Mexico State and Hawaii were idle

MVP: Utah State QB Chuckie Keeton

Big Sky

Montana blanks Idaho State
Sacramento State crawls past Northern Colorado
Montana State avoids Portland State comeback bid
Eastern Washington passes past Northern Arizona
Weber State was idle

MVP: Eastern Washington QB Bo Levi Mitchell

Great West

South Dakota squeezes past Southern Utah
North Dakota rolls over Montana Western
Cal Poly cruises past Central Oklahoma
UC Davis drops one to DII Humbolt State

MVP: North Dakota RB Jake Miller

Report of the Games...October 8, 2011

Utah State 63 Wyoming 19

One way to avoid a frantic comeback by the opposition is to build a big, insurmountable lead.  That is what the Aggies did at home against the Cowboys today.  The Aggies took a 49-19 lead into the locker room at halftime and coasted to their largest point total in decades.  Chuckie Keeton passed for 5 touchdowns and Robert Turpin ran for 111 yards.  Next week is the game that could turn the season and the USU football program around the corner for good.  A win at Fresno State next week will let the WAC know to watch out for Utah State this year.

USU MVP: QB Chukie Keeton

BYU 29 San Jose State 16

The turnover bug still bit the Cougars today, but San Jose State was only able to get 13 points from the as BYU gave their fans a homecoming victory for 2011.  QB Riley Nelson was able to move the offense consistently.  All 3 turnover happened deep in Spartan territory.  The Cougars never punted today.  But the three turnovers and trouble stopping the Pistol made this a more uncomfortable victory than most Cougar fans expected.

BYU MVP: QB Riley Nelson

South Dakota 24 Southern Utah 19

The Tunderbirds failed to recover an onside kick late in the 4th quarter and South Dakota held on to a close victory over Southern Utah.  Possibly the lack of a running game, with only 11 net yards on the ground, explained why SUU was not able to move the ball consistently and score touchdowns when they were needed.  Credit the Coyote defenders for that.  SUU falls to 3-3 for the season and are two losses away from being eliminated from post season contention.  The GWC does not have an automatic playoff bid and the NCAA FCS requires 7 wins for post-season contention.

SUU MVP: QB Brad Sorensen

Report of the Game...Arizona State at Utah

Arizona State 35 Utah 14

Utah had a 14-10 lead early in the 3rd quarter, and then turnovers caught up with them.  Each of their next 4 drives ended in a turnover, which then led to an ASU score.  The first second half turnover, the second of the game, came when Utah had a 14-13 lead. 

The Utes drop to 0-3 in conference play, certainly are out of the conference race this year and are now are struggling to earn a winning season and make a bowl game this year.  They will have one to two more weeks without Jordan Wynn.  Arizona State takes a strangle-hold on the PAC-12 south division.

Utah MVP: RB John White IV

If BYU remains independent...

It turns out that TCU will replace Texas A&M and not BYU.  Not really a surprise, except that two weeks ago it seemed that the Big 12 was deadset against anyone from Texas joining.  BYU may still get an invite if Missouri leaves or if the Big 12 returns to 12.

TCU was an easy pick.

However, there were some that believed that BYU has turned down an invite from the Big 12.  Some others are reporting that BYU has accepted, but that has not come from a reliable source.  If this turns out to be the case that BYU rejected a Big 12 offer, it is because people that are closer to the situation that most fans are made the decision that was best for the University and the church they represent.

I have not seen anything official that says that BYU is not going to the Big 12 of that they turned the Big 12 down or that the Big 12 is no longer interested in BYU.  TCU was in transition and was an easy school to pick up.  BYU is harder to read, but still one of the best choices out there.  So relax...

If BYU remains indy, here it seems that the schedule is half full every season.  Here is who they will play every season or almost every season...

Every Year

Utah
Utah State
Hawaii
Boise State

Almost every year

Notre Dame
San Jose State
Idaho
New Mexico State

Here is who BYU could play every year in the Big 12 North...remember now that TCU is on board, they will be in the Big 12 south with Oklahoma and Texas.

Every year:
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
Missouri
The 12th team invited.


2-3 games every 4 years...

Baylor
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Texas
Texas Christian
Texas Tech

If BYU does join the Big 12, you will likely not see Utah nor Utah State on the football schedule every season.  The Hawaii, Boise State and Notre Dame series will be modified.

Now, if you are going to get to the BCS when you have a good team, you need to have a strong schedule.  The road to the BCS will be a lot tougher when you are not in a conference.  Having the weakest teams of the weakest FBS conference on the schedule every season is giving the BCS a reason to say no.  True, Boise State and Utah will help, but being in the north division of the Big 12 will put a good caliber BYU team one game away from the BCS 3 out of every 7 years.  As an independent, that opportunity will not come very often.

Also, as an independent, the harder part of the schedule will be in the early season, and the cup cake teams will be in October and November.  As a member of the Big 12, the cup cake teams will be early on.

