1. The Jazz will have a dismal season as the lack of on-court experience and leadership take their toll. The Jazz will trade one of their two lottery picks for veteran leadership. They will cave to pressure use the late first round draft pick they get in return on a local star (see #10).
2. 2012 will be last time BYU and Utah will meet on the football field.
3. In Conference realignment, Utah State will leave the WAC for the MWC and the WAC will become a non-football league that includes Utah Valley.
4. Utah State will win the WAC Championship in football. They will get a rematch against Ohio in the Potato Bowl.
5. The Red Rocks will win the PAC-12 gymnastics championship.
6. Weber State/Southern Utah will become a fierce rivalry. The T-Birds will surprise the Big Sky Conference in their first season and earn a trip to the FCS playoffs.
7. BYU will go 11-1 in football in the regular season, but a loss to Utah and soft late-season schedule will keep the Cougars out of the BCS. BYU will play Wyoming in the Poinsettia Bowl.
8. Utah will finish 5-7 will fail to earn a bowl bid.
9. Ron L. Smith's first season as Weber's head coach will be a disappointing 4-7
10. Damien Lillard will continue to play basketball in Utah in 2012-13, but it will not be for Weber State.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Weber State 2012 schedule finalized
Here is Weber State's official 2012 football schedule.
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| * Conference Games One note, the Southern Utah game, which both schools hope to hold at the Neutral Rio Tinto Statdium in Sandy Utah will take place in Cedar City in 2012. The hope for the two schools is that this neutral game will take place on the first weekend in October. That date will not be given to WSU/SUU by the Big Sky Conference until 2014. My initial impression is that another 5-7 season is in the works. |
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
What if the NFL playoffs were held today...December 27, 2011
NFC Playoff Picture
Division Champions
East--New York
North--Green Bay*
South--New Orleans**
West--San Francisco**
Wildcard--Detroit***,Atlanta***
Tie Breakers:
-New York and Dallas have the same record. Currently, New York has the advantage because they defeated the Cowboys on December 11. They play this Sunday. The winner will be the division champion and there will be no need for a tie breaker.
-New Orleans and San Francisco have the same record and have not played each other. They both have the same division record. San Francisco has the better conference record and has the first-round bye.
Notes:
*Green Bay has won their division and will have the home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
**New Orleans and San Francisco have won their respective divisions
***Atlanta and Detroit have earned wild-card births to the playoffs.
Current Bracket
Detroit at New York winner to play at Green Bay
Atlanta at New Orleans winner to play at San Francisco
Games that matter this weekend
-Detroit at Green Bay--For the Packers, this is a pre-season game. The Lions need this game to ensure that they will face the NFC East champion in the first round. If the game becomes a blowout, expect that both teams will empty their benches in the 4th quarter.
-San Francisco at St. Louis--SF needs this game to ensure a 1st-round bye. St. Louis is trying to avoid qualifying for the first pick in next year's draft.
-Carolina at New Orleans--The Saints need to win this game should the 49ers stumble to get the 1st-round bye.
-Tampa Bay at Atlanta--The Falcons need to win in case the Lions stumble to avoid the likelihood of playing New Orleans again in the first round of the playoffs.
-Dallas at New York--Division championship and playoffs are on the line. This game is really a play-in game to the playoffs. This game has been flexed into the Sunday Night NBC schedule.
Games that do not mean all that much this weekend.
Chicago at Minnesota
Washington at Philadelphia
Seattle at Minnesota
AFC Playoffs
Division Champions
East-New England*
North-Baltimore***
South-Houston**
West-Oakland
Wild Card--Pittsburgh***,Denver
Tie Breakers:
-Baltimore and Pittsburgh have the same record. The Ravens have won both regular-season meetings between the two teams and are the current division leaders.
-Oakland and Denver have the same record. They split their regular season games. They have the same division record and and same conference record. Oakland is ahead of Denver in point differential and is the division leader.
-Denver and New York have the same record, but the Broncos won their only regular season meeting.
Notes:
*New England has won the AFC East division, but has not yet won the right to host the AFC Championship game.
**Houston has won the AFC South Division and will host a first-round game
***Pittsburgh and Baltimore have clinched no worse than a wildcard game.
Current Brackets:
Pittsburgh at Oakland winner to play at New England
Denver at Houston winner to play at Baltimore
Games that matter this weekend
-Buffalo at New England--The Patriots need this game to ensure that they can host the AFC Championship game.
-New York at Miami--The Jets can still make the playoffs if they win this game.
-Baltimore at Cincinnati--The Raven need to win to clinch the division championship and if the Patriots stumble, they can host the AFC Championship game.
-Pittsburgh at Cleveland--If the Steelers win, they can win the division if Baltimore loses and they can host the AFC Championship game if both Baltimore and New England lose.
-Denver at Kansas City--The Broncos will make the playoffs if they win.
-San Diego at Oakland--The winner will be in the playoffs. Both teams have the tie break over Denver. Oakland by a 15-point differential and San Diego by conference record. If Denver loses, the winner of this game wins the division. Oakland, with a victory, wins the division regardless of what Denver does. If Denver loses, Oakland will be in the playoffs, even with a loss. San Diego must win to make the playoffs.
-Indianapolis at Jacksonville--The Colts need to lose and need St. Louis to win in order to get the 1st pick in next years draft. Indy's winning streak, so far, gives that pick to the Rams.
The only AFC game that is not that important is Tennessee at Houston. The Texans can no longer improve their playoff position.
Division Champions
East--New York
North--Green Bay*
South--New Orleans**
West--San Francisco**
Wildcard--Detroit***,Atlanta***
Tie Breakers:
-New York and Dallas have the same record. Currently, New York has the advantage because they defeated the Cowboys on December 11. They play this Sunday. The winner will be the division champion and there will be no need for a tie breaker.
-New Orleans and San Francisco have the same record and have not played each other. They both have the same division record. San Francisco has the better conference record and has the first-round bye.
Notes:
*Green Bay has won their division and will have the home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
**New Orleans and San Francisco have won their respective divisions
***Atlanta and Detroit have earned wild-card births to the playoffs.
Current Bracket
Detroit at New York winner to play at Green Bay
Atlanta at New Orleans winner to play at San Francisco
Games that matter this weekend
-Detroit at Green Bay--For the Packers, this is a pre-season game. The Lions need this game to ensure that they will face the NFC East champion in the first round. If the game becomes a blowout, expect that both teams will empty their benches in the 4th quarter.
-San Francisco at St. Louis--SF needs this game to ensure a 1st-round bye. St. Louis is trying to avoid qualifying for the first pick in next year's draft.
-Carolina at New Orleans--The Saints need to win this game should the 49ers stumble to get the 1st-round bye.
-Tampa Bay at Atlanta--The Falcons need to win in case the Lions stumble to avoid the likelihood of playing New Orleans again in the first round of the playoffs.
