One of the sad realities of being an FCS program is this, rarely does a head coach stay on for his entire career. Of course that are people like Eddie Robinson, but most FCS coaches will eventually move on. It is both with sadness and excitement that Southern Utah should say goodbye to Ed Lamb.
Lamb will be taking the position of Assistant Head Coach and will also coach the tight ends and special teams for new BYU coach Kalani Sitake. His experience as a head coach will be invaluable to Sitake, a first-time head coach.
Lamb leaves a big footprint in Cedar City. He is the only coach who what led the Thunderbirds in the post-season. He bridged the gap that brought SUU to the Big Sky Conference as a result of the 2010 college football realignment and led SUU to the Big Sky Conference title in 2015.
Ed Lamb is a BYU alum, who was a teammate of Sitake under coach LaVell Edwards. He is not Mormon, but has married into a Mormon family. For Lamb, this is likely another step in his career. I expect his stay in Provo will be a short one this time before he either goes to the NFL or resumes his Head Coaching career at another FBS school.
For SUU, however, they have some good men who are ready to take over for Lamb. Most likely Ryan Hunt (no relation) and Demario Warren are the leading candidates to replace him. Other candidates would include Snow College Head Coach Britt Maughan or Weber State Offensive Coordinator Steve Clark. I would expect SUU to name their new head coach shortly after the new year. Coach Warren has been named the interim head coach.
The Big Sky has a lot of good schools, and power can turn over very quickly. SUU will not only have to defend their conference title without Lamb, but a lot of good seniors have played their last game. Don't expect the Thunderbirds to be rebuilding for very long, however. They have a lot to offer an FCS-level athlete.
Ranking Southern Utah's Head Coaches
1. Jack Bishop 1978-1995
2. Ed Lamb 2008-2015 (Only SUU coach to take T-Birds to post-season)
3. Tom Kingsford 1967-1977
4. Bruce Osborne 1963-1964
5. Bill Reeske 1965-1966
6. Ray Gregory 1997-2002
7. Rich Ellerson 1996
8. Gary Anderson 2003
9. Don Conrad 1983-1985
10. Wes Meier 2004-2007
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Welcoming Kalani Sitake (back) to Provo
It took BYU a little over two weeks to find a replacement to Bronco Mendenhall. Of course, the man they got wasn't their first choice. Rarely, does a college get their first choice when hiring a new coach.
Kenny Niumatalolo is a model Latter-Day Saint. That is likely why BYU went after him in the first place. It is difficult to lure someone away from a place they like to work, and from where your employer shows that they value you. Coach Ken and Navy are like peanut butter and jelly, or like turkey and stuffing on a holiday dinner. They just go well together. Sure, perhaps you should give credit to BYU for trying, but it was never meant to be.
Along comes Kalani Sitake. He is not an experienced head coach. But neither was LaVell Edwards. We all know how that turned out. Kalani is the first branch of LaVell's coaching tree to come back to BYU. Not all have been successful, but most have. There may be a few games next season where the inexperience will show, but eventually things will fall into place.
Sitake may not be the coach that will take BYU to the next level, or back to where the Cougars are in the national conversation every week. But expect that as long as the team has healthy talent, that they will at least compete every single week. That will be an improvement over Mendenhall, sad to say. The next two or three seasons should be fun to watch as Sitake's coaching style takes shape.
Kenny Niumatalolo is a model Latter-Day Saint. That is likely why BYU went after him in the first place. It is difficult to lure someone away from a place they like to work, and from where your employer shows that they value you. Coach Ken and Navy are like peanut butter and jelly, or like turkey and stuffing on a holiday dinner. They just go well together. Sure, perhaps you should give credit to BYU for trying, but it was never meant to be.
Along comes Kalani Sitake. He is not an experienced head coach. But neither was LaVell Edwards. We all know how that turned out. Kalani is the first branch of LaVell's coaching tree to come back to BYU. Not all have been successful, but most have. There may be a few games next season where the inexperience will show, but eventually things will fall into place.
Sitake may not be the coach that will take BYU to the next level, or back to where the Cougars are in the national conversation every week. But expect that as long as the team has healthy talent, that they will at least compete every single week. That will be an improvement over Mendenhall, sad to say. The next two or three seasons should be fun to watch as Sitake's coaching style takes shape.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Potato Bowl Impressions
In my expectations blog, I pointed out that Akron has not beaten a team with a winning record this year. No one pointed out to me that if Akron won, USU would finish sub-500 this year. Therefore, Akron still hasn't beaten a team with a winning record. The Aggies finish what can be described at a disappointing season. Their first sub-.500 season since 2010.
It's hard to tell what is plaguing the Aggies from week to week. If its not one thing, its another. In the bowl, it was the play of the quarterbacks. Neither Chuckie Keeton nor Kent Meyers was 100% for the bowl game, and neither was very effective. USU was unable to take advantage of only the 3rd 100+ yard outing by a RB this season.
Akron came in perhaps a little more motivated. For the Zips, this is their first bowl win ever.
It's hard to tell what is plaguing the Aggies from week to week. If its not one thing, its another. In the bowl, it was the play of the quarterbacks. Neither Chuckie Keeton nor Kent Meyers was 100% for the bowl game, and neither was very effective. USU was unable to take advantage of only the 3rd 100+ yard outing by a RB this season.
Akron came in perhaps a little more motivated. For the Zips, this is their first bowl win ever.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Las Vegas Bowl Impressions
I thought the Las Vegas Bowl would be a Utah blowout if BYU's head wasn't in the game, and a close, defensive struggle if BYU did show up. The actual game kind of split the difference. The first quarter began by looking like BYU was going to get blown out. However, the turnovers and the short field didn't help Utah's offense. They never got on track. As poor as Utah's offense was, they were good enough to win. They capitalized on BYU's mistakes. There were a couple of drives that took time off the clock, especially when it counted. That was all they needed to do, and for most of the first quarter, the defense did the rest.
As for where this game ranks in history? Had it been played in Provo or Salt Lake City, it probably would have been a forgettable game. First of all, BYU wasn't ready out of the gate. That was obvious. And as Bronco said in the post-game press conference, "you get the results that you prepare for." Well said, outgoing coach. (I will post more on this development, later.)