As an independent, BYU will have to run the table to get to the BCS.  In the Big 12, an early season loss can be overcome.

Seems the better option is as a member of a BCS conference, and this could be the only chance BYU will get.

Boise State and the Big 12...

There are some things that need to happen that will open the door to the Big 12 for the Bronco faithful.  Certainly, BSU has proven themselves on the field of play and would be a BCS asset for the Big 12.  But there are some other dominoes that need to fall before we can expect an invite to come the Broncos way.

1.  The Big East must remain together.  There are many scenarios that leave Boise out of the Big 12 if the Big East folds and leaves Louisville, Cincinnati and West Virginia for the Big 12 to take. There will be no room for Boise State in a virtual Big 12-Big East merger.

2.  The Big 12 must vote to return to 12 teams.  They could chose to remain at 9 or return to 10.  If they only replace TAMU, BYU is the popular favorite to be the 10th team.

3.  Big 12 must remain consistently opposed to adding more schools from Texas.  Apparently, TCU is OK, but if they open up to SMU or Houston, Boise State may end up remaining in the MWC.

4. BYU must be invited to the Big 12 and accept that invitation. According to Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News, Boise State will not go to the Big 12 without BYU.  If the Big 12 decides to return to 10 and BYU says no or does not get an invite, the Big 12 is likely to not look at Boise.

5. Boise must commit to bringing their academic programs up to par with the Big 12.  Too bad that the Gem State does not have both Boise State's athletic prowess and the University of Idaho's academic prowess in the same school.  This means concentrating some financial firepower at academics, even if it costs the athletic program.

The Computer predicts week 6

Week 5 was a bad week for Sagarin in Utah.  The computer incorrectly predicted 3 of the 4 games and so far does not have a good track record.

Brigham Young.

The Cougars beat the Aggies, as expected, but did not beat the predicted spread.  Maybe they would have if Riley Nelson would have played the entire game.

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 27 USU 24...computer predicted an 11 point Cougar triumph.
October 8 San Jose State...BYU wins by 16. (-)
October 15 @ Oregon State...BYU wins by 2. (-)
October 22 Idaho State...BYU wins by 32. (-)
October 28 v TCU...BYU loses by 11. (+)
November 12 Idaho...BYU wins by 15. (-)
November 19 New Mexico State...BYU wins by 20. (-)
December 3 @ Hawaii...BYU loses by 3. (--)
Armed Forces Bowl, Dallas, TX
December 30 v Tulsa...BYU loses by 2.
BYU finishes 8-5.

FBS Independents.
1. Notre Dame
2. BYU
3. Navy
4. Army

Utah

The Utes 2nd half collapse against Washington costs them in the computer rankings.

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...Washington 31 Utah 14...computer predicted a 17 point Ute victory.
October 8 Arizona State...Utah wins by 2. (-)
October 15 @ Pittsburgh...Utah loses by 2. (--)
October 22 @ California...Utah loses by 1. (--)
October 29 Oregon State...Utah wins by 17. (-)
November 5 @ Arizona...Utah wins by 3. (-)
November 12 UCLA...Utah wins by 10. (-)
November 19 @ Washington State...Utah wins by 6. (-)
November 25 Colorado...Utah wins 17.
Las Vegas Bowl, Las Vegas, Nevada
December 28 v TCU...Utah loses by 2. (--)
Utes to finish 8-5 (6-3 in conference play)
Conference Projection (Includes conf championship, but not the bowls)

North

1.  Stanford   (Rose)
2. Oregon  (Fiesta)
3. Washington (Sun)
4. California (Kraft Fight Hunger)
5. Washington State
6. Oregon State

South

1. Arizona State (Holiday)
2. USC (Ineligible)
3. Utah (Las Vegas)
4. Arizona (New Mexico)
5. UCLA
6. Colorado

Utah State

The loss to CSU is the loss the hurts the Aggies the most because they were big favorites in that game.  If Utah State can pull out a win at Fresno State in 2 weeks, they will win the WAC.

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...BYU 27 USU 24...Computer predicted an 11 point Cougar win.
October 8 Wyoming...USU wins by 7. (+)
October 15 @ Fresno State...USU loses by 2. (+)
October 22 Louisiana Tech...USU wins by 7. (+)
November 5 @ Hawaii...USU loses by 6. (-)
November 12 San Jose State...USU wins by 11. (-)
November 19 @ Idaho...USU wins by 5. (0)
November 26 Nevada...USU loses by 1. (0)
December 3 @ New Mexico State...USU wins by 10. (+)
Idaho Famous Potato Bowl, Boise, ID
December 17 vs. Ohio...USU loses by 2 (+)

USU finishes 6-7, 4-3 in WAC play.