-Dallas at New York--Division championship and playoffs are on the line. This game is really a play-in game to the playoffs. This game has been flexed into the Sunday Night NBC schedule.
Games that do not mean all that much this weekend.
Chicago at Minnesota
Washington at Philadelphia
Seattle at Minnesota
AFC Playoffs
Division Champions
East-New England*
North-Baltimore***
South-Houston**
West-Oakland
Wild Card--Pittsburgh***,Denver
Tie Breakers:
-Baltimore and Pittsburgh have the same record. The Ravens have won both regular-season meetings between the two teams and are the current division leaders.
-Oakland and Denver have the same record. They split their regular season games. They have the same division record and and same conference record. Oakland is ahead of Denver in point differential and is the division leader.
-Denver and New York have the same record, but the Broncos won their only regular season meeting.
Notes:
*New England has won the AFC East division, but has not yet won the right to host the AFC Championship game.
**Houston has won the AFC South Division and will host a first-round game
***Pittsburgh and Baltimore have clinched no worse than a wildcard game.
Current Brackets:
Pittsburgh at Oakland winner to play at New England
Denver at Houston winner to play at Baltimore
Games that matter this weekend
-Buffalo at New England--The Patriots need this game to ensure that they can host the AFC Championship game.
-New York at Miami--The Jets can still make the playoffs if they win this game.
-Baltimore at Cincinnati--The Raven need to win to clinch the division championship and if the Patriots stumble, they can host the AFC Championship game.
-Pittsburgh at Cleveland--If the Steelers win, they can win the division if Baltimore loses and they can host the AFC Championship game if both Baltimore and New England lose.
-Denver at Kansas City--The Broncos will make the playoffs if they win.
-San Diego at Oakland--The winner will be in the playoffs. Both teams have the tie break over Denver. Oakland by a 15-point differential and San Diego by conference record. If Denver loses, the winner of this game wins the division. Oakland, with a victory, wins the division regardless of what Denver does. If Denver loses, Oakland will be in the playoffs, even with a loss. San Diego must win to make the playoffs.
-Indianapolis at Jacksonville--The Colts need to lose and need St. Louis to win in order to get the 1st pick in next years draft. Indy's winning streak, so far, gives that pick to the Rams.
The only AFC game that is not that important is Tennessee at Houston. The Texans can no longer improve their playoff position.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
What if the NFL playoffs were held today...December 20, 2011
Current NFL Playoff Picture as of December 20, 2011
NFC
Division Leaders...
East...Dallas
North...Green Bay*
South...New Orleans**
West...San Francisco*
Wildcard...Detroit, Atlanta
NFC Home Field...Green Bay
*Green Bay and San Francisco have already won their respective divisions.
**New Orleans will have no worse than a wildcard birth.
Brackets...
Detroit at New Orleans winner to play at San Francisco
Atlanta at Dallas winner to play at Green Bay
Tie Breaker...Atlanta defeated the Lions during the regular season and will play the division champion with the weaker record in the opening round.
AFC
Division Leaders
East...New England*
North...Baltimore**
South...Houston*
West...Denver
Wildcard...Pittsburgh**, New York
AFC Home Field...New England
*New England and Houston have already won their respective divisions
**Baltimore and Pittsburgh will have no worse than a wildcard birth
Brackets...
New York at Houston winner to play at Baltimore
Pittsburgh at Denver winner to play at New England
Tie Breakers...
Baltimore defeated Pittsburgh in both their regular season matches is the division leader as a result.
Baltimore defeated Houston in their only meeting and would get a first round bye as a result.
NFC
Division Leaders...
East...Dallas
North...Green Bay*
South...New Orleans**
West...San Francisco*
Wildcard...Detroit, Atlanta
NFC Home Field...Green Bay
*Green Bay and San Francisco have already won their respective divisions.
**New Orleans will have no worse than a wildcard birth.
Brackets...
Detroit at New Orleans winner to play at San Francisco
Atlanta at Dallas winner to play at Green Bay
Tie Breaker...Atlanta defeated the Lions during the regular season and will play the division champion with the weaker record in the opening round.
AFC
Division Leaders
East...New England*
North...Baltimore**
South...Houston*
West...Denver
Wildcard...Pittsburgh**, New York
AFC Home Field...New England
*New England and Houston have already won their respective divisions
**Baltimore and Pittsburgh will have no worse than a wildcard birth
Brackets...
New York at Houston winner to play at Baltimore
Pittsburgh at Denver winner to play at New England
Tie Breakers...
Baltimore defeated Pittsburgh in both their regular season matches is the division leader as a result.
Baltimore defeated Houston in their only meeting and would get a first round bye as a result.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Report on the Bowls
It was a cardiac bowl season for Utah Sports fans...there was one heartbreaking loss and two exciting wins.
Utah State
Once again this season, the Utah State Aggies were not able to hold onto a 4th quarter lead and dropped a 24-23 decision in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise this evening. USU took a 23-10 lead with 5 minutes remaining in the game, but were not able to hold off the Bobcats, who scored with just seconds remaining in the 4th quarter.
Utah State
Once again this season, the Utah State Aggies were not able to hold onto a 4th quarter lead and dropped a 24-23 decision in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise this evening. USU took a 23-10 lead with 5 minutes remaining in the game, but were not able to hold off the Bobcats, who scored with just seconds remaining in the 4th quarter.
MVP: RB Michael Smith
For next season
Utah State has not won 8 games in a season since 1979 and will attempt to do so next year, as well as winning a conference championship. Gone will be Nevada, Hawaii and Fresno State with Texas State and Texas San Antonio in their place. The first question will be if Robert Turbin will be back. He was not been come to a decision, but has filed evaluation papers, according to KSL. Michael Smith will graduate and will not be back either. Kerwynn Williams, however, should be.
BYU
The Cardiac Cougars struck again, scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 11 seconds on the clock after it appeared that they were lining up to spike the ball and run a play with the clocked stopped. The final score came on a short touchdown pass from Riley Nelson to Cody Hoffman. The play they ran is called Red Alert, and it was called on the field by the gutsy Nelson and not by the coaching staff. It is a play that will go down in Cougar lore behind Jim McMahon's 'Hail Mary' against SMU and Steve Young's catch and run on a half-back pass from Eddie Stinnett against Missouri.
MVP: WR Cody Hoffman
For next season
There are a few Cougars that graduate and will move on. Two offensive lineman, including the gutsy Matt Reynolds move on. But most of the skilled stars will be back including receivers Cody Hoffman and Ross Apo and quarterback Riley Nelson. On defense, super star Kyle Van Noy has two years of eligibility remaining. The 2012 schedule is a little on the soft side and BYU would have to run the table to get anything better than the Poinsettia bowl.
Utah
The Utes equaled the Cougars in the cardiac arrest department in their bowl victory. On 4th and 14 with under 3 minutes remaining, Jon Hays found DeVonte Christopher for a 28-yard touchdown pass. The conversion would tie the game in send the game into overtime. Utah came away with a 30-27 win after John White IV scored from 8 yards out. The off-maligned Hays had a solid game and was key to the Ute comeback. He would throw 3 touchdown passes and only one interception. The Utes trailed 24-10 midway through the 4th quarter.