Somehow, BYU pulled it together well enough to pull within 1 score, and by looking at the Twitter feed, put doubt in many a Utah fan. But at in the end, Utah was able to hold on and run out the clock.
Perhaps more credit goes to the fans on both sides. Most stayed until the end, and were very civil to each other before and after the game. After all is said and done, we are still family in this state. And for the most part, the fans proved it. Civility is greatly needed in this rivalry. It has been way to punchy, lately. Perhaps with the hiring of Sitake, someone who coach Whittingham respects, the corner will be turned for a more civil and fun rivalry game. Of course, for Utah fans, the last five meetings have been fun.
As for where this game ranks in history? Had it been played in Provo or Salt Lake City, it probably would have been a forgettable game. First of all, BYU wasn't ready out of the gate. That was obvious. And as Bronco said in the post-game press conference, "you get the results that you prepare for." Well said, outgoing coach. (I will post more on this development, later.)
Somehow, BYU pulled it together well enough to pull within 1 score, and by looking at the Twitter feed, put doubt in many a Utah fan. But at in the end, Utah was able to hold on and run out the clock.
Perhaps more credit goes to the fans on both sides. Most stayed until the end, and were very civil to each other before and after the game. After all is said and done, we are still family in this state. And for the most part, the fans proved it. Civility is greatly needed in this rivalry. It has been way to punchy, lately. Perhaps with the hiring of Sitake, someone who coach Whittingham respects, the corner will be turned for a more civil and fun rivalry game. Of course, for Utah fans, the last five meetings have been fun.
Saturday, December 12, 2015
MWC Expanding Again?
Even though Commissioner Craig Thompson has said he is leaving the light on for BYU, there is a rumor that the MW may raid Conference USA to expand to 14 members. The reason for this could be another move to keep Boise State happy.
Being in the MW Mountain has left BSU without their old natural (?) rivals, Nevada and Fresno State. I don't know why Fresno is a 'Natural' rival as California and Idaho don't exactly neighbor each-other, but trust me on this, it's true. Besides, everybody naturally wants revenge on Utah State, not because they are in the neighboring state but because, well, who wants Utah State as a rival? (Just kidding Aggies, please don't egg my house.) Adding two teams from Texas will allow BSU to move to the MW-West. The alignment would look like this.
MW Mountain
Air Force
Colorado State
New Mexico
Rice
Texas El Paso
Utah State
Wyoming
MW West
Boise State
Fresno State
Hawaii (football only)
Nevada
Nevada Las Vegas
San Diego State
San Jose State
I am not sure how the scheduling will go, but usually in a 14-team conference, you play 8 conference games on a 6+2 basis. This mean you will play everyone home and home in the other division once every 14 years, while playing everyone in your division every season. Not sure if the MW will break up into divisions for a 13-team basketball conference. However, there have been rumors of adding a non-football school for non-football sports for years.
Perhaps the MW is open to allowing BYU to be independent in football, but allowing the Cougars to move their other sports back. They weren't open to this idea when BYU bolted 6 years ago. If they did, would you have USU and BYU in different divisions? All of this is doubtful. Rather, I would expect a public school from a larger western city that does not have football right now like Long Beach State or UC-Santa Barbara. Let me emphasize public as BYU and TCU are the only private schools ever in the MWC, although Rice is private.
If you compare this to the failed 16-team WAC, you will notice more similarities than differences. Boise State, Nevada and Utah State were never in the 16-team WAC. BYU, Utah, TCU, Tulsa and SMU were.
Even though Craig Thompson says the door is open for BYU to come back, their actions are not. Are they trying to recreate the old 16-team WAC? If the MW were serious about leaving the door open for BYU, then you would see Air Force, Colorado State, New Mexico, San Diego State and Wyoming on BYU's independent schedule. Right now, these schools are missing. It seems like they don't want to have anything to do with BYU. And BYU would want to slip in a division with their oldest rival in the conference, Utah State, and other teams that BYU has played a lot: New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado State and Air Force. (And possibly UTEP as well.)
This is also how I think things will trickle down. Once UTEP and Rice are gone, C-USA will need to decide how to act. If they decide to remain at 14 members, C-USA will look to add teams from the Sun Belt to replace Rice and UTEP. The list of candidates would include:
New Mexico State
Arkansas State
Texas State
Appalachian State
Georgia State
Georgia Southern
The list doesn't likely include Idaho as the Vandals are too far out of the footprint of the conference and they would not be looking for a football-only member.
Conference USA also may choose to remain at 12 members with the loss of two and simply realign divisions.
As for the future of Idaho, it seems destined that the Big Sky Conference and the Vandals are due for a permanent football reunion at some point in the near future. Idaho averaged 11,846 in attendance in 2015.
Update: for now, the MWC will not expand.
Being in the MW Mountain has left BSU without their old natural (?) rivals, Nevada and Fresno State. I don't know why Fresno is a 'Natural' rival as California and Idaho don't exactly neighbor each-other, but trust me on this, it's true. Besides, everybody naturally wants revenge on Utah State, not because they are in the neighboring state but because, well, who wants Utah State as a rival? (Just kidding Aggies, please don't egg my house.) Adding two teams from Texas will allow BSU to move to the MW-West. The alignment would look like this.
MW Mountain
Air Force
Colorado State
New Mexico
Rice
Texas El Paso
Utah State
Wyoming
MW West
Boise State
Fresno State
Hawaii (football only)
Nevada
Nevada Las Vegas
San Diego State
San Jose State
I am not sure how the scheduling will go, but usually in a 14-team conference, you play 8 conference games on a 6+2 basis. This mean you will play everyone home and home in the other division once every 14 years, while playing everyone in your division every season. Not sure if the MW will break up into divisions for a 13-team basketball conference. However, there have been rumors of adding a non-football school for non-football sports for years.
Perhaps the MW is open to allowing BYU to be independent in football, but allowing the Cougars to move their other sports back. They weren't open to this idea when BYU bolted 6 years ago. If they did, would you have USU and BYU in different divisions? All of this is doubtful. Rather, I would expect a public school from a larger western city that does not have football right now like Long Beach State or UC-Santa Barbara. Let me emphasize public as BYU and TCU are the only private schools ever in the MWC, although Rice is private.