Conference Projection (Bowl and Opponent)
1. Nevada (Poinsettia vs. Air Force) (Nevada beats Hawaii)
1. Hawaii (Hawaii vs Tulsa)
3. Utah State (Idaho Famous Potato vs. Ohio)
4. Fresno State
5. Louisiana Tech
6. Idaho
7. New Mexico State
8. San Jose State

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...EWU 27 WSU 21...Computer projected a 2 point Eagle win.
October 15 Idaho State...Weber wins by 19. (-)
October 22 Southern Utah...Weber wins by 4. (+)
October 29 @ Montana...Weber loses by 3. (0)
November 5 Montana State...Weber loses by 2. (0)
November 12 Northern Arizona...Weber wins by 6. (-)
November 19 @ Portland State...Weber wins by 7. (-)

Weber finishes 6-5, 5-3 in conference play...Not quite good enough for the FCS playoffs

Conference Projection
1. Montana State
2. Montana
3. Eastern Washington
4. Weber State
5. Sacramento State
6. Northern Arizona
7. Portland State
8. Idaho State
9. Northern Colorado

Southern Utah

The loss to North Dakota will hurt more than the win over UNLV helps.

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...North Dakota 26 SUU 21...Computer projected an 11-point Thunderbird win.
October 8 @ South Dakota...SUU wins by 1. (-) (Almost too close to call)
October 15 @ Cal Poly...SUU loses by 1. (--)
October 22 @ Weber State...SUU loses by 4. (-)
October 29 UC Davis...SUU wins by 9. (-)
November 12 @ Northern Iowa...SUU loses by 13. (-)
November 19 Northern Arizona...SUU wins by 1. (-)

SUU to finish 6-5, 2-2 in conference play.

Conference Report, October 1, 2011

FBS Independents

-BYU shocks Utah State late
-Army rolls over Tulane
-Navy rally falls short against Air Force
-Notre Dame rolls past Purdue

MVP: Navy RB Alexander Teich

PAC-12

-Washington spoils Utah homecoming.
-Washington State nips Colorado
-USC wins Arizona shootout
-Stanford rolls past UCLA
-Arizona State outlasts Oregon State

MVP: USC QB Matt Barkley

WAC

-Boise State gets revenge against Nevada
-Idaho loses in overtime to Virginia
-San Jose State nips Colorado State
-Hawaii runs over Louisiana Tech
-New Mexico State crushes in-state rival New Mexico
-Ole Miss takes care of Fresno State
-Utah State loses another nail-biter

MVP: Hawaii QB Bryant Moniz

Big Sky

-Eastern Washington holds off Weber State for first win of the season.
-Montana crushes Northern Colorado
-Portland State wins wild affair over Idaho State
-Montana State takes care of Sacramento State

MVP: Portland State QB Connor Kavanaugh

Great West

-North Dakota holds off Southern Utah
-South Dakota demolishes DII Linwood.

MVP: North Dakota RB Jake Miller

Report on the games, October 1, 2011

Washington 31 Utah 14


The Huskies used a big 3rd half to build an insurmountable lead against the Running Utes to spoil Homecoming and the fist home PAC-12 game for Utah.  Keith Polk rushed for 189 yards and the Husky offensive line took control of the game from the Utes.  The Ute offense, on the other hand,  was held to a mere 17 yards on the ground.  Utah also committed 5 turnovers, which led to 17 Husky points.  In short writing, what Utah did to BYU 2 weeks ago, Washington did to Utah tonight.


Utah MVP: QB Jordan Wynn


Eastern Washington 27 Weber State 21


The defending national champions kept their very slim post-season hopes alive by getting their first win of 2011.  They took a 24-7 lead into the locker room, and then held off a WSU 2nd half rally.  The game could have turned to the Wildcats favor for good when Davin Pugh intercepted Bo Levi Mitchell in the end zone with 12:53 remaining, but the Eagle defense stiffened and forced Weber State to punt from midfield.  After the Eagles punted back, Weber drove down inside the EWU 17 yard line where the game was saved by Charles Moetului sacked Mike Hoke on a 2nd down play and forced a fumble.  It was Hoke's first turnover as the Weber State starting quarterback.  He still has yet to toss an interception.


Weber State MVP: WR Shaydon Kehano


North Dakota 26 Southern Utah 20


After a nightmare of a first quarter, the SUU attempt to rally at home against the Fighting Sioux was snuffed out when Daryl Brown intercepted Brad Sorensen in the end zone with 17 seconds remaining.  The Sioux took a 16-0 lead in the first quarter and then held on for the victory.  Statistically, the game was dominated by the Thunderbirds, but in the category that counted, the Sioux took an early lead and never trailed.  North Dakota struck first, after pinning the Thunderbirds on their own 2 yard line, they held SUU for a 3-and-out and forced a fumble  on the ensuing punt in the end zone which was recovered by SUU for a safety.


SUU MVP: QB Brad Sorensen