MVP: QB Jon Hays
For next season
The Utes lose one very key player, but not someone on the field...Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow has accepted the head coaching position in Hawaii. For the Utes, they hope that Jordan Wynn will return next season from injury, but they have Chase Peterson coming from high school. And the Utes will have to contend with a now-eligible USC who figures to be the beast of the PAC-12 south.
Utah State has not won 8 games in a season since 1979 and will attempt to do so next year, as well as winning a conference championship. Gone will be Nevada, Hawaii and Fresno State with Texas State and Texas San Antonio in their place. The first question will be if Robert Turbin will be back. He was not been come to a decision, but has filed evaluation papers, according to KSL. Michael Smith will graduate and will not be back either. Kerwynn Williams, however, should be.
BYU
The Cardiac Cougars struck again, scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 11 seconds on the clock after it appeared that they were lining up to spike the ball and run a play with the clocked stopped. The final score came on a short touchdown pass from Riley Nelson to Cody Hoffman. The play they ran is called Red Alert, and it was called on the field by the gutsy Nelson and not by the coaching staff. It is a play that will go down in Cougar lore behind Jim McMahon's 'Hail Mary' against SMU and Steve Young's catch and run on a half-back pass from Eddie Stinnett against Missouri.
MVP: WR Cody Hoffman
For next season
There are a few Cougars that graduate and will move on. Two offensive lineman, including the gutsy Matt Reynolds move on. But most of the skilled stars will be back including receivers Cody Hoffman and Ross Apo and quarterback Riley Nelson. On defense, super star Kyle Van Noy has two years of eligibility remaining. The 2012 schedule is a little on the soft side and BYU would have to run the table to get anything better than the Poinsettia bowl.
Utah
The Utes equaled the Cougars in the cardiac arrest department in their bowl victory. On 4th and 14 with under 3 minutes remaining, Jon Hays found DeVonte Christopher for a 28-yard touchdown pass. The conversion would tie the game in send the game into overtime. Utah came away with a 30-27 win after John White IV scored from 8 yards out. The off-maligned Hays had a solid game and was key to the Ute comeback. He would throw 3 touchdown passes and only one interception. The Utes trailed 24-10 midway through the 4th quarter.
MVP: QB Jon Hays
For next season
The Utes lose one very key player, but not someone on the field...Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow has accepted the head coaching position in Hawaii. For the Utes, they hope that Jordan Wynn will return next season from injury, but they have Chase Peterson coming from high school. And the Utes will have to contend with a now-eligible USC who figures to be the beast of the PAC-12 south.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
NBA Preview...
Here is my early picks for the NBA this year...
Eastern Conference
Division winners....
Atlantic...New York
Central...Chicago
Southeast...Miami
Standings...
The Great
1. Miami
2. Chicago
3. New York
4. Boston
The Good
5. Orlando
6. Atlanta
7. Philadelphia
8. New Jersey
The Bad
9. Detroit
10. Indiana
11. Milwaukee
12. Cleveland
13. Charlotte
The Ugly
14. Washington
15. Toronto
(Man, I originally wrote "The Bad" over Detroit).
Western Conference
Division Winners
Southwest...Dallas
Northwest...Oklahoma City
Pacific...Lakers
Standings
The Great
1. Lakers
2. Dallas
3. San Antonio
The Good
4. Oklahoma City
5. Phoenix
6. Golden State
7. Clippers
8. Houston
9. Utah
10. Denver
11. Portland
12. Memphis
The Bad
13. Minnesota
14. Sacramento
The Ugly
15. New Orleans
Eastern Conference
Division winners....
Atlantic...New York
Central...Chicago
Southeast...Miami
Standings...
The Great
1. Miami
2. Chicago
3. New York
4. Boston
The Good
5. Orlando
6. Atlanta
7. Philadelphia
8. New Jersey
The Bad
9. Detroit
10. Indiana
11. Milwaukee
12. Cleveland
13. Charlotte
The Ugly
14. Washington
15. Toronto
(Man, I originally wrote "The Bad" over Detroit).
Western Conference
Division Winners
Southwest...Dallas
Northwest...Oklahoma City
Pacific...Lakers
Standings
The Great
1. Lakers
2. Dallas
3. San Antonio
The Good
4. Oklahoma City
5. Phoenix
6. Golden State
7. Clippers
8. Houston
9. Utah
10. Denver
11. Portland
12. Memphis
The Bad
13. Minnesota
14. Sacramento
The Ugly
15. New Orleans
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Saving the WAC...Montana and Montana State
I am seeing many tweets that say that Montana and Montana State may be warming up to the idea about joining the WAC, I am not certain that this is in play. If this happens, it is going to have to happen soon. The WAC is really on the verge of being a non-football conference and will need quick action if it is going to remain a football conference. Here is a summary of what has changed since Montana said no to the WAC about a year ago.
-The Big Sky Conference has hyper expanded and added North Dakota and Southern Utah as full-time members and has also added Cal Poly and UC Davis as football only members. This has broken the rivalry that Montana and Montana State have had with two other original BSC members, Weber State and Idaho State.
The only original Big Sky Conference football team that Montana will play every season is Montana State. The other 2 original Big Sky Conference members have moved on. Gonzaga has dropped football and become a member of the West Coast Conference. Idaho has moved on to the WAC. If Montana and Montana State join the WAC, they will be re-united with old long-time rival Idaho and perhaps, it's a long shot at best, take Weber State with them.
With the Big Sky Conference now stretching from Eastern North Dakota to the Central Coast of California, there really is no travel advantage the Big Sky has over the WAC.
-Montana got a taste of Big Time College Football this year by going to Tennessee. In the WAC, the pay day for these type of games can double.
-The WAC no longer has Hawaii, a very expensive place to travel to, and may even lose Louisiana Tech. The WAC is becoming a more travel friendly place to play.
-The WAC has added Texas San Antonio and Texas State and the entire state of Texas is laden with football recruits.
-If the WAC holds on the Utah State, they could become a two-bid NCAA conference again. The Big Sky Conference will likely never have an at-large NCAA bid.
-The WAC is getting Boise State back for Basketball and other non-football sports. Boise State is another former Big Sky Conference Rival. Boise State was in the Big Sky Conference from 1970 to 1996.
-From the looks of things, BYU will still need a scheduling agreement with the WAC unless they join the Big 12. Montana and Montana State are both former BYU rivals before both Treasure State schools were dropped to the small college division of college football.
Montana and Montana State have until June to make up their minds if they want to transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision by 2013. But the WAC has until it loses two more schools to get them. If it is going to happen, it needs to happen soon.
-The Big Sky Conference has hyper expanded and added North Dakota and Southern Utah as full-time members and has also added Cal Poly and UC Davis as football only members. This has broken the rivalry that Montana and Montana State have had with two other original BSC members, Weber State and Idaho State.
