BYU Cougars
Current Record 2-0
Outlook: The win against Boise State wasn't really a pretty thing, unless you consider only the 4th quarter. In the first three quarters, the run game wasn't working, the defense was inconsistent and the special teams weren't exactly special. The coaching staff made some adjustments based upon what worked on a scoring drive in the 3rd quarter...mainly throwing on first down. And the defense buckled down. That type of mid-half adjustments from the coaching staff are what BYU will need going forward.
Probable wins
Michigan
Connecticut
East Carolina
Cincinnati
Wagner
San Jose State
Fresno State
Toss Up
UCLA
Missouri
Utah State
Optimists Outlook: 12-0
Pessimists Outlook: 9-3
Post-season outlook: In some computer polls, Memphis is ranked ahead of Boise State. Which means that the Tigers would get the G-5 NY-6 bowl spot and not Boise State. This means that if BYU is not in the playoffs or the NY-6 bowls, then they will be relegated to the Hawaii Bowl. In this case, the win against Boise State is also a loss.
Utah Utes
Current Record: 2-0
Outlook: The Utes will be without Travis Wilson for at least the Fresno State game. Of course, I would be concerned about this if Fresno State was Fresno State this year. But, alas, they are not. Utah's offense isn't 'pretty' without him, and even with him, it's not exactly fun to watch. It has been the defense generating the excitement On the Hill. The offense scores points, they get the job done. That is exactly what Utah needs. Hopefully, Wilson will be back for the Utes to take on Oregon.
Probable Wins
Fresno State
California
Arizona State
Oregon State
Washington
Colorado
Toss Up
Oregon
USC
UCLA
Arizona
Optimists Outlook: 12-0
Pessimists Outlook: 8-4
Post Season: Unless Utah gets into the PAC-12 title game, they are probably looking at quartet of bowls, either the Alamo Bowl, Foster Farms Bowl, Holiday Bowl or Sun Bowl.
Utah State Aggies
Current Record 1-1
Outlook: I'm certain that against SUU, the Aggies were simply looking past them to their date with the Utes. I am also certain that Chukie Keeton and the offense will get off the snide and score a few points. The rest of the MW, outside of Boise State and perhaps Colorado State doesn't look very formidable this year.
Probable wins
Colorado State
Fresno State
San Diego State
Wyoming
New Mexico
Air Force
Nevada
Probable Losses
Washington
Boise State
Toss Up
BYU
Optimists Outlook: 9-3
Pessimist Outlook: 8-4
Post Season: I foresee another trip to San Diego for the Aggies.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Current Record 0-2
Outlook: So, I was a little bit overly optimistic in thinking that SUU could go into Brookings and run past the Jackrabbits. Obviously USU was looking past the T-Birds on week 1 and the SUU defense isn't as good as they looked in Logan. But there is still an outside chance of getting into the FCS post-season if Ammon Olsen and the offense can get in gear.
Probable Wins
Brevard
UC Davis
Probable Losses
Cal Poly
Montana State
Portland State
Northern Arizona
Toss Up
Northern Colorado
Weber State
Sacramento State
Optimist Outlook: 5-7
Pessimist Outlook: 2-9
Post Season: Probably not this year.
Weber State Wildcats
Outlook: We don't really know much about Weber State yet this year as they haven't played a winnable game. That changes this coming week. We'll see if their offense can score and we will know if they have a defense capable of giving the team a chance to win.
Probable Win
UC Davis
Probable Losses
Montana
North Dakota
Northern Arizona
Eastern Washington
Toss Up
Sacramento State
Northern Colorado
Southern Utah
Idaho State
Optimist Outlook: 5-7
Pessimist Outlook: 1-10
Post Season: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7fjDS0jKiE
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Conference Report September 12, 2015
FBS Independents
Notes: BYU and Notre Dame are playing similar plot lines this year. Notre Dame also lost a senior quarterback for the season, and like BYU, will have to turn the "the quarterback of the future" a little earlier than expected. And like BYU did last week in Lincoln, Notre Dame scored on a last second pass play from their freshman QB as time expired.
Game of the Week: Notre Dame 34 Virginia 27.
Offensive Player of the Week: Notre Dame RB C.J. Prosise
Defensive Player of the Week: BYU DB Kai Nacua
Special Teams Player of the Week: Notre Dame P Tyler Newsome
Power Rankings
1. Notre Dame
2. BYU
3. Army
Post-season projections:
Notre Dame--Russell Athletic Bowl
BYU--Hawaii Bowl
PAC-12
Notes: Washington State bounced back in a big way by beating Rutgers in New Jersey. Even though the conference as a whole looked a little rusty in week one, things are looking better now.
Game of the Week: Washington State 37 Rutgers 34
Offensive Player of the Week: Arizona RB Nick Wilson
Defensive Player of the Week: Utah LB Jaren Norris
Special Teams Player of the Week: USC PK Alex Wood
Power Rankings.
1. UCLA
2. USC
3. Oregon
4. Arizona
5. Utah
6. Washington
7. Stanford
8. Arizona State
9. California
10. Washington State
11. Oregon State
12. Colorado
Post-season projections
UCLA--Orange Bowl
USC--Rose Bowl
Oregon--Alamo Bowl
Arizona--Foster Farms Bowl
Utah--Sun Bowl
Washington--Las Vegas Bowl
Stanford--Cactus Bowl
MW
Notes: It was a very tough week for the Mountain West Conference. They went 0-10 in non conference games. Out of those 10 losses, only three of them were within two touchdowns. After the BYU/Boise State game, the camera panned to the student section in Provo with a student holding up a sign that said, "ouch". I think that describes it. Air Force was the sole winner on week 2 for the MW, and an early conference win against San Jose State. I try to pick a winner for game of the week. I am unable to do that this week. More on the MWC situation in a coming post.
Game of the week: Minnesota 23 Colorado State 20
Offensive Player of the Week: Wyoming RB Bryan Hill
Defensive Player of the Week: Utah State LB Nick Vigil
Special Teams Player of the Week: Boise State P Sean Wale
Power Rankings
1. Boise State
2. Utah State
3. Colorado State
4. Air Force
5. San Diego State
6. Nevada
7. San Jose State
8. Fresno Sate
9. Hawaii
10. UNLV
11. New Mexico
12. Wyoming
Post Season
Boise State--Las Vegas Bowl
Utah State--Poinsettia Bowl
Colorado State--New Mexico Bowl
Air Force--Arizona Bowl
Big Sky Conference
Notes: It was not a very good week for the Big Sky Conference, either. NCU got a win against Houston Baptist, who is playing football for the first time this year. Northern Arizona played Division II New Mexico Highlands. Remove those two games from the picture and the best win of the week for the Conference was North Dakota's win over Drake. The team without a nickname is suddenly looking better than expected.
Game of the Week: North Dakota 21 Drake 18
Offensive Player of the Week: Eastern Washington QB Jordan West
Defensive Player of the Week: Cal Poly DB BJ Nard
Special Teams Player of the Week: Portland State PK Jonathan Gonzales
Power Rankings
1. Montana State
2. Portland State
3. Eastern Washington
4. Cal Poly
5. Montana
6. Northern Arizona
7. North Dakota
8. Idaho State
9. Southern Utah
10. Northern Colorado
11. Sacramento State
12. Weber State
13. UC Davis
Post Season Selections:
Montana State, Portland State, Eastern Washington and possibly Cal Poly
Notes: BYU and Notre Dame are playing similar plot lines this year. Notre Dame also lost a senior quarterback for the season, and like BYU, will have to turn the "the quarterback of the future" a little earlier than expected. And like BYU did last week in Lincoln, Notre Dame scored on a last second pass play from their freshman QB as time expired.
Game of the Week: Notre Dame 34 Virginia 27.
Offensive Player of the Week: Notre Dame RB C.J. Prosise
Defensive Player of the Week: BYU DB Kai Nacua
Special Teams Player of the Week: Notre Dame P Tyler Newsome
Power Rankings
1. Notre Dame
2. BYU
3. Army
Post-season projections:
Notre Dame--Russell Athletic Bowl
BYU--Hawaii Bowl
PAC-12
Notes: Washington State bounced back in a big way by beating Rutgers in New Jersey. Even though the conference as a whole looked a little rusty in week one, things are looking better now.
Game of the Week: Washington State 37 Rutgers 34
Offensive Player of the Week: Arizona RB Nick Wilson
Defensive Player of the Week: Utah LB Jaren Norris
Special Teams Player of the Week: USC PK Alex Wood
Power Rankings.
1. UCLA
2. USC
3. Oregon
4. Arizona
5. Utah
6. Washington
7. Stanford
8. Arizona State
9. California
10. Washington State
11. Oregon State
12. Colorado
Post-season projections
UCLA--Orange Bowl
USC--Rose Bowl
Oregon--Alamo Bowl
Arizona--Foster Farms Bowl
Utah--Sun Bowl
Washington--Las Vegas Bowl
Stanford--Cactus Bowl
MW
Notes: It was a very tough week for the Mountain West Conference. They went 0-10 in non conference games. Out of those 10 losses, only three of them were within two touchdowns. After the BYU/Boise State game, the camera panned to the student section in Provo with a student holding up a sign that said, "ouch". I think that describes it. Air Force was the sole winner on week 2 for the MW, and an early conference win against San Jose State. I try to pick a winner for game of the week. I am unable to do that this week. More on the MWC situation in a coming post.