If you compare this to the failed 16-team WAC, you will notice more similarities than differences. Boise State, Nevada and Utah State were never in the 16-team WAC. BYU, Utah, TCU, Tulsa and SMU were.
Even though Craig Thompson says the door is open for BYU to come back, their actions are not. Are they trying to recreate the old 16-team WAC? If the MW were serious about leaving the door open for BYU, then you would see Air Force, Colorado State, New Mexico, San Diego State and Wyoming on BYU's independent schedule. Right now, these schools are missing. It seems like they don't want to have anything to do with BYU. And BYU would want to slip in a division with their oldest rival in the conference, Utah State, and other teams that BYU has played a lot: New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado State and Air Force. (And possibly UTEP as well.)
This is also how I think things will trickle down. Once UTEP and Rice are gone, C-USA will need to decide how to act. If they decide to remain at 14 members, C-USA will look to add teams from the Sun Belt to replace Rice and UTEP. The list of candidates would include:
New Mexico State
Arkansas State
Texas State
Appalachian State
Georgia State
Georgia Southern
The list doesn't likely include Idaho as the Vandals are too far out of the footprint of the conference and they would not be looking for a football-only member.
Conference USA also may choose to remain at 12 members with the loss of two and simply realign divisions.
As for the future of Idaho, it seems destined that the Big Sky Conference and the Vandals are due for a permanent football reunion at some point in the near future. Idaho averaged 11,846 in attendance in 2015.
Update: for now, the MWC will not expand.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Status of BYU Head Coaching Candidates.
Updated.
No longer in the mix
Robert Anae--Following Bronco to Virginia. Likely told that he wasn't on the final interview list.
Darrell Bevel--Seahawks are in the thick of the NFL playoff hunt. Was not released by the team for an interview.
Possibly still in the mix
Ken Nuimatalolo--It is rumored that Navy is willing match any offer BYU makes. Will likely sacrifice some of his if he leaves Navy in the next 3 years. He is not civil service, he is NAF, and the retirement is probably a separately negotiated line-item on his contract. Will meet (interview) at BYU on Monday. HAS NOT BEEN offered the position.
Kyle Whittingham--Not addressing any coaching rumors at this time. Was seen and photographed talking to Tom Holmoe at the Salt Lake Airport Thursday morning. Holmoe was at the airport to greet a returning missionary football commit (damage control) and then to fly to Lexington to be the with Women's Volleyball team. Whittingham was traveling to the Ray Guy award function in Atlanta with his wife. (And with Tom Hackett). Likely not coming to BYU. He has said he will listen to BYU's offer, and that meeting may or may not have already taken place.
Lance Anderson--Was in Utah on Wednesday, visited Brighton High School to recruit. Reportedly has been offered the DC position at Michigan, but it has not been reported that he has accepted. Possibly already been interviewed by BYU.
Kilane Sitake--Rumor has it that he really wants the job, and was also in Utah recruiting this week. Possibly has already been interviewed by BYU.
Fringe, or default candidates who could get consideration, if all others fall through:
Weber State Head Coach Jay Hill--In his 2nd year in Ogden. Turned a 2-10 team into a 6-5 team. Possibly has already been interviewed by BYU.
Defensive Assistant Steve Kafusi--The only assistant that seem loyal to BYU. Possibly already been interviewed.
Utah Co-Offensive Coordinator Aaron Roderick--Seems loyal to Coach Whitt. Likely a candidate for Offensive Coordinator.
Utah Assistant Justin Ena--Has served as a defensive coordinator at both Weber State and SUU. Likely a candidate for Defensive Coordinator.
Likely Outcome:
Nuimatalolo is likely the front runner. Sitake is likely the 2nd choice.
Likely coordinators.
As you know, Bronco is taking most of his staff with him. Here is who are the likely candidates for the coordinator positions.
Offensive Coordinator:
Steve Sarkisian--Former USC Head Coach and BYU Alum
Aaron Roderick--Utah assistant coach and BYU Alum
Ty Detmer--BYU Alum
Brandon Doman--Former BYU Offensive Coordinator and BYU alum
Norm Chow--Former Hawaii head coach
Defensive Coordinator
Justin Ena--Utah Assistant
Ed Lamb--SUU Head Coach
Britt Maughn--Snow College Head Coach
Steve Kafusi--Current Defensive Assistant
No longer in the mix
Robert Anae--Following Bronco to Virginia. Likely told that he wasn't on the final interview list.
Darrell Bevel--Seahawks are in the thick of the NFL playoff hunt. Was not released by the team for an interview.
Possibly still in the mix
Ken Nuimatalolo--It is rumored that Navy is willing match any offer BYU makes. Will likely sacrifice some of his if he leaves Navy in the next 3 years. He is not civil service, he is NAF, and the retirement is probably a separately negotiated line-item on his contract. Will meet (interview) at BYU on Monday. HAS NOT BEEN offered the position.
Kyle Whittingham--Not addressing any coaching rumors at this time. Was seen and photographed talking to Tom Holmoe at the Salt Lake Airport Thursday morning. Holmoe was at the airport to greet a returning missionary football commit (damage control) and then to fly to Lexington to be the with Women's Volleyball team. Whittingham was traveling to the Ray Guy award function in Atlanta with his wife. (And with Tom Hackett). Likely not coming to BYU. He has said he will listen to BYU's offer, and that meeting may or may not have already taken place.
Lance Anderson--Was in Utah on Wednesday, visited Brighton High School to recruit. Reportedly has been offered the DC position at Michigan, but it has not been reported that he has accepted. Possibly already been interviewed by BYU.
Kilane Sitake--Rumor has it that he really wants the job, and was also in Utah recruiting this week. Possibly has already been interviewed by BYU.
Fringe, or default candidates who could get consideration, if all others fall through:
Weber State Head Coach Jay Hill--In his 2nd year in Ogden. Turned a 2-10 team into a 6-5 team. Possibly has already been interviewed by BYU.
Defensive Assistant Steve Kafusi--The only assistant that seem loyal to BYU. Possibly already been interviewed.
Utah Co-Offensive Coordinator Aaron Roderick--Seems loyal to Coach Whitt. Likely a candidate for Offensive Coordinator.
Utah Assistant Justin Ena--Has served as a defensive coordinator at both Weber State and SUU. Likely a candidate for Defensive Coordinator.
Likely Outcome:
Nuimatalolo is likely the front runner. Sitake is likely the 2nd choice.
Likely coordinators.
As you know, Bronco is taking most of his staff with him. Here is who are the likely candidates for the coordinator positions.
Offensive Coordinator:
Steve Sarkisian--Former USC Head Coach and BYU Alum
Aaron Roderick--Utah assistant coach and BYU Alum
Ty Detmer--BYU Alum
Brandon Doman--Former BYU Offensive Coordinator and BYU alum
Norm Chow--Former Hawaii head coach
Defensive Coordinator
Justin Ena--Utah Assistant
Ed Lamb--SUU Head Coach
Britt Maughn--Snow College Head Coach
Steve Kafusi--Current Defensive Assistant
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Bowl Predictions and Expectations
Well lucky us. Three bowl teams in two bowls and a renewed rivalry in one of them, just in case you have been hiding out in the Uintas all week. And yes, there is a lot of intrigue in that one. But I will begin with the game on the blue carpet in Boise. Even though the other game is first.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Akron vs. Utah State
December 22, 2016
A Little about Akron
I didn't know about the Akron Zips until the bowl invite. I didn't even know what a Zip was. I found out that their nickname goes back to the day when Goodyear (Headquartered in Akron, Ohio) made rubber boots instead of tires...the late 1800s before the Henry Ford and his assembly line...and the long boots they made had a zipper on the outside. The boots were called Zips. I read that Akron is the only college in the world that has a mascot named for footwear. We should be thankful this is not a trend. However, in a trend that indicates modern times, the Zips have moved from the venerable old Rubber Bowl to InfoCision Stadium, where they now play their home games. InfoCision is a telemarketing company like Convergys.
Akron has had its fair share of successes, John Heisman, that John Heisman, made a stop there as a coach on his way to Georgia Tech where he would gain his fame. However, the program has not had a lot of success since moving up from the Football Championship Subdivision in 1992. 2015 is only their 4th winning season this century and their 6th since moving to the FBS permanently. This 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl will only be their 2nd bowl appearance ever. Currently the Zips are coached by Terry Bowden, the son of Bobby Bowden of Florida State Fame. He took over for the 2012 season, their 3rd consecutive 1-win season. This year the Zips are 7-5.
The Zips do not own a single win over an FBS opponent that finished over .500. Their best win of the season was again a 5-7 Buffalo team. Their sole non-conference win was against FCS Savanah State. I could not find any highlights on them, but I am sure Matt Wells has seen film and that is much more important.
Their best player is Thomas Woodson, a sophomore quarterback who has thrown for 2,323 yards and 16 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Woodson has also run for 544 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has two favorite targets, Jerome Lane and Imani Davis, who together account for about half of the receptions on the team. The duo accounts for 2/3 of the touchdown receptions. The leading rusher is Conor Hundley, who has accounted for 883 yards. The Zips have a balanced attack which is close to 50-50. But the lion share of the offense comes from Woodson passing to Lane and Davis and from Hundley. The task for the Aggie defense is to shut these men down. The Zip offense hasn't done well when facing a quality defense. They scored 7 against Oklahoma, 7 against Pittsburgh, 12 against Ohio, 10 against Bowling Green, and 6 against Central Michigan.
With a healthy Chuckie Keeton, the Aggies should do well enough to win going away as long as they take care of the ball and don't get overconfident. The Zips could surprise them, but that's not what they do.
My prediction
Utah State 24 Akron 6
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl
Utah vs. BYU
December 19, 2016
Let me get this out of the way first. Utah does not belong in the Las Vegas Bowl. But without Devontae Booker, they weren't that attractive. If Booker had remained healthy, Utah would probably be in the Alamo Bowl or perhaps even the Rose Bowl as they seem to have Stanford's number. With Booker healthy against UCLA, Utah is at least in the Championship game.
That being said, this is a fierce rivalry, but it all depends on whether or not BYU's head is in the game. It will be a close and fierce game if BYU's position coaches can properly prepare the players and can keep them focused.
But, we all know that Bronco Mendenhall is leaving Provo. We all know that some of the assistant coaches are going with him. We all know that the others who are going are worried about where they are going to work next year (Which means January). We know the players are distracted. And we all know how bad BYU looks when the team isn't prepared. And the Utes, they are going to be prepared.
Yes, I know that I have dedicated more space to Akron than to this rivalry game. The rivalry needed to take a hiatus. People take it too personally. This year, however, is not the time to do that. It could be an ugly game. After the game, please take a holiday fruitcake to your neighbor who roots for the other guys and bury the hatchet. And don't take the weed whacker that you were going to give to your brother-in-law back to Lowes because Tanner Mangum says something insensitive after the game. And shake hands with your Bishop on Sunday because he's still a good guy, even if he went to the other school. When it comes to what matters most, and that is not football, both schools are pretty good.
My prediction all depends on whether or not the Cougars really show up. Either way it's a Utah victory. I will therefore make 2 predictions. One close, and one not-so close.
If BYU shows up
Utah 21 BYU 19
If BYU does not show up
Utah 50 BYU 15
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Akron vs. Utah State
December 22, 2016
A Little about Akron
I didn't know about the Akron Zips until the bowl invite. I didn't even know what a Zip was. I found out that their nickname goes back to the day when Goodyear (Headquartered in Akron, Ohio) made rubber boots instead of tires...the late 1800s before the Henry Ford and his assembly line...and the long boots they made had a zipper on the outside. The boots were called Zips. I read that Akron is the only college in the world that has a mascot named for footwear. We should be thankful this is not a trend. However, in a trend that indicates modern times, the Zips have moved from the venerable old Rubber Bowl to InfoCision Stadium, where they now play their home games. InfoCision is a telemarketing company like Convergys.
Akron has had its fair share of successes, John Heisman, that John Heisman, made a stop there as a coach on his way to Georgia Tech where he would gain his fame. However, the program has not had a lot of success since moving up from the Football Championship Subdivision in 1992. 2015 is only their 4th winning season this century and their 6th since moving to the FBS permanently. This 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl will only be their 2nd bowl appearance ever. Currently the Zips are coached by Terry Bowden, the son of Bobby Bowden of Florida State Fame. He took over for the 2012 season, their 3rd consecutive 1-win season. This year the Zips are 7-5.
The Zips do not own a single win over an FBS opponent that finished over .500. Their best win of the season was again a 5-7 Buffalo team. Their sole non-conference win was against FCS Savanah State. I could not find any highlights on them, but I am sure Matt Wells has seen film and that is much more important.
Their best player is Thomas Woodson, a sophomore quarterback who has thrown for 2,323 yards and 16 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Woodson has also run for 544 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has two favorite targets, Jerome Lane and Imani Davis, who together account for about half of the receptions on the team. The duo accounts for 2/3 of the touchdown receptions. The leading rusher is Conor Hundley, who has accounted for 883 yards. The Zips have a balanced attack which is close to 50-50. But the lion share of the offense comes from Woodson passing to Lane and Davis and from Hundley. The task for the Aggie defense is to shut these men down. The Zip offense hasn't done well when facing a quality defense. They scored 7 against Oklahoma, 7 against Pittsburgh, 12 against Ohio, 10 against Bowling Green, and 6 against Central Michigan.
With a healthy Chuckie Keeton, the Aggies should do well enough to win going away as long as they take care of the ball and don't get overconfident. The Zips could surprise them, but that's not what they do.
My prediction
Utah State 24 Akron 6
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl
Utah vs. BYU
December 19, 2016
Let me get this out of the way first. Utah does not belong in the Las Vegas Bowl. But without Devontae Booker, they weren't that attractive. If Booker had remained healthy, Utah would probably be in the Alamo Bowl or perhaps even the Rose Bowl as they seem to have Stanford's number. With Booker healthy against UCLA, Utah is at least in the Championship game.
That being said, this is a fierce rivalry, but it all depends on whether or not BYU's head is in the game. It will be a close and fierce game if BYU's position coaches can properly prepare the players and can keep them focused.
But, we all know that Bronco Mendenhall is leaving Provo. We all know that some of the assistant coaches are going with him. We all know that the others who are going are worried about where they are going to work next year (Which means January). We know the players are distracted. And we all know how bad BYU looks when the team isn't prepared. And the Utes, they are going to be prepared.
Yes, I know that I have dedicated more space to Akron than to this rivalry game. The rivalry needed to take a hiatus. People take it too personally. This year, however, is not the time to do that. It could be an ugly game. After the game, please take a holiday fruitcake to your neighbor who roots for the other guys and bury the hatchet. And don't take the weed whacker that you were going to give to your brother-in-law back to Lowes because Tanner Mangum says something insensitive after the game. And shake hands with your Bishop on Sunday because he's still a good guy, even if he went to the other school. When it comes to what matters most, and that is not football, both schools are pretty good.
My prediction all depends on whether or not the Cougars really show up. Either way it's a Utah victory. I will therefore make 2 predictions. One close, and one not-so close.
If BYU shows up
Utah 21 BYU 19
If BYU does not show up
Utah 50 BYU 15
Friday, December 4, 2015
Saying Goodbye to Bronco
I had a hunch that one of the five football universities in our state would be saying goodbye to their head coach after this season. I was mildly surprised it was Mendenhall. If I was to list the 5 head coaches in order of most likely to leave after the season, Mendenall would have been near the bottom. And I would have listed him as more likely to retire rather than leave for another school.
But, in retrospect, it probably was time for Bronco to move on. He did well. He turned the BYU program around after 3 consecutive losing seasons and put the program back on the map. He deserves a lot of credit for what he has accomplished. Not many coaches can say they have been to a bowl every single season they coached. However, it does seem as if he has taken BYU as far as he can, and its time for someone to build on what he has done. If you are BYU fans, you hope that Tom Holmoe can find someone who will do just that.
BYU is a difficult place to coach. The expectations are high. They have a smaller recruiting pool than other schools because of the honor code. Not all LDS kids want to go to BYU and live up to those standards. Those that do, often find themselves living in a fishbowl with the eyes of the rest of the campus looking at them more intently than they do other students. In addition, the eyes of their rivals are looking at them off campus hoping to catching them getting in trouble. No wonder many LDS kids pass. Any misdoings become statewide news. Things that are winked at and even encouraged at other schools will get you in big trouble at BYU. It takes a lot for a coach to succeed there.
Given all of this, the short list of those who Holmoe will interview will be very short. I think that there are only three names on that list. Don't expect BYU to make a gimmicky hire like Steve Young or Ty Detmer. Don't expect Andy Reid to leave the Chiefs or Kyle Whittingham to leave Utah. Don't expect Coach Ken, who has a good thing going at Navy, to come to Provo. His style of play, a variation of the wishbone, is not a fit for the wide-open offense that BYU is known for. There are other men who could, at worse, continue the consistency that Mendenhall brought to BYU. There are those who can build on what he has done.
Whoever takes the reigns, he will have an experienced team to lead. Tanner Mangum will be a veteran sophomore, and he is one of 9 starters returning on offense. There will be 7 returning on defense. 21 offensive players on next years team were on the situational 2-deep for BYU this year. 15 2-deep players are due to return on defense. Mendenhall couldn't have left BYU in better shape.
Before giving my short list, I will list the criteria.
1. Active member (temple recommend holder) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (IE...the institution that sponsors BYU). If non member, will have to convince a lot of people that he will uphold the traditions and values of BYU.
2. Either college head coaching experience or experience as offensive, defensive or special teams coordinator.
3. Display good personnel management skills.
4. Must be affable and a good recruiter. If BYU is to get to the next level, they need to recruit better.
5. If possible, experience at a Power 5 school.
Short list:
1. Stanford Defense Coordinator Lance Anderson. Yes, he's the guy responsible for stealing all of the good recruits out of the beehive state. And if he can't get them to Stanford, he at least, and perhaps unintentionally so, gives them to confidence to believe that someone outside of the state may want them. Yes, Anderson is probably a big reason why 7 out of the top 10 Utah High School athletes left the state last year. Some went to Stanford, some went to other PAC-12 schools.
2. Oregon State Defensive Coordinator Kalani Sitake. Left Utah last season to join Gary Anderson at Oregon State. Considered by many to be ready to lead a program on his own. Young and very affable and a good recruiter. When he was at Utah, he recruited many players away from BYU who are now in the NFL including some guys named Kruger and Lotulelei. Families who are famous from switching from blue to red did so, in part, because of Sitake.
3. Current Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach Robert Anae. He's probably more of a default hire than anything else, and perhaps a little on the old side for a first time head coach, but still respected by the team. In spite of probably being the default guy, you could do much worse. And he would probably give BYU some consistency in the staff and prevent many player and assistant coach defections. At worst, he will continue Mendenhall's consistency.
But, in retrospect, it probably was time for Bronco to move on. He did well. He turned the BYU program around after 3 consecutive losing seasons and put the program back on the map. He deserves a lot of credit for what he has accomplished. Not many coaches can say they have been to a bowl every single season they coached. However, it does seem as if he has taken BYU as far as he can, and its time for someone to build on what he has done. If you are BYU fans, you hope that Tom Holmoe can find someone who will do just that.
BYU is a difficult place to coach. The expectations are high. They have a smaller recruiting pool than other schools because of the honor code. Not all LDS kids want to go to BYU and live up to those standards. Those that do, often find themselves living in a fishbowl with the eyes of the rest of the campus looking at them more intently than they do other students. In addition, the eyes of their rivals are looking at them off campus hoping to catching them getting in trouble. No wonder many LDS kids pass. Any misdoings become statewide news. Things that are winked at and even encouraged at other schools will get you in big trouble at BYU. It takes a lot for a coach to succeed there.
Given all of this, the short list of those who Holmoe will interview will be very short. I think that there are only three names on that list. Don't expect BYU to make a gimmicky hire like Steve Young or Ty Detmer. Don't expect Andy Reid to leave the Chiefs or Kyle Whittingham to leave Utah. Don't expect Coach Ken, who has a good thing going at Navy, to come to Provo. His style of play, a variation of the wishbone, is not a fit for the wide-open offense that BYU is known for. There are other men who could, at worse, continue the consistency that Mendenhall brought to BYU. There are those who can build on what he has done.
Whoever takes the reigns, he will have an experienced team to lead. Tanner Mangum will be a veteran sophomore, and he is one of 9 starters returning on offense. There will be 7 returning on defense. 21 offensive players on next years team were on the situational 2-deep for BYU this year. 15 2-deep players are due to return on defense. Mendenhall couldn't have left BYU in better shape.
Before giving my short list, I will list the criteria.
1. Active member (temple recommend holder) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (IE...the institution that sponsors BYU). If non member, will have to convince a lot of people that he will uphold the traditions and values of BYU.
2. Either college head coaching experience or experience as offensive, defensive or special teams coordinator.
3. Display good personnel management skills.
4. Must be affable and a good recruiter. If BYU is to get to the next level, they need to recruit better.
5. If possible, experience at a Power 5 school.
Short list:
1. Stanford Defense Coordinator Lance Anderson. Yes, he's the guy responsible for stealing all of the good recruits out of the beehive state. And if he can't get them to Stanford, he at least, and perhaps unintentionally so, gives them to confidence to believe that someone outside of the state may want them. Yes, Anderson is probably a big reason why 7 out of the top 10 Utah High School athletes left the state last year. Some went to Stanford, some went to other PAC-12 schools.
2. Oregon State Defensive Coordinator Kalani Sitake. Left Utah last season to join Gary Anderson at Oregon State. Considered by many to be ready to lead a program on his own. Young and very affable and a good recruiter. When he was at Utah, he recruited many players away from BYU who are now in the NFL including some guys named Kruger and Lotulelei. Families who are famous from switching from blue to red did so, in part, because of Sitake.
3. Current Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach Robert Anae. He's probably more of a default hire than anything else, and perhaps a little on the old side for a first time head coach, but still respected by the team. In spite of probably being the default guy, you could do much worse. And he would probably give BYU some consistency in the staff and prevent many player and assistant coach defections. At worst, he will continue Mendenhall's consistency.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Was 2015 college football season successful for...
I backed off of this blog for a few weeks because my son returned home from his mission and I wanted some good family time. But I thought that I would begin again by talking about how the season went for each team in Utah. I want to answer one question...was the season as success. We will compare what we would have foreseen at the beginning of the season, had we known everything about the team an their opponents as we do now. For example, we probably would have started the season thinking that BYU and Michigan was a toss-up game. However, Michigan turned out to be better than we expected, had we known that, we would not have expected BYU to go into the Big House and win. We will begin with the FCS schools and work up.
Was the season a success for Weber State?
I don't know anyone who follows Weber State football who would think that the 2015 season was a failure by any stretch of the imagination. 2015 was the first winning football season since 2010, and feels real good after 3 consecutive double-digit loss seasons.
Best win: at Montana
Worst Loss: Southern Utah, I know that SUU was really good this year. But this is your big rival, and the game was at home. It should have at least been close.
What worked against them: Lack of experience and confidence, especially early on. Turnovers.
What worked for them: Tough defense and a solid running attack after the team gained confidence.
Expectation at the beginning of the season (Considering how the competition changed) Pessimistic: 4-7, Optimistic: 6-5
Actual record: 6-5
Game by game
At Oregon State: Expected Loss
At North Dakota State: Expected Loss
Sacramento State: Expected Win
Northern Colorado: Expected Win
Southern Utah: Toss-up Loss (Rivalry game at home)
Montana: Upset Win
North Dakota: Toss-up Win
Northern Arizona: Expected Loss
Eastern Washington: Expected Loss
UC Davis: Expected Win
Idaho State: Expected Win
Competition that was better than expected: Southern Utah
Competition that was not as good as expected: None
Strongest Opponent (FCS): North Dakota State
Weakest Opponent: UC Davis
Was the Season as success for Southern Utah
It is hard to classify any season where you win a conference championship as a failure. Because this hasn't happened in Cedar City very often, it is phenomenal. SUU, however, was one game away from having a much better post-season draw than they received. We know that Ammon Olsen was great. The question is: Will Ed Lamb be back in 2016?
Expectation at the Beginning of the season (considering how the competition changed): Pessimistic: 4-7, Optimistic: 8-3
Actual Record: 8-3
Best win: At Montana State
Worst loss: At South Dakota State
What worked for them: Tough defense, solid special teams. Ammon Olsen, later in the season
What worked against them: Turnovers. Lack of confidence on the road.
Game by game
At Utah State: Expected Loss
At South Dakota State: Toss-up Loss
Northern Colorado: Expected Win
Brevard: Expected Win
At Weber State: Toss-up Win
Sacramento State: Expected Win
At UC Davis: Expected Win
Cal Poly: Toss-up Win
At Montana State: Upset Win
At Portland State: Toss-up Loss
Northern Arizona: Toss-up Win
Better than expected opponents: Weber State, Portland State
Not as good as expected opponents: Utah State, Montana State
Strongest Opponent (FCS) : Portland State
Weakest Opponent: Brevard
Was the Season Successful for Utah State?
If you are disappointed with how the season turned out from Utah State, you are probably not alone. It's not just what happened against BYU. When they beat Boise State, I thought, and I wasn't alone, that they would breeze through the rest of their conference schedule and wouldn't be challenged again until BYU came to Logan. But then they go an lose 3 of the next 4. Utah State is far enough removed from their days of futility that expectations are higher, as they should be. At least they finished bowl eligible, even if they end up going to Albuquerque for their bowl game.
Expectation at the Beginning of the season (considering how the competition changed): Pessimistic 5-7, Optimistic 9-3
Best Win: Boise State
Worst Loss: At Air Force
What worked for them: Defense, play calling, Kent Meyers when healthy, Chuckie when healthy
What worked against them: Injuries, trouble on the road, recovering from momentum-changing plays, running back contribution.
Actual Record: 6-6
Southern Utah: Expected Win
At Utah: Expected Loss
At Washington: Expected Loss
Colorado State: Expected Win
At Fresno State: Expected Win
Boise State: Upset Win
At San Diego State: Toss-up Loss
Wyoming: Expected Win
At New Mexico: Upset Loss
At Air Force: Toss-up Loss
Nevada: Toss-up Win
BYU: Toss-up Loss
Better than expected opponents: New Mexico, Air Force
Weaker than expected opponents: Boise State
Strongest Opponent: Utah
Weakest Opponent (FBS--And in this case, overall): Wyoming
Post Season Note: SI expect a rematch in the Armed Force Bowl--USU vs. Washington.
Was the season a success for the BYU Cougars?
Whether or not the 2015 football team was a success for BYU depends a lot of whether you are a glass half-empty or half-full person. On the half-full side, there were injuries, suspensions, and all sorts of other problems and the team still won 9 games. People on the other side of the coin will point to two almost wins as evidence things could have been better. What was expected to be a really tough schedule turned out to be manageable as teams like Nebraska and Boise State turned out not to be as good as expected. As for fan expectations, there is a level of obsession that turns into...well that is the topic for another blog.
Expectation at the Beginning of the season (considering how the competition changed): Pessimistic: 7-5. Optimistic: 10-2
Best Win: At Nebraska
Worst Loss: At Michigan
What worked: Tanner Mangum, receiving corps, Bronson Kafusi
What didn't work: Magic wasn't always there, especially on defense in 3 losses.
Actual Record: 9-3
Game by game:
At Nebraska: Toss-up Win
Boise State: Expected Win
At UCLA: Expected Loss
At Michigan: Expected Loss
Connecticut: Expected Win
East Carolina: Expected Win
Cincinnati: Expected Win
Wagner: Expected Win
At San Jose State: Expected Win
At (technically) Missouri: Toss-up Loss
Fresno State: Expected Win
At Utah State: Toss-up Win
Better than expected opposition: Michigan
Weaker than expected opposition: Nebraska, Boise State
Close win that should not have been so close: San Jose State
Strongest opponent: Michigan
Weakest opponent (FBS): Fresno State
Note: I said at the beginning of the year that what BYU needed to get into the Big 12 was to convince the members of the conference that BYU is the only choice. Getting shut out at The Big House may as well have been 6 losses. They didn't have to win that game, they only had to look respectable in losing. That didn't happen.
Was the season a success for the Utah Utes?
Utah is in the same boat as BYU. Whether or not fans see the season as a success depends on whether you are a glass half-empty or half-full type of person. But the season, you have to admit, was quite the roller coaster ride. And it was a fun one, depending on, as Bronco Mendenhall would put it, your level of investment in the program. And like a real roller coaster, the end of the season was a little flat, especially after the loss of Devontae Booker. It was a blow to a team that was overachieving all year.
Expectation at the Beginning of the season (considering how the competition changed): Pessimistic: 7-5, Optimistic: 8-4
Best Win: At Oregon
Worst Loss: UCLA
Actual Record: 9-3
Game by game
Michigan: Upset Win
Utah State: Expected Win
At Fresno State: Expected Win
At Oregon: Upset Win
California: Expected Win
Arizona State: Expected Win
At USC: Expected Loss
Oregon State: Expected Win
At Arizona: Upset loss
UCLA: Toss-up Loss
Colorado: Expected Win
Stronger than expected opposition: Michigan, California
Weaker than expected opposition: Fresno State, Oregon State
Strongest Opponent: Michigan
Weakest Opponent: Fresno State
Was the season a success for Weber State?
I don't know anyone who follows Weber State football who would think that the 2015 season was a failure by any stretch of the imagination. 2015 was the first winning football season since 2010, and feels real good after 3 consecutive double-digit loss seasons.
Best win: at Montana
Worst Loss: Southern Utah, I know that SUU was really good this year. But this is your big rival, and the game was at home. It should have at least been close.
What worked against them: Lack of experience and confidence, especially early on. Turnovers.
What worked for them: Tough defense and a solid running attack after the team gained confidence.
Expectation at the beginning of the season (Considering how the competition changed) Pessimistic: 4-7, Optimistic: 6-5
Actual record: 6-5
Game by game
At Oregon State: Expected Loss
At North Dakota State: Expected Loss
Sacramento State: Expected Win
Northern Colorado: Expected Win
Southern Utah: Toss-up Loss (Rivalry game at home)
Montana: Upset Win
North Dakota: Toss-up Win
Northern Arizona: Expected Loss
Eastern Washington: Expected Loss
UC Davis: Expected Win
Idaho State: Expected Win
Competition that was better than expected: Southern Utah
Competition that was not as good as expected: None
Strongest Opponent (FCS): North Dakota State
Weakest Opponent: UC Davis
Was the Season as success for Southern Utah
It is hard to classify any season where you win a conference championship as a failure. Because this hasn't happened in Cedar City very often, it is phenomenal. SUU, however, was one game away from having a much better post-season draw than they received. We know that Ammon Olsen was great. The question is: Will Ed Lamb be back in 2016?
Expectation at the Beginning of the season (considering how the competition changed): Pessimistic: 4-7, Optimistic: 8-3
Actual Record: 8-3
Best win: At Montana State
Worst loss: At South Dakota State
What worked for them: Tough defense, solid special teams. Ammon Olsen, later in the season
What worked against them: Turnovers. Lack of confidence on the road.
Game by game
At Utah State: Expected Loss
At South Dakota State: Toss-up Loss
Northern Colorado: Expected Win
Brevard: Expected Win
At Weber State: Toss-up Win
Sacramento State: Expected Win
At UC Davis: Expected Win
Cal Poly: Toss-up Win
At Montana State: Upset Win
At Portland State: Toss-up Loss
Northern Arizona: Toss-up Win
Better than expected opponents: Weber State, Portland State
Not as good as expected opponents: Utah State, Montana State
Strongest Opponent (FCS) : Portland State
Weakest Opponent: Brevard
Was the Season Successful for Utah State?
If you are disappointed with how the season turned out from Utah State, you are probably not alone. It's not just what happened against BYU. When they beat Boise State, I thought, and I wasn't alone, that they would breeze through the rest of their conference schedule and wouldn't be challenged again until BYU came to Logan. But then they go an lose 3 of the next 4. Utah State is far enough removed from their days of futility that expectations are higher, as they should be. At least they finished bowl eligible, even if they end up going to Albuquerque for their bowl game.
Expectation at the Beginning of the season (considering how the competition changed): Pessimistic 5-7, Optimistic 9-3
Best Win: Boise State
Worst Loss: At Air Force
What worked for them: Defense, play calling, Kent Meyers when healthy, Chuckie when healthy
What worked against them: Injuries, trouble on the road, recovering from momentum-changing plays, running back contribution.
Actual Record: 6-6
Southern Utah: Expected Win
At Utah: Expected Loss
At Washington: Expected Loss
Colorado State: Expected Win
At Fresno State: Expected Win
Boise State: Upset Win
At San Diego State: Toss-up Loss
Wyoming: Expected Win
At New Mexico: Upset Loss
At Air Force: Toss-up Loss
Nevada: Toss-up Win
BYU: Toss-up Loss
Better than expected opponents: New Mexico, Air Force
Weaker than expected opponents: Boise State
Strongest Opponent: Utah
Weakest Opponent (FBS--And in this case, overall): Wyoming
Post Season Note: SI expect a rematch in the Armed Force Bowl--USU vs. Washington.
Was the season a success for the BYU Cougars?
Whether or not the 2015 football team was a success for BYU depends a lot of whether you are a glass half-empty or half-full person. On the half-full side, there were injuries, suspensions, and all sorts of other problems and the team still won 9 games. People on the other side of the coin will point to two almost wins as evidence things could have been better. What was expected to be a really tough schedule turned out to be manageable as teams like Nebraska and Boise State turned out not to be as good as expected. As for fan expectations, there is a level of obsession that turns into...well that is the topic for another blog.
Expectation at the Beginning of the season (considering how the competition changed): Pessimistic: 7-5. Optimistic: 10-2
Best Win: At Nebraska
Worst Loss: At Michigan
What worked: Tanner Mangum, receiving corps, Bronson Kafusi
What didn't work: Magic wasn't always there, especially on defense in 3 losses.
Actual Record: 9-3
Game by game:
At Nebraska: Toss-up Win
Boise State: Expected Win
At UCLA: Expected Loss
At Michigan: Expected Loss
Connecticut: Expected Win
East Carolina: Expected Win
Cincinnati: Expected Win
Wagner: Expected Win
At San Jose State: Expected Win
At (technically) Missouri: Toss-up Loss
Fresno State: Expected Win
At Utah State: Toss-up Win
Better than expected opposition: Michigan
Weaker than expected opposition: Nebraska, Boise State
Close win that should not have been so close: San Jose State
Strongest opponent: Michigan
Weakest opponent (FBS): Fresno State
Note: I said at the beginning of the year that what BYU needed to get into the Big 12 was to convince the members of the conference that BYU is the only choice. Getting shut out at The Big House may as well have been 6 losses. They didn't have to win that game, they only had to look respectable in losing. That didn't happen.
Was the season a success for the Utah Utes?
Utah is in the same boat as BYU. Whether or not fans see the season as a success depends on whether you are a glass half-empty or half-full type of person. But the season, you have to admit, was quite the roller coaster ride. And it was a fun one, depending on, as Bronco Mendenhall would put it, your level of investment in the program. And like a real roller coaster, the end of the season was a little flat, especially after the loss of Devontae Booker. It was a blow to a team that was overachieving all year.
Expectation at the Beginning of the season (considering how the competition changed): Pessimistic: 7-5, Optimistic: 8-4
Best Win: At Oregon
Worst Loss: UCLA
Actual Record: 9-3
Game by game
Michigan: Upset Win
Utah State: Expected Win
At Fresno State: Expected Win
At Oregon: Upset Win
California: Expected Win
Arizona State: Expected Win
At USC: Expected Loss
Oregon State: Expected Win
At Arizona: Upset loss
UCLA: Toss-up Loss
Colorado: Expected Win
Stronger than expected opposition: Michigan, California
Weaker than expected opposition: Fresno State, Oregon State
Strongest Opponent: Michigan
Weakest Opponent: Fresno State
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)