The only original Big Sky Conference football team that Montana will play every season is Montana State. The other 2 original Big Sky Conference members have moved on. Gonzaga has dropped football and become a member of the West Coast Conference. Idaho has moved on to the WAC. If Montana and Montana State join the WAC, they will be re-united with old long-time rival Idaho and perhaps, it's a long shot at best, take Weber State with them.
With the Big Sky Conference now stretching from Eastern North Dakota to the Central Coast of California, there really is no travel advantage the Big Sky has over the WAC.
-Montana got a taste of Big Time College Football this year by going to Tennessee. In the WAC, the pay day for these type of games can double.
-The WAC no longer has Hawaii, a very expensive place to travel to, and may even lose Louisiana Tech. The WAC is becoming a more travel friendly place to play.
-The WAC has added Texas San Antonio and Texas State and the entire state of Texas is laden with football recruits.
-If the WAC holds on the Utah State, they could become a two-bid NCAA conference again. The Big Sky Conference will likely never have an at-large NCAA bid.
-The WAC is getting Boise State back for Basketball and other non-football sports. Boise State is another former Big Sky Conference Rival. Boise State was in the Big Sky Conference from 1970 to 1996.
-From the looks of things, BYU will still need a scheduling agreement with the WAC unless they join the Big 12. Montana and Montana State are both former BYU rivals before both Treasure State schools were dropped to the small college division of college football.
Montana and Montana State have until June to make up their minds if they want to transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision by 2013. But the WAC has until it loses two more schools to get them. If it is going to happen, it needs to happen soon.
Monday, December 12, 2011
What if the NFL Playoffs were held today...December 13, 2011
NFC Playoffs
Division Leaders
East...New York
North...Green Bay
South...New Orleans
West...San Francisco
Wildcard...Detroit, Atlanta
Championship Game Home Field...Green Bay
Brackets
Atlanta at New York...winner to play at Green Bay
Detroit at New Orleans...winner to play at San Francisco
Tie Breakers
-New York has won the only head to head matchup vs Dallas, but the two meet again in week 17.
-Atlanta beat Detroit in their only head to head matchup and plays the division champion with the weakest record.
Notes: Green Bay and San Francisco have already clinched division championships and New Orleans has secured no worse than a wildcard bid. Green Bay can secure home field in the championship game if they win this coming Sunday at Kansas City.
AFC Playoffs
East...New England
North...Baltimore
South...Houston
West...Tebow
Wildcard...Pittsburgh, New York
Championship Game Home Field...Baltimore
Brackets
Pittsburgh at Denver...winner to play at Baltimore
New York at Houston...winner to play at New England
Tie Breakers
-Baltimore has won both regular season games vs Pittsburgh and is the division leader.
-Houston, New England and Baltimore have the same record. Houston lost to Baltimore and loses out on the first-round bye. Baltimore has the better division record between the Ravens and the Patriots.
Notes: Houston has already won the AFC South Division
Division Leaders
East...New York
North...Green Bay
South...New Orleans
West...San Francisco
Wildcard...Detroit, Atlanta
Championship Game Home Field...Green Bay
Brackets
Atlanta at New York...winner to play at Green Bay
Detroit at New Orleans...winner to play at San Francisco
Tie Breakers
-New York has won the only head to head matchup vs Dallas, but the two meet again in week 17.
-Atlanta beat Detroit in their only head to head matchup and plays the division champion with the weakest record.
Notes: Green Bay and San Francisco have already clinched division championships and New Orleans has secured no worse than a wildcard bid. Green Bay can secure home field in the championship game if they win this coming Sunday at Kansas City.
AFC Playoffs
East...New England
North...Baltimore
South...Houston
West...Tebow
Wildcard...Pittsburgh, New York
Championship Game Home Field...Baltimore
Brackets
Pittsburgh at Denver...winner to play at Baltimore
New York at Houston...winner to play at New England
Tie Breakers
-Baltimore has won both regular season games vs Pittsburgh and is the division leader.
-Houston, New England and Baltimore have the same record. Houston lost to Baltimore and loses out on the first-round bye. Baltimore has the better division record between the Ravens and the Patriots.
Notes: Houston has already won the AFC South Division
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Utah Basketball Power Rankings December 11, 2011
After some in-state games, the rankings changed a bit, but until about the 11 minute mark of the 2nd half of the BYU/Utah game I was considering keeping the top team the same as it was last week. There is a light week this coming week.
1. BYU (8-2)...last week defeated Weber State, won @ Utah...Next Week...vs Baylor, Saturday.
2. Weber State (6-2)...last week lost @ BYU, defeated Southern Utah...Next Week...@ California, Friday
3. Utah State (4-5)...last week defeated Utah Valley, lost @ Utah State...Next Week...vs Seattle, Saturday
4. Utah Valley (6-5)...last week lost @ Utah State, defeated Portland State...Next Week...vs Georgia State, Saturday
5. Southern Utah (4-4)...last week lost @ Weber State...Next Week...nothing, the T-Birds have the week off.
6. Utah (1-8)...last week lost vs CS Fullerton, lost vs BYU...Next Week...vs Idaho State, Friday.
MVP: BYU F Noah Hartsock
1. BYU (8-2)...last week defeated Weber State, won @ Utah...Next Week...vs Baylor, Saturday.
2. Weber State (6-2)...last week lost @ BYU, defeated Southern Utah...Next Week...@ California, Friday
3. Utah State (4-5)...last week defeated Utah Valley, lost @ Utah State...Next Week...vs Seattle, Saturday
4. Utah Valley (6-5)...last week lost @ Utah State, defeated Portland State...Next Week...vs Georgia State, Saturday
5. Southern Utah (4-4)...last week lost @ Weber State...Next Week...nothing, the T-Birds have the week off.
6. Utah (1-8)...last week lost vs CS Fullerton, lost vs BYU...Next Week...vs Idaho State, Friday.
MVP: BYU F Noah Hartsock
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Saving the WAC...The Big East Expanded, What Now?
So, the Big East added 5...Boise State, San Diego State, Houston, SMU and Central Florida. BYU and Air Force have said, thanks but no thanks. What happens next?
The MWC and C-USA have to decide if they expand to replace who they have lost, or if they go on as they now stand.
I know that fans of Utah State and others in the floundering WAC are hopeful that the MWC will chose them as replacements. I am hopeful for that as well for Utah State. The Aggies and the Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech, the 1 & 2 football teams in the WAC from 2011, have proven that they can compete and have a bright future. That is if they can keep Gary Anderson and Sonny Dykes, their respective coaches.
In this blog, I have sorted through a number of scenarios, and it is a wait and see mode right now. But let's take a moment to review the options...including one theory this blog has not yet explored.
Option 1. Stand pat...The Mountain West Conference would have 8 teams and Conference USA would have 9. Both are at a reasonable size for a college football conference. Since they have a "playoff agreement" semi-merger and could enter into a scheduling agreement to help fill out their respective schedules. There is one problem with the option, and that is the MWC would have only 7 teams for basketball...which bring us to option 2.
Option 2. The MWC would only add 1 school and C-USA stand pat to bring both conferences to 9 for football. They would play 8 conference and 1 non-conference game would be against the other conference similar to the ACC/Big 10 challenge in basketball. I would believe that Utah State is likely to be the one school, but the MWC could choose market size over competition level and select San Jose State instead of Utah State.
Option 3. Both school expand to 12 teams. As I have said before, C-USA would want to regain and maintain a foot hold in the recruiting hotbed of Texas, therefore North Texas is likely the #1 consideration. I believe that Middle Tennessee has the next best chance and finally Appalachian State would be third. Other candidates would be UTSA and Louisiana Tech. LT will lobby hard, however.
For the MWC, they would need to add 4. Utah State, San Jose State and possibly Idaho and Montana could be good options for the MWC. I have been crucified for saying that the MWC would add Montana, but I ask again, who else would they add? New Mexico State, maybe if Montana says no.
UTEP could switch from C-USA to MWC and that could open up LT as an option for C-USA? So maybe that is more likely to happen. Utah State, San Jose State, Idaho and UTEP to the MWC with North Texas, Middle Tennessee, Appalachian State and Louisiana Tech to C-USA.
Option 4. Completely merge and create a super conference. That would be 17 teams. Perhaps someone like Air Force or Hawaii would have nothing to do with it and go independent, then you would have 16 teams, but it might work well. This is an option that I have not discussed before, but since super conferences seem to be the future, why not serve as the experiment and see if it could work. Or prove that it can not...like the WAC did 16 years ago.
If Karl Benson wants his conference to survive as a football conference, he may choose to keep his mouth shut about the Super Conference idea.
But, the SL Tribune is reporting this morning that Utah State administrators are expecting an invite from the MWC, but not very soon. They report that neither C-USA nor the MWC are certain that they are finished losing teams and more are expected to join the Big East, perhaps Air Force and Navy. However, if this is where it stops, a formal, complete merger may be the chosen option instead of expansion by either conference. But keep in mind that both conferences have lost their best hopes at BCS access to the Big East. Can they get to the BCS without Boise State? Will Fresno State and Southern Mississippi carry them to the BCS? And that is the reality of the current situation. If C-USA loses Southern Mississippi, Tulsa and/or Tulane, Marshall or someone else, all bets are off.
I also have not lost the fact that Boise State has joined the WAC for their non-football sports. This helps the WAC survive as a non football conference. They will need to add 3 more non-football schools to live on as a non-football conference and maintain the NCAA automatic bid.
The MWC and C-USA have to decide if they expand to replace who they have lost, or if they go on as they now stand.
I know that fans of Utah State and others in the floundering WAC are hopeful that the MWC will chose them as replacements. I am hopeful for that as well for Utah State. The Aggies and the Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech, the 1 & 2 football teams in the WAC from 2011, have proven that they can compete and have a bright future. That is if they can keep Gary Anderson and Sonny Dykes, their respective coaches.
In this blog, I have sorted through a number of scenarios, and it is a wait and see mode right now. But let's take a moment to review the options...including one theory this blog has not yet explored.
Option 1. Stand pat...The Mountain West Conference would have 8 teams and Conference USA would have 9. Both are at a reasonable size for a college football conference. Since they have a "playoff agreement" semi-merger and could enter into a scheduling agreement to help fill out their respective schedules. There is one problem with the option, and that is the MWC would have only 7 teams for basketball...which bring us to option 2.
Option 2. The MWC would only add 1 school and C-USA stand pat to bring both conferences to 9 for football. They would play 8 conference and 1 non-conference game would be against the other conference similar to the ACC/Big 10 challenge in basketball. I would believe that Utah State is likely to be the one school, but the MWC could choose market size over competition level and select San Jose State instead of Utah State.
Option 3. Both school expand to 12 teams. As I have said before, C-USA would want to regain and maintain a foot hold in the recruiting hotbed of Texas, therefore North Texas is likely the #1 consideration. I believe that Middle Tennessee has the next best chance and finally Appalachian State would be third. Other candidates would be UTSA and Louisiana Tech. LT will lobby hard, however.
For the MWC, they would need to add 4. Utah State, San Jose State and possibly Idaho and Montana could be good options for the MWC. I have been crucified for saying that the MWC would add Montana, but I ask again, who else would they add? New Mexico State, maybe if Montana says no.
UTEP could switch from C-USA to MWC and that could open up LT as an option for C-USA? So maybe that is more likely to happen. Utah State, San Jose State, Idaho and UTEP to the MWC with North Texas, Middle Tennessee, Appalachian State and Louisiana Tech to C-USA.
Option 4. Completely merge and create a super conference. That would be 17 teams. Perhaps someone like Air Force or Hawaii would have nothing to do with it and go independent, then you would have 16 teams, but it might work well. This is an option that I have not discussed before, but since super conferences seem to be the future, why not serve as the experiment and see if it could work. Or prove that it can not...like the WAC did 16 years ago.
If Karl Benson wants his conference to survive as a football conference, he may choose to keep his mouth shut about the Super Conference idea.
But, the SL Tribune is reporting this morning that Utah State administrators are expecting an invite from the MWC, but not very soon. They report that neither C-USA nor the MWC are certain that they are finished losing teams and more are expected to join the Big East, perhaps Air Force and Navy. However, if this is where it stops, a formal, complete merger may be the chosen option instead of expansion by either conference. But keep in mind that both conferences have lost their best hopes at BCS access to the Big East. Can they get to the BCS without Boise State? Will Fresno State and Southern Mississippi carry them to the BCS? And that is the reality of the current situation. If C-USA loses Southern Mississippi, Tulsa and/or Tulane, Marshall or someone else, all bets are off.
I also have not lost the fact that Boise State has joined the WAC for their non-football sports. This helps the WAC survive as a non football conference. They will need to add 3 more non-football schools to live on as a non-football conference and maintain the NCAA automatic bid.
Monday, December 5, 2011
What if there was an FBS playoff, final edition of 2011
Here is how your FBS final 20-team playoff would look for 2011. The theoretical kickoff to December Madness would begin this coming Saturday.
Automatic Bids
ACC--Clemson
Big 12--Oklahoma State
Big East--West Virginia
Big Ten--Wisconsin
Conference USA--Southern Mississippi
MAC--Northern Illinois
Mountain West--Texas Christian
PAC-12--Oregon
SEC--LSU
Sun Belt--Arkansas State
WAC--Louisiana Tech
Seedings
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Oklahoma State
4. Stanford
5. Oregon
6. Arkansas
7. Boise State
8. Kansas State
9. South Carolina
10. Wisconsin
11. Virginia Tech
12. Baylor
13. Michigan
14. Clemson
15. Texas Christian
16. West Virginia
17. Southern Mississippi
18. Louisiana Tech
19. Northern Illinois
20. Arkansas State
At large rules...need at least 8 wins to qualify.
No teams from the same conference can meet in the first or second rounds.
First Round Games
Game 1
Arkansas State at Michigan
Game 2
Northern Illinois at Clemson
Game 3
Louisiana Tech at Texas Christian
Game 4
Southern Mississippi at West Virginia
Second Round Games
Game 4 winner at 1. LSU
9. South Carolina at 8. Kansas State
Game 1 winner at 4. Stanford
12. Baylor at 5. Oregon
Game 2 winner at 3. Oklahoma State
11. Virginia Tech at 6. Arkansas
Game 3 winner at 2. Alabama
10. Wisconsin at 7. Boise State
Last 4 in:
Michigan, Baylor, Virginia Tech, South Carolina
First 4 out:
Oklahoma, Georgia, Michigan State, Houston
Next 4 out:
Nebraska, Penn State, Notre Dame, Brigham Young
Automatic Bids
ACC--Clemson
Big 12--Oklahoma State
Big East--West Virginia
Big Ten--Wisconsin
Conference USA--Southern Mississippi
MAC--Northern Illinois
Mountain West--Texas Christian
PAC-12--Oregon
SEC--LSU
Sun Belt--Arkansas State
WAC--Louisiana Tech
Seedings
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Oklahoma State
4. Stanford
5. Oregon
6. Arkansas
7. Boise State
8. Kansas State
9. South Carolina
10. Wisconsin
11. Virginia Tech
12. Baylor
13. Michigan
14. Clemson
15. Texas Christian
16. West Virginia
17. Southern Mississippi
18. Louisiana Tech
19. Northern Illinois
20. Arkansas State
At large rules...need at least 8 wins to qualify.
No teams from the same conference can meet in the first or second rounds.
First Round Games
Game 1
Arkansas State at Michigan
Game 2
Northern Illinois at Clemson
Game 3
Louisiana Tech at Texas Christian
Game 4
Southern Mississippi at West Virginia
Second Round Games
Game 4 winner at 1. LSU
9. South Carolina at 8. Kansas State
Game 1 winner at 4. Stanford
12. Baylor at 5. Oregon
Game 2 winner at 3. Oklahoma State
11. Virginia Tech at 6. Arkansas
Game 3 winner at 2. Alabama
10. Wisconsin at 7. Boise State
Last 4 in:
Michigan, Baylor, Virginia Tech, South Carolina
First 4 out:
Oklahoma, Georgia, Michigan State, Houston
Next 4 out:
Nebraska, Penn State, Notre Dame, Brigham Young
My proposed changes to the BCS...
If we can not have a playoff, and I am an advocate for December Madness, we could have a BCS+1 formula. Here is my vision for how it could work.
Now there are 4 bowls that are BCS bowls. I suggest doubling that number to 8. Add the Cotton, Holiday, Gator and Peach bowls.
Each conference champion gets a slot in one of the bowls, unless the conference champion has fewer than 9 wins. If the conference champion lacks 9 wins, then another team from the conference is eligible. If would therefore behoove conferences to ensure that their conference championship game participants have at least 8 wins. There is no limit to the number of teams that can be represented by a particular conference. If a conference can not qualify a team with at least 9 wins, then that conference will lose it's automatic qualification for that season.
Two teams from the same conference can not play against each other in a bowl game.
At-large invitees must have at least 10 wins. Independents, however, who do not have a conference championship to play for can qualify with 9 wins if they have at least 1 win against team that qualifies for a BCS bowl. Otherwise, an independent would need 10 wins to qualify.
At team with 8 wins can qualify for a BCS bowl if all of the eligible 9-win teams have been selected.
No bowls are to be played after January 1, or January 2 if January 1 falls on Sunday. The non-BCS bowls can be played at a later date.
Two Bowl will be designated by the BCS committee as semi-final bowls based upon conference affiliation. Conference affiliation for bowls can be changed if necessary to accommodate semi-final bowls. Only conference champions are eligible to play in the semi-final games.
The BCS championship game, between the top two teams after the bowls are played on January 1st will meet in the BCS championship game.
The BCS championship game will be played at any venue in the United States, regardless of bowl affiliation, at a site to be determined 2 years in advance.
The BCS championship game will be played at any college or professional venue with at least 60,000 seats.
The BCS championship game will be played no earlier than January 7 and will be played on a Friday or Saturday.
Conference affiliation for Bowls
Rose--Pac-12 and Big 10
Orange--ACC and Big East
Sugar--SEC and at-large
Fiesta--Mountain West and at-large
Cotton--Big 12 and at-large
Gator--Conference USA and at-large
Peach--MAC and Sun Belt
Holiday--WAC and at-large
This is how it would have worked out this year.
Semi-final Bowls
Sugar Bowl--LSU vs Oregon
Cotton Bowl--Oklahoma State vs Alabama
Other Bowls
Rose Bowl--Wisconsin vs. Stanford
Orange Bowl--Clemson vs. West Virginia
Fiesta Bowl--Texas Christian vs Arkansas
Gator Bowl--Southern Mississippi vs Kansas State
Peach Bowl--Northern Illinois vs. Arkansas State
Holiday Bowl--Louisiana Tech vs Boise State
Now there are 4 bowls that are BCS bowls. I suggest doubling that number to 8. Add the Cotton, Holiday, Gator and Peach bowls.
Each conference champion gets a slot in one of the bowls, unless the conference champion has fewer than 9 wins. If the conference champion lacks 9 wins, then another team from the conference is eligible. If would therefore behoove conferences to ensure that their conference championship game participants have at least 8 wins. There is no limit to the number of teams that can be represented by a particular conference. If a conference can not qualify a team with at least 9 wins, then that conference will lose it's automatic qualification for that season.
Two teams from the same conference can not play against each other in a bowl game.
At-large invitees must have at least 10 wins. Independents, however, who do not have a conference championship to play for can qualify with 9 wins if they have at least 1 win against team that qualifies for a BCS bowl. Otherwise, an independent would need 10 wins to qualify.
At team with 8 wins can qualify for a BCS bowl if all of the eligible 9-win teams have been selected.
No bowls are to be played after January 1, or January 2 if January 1 falls on Sunday. The non-BCS bowls can be played at a later date.
Two Bowl will be designated by the BCS committee as semi-final bowls based upon conference affiliation. Conference affiliation for bowls can be changed if necessary to accommodate semi-final bowls. Only conference champions are eligible to play in the semi-final games.
The BCS championship game, between the top two teams after the bowls are played on January 1st will meet in the BCS championship game.
The BCS championship game will be played at any venue in the United States, regardless of bowl affiliation, at a site to be determined 2 years in advance.
The BCS championship game will be played at any college or professional venue with at least 60,000 seats.
The BCS championship game will be played no earlier than January 7 and will be played on a Friday or Saturday.
Conference affiliation for Bowls
Rose--Pac-12 and Big 10
Orange--ACC and Big East
Sugar--SEC and at-large
Fiesta--Mountain West and at-large
Cotton--Big 12 and at-large
Gator--Conference USA and at-large
Peach--MAC and Sun Belt
Holiday--WAC and at-large
This is how it would have worked out this year.
Semi-final Bowls
Sugar Bowl--LSU vs Oregon
Cotton Bowl--Oklahoma State vs Alabama
Other Bowls
Rose Bowl--Wisconsin vs. Stanford
Orange Bowl--Clemson vs. West Virginia
Fiesta Bowl--Texas Christian vs Arkansas
Gator Bowl--Southern Mississippi vs Kansas State
Peach Bowl--Northern Illinois vs. Arkansas State
Holiday Bowl--Louisiana Tech vs Boise State
WSU Has a New Head Coach
***Update***
Weber State has a new head football coach. According to KSL, John L Smith, the former head man at Idaho, Utah State, Louisville and Michigan State will be named the new Wildcat coach Tuesday morning. Smith is also a Weber State alum who played during the Sark Arslenian days in the early 1970s, the only time in WSU's history that the 'Cats were consistently winning.
A press conference has been called for Tuesday morning.
Here is a link to Smith's coaching record.
Highlights
-At Idaho, he qualified for the FCS post-season 5 out of 6 seasons. In 1993 he coached the Vandals in the FCS semi-finals.
-At Utah State, he was the last coach to take them to a bowl game before this season. In 1997, the Aggies lost to Cincinnati in the Humanitarian Bowl after winning the Big West Championship.
-His best season at Louisville was 2001 where the Cardinals won the Conference USA championship and beat BYU in the Liberty Bowl.
Weber State has a new head football coach. According to KSL, John L Smith, the former head man at Idaho, Utah State, Louisville and Michigan State will be named the new Wildcat coach Tuesday morning. Smith is also a Weber State alum who played during the Sark Arslenian days in the early 1970s, the only time in WSU's history that the 'Cats were consistently winning.
A press conference has been called for Tuesday morning.
Here is a link to Smith's coaching record.
Highlights
-At Idaho, he qualified for the FCS post-season 5 out of 6 seasons. In 1993 he coached the Vandals in the FCS semi-finals.
-At Utah State, he was the last coach to take them to a bowl game before this season. In 1997, the Aggies lost to Cincinnati in the Humanitarian Bowl after winning the Big West Championship.
-His best season at Louisville was 2001 where the Cardinals won the Conference USA championship and beat BYU in the Liberty Bowl.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Utah Basketball Power Rankings...December 4, 2011
Here is how Utah's basketball teams rank against one another.
1. Weber State (5-1)...Last Week...Lost @ Saint Mary's, defeated San Jose State...Next Week...@ BYU Wednesday, vs Southern Utah Saturday.
2. Brigham Young (6-2)...Last week...Won @ Northern Arizona, defeated Oregon...Next Week...vs Weber State Wednesday, @ Utah Saturday.
3. Utah State (3-4)...Last week...lost vs Devner, lost @ Pacific....Next week...vs Utah Valley Tuesday, @ Wichita State Saturday.
4. Utah Valley (5-4)...Last week...lost @ Wyoming, defeated Haskell...Next Week @ Utah State Tuesday, vs Portland State Saturday.
5. Southern Utah (4-4, 0-1)...Last week...lost @ Oral Roberts...Next Week @ Weber State Saturday
6. Utah (1-6)...Last week...Last week...lost @ Fresno State...Next Week vs CS Fullerton Wednesday, vs BYU Saturday
MVP of the Week: Weber State G Damien Lillard who tied his career high of 36 points in a loss at Saint Mary's and then set a new career high of 41 points in the double overtime victory against San Jose State.
1. Weber State (5-1)...Last Week...Lost @ Saint Mary's, defeated San Jose State...Next Week...@ BYU Wednesday, vs Southern Utah Saturday.
2. Brigham Young (6-2)...Last week...Won @ Northern Arizona, defeated Oregon...Next Week...vs Weber State Wednesday, @ Utah Saturday.
3. Utah State (3-4)...Last week...lost vs Devner, lost @ Pacific....Next week...vs Utah Valley Tuesday, @ Wichita State Saturday.
4. Utah Valley (5-4)...Last week...lost @ Wyoming, defeated Haskell...Next Week @ Utah State Tuesday, vs Portland State Saturday.
5. Southern Utah (4-4, 0-1)...Last week...lost @ Oral Roberts...Next Week @ Weber State Saturday
6. Utah (1-6)...Last week...Last week...lost @ Fresno State...Next Week vs CS Fullerton Wednesday, vs BYU Saturday
MVP of the Week: Weber State G Damien Lillard who tied his career high of 36 points in a loss at Saint Mary's and then set a new career high of 41 points in the double overtime victory against San Jose State.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Report of the Games...December 3, 2011
This is the last report of the 2011 regular football season. But Utah State has the Idaho Famous Potato Bowl, BYU has the Armed Forces Bowl and Utah has a yet to be determined bowl remaining.
Utah State 24 New Mexico State 21
Thanks to another last second scoring drive from Adam Kennedy, Utah State finished the 2011 regular season 7-5 and 5-4 in games that were settled by one score. This time Kennedy hit Matt Austin with 35 seconds remaining on an 8 yard touchdown pass. This play capped an 83 yard 13 play drive. It was senior Michael Smith who posted a season high 121 yards on the ground who was the leading gainer for the USU Aggies. Now Gary Anderson gets 20 days to get his team ready for the Ohio Bobcats on December 23rd on the blue turf in Boise.
MVP: Michael Smith
BYU 41 Hawaii 20
All the talk going into the Hawaii game is what happened to the Cougars the last time they visited Oahu, which was the infamous 72-45 game that spoiled BYU's undefeated season. Considering this game and the two blowouts suffered by Ty Detmer back in Hawaii, BYU knew they needed to prepare well. After trailing by a field goal at half time, BYU came out in the second half and outscored Hawaii 28-0 in the third quarter. This was part of 34 unanswered points by the Cougars. Nelson looked like an old-style BYU quarterback with 363 yards in the air and 3 touchdowns. BYU will face off against the Tulsa Hurricane in the Armed Forces Bowl on December 30.
MVP: Riley Nelson
Utah State 24 New Mexico State 21
Thanks to another last second scoring drive from Adam Kennedy, Utah State finished the 2011 regular season 7-5 and 5-4 in games that were settled by one score. This time Kennedy hit Matt Austin with 35 seconds remaining on an 8 yard touchdown pass. This play capped an 83 yard 13 play drive. It was senior Michael Smith who posted a season high 121 yards on the ground who was the leading gainer for the USU Aggies. Now Gary Anderson gets 20 days to get his team ready for the Ohio Bobcats on December 23rd on the blue turf in Boise.
MVP: Michael Smith
BYU 41 Hawaii 20
All the talk going into the Hawaii game is what happened to the Cougars the last time they visited Oahu, which was the infamous 72-45 game that spoiled BYU's undefeated season. Considering this game and the two blowouts suffered by Ty Detmer back in Hawaii, BYU knew they needed to prepare well. After trailing by a field goal at half time, BYU came out in the second half and outscored Hawaii 28-0 in the third quarter. This was part of 34 unanswered points by the Cougars. Nelson looked like an old-style BYU quarterback with 363 yards in the air and 3 touchdowns. BYU will face off against the Tulsa Hurricane in the Armed Forces Bowl on December 30.
MVP: Riley Nelson
Friday, December 2, 2011
Is Heaps a Competitor?
After reading Brad Rock's article in the Deseret News this afternoon about Heaps and Mendenhall, something occurred to me about Heaps that didn't before, and this may explain Heaps whole problem.
Many in the media have remarked how well Jake Heaps took his benching, and how mature he has been about his punishment. Being benched in favor of Riley Nelson. Perhaps he has been a little bit too mature and a little bit too content with getting benched. Maybe that is why Heaps doesn't deserve to start.
Allow me to share a personal experience. Several years ago I was managing the swing shift. Then the company decided that it was too costly for us to continue to be a 24-hour shop and decided to become a 12-hour shop. 3 people on my team were fired. I should have been fired, too. But instead, I was demoted. Should I have been grateful that I still had a job? Of course. But I was rather ticked off about being demoted. About a year later, someone who worked for me became my boss. Again, I should have been mature and content about the situation, on the outside I tried to say and do all of the right things, but on the inside, I was upset. I am competitive by nature, and it took me another six months to get used to this idea.
Well, that is all behind me now, and that shop is no longer in business. Based upon my experience, I do not blame Heaps if he is not the least bit upset on the inside. If not, then that may explain his problem in a nutshell. I hope that Jake Heaps wants to be the starter in Provo, and has the work ethic to prove he can win the starting job back. I hope he has the desire to win the job back and to excel at the Cougar quarterback. I hope he wants to win games and impress NFL scouts.
I think back on the podcast I heard on Tuesday with David Locke and Greg Wrubbel. I wonder if Jake Heaps has the fire. That something inside of him that says that he wants to be the best. Jim McMahon did and was very vocal about that. Steve Young did and threw up before every game. Sometimes, Jake Heaps' performance can be described as sleepwalking. Sometimes, he is good, but rarely is he brilliant.
Talent and natural skill are important in sports, but may not be the most important thing to posses to win on the field. I certainly want to win, but I lack the talent to quarterback a college football team. One has to be able to throw the ball beyond the line of scrimmage, but talent and skills only go so far. Watching Tebow and the Broncos drives this point home. Tim Tebow is not the most talented quarterback in the NFL, but he wants to win and it shows. It inspires his team to perform at a higher level. Denver is seeing results in the only statistic that really matters, wins. That is what Riley Nelson does for BYU. He inspires a greater performance out of his team.
Perhaps, Heaps had it too easy in high school and has not made the adjustment to playing at the college level. Is that his fault? Part of the blame is his, and part of the blame is the coaching staff. Maybe they are not used to someone who is as hyped out of college as Heaps was and did not know how to light the fire in him. Perhaps Heaps now has all that he ever dreamed of as a kid and does not know what to do now.
It may not be the coaching staff in Provo at all. If so, we will find out if he transfers to another school and succeeds, or if he simply fades away. But if he does not have the fire burning inside him, who is to say that he would succeed somewhere else? There were a list of BCS schools attempting to recruit him out of high school, but it would be a risk to take him on now. If I were a college coach, I would want to give a scholarship to someone who wants to succeed, not to someone who is indifferent about winning. Just like any other business hire. You have got to love to compete if you are going to succeed. Does Jake have that desire? Maybe BYU has sapped it out of him. Maybe he never had it to begin with.
Many in the media have remarked how well Jake Heaps took his benching, and how mature he has been about his punishment. Being benched in favor of Riley Nelson. Perhaps he has been a little bit too mature and a little bit too content with getting benched. Maybe that is why Heaps doesn't deserve to start.
Allow me to share a personal experience. Several years ago I was managing the swing shift. Then the company decided that it was too costly for us to continue to be a 24-hour shop and decided to become a 12-hour shop. 3 people on my team were fired. I should have been fired, too. But instead, I was demoted. Should I have been grateful that I still had a job? Of course. But I was rather ticked off about being demoted. About a year later, someone who worked for me became my boss. Again, I should have been mature and content about the situation, on the outside I tried to say and do all of the right things, but on the inside, I was upset. I am competitive by nature, and it took me another six months to get used to this idea.
Well, that is all behind me now, and that shop is no longer in business. Based upon my experience, I do not blame Heaps if he is not the least bit upset on the inside. If not, then that may explain his problem in a nutshell. I hope that Jake Heaps wants to be the starter in Provo, and has the work ethic to prove he can win the starting job back. I hope he has the desire to win the job back and to excel at the Cougar quarterback. I hope he wants to win games and impress NFL scouts.
I think back on the podcast I heard on Tuesday with David Locke and Greg Wrubbel. I wonder if Jake Heaps has the fire. That something inside of him that says that he wants to be the best. Jim McMahon did and was very vocal about that. Steve Young did and threw up before every game. Sometimes, Jake Heaps' performance can be described as sleepwalking. Sometimes, he is good, but rarely is he brilliant.
Talent and natural skill are important in sports, but may not be the most important thing to posses to win on the field. I certainly want to win, but I lack the talent to quarterback a college football team. One has to be able to throw the ball beyond the line of scrimmage, but talent and skills only go so far. Watching Tebow and the Broncos drives this point home. Tim Tebow is not the most talented quarterback in the NFL, but he wants to win and it shows. It inspires his team to perform at a higher level. Denver is seeing results in the only statistic that really matters, wins. That is what Riley Nelson does for BYU. He inspires a greater performance out of his team.
Perhaps, Heaps had it too easy in high school and has not made the adjustment to playing at the college level. Is that his fault? Part of the blame is his, and part of the blame is the coaching staff. Maybe they are not used to someone who is as hyped out of college as Heaps was and did not know how to light the fire in him. Perhaps Heaps now has all that he ever dreamed of as a kid and does not know what to do now.
It may not be the coaching staff in Provo at all. If so, we will find out if he transfers to another school and succeeds, or if he simply fades away. But if he does not have the fire burning inside him, who is to say that he would succeed somewhere else? There were a list of BCS schools attempting to recruit him out of high school, but it would be a risk to take him on now. If I were a college coach, I would want to give a scholarship to someone who wants to succeed, not to someone who is indifferent about winning. Just like any other business hire. You have got to love to compete if you are going to succeed. Does Jake have that desire? Maybe BYU has sapped it out of him. Maybe he never had it to begin with.
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