Game of the week: Minnesota 23 Colorado State 20
Offensive Player of the Week: Wyoming RB Bryan Hill
Defensive Player of the Week: Utah State LB Nick Vigil
Special Teams Player of the Week: Boise State P Sean Wale
Power Rankings
1. Boise State
2. Utah State
3. Colorado State
4. Air Force
5. San Diego State
6. Nevada
7. San Jose State
8. Fresno Sate
9. Hawaii
10. UNLV
11. New Mexico
12. Wyoming
Post Season
Boise State--Las Vegas Bowl
Utah State--Poinsettia Bowl
Colorado State--New Mexico Bowl
Air Force--Arizona Bowl
Big Sky Conference
Notes: It was not a very good week for the Big Sky Conference, either. NCU got a win against Houston Baptist, who is playing football for the first time this year. Northern Arizona played Division II New Mexico Highlands. Remove those two games from the picture and the best win of the week for the Conference was North Dakota's win over Drake. The team without a nickname is suddenly looking better than expected.
Game of the Week: North Dakota 21 Drake 18
Offensive Player of the Week: Eastern Washington QB Jordan West
Defensive Player of the Week: Cal Poly DB BJ Nard
Special Teams Player of the Week: Portland State PK Jonathan Gonzales
Power Rankings
1. Montana State
2. Portland State
3. Eastern Washington
4. Cal Poly
5. Montana
6. Northern Arizona
7. North Dakota
8. Idaho State
9. Southern Utah
10. Northern Colorado
11. Sacramento State
12. Weber State
13. UC Davis
Post Season Selections:
Montana State, Portland State, Eastern Washington and possibly Cal Poly
Review of this week's action...September 12, 2015
Utah 24 Utah State 14
Chukie was able to drive the ball against Utah, but couldn't get it into the end zone. Utah wins by forcing turnovers in the 4th quarter after the Aggies drove deep into Ute Territory. The bad news for Utah, Travis Wilson didn't play in the 2nd half. Perhaps the game would not have been as close as it was with him in there. The Utes had to make adjustments around Kendal Thompson at half time, and that gave the offense just enough to win the game.
Utah MVP: RB Devontea Booker
Utah State MVP: WR Devonte Robinson
South Dakota State 55 Southern Utah 10
Here is exhibit #2 that Utah State was looking past the Thunderbirds in week one. The Jackrabbits ran all over their former rival. How else would you explain holding one of the best quarterbacks in the country to a handful of first downs in week 1, then allowing nearly 400 yards passing by SDSU quarterbacks in week #2? It's hard to pick an MVP for SUU in this one, as the score was so one sided, and there was really no bright spot.
SUU MVP: None Chosen
North Dakota State 41 Weber State 14
Sometimes I am glad I am wrong. In this case, we won't be waiting until next week for WSU's first offensive touchdown. The offense at least showed something in a closer than expected game in Fargo. No, that wasn't meant to be a sarcastic punch at the Wildcats. NDSU is really a team that should be in the FBS.
WSU MVP: WR Treshawn Garrett
BYU 35 Boise State 24
As Lefty Gomez once said, "it is better to be lucky than good." Tanner Mangum struggled at times against one of the best defenses in the country. But when it counted, particularly with 45 seconds left in the game, and on 4th and long, Mangum pulled another magic trick out of his hat. But the real heroes of this game for the Cougars were on the defense, that held Boise State to -8 yards in the 4th quarter. Kai Nacua put the Miami Beach Bowl sucker punch behind him and picked off BSU QB Ryan Finley 3 times.
BYU MVP: DB Kai Nacua
Chukie was able to drive the ball against Utah, but couldn't get it into the end zone. Utah wins by forcing turnovers in the 4th quarter after the Aggies drove deep into Ute Territory. The bad news for Utah, Travis Wilson didn't play in the 2nd half. Perhaps the game would not have been as close as it was with him in there. The Utes had to make adjustments around Kendal Thompson at half time, and that gave the offense just enough to win the game.
Utah MVP: RB Devontea Booker
Utah State MVP: WR Devonte Robinson
South Dakota State 55 Southern Utah 10
Here is exhibit #2 that Utah State was looking past the Thunderbirds in week one. The Jackrabbits ran all over their former rival. How else would you explain holding one of the best quarterbacks in the country to a handful of first downs in week 1, then allowing nearly 400 yards passing by SDSU quarterbacks in week #2? It's hard to pick an MVP for SUU in this one, as the score was so one sided, and there was really no bright spot.
SUU MVP: None Chosen
North Dakota State 41 Weber State 14
Sometimes I am glad I am wrong. In this case, we won't be waiting until next week for WSU's first offensive touchdown. The offense at least showed something in a closer than expected game in Fargo. No, that wasn't meant to be a sarcastic punch at the Wildcats. NDSU is really a team that should be in the FBS.
WSU MVP: WR Treshawn Garrett
BYU 35 Boise State 24
As Lefty Gomez once said, "it is better to be lucky than good." Tanner Mangum struggled at times against one of the best defenses in the country. But when it counted, particularly with 45 seconds left in the game, and on 4th and long, Mangum pulled another magic trick out of his hat. But the real heroes of this game for the Cougars were on the defense, that held Boise State to -8 yards in the 4th quarter. Kai Nacua put the Miami Beach Bowl sucker punch behind him and picked off BSU QB Ryan Finley 3 times.
BYU MVP: DB Kai Nacua
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Was This the Breakthrough? Week 2 predictions
BYU finally has a signature road win in Independence and Utah has beaten a Big 10 team and broken into the national rankings. But whether or not this is a breakthrough remains to be seen. Not all breakthroughs are apparent right away. Utah State's near loss may be better for the team in the long run because it will serve at motivation all season. And it will serve to humble a group of people who often find it difficult to be humble.
Rome wasn't built in a day, and BYU didn't become an overnight success. Coach Edwards often points to the work that Tommy Hudspedth did as BYU's coach. Perhaps BYU's struggles in recent seasons have been a lull that almost every program has. If I was to point to a breakthrough win for the BYU football program, I would go November 6, 1965. That game was a 25-20 win over Utah, only the third time every that BYU had beaten Utah. But from 1965 to 1992, BYU dominated this series. After this game came their first conference championship, then came others, and invites to bowl games and eventually a National Championship and a Heisman Trophy winner. But it all had to start somewhere. BYU is already big. Success this season will add to their legacy.
Time also changes perspectives. What if Utah had been invited to the PAC-12 four years earlier? We wouldn't have been talking about the 2009 Sugar Bowl for the Utes, but the 2009 Rose Bowl or something bigger instead. If the PAC-10 had expanded to 12 in 1990 would they have even considered Utah? Chances are, we wouldn't be speculating on BYU being in the Big 12, if that had happened, because BYU would be there already.
What BYU needs is a big enough season so that when the Big 12 decides to expand, they won't even think about anyone else. They may not need to finish 12-0. They just need to prove that last Saturday in Lincoln was no fluke.
Utah doesn't need to win the PAC-12 this year, even though a conference championship would be nice. They only need to prove that they can compete.
Utah State doesn't need to break into a NY6 bowl this year. They just need to remind the MWC that they are still a force.
The number of wins needed to reach these thresholds isn't yet clear. But it will be by the end of the season.
Predictions
Utah State at Utah
The Aggies had a pretty dismal offensive performance against Southern Utah. This puts more pressure on the offense to perform against a very stout defense. Even though Utah's offensive performance was nothing to brag about, they did good enough to win in week 1. The Aggies also have a very good defense. I don't expect a lot of scoring in this game.
Utah 17 Utah State 10
Boise State at BYU
BSU defensively did very well against Washington in week 1. But their offense struggled. BYU struggled at times on defense in Lincoln. Taysom Hill's foot was the main reason BYU didn't pull away from the Huskers in the 2nd half. One thing that the 4th quarter in Lincoln did for Tanner Mangum was give him success, and with success comes confidence. The final 2 drives against Nebraska, BYU used a balanced attack and got over 140 yards and 9 points. That is what BYU will need against Boise State. I don't think that this is a game that BYU has to win, but it will help a lot if they do. I expect this one will be back and forth and the team that has the ball in scoring range last should win.
Boise State 31 BYU 30
Weber State at North Dakota State
Sometimes a loss will wake up a sleeping giant. That is what Montana did to North Dakota State in a game two weeks ago. All that NDSU did in response was go to Laramie and blow out their former coach and the Cowboys. Last week WSU lost by a trio of touchdowns, and if it weren't for an incredible performance by one safety, WSU wouldn't have scored at all. I think WSU will go into homecoming next week still looking for their first offensive touchdown.
NDSU 55 WSU 3
Southern Utah at South Dakota State
If SUU is going to make the post season this year, this is a must win game for them. They do not have another shot at an FCS school, and there are others in the Big Sky Conference who have a higher RPI...who don't appear on the SUU schedule, BTW. The computer rankings have the Jackrabbits at about a 14 point favorite. This game should be much closer than that. SUU's defense held Chuckie Keeton and the USU offense in check last week in Logan. They can handle a few puny Jackrabbits. The question is whether or not Ammon Olsen and the offense can score enough points to win. I think that the difference in this game will be another special teams effort.
SUU 24 SDSU 21
Rome wasn't built in a day, and BYU didn't become an overnight success. Coach Edwards often points to the work that Tommy Hudspedth did as BYU's coach. Perhaps BYU's struggles in recent seasons have been a lull that almost every program has. If I was to point to a breakthrough win for the BYU football program, I would go November 6, 1965. That game was a 25-20 win over Utah, only the third time every that BYU had beaten Utah. But from 1965 to 1992, BYU dominated this series. After this game came their first conference championship, then came others, and invites to bowl games and eventually a National Championship and a Heisman Trophy winner. But it all had to start somewhere. BYU is already big. Success this season will add to their legacy.
Time also changes perspectives. What if Utah had been invited to the PAC-12 four years earlier? We wouldn't have been talking about the 2009 Sugar Bowl for the Utes, but the 2009 Rose Bowl or something bigger instead. If the PAC-10 had expanded to 12 in 1990 would they have even considered Utah? Chances are, we wouldn't be speculating on BYU being in the Big 12, if that had happened, because BYU would be there already.
What BYU needs is a big enough season so that when the Big 12 decides to expand, they won't even think about anyone else. They may not need to finish 12-0. They just need to prove that last Saturday in Lincoln was no fluke.
Utah doesn't need to win the PAC-12 this year, even though a conference championship would be nice. They only need to prove that they can compete.
Utah State doesn't need to break into a NY6 bowl this year. They just need to remind the MWC that they are still a force.
The number of wins needed to reach these thresholds isn't yet clear. But it will be by the end of the season.
Predictions
Utah State at Utah
The Aggies had a pretty dismal offensive performance against Southern Utah. This puts more pressure on the offense to perform against a very stout defense. Even though Utah's offensive performance was nothing to brag about, they did good enough to win in week 1. The Aggies also have a very good defense. I don't expect a lot of scoring in this game.
Utah 17 Utah State 10
Boise State at BYU
BSU defensively did very well against Washington in week 1. But their offense struggled. BYU struggled at times on defense in Lincoln. Taysom Hill's foot was the main reason BYU didn't pull away from the Huskers in the 2nd half. One thing that the 4th quarter in Lincoln did for Tanner Mangum was give him success, and with success comes confidence. The final 2 drives against Nebraska, BYU used a balanced attack and got over 140 yards and 9 points. That is what BYU will need against Boise State. I don't think that this is a game that BYU has to win, but it will help a lot if they do. I expect this one will be back and forth and the team that has the ball in scoring range last should win.
Boise State 31 BYU 30
Weber State at North Dakota State
Sometimes a loss will wake up a sleeping giant. That is what Montana did to North Dakota State in a game two weeks ago. All that NDSU did in response was go to Laramie and blow out their former coach and the Cowboys. Last week WSU lost by a trio of touchdowns, and if it weren't for an incredible performance by one safety, WSU wouldn't have scored at all. I think WSU will go into homecoming next week still looking for their first offensive touchdown.
NDSU 55 WSU 3
Southern Utah at South Dakota State
If SUU is going to make the post season this year, this is a must win game for them. They do not have another shot at an FCS school, and there are others in the Big Sky Conference who have a higher RPI...who don't appear on the SUU schedule, BTW. The computer rankings have the Jackrabbits at about a 14 point favorite. This game should be much closer than that. SUU's defense held Chuckie Keeton and the USU offense in check last week in Logan. They can handle a few puny Jackrabbits. The question is whether or not Ammon Olsen and the offense can score enough points to win. I think that the difference in this game will be another special teams effort.
SUU 24 SDSU 21
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Predictions and Expectations after Week 1
BYU Cougars
Current Record 1-0
Outlook: BYU lost Taysom Hill for the season and they should be fine as long as two things happen. 1. Tanner Mangum remains healthy and 2. The running game gets going and its not all up to Mangum's arm from here on out. I would be even bigger about BYU this season with Taysom Hill under center. At least once this year, BYU will lose a game because of a Mangum error.
Probable Wins
Michigan
Connecticut
East Carolina
Cincinnati
Wagner
San Jose State
Fresno State
Probable Losses
UCLA
Missouri
Toss Up
Boise State
Utah State
Optimist scenario: 10-2
Pessimist scenario: 8-4
Post Season Outlook: Las Vegas Bowl
Utah Utes
Current Record 1-0 (0-0)
Outlook: Compared to the rest of the PAC-12, Utah looked very good in their season opener. The run game was a little suspect, but Travis Wilson and the defense came up big.
Probable Wins
Utah State
Fresno State
California
Arizona State
Oregon State
Washington
Colorado
Probable Losses
Oregon
UCLA
Toss Up
Arizona
USC
Optimist scenario: 10-2
Pessimist scenario: 8-4
Post Season Outlook: 2nd or 3rd in PAC-12 South, likely Alamo or Holiday Bowl.
Utah State Aggies
Current record (1-0)
Outlook: I am willing to take the results of the Southern Utah game as an abrogation. This is not the Utah State team that we will see the rest of the season. Chuckie Keeton will eventually get on a roll, but it may take until conference play to see that happen.
Current Record 1-0 (0-0)
Probable Wins
Colorado State
Fresno State
Wyoming
New Mexico
Air Force
Probable Losses
Utah
Washington
Boise State
Toss Up
San Diego State
Nevada
BYU
Optimist scenario: 9-3
Pessimist scenario: 6-6
Post-season outlook: 2nd or 3rd in MW Mountain. Poinsettia Bowl or New Mexico Bowl.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Current Record 0-1 (0-0)
Outlook: The SUU defense was the star in Logan on Opening Night. They kept Chuckie Keeton and the Aggie offensive machine out of the end zone. SUU may not be the 4th-best team in the Big Sky Conference, but they have a good change at making the post-season with a favorable 2015 schedule. They will have to win games in the "Toss Up" category to get there.
Probable Wins
South Dakota State
Northern Colorado
Brevard
Weber State
Sacramento State
UC Davis
Probable Losses
Cal Poly
Montana State
Toss Up
Portland State
Northern Arizona
Optimist scenario: 8-3
Pessimist scenario: 6-5
Post-season outlook: outside chance at the FCS playoffs.
Weber State Wildcats
Outlook: On the defensive side of the ball, WSU has shown improvement over the dismal last few seasons. On the offensive side of the ball?
Probable Wins
Northern Colorado
UC Davis
Probable Losses
North Dakota State
Southern Utah
Montana
Northern Arizona
Eastern Washington
Idaho State
Toss Up
Sacramento State
UC Davis
Optimist scenario: 4-7
Pessimist scenario: 2-9
Current Record 1-0
Outlook: BYU lost Taysom Hill for the season and they should be fine as long as two things happen. 1. Tanner Mangum remains healthy and 2. The running game gets going and its not all up to Mangum's arm from here on out. I would be even bigger about BYU this season with Taysom Hill under center. At least once this year, BYU will lose a game because of a Mangum error.
Probable Wins
Michigan
Connecticut
East Carolina
Cincinnati
Wagner
San Jose State
Fresno State
Probable Losses
UCLA
Missouri
Toss Up
Boise State
Utah State
Optimist scenario: 10-2
Pessimist scenario: 8-4
Post Season Outlook: Las Vegas Bowl
Utah Utes
Current Record 1-0 (0-0)
Outlook: Compared to the rest of the PAC-12, Utah looked very good in their season opener. The run game was a little suspect, but Travis Wilson and the defense came up big.
Probable Wins
Utah State
Fresno State
California
Arizona State
Oregon State
Washington
Colorado
Probable Losses
Oregon
UCLA
Toss Up
Arizona
USC
Optimist scenario: 10-2
Pessimist scenario: 8-4
Post Season Outlook: 2nd or 3rd in PAC-12 South, likely Alamo or Holiday Bowl.
Utah State Aggies
Current record (1-0)
Outlook: I am willing to take the results of the Southern Utah game as an abrogation. This is not the Utah State team that we will see the rest of the season. Chuckie Keeton will eventually get on a roll, but it may take until conference play to see that happen.
Current Record 1-0 (0-0)
Probable Wins
Colorado State
Fresno State
Wyoming
New Mexico
Air Force
Probable Losses
Utah
Washington
Boise State
Toss Up
San Diego State
Nevada
BYU
Optimist scenario: 9-3
Pessimist scenario: 6-6
Post-season outlook: 2nd or 3rd in MW Mountain. Poinsettia Bowl or New Mexico Bowl.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Current Record 0-1 (0-0)
Outlook: The SUU defense was the star in Logan on Opening Night. They kept Chuckie Keeton and the Aggie offensive machine out of the end zone. SUU may not be the 4th-best team in the Big Sky Conference, but they have a good change at making the post-season with a favorable 2015 schedule. They will have to win games in the "Toss Up" category to get there.
Probable Wins
South Dakota State
Northern Colorado
Brevard
Weber State
Sacramento State
UC Davis
Probable Losses
Cal Poly
Montana State
Toss Up
Portland State
Northern Arizona
Optimist scenario: 8-3
Pessimist scenario: 6-5
Post-season outlook: outside chance at the FCS playoffs.
Weber State Wildcats
Outlook: On the defensive side of the ball, WSU has shown improvement over the dismal last few seasons. On the offensive side of the ball?
Probable Wins
Northern Colorado
UC Davis
Probable Losses
North Dakota State
Southern Utah
Montana
Northern Arizona
Eastern Washington
Idaho State
Toss Up
Sacramento State
UC Davis
Optimist scenario: 4-7
Pessimist scenario: 2-9
Wasatch Swagger Conference Report for Week 1 2015
FBS Independents
Game of the Week: BYU 33 Nebraska 28
Co-Offensive Players of the Week: BYU QBs Taysom Hill and Tanner Mangum
Defensive Player of the Week: Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith
Special Teams Player of the Week: BYU P Patrick Linehan
Power Rankings:
1. Notre Dame
2. BYU
3. Army
Pac 12
Game of the Week: Utah 24 Michigan 17
Offensive Player of the Week: UCLA QB Josh Rosen
Defensive Player of the Week: Utah DB Justin Thomas
Special Teams Player of the Week: Utah P Tom Hackett
Power Rankings
1. UCLA
2. Oregon
3. Arizona
4. Utah
5. USC
6. Oregon State
7. Washington
8. California
9. Washington
10. Stanford
11. Colorado
12. Washington State
Mountain West
Game of the Week: Hawaii 28 Colorado 20
Offensive Player of the Week: Wyoming WR Tanner Gentry
Defensive Player of the Week: Boise State LB Tanner Vallejo
Special Teams Player of the Week: Utah State PR Andrew Rodriquez
Power Rankings
1. Boise State
2. San Diego State
3. Nevada
4. Colorado State
5. Utah State
6. Fresno State
7. San Jose State
8. Air Force
9. Hawaii
10. UNLV
11. New Mexico
12. Wyoming
Big Sky Conference
Game of the Week: Montana 38 North Dakota State 35
Offensive Player of the Week: Montana QB Brady Gustafson (vs. Cal Poly)
Defensive Player of the Week: Weber State S Josh Burton
Special Teams Player of the Week: Montana PK Daniel Sullivan (vs. North Dakota State)
Power Rankings
1. Eastern Washington
2. Montana State
3. Cal Poly
4. Portland State
5. Montana
6. Northern Arizona
7. Idaho State
8. Southern Utah
9. North Dakota
10. Sacramento State
11. Northern Colorado
12. UC Davis
13. Weber State
Game of the Week: BYU 33 Nebraska 28
Co-Offensive Players of the Week: BYU QBs Taysom Hill and Tanner Mangum
Defensive Player of the Week: Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith
Special Teams Player of the Week: BYU P Patrick Linehan
Power Rankings:
1. Notre Dame
2. BYU
3. Army
Pac 12
Game of the Week: Utah 24 Michigan 17
Offensive Player of the Week: UCLA QB Josh Rosen
Defensive Player of the Week: Utah DB Justin Thomas
Special Teams Player of the Week: Utah P Tom Hackett
Power Rankings
1. UCLA
2. Oregon
3. Arizona
4. Utah
5. USC
6. Oregon State
7. Washington
8. California
9. Washington
10. Stanford
11. Colorado
12. Washington State
Mountain West
Game of the Week: Hawaii 28 Colorado 20
Offensive Player of the Week: Wyoming WR Tanner Gentry
Defensive Player of the Week: Boise State LB Tanner Vallejo
Special Teams Player of the Week: Utah State PR Andrew Rodriquez
Power Rankings
1. Boise State
2. San Diego State
3. Nevada
4. Colorado State
5. Utah State
6. Fresno State
7. San Jose State
8. Air Force
9. Hawaii
10. UNLV
11. New Mexico
12. Wyoming
Big Sky Conference
Game of the Week: Montana 38 North Dakota State 35
Offensive Player of the Week: Montana QB Brady Gustafson (vs. Cal Poly)
Defensive Player of the Week: Weber State S Josh Burton
Special Teams Player of the Week: Montana PK Daniel Sullivan (vs. North Dakota State)
Power Rankings
1. Eastern Washington
2. Montana State
3. Cal Poly
4. Portland State
5. Montana
6. Northern Arizona
7. Idaho State
8. Southern Utah
9. North Dakota
10. Sacramento State
11. Northern Colorado
12. UC Davis
13. Weber State
Saturday, September 5, 2015
College Football 2015 Week 1 Review.
The first week of the season is so difficult to predict. I was wrong on a few of my predictions, but there are a few things that no one would have guessed coming into week 1. Six months ago, Tanner Mangum was teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Chile. Today, he steps in off the bench in the 4th quarter and throws a game-winning 'Hail Mary' into the wind in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nobody does THAT in Lincoln, Nebraska against the Huskers. So much for what we think we know.
Statewide players of the week.
Co-Offensive Players of the Week: BYU QBs Taysom Hill and Tanner Mangum
Defensive Player of the Week: Utah DB Justin Thomas
Special Teams Player of the Week: USU PR Andrew Rodriguez
Utah 24 Michigan 17
I'm reporting on this one first, because this was the only game that I was close to getting right. I thought it would be special teams that was the difference, but this time, it was the Ute defense. Justin Thomas, who is not THE Justin Thomas (who is a golfer), but just a Justin Thomas became THAT Justin Thomas for just one play. And that was the difference. I think it's going to be a good year on the Hill.
Utah Player of the Game: DB Justin Thomas
Utah State 12 Southern Utah 9
If I am Matt Well, and if I could look at Utah State's schedule and pick just one game for my team to play Stormtrooper, this would be the game. But really, Chuckie Keeton should have been watching the 2nd half from the sideline, with the Aggies having a comfortable lead. It didn't work out that way, as the Aggies trailed most of the way and would have lost had in not been for Andrew Rodriquez' 4th quarter heroics. Hopefully, the offense will be better going forward.
For SUU, does this mean the rest of the Big Sky Conference should watch out for the Thunderbirds. No. (The Big Sky Conference mostly did very well for week 1 against mostly FBS opponents). But it does mean that people should take this team seriously. The schedule is favorable for them, and if SUU wins the games that they should win from here on out, then they should be in the FCS playoffs. Let's hope this portends a good season for SUU.
USU Player of the Game: PR Andrew Rodriquez
SUU Player of the Game: QB Ammon Olsen
Oregon State 26 Weber State 7
The Beavers didn't have a cake walk in week 1 against their FCS opponent either. For Weber State fans, the offense appears to be about what we thought they were. For the defense, they may be better. Perhaps we can look forward to more than 3 wins for WSU this year. The reason I say this, WSU kept the Beavers in check on offense most of the game and the sole touchdown was scored by the defense.
WSU Player of the Game: S Josh Burton
BYU 33 Nebraska 28
This was a good news, bad news day for BYU. Of course they got the win. But Taysom Hill was lost for the season for the third time in 4 years. If I were Taysom, and let me emphasize that this is his decision, it would be time to hang up the cleats for good, even if he can get a medical redshirt. Concentrate on getting that degree, largely without the level of debt that most college students are saddled with, and move on with your life.
As for Mangum and the Cougars, I didn't expect them to even hang with Nebraska. My prediction was dead wrong. Next time someone comments on this blog that I am a BYU homer, I have proof that I am not. For the record, even thought I am born and reared in Utah and I live in Utah now but I have a BS from the University of Nebraska.
BYU Co-Players of the Game: QBs Taysom Hill and Tanner Mangum
Statewide players of the week.
Co-Offensive Players of the Week: BYU QBs Taysom Hill and Tanner Mangum
Defensive Player of the Week: Utah DB Justin Thomas
Special Teams Player of the Week: USU PR Andrew Rodriguez
Utah 24 Michigan 17
I'm reporting on this one first, because this was the only game that I was close to getting right. I thought it would be special teams that was the difference, but this time, it was the Ute defense. Justin Thomas, who is not THE Justin Thomas (who is a golfer), but just a Justin Thomas became THAT Justin Thomas for just one play. And that was the difference. I think it's going to be a good year on the Hill.
Utah Player of the Game: DB Justin Thomas
Utah State 12 Southern Utah 9
If I am Matt Well, and if I could look at Utah State's schedule and pick just one game for my team to play Stormtrooper, this would be the game. But really, Chuckie Keeton should have been watching the 2nd half from the sideline, with the Aggies having a comfortable lead. It didn't work out that way, as the Aggies trailed most of the way and would have lost had in not been for Andrew Rodriquez' 4th quarter heroics. Hopefully, the offense will be better going forward.
For SUU, does this mean the rest of the Big Sky Conference should watch out for the Thunderbirds. No. (The Big Sky Conference mostly did very well for week 1 against mostly FBS opponents). But it does mean that people should take this team seriously. The schedule is favorable for them, and if SUU wins the games that they should win from here on out, then they should be in the FCS playoffs. Let's hope this portends a good season for SUU.
USU Player of the Game: PR Andrew Rodriquez
SUU Player of the Game: QB Ammon Olsen
Oregon State 26 Weber State 7
The Beavers didn't have a cake walk in week 1 against their FCS opponent either. For Weber State fans, the offense appears to be about what we thought they were. For the defense, they may be better. Perhaps we can look forward to more than 3 wins for WSU this year. The reason I say this, WSU kept the Beavers in check on offense most of the game and the sole touchdown was scored by the defense.
WSU Player of the Game: S Josh Burton
BYU 33 Nebraska 28
This was a good news, bad news day for BYU. Of course they got the win. But Taysom Hill was lost for the season for the third time in 4 years. If I were Taysom, and let me emphasize that this is his decision, it would be time to hang up the cleats for good, even if he can get a medical redshirt. Concentrate on getting that degree, largely without the level of debt that most college students are saddled with, and move on with your life.
As for Mangum and the Cougars, I didn't expect them to even hang with Nebraska. My prediction was dead wrong. Next time someone comments on this blog that I am a BYU homer, I have proof that I am not. For the record, even thought I am born and reared in Utah and I live in Utah now but I have a BS from the University of Nebraska.
BYU Co-Players of the Game: QBs Taysom Hill and Tanner Mangum
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