4thand18

Coachin Carousel: Was It Worth It?

2011-08-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

Each year the coaches come and they go much like the carousel. Round and round. In today's ever changing society it seems like things are more about what have you done for me lately. College football is clearly becoming more about money, winning and exposure. In fact, during this past year nearly 18 percent of all FBS schools made coaching changes. Thus, likely being phased out are the days when coaches would typically stick around for what seemed forever. Below are a few that happened. Was it worth it? Only time will tell in providing answers allowing fans to make their own decisions.

Colorado
In: Jon Embree
Out: Dan Hawkins
Last 3 Seasons: Won 13 Lost 23 Games
This past year the buffs reportedly made advances on others before settling on a hire of its own as it heads into the PAC10 in hopes to bring back the success of its past. Unfortunately, Embree and his staff no longer have any eligibility left. Adding to the challenge is a brutal schedule without even a bye week with largely the same student athletes that finished 5-7 last season.

Miami, FL
In: Al Golden
Out: Randy Shannon
Last 3 Seasons: Won 23 Lost 15 Games
Golden inherits a team with typically amazing talent but also was undisciplined in decision making (ranked 104th in TO margin last season with 27 INTs), penalties, etc. With so much hurricane rich tradition can he make something Golden happen?

Michigan
In: Brady Hoke
Out: Rich Rodriguez
Last 3 Seasons: Won 15 Lost 22 Games
Big blue certainly has some talent in the stable. Unfortunately, some glaring statistics must be altered and quickly. The wolverines ranked 109th in TO margin. They ranked 108th in scoring defense as well as were 112th against the pass. The wolverines allowed 458 points and 5860 yards. That won't win many games. The offense was 8th overall nationally but can't carry the entire workload. With some hardwork and discipline from Hoke there might be some growing pains in the short-term but the wolverines should soon be back in business.

Pittsburgh
In: Todd Graham
Out: Dave Wannstedt
Last 3 Seasons: Won 27 Lost 12 Games
Panther coach Graham brings an impressive resume. His teams have been full of energy and have been exciting to watch (his offenses at Tulsa were #1 nationally in 2007 and 2008). Can he find a way to do it again? The sky is the limit for his high octane offense.

San Diego State
In: Rocky Long
Out: Brady Hoke
Last 3 Seasons: Won 15 Lost 22 Games
Can the Aztec momentum continue under Rocky Long? The offensive cupboard certainly wasn't left bare. It ranked 16th nationally highlighted by senior caller Ryan Lindley and super soph Ronnie Hillman who rushed for 17 TDs and over 1500 yards. The aztecs might not win the MWC with Boise State and TCU in the mix but SDSU should absolutely compete and find themselves in yet another post season bowl game.

Big Light Sophs: 10 To Keep An Eye On

2011-07-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

Every year sports fans across the nation will often debate at some point athletes who might be rising or also might fail to live up to the hype of their first effort. It's always exciting to watch to see if they make the cut and live up to the hype of fans expectations. That's what makes sports so enjoyable. That valued time around the water cooler discussing everyone's viewpoints. Here's ten sophomore quarterbacks that certainly could be worth keeping an eye on this year.

Jake Heaps/BYU wasn't truly handed over the car keys to the offense until week 4 and never had full snaps like most in spring/fall camp. Jake finally has that repetition available now with an assistant staff overhaul. The offense should be settled and in sync ready to roll. The question remains was last season's last half of the schedule that easy or was there truly that improvement. Cougar fans should be able to answer that watching how the blue and white jerseys handle the front loaded 2011 schedule.

Keith Price/Washington hopes to be the next great Husky to take the reins behind center with Jake Locker taking his game to the Tennessee Titans. So, where does Price stand? Back in high school he had over a 70 percent completion ratio. Price was also selected in high school as the 33rd ranked dual threat QB prospect. Out of spring practice he was also essentially named the starter. The offense does have its share of playmakers which should help ease the "Price" of the transition from Locker which includes junior Chris Polk who rushed last season for 1415 yards (second most in school history).

Danny O'Brien/Maryland emerged last season as one of the nation's best promising young quarterbacks after throwing for over 2400 yards and 22 TDs including an efficiency rating of 134.5. O'Brien is only one of four players in school history to throw for over 400 yards in a game. With four returning OL starters O'Brien should be poised to have yet another successful season.

Nathan Scheelhaase/Illinois came into the 2010 season as a unproven redshirt freshman who emerged as a solidified starter. Scheelhaase threw for over 1800 yards and 17 TDs (even rushed for 868 yards with 5 TDs) in his freshman campaign. His aerial assault (TD to INT) ratio even is definately respectable 17 to 8.

Jeff Godfrey/UCF very well could be driving his way to yet another successful sophomore season. He has an entire OL returning with experience and the lineman have even promised not to give up a sack in 2011. Last season Godfrey threw for 2159 yards 13 TDs 8 INTs and a 154 efficiency rating while rushing for 566 yards and 10 TDs on the ground.

Casey Pachall/TCU was a four star athlete ranked in 2009 by recruiting services rivals as the 9th best best dual threat QB in the nation. The time to rise and shine is now. Dalton exhausted his collegiate eligibility heading to the next level and that mantle now falls squarely on the shoulders of Pachall. Yes, the horned frogs may have only one returning OL starter back but TCU also has an insanely favorable schedule with a defense which has been tops (or darn close to tops) the past three or four years to help ease any pressure.

Aaron Murray/Georgia may have lost wideout standout AJ Green to the Cincinnati Bengals but may have found some capable replacements in freshman Malcolm Mitchell and junior Tavarres King. In his freshman season Murray connected for 24 TDs and nearly 3050 yards with a rating a 154.5. If the dawgs OL can hold together to give Murray ample time there's no reason why Murray can't succeed. Although, the first week Boise State might have something to say about that.

Kolton Browning/UL Monroe might as well been selling pop corn in the stands last season. It's about all that was left out far exceeding all expectations of a normal incoming freshman. Browning amassed nearly 3000 yards of total offense (rushed for 385 yards and 4 TDs). He threw for 18 TDs with 2552 passing yards with nearly a 62 percent pass completion ratio. The warhawks definately need to rally around Browning but also need to raise the bar of performance considering considering some tough road games against Florida State, TCU and Iowa.

Corey Robinson/Troy couldn't have asked for a freshman season statistically. Robinson struck for 28 TDs covering over 3700 yards. Yes, 3726 to be exact. His offense averaged over 34 points on the scoreboard last yer (ranked 17th nationally). He even lit up Ohio at the New Orleans Bowl going 32 of 47 for 387 yards and 4 TDs.

Tyler Bray/Tennessee produced some rather respectable stats in a considerable early season substitutional role. In only 5 starts Bray threw for 1849 yards 18 TDs with a efficiency of 142.7 without the benefit of an effective ground game that finished basically dead last in the SEC (managing only 116 yards per game).

Summer Heats Too Early Top 10

2011-07-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Rarely do the final college football polls ever resemble anything remotely similar to those all too early summer rankings. Who will be this years champ when the final whistle sounds? Will it be finally be someone not from the SEC? Or will it be some form of conference repeat? Until the games are played out it's often anyone's best estimate. Here's how the view from the other side of the lake saw things.

1-Alabama is poised for another run at the national title. All the necessary ingredients seem to be set in place. The offensive trenches return four out of five starters. The defense welcomes back nine of eleven starters that ranked #3 nationally holding teams to a stingy 13.5 points a game. Even the schedule looks inviting having Arkansas, Tennessee and LSU all at home.

2-Oklahoma has 9 of 11 offensive starters back in the fold for another run at the title including the dangerous combo of junior quarterback (and Sammy Baugh winner) Landry Jones and senior consensus All American widout Ryan Broyles. The sooner offense averaged 481 yards a matchup while the passing game ranked 3rd nationally. The SEC national championship winning streak has certainly got to come to an end soon. The sooners certainly have the capability to do just that.

3-Oregon returns the key components of last years top ranked explosive offense centered around juniors signal caller Darron Thomas and Heisman Trophy finalist in tailback LaMichael James. On the other side of the ball the ducks last season allowed opponents only 4.7 yards per play (11th best nationally). Yes, they might only return five defensive starters but Oregon also played a heavy rotation likely due to the pace of their style of play. The ducks won't have time to rest as its biggest test may lie straight out of the gates when play travel to LSU to open the season.

4-LSU finished with an 11-2 record despite an offense ranked 11th in the SEC triggering a change in offensive coordinators. Steve Kragthorpe was brought in to help restore the offensive swagger for the tigers which begins with a three year starter under center. Senior Jordan Jefferson returns as the winningest active SEC quarterback with a 20-7 record. Definately not too shabby to work with. Four out of the five offensive line starters are back. The defense ranked 3rd in the SEC and good enough for 12th overall. The tools are in the shed. Its just a matter of process in getting things done. Tests include Oregon at home and on the road against Alabama.

5-FSU and their decision to place Jimbo Fisher at the coaching helm is looking rather solid now revitalizing 'nole nation after successfully guiding the seminoles to 10-4 season (first 10 win season in 7 years) including a 26-17 Chick-fil-A victory over South Carolina. In fact, FSU still looks sound enough to likely grab the ACC title and a BCS bowl berth despite losing Christian Ponder to the next level. Plenty of talent and skill return for the fans to start practicing the tomahawk chop once again.

6-South Carolina returns two of its most explosive weapons in sophomore sensation tailback Marcus Lattimore and junior wideout Alshon Jeffery. Lattimore certainly looked like anything but a freshman in 2010 amassing 1197 yards and 17 TDs. Jeffery also compiled a more than respectable 1517 yards and 9 TDs. Despite the uncertainty at quarterback South Carolina learned how to win and make some serious noise in both the SEC and in the nation.

7-Oklahoma State has arguably the nations top aerial assault combination returning that dropped an average of 44 points a game on the scoreboard. Senior quarterback Brandon Weeden (who turned his back on the NFL) connected on over 4200 passing yards and 34 TDs with Justin Blackmon who racked up nearly 1800 receiving yards and 20 TDs. Last season the cowboys defense ranked 11th nationally in the TO margin but allowed over 26 points a game.

8-Nebraska could be entering the Big12 at the right time. Consider that Michigan is rebuilding under Hoke. Ohio State is scrambling dealing with the whole tattoo situation. Penn State isn't completely solidified in its quarterback situation. And so on. Thus the huskers certainly could make some noise. And yes, even the defense last season ranked 11th nationally. Could the huskers biggest challenge be the team chemistry? Coach Bo Pellini overhauled his staff with four new coaches. Should be interesting how all the pieces fall into place and somehow mesh together.

9-Texas A/M on paper looks strong to challenge BIG12 supremacy with possibly the best squad the aggies have fielded in more than a decade. The aggies return 9 starters from an offense that averaged nearly 442 yards. They know how to put points on the board averaging 31 led by a trio of seniors in QB Ryan Tannehill, TB Cyrus Gray (200 carries, 1133 yards and 12 TDs), and wideout Jeff Fuller (72 receptions, 1066 yards and 12 TDs). Yes, the aggies might have lost Von Miller but return (9 starters) enough talent from a defense that allowed opponents only 21 points.

10-Notre Dame finished strong last season winning its last 4 including a 33-17 waxing of the hurricanes in the Sun Bowl. Can they keep the momentum rolling? A sense of optimism surely would be prevalent with 16 of 22 starters available. The irish have a capable wideout in senior Michael Floyd who returns with 1025 receiving yards and 12 TDs. Notre Dame's defense was led by Manti Te'o with 133 tackles (most by an irish in 27 years). Those final 4 games the "D" only allowed an average of 9.75 points per game (which included Utah, Army, USC and Miami).

Bringing Back The Domanator

2011-07-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

Rewind back to 2001. As a senior the "Domanator" threw for 3542 yards including 33 TDs while leading the blue and white jerseys to a rather impressive 12-2 record. Fast forward to 2011 and today's reality. Brandon Doman is now the cougs new offensive coordinator leading the band of brothers as they venture boldly into independence charting their own destiny. He will be making the calls one whistle at a time.

What will it hold in store? What sort of things can cougar fans expect to see? Will there be many adjustments? Where much is given much will be required. Cougar fans expect to win and are used to putting points on the board. Many of these questions have likely been asked by cougar fans across the nation. Such are some of the examples that Doman will likely encounter and must handle.

Precise accurate receiving routes. Knowing how to get open and exactly where to be at any given time. This will surely be addressed. Get into a flow. The communication between Heaps and his weapons will be crucial in order to move the chains.

Player accountability on dropped passes. Last season it happened far too often. This cannot continue. Days of the past it was unacceptable. It was an absolute rarity. Often you get one shot. Its an absolute to take full and complete advantage of the opportunities as they occur. Heaps and his receiving crew have had ample of time for quality reps to be on the same page. Look for this to dramatically change and improve.

Get the tight ends involved. Somehow the TE action virtually was a distant memory from the past. Some of the cougs biggest plays in history have come through the tight ends. Whether it was Clay Brown. Whether it was Jonny Harline. Whether it has been Andrew George. No question they must be more heavily involved.

Open up the playbook. No more vanilla. Bring back the old school. Keeping opponents on their heels guessing. And guessing wrong. Far too often last season at times those plays were simply too predictable. Got to hit the opponent in the jaw early, often and coming from all possible angles. Teams can't have any clue where or when the cougs will strike next.

On the fly. Allow freedom for adjustments as they need to be implemented. Things will come up. Can't allow to get painted into a corner in the ever changing game. Every play will present new possible wrinkles. Giving all team captains more opportunities when needed for audibles as well as the player communication each down can only be a positive.

Synergy can certainly be a powerful word. Keep the band of brothers together strong as one. I believe it was Aristotle who said some serious truth which could be applied here. The whole is greater than sum of its parts. This season the cougs emergence into independence will be vital to this exact manner of thinking. It will take everyone working together on all levels as a collective unit. Together this band of brothers will certainly write history. What is says will only be known as we watch it play out one whistle at a time.
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AP Photo Credit: Isaac Brekken

Defining Moments

2011-07-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

Many years ago as a new country was in the process of declaring its independence a rather large signature was placed onto a piece of paper. According to legend it was written so large and clear that the individual wanted King George to be able to read it without the use his spectacles. That absolutely is a defining moment or signature in history. It is now a new day. A new dawn and a new season. The cougs are officially independent and able to define their own destiny.

Fans across the nation when asked what comes to mind first about BYU football many will say they know how to sling the pigskin around. No question it is an elite and visible group of members in the quarterback club. Each have had their own personalities, characteristics and defining moment in some form or another.

Ty Detmer had the killer instinct of never giving up despite whatever odds might have been in front of him. The former Heisman trophy winner finished a stellar career throwing for 15,031 yards and 121 TDs. Detmer's signature win cougar nation will recall was in LES back in 1990 when he Ty'd one on the Hurricanes leading the cougs to a 28-21 victory.

Jim McMahon might be known across the nation as part of a Superbowl shuffle but to cougar fans he likely will always be remembered for possibly staging one of the greatest college football comebacks ever slinging a hail mary to Clay Brown for a 46-45 victory over SMU.

Max Hall was able to best UCLA in the 2007 Vegas Bowl and destroyed the bruins the following year 59-0. He even beat Oklahoma 14-13 in Arlington Texas. The defining moment that fans likely to remember for Hall came from a 49 yard completion on a now famous fourth and 18 (or might as well been a fourth and forever) to Austin Collie with the final of 17-10 for cougs.

Robbie Bosco got things rolling early in the season against then third ranked Pittsburgh for a 20-14 victory. However, college football fans will recall what took place at the end of that season. Despite being injured he was able to help secure the cougs a 24-17 Holiday Bowl victory over Michigan to remain undefeated as the cougs now were able to claim the title of national champions.

Brandon Doman might be the offensive coordinator now but some fans will likely remember him as "The Domanator". However, most will recall Doman's defining moment how he was instrumental guiding Lavell Edwards last hurrah beating the team from up north 34-27.

John Walsh threw for 8390 yards and 66 TDs in his career but might be most remembered for helping the cougs end a 5 year bowl winning drought with a Copper Bowl victory over traditional power Oklahoma 31-6. Walsh finished the game 31 of 45 for 454 yards and 4 TDs.

Steve Sarkisian was part of what may have been one of the cougs best teams fielded collectively in 1996. Football fanatics will likely remember what took place on New Years Day for the 1996 Cotton Bowl. The 5th ranked cougs were led by Sarkisian throwing 21 of 36 for 291 yards and 2 TDs as Omarr Morgan intercepted the final pass from Kansas State QB Brian Kavanagh to secure the victory.

John Beck will be remembered with a number of solid wins including stunning TCU on their home field 31-17 as well as in 2006 a Vegas Bowl victory over Oregon 38-8. On the other hand cougar fans could argue his defining moment very well could be known by the play that lasted forever in the rivalry game known as "The Answered Prayer".

The names may change as they come and go through the program. This time its on the shoulders of Heaps. No longer is there any questions whatsoever who the signal caller is. Last season the training wheels came off. Jake grew up in a major way right before our eyes who rattled away 6 victories in its last 8 games. The bar has been set. What a difference a year makes. Cougar fans are clearly stoked with optimism for the upcoming season and ready to see Heaps of success. What will his defining moment be remembered as? Will it come this season against Texas? Or next year at Georgia Tech? Maybe some future bowl? Regardless what it will be fans will surely love the results.

Sticks To Measure Success

2011-07-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

Since 1906 football teams have needed 10 yards to gain a first down. Every team across the nation has their own method in moving the chains. In 1972 Lavell Edwards took the coaching reins and forever changed the game. Recently, the university of blue and white declared its independence. They took their own route to measure success. A new unchartered territory. A brand new horizon. As a fellow cougar fan each have their own measuring sticks. Things that they would like to see from the 2011 season.

Exposure. Long term vision and the tools to make it happen on and off the field. Allowing others to learn more about what the university is about. The things it represents and values. Having a renewed partnership with the world wide leader in sports. Yes, that would be ESPN. Look for minimum 10 games on a national stage network in 2011. No longer obscured by having to browse through craigs list to find a decommissioned satellite in order to find what might be viewing somewhere in the mountain range. It's now about a national range and the worldwide stage. How about also having a state of the art tv/media facilities at its fingertips? Definately couldn't ask for a better combo and recipe for success.

Teachers and Students. Coaching staff overhaul. Ben Cahoon. Rob Morris. Joe DuPaix. Those were some of the names and changes brought to this cougar staff. How will they affect the players? Is there a much better team chemistry? Numerous questions will certainly all be answered as the season progresses.

Heaps Next Throw. Jake set every freshman QB record throwing for over 2300 yards and 15 TDs. Is he ready for the next step? Heaps absolutely has an arsenal of weapons to work with and the skillset. As Bronco says its about executing at a higher level. The bar has been set. The cougar nation wants to know and will be anxiously watching.

Tradition, Spirit, Honor and Vanilla. Last season cougar fans became restless as the offense often seemed to be too vanilla. Opponents knew what to expect and often before things happened. Will the blue and white jerseys get back to the past? Is it finally time to look to the future? With Doman at the offensive coordinator helm will the new "O" keep teams on their heels? As fans will we see trickery from time to time to keep opponents guessing and playing it straight. Inquiring minds want to know.

Tight Ends In The House. Dennis Pitta. Gordon Hudson. Clay Brown. Jonny Harline. Chad Lewis. Those are only a few of the great names that cougar fans have heard make big plays over the years. Far too often last season the tight end situation seemed to be a completely invisible facet of the offensive game plan. Will cougar fans see a change in 2011? With names like Devin Mahina and Austin Holt in the stable the weapons are certainly available. What other sort of things as a cougar fan would you like to see? Would love to hear.

First Team Worth Watching

2011-07-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

Its the cream of the crop. Bigger. Faster. Meaner. Stronger. Those that have the competitive edge who never give up. Its the law of the jungle. Who will remain at the seasons end as the best of the best? Time will tell. It's certainly worth a look at who to watch. This years picks as follows include...

QB Landry Jones/Oklahoma As a sophomore Landry threw for 38 TDs covering 4718 yards. With an arsenal of dangerous weapons fans can expect more of the same. Definately has some major ability. The sky is the limit.
RB LaMichael James/Oregon Last season was the recipient of the Doak Walker award as the nations top RB while leading the NCAA with 1731 rushing yards and 24 total TDs. Has surpassed 100 yards rushing in 18 of 25 games played. LaMichael has some serious wheels. Even has had nine games of 150 plus yards.
RB Marcus Lattimore/South Carolina Absolutely pumped up the South Carolina fans while compiling nearly 1200 yards rushing on 249 carries as a true freshman to help carry the gamecocks to the SEC east championship. The sophomore workhorse certainly won't be a surprise or sneaking up on anyone this season.
WR Justin Blackmon/Oklahoma State Definately did not encounter a sophomore slump last season leading the nation with 148.5 receiving yards per game (1782 total receiving yards) and 20 TDs while picking up some hardware as the Biletnikoff Award Winner. Blackmon even averaged 32.1 yards on his TD catches. What Justin put together was the sixth best receiving season in NCAA history.
WR Ryan Broyles/Oklahoma Probably stunned many coming back for a senior campaign after leading the nation with 131 receptions with 1622 yards (3rd in the NCAA) and 14 TDs. Broyles is just 51 grabs away from breaking the NCAA career receptions of 316 (previously set by Taylor Stubblefield) which easily could fall this season unless something dramatic happens.
TE Michael Egnew/Missouri The plainview Texas native led all TEs in the nation with 90 receptions 762 yards and 5 TDs. Egnew in 2010 was a Mackey Award Finalist who returns to give the Tigers possibly the best catching target in the nation at that position.
C Michael Brewster/Ohio State Up front and center is the centerpiece and four year starter with 36 career starts. Brewster could certainly end up starting as a rookie at the next level in the right situation.
OL Nate Potter/Boise State One of the leaders of a rather stingy OL that ranked 3rd nationally in 2010 allowing only an average of 0.62 sacks per game. Solid pass blocker who by all means should follow Ryan Clady into the NFL. Has already graduated (in May) with a bachelor's degree in business.
OL Matt Reynolds/BYU If Heaps were counting his blessings this would be a great place to start when it comes to football. Three year starter for the cougs. Helped BYU hold opponents to no sacks in four games and two or fewer in 11 matchups. Matt would positively be three time all conference again if the cougs were still in the MWC. Definately should receive some solid looks at the next level.
OL Barrett Jones/Alabama Was instrumental in helping Mark Ingram win the Heisman trophy in 2009. Set to embark on his third season on the Crimson Tide OL after winning first team all SEC honor as a sophomore.
OL David DeCastro/Stanford Smart dependable player from Bellevue Washington who will anchor the cardinal OL that has allowed only 13 sacks (26 starts) in two seasons.
K Blair Walsh/Georgia Senior school record holder for consecutive PATs (made first 119 of his career) returns who has made 40 of 45 FGs in the past two years.
P Quinn Sharp/Oklahoma State Junior with a huge leg (averages 46.24 yards which ranked 2nd nationally) and paced the nation with 53 touchbacks. As a sophomore Quinn had a punt of at least 50 yards in nine of eleven games (14 punts in excess of 50 yards).

A Look Ahead: Hawaii

2011-07-11T12:19:00.001-07:00

June Jones might be gone from the program but the product remains the same. Coach Greg McMackin is 23-18 in 3 years and the warriors are still slinging the pigskin around like there's no tomorrow. They averaged just over 500 yards of offense per matchup (394 of that through the air average). Its passing game was tops in the nation last season. Yes, senior quarterback Bryant Moniz returns who threw for 39 TDs and 5040 yards. Yes, senior wideout Royce Pollard returns along with his 901 receiving yards and 7 TDs. However, the entire offensive road graters from last season are gone. Can they mesh quick enough to keep Moniz upright so he can target his wideouts? Something will have to give.

The warriors welcome back 6 starters on the defense including playmaker senior linebacker Corey Paredes who ranked second in the WAC with 151 tackles (83 solo). In 2011 the warriors led the nation is turnovers forced with 38. Gone from the mix is Mana Silver who was third in the nation with 8 INTs. Who will step up and fill those shoes? Most likely candidate is senior Richard Torres who appeared in all 14 games last season while amassing 57 tackles. Apparently last season the "special teams" weren't that special. Former Hawaii coach Dick Tomey was brought in to turn things around on special teams. With a very favorable schedule look for Hawaii to go bowling again and give the cougs some fits.

A Look Ahead: New Mexico State

2011-07-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

Last season New Mexico State finished the season with yet another disappointing 2-10 record. In 2010 the aggies offense finished ranked 112th overall scoring only 15.7 per contest. The aggies now have the fourth offensive coordinator in the past four years in hopes of some sort of major makeover. In fact, the team hasn't even fielded a 0.500 club since 2002. Its last bowl game came was the 1960 the Sun Bowl. Could this finally be a season of optimism in the land of enchantment? It can't really get much worse. Any whiff of success for coach DeWayne Walker's squad can certainly give the aggies something to build some momentum with.

The aggie offense will rest on the development and progress of sophomore quarterback Andrew Manley. Manley will certainly have a dangerous weapon to work with in senior wideout Taveon Rogers who had more than 1400 yards in kick returns last season. Rogers often is a home run waiting to happen with a 27.1 return average. Kenny Turner returns in the backfield as the teams leading rusher with 481 yards and 2 TDs.

Senior corner Donyae Coleman led the team with 92 tackles averaging 7.7 per game which isn't a positive sign. There was only one team in the nation with fewer sacks than the aggies 9 last season. The defensive trenches certainly need to get more push and pressure on opponents and quarterbacks. In short, the front seven must play better or another long season is in store. That being the case look for the cougar backfield to get some worn out legs piling up some major rushing yards.

A Look Ahead: Idaho

2011-07-10T17:55:00.001-07:00

Looking to bounce back from a 6-7 season the Vandals must find a way with a new QB under center for the first time in three seasons. Even worse the OL last season only helped produce 88 yards per game (third fewest in the nation, good enough for 118th ranking) which also allowed 45 sacks. Only Washington State and Rutgers gave up more. The vandals top three receivers are also gone. On the other hand the picture isn't completely bleak. Idaho will finally have the services of junior RB Ryan Bass who transferred from Arizona State and should make an immediate impact.

Question marks surround the vandals defense as well. Gone is Shiloh Keo who started since 2006 and was picked up by the Houston Texans. There is still plenty of leadership and depth available. Seniors Tre'Shawn Robinson and Homer Mauga will likely be the strength of the "D" for coordinator Mark Criner. The secondary has some experience with three corners Aaron Grymes, Kenneth Patten and Matthew Harvey who started at some point last season. The blue and white jerseys should give the Vandals all they can handle.

A Look Ahead: Idaho State

2011-07-10T17:19:00.001-07:00

In short this one likely won't be pretty if you are a Bengal fan. On the other hand it will definately be short. Last season ISU averaged nearly 16 points a contest yet gave up 33 to finish with a record of 1-10. Its lone victory came over Montana Western. Even the bengals attendance suffered which averaged 5388 fans a contest while its opponents fans numbered 25494. Senior Tavoy Moore was the highlight of the Bengal offense in 2011 accumulating 2034 all purpose yards. Although, it definately doesn't help the offense when ISU gave up 42 sacks last season. The Bengal defense is centered around senior linebacker AJ Storms who led the nation and the Big Sky with 146 tackles. The blue and white jerseys will likely be subbing in early and often while fans check out the snackbar. On a sidenote former coug Mike Rigell is now apparently coaching the ISU RBs. Possible future Wrubell interview coming w Rigell? Time will tell.

A Look Ahead: TCU

2011-07-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

Although, the faces and names may change the program likely remains the same. Gone is Andy Dalton. Gone is Jeremy Kerley. Among others who have moved on. However, the frogs don't often rebuild. Each year they just seem to reload.

Replacing Dalton will be sophomore former four star recruit Casey Pachall. Pachall absolutely has the skill set and some big play weapons to work with. Only Pachall question at this point might be the leadership. Returning in the backfield is Ed Wesley (who is 2010 was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker award, recognizing the nation's top running back) who ran for 1078 yards on 166 carries (6.5 avg per carry) with 11 TDs. Could the OL be a bigger concern and possible loss than Dalton? Only senior left guard Kyle Dooley and communication major returns from a line that only gave up 9 sacks all of 2010 (tied 5th nationally for fewest sacks allowed).

Once again the strength of the frogs will be the defense. TCU still has its key defensive components that only allowed 12 points a game last season and limited opponents to under 100 yards rushing per matchup which includes Tank Carder and Tanner Brock. Even the special teams is a stable commodity. One knows what they'll get in senior placekicker Ross Evans who holds the school career record for extra points made (191) and in 2010 even appeared on the watch list for the Lou Groza award honoring the nation's top placekicker. In 2011 the frogs might not end a perfect season again but they certainly won't slip far and should challenge Boise State for MWC supremacy one last time.

A Look Ahead: Oregon State

2011-07-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

Some give and take here. In 2009 Uani Unga played in the Vegas Bowl against the cougs but now finds himself on the blue and white roster. On the other hand former coug recruit Shiloah Te'o apparently has found a home on the OSU roster. The beavers return 4 of the 5 from the offensive trenches but also have allowed 35 sacks last season. If the OL can step up to hold its own junior QB Ryan Katz could take a big step forward with such a strong arm. Last season despite an iffy line Katz still managed 18 TDs which ranks 10th all time at OSU. As a veteran Katz should help provide the stability to make the offense run smoothly. Senior back and sociology major Ryan McCants should see considerable time in the backfield. In the offseason McCants even spent time in Macedonia building a second story to a home for a needy family.

On the defensive side OSU gave up nearly an average of 27 a contest good enough for 64th in the nation. Consider though some of the high octane offenses the beavers faced last season (Boise State, Oregon, Stanford and TCU). Arguably OSU's top playmaker on defense returns with 157 career tackles and was voted co-team captain by his teammates. Senior Dominic Glover moved from end to defensive tackle. The LB crew will be converted safety Cameron Collins and Michael Doctor (OLB) while the MLB will be manned by junior Tony Wilson.

Could the heat be on Coach Mike Riley since finishing a disappointing 5-7 last season? The beavers last bowl game was the 2009 Vegas Bowl. Although likely the beavers won't threaten the Ducks off the big PAC12 pond look for the OSU to certainly put up a worthy challenge against the jerseys of the blue and white.

A Look Ahead: San Jose State

2011-07-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

Up first is the good news. The spartans welcome back oodles of experience. Now the bad news? They only mustered a single victory on the season. Granted, SJSU had more than its fair share of obstacles including losing nine defensive starters through the first three games. In fact, eventually the spartans were only able to muster 43 healthy scholarship athletes by seasons end. On a positive note of those 13 games 6 games were decided by a touchdown or less despite the injury filled season.

This years offensive strength could very well rest on the shoulders of its wideouts. Noel Grigsby lit up defenders as a freshman with 56 receptions including a 14.7 average per catch ultimately covering 822 yards and 4 TDs. Grigsby was one of four spartans to receive all american recognition in 2010. Sophomore Chandler Jones also returns for his sophomore season with 54 catches and 474 yards.

The spartan defense was led by freshman linebacker and former shotput thrower Keith Smith who seems to have found his calling and a knack for finding the football with 116 tackles earning the 2010 WAC freshman of the year honor. Yes, the spartans return all 11 starters on this side of the ball. However, last season it averaged giving up over 34 points a game as well as allowing over 460 yards. Unfortunately, having stats like that won't win many games. And it showed. The pieces are there. Its just a matter of somehow finding a way of putting the puzzle together.

A Look Ahead: Utah State

2011-06-19T16:59:00.001-07:00

Last time around for the cougs it was 31-16 loss with an assistant coaching change in the works. This time revenge should be sweet. A whole new slate. A whole new outlook. And simply, a whole lot different. For starters on the aggies, is Diondre Borel lost to graduation who left with numerous school records. Finding a signal caller could be intriguing and one of the aggie top priorities. The aggies will have plenty of experience in the trenches. Back to the fold will be Robert Turbin who rushed for nearly 1300 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in 2009.

After allowing nearly 34 points a game to opponents Head Coach Gary Andersen took over that role hoping to change the course switching the aggies to a 3-4 alignment in the process. The linebacking crew will be led again by a dynamic duo of seniors in Bobby Wagner and Kyle Gallagher. Wagner has led the WAC the past two season with 298 career tackles. Gallagher isn't far behind either at 191.

On special teams Kerwynn Williams leads the way with a 25.2 yard average WAC best. Williams had 5 returns of 60 or better as well as 3 returns of 70 plus yards. The aggies must find more consistency who ranked 83rd nationally in the TO margin. With Boise State gone from the WAC the league should have more parity among its members. Its time for the aggies to take advantage of its opportunities.

A Look Ahead: Univ Central Florida

2011-06-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Primed for another CONF USA title run the Knights are out to show opponents they are for real. UCF finished with a 11-3 record including a Liberty Bowl victory over Georgia. Yes, Georgia. This isn't some South Prairieview State we're talking about here. When the Knights come to LES the jerseys in blue could certainly have their hands full.

They are led by dual threat quarterback Jeff Godfrey who had a phenomenal freshman season passing for over 2100 yards connecting on 13 TDs while rushing for over an additional 500 yards. Four out of his five linemen return as well with 87 combined starts. The offense is well balanced which averaged last year about 180 yards through the air and 180 yards as well on the ground. UCF understands efficiency and putting points on the board. In 8 of the 14 matchups the Knights were able to drop 35 or more against opponents including 61 at Tulane.

The Knights have some talent and depth on the ground. Look for junior battery ram Latavius Murray (nearly 6 yards per carry average) and senior Ronnie Weaver in the backfield to get plenty of touches. Weaver returns with 11 TDs on 890 yards and nearly a 5 yard a carry. Brynn Harvey also returns after missing last season with a torn ACL who had previously earned first team All Conference USA honors back in 2009.

In the receiving rotation Godfrey will look to returning senior AJ Guyton who had 28 receptions and 353 yards. Guyton will be paired up with elusive junior Quincy McDuffie. Last season McDuffie had double duty also on special teams returning punts with a 32.19 yard return average leading the nation including a 93 yard return for six against NC State.

On defense the Knights return 4 starters including a pair of defensive line super sophs in Victor Gray and EJ Dunston. In the secondary both Kemal Ishmael and Josh Robinson (held ex-Georgia superstar now Cincy Bengals AJ Green to 77 yards) earned first team all conference usa honors last year.

A Look Ahead: Utah

2011-06-19T13:23:00.001-07:00

How will team north manage the transition into the PAC12? With new territory on the horizon Utah couldn't have asked for a better tour guide than Norm Chow. After stops along the way with USC and UCLA as well as seeing the rest of the PAC12 weekly Chow should be a rather valuable asset for the utes. He will certainly have his hands full from the start. There is no proven carrier in the backfield. Gone also from the mix include co-starters Matt Asiata and Eddie Wide who combined last season for over 1400 rushing yards. Is Harvey Langi ready for the bigstage? And will the new offense be ready in time for the season? Definately makes things tough to implement when also the starting QB has been out for much of the offseason recovering from surgery to his right throwing arm. If the QB situation returns to an even form look for junior receiver DeVonte Christopher to get some touches who had 39 receptions and 6 TDs last season.

Team north's DL will see Star Lotulelei at the nose with Dave Kruger and James Aiono also in the trenches. Former Davis High walk on safety converted to linebacker Chaz Walker returns who led utah with 113 tackles (had 18 against TCU). Sophomore hard hitting Brian Blechen moves from safety to strongside backer. The secondary has some questions and is untested. With Brandon Burton's departure somehow the utes must replace all four starters. There will be some rebuilding on special teams as well with both Shaky Smithson and reliable Joe Phillips gone. Can team north compete weekly in the PAC12? Time will tell. The bar has been raised and its certainly time to execute at a higher level.

A Look Ahead: Texas

2011-06-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

The eyes of Texas will be clearly be focused on the Longhorn's first real test of the season against the cougs. Was last years Longhorn's 5-7 record only a hiccup or actually something much bigger? Texas finished with a 2-6 record in last years Big12 matchups. With such a disappointing disrailment major changes were inevitable where winning seems to be the constant. In the aftermath five assistants were replaced including bringing in Boise State's Bryan Harsin looking to right the longhorn ship. Off the field the Longhorns continued recruiting strong despite the on the field performances. All but one recruit was from Texas and all but six (of 22) had rankings of 4 star or higher. The recruiting website scout.com had the Longhorns ranked nationally 3rd overall from this years incoming crop.

Leadership under center would likely begin with former Gatorade player of the year in Garrett Gilbert who seemed to be a mess last season throwing 17 TDs and no longer the solidified starter. Gilbert who may not have the "it" factor also appears to be pressed heavily by sophomore Case McCoy (yes that's Colt's brother). The longhorn offensive trenches anchored by senior center David Snow will look to three new starters under the direction of new position coach Stacey Searels. The QB position will eventually shake out. Only question is who will take the reins and when with some big Texas strides.

Last season few playmakers emerged. Texas absolutely has a stable of capable options available for Harsin to work with. Veteran RB Fozzy Whittaker will likely receive plenty of touches. However, he will have to hold off freshman Malcolm Brown who was one of the most prized recruits in the country. Brown is a punishing runner built like a tank who in high school amassed over 6600 yards with a 9.8 average. Yes, nearly 10 yard average. Sophomore WR Mike Davis only had 47 receptions and 2 TDs last year but could emerge in a much larger role pending if a signal caller truly emerges.

Righting the ship clearly begins with its strength the defense which overall was ranked 6th in the nation. Newcomer defensive coordinator Manny Diaz has got to like what tools he was given to work with. Senior DT Kheeston Randall (22 starts) is a tough inside run stopper and cornerstone for the tough longhorn line. The senior led linebacking crew of Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho combined for 200 tackles last season (Keenan had 137 himself). Sophomore linebacker Jordan Hicks could well be a future all american in the making. In the Texas secondary Kenny Vaccaro and four year starter Blake Gideon unquestioned starters return. With the pieces in place look for the longhorns to place on the field yet again another top ten defensive unit.

If things get close Texas will look to a reliable senior kicker in Justin Tucker who made 23 of 27 FG attempts last season. Often the pigskin matchups are won on field position. Seventeen of his punts were downed inside the 20. However, Texas must find a way to correct the TO margin which ranked 116th nationally.

A Look Ahead: Ole Miss

2011-06-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

After a rather disappointing 4-8 season the Rebels road to recovery clearly won't be an easy one. This might be considered the momentum matchup game. One team riding the wave up while the other one taking the elevator down. The cougs wrapped up its 2010 season winning 6 out of its last 8 games. On the other hand the Rebels lost 6 of its last 7 games.

Calling the shots will be new offensive coordinator David Lee. Those plays will be sure to often include getting the pigskin in the hands of Brandon Bolden. Last season the senior from Baton Rouge amassed a nice resume including 17 TDs with 1320 yards of offense. Ole Miss has an experienced offensive line is which allowed the fewest sacks in the SEC last season anchored by fifth year senior Bradley Sowell and Bobby Massie. They will be sure to help take the pressure off some JC transfers Randall Mackey, Barry Brunetti, and Zack Stoudt who will all be vying for the starting QB position. Mackey seems to be one of the more dynamic athletes on the team. Brunetti is transfer from WV who is clearly a run pass threat. The rebels could also look to Stoudt who is a pure pocket passer. Ole Miss certainly has some options in the stable at quarterback.

Are the rebels ready to show defensive improvement? Last season Ole Miss gave up over 35 points on the scoreboard and nearly 400 yards of offense per contest. Unfortunately, that won't win many games. New secondary coach Keith Burns was brought to help stop the bleeding and the rebels will also be relying on a pair of JUCO transfers to answer the call immediately. Heaps and his band of brothers will likely be chomping at the bit looking to test Ole Miss and often.

Ole Miss junior Tyler Campbell last season led the nation in punting with a 46.4 average and might be called upon often. The rebels added explosive Philander Moore from Blinn College who scored six TDs on kick or punt returns. Fans might recall the junior pyschology major had earlier went from a commitment with team north but had a change of heart to an Ole Miss signee after visiting the rebel campus.

Keys to the game? Stop the rhythm against whoever get's the start behind center for the rebels. Provide pressure on the rebel quarterback from the start and keep them out of sync. Don't let Bolden get into a groove. Ole Miss has a solid experienced OL but the cougs must find a way to keep the momentum in their favor. The jerseys in blue must also find a way to play keep away. Yes. That means winning the turnover battle. Last season Ole Miss was ranked 88 in the TO margin. If you don't have the pigskin you can't score. It's simple as that. Open the flood gates. Give some time to Heaps and trust him. Test the rebel secondary with frequent doses of the cougs receiving corps (yes that does include the tight ends which seemed to be almost nonexistent last year) while mixing in some shots of the cougs three horseman (Kariya, Di Luigi and the juice Quezada) to keep the rebels guessing. Last season Ole Miss ranked dead last in the SEC in pass efficiency defense giving up nearly 250 yards per game (246.3).

The Next Level

2011-04-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

March Madness came and went. The cougs had one of the best seasons in memory. He came. He saw. He swept the hoop awards and Jimmered a nation. Yet, can he play at the next level?

Absolutely. And why not? Some might say defense? In all seriousness who really watches the next level for the defense? Iverson and Kobe are two obvious examples. Both have been able to score a bajillion points but does anyone know them for the defense? Not even close. Flat out no contest. Besides, when was the last time fans came out to watch it for someone's defense? Today's game has clearly evolved into putting the ball into the hoop. Just ask the ex-coach from team north (the ball didn't go into the hoop). In fact, one of the last pure point guards known for the shut down ability was the glove. Yes, Gary Payton.

Then how would Jimmer fit in? Or where? Most teams at the next level would kill for someone who can spot up and shoot the long three. No question Jimmer has that range. Soon as he steps off the bus Jimmer is typically open.

Why not the Jazz and the home crowd? Jimmer could certainly put fans in the seats. Seemed like they also surely missed Korver. The hometown fans saw the Jazz shoot 34.6 percent from the three point line. Good enough to rank 20th in the bottom third. It also appeared overall CJ and Raja were never consistent enough. Miles went for 32 percent while Bell shot it at 35 percent. There really never was a pure reliable deep threat present this season for the Jazz. Too many misses and not enough hits.

On the other hand, Jimmer this season shot the 3 ball at 39.6 percent. Does that merit enough for a team to pick him? Yes, it might be a whole different level but there's no question on his consistent range. How about the Knicks giving Jimmer a chance? Why not the Heat? No question someone like Lebron and Wade would absolutely love to have an individual they could trust who can jack it up from another zip code that will knock them down. If there's an individual out there who can stretch a defense Jimmer is certainly one of those. Can you imagine with Lebron and Wade slicing through defenses like butter only to kick it back out to Jimmer? Match made in heaven. Jimmer absolutely has the talent to play at the next level. It's only a matter of finding out where. Never doubt the Jimmer. Whether it's the Jazz, the Knicks, the Heat or some other team tune in June 23rd to find out.

Photo Credit/Ethan Miller

Fisher Of Men

2011-01-24T10:45:00.001-08:00

It was back in 1991 when Steve Fisher first gathered the talent and gave the nation "The Fab Five" arguably by many as the greatest recruiting class ever assembled. That was then. This is now. Oh how time flies. Its also been said that good things often take time. Could he do it again? Before Coach Fisher took over in 1999 the Aztecs had suffered a 17 year NCAA tourney drought including 13 of 14 losing seasons in 14 years. Piece by piece Fisher has carefully rebuilt the Aztec program into a potential powerhouse. All eyes will now be directed to the Marriott Center as the San Diego State Aztecs come into town riding the nations longest active winning streak at 20 games with a #4 ranking (AP25 Poll). It will likely be standing room only in this matchup of epic proportions. Steve Fisher certainly has plenty of valuable experience to draw upon over 19 years winning over 402 games. The Aztecs are certainly heading on the right track with a coach who has been a fisher of men.

San Diego State returns all five starters and ranks #8 in FG percentage (49.2 to be exact) which clearly shows the decision process taking quality shots and making nearly half. The Aztecs are also in the top 30 in rebounding margin as well helping considerably second chance opportunities. They are led by 6-7 sophomore forward Kawhi Leonard who averages 15.7 points per game including 10.3 rebounds per contest. Yes, over 10 board a game. At the other forward is 6-9 senior Malcolm Thomas who averages nearly 12 a game and 8 rebounds. The Aztecs can also spread things around and stretch defenses. On the season senior DJ Gay has knocked down 118 threes. He's definately not afraid to spot up and take the jumper from the perimeter averaging nearly 13 points a game. There is definately some solid balance to this squad. The offense is spread enough that they have over 6 players who have taken at least 100 shots making it tough to focus on one individual.

Last time the two met it was the cougs who walked away victorious 82-68. Jimmer had 26 and Emery chipped in 18 points. It's a different day and another shot at the cougs. Can the cougs do it again? If Jimmer is on the court don't count the cougs out. Wednesday's mountain of a matchup will clearly be a huge game with some bigtime hype for both sides. It could easily be one of the biggest games in state history featuring two top ten teams both from the MWC. This is one you won't want to miss. Set aside your schedule. Whatever it takes to get there or watch on tv to see who really will be the fisher of men.

You Just Got Jimmered

2011-01-13T07:32:00.001-08:00

Most athletes are relentlessly seeking to find the zone. Tuesday everyone's all american somehow found not only the zone but something even beyond it as Fredette dropped 47 on the yewts with 13 NBA scouts present. Teammate Jackson Emery even said "When he starts to shoot from 40 feet out you know he's feeling something". Jimmer's thoughts? "I just felt good right from the beginning. It was just one of those special nights. The basket felt real big and my teammates did a great job of getting me the ball in good situations." Fredette like his brothers song was simply "Amazing". That night was an absolutely surreal and phenomenal performance. The avalanche of shots came from everywhere and the yewts had no answers to stop it. The daggers to the heart just kept coming. It marked the highest scoring outburst by a player in the Huntsman Center in 37 years. No other cougar has ever waltzed onto the yewts own homecourt and scored more than 35. That performance helped vault Fredette into an elite list one could call the 2000 point club joining former legends Danny Ainge, Devin Durrant and Michael Smith. One could say with complete confidence tuesday to team north: you just got Jimmered.

Possibly lost in the highlight show is Emery reaching significant milestones of his own. With 12:47 left in the first Jackson passed all time great Danny Ainge as the all time steals leader. He also became the 42nd cougar who have scored 1000 when he drained a three with 6:55 remaining on the clock. Emery finished the night with 20 points 3 rebounds 3 assists and 2 steals. Absolutely not a bad stat line from possibly the leagues best defender.

Cougs we got something truly special and simply amazing right in front of us that doesn't come along often. There are 7 home games remaining. Take the time, reschedule events if you need to and get out to see Jimmer and the cougar cagers while you can. Blogger Matt Jones for cbssports summed it up rather nicely: "Get out in front of the masses, upgrade your cable package and buy whatever version of the Home Shopping channel is showing his next game".

Mark your calendars. Circle the 26th. A matchup of epic proportions. Next few stops on the schedule include TCU (the 18th), Colorado State (the 22nd) and San Diego State (the 26th). The aztecs will ride into Marriott Center with a #6 ranking currently attempting to steal one away in what could be one of the biggest games on the season. Fans across the nation will be watching two top ten teams battling out for MWC supremacy. Hopefully at games end cougar fans will be able to say once again you just got Jimmered.

Boylen Is Boilin

2011-01-11T11:07:00.001-08:00

Yes, the series might be tied at 125 each. However, tonight the cougar cagers will likely be running a clinic up on the hill against team north. One can only imagine that things are getting pretty heated up in salt lake. Team north coach Jim Boylen finished last season with a disappointing 14-17 record with five players leaving the program (Jace Tavita being the most recent to transfer). Currently the yewts are also on a six game losing streak which certainly can't make things any easier on Big Jim. Unfortunately to make things worse to consider? On that losing streak it includes to Air Force who in the last two years have gone 1-31. On paper this looks like a mismatch of epic proportions. Two teams headin in different directions. One squad just cracked the top ten. That team is winning games when they sometimes haven't played a complete 40 minutes. Team north is still trying to figure out how to put together a complete forty. Until they do the yewts and Jim Boylen will be boiling.

Team north features a pair of dynamic juniors in Will Clyburn and Josh Watkins paving the way. Clyburn averages 18.8 ppg and 8.3rpg. Watkins, a sociology major is averaging 14.6 points a game. Although the yewts are horrible in the assist turnover ratio (rank 293rd in ast/TO ratio and 320th in ast per game per Wrubell). Defensive player of the year for the MWC returns in David Foster who hopes to alter some shots and disrupt some defenses.

Of course the cougs will be led by everyones All American Jimmer Fredette who averaged 30 points in the cougs victories last week. Without question Jackson Emery should also pass Danny Ainge as the schools all time steals leader. Sophomore Brandon Davies has been in double figures 11 times, including 8 of his last 9 appearances. The athletic Davies could be in for a big game considering the yewts have a soft interior defense. Come early. Wear blue. Make some noise and outdraw the yewts on their home court! As Jim would say: nice of you to show up.

The Rest Of The Story

2011-01-08T09:09:00.001-08:00

Most cougar fans will be recognize the names of Sammy Linebaugh or Toby Christensen among other names who have worked the sidelines. This next season cougar nation will become more familiar with Holly Rowe, Jenn Brown and Erin Andrews to name a few. Many fans might consider those individuals simply pretty faces or that former athlete filling in downtime during a slow game. Have any of us truly considered the amount of work that goes in behind the scenes? How do they always find that star players mother sitting on the 40 yard line section B row 34 out of 62,384 fans in the stadium? How did they know the tuba player was the running backs brother? Yes they may pop up between downs and only briefly. What do they do during their off airtime? Those individuals soon as they receive their assignments often will dive into mountains of previous stories, google every players name and begin prep work looking for possible insights that others may miss. And on gameday itself? They will begin working the lobbies and sidelines relentlessly gathering all the possible information asking the questions (team trainers, sports information directors, athletic directors, equipment managers) so us as fans will know the rest of the story.

The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat may have been coined approximately fifty years ago by Roone Arledge but those words also exemplify everything that these sideline journalists bring us even today. The passion. The triumphs. The tragedies. Those slobberknocker hard hitting sounds. Things we can expect to be addressed at halftime for each of our teams. So next time we see that reporter asking the tough questions on a controversial call or relaying a simple tidbit we as fans will know the rest of the story.

Band Of Brothers Origination

2011-01-07T10:13:00.001-08:00

Artistotle the great philosopher once said "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." The men of E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne truly embraced this idea who volunteered for this elite fighting force because they wanted to be the army's best while avoid fighting alongside the unmotivated out of shape undisciplined draftees. The price they paid for that desire was long, arduous, and incredibly rigorous training, followed by some of the most horrific heated battles of World War II. The HBO mini-series Band Of Brothers is based off this group of individuals who gave their heart and soul. It's a very close and personal account, as Stephen Ambrose historian/biographer who conducted numerous interviews with the surviving members of the company and uses those interviews to get a true sense of closeness into the action who gave their everything. It highlights the triumphs, the tragedies and everything in between of that single US Army infantry company over its span formed in July 1944 and deactivated in November 1945. E Company was also one of the most successful light infantry units in the European theater that we may know today simply as a Band of Brothers.

Back in 2006 when Bronco introduced the slogan "Band of Brothers" it has proved to be quite visionary recapturing the heart and soul of the team. This season the cougar nation saw conflicts, suspensions, coaching staff changes, injuries, struggles, controversies and triumphs of a team which truly embodied this very concept. Cougar fans witnessed the change, the growth, and the emergence of a team who overcame the obstacles, odds and hurdles. There is a newfound chemistry. A team unity. A team filled with vision hungry and determined. Sometimes an entity must look to the past to find its future as a band of brothers.

WCC: A Look Ahead/Overview

2011-01-06T18:33:00.000-08:00

Next season the cougs will have a new look. Jackson Emery will have graduated and Jimmer will have taken his talents to the next level. For those who might not be completely informed here's a quick overview of what the cougs will be embracing this next season in the new conference affiliation.

Gonzaga is a private Catholic university located in Spokane Washington that was established in 1887. The campus houses 105 buildings across 131 acres along the Spokane River. The university offers 92 fields and 26 graduate programs. It ranked third in the 2009 US News and World Report for Master's Universities in the west. The basketball games are held in the McCarthey Athletic Center which seats 6000 and they like the cougs don't often lose there winning over 90 percent of the matchups coached by Mark Few. Interestingly, one of his assistants is former team north coach Ray Giacolleti. The arena opened in 2004 and has housed various events/concerts as switchfoot, yellowcard, ben folds, bill cosby and jeff foxworthy. Its school colors are blue and white. Their mascot is spike the bulldog. Most might remember names as John Stockton, Adam Morrison and Ronny Turiaf.

Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is a private Roman Catholic University based in Los Angeles that was founded in 1911. LMU was ranked 4th for "Best universities with master's programs in the west" by US News and World Report in 2008. Many will recall the 1990 hoop team led by Hank Gathers and Bo Kimble when the tragedy struck in the WCC tourney. Gathers collapsed during a game and died due to a previously diagnosed heart condition. Playing admirably for their fallen teammate, the Lions were able to advance to the Elite Eight before falling to eventual champs UNLV. The cougs hoopsters will matchup against the Lions at the Gersten Pavilion which seats 4156 built in 1981 which also serves as the part time practice home for the LA Lakers. The pavilion was also the site for the weightlifting competition of the 1984 Summer Olympics. LMU's basketball coach is Max Good who led the lions to a 18-16 record for the 2009-2010 season. The school colors are crimson and navy while its mascot is Iggy The Lion.

Pepperdine University is an independent private university 830 acre campus near Malibu California affiliated with the Churches of Christ that was established in 1937. Its school colors are blue and orange and they are known as the waves. Its mascot is Willy The Wave. The university was recently ranked by the Sears Cup as having the most successful athletic program for non football Division I schools. Many may have seen the youtube video of Keion Bell's dunk which has topped over a million views. The waves are coached by Tom Asbury who is in his eighth year with Pepperdine.

Portland University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Portland founded in 1091. It has a student body of about 3600 students. The womens soccer program has been highly successful winning the 2002 and 2005 Division I NCAA Womens Championships. The university also boasts one of the nations top NCAA Division I mens cross country teams coached by Rob Conner which has won 31 straight WCC Championships, one of the longest active conference championships streaks in the NCAA. On the national level Portland University has finished in the top ten at the NCAA Championships four times. Its colors and purple and white. The nickname is the pilots and the mascot is known as Wally The Pilot. Portland basketball coach Eric Reveno is in his fourth year with the Pilots.

Saint Mary's is a private college located in Moraga, California, a small suburban community approximately 10 miles east of Oakland and covers about 420 acres. It is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Saint Mary's was ranked the 12th best college to fulfill a Master's Degree in the West by US News and World Report in 2009. Its hoopsters received at large bids to the big dance of March Madness in both 2005 and 2008. In 2008, the team at one point had the longest active winning streak in the nation. Its school colors and red white and blue. Saint mary's nickname is the gaels and the mascot is known as Gael Force One. The gaels basketball coach Randy Bennett is in his 9th season with the university and has guided SMC to 4 post season appearances. He has certainly helped turn a program around and restore excitement to the stands. With the team’s 28 wins in 2009-2010, Bennett has led the Gaels to three straight 25-win seasons.

San Diego University is a Roman Catholic University establied in 1949. Its motto is Emitte Spiritum Tuum which means "send forth thy spirit". The school colors are navy blue and white. Its mascot is the toreros. Jenny Craig Pavilion is a 5100 seat multi purpose arena built in 2000 and is sometimes affectionately known as the "slim gym". Coach Bill Grier is looking to rebuild from a 11-21 record in 2009-2010 season.

San Francisco University is a private Jesuit university that was founded in 1855. It is the second oldest institution for higher learning in California and the eighth largest Jesuit university in the United States. Its colors are green and gold. The mascot is the Don. The cougs will hold court at the Koret Health and Recreation Center (the Koret Center as called by the students and staff) facing off against the Dons led by coach Rex Walters and former NBA player.

Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit affiliated university founded in 1851. It is the oldest operating institution of higher learning in California and the oldest Catholic university in the west. In 2008 the mens rugby team made it to the National Playoffs before falling to Utah Valley State. Its colors are red and white while the nickname is the broncos. Its mascot is Bucky the Bronco. The broncos basketball coach Kerry Keating is in his third year.

Popcorn POPPIN-GA No More

2011-01-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

The song popcorn popping can often be heard at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Yet, popcorn was first discovered ages ago by Native Americans and as a result of a elementary school project even became the state snack food of the state of Illinois. Recently former cougar Kelly Poppinga was elevated from intern and grad assistant to the full time linebacker coach and hopes now to develop the cougs defense making opponents offensive pads snap crackle and pop. He should have plenty to work with in the linebacking corps of Jordan Pendleton, Jameson Frazier, Kyle Van Noy, Uona Kaveinga, Brandon Ogletree, Zac Stout in the mix. Poppinga was an All MWC linebacker for the cougs helping the jerseys in blue achieve back to back conference championships in 2006 and 2007 even leading the team with 113 tackles his senior season. The Evanston Wyoming native has also completed both a bachelors and masters degree in exercise science. "It's an honor to have the opportunity to coach at the university where I played and under Coach Mendenhall, who has been a great mentor to me," Poppinga said. "I'm excited to help our program be successful and reach our goals through football excellence. I look forward to coaching the many talented players we have at outside linebacker and help them succeed."

Photo Credit Goes To BYU File Photo

Back To The Future

2011-01-04T19:02:00.001-08:00

It was approximately ten years ago that the jerseys in blue were led by the "Domanator". Once again the cougs offense will be front and center under Brandon Doman's careful watch as it was given the Bronco stamp of approval. Coach Mendenhall was recently quoted "I believe Brandon is the best quarterbacks coach in the country and I'm excited he has accepted the opportunity to also serve as offensive coordinator. He is one of the bright young coaches in the country and the kind of person who exemplifies the core values that our program represents. He is a great teacher and mentor to all in his care, and I'm confident he will thrive in this opportunity to build upon our successes as a program and as an offensive unit.". Bronco said there was no timetable and no deadline for finalizing the rest of the staff. The cougs under Doman with talent like Heaps, Quezada, Hoffman and the rest of the cougar gridiron crew will in no time be back to the future.

Apparently there was never a desire to be elsewhere and the interview took a good three hours. Brandon was an amazing dual threat quarterback who ranks 3rd all time rushing only behind Steve Young and Virgil Carter. Doman was also one of the most efficient cougar quarterbacks ranking 4th behind McMahon, Sarkisian and Detmer. Quite a bunch of names to even be associated with. The players love him (maybe even run through brick walls for him). He clearly can recruit and understands the game in its entirety. As the cougs begin the march to independence Brandon is the right individual who will take the full potential of all the offensive players and elevate them to another plane. "To be in a position that I am in as the offensive coordinator at this school is quite mind-boggling, and humbling for me, but I'm very excited," said Doman.

Top 10 For 2010

2011-01-02T07:33:00.001-08:00

There's another year up. Another year gone. However, there's also now a fresh new start. A time to look back and see what was. Here's the nominations for the cougs ten stories that happened in 2010.

Declaration Of Independence. Back in September the university boldly declared football independence and that it would join the WCC for the other sports. The cougs will leave the MWC but gain much more exposure with BYUtv and ESPN. Yes scheduling might be difficult but creates more opportunity to make some noise with big name games such as was announced with teams like West Virginia, Texas, Georgia Tech, Oregon State and Notre Dame in its future.

Stop. Its Jimmer Time. Yes the cougs may have already known who and what Jimmer was but the nation saw simply how amazing he really is starting with dropping 49 on Arizona and leading the cougs bolding into March Madness' 2nd round scoring 37 against Florida. What was even sweeter? After flirting with the NBA option he came back to the cougs for another year.

Two Quarterback Shuffle. Two quarterbacks often mean no quarterback. A win against Washington at home may have been sweet but also prolonged the development of the future. Once the reins came off we saw the growth and emergence of a future star.

Coaching Whirlwinds Of Change. It began with Barry Lamb's retirement then worked its way to the dismissal of Jaime Hill after the humiliation of losing to little brother in Logan. That wasn't the end of it either. After the New Mexico Bowl victory the entire offensive staff was told to seek other possible employment. Offensive coordinator Robert Anae took that advise to seek a new chapter in his coaching career. More changes likely on the way and soon.

Life After Harvey. After Unga decided to seek the potential of a NFL career the cougs found their way by a backfield by committee. The trio of DiLuigi, Kariya and Quezada rushed for 19 TDs and nearly 2000 yards (1959 to be exact). It may not have been pretty at times but the jerseys in blue got things done and with the emergence of a future star in Juice.

Volleyball Visibility. Former standout Rob Neilson stands now as the interim coach as the cougs roll through its 2nd coaching change in four years. Shawn Patchell's contract wasn't renewed as the university confirmed the NCAA was looking again into possible vilations concerning scholarship money distribution. The cougs will look to regroup and should again be tough this season.

Rugby Appearance Or Not. The cougs reached the national championship and again fell to Cal this time 19-7. Perhaps the big story truly is the women who stood strong in their beliefs. The women also reached the championship game but failed to make an appearance forfeiting the contest since it was on a sunday.

Collie's Concussions. Recently the Colts placed former cougar Austin Collie on injured reserve after numerous concussions ending his 2010 campaign with 8 TDs 649 yards and a 11.2 average per reception. One can only hope that everything is physically ok with Austin now and long term. Some things are bigger than football.

Golf Gallery. Former cougs and all americans Daniel Summerhays earned his PGA card while Carrie Summerhays Roberts was hired to coach the womens team. Unfortunately the cougs also lost a legend in Karl Tucker who passed away leaving a legacy. Under Tucker the cougs won 19 WAC titles, 170 team championships including in 1981 a national championship.

Under Further Review. It was one play. Yes it may have been botched but that was in the third quarter. Could one play make the difference? Possibly but there were also 37 plays still to be made in the fourth quarter alone per the yahoo box score. That's like saying that game could have been won if the pizza would have been delivered on time.

An Eye For Anae

2010-12-30T14:57:00.000-08:00

Not long ago it the entire offensive coaching staff was advised to seek other employment opportunities. It seems now that one of those assistants has officially taken that advise as the university released a statement that Robert Anae, the cougs offensive coordinator had resigned to seek other possible options in his coaching career. Whether it was a stagnant offense, one that was too predictable, a difference of coaching philosophy or something else is all up to speculation. Regardless what the final straw was fact remains that one could only assume that other options should be readily available as teams across the country will have an eye for Anae.

Anae played on the cougs National Championship 84 team and in 86 began his coaching career as a grad assistant with the University of Hawaii moving up the ranks eventually making his way to BYU. While at BYU the cougs went 49-15 in his first five seasons including three of those years with a top 6 passing attack. Under Anae the jerseys in blue went 4-2 in bowl games. Although in todays world its what have you done for me lately. This year the passing offense was ranked 75th with the cougs record finishing a disappointing 7-6 season.

As for "other employment opportunities" there could be speculation of Anae hooking back up at Maryland with Mike Leach who very well could be headed to coach the Terps. Given Anae's ties to Leach back from the Texas Tech days the Terps possibility could very well be a reality. Even if Anae doesn't reconnect with Leach teams across the country hopefully will have an eye for Anae.

Photo Credit Goes to Mike Terry/Deseret News

79 Days

2010-12-24T08:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, the crowds may have left the stands and the lights already turned off. Most of the students may have also gone home for the holidays. For many there might be one shopping day left but there's only 79 days left for the cougs to make their case for the March Madness brackets (announced March 13th). As the jerseys in blue break to spend time with their family the cougs are currently 4th in the RPI, 6th in the sagarin ratings and have already faced six teams in the RPI top 100 (5-1 against those teams). They are already making a strong case for the best seed possible led of course by Jimmer the jet.

Last season about the only thing that stopped Jimmer was his health. This season it doesn't appear to be a factor leaving the opponents sick on how to stop him while he averages 24.2 points per game and is currently the cougs 5th all time leading scorer. Jackson Emery is also only 8 steals away from being the all time leader. Sophomore Brandon Davies is quickly emerging as another reliable option who has averaged 14 a game throughout his last 7 matchups. Noah Harsock is currently the 8th all time block leader with 84. As a team the jerseys in blue are 10th in the nation averaging 82.7 per matchup against opponents while holding teams to an average of just over 64 per game. Definately a rather nice differential and shaping up for another nice season for the cougs.

Seasonal Report Card

2010-12-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

One couldn't have scripted a better finish for the Cougs with a 52-24 throttling of the UTEP miners in the New Mexico Bowl. The jerseys in blue encountered plenty of obstacles throughout the season but came out victorious. A quick look back includes announcing their independence, suspending a player, releasing an assistant midseason, dealing with a replaygate and finding a new attitude. Tis the season as well to post the grades and thoughts from each of the position categories.

Quarterbacks: B+
Mishandling of a two quarterback system earlier in the season for a number of games was definately a mistake. Once someone behind center was given the green light coug fans saw the progress and development of Saint Jake who threw for over 2300 yards as a true freshman. Heaps wasn't perfect but is gonna be something special.

Offensive Line: B
Weber has done a wonderful job with the BMOC (big men on campus). Although it seemed like there were too many false starts and breakdowns too often early. However, down the stretch the trenchwork was solid dominating opening holes and protecting Heaps which showed from start to finish in the New Mexico Bowl.

Backfield: A-
This season may have not included Harvey Unga on the roster. And yes this season the backfield may have been one by committee. The cougs still were able to rush for an average of 168 yards a game. Di Luigi in 2010 rushed for 917 yards. Consider, one of those backs was a true freshman in Joshua "Juice" Quezada. The trio of JJ, north and south Kariya, and Juice should be dominant in 2011.

Receivers: C+
Not sure what it was in the first half of the season but it seemed like noone was able to consistently catch a ball even when thrown accurately. McKay also seemed to have a rather disappointing down year never seperating himself as a downfield threat. It also appears that the TEs were never fully utilized as consistently viable options. Down the stretch receivers were finally let loose and replied often stretching the field and moving the chains. The cougs found a hidden gem in another true freshman in Cody Hoffman.

Defensive Line: B
Considering the lack of proven depth (losing Fuga didn't help) the DL played this season wonderfully as it showed in the bowlgame making the miner rush offense basically nonexistent. Next years addition of Hebron Fangupo will be welcomed with open arms.

Linebackers: A-
This is perhaps one of the cougs strengths going into next year. Ogletree has a knack for the ball and consistent. Freshman Kyle Van Noy has the potential to be among the best by the time he's done. Add in next year Kaveinga and the return of Pendleton.

Secondary: B
Unfortunately the cougs collectively were beaten too often by the long ball and it showed again in the bowl. Andrew Rich, the clear team leader in the secondary, will certainly be missed who finished a fine career and senior season with 64 unassisted tackles and 111 total tackles.

Special Teams: B
Mitch Payne finishes his career as the all time scoring leader with 336 points overall. Yes, OC may have been suspended but the cougs found Hoffman as more than capable replacement.

Fully Invested Changes

2010-12-20T17:34:00.001-08:00

Much of the local media are reporting that the cougs have begun the annual staff evaluation process to see who will be retained. Those coaches on the offensive staff that would be possibly affected include offensive coordinator Robert Anae; the OL coach Mark Weber, wide receivers coach Patrick Higgins, quarterbacks coach Brandon Doman, running backs coach and longtime assistant Lance Reynolds.

Regardless of what the future holds and who returns is the fact that Bronco is a man of principles, vision, love for others and one that is fully invested. Bronco always does his homework leaving no stone unturned. He carefully calculates every move and will make the correct choices regardless of any possible position changes. Bronco is clearly the right man in the right place. With the rumours swirling across cougar nation many are speculating who might be leaving and who could be coming aboard as possible replacements.

Assuming that Robert Anae; as most would expect is out, that would like mean Brandon Doman is the cougs next offensive coordinator. Doman was also one of Bronco's first hires after becoming head coach. Six years later Brandon seems to be absolutely thriving when considering he has sent Max Hall to the pros and this seasons development of freshman starting quarterback Jake Heaps.

If one domino falls then who would be the next likely quarterback clipboard candidate to replace Doman? One name that keeps popping up amongst the cougar tweets and forum boards is former Heisman trophy winner, ultimate field general and cougar legend Ty Detmer. Detmer is currently the head coach at St. Andrew's Episcopal school in Austin, Texas. The owner of a Heisman trophy and originally from Texas? Absolutely solid potential option. And recruiting? Another concrete positive. Ty is simply a winner. He's beaten the odds and beaten the best. Detmer has seen it at all levels.

Of the staff one could only speculate that if Higgins is gone leaving the position coach wide open Ben Cahoon; a CFL legend and former cougar, is one strong candidate who would fit the bill. He has nine 1000 yard receiving seasons under the belt. In fact, on October 11th against the Calgary Stampeders Cahoon also became the all time reception leader catching his 1007th career pass. If there's an individual who might know something about catching passes Ben certainly would be more than qualified.

As for the rest of the offensive staff? Again this is ONLY speculation but Reynolds and Weber are likely sticking around. Reynolds has been solid with the running backs that the cougs have seen. Names like Luke Staley (one of the cougs most explosive backs ever), Curtis Brown, Brian McKenzie, Jamal Willis, and Harvey Unga (the cougs all time leading rusher) are only a few examples.

The evaluation process has begun and may take some time to complete. It will be interesting to see what actually transpires. Who will be retained. Who will be let go. Regardless what changes occurs this coug will always be fully invested.

Band Of Brothers

2010-12-18T15:11:00.000-08:00

After beginning a season 1-4 the jerseys in blue certainly turned things around and came out winners over UTEP 52-24. A trio of freshman led the way on the field for the cougs in Albuquerque. Quarterback Jake Heaps was polished like a champion today despite playing with a fractured rib. The BMOC (big men on campus also known as the OL) did not allow a single sack and gave Sir Jake time to systematically carve up the miner defense. Heaps connected on 25 of 34 for 264 yards with 4 TDs. Three of those went Cody Hoffman's way who finished with 8 receptions for 137 yards as well as 5 returns for 125 yards with a 25 yard average. Joshua "Juice" Quezada got involved with 15 carries moving the chains for 101 yards and a touchdown. The cougs offensive machine rolled UTEP for 514 yards on 86 plays. About the only play the jerseys in blue may have missed on the day was the ceremonial waterjug dousing of Bronco Mendenhall.

It wasn't just the offense that dominated. The defense held their ground limiting the miners to -12 yards for the game. Yes, you read that correctly negative 12 yards while forcing three turnovers and 6 punts. Senior Andrew Rich, a former walkon grabbed two of those picks himself who closes out a tremendous career.

Couple areas of concern upon observation even in a blowout. The jerseys in blue were burned all too often by the deep ball particularly by Kris Adams ending in miner scores of 67, 37 and 49 yards. The special teams also were at times anything but special when the cougs allow Marlon McClure an average of 41 yards on his 3 returns. When games are often won over field position that can't be good. Those things will certainly be addressed. Overall, the cougs collectively only lose a small portion on the two deep to graduation. The jerseys in blue have some amazing talent, confidence, experience, and some momentum to vault its program boldly to independence as a band of brothers.

Photo credit goes to Ravell Call/Deseret News

Who Is Hebron

2010-12-17T15:38:00.001-08:00

It looks as if the cougs will get a pre Christmas gift. Word is that USC defensive tackle Hebron Fangupo will be transferring and even walking on with the cougs. Better yet will be available for the jerseys in blue next season. Most of us would love to know who is Hebron.

After high school (Century HS Santa Ana California) he served a mission to the Phillipines eventually taking his talents to Mt San Antonio Junior College. He had 47 tackles, 15 for a loss, 6 sacks, 1 deflection, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 forced fumbles which helped earn him recognition as a Super Prep JUCO 100. There he received offers from Tennessee, Utah, Arizona, Arizona St, Oregon and USC where he eventually signed. While at USC Hebron saw action in 3 games before breaking his left ankle against Washington State and was able to redshirt.

To say that he is a huge get is an understatement literally. At 6-2 and 320 pounds Hebron could be a mammoth run stopper and force to be reckoned. He has a wide body with an amazing first step and should be a incredibly valuable commodity. Absolutely look forward to seeing him as one of the band of brothers.

Independent Schedule

2010-12-17T11:54:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow the jerseys in blue will play their final game representing the MWC conference beginning their transition to independence. Say goodbye to the MTN and hello ESPN. With it brings new challenges, schedules and opportunities. This season we saw how important a schedule can be as team north rode theirs at one point to a top ten ranking. What will the cougs encounter in their initial schedule of independence? That remains to be seen but it will certainly be met one game at a time. Here's a brief look ahead.

9/3 at Ole Miss (4-8)
Led by Houston Nutt the rebels will be looking to bounce back. Solid chance the cougs will likely hear the name Brandon Bolden often who rushed for 14 TDs and 976 yards. Despite a subpar season Ole Miss featured the 19th best rush offense. Will the jerseys in blue be able to stuff the run? They historically haven't fared well against SEC opponents (1-3) but this is a solid opportunity. Former legend Archie Manning's #18 jersey number is also the speed limit on the University of Mississippi campus. However, Sir Jake likely won't be cruising at 18mph as he'll likely be chomping at the bits since the rebels are ranked 95th against the pass. Excellent opportunity to start our independence off on the right foot.

9/10 at Texas (5-7)
In 2008 ESPN ranked the longhorns as the 7th most prestigious college football program since 1936. Yet 2010 was definately an absolute shocker sinking of a Titanic season for longhorn fans and its program. Texas was ranked 8th nationally against the pass loses its two starting corners Curtis Brown and Chykie Brown. The cougs must find a way to move the chains using the trio of DiLuigi, Juice and Kariya (not necessarily in that order) while trying to find a way to stop the longhorns 250 pound battering ram of Cody Johnson. The jerseys in blue likely won't be beaten through the air as QB Garrett Gilbert threw 10 TDs and 17 INTs. Definately not eye opener stats at all. One road trip well worth making with a good chance of knocking off a traditional powerhouse.

9/17 Utah (10-2)
Its the holy war thats too often been not so holy. Traditionally close and no love lost here. Team up north now in the PAC10 could be looking to bounce back from previous week matchup against USC. Yet, this one is in LES and cougs will be lookin for some payback (yes the knee was down). The jerseys in blue could potentially have some major momentum assuming they've already taken care of business. Wynn has been sketchy as best. Team up north also has no proven RBs in the stable with serious division one gametime experience. This time the cougs will have plenty of talent returning and experience under its belt to be enough in the difference department.

9/23 UCF (10-3)
The program that originally rolled out its football program in 1979 at division III level has come a long ways. This could be a formidable opponent for the cougs having recently won the Liberty Bowl over Georgia. On the season the knights from UCF were led by freshman quarterback Jeff Godfrey who threw for over 2000 yards 13 TDs with a 68.4 completion ratio. Godfrey showed he was not afraid to take off on the run rushing for 542 yards. UCF had the 9th best rushing team averaging 192 yards a contest. Its backfield is led by senior Ronnie Weaver who had 11 TDs and 890 yards. Somehow the cougs must have another TOP (time of possession) game like it had against San Diego State.

9/30 Utah State (4-8)
Gone is one of the top signal callers in Aggie history Diondre Borel. Back is dangerous RB Robert Turbin and LB Bobby Wagner who had 133 tackles. Yes 133. Aggie coach Gary Anderson is a difference maker but simply lacks enough weapons to replicate lasts season victory over the cougs. It won't happen again. Especially at home.

10/8 San Jose State (1-12)
The spartans did face a brutal schedule and encountered countless injuries. They finished with 115th overall in defense and had the 117th worst rushing offense. That won't win many games. This home game for the cougs should by all means be padding some stats and extend the depth chart. If the cougs aren't up by a sizable margin by halftime something is seriously wrong.

10/15 at Oregon St (5-7)
Once James Rodgers went down the team never really recovered as they lost 5 of their last 7 games. He clearly qualifies for a medical redshirt but will he be back? Or will his brother Jacquizz? The elusive Jacquizz rushed for 1194 yards despite teams often focusing on tryin to contain him. Both could be gone and out of the mix. What remains is that this matchup could prove to be one of the cougs tougher events despite what players suit up. Regardless, OSU coach Mike Riley will have his students athletes amped up and ready to play.

10/22 Idaho State (1-10)

Unfortunately the bengals haven't been football relevant in years. Nothing really here to see. Last season their only win came over Montana Western. Sorry its nothing personal but this ones really over before it kicks off. Look for even the waterboys to get some playing time by halftime.

11/5 at Louisiana Tech (5-7)
Sonny Dyke's bulldogs can move the chains having former TN Vol transfer Lennen Creer who ground out 1181 yards and 10 TDs. Tim Molton should be back at full health after a torn ACL and has the potential to be among the WACs best wide receivers. Louisiana Tech will put up a fight but the cougs have too many weapons and experience.

11/12 Idaho (6-7)
Lots of work remains in front of Robb Akey's coaching staff for the vandals to improve. Idaho struggled in the trenches and the run game suffered ranking 116th in the nation. They can definately throw the ball but likely since the vandals often are playing from behind. Could be in for a long day if your a vandal fan. If its any consolation the snack bar is always open.

11/19 New Mexico St (2-10)
Former cougar assistant and current NM State coach DeWayne Walker just simply doesn't have enough weapons and tools to work with. The aggies last bowl appearance was in 1960. Unfortunately for Walker it won't be anytime soon either. Even the cougs practice squad could get some solid potential reps here.

12/3 at Hawaii (103)
A few years removed from the June Jones era the rainbows are still pass happy as ever which ran the nations top passing offense averaging 378 yards. Although, quarterback Bryant Moniz loses his top two targets. The jerseys in blue could find themselves in a shootout.

Photo Credit/Mark J Rebilas

Future Thumbs Up

2010-12-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Every season brings their own challenges and opportunities. This season we saw a two QB system, some controversial calls/replays, an extended suspension, a shift in the coaching staff, a bowl appearance and even went independent leaving the MWC behind. What lies down the road remains to be seen. Although, it clearly appears the cougs future is bright and in good hands with some experience under the belt.

The jerseys in blue found their signal caller in Jake Heaps. Although, did it really take until the fourth game of the season to figure that out? What is clear by all means the Jake Heaps era is officially underway and the future. Heaps puts people in the stands and has all the tools necessary to bring the cougs back to pass. Fighting for time next season will be Riley Nelson who should be back from his season ending shoulder injury. Adding to the depth chart is James Lark and Jason Munns.

One of the cougs team strengths once again should be in the offensive line regardless who lines up under center. The undisputed senior leader is Matt Reynolds who may or may not be back pending on his NFL decision. What is sure that the big men on campus that return will include Terence Brown, Braden Hansen, and Terence Brown. There is solid depth that has Houston Reynolds (pendin on what his brother decides), Blair Tushaus, Marco Thorson and Ryan Freeman in the mix.

There should be plenty of options for Heaps to work with in speadin the pigskin around. If given more freedom to audibles Sir Jake should be able to pick apart opponents and often using weapons like Cody Hoffman, Spencer Hafoka, McKay Jacobsen and Ross Apo. Fans will get their first glimpse of independence against Ole Miss keep in mind this season the rebels were ranked 95th against the pass.

It seemed that life after Harvey the cougs still were able to find ways to get chunks of yards even if by committee. The board room was well represented by JJ DiLuigi, Brian Kariya, and Joshua "Juice" Quezada all of which were more than ample and able providing an exiciting mix of thunder and lightning. Can't forget next season other names in the mix will also include AJ Moore, Adam Hine and Drew Phillips who can be some solid playmakers.

Some of the greatest passes in coug history were made by Clay Brown, Gordon Hudson, Chad Lewis, Jonny Harline, and Dennis Pitta. That is one area that has clearly helped the cougs over the years. Yes, the tight ends. However, last season coug fans never saw one truly emerge consistently from the pack. Next season those contestants will feature Mike Muehlmann, Devin Mahina, Richard Wilson, Austin Holt and Kaneakua Friel fighting for some PT. Somebody clearly needs to step up and soon.

Depth on the defensive line could be an issue. It remains to be seen if Romney Fuga will ever be fully recovered. Eathyn Manumaleuna, Matt Putnam and Thomas Bryson all return including Ian Dulan so experience shouldn't be a factor. Word is cougs could possibly have USC transfer Hebron Fangupo which could prove beneficial.

Linebacker coach Kelly Poppinga should have plenty of talent to work with and develop. Brandon Ogletree has the most experience and has been consistently solid. One would have to assume that Jordan Pendleton should be able to return to full form. Add in freshman stud Kyle Van Noy who has a motor that doesn't stop and Uona Kaveinga. Absolutely love the wealth of talent the cougs have here.

Yes, the cougs will certainly miss Brian Logan, Brandon Bradley and Iron Man Andrew Rich. The secondary still has a wealth of talent, experience and some wheels in Corby Eason, DeQuan Everett, Kori Gaines and Jray Galea'i, Jordan Johnson, Robbie Buckner and Lee Aguirre.

Next season the cougs cupboard should have plenty sitting on the shelves. The cougs will have a wealth of talent, returning experience, favorable schedule and a fresh attitude. Timing for independence couldn't be better. Like Jake gotta give the cougs a thumbs up.

Holiday Football Frenzy

2010-12-06T08:38:00.001-08:00

Are you ready for some serious football action? This year has 35 bowl games covering 24 days. This year will be the first time that the two top contenders playing for the BCS trophy began the season ranked outside of the top 10. Oregon was ranked 11th and Auburn 23rd per usatoday's coaches poll. At first glance, how does a 8-4 Connecticut with the 100th ranked pass offense find its way into a BCS bowl (Fiesta) is baffling? They lost to Temple 30-16 (not exactly a football powerhouse) and barely squeaked out a nailbiter win against an average 6-6 Pittsburgh? How about Virginia Tech? They make it also to a BCS bid yet lost to a lower division team. Was there something we missed there? Regardless of the continuing debate over the BCS, their bowl selections and a possible playoff system here's a rundown for your holiday football frenzy.

18 Dec
New Mexico Bowl (Noon/ESPN)
BYU 6-6 vs UTEP 6-6
This might as well be the bowl tale of two seasons for both teams. Just flip flop on each half portion of their respective seasons. The cougs rode out of the gates losing 4 out of 5. Someone turned on a light and finished strong winning 5 of their next 7. On the other hand UTEP has lost the last 5 out of their 6 games. The miners finished with a similar record as the cougs but rode a strength of schedule of 127th in the nation. Look for the jerseys in blue to mine some points on the board.

Humanitarian Bowl (3:30PM/ESPN)
Northern Illinois 10-3 vs Fresno St 8-4
Is this the interim bowl? This will be the fourth team in 6 years to participate with some sort of interim or lame duck coach. Northern Illinois finds itself in a bowl matchup without a coach. On the same day the Huskies were announced Jerry Kill bailed to accept the position available coaching Minnesota. The huskies feature the nations 7th ranked rushing offense with Chad Spann who has nearly 1300 rushing yards with 20 TDs. Although, will the lack of coaching leadership affect the Huskies chances? Should be interesting to see what happens.

New Orleans Bowl (7PM/ESPN)
Troy 7-5 vs Ohio 8-4
There could be plenty of points on the scoreboard when this one's over. Ohio might be 0-4 all time in bowl games but do have the 13th best rush defense. Troy is making their 6th bowl appearance with the 12th best passing offense led by a redshirt freshman Corey Robinson.

21 Dec
Beef O Brady's Bowl (6pm/ESPN)
Louisville 6-6 vs Southern Miss 8-4
First year Louisville coach Charlie Strong brings the 12 best defense in the nation into the contest against the Golden Eagles 13th bowl appearance in 14 seasons. The cards have a veteran OL (all 5 were returning starters) led by a one man legit wrecking crew in Bilal Powell (over 1300 yds and 10 TDs). Former coug assistant coach Todd Bradford is on the Golden Eagle's defensive staff.

22 Dec
MAACO Vegas Bowl (6PM/ESPN)

Utah 10-2 vs Boise State 10-1
Team up north rode a cupcake schedule for much of the season and now attempt to keep the bowl string victories alive without Wynn. The broncos are 60-5 under coach Petersen and are likely chomping at the bit in this matchup. Shaky Smithson for the yewts leads the nation in punt returns (19.7 yards) and Boise has been somewhat porous regarding kickoff containment. Boise does have the nations fourth best defense to try and shut down team up north.

23 Dec
Pointsettia Bowl (6pm/ESPN)
San Diego St 8-4 vs Navy 8-3
In his first year Brady Hoke has turned the corner with his Aztecs guiding them from a 4-8 season to a 8-4 record. The Aztecs won't have to travel for this one and ironically the city of San Diego has a considerable naval presence. Hoke's offense can explode for both chunks of yards and points on the board. They average 35 points a game with 448 yards through the air. Navy is headed to their 8th straight bowl game with the 5th best rushing offense led by Alexander Teich and dual threat senior QB Ricky Dobbs. Teich has 825 rushing yards on the season for the midshipmen carrying a 6 yard average. Definately will be interesting to see who will remain focused for four quarters while making the most of their opportunities.

24 Dec
Hawaii Bowl (6PM/ESPN)
Hawaii 10-3 vs. Tulsa 9-3
No question there could be plenty of holiday lights and cheer on the scoreboard in this exciting matchup of offenses. Tulsa definately has bounced back from a subpar 5-7 season last year with the nations 5th best offense. The golden hurricanes unfortunately do have a glaring weakness in its pass defense. Three years removed from its Sugar Bowl campaign the warriors are still pass happy as ever ranked as the nations best. Hawaii will definately have the home field advantage and is led by former walk on QB Bryant Muniz with over 4600 passing yards and 36 TDs on the season.

26 Dec
Little Caesers Bowl (6:30PM/ESPN)
Toledo 8-4 vs Florida International 6-6
The rockets from Toledo are in their fifth bowl appearance since the 2001 Motor City Bowl. On the other hand the golden panthers will be making their first appearance in its sixth season at the FBS level. Both teams had subpar strength of schedules (Toledo was 101 SOS while FIU had the 132nd SOS per USAtoday) and neither truly had any landmark victories. Might be worth at least a pizza watching.

27 Dec
Independence Bowl (3PM/ESPN2)
Air Force 8-4 vs Georgia Tech 6-6
Don't expect to see chunks of yards through the air much in this contest. While both teams excel in the ground game neither have been able to stop it. The yellow jackets have the nations best ground game but are 72nd against it. The cadets have the nations 2nd best rushing offense but also are ranked 91st against it. Air Force nearly knocked off both Oklahoma and team up north earlier this season. The turnovers could be provide the edge.

28 Dec
Champs Sports Bowl (4:30PM/ESPN)

NC State 8-4 vs West Virginia 9-3
Led by junior QB Russell Wilson the NC State Wolfpack has one of the nations prolific passing offense. The wolfpack have certainly turned things around in the program (last year was 5-7). The mountaineers have an explosive senior RB in Noel Devine as well possess the 3rd best defense overall.

Insight Bowl (8PM/ ESPN)
Missouri 10-2 vs Iowa 7-5
This will be the first meeting between the two in 100 years (last played in 1910). The hawkeyes might be minus some players for this contest. However, Iowa will still be led by efficient QB Ricky Stanzi a third year starter with a 64.8 completion ratio and 25 TDs. Mizzo has already beaten two bowl (Illinois and San Diego St) teams this season in pursuit of its 11th win of the season led by junior Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has clearly identified who his TE is throwing often to Michael Egnew for 83 receptions and nearly 700 yards.

29 Dec
Texas Bowl (4PM/ESPN)
Illinois 6-6 vs Baylor 7-5
This might look like some mediocre teams in this matchup at first glance. Consider last season Illinois finished 3-9 while Baylor also made strides since they were 4-8. At the tail end of the season both teams were on a downward slide and look to bounce back. The fightin Illini has lost its last 4 of 5 while Baylor lost its last 3 of 4 games. Baylor finally busts the 15 year bowl drought with a victory.

Alamo Bowl (7:15pm/ESPN)
Arizona 7-5 vs Oklahoma St 10-2
Arizona head coach Mike Stoops "Now we just have to regroup" statement could most certainly be stressed after losing its last 4 games. The wildcats do average 30 points a contest but could likely have its hands full as Oklahoma State has the 2nd best passing offense and finished 14th in the BCS standings. Cowboy junior QB Brandon Weeden has thrown for 32 TDs and over 4000 yards on the season.

Military Bowl (12:30PM/ESPN)
Maryland 8-4 vs East Carolina 6-6
Both teams average more than 30 points a game but only one team will come out in victory formation. The terps bring a more stingy defense and is stronger in the trenches. The pirates defense is swiss cheese (holes everywhere) which ranks 118th giving up over 43 a game. East Carolina could have a slight edge in the signal callers. Dominque Davis with the right reads could put up some solid stats who has thrown for 36 TDs and nearly 3700 yards.

30 Dec
Pinstripe Bowl (1:20PM/ESPN)
Syracuse 7-5 vs Kansas St 7-5
Kansas State makes its first bowl appearance since the 2006 Texas Bowl. They average over 33 on the scoreboard as well as over 200 yards on the ground per contest. Syracuse does bring the 5th best overall defense despite losing its last 3 of 4 games. Can the orangemen shut down wildcat senior RB Daniel Thomas? Last season he led the Big 12 in rushing averaging over 5 per carry. This season? Similar results rushing for nearly 1500 yards and 5.4 per attempt.

Music City Bowl (4:40PM/ESPN)
North Carolina 7-5 vs Tennessee 6-6
Before the season the vols backed out of a season series with the Tar Heels but now can't escape this matchup. Tar Heel coach Butch Davis went 4-0 in post season appearance in Miami but will be looking for his first here led by fifth year senior QB TJ Yates. The vols are clearly on a roll winning their last 4 and playing basically a home game only 3 hours from Nashville.

Armed Forces Bowl (10AM/ESPN)
SMU 7-6 vs Army 6-5
This may be the run versus the pass. Army 10th ranked rushing offense is led by sophomore FB Jared Hasselin who sat out last year after transferring from rival Air Force. Hasselin ground out 931 yards with a 5.4 per carry average. Second year coach June Junes continues to rebuild a dismantled program including its image led by sophomore QB Kyle Padron who can clearly stretch a field. Padron has thrown for 29 TDs covering over 3500 yards.

Holiday Bowl (8PM/ESPN)
Washington 6-6 vs Nebraska 10-3
What exactly is the point of this matchup? Absolutely puzzling. Then again no other Pac10 team was eligible. Not exactly thrilling for Nebraska. Both teams already met and played this one out earlier this season with Cornhuskers thumping the Huskies on their home field 56-21. Look for another similar result.

31 Dec
Meineke Bowl (10AM/ESPN)
Clemson 6-6 vs South Florida 7-5
In a game named after a muffler company neither team really makes much noise here. First year coach Skip Holtz will lead the USF Bulls to its 6th consecutive bowl appearance. Clemson went toe to toe with Auburn earlier this season falling by a FG difference. Both teams will be looking for some spark plugs but it could be a defensive struggle in this matchup.

Liberty Bowl (1:30PM/ESPN)
UCF 10-3 vs Georgia 6-6
The Knights from UCF will be making its fourth bowl appearance with one of the better ground games averaging nearly 192 yards a game. They are also stingy against it with the 9th best rushing defense. Even in a down year Georgia is making its 14th straight bowl appearance and have won its last 4. Look for the trend to continue.

Sun Bowl (Noon/CBS)
Miami FL 7-5 vs Notre Dame 7-5

Two old time football powers square off in this meeting. The hurricanes recently experienced a coaching change. They will be featuring the nations 2nd best passing defense against the Irish freshman QB Tommy Rees who is 3-0 as a starter including a 63% accuracy. Defensive stud LB Manti Te'o suffered a broken nose in the army game but still played in the USC game. Can the "U" contain Rees and his main option WR Michael Floyd? With a little irish luck Rees could come out victorious.

Chick Fil-A Bowl (5:30PM/ESPN)
Florida St 9-4 vs South Carolina 9-4
The seminoles have a three year starter behind center in Christian Ponder. Or do they? Ponder might be sitting this one out (elbow) leaving coach Jimbo Fisher with a possible gametime decision in starting the EJ Manuel era early. South Carolina's offense revolves around freshman RB Marcus Lattimore who has ground out nearly 1200 yards and 17 TDs who will look to bounce back after the thumping by Auburn.

1 Jan
Capital One Bowl (11AM/ESPN)
Michigan St 11-1 vs Alabama 9-3
Definately a rather intriguing matchup. Is this a teacher versus student? Or will is be the other way around? Bama coach Nick Saban was the spartans coach from 1995 through 1999. Spartan head coach Mark Dantonio was Sabans DB coach during that stretch. This on paper looks like a fantastic game.

Outback Bowl (11AM/ABC)
Penn St 7-5 vs Florida 7-5
This one matches up two coaching masterminds where neither of each teams season ever truly lived up to their expectations. On the gator sidelines for one last time will be Urban Myer who seems to have struggled in an up and down season. The gators will be relying on their 9th ranked defense against the nittany lions. Penn State owns the nations best overall winning percentage. Paterno has 24 of those wins more than any other coach.

Ticket City Bowl (10AM/ESPNU)
Northwestern 7-5 vs Texas Tech 7-5
The wildcats will start a redshirt fershman QB Evan Watkins against Texas Tech filling in for Dan Persa who is out (ruptured Achilles tendon) for the season. Watkins could have a big game considering the red raiders rank 116th against the pass. Problem is Texas Tech likes to throw as well. Senior QB Taylor Potts has thrown for 31 TDs and 3357 yards. This one has all the makings of a shootout.

Gator Bowl (11:30AM/ESPN2)
Michigan 7-5 vs Mississippi St 8-4
Mississippi State's top receiver Chad Bumphis broke his collarbone and will miss this one. They do favor the run and are ranked 16th nationally averaging 215 yards per game. On defense the teams leading tackler and defensive leader LB Chris White clearly need to bring his best. The bulldogs will certainly have their hands full countering Michigan's QB Denard Robinson attack.

Rose Bowl (3PM/ESPN)
Wisconsin 11-1 vs TCU 12-0
The badgers have three backs with over 850 yards each all averaging over 5 per carry. They even have 3 games scoring 70 or more on an opponent this season. Yes 70. Although this opponent TCU features the nations top ranked defense holding teams to 11.3 points per game. Something has got to give one way or another. Which will break first? The frogs want validation. Tune is for this one.

Fiesta Bowl (6:30PM/ESPN)
Oklahoma 11-2 vs Connecticut 8-4
On paper this looks like a David and Goliath mismatch. There is simply too many playmakers for the sooners on both sides of the pigskin. Look for Oklahoma's depth chart to get extended with the youth of the program to get plenty of PT. No need to really break this one down. Its all OU who wins and easily.

3 Jan
Orange Bowl (6:30PM/ESPN)
Virginia Tech 11-2 vs Stanford 11-1
In his third year coach Jim Harbaugh has produced a team clearly on the rise finishing the season #5 in the final AP poll. Stanford's ability to bring pressure on VT senior QB Tyrod Taylor could be a factor. The cardinals have an absolutely rock solid QB in their own Andrew Luck who has all the skills necessary in a potential future NFL quarterback. With a veteran offensive line Stanford may simply have all the luck they need.

4 Jan
Sugar Bowl (6:30PM/ESPN)
Arkansas 10-2 vs Ohio State 11-1
The hogs just inked a seven year extension with Petrino now its time to stand up. Clearly Arkansas strength runs with its quarterback. The buckeyes counter with the nations 2nd best defense overall. Mallett definately has the talent to win this one. Pryor on the other hand needs to avoid losing this one for his buckeyes. Which team prevails will be rather fascinating to watch.

6 Jan
GoDaddy.Com Bowl (6PM/ESPN)
Miami OH 9-4 vs Middle TN State 6-6
It's been said not to judge a book by its cover. Just because much of the nation might pass a matchup that might appear as a snoozer doesn't mean this is one that should be dismissed. In his first year Miami OH coach Mike Haywood has turned around a program that was 1-11 last season. Haywood's redhawks has a veteran OL and should take another step forward.

7 Jan
Cotton Bowl (6PM/ESPN)
Texas A/M 9-3 vs LSU 10-2
The tigers have a rather stingy defense keeping points off the board ranked 9th nationally. The aggies come into this matchup riding a 6 game winning streak. This should be a close game but on paper LSU simply has more weapons, athleticism and playmakers.

8 Jan
BBVA Compass Bowl (6PM/ESPN)
Pittsburgh 7-5 vs Kentucky 6-6
Is this a game that will be decided from uncertainties? The panthers currently are in a coaching leadership transition. Kentucky likely needs this game more in the short term. Junior wide receiver Randall Cobb may be looked to and often for the wildcats to come out on top.

9 Jan
Fight Hunger Bowl (7PM/ESPN)
Nevada 12-1 vs Boston College 7-5
This is a strength versus strength matchup. Nevada's strength of the offense is clearly running the ball averaging over 300 yards a game. Yes, 305 yards to be precise. On the other hand the eagles have the nation's stingiest rush defense limiting teams to 80 yards a game. Something has got to give. Definately worth fighting your hunger by ordering a pizza and tuning in.

10 Jan
BCS National Championship (6:30PM/ESPN)

Auburn 13-0 vs Oregon 12-0
This season the ducks have a chance for its first ever national championship. They have all the tools necessary including the 2nd best offense. On paper the biggest weakness of Auburn was the pass defense ranking 101st in the country. Despite the glaring stat Auburn has continually found a way to win. Both squads average over 40 on the scoreboard and rush for over 280 yards. No question each have explosive offenses. Tis the season for some lights on the scoreboard. Some Cameron and clearly lots of action.

A History Renewed

2010-12-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

What was rumored to be the cougs opponent now is finally official. On December 18th with ESPN coverage the jerseys in blue will square off against the UTEP Miners in the fifth annual New Mexico Bowl. The miners who will represent Conference USA come into the matchup owning a similar 6-6 record but have lost five of its last games with a overall strength of schedule rated 127th national ranking. It is the first post season activity for UTEP since the 2005 GMAC bowl. The cougs are 28-7-1 all time and have won 25 of the previous 27 meetings with UTEP in a history renewed.

Among the previous meetings was a matchup back in 1980 which showcased the cougs offense in a major way dropping 83 on the miners. Yes 83 (final was 83-7). However, in 1985 the defending national champions came into the game ranked #7 but were monumentally upset by the miners who finished that season 1-10. The last pairing off of these two teams was in 1998 with the jerseys in blue victorious in El Paso 31-14. Good chance UTEP might have its fair share of fans present as its only a four hour drive from El Paso.

The strength of UTEP's offense is centered around three individuals. Senior quarterback Trevor Vittatoe averaged 257.7 passing yards last season and has thrown this year for over 2511 yards with 19 TDs and 10 INTs. He's a four year starter with a decent QB rating of 121.59. Trevor might not be a dual threat but definately doesn't mind taking off on a scramble making UTEP as one of the better teams in the nation at third down conversions. Vittatoe's favorite reliable target is Kris Adams from Fort Worth who's nicknames include "Ace" and "The Future". The senior business major has stretched the field this season for 917 yards and 11 TDs. In the backfield is Joe Banyard who has rushed for 612 yards and 8 TDs.

Preferential Treatment

2010-12-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

It often seems in life far too often there is preferential treatment or seperate set of existing "rules" (wink wink) given for athletes, celebrities and simply individuals of notoriety. Currently in the news is the debate on this very subject involving possible Heisman candidate Cam Newton. Yet, a closer look reveals this is nothing new to the college scene. We've seen example after example in the news over the years. Could this preferential treatment actually doing those athletes a disservice? Consider the percentage of student athletes who actually make it to the pros regardless of sports as well as the average length of a professional career. Are those players actually given the skills and knowledge from their collegiate studies to prepare them for life after sports or are they given the preferential treatment far too often?

From the mid 70s through 1986 SMU maintained a "slush fund" used for under the table payments thus ultimately receiving the school's death penalty. Former 2 Live Crew rapper Luther Campball was rather involved with his loved Miami FL Hurricanes apparently offering coin frequently for each TD, INT, sack, etc. In the early 90's Pat Dye resigned over offering improper benefits involving prized DB recruit Eric Ramsey. Nine Florida State University (aka Free Shoes University) players in 1993 violated NCAA rules by allowing agents to bankroll a shopping spree at a local Footlocker store. From 1994 to 1998 Clem Haskins had a manager for Minnesota's academic counseling office take care of over 400 pieces of coursework for players. In 2001 Kentucky coach Hal Mumme resigned amid apparent numerous NCAA violations including payments to recruits. Back in 2006 we saw Oklahoma QB Rhett Bomer dismissed for improper benefits. Recently we saw Reggie Bush give up the Heisman. Now in the news is the swirl of allegations involving Cam Newton.

When does this end? Or is this only the tip of the iceberg? Are we only seeing the ones that get caught? How frequent is this truly occurring in college sports? With as much coin that is involved in pro sports and kids chasing their dreams this likely will continue with college athletes receiving preferential treatment. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Going Bowling

2010-12-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

For the sixth consecutive season the cougs are going bowling. It's a familiar sight for the jerseys in blue and no its not vegas. On the 18th our favorite team in blue will square off in Albuquerque in the New Mexico Bowl. University Stadium seats 38,634 with natural grass and has in the past hosted concerts with Metallica and even the Rolling Stones. Come support the cougs and enjoy some warmer weather. Gates typically open an hour and a half prior to the scheduled played time. The tailgate lots open about 6 hours before scheduled gametime. Signs are allowed provided they are of reasonable size, contain no advertising nor offensive language/material and cannot obstruct view of other patrons. Fans who aren't able to travel will be actually able to watch the bowl matchup on ESPN noon (MT) which will kickoff this years bowl season. The cougs have 28 bowl appearances including 5 straight in vegas winning three of their last four. Station KVIA out of El Paso Texas is reporting that UTEP is the likely opponent. If true the miners have lost last 5 of 6. Consider they also had the 127th toughest schedule. Could be a sweet springboard to next season. Time will tell who the opponent is but bottom line the cougs after all they've been through this season the jerseys in blue are still going bowling.

4thand18 Conference Picks

2010-12-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

Recently the MWC announced their all conference selections. Here's this years 4thand18's choices.

QB Andy Dalton/TCU, Pass efficency fifth in nations top offense
RB Asher Clark/Air Force, With a entirely rebuilt OL anotha 1001 yards
RB Ed Wesley/TCU, Eclipsed 1065 yards on the season
WR Vincent Brown/San Diego State, Stretched the field for 1187 yards
WR DeMarco Sampson/San Diego State, Had 6 TDs and 1175 yards
TE Lucas Reed/New Mexico, No soph slump with 14 yd/catch average
OL Matt Reynolds/BYU, Solid pass blocker NFL potential
OL Jake Kirkpartick/TCU, All American center candidate
OL Marcus Cannon/TCU, Versatile switched from RT to LT
OL Zane Taylor/Utah, Mr Reliable started last 26 games at center
OL Caleb Schlauderaff/Utah, Conference premier OG and road paving crew
Offensive Freshman/Ronnie Hillman.TCU, Over 1304 yards and 6 TDs

DL Wayne Daniels/TCU, Tough spot replacing a legend in Jerry Hughes
DL Rick Ricketts/Air Force, Solid consistent two year starter
DL Vic So'oto/BYU, Mr Versatile literally beginning career at TE
DL Jonathan Rainey/New Mexico, Clearly the anchor of the lobo DL
LB Brock Tanner/TCU, Sophomore avg'd 9 tackles per game
LB Carmen Messina/New Mexico, 90 tackles on the season
LB Ricky Brewer/Colorado State, Finished with 71 tackles and 9 per game
LB Miles Burris/San Diego State, Team leading stops last two seasons
DB Andrew Rich/BYU, Will be truly missed and hard to replace
DB Reggie Rembert/Air Force, Led the cadets in interceptions
DB Chris Prosinki/Wyoming, Senior had 346 career tackles
DB Brian Logan/BYU, Senior defensive specialist and playmaker
P Brian Stahovich/San Diego State, had 89 yd punt longest in country
K James Aho/New Mexico, perfect on PATs with long 51 yard FG
Defensive Freshman/Kyle Van Noy.BYU, Will have a stellar cougar career

Upon Further Review: The Gift

2010-11-28T07:10:00.000-08:00

All charitable donations must be accounted for on all tax forms including the gift that was handed to the yewts on saturday. Apparently Christmas was rescheduled and arrived early for Whittingham and the yewts who were simply handed the W so conveniently wrapped in holiday paper and a red bow saturday. This year's Holy War matchup was yet another epic nail biter on paper and possibly anything but holy or even a pure win. It was the 12th time of 14 meetings where the outcome was by a touchdown or less. In this case possibly even decided in a replay booth and controversial call rather than what actually occurred on the field. Unfortunately, never overturned one can still clearly see Bradley's knee is clearly down and change of possession has not occurred.

Saturday's contest began with even the coin toss being delayed with a pre-game scuffle and even ended with more scraps having to be broken up by team north's coaching staff. In fact, during post game interviews where Bronco stood yewt fans per Jay Drews blog threw snow and ice while hurling derogatory slurs. Yeah. Way to stay classy yewts.

Heaps may have been a freshman academically but was clearly the more poised and composed like a true senior quarterback than his two couterparts combined. Jake finished the day 22 of 37 for 228 yards 1 TD and 1 INT. On the other sidelines Wynn was only 13 of 30 and between their two quarterback system the yewts together threw for 3 INTs on the day.

The jerseys in blue played their hearts out like a band of brothers. Putnam fired up the defensive engines with the first play sacking Wynn untouched forcing the yewts into a 2nd and 19. In the first half the jerseys in blue held Eddie Wide on 7 attempts to only 11 yards. Yes, thats 1.6 per carry. Asiata didn't find much success either on his mere 3 attempts for only 7 yards. The cougs held the yewts in the half to 6 possessions with 5 punts and a missed FG. The band of brothers stood strong holding team up north to 4 of 15 on third down conversions for the day even clearly owning the field of position in the first half. The cougs average first half position was the 33 yd line while team up north could only muster the 18 yard line which also took the crowd out of the game.

On paper the yewts may have gotten the Wynn on the scoreboard but the cougs clearly come out ahead by a Heap of a margin in class, confidence and composure. Next season the matchup week might change but the cougs will have their opportunity at payback reclaiming what was rightfully theirs to obtain the last laugh concerning the gift.

Two Different Directions

2010-11-23T10:37:00.000-08:00

It's the game of the year. It's that matchup that seperates the church and state. It's the game that divides families. Two schools heading in two different directions. One last season in the MWC together. School up north heads to the Pac10 and the other going independent. Individuals will remember last season that Andrew George was still running. We also heard the true feelings of Max Hall about the yewts. In year's past we've seen that magic happens. We've witnessed that Harline is still open. What will this year's experience be remembered as? Regardless, when the fans have cleared the stadium and turned off the tv sets both schools will head in two different directions.

Both teams went through a QB change midseason in respective years. Sophomore Jordan Wynn, a business major took over the reins last season and handled things smoothly with 8 TDs and over 1300 yards. This season Wynn has been all business throwing for 16 TDs 9 INTs and 2135 yards. On the ground the yewts average 163 yards a game. The senior led backfield offers servings of Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata (not necessarily in that order). Wide has 11 TDs with 610 yards. Asiata brings 7 TDs and 650 yards to the table.

Team up north can score in bunches and average 37.3 a game. Last season's top performer David Reed might be gone but Wynn still has a number of receiving plans available who have performed admirably spreading the wealth. He has connected with 6 receivers who all have over 225 yards each and Wynn has averaged 251 yards a contest. Wynn's top two options have included sophomore DeVonte Christopher and senior Jereme Brooks. Christopher has 5 TDs and 623 yards while Brooks has 4 TD receptions for 556 yards.

On the season team up north's defense is currently ranked 55th against the pass. The schools best returning current cover corner is junior Brandon Burton who runs a 4.35 forty. Last season the yewts lost a school record 6 NFL draft picks and now that could be costing them. The yewt pass defense in the last 5 games have given up roughly 284 yards a game. Could prove to be rather intriguing and possibly the cougs strength to see if Heaps can carve up the yewt secondary. When the Holy War game is on the line look for the cougs to pull together as a band of brothers before both schools head in two different directions.

Rich Future

2010-11-23T09:38:00.001-08:00

Saturday the cougs steamrolled 40-7 over the Lobo's becoming bowl eligible with a rich future. Four out of five touchdowns scored were made by freshman. Heap's ran one in for a TD and finished with a 137.5 efficiency rating against New Mexico. Freshman Cody Hoffman caught two TD passes on the day. Was really nice to finally see the ball thrown around to at least three different tight ends and over 236 total receiving yards. Quezada is also definately making himself a known commodity rushing for a TD and 107 yards. The defense also had an absolutely solid performance with sophomore Eathyn Manumaleuna's INT, Shane Hunter's 11 tackles, Brandon Bradley's fumble recovery, freshman Van Noy's sack, and of course Andrew Rich's 2 interceptions. Yes, the cougs might have have struggled earlier in the season and have some abundance of inexperience on paper. On the other hand the jerseys in blue have a newfound attitude and are peaking at the right time. They have become like a band of brothers with a rich future.

Coming To A Head

2010-11-18T10:02:00.001-08:00

Pretty much all football fans have seen at some point one player or another become the recipient of a concussion. Concussions are fast becoming the more common type of injuries sustained in the sport. Once an individual has sustained one the likelihood of reoccurance is significantly increased and can have lingering effects. They are often afterwards associated with dizziness, fatigue, headaches, sleep problems, even sometimes long term memory loss.

We've seen it in the news much more lately. We recently saw former coug great Austin Collie horrifically sprawled out unconscious laying on the field. This past week cougs Steven Thomas called it a career over the subject. Team up north lost possible future starter Sausan Shakerin as well hanging up the cleats. Texas RB Tre Newton, son of former Dallas Cowboy lineman Nate Newton recently decided to give up football after receiving one on November 6th. Junior defensive tackle from Rutgers Eric LeGrand is now even paralyzed from a violent hit. What does it take? At what costs? The NFL has begun cracking down on the matter issuing large fines. Is this the necessary first step? Or when do things come to a head? Does the entertainment value outweigh the possible long term consequences? When do individuals and groups start to look at its ramifications, possible rule changes, better equipment, or some other options? Thoughts? Would love to hear.

Saturday's A Lobo and a W

2010-11-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

Mention Lobo football alumns and one might name Brian Urlacher, Hank Baskett or Stoney Case. Unfortunately, those greats are gone and won't be coming back with any eligiblity anytime soon. Saturday's matchup against head coach Mike's Locksley and his 1-9 Lobo's likely won't be as close as last years 24-19 victory with the cougs favored (per sagarin) by 28.5 points. New Mexico come's into LES with the 115th ranked offense and 117th ranked defense.

This season's lobo backfield include Kasey Carrier a young shifty sophomore and junior power back James Wright. Carrier, who also acts as the kick returner has rushed for 290 yards and 2 TDs. Wright maintains a low center of gravity often making him hard to tackle. On the season he has 275 yards on the ground with 2 TDs.

The lobo receiving corps is led by sophomore TE Lucas Reed who is the most reliable pass catcher with 418 yards and 5 TDs on the year. New Mexico's wideouts include sophomore Ty Kirk, senior Chris Hernandez, and Bryant Williams. Kirk is an athletic receiver who has 410 yards and 2 TDs. Hernandez has 236 receiving yards while Williams has 288 yards. Williams has 3 TDs who can catch in traffic but is possibly questionable for saturday who is dealing with the aftermath of a concussion.

Second year coach Lockley went 1-11 last season and the outlook doesn't seem much better. In the last three seasons the lobo's have only won 6 games combined. The last lobo league title was in 1964 (WAC co-camps) and a post season appearance is already out of the question. Saturday's contest for the cougs should by all means essentially be a bye week and punch out a W for the jerseys in blue securing a bowl appearance.

Bowl Ram-ifications

2010-11-16T12:26:00.000-08:00

The cougs visit to Fort Collins was certainly a treat for the jerseys in blue and its fans dismantling Colorado State 49-10. They say momentum is without question often the key in winning games. Just ask the school up north the last couple weeks. The cougs made things happen early and that swagger or shift whatever you like to call it took care of itself led by the duo of Ashworth and Heaps. The rams had their senior day but had no idea it truly was to become a monumental senior day.

Ashworth, the senior wide receiver couldn't have asked for a better ratio beginning with a flea flicker catch for 62 yards touchdown haul. Four receptions and four touchdowns on the day. The four first half touchdown hauls set a cougar record for most TDs in a single half by one player. Not a bad days worth of work. Saturday's matchup and avalanche was essentially over at halftime 35-0 with the rams dazed and confused as to where to begin and what to correct.

From the cougs official website game summary each team apparently had the ball 30 minutes which clearly shows that often time of possession means nothing. Its what you do with it when you have it. When the cougs had their opportunities on third downs they converted 12 of 13. On the other hand the rams had 5 turnovers on saturday. Yes 5. Not exactly a formula for success. Even freshman Kyle Van Noy got into the action with a 44 yard fumble recovery for a TD. Senior ram linebacker Ricky Brewer even mentioned "It happened so fast...we beat ourselves...obviously they are a great team...penalties and turnovers, those are a recipe for disaster and that's what we served up today".

Approximately two months ago things may have looked rather bleak for the bowl outlook with the jerseys in blue. With saturday's contest against a struggling 1-9 New Mexico team here at home by all means the cougs should finish no worse than 6-6 making a bowl game this season a very real possibility. Considering the shift in momentum for both school up north and the cougs in coming weeks it certainly makes the Holy War game rather intriguing of a matchup.

Major Rebel-ding

2010-11-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

Enter in Bobby Hauck, the 10th rebel coach in UNLV history. Hauck made some major waves in seven seasons leading Montana to three national championship games in the NCAA FB champion subdivision compiling a 80-17 record. Last season the rebels were 5-7. This season on paper looks like they may have gone in reverse. On the season UNLV is 1-7 but also has faced a brutal schedule according to the sagarin ratings this season with the 14th toughest schedule in the country. Games against Wisconsin, West Virginia, Air Force (Nov 18th), Nevada, and TCU certainly hasn't made the rebel life any easier. Nine of their opponents played in bowl games last season.

The rebels last league title was in 1994 (Big West co-champs) and likely won't be on the horizon anytime soon. Hauck certainly has a major rebuilding project on his hands. On the season UNLV has played over 23 freshman including having to shuffle in a replacement for starting center Andrew Mack hours before kickoff last week (appendicitus) against TCU. On defense the rebels have 10 true freshman on its two deep depth chart. The defense is ranked #96 in the nation while the offense is #113th which very well could also be reflective not only due to youth/inexperience but also the schedule.

Although, it might look rather bleak for the rebels the cupboard isn't exactly bare. Hauck will certainly have some tools to work with who should be active in saturdays matchup. The offense starts with dangerous dual threat senior QB Omar Clayton and was rated the best scrambler per Lindys. The political science major has thrown for over 1000 yards on the season with 4 INTs and 6 TDs. In the backfield is a pair of playmakers in freshman Tim Cornett and Channing Trotter. Cornett has rushed for 263 yards for 2 TDs and averages nearly 5 yards per game. Clayon's wideouts include juniors Phillip Payne and Michael Johnson. Payne a vegas native has 25 catches on the year with 416 yards and 2 TDs. Johnson is another explosive weapon who has 395 receiving yards with 35 receptions and 4 TDs. He also serves as the PR and KR specialist.

Hauck is a solid coach but certainly has his share of severe obstacles this season with all the inexperience, transition and the brutal rebel schedule. Give him a few solid recruiting rebuilding classes and the rebels should be back in the hunt. On saturday look for the jerseys in blue to post another cougar victory who are favored by 18 per usatoday marching towards a possible post season bowl.

Bye Week Games

2010-10-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

This season has certainly had its share of surprises, controversaries and upsets. When was the last time that Texas at this point of the season have a 4-3 record? Would anyone have guessed Wisconsin would upset the #1 team Ohio State at home? Or how about South Carolina taking care of their business against Alabama? All this unpredictability is making college football news so routine. Routine in every teams schedule is the bye week and sometimes the "honey do lists". In the weekend sampler five fascinating games cougar fans might want to take a few from their hectic schedule include the following...

#1 Oregon 7-0 @ #24 USC 5-2
Could this be the passing of the torch? Flying in will be the ducks bringing its high powered offense and their #1 ranking. The once mighty trojans are also allowing over 400 yards a game which is the most they have given up since records were first kept in 1955. For USC this is their bowl game due to leftover sanctions. In the morning ESPN gameday will be on site to get things started.

#5 Michigan St 8-0 @ #18 Iowa 5-2
Last time these two teams met it was a nailbiter with the Hawkeyes pullin it out 15-13. Iowa is favored by 6.5 and brings its #13 ranked defense into this contest. The spartans have the #22 ranked offense led by Heisman candidate Kirk Cousins.

#25 Baylor 6-2 @ Texas 4-3
Is this game the Longhorn redemption after embarassin losses to UCLA and Iowa State? This will be offense defense matchup literally. Baylor brings the #5 electrifying offense to Austin against the #6 Longhorn stingy defense. Last season Texas won easily 47-14 but is only favored by 7.5 this year.

#20 Oklahoma St 6-1 @ Kansas St 5-2
Both teams are coming off of losses. The cowboys will be without their star stud receiver Justin Blackmon who received a team one game suspension for violation of team rules. Kansas State QB Carson Hoffman could play a major role in this matchup. Only five FBS teams are giving up more passing yards than the cowboys. The cowboys bring the nation's third leading rusher Kendall Hunter who will be facing one of 3 defense that allow 230 rushing yards per game.

#7 Missouri 7-0 @ #14 Nebraska 6-1
Back in 1892 the Victory Bell tradition began in the third oldest rivalry west of the Mississippi. It was awarded to the winner of this matchup and this presumably will also determine the final home of the Victory Bell. Last season Nebraska came out on top 27-12. Missouri would love nothing more to win this last conference meeting. Nebraska has lost 13 straight games to top 10 teams since 2001. However, this one's at home.

Are You Serious?

2010-10-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

Apparently three prominent San Diego State boosters have refused to accept the loss and are unwilling to give up on "replaygate" by sending an express letter to BYU President Cecil Samuelson on monday directing his staff to "stop the stonewalling" according to an article in signsonsandiego.com. The boosters have asked for the October 9th game to be "forfeited" to the Aztecs if evidence is found of gross negligence or foul play was committed that day. The letter refers to a possible fumble by JJ DiLuigi. No, it didn't happen in the waning seconds of a possible closing game winning drive but in the third quarter. Yes, lemme repeat. The third quarter. Did it decide the game? Not even close when the Aztecs had a full quarter still to work with. There's still a ton of plays to be made on both sides of the ball.

Couple of thoughts and stats here to consider that standout from that game. The cougs had the ball for just over 45 minutes and 24 first downs compared to the Aztecs 12. Those boosters might want to begin looking for blame at the end of their own shirtsleeves before sending a letter to its opponent. The cougs owned the ball and the clock for 45 minutes. How about lookin at Rocky Long the defensive coordinator? He allowed the jerseys in blue twice as many first downs and for the cougs to hold the ball for three fourths of the game. How about looking at Al Borges the Aztec offensive coordinator for not putting more points on the board that day? There was still yet another entire full quarter to work with. How about having some words with Darrell Funk the OL coach who allowed the cougs to hold their star RB Hillman to nearly half of his average (finished with 62 yards) by not blocking better or creating more holes for him to bust through? Consider as well San Diego State was held to -2 yards rushing in the first half.

If that isn't enough and those boosters still have a problem when they have only need to the look to their own Aztec coaching staff to blame they should look at the MWC for botching things up even more. Apparently those in the booth that day were suspended BEFORE a complete analysis was even finished. How about YOUR own university first to submit an express letter to the MWC headquarters for an official investigation with a complete analysis into the matter? It should be the MWC who completes any investigations when necessary not one of its schools. Why not go through the proper channels? Just a thought. Those boosters are expending wasted energy in the complete and wrong direction if they still have a problem with it. Just a thought. Are you truly serious? Teams lose all the time. Peeps get over it and move on. Small recommendation and yet nothing profound here: its in the past. Bury the hatchet and move on. Otherwise, those boosters and any other fans will be carrying unnecessary weight on their shoulders for a long time.

One Last Stand

2010-10-26T08:17:00.001-07:00

With 16 seconds left the Coug defense made one last stand as Kyle Van Noy's paws were able to swat down Wyoming's last hopes for a victory. The jerseys in blue made enough plays in all phases of the game: offense; defense, and special teams to enjoy the sweet taste of victory winning 25-20 saturday. In the process two of its own were recognized as MWC players of the week in Cody Hoffman and Brandon Ogletree.

Ogletree made things happen when in counted in the fourth quarter. Four of his tackles came on the cowboys last offensive drive. On the special teams Hoffman stepped up taking four returns for 104 yards averaging 26 per opportunity. The triple threat of DiLuigi, Kariya and Quezada were able to grind out 229 yards together. Heaps was even able to connect with Ashworth 6 times including a 12 yard pass for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

From the offensive side 9 of the 10 receptions were to receivers which is nice to see that ratio finally. However, Heaps was 10 of 18 for only 81 yards. Did the cougs play to win or were the jerseys in blue playing not to lose? Does the staff have faith in their players constantly calling the shots so conservatively? If many of these cougs athletes are truly those heralded recruits isn't it time to take those training wheels off? Let them mix things up and begin to stretch the field and not be so vanilla. It's sad when fans and opponents already know whats coming before the play has even begun. No more bump and run or nickel and dime plays over and over. It's not the cougars identity. Start stretching the field alot more somehow. How about taking more shots downfield from time to time? Yes, the cougs took care of business on the field saturday and were likely thrilled to see another cougar victory regardless of the manner it came. During this stretch of scheduled teams its time for the staff to allow their players to begin being used more to their strengths. Otherwise, it could be expected that those wins will be even tougher to come by and possibly some coaches on the hotseat in their one last stand.

Home Field Advantage?

2010-10-22T09:43:00.001-07:00

Players, coaches and fans all agree that there is clearly some substance behind a home field advantage. Whether it might be a rowdy student section, the number avid fans it can hold, how loud they can get, or even something else. All these things certainly can effect on the game being played. In college football who really has the home field advantage? Who has the toughest place to play? Could it be Boise State because of their field? How about Notre Dame due to the tradition? Why not Kyle Field for Texas A&M since they have the 12th man?

Based on the records alone those statistics won't lie although they may not identify the reasons why. From football.stassen.com computations plugged in based off home winning percentage since 1970 many of the results were somewhat surprising. The top 10 listed as follows...

Team..............Percent.....Win/Loss/Tie

Nebraska 87.5 231-33
Boise State 84.8 78-14
Texas 83.5 184-36-1
Ohio State 83.4 212-41-3
Oklahoma 84.1 193-36-1
Michigan 82.7 213-43-4
Penn St 81.0 204-48
Florida 80.9 199-45-5
Florida St 78.3 190-52-2
Alabama 78.2 200-55-2

How was it playing in the MWC? With those same computations it was rather fascinating seeing the results. Was Air Force near the top due to the elevation factor? Were the possible distractions of Vegas a factor matching up against UNLV? Who defended their turf (or grass) the best in the MWC? As follows...

BYU 76.9 176-53
Utah 66.1 143-73-1
Air Force 63.4 146-84-1
SD State 62.6 147-87-5
Wyoming 62.3 143-86-2
Colorado St 56.7 118-90-2
TCU 53.6 117-101-4
New Mexico 51.5 116-109-3
UNLV 49.2 89-92-2

Although, we might not have a definitive answer as to the outside influences we can all certainly agree it can clearly be a factor. It's not always an exact science but cougar fans can without question be proud that over the years the jerseys in blue have stood strong and played like a band of brothers and still clearly tops in MWC defending the home field advantage.

First Look

2010-10-21T11:12:00.001-07:00

Midnight Madness allegedly began back in 1971. Since then teams all across the country have given their fans their first look at their beloved teams. Last season the MWC created some buzz across the nation sending four of its teams to the big dance with the country's hoopster fans first look at Jimmer. This season should provide more than its share of excitement. A first look at the MWC teams include the following...

San Diego State (25-9 overall) Steve Fisher
It's hard to debate against the Aztecs combination. Coming off a dismal 4-22 season not much was expected in Steve Fisher's initial season. Fisher returns now for his 11th season with 4 MWC championships and 92 victories in his last 4 seasons under his belt. All five starters return starting with sophomore Kawhi Leonard (6-7) who led the MWC in rebounding. Senior Macolm Thomas (6-9) was second in the MWC for blocked shots and 3rd in offensive rebounding. Ball handling duties are in good hands with senior DJ Gay (6-0) who was 3rd in the assist to turnover ratio.

BYU (30-6 overall) Dave Rose
Another season rolls around with another title hunt very reasonably within reach. Everyone's All American Jimmer Fredette returns for his senior campaign and was ranked 7th nationally in scoring at 22 a game. The other senior half of the backcourt includes Jackson Emery who knocked down 2nd best in school history of 85 threes. Emery is probably more known as one of the best conference defensive shutdown stoppers. Local product Kyle Collinsworth should contend for MWC freshman of the year. The cougs play a worthy schedule and have every reason to believe another appearance in the big dance will certainly be on the schedule.

New Mexico (30-5 overall) Steve Alford
Alford the two time MWC coach of the year has his lobo's back again in the hunt for another conference championship. The lobo's engine starts with senior (6-1) Dairese Gary who has had 97 straight starts. Dairese is a strong poised athletic guard who will leave it all on the court leader who averaged 13 points a game and nearly 4 assists per matchup. Yes, Alford's team lost Darington Hobson but they also pick up two high profile transfers in junior 6-9 Drew Gordon (from UCLA) and sophomore Emmanual Negedu (from Tenn). Negedu (6-7) is a former McDonalds all american nominee. Gordon is a former top 50 player capable of making an immediate impact in the paint.

UNLV (25-9 overall) Lon Kruger
Senior guard Tre'von Willis will be back afterall to lead the rebels this season despite a rather tumultuous summer. Last season Willis averaged over 20 a game and 4 rebounds. UNLV will have some depth including the addition of Kansas sophomore transfer (6-8) Quintrell Thomas who is expected to add some much needed brawn to the rebels frontcourt.

CSU (16-16 overall) Tim Miles
The rams have a young coach in Miles who can certainly squeeze the most out of a rather limited roster. He might not guide his rams into the postseason but certainly Colorado State will be respected. Forward Andy Ogide is the rams most dominant inside player returning with his 12.3 points a game and 7 rebounds. Sophomore point guard Dorian Green showed promise and maturity who was forced into the starting role when 2009 standout Jesse Carr was unable to go.

Wyoming (10-21 overall) Heath Schroyer
This upcoming season the cowboys will be led by a dynamic duo in junior 6-8 Afam Muojeke and sophomore 6-5 guard Desmar Jackson. Jackson, was one of the few positives for the pokes last season returns who averaged nearly 14 a game. Afam looked like a bona fide stud before his season ending injury. Its been a while since the pokes were competitive in the MWC but Muojeke's return should certainly help.

Utah (14-17 overall) Jim Boylen
The reigning MWC defensive player of the year returns in 7-3 junior David Foster. Foster last season was ranked #4 in NCAA with 4 blocks a game and is a solid place to start rebuilding after five players left the program. Things must change soon with Boylen possibly being on notice with the yewts leaving to the Pac12. Otherwise, it will be nice of you to show up.

TCU (13-19 overall) Jim Christian
The frogs will need some players to begin stepping up. In the backcourt is a pair of juniors who both will handle the rock in Ronnie Moss and Hank Thorns who transferred from Virginia Tech). Moss can throw up a solid statline which is good and bad. He averaged 15 points a game and 6 assists. Now the bad, Moss also averaged nearly 4 turnovers a game thus with the addition of Thorns will likely move to the two spot. Thorns has some wheels, makes solid decisions and simply can run the show.

Air Force (10-21 overall) Jeff Reynolds
The falcons problem here is available height. Already lost on the season is starting center 6-11 center Sammy Schafer (concussion) as well his backup freshman Ethan Michael 6-8 who tore his ACL. The cadet's will be led by a pair of seniors in guard Evan Washington and forward Tom Fow. There is much work yet to be done to find a way to get the cadets out of the cellar. Unfortunately, their last NCAA tourney appearance was in 2006 and doesn't look like a return trip will be anytime soon.

One Game At A Time

2010-10-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

Hoop practices have officially begun across the gyms across the country. Soon the seats in the Mariott Center will be filled with screaming fans. The sigh of cougar relief came and went when Jimmer announced he would return for his senior season. Yes, the cougs have thrown together four straight 25 win seasons. Last season the jerseys in blue even won 30 games. Yes, the cougs have also had four straight trips to the Big Dance. Considering a pair of Collingsworth brothers and names like Emerey, Abouo, Jimmer, and Davies on the cougs roster it would be only be natural to have some high expectations for the upcoming season.

Gone from the roster include Jonathan Tavernari, Chris Miles, Michael Lloyd Jr and Tyler Haws. Yes, some big spots to fill. The additions to the this season's names include Anson Winder, Stephen Rogers and Kyle Collingsworth. Winder as a senior led Bishop Gorman HS (NV) to a 30-2 record in a back to back 4a state champs while averaging 17 ppg and 7 rebs. Rogers joins the cougs via Mesa CC and could score in bunches averaging 21.3 per game. As ranked one of the nations top 80 guards by ESPN Kyle Collingsworth was had offers from Kansas, Marquette, Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Virginia and Stanford. Kyle was even named the Deseret News Mr Basketball and Gatorade Player Of The Year.

Making room in the paint will be supplied by sophomore 6-9 Brandon Davies, junior 6-10 James Anderson and 6-9 sophomore Chris Collingsworth. Davies showed serious promise as a freshman even dropping 21 on the yewts and will be looked for his work around the glass this season. Collingsworth is an all around versatile player which fits in nicely with the cougs up tempo system. Anderson a former McDonalds all american nominee has the ability to run the floor is known for his athleticism.

In the offseason 6-5 junior Charles Abouo spent time playing with the Ivory Coast national team. The former Utah 3A player of the year last season scored 22 a season high against TCU. Abouo has a sweet midgame but also has the ability to create his own shot and take the rock to the hoop. Senior 6-6 Logan Magnusson, sophomore Brock Zylstra and Nick Martineau 6-0 should be able to provide some valuable minutes.

The cougs backcourt is a rather unique senior led combination of Jackson Emery and Jimmer Fredette. Emery 6-3 is the typical blue collar defender characterized by his relentess hustle and athletic ability. Jackson could possibly even be the league's top returning defender. Fredette is most likely the most prolific scorer the cougs have had since Danny Ainge. One such example came last season against Arizona when Fredette set a new cougar record for most points in a game with 49. In the offseason Jimmer even spent 10 days working out with TeamUSA. Dick Vitale, Athlon Sports and even Sporting News named him 1st team all american.

Considering what will be stepping onto the court for the cougs this season there definately should be some high expectations. Yes, the strength of the team might be the backcourt. Thus, another trip the to the big dance is not even a question. The bar has been set. Teams win with talent; balance, confidence, consistency and sometimes a little luck. Expectations are high but noone will know how far this crew can roll until those games are played one game at a time.

Photo credit goes to Stuart Johnson/Deseret News

Amazing

2010-10-19T15:18:00.001-07:00

While the cougar fans wait the arrival of Jimmer and the rest of the cougs to hit the court again now is a great time to take a few and think about all the simply amazing moments we've experienced as well as what might lie in store. The season is just around the corner and cougar fans have truly been blessed. What will this year hold in store? Definately well worth checking out TJ Fredette's site (tjfredette.com)! Like Jimmer he's definately got some skills. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsMauWl02vI

Photo credit goes to Justin M Bowen/LV Sun

OC gets the KO

2010-10-19T08:13:00.001-07:00

It appears that both the season and likely career is over for O'neill Chambers. Earlier it was announced that OC was "suspended indefinately" due to disciplinary reasons for the remainder of the 2010 season. This was not the first time Chambers was sidelined either for the same possible reasons having missed the Nevada and Utah State games this season.

The former 3 star recruit receiver and kick off returner from Harmony Florida was definately quite the athlete and competitor. Under former cougar standout Tyler Anderson OC was credited for 39 receptions and 965 yards with 10 TDs as a senior. He was heavily recruited including teams as Florida, Maryland, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Purdue but still chose to come cross country to the cougs.

Last week OC also became the cougs career leader in kickoff return yardage with 1612 yards. Apparently per ESPN Chambers finishes the season and possible career with 40 receptions covering 466 yards and 2 TDs. O'neill certainly isn't short on talent and could have clearly been even more of a difference maker. Wearing a blue jersey as a player and team player though are two completely different things. This team though is seeking to be a true band of brothers. Unfortunately, the abrasive personality and firey attitude may have been the square peg not able to ever completely fit in which may have led to the indefinate dismissal from the team. Chambers talent and playmaking ability will certainly be missed. OC will likely finish the semester with the intention to transfer. Apparently BYU has released OC to a number of FBS schools. The cougs program will carry on with games still to play and to win. Wherever that road takes you OC may you find success in all your hopes and dreams.

Photo credit goes to Trent Nelson/SL Tribune

Cowboy Tough

2010-10-18T12:09:00.001-07:00

Saturday the cougs square off against Wyoming in their ongoing quest to discover their offensive chemistry. The battle between the two 2-5 teams might be exactly what the doctor ordered to help stop the offensive bleeding. Coach Dave Christensen brings his cowboys to Lavell Edwards Stadium with 113th ranked defense and the 120th offense. However, statistically the cougs don't look much better on paper having the 87th best defense and the defense ranked 107th nationally. Which will prevail? Will it be cowboy tough? Or will the cougs come out on top? Those questions will be answered and sorted out when all the dust clears.

Sophomore quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels is the clear cut leader of the cowboys. The San Jose native has connected for over 887 yards 4 TDs and 5 INTs on the season. He has a number of nice weapons to work with. In the backfield sophomore Alvester Alexander will get plenty of touches. Alexander on the ground has rushed for 321 yards and 4 TDs.

Carta-Samuels has a nice surrounding cast. His primary target is senior David Leonard with 25 receptions covering 277 yards and 1 TD. On the other wing is Zach Bolger who has 15 catches for 262 yards and 2 TDs. Look for Austyn Carter-Samuels to also frequently look to Chris McNeill with 17 receptions and 130 yards with 1 TD on the season.

Last season the cowboys might have overachieved in Christensen's first year but Wyoming's program is definately on the rise. Unfortunately, it will take a considerable amount of improvement. The cougs defense should create opportunities and help get the offense rolling. Look for the jerseys in blue to begin to find some consistency on saturday.

Time For Offensive Change?

2010-10-18T08:23:00.001-07:00

At what point does it stop being business as usual? One could only assume when Jaime Hill was let go it was a warning shot across the bow to the rest of the staff. On the season it seems the lifeless cougs are still searching for its offensive identity its heart and soul with a 2-5 record.

Apparently, one cougar fan couldn't hold back any longer wasn't satisfied with the lack of offensive production on the season as well as during the TCU game. The fan shouting "Come on BYU offense play like the defense. Come on you guys play like the defense!". Yes, the alumns, donors and fans in the seats came to see a show and on the year its simply not there. Fans don't want to see something vanilla. They want something special.

http://www.fox13now.com/videobeta/e5c514a7-976e-4ae5-8fc0-e582ac0d73fc/News/

Of the 120 teams ranked in the nation the jerseys in blue currently only rank 107th in total offense. The cougs also unfortunately rank 115th in scoring offense only averaging 14.71 on the scoreboard. Bottom line the coug offense isn't producing any special stats right now. At what point does Robert Anae's offense finally start stretching the field and putting points on the board? In saturday's game against TCU only two passes were caught by the receiving corps. Yes 2. That's it. Only one to a wide receiver and the other to a tight end. The cougs spent over 20 years finding and building upon their identity of being a throwing team. You can't be something you aren't. It simply doesn't work.

In 2009 the cougs finished as the 11th ranked scoring offense in the country. The jerseys in blue in 2007 were 25th in total offense. Back in 2008 the passing was the 6th ranked passing offense. Whether its dropped passes, making gametime adjustments, poor execution, recruiting, bad coaching, or something else something has got to give. With the cougs goin independent and scheduling teams as Oregon State; Texas, Central Florida, West Virginia, and Georgia Tech in the future the coaching staff and those jerseys in blue must begin to raise the bar a hecukva lot higher. Stats like what coug fans have seen will continue to chalk up losses against teams like that. A teams offense in a single year just doesn't simply fall off the map. Something has happened. Changes must be made soon whether formal or behind the scenes to address whatever it might be ailing the cougs. To put things into perspective the jerseys in blue must begin to produce and are in a must win situation for each and every game the rest of the season. Otherwise cougar fans, alumns, and donors can forget even possibly a Humanitarian Bowl.

Upon Further Review

2010-10-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

This last saturday the jerseys in blue played with heart and soul. They came together as a band of brothers who outmuscled, outworked and basically outplayed San Diego State winning 24-21. However, many Aztec fans are still up in arms over a single obvious blown call and apparently are not willing to let it go. Those things are bound to happen in every game. That was ONE call that came as a possible DiLuigi fumble which happened only in the third quarter. Did that replay drama determine the game outcome? Not even a chance with over a full quarter still to work with. San Diego State had every chance to fight back and make the most of its opportunities for a another quarter more. Let's look at some final box score stats. Cougs ran for 271 yards to the Aztecs 53 total. How about first downs? The jerseys in blue had 24 to the Aztecs 12. What about time of possession? The band of brothers held onto the ball just over 45 minutes compared to the Aztecs mere 15 minutes. The final and most important stat was the final score 24-21 which is unfortunate and part of life for the Aztec fans.

At the end of the day it is the head replay referee, a real paid official who actually makes the call or not. That individual was Mike Angelis from Reno NV who was responsible NOT Chad Bunn. Yes, Chad was a BYU employee and in the booth. However, his role was only as a video replay specialist. It was NOT Chad's reponsibility to make any of the decisions on the videotape. Bunn apparently gave absolutely every possible angle to Angelis to view and review. That was his job and he did it admirably. Could there be a conflict of interest having Chad in the booth who had ties to the same school playing? Most likely. However, that was up to the MWC to decide and actually have allowed it to occur. The MWC is supposedly in an ongoing review considering the blown call in all of its possible components. Apparently, the MWC has suspended all 3 involved but has never come out with an official statement on the suspensions or even officially completed its investigation.

Words from Chris Ello himself...

http://1320kfan.com/index.php/audio/listen/djpk_chris_ello_from_xtra_1350_in_san_diego

Many Aztec fans have thrown Chad Bunn and all cougs under a bus spewing hatred with comments. One such example comes from Chris Ello and his San Diego radio station. Those comments have been played and replayed over the radio on 1280 the zone. From the 1280 the zone (awesome station and highly recommend to listen to) link Ello speaks about honor, racism, and calling the cougs as one of the dirtiest teams. He mentioned it all as a front for utter hypocrisy. Is Ello for real? Gimme a break. When was the last time Ello walked the campus? When was the last time he truly interacted with its students and faculty to even begin his case? Not once did Ello in his ranting even begin to back up his claims with anything absolutely close to the truth. His honorless statements deserve an absolute apology to the university and its cougar fans in general on such false classless claims. Start looking at your own team, its gameplan, and why you lost etc. Fact is you lost to an unranked team that was 1-4. Learn to accept it and move on. Teams all across the country lose all the time. Stuff happens. How about also looking to the MWC at its process if you still have a problem before spouting classless claims and lies. Hey, life isn't fair. Aztecs, you might wanna start lookin at Air Force. By the way, you have a game tomorrow with some Cadets who also beat you last year 26-14.

- - - - - - -

Postnote concerning the fumblegate replay SDSU drama. Now evidently, there is now a minor update and is still the only official statement available yet. No further information on the status of the those involved per the MWC official website. As follows...

http://www.themwc.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101510aac.html

Horned Frog Horizon

2010-10-12T15:39:00.001-07:00

Saturday the Cougs might be facing their mightiest challenge yet this season in squaring off against the #4th nationally ranked TCU Horned Frogs who are apparently about a 30 point favorite. The series began in 1987 and very well may be the last meeting between the two on saturday since the Cougs have gone independent with no future contests on the horizon. Coach Gary Patterson has carefully guided his frogs to a 6-0 record thus far dropping an average of 41 a game on opponents. TCU has topped the nation in total defense for the second straight year and the 4th time in 10 years. Horned frog opponents have been held firmly in check only averaging 96 rushing yards a game while scoring a measly 10.33 a game. TCU ranks 7th in the nation for rushing offense and 8th in scoring offense. The horned frogs have averaged this season 481 yards per matchup. Definately some impressive stats for some horned frogs on the horizon.

Its hard to argue with the production of the offense as well led by senior quarterback Andy Dalton who has already thrown for over 1177 yards with 9 TDs and 4 INTs. There are home run threats at every skilled position. In the backfield is a pair of truly dynamic sophomores led by the elusive Ed Wesley who has 87 touches covering 612 yards and 7 TDs. Wesley is a geography major and hopes to be covering some serious ground against the cougs.The other running back isn't a slouch either in Matthew Tucker from Tyler Texas who has 75 carries for 356 yards and 5 TDs. Dalton has a fine set of weapons to work with as well in his senior receiving corps of Jeremy Kerley and Bart Johnson. Kerley is home run threat who has 23 catches on the season for 237 yards and 4 TDs. Johnson definately is a steady commodity with 18 receptions on the year for 192 yards and 2 TDs.

Will the cougs be able to contend with the frogs saturday? Magic can always happen. All things are always possible. Bronco certainly reached the heart and soul of his team last week. The jerseys in blue must step up, play flawless football, control the clock, and hope for a few lucky breaks. It's been said that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. On saturday the cougs must truly emulate exactly that as a band of brothers.

SDSU Out: Gained, Muscled, Outplayed

2010-10-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

Last time the jerseys in blue lost 5 in a row during a single season was back in 1970. The resilience, grit and determination of the band of brothers was not gonna let that happen no matter the cost. Bronco seems to have made all the right decisions saturday beginning in the trenches. In a brilliant move the 62 rushing attempts were the most since 1996. It took the pressure off of Jake and placed it on the shoulders of the offensive line. All those carries allowed the cougs to play keep away with an unheard of time of possession just over 45 minutes. By keeping the Aztec offense off the field it also enabled the cougs to hold San Diego State to a minus 2 rushing yards in the first half and 53 for the entire game. The cougs OL grated the road for 271 rushing yards to beat the Aztecs at their own game 24-21. Di Luigi and Kariya both had 22 carries each. JJ ran for a career high of 134 yards while Brian rushed for another 85. Juice even became one of the backfield staples with 11 touches for 50 rushing yards. Even Matt Marshall became more involved converting a 16 yard pass to Mike Muehlmann on a fake field goal. Yes, a fake field goal keeping the cougar drive alive ultimately resulting in the first TD of the game for the cougs. Nice change from the vanilla keeping defenses honest.

It's definately a beautiful sight to see cougar football back where it should be making plays, executing at a higher level and stretching the field. The defense definately was pumped up and ready to roll. Van Noy emerged as a force finishing the game with 5 tackles, one sack and very easily could have had a fumble recovery. Sophomore linebacker Brandon Ogletree played tough with a pass interception as well. The coug defense stood strong, held together like a band of brothers and made things happen. In short, on saturday the Aztecs were simply outgained, outmuscled and outplayed.

Harrison A Cougar

2010-10-07T08:38:00.000-07:00

Just saw the news come across the twitter wire from both Wrubell and Jay Drew. It's now official. The cougs have received a rather nice hoops commit in 6-4 SG/SF Demarcus Harrison. Harrison is definately a HUGE get for Dave Rose, his staff and the coug fans. The three star recruit from Arden, NC had offers from Florida State, Virginia, Marquette, Oklahoma State, and Clemson but still chose to wear blue. DeMarcus has great range off the catch and can drive the rock to the rim. He's got plenty of tools in his arsenal and has plenty of upside for the cougs to be a special player.

Against All Odds?

2010-10-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vB59PkB0eQ

Yes, what lies at stake might seem absolutely difficult task to turn a season around. Consider the past. Where we came from. For years jerseys in blue didn't experience much continued winning success till about the early 1970s. When teams were calling very run heavy offensive schemes as the veer and the wishbone it was then that Lavell turned things completely upside down. Now the cougs have a national championship. The cougs also have a Heisman Trophy. They have won 23 conference championships. Participated in 28 bowl games. Bronco had to completely change not only the winning attitude again after taking over for Crowton but also cleaning an image. He restored the cougs back on the map. Can one forget the words spoked by Wrubell "caught for the touchdown"? Or how about what looked like a no way humanly possible 4th and 18 followed by an Unga TD? How about the unbelieveable victory in Dallas over then the #3 Oklahoma Sooners? Is it really that hard to recall seeing Andrew George still running? It's time for the cougs to get back to their core stretching the field and putting points on the board. Yes, Bronco made a needed change with his reason based off in getting back inside the players heart and motivation. Legendary coach Vince Lombardi echoed those similar words "Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their players and motivate." Is it possible to turn things around? No reason why Bronco can't install a winning attitude again and make us all believers again in cougar football. Time will only tell who's fully invested but all things are certainly possible with the desire and motivation to leave no doubt placing absolutely everything out on the field. Hey anyone can be beat on any given saturday.

Aztecs Attack

2010-10-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday the cougs return to Happy Valley hoping to begin turning their season around and will certainly have their hands full. The jerseys in blue lead the series 26-7-1 and are 15-2 all time against the Aztecs in LES stadium. Last season the Aztecs were 4-8 and held the nation's 116th ranked rushing attack. Last season the cougs also were 11-2 with a 44-20 Las Vegas Bowl thrashing of Oregon State. Oh how times have changed. San Diego State comes to LES with a 4-1 record averaging 38 points and posting 500 plus yards a game. The Aztec sport the 7th best offense in the nation and 21st best defense put together by former head coach Rock Long.

This season Ryan Lindley is guiding the Aztecs off to its best start in 29 years. Sporting News rated Ryan as the MWC best passing QB. Lindley on the year has already thrown for 1174 yards with 6 TDs and 2 INTs. Ryan certainly has a dynamic duo of receivers to work with. DeMarco Sampson has 19 receptions for 373 yards and 2 TDs while Vincent Brown has 20 catches for 332 yards and 2 TDs. Lindy's even voted Sampson as "best hands" in the league. The offense doesn't end there either. In the backfield is true freshman Ronnie Hillman from La Habra who is averaging 133 yards and has 8 TDs.

Top Or Bottom Of The Hill

2010-10-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

It began back in 2006 when Brian Mitchell (now with the Memphis Tiger coaching staff) left the Cougs for greener grass at Texas Tech. Jaime Hill was brought in as a defensive coordinator. However, sometime after the Cougs were dismantled friday and basically handed their football cleats by the Aggies an option was given to end things. Resign or to be relieved of your duties effective immediately. Apparently, Jaime chose the other. Somewhere in between things have gone way off track. The last time the jerseys in blue were 1-4 was back in 1973. Hill began as an assistant with San Fransisco State back in 1987 and has been to through 11 stops in his stints since. Was it a matter of coaching differences, leadership and philosophy? Could be. Maybe the stats also speak for themselves. On the season the Cougs rush defense was ranked dead last. Yes, dead last out of 120 team giving up roughly 259 yards a matchup. The total defense was ranked 101. Maybe its also a lack of pressure on opponents QBs? The cougs are currently ranked 107th only finding an average of one sack a game. Right now, the jerseys in blue defense simply put isn't pretty.

Could there be more changes in store? Would only have to assume that all aspects of the football program will certainly be evaluated at some point. On the other side of the ball things might not look much better. The fans certainly want to see some points on the board. Yet, the cougs scoring offense is ranked 114th averaging only 15.2 per contest.

Is the talent there? One of the recruiting services byu.scout.com has the 2010 class ranked as the 22nd best in the nation. The 2009 class was ranked 40th best. How about the 2008 class? They were listed as the #57th best. Even the 2007 class was ranked 42nd. Certainly on paper the talent has got to be present. However, translating paper to what's on the field is often a different story. Something is without question amiss. Will this change things on paper? Only time will tell. Yet, there's no question Bronco, staff and players will certainly have their hands full considering what's left on schedule. Never forget though groups and indivuals who put in the work, surround themselves with greatness, with a vision and do things right at some point of time somehow magic happens. One can only hope.

Different Shade Of Blue

2010-10-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

Friday the Aggies ended a 10 game losing streak against the Cougs and in a major way almost to a sense a different shade of blue. Unfortunately, it wasn't pretty as Utah State throttled the Cougs 31-16 owning the field overall for 434 yards with 192 through the air and 242 on the ground. The aggies defense also held BYU in check limiting DiLuigi to only 42 yards and 1 TD. Freshman Joshua Quezada did begin to get more involved rushing 6 times for 20 yards. The list of injuries from previous games continued to pileup. Much of the second half was played defensively by the Cougs without the services of leading tackler Adam Rich (stinger and upper arm contusion) and Jordan Pendleton (knee sprain). Shane Hunter had a game high 13 tackles while Jadon Wagner and Travis Uale had 10 each. It doesn't get any easier as the Cougs fall to 1-4 with the loss and face San Diego State at home who throttled the aggies 41-7.

Bringing Their "A" Game

2010-09-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

On a short week the Cougs must prepare to face the Aggies friday at 6 pm in Logan with ESPN giving the tv coverage. The play by play analysis will be provided by Joe Tessitore and Rod Gilmore giving his game analysis. Fridays matchup sports both teams trying to make sense of their seasons with identical 1-3 records which began playing each other back in 1922. Over the years the Aggies have their own storied tradition as well. Names that stand out include Chris Cooley, Eric Hipple, Rulon Jones, Kevin Curtis, Phil Olsen and of course the legend himself Merlin Olsen. The field itself is played on SprinTurf and was named in his honor. Romney Stadium stadium seats 25,513 and includes their own student section named "The Hurd". Utah State last win against the Cougs came in a shootout back in 1993 58-56. The aggies this season will be sporting new uniforms as well even helmet stickers by a 71 honoring aggie great Merlin Olsen who passed away back in March.

Utah State's engine begins with Diondre Borel a senior QB and sociology major who last season led the aggies to an all time high of 3,343 total offensive yards overall. On the season Borel is 63 of 116 for 832 yareds 4 TDs and 4 INTs. The dual threat quarterback from Oakley California needs 393 total offensive yards to reach 7000 career yards. Borel has some weapons of his own and names that Cougar fans will likely hear often on friday. In the backfield is powerful senior RB Derrvin Speight from Irving Texas who has 54 carries for 221 yards with 2 Tds. On the ground the aggies are ranked 49th in the nation at 168 yards per contest.

Through the air, Utah State's attack is ranked 65th averaging 211 yards. So yes the aggies have the ability to stretch the field and move the ball. Diondre's receiving corps consists of sophomore Dontel Watkins (6.2/193), Xavier Martin (5.11/195) a junior from Baltimore and Eric Moats (5.11/182). Both Watkins and Martin are JC transfers with some wheels. Watkins apparently ran the 40 in 4.25 while Martin posted a 4.33. Dontel has 18 receptions on the year for 242 yards and 2 TDs. Xavier has 10 catches good for 133 yards and 1 TD. Moats has 9 catches for 108 yards with 1 TD. While the game has the Cougs slightly favored it still looks like it could be a solid matchup with both teams bringing their "A" game.

Picking Up The Pieces

2010-09-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

With the Cougs limping away from its 3rd loss in 4 games the jerseys in blue are still looking for answers trying to put the puzzle pieces together. The Cougs will also be without the services of junior Romney Fuga who is done for the season injuring his ACL and LCL. Absolutely no clue and appalling how an entire officiating crew could miss that one. Considering as young as the jerseys in blue are and have the fourth toughest schedule in the nation can only help ease the pain so much. Some positives from saturday? Holding a team that averaged nearly 51 a game to 27 for starters. The cougs also only had one penalty and had no turnovers. It was nice to see Hoffman seeing more looks. Also a beautiful site was having "Juice" getting more involved. Hoffman and Quezada by all means should have outstanding careers and those need more touches. The Heaps era is also officially underway and the passing game is starting to take shape with 229 yards against the wolfpack. Lets remember that Heaps is only beginning to get the necessary full time reps to learn his receivers. In the last three previous games the Cougs only mustered 115 yards against FSU, 73 yards again Air Force and 131 with the Washington matchup. So yes the air attack is making strides.

Whats missing though from the passing game are the tight ends. Through the first four games the TE position has only 7 catches. By comparison in the Oklahoma game last year alone there were 10. Got four freshmen at the position in Austin Holt, Devin Mahina, Richard Wilson, and Mike Muehlmann who were all great recruits. The tight ends must get more involved. Someone has got to step up for the air game to be complete and keep defenses honest.

On defense the secondary has been solid considering both Logan (was even a gametime decision) and Rich were banged up. Apparently junior linebacker Jameson Frazier even broke his thumb in the Nevada matchup but returned to action and is not expected to miss any time against the aggies. Andrew Rich on the season is the second in the nation for solo tackles with 30 and 47 overall. Unfortunately, that is not a good sign. Stopping the run has got to be a priority when seeing the Cougs are currently ranked 112th against the run. Keep in mind Nevada went for it on almost every fourth down definately not showing the Cougs defense any respect. Pendleton is clearly a presence who makes plays but somehow others must begin to step up especially with losing Fuga. Stout and Van Noy need to find a way to get on the field more. The potential is there and with more reps understanding the schemes and the execution at a higher level will happen.

In every game there will always be some questionables. Back the truck up what did I miss. Those kind of things. Not sure how the Cougs can only find a 2 yard punt and on a fourth and four calling a sweep. With the schedule beginning to "lighten" up things should begin to improve for the Cougs being a 6 point favorite. Although, this week will be a short one as the Cougs travel to Logan matching up against the Aggies.

Keys To The Game

2010-09-23T07:45:00.001-07:00

No question the Cougs will have their hands full on saturday. Currently USATODAY has the wolfpack favored by 4. A few keys to the saturdays matchup could include the following...

-Limit Nevada's possible "activity". Take away their chances and opportunities. Gotta play keepaway. This means total ball control (time of possession included) as well as penalties.

-Figure out schemes regardless of position. Last few games have seen far too many missed tackles, lack of execution, blown secondary coverages or even simply looking completely lost out there, etc.

-Chemistry and coming together. Gotta get into a groove. Handing the reins over to Jake should help considerably developing a rhythm with the receiving corps. The defense stepping up playing as one. The sum is greater than its parts in finding the teams identity.

OC Downtime?

2010-09-23T07:24:00.001-07:00

Heading into saturday's game newly announced starter Jake Heaps will have one less weapon to work with. It was announced late wednesday that O'neill Chambers has been suspended for two games as well as all practices for disciplinary reasons. On the season the junior WR from Harmony FL has 5 catches for 48 yards, 8 kickoff returns for 17.8 yard average, and 4 punts for 11.2 yard average.

No More Carousel

2010-09-21T17:15:00.001-07:00

Stunning news earlier today for cougar fans. Any quarterback controversy that may have existed is over. Riley Nelson will have season ending surgery on his non-throwing shoulder to repair damage sustained. No question injuries can be expected as it is a part of football. His anticipated recovery is approximately 4-5 months. It is rather unfortunate circumstances though to end any quarterback carousel this season. The junior quarterback ends the 2010 campaign 20 of 40 for 205 yards and 2 TDs. On the ground Riley ran for 148 yards on 31 attempts with a solo TD. His grit and ability to improvise will be missed and look forward to his return.

Week Three Power Poll

2010-09-21T09:34:00.001-07:00

Week three power poll rankings as I see it.

1. TCU (3-0) The horned frogs just look simply solid across the board. The 14th ranked offense overall is scoring 45 on average per game while the #4 ranked defense holding steady only allowing opponents 12 per matchup. Overall, TCU is ranked #4 in the AP25 poll and #5 by the coaches poll. Shouldn't be losing anytime soon in conference. Matchup to watch Nov 6 when they travel to Utah.

2. Utah (3-0) Yes, the team up north might have a glossy schedule thus far (per Sagarin #96 toughest schedule). However, they have also been dropping on average 40 a game on opponents. Definately be interesting to see where things stand after Nov 13th of three solid consecutive matchups (at Air Force, TCU and at Notre Dame).

3. Air Force (2-1) Coach Calhoun clearly has the falcons building upon last years 8-5 team and in the right direction. Last week the nations top running team piled up 351 yards against the historically tough then ranked #8 Sooners. The team from Colorado Springs is definately a force to be reckoned with.

4. BYU (1-2) Still many questions remain yet to be answered. With the reins having been officially turned over to Heaps now its a question of when will the rhythm and team chemistry begin to come together? If things don't mesh quickly another consecutive Las Vegas bowl trip may not be even close on the horizon and the slide could continue even farther.

5. San Diego St (2-1) This season the Aztecs are averaging 237 yards a game on the ground while only giving up 94. With the Aztec offense it's very reasonable to expect possibly a winning season in Brady Hoke's second season. Last week showed some of that grit in a tough loss at Missouri 27-24.

6. Wyoming (1-2) The cowboys have a brutal first half of the schedule ( Southern Utah, at Texas, Boise State, Air Force, at Toledo, at TCU, Utah, and BYU). Coach Dave Christensen and his sophomore QB Austyn Carta-Samuels will clearly have their hands full this season.

7. New Mexico (0-3) One can only wonder with last seasons 1-11 performance another rebuilding year and more off the field distractions how long can 2nd year coach Mike Locksley last?

8. UNLV (0-3) The rebels are rebuilding again with new head coach Bobby Hauck (who took Montana to 3 Football Championship Subdivision title games in seven seasons). Can Omar Clayton stay healthy all season? It could be an long season and uphill battle for the rebels.

9. CSU (0-3) In its first three games the rams have only averaged scoring 6 points. Yes 6. Until an offense gets clicking on all cylinders dropping 6 on an opponent won't help a team win many games anytime soon.

Are You Ready To Rumble

2010-09-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

Former cougar Jan Jorgensen will make his MMA debut against former UCLA defensive lineman Jerzy Siewierski in orem on friday. At 6.2 and 296 Jerzy is by no means a slouch. The former bruin from Sparks Nevada was a history major and likely is looking for some historical payback of his own. Last time a bunch of bruins were in happy valley it wasn't a pleasant outcome when considering 59-0. The Janimal back in high school won the 3A state championship as a senior in only his first year of competitive wrestling and eventually found his way to the cougs DL graduating in social studies education. He started all 52 games in his outstanding collegiate career finishing off as the conference all time leader in 44 tackles for loss. Jorgensen is also tied with former TCU defensive specialist Jerry Hughes for the MWC all time sack leader with 28.5. Rushing quarterbacks and stopping the run might be one thing but this is the MMA. Welcome to the bigtime. Tickets on sale at smithtix.com for those interested.

Wolfpack At A Glance

2010-09-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Things don't any easier saturday with the Wolfpack coming to town. Nevada comes into the game 3-0 averaging over 50 a game. USATODAY does have the pack as a 3.5 favorite as well as the cougs playing the 5th toughest schedule in the country. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick could very well be among some of the better signal callers in the nation this year directing an offense. Colin has thrown 81 times connecting on 57 for 728 yards and 5 TDs with no INTs. The senior quarterback from Turlock California is also one of their leading rushers with 39 carries eating up 369 yards and 7 TDs. In the backfield is Vai Taua a bruiser who has piled up some impressive numbers as well. Vai has accumulated 320 yards and 4 TDs on the season. Nevada is ranked first in the nation currently averging nearly 345 yards of rushing offense. Definately scary offense. By comparison the cougs have only averaged 147 yards on the ground and 155 in the air. Oh, how times have changed. The jerseys in blue has taken some lumps and that learning curve must happen soon.

Tallahassee Tutorial

2010-09-20T13:36:00.001-07:00

Saturday's matchup was frankly a tutorial in a 34-10 smackdown. The seminoles attack dominated the Cougs up and down the field with Christian Ponder throwing for 149 yards and the Seminoles grinding out 278 yards on the ground. Its definately not a positive sign and is rather concerning seeing so many missed tackles when Chris Thompson hauls off for 123 yards while Ty Jones scampers for another 95 yards. Often in games as such I do believe that those are more about our personnel, our matchup and our instruction. Yes, essentially learning experiences and teaching moments. Losing as much experience as the Cougs did the jerseys in blue will be expected to go through some growing pains.

Were the keys finally and officially handed over to Heaps? That remains to be seen and lies in the hands of the coaching staff. On the other hand, it is clearly a step in the right direction. Only with a leader firmly in place can a team begin to find its chemistry and rhythm giving it a better sense of direction. Heaps finished 15 of 31 for 114 yards while posting his first offical touchdown connection to Cody Hoffman who had 5 catches for the day. The OL must begin providing much better time and protection for whoever is calling the shots behind center. Pretty much any team that allows 8 sacks will lose a game at this level and clearly must be improved upon. It was rather enjoyable seeing DiLuigi step up yet again posting 18 carries for 93 yards. The learning curve will happen. Those jerseys in blue will come together. Yes, the future is bright with the pieces in place. Although, that learning curve must happen and quickly considering the dangerous wolfpack rolls into town saturday. The schedule might not get any easier this upcoming week but its always nice to be at home.

Bush's Fumble

2010-09-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

Named after the former Brown University and Georgia Tech football player John Heisman the trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding football player in college football. In 2005 Reggie Bush was awarded the trophy. However, on September 14th , Bush who had apparently received payments from outsiders revealed that he would return his trophy. The Heisman Trust also announced that the award for that season would remain vacant for the first time in the trophy's history.

Although, the star running back gave up the presitigious award voluntarily it is rather obvious that he would have not given it up if those allegations wouldn't have become public. Bush knew he had agreed not to make money nor to accept it, yet he chose to do so anyway. Taking money for one's labor and or services itself is not wrong. Being paid for the use of one's name or public persona is not wrong in itself either when those opportunities arise. However, it is wrong to say one thing and the other when a promise has been made in principle regardless of what level from a handshake, verbal or written agreement.

This incident as well as other numerous examples bring up a slew of unanswered questions. Should Reggie and other athletes as well as coaches be punished for their actions? Is stripping the Heisman from Bush an appropriate coarse of action? Should college athletes get paid? Would it give new meaning to a "full ride" scholarship? Could it be said that college athletes are actually getting paid with a free education? Who do we celebrate and choose as our heroes? The answers to these questions remain yet to be found but all have compelling arguments and likely won't be found till as a society we take a hard look ourselves at what those core values are. Thoughts?

Sunshine State Square Off

2010-09-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

This week the Cougs travel across country to Doak Campbell Stadium (seats 82,300 and is the 14th largest stadium in the NCAA) to square off with the Seminoles who are looking to bounce back from a thrashing at the hands of Oklahoma on saturday 3:30pm ET on ESPNU with the call from Pam Ward (play by play) and Danny Kanell's analysis. Last meeting between the two wasn't exactly pretty 54-28 for the jerseys in blue. Presently, Sheridan's odds at USATODAY has FSU favored by 10. Gone from the Seminole equation is longtime coach Bobby Bowden after 34 years. "The traditions and values of things aren't going to change. But the approach we take is going to change some" as quoted by new headcoach Jimbo Fisher.

On offense the Seminoles seem to be stacked and return what many teams across the country would truly desire. At the helm is a three year starter and NFL prospect in senior Christian Ponder with his entire OL returning. With only 12 carries junior RB Ty Jones spots a 10.3 avg for 124 yards and 1 TD. At the other slot fellow junior RB Jermaine Thomas has 19 touches for 89 yards and 2 TDs this season. The receiving corps both juniors include Bert Reed with 8 receptions for 81 yards while Taiwan Easterling from Hattiesburg MS isn't shabby either with 7 catches for 120 yards and 2 TDs. By comparison, on the season the Cougs two returning starters Chambers has 3 catches for 21 yards while Jacobsen also only has 3 for 33 yards. No question both coug receivers needs more touches and whoever is behind center for the blue jerseys must make that happen.

As the new head coach of the Seminole's one of Jimbo's first moves was luring Mark Stoops from Arizona who has since setup a new defensive scheme of zone coverages and blitzes. Unfortunately, one of those individual's involved who FSU was hoping to be a shutdown corner was sophomore Greg Reid who has seem to have struggled. Last week sooner QB Landry Jones spotted 30 of 40 for 380 yards on the Seminoles. It will be interesting to see if the Cougs can take advantage of that. The jerseys in blue definately need to somehow begin to find some offensive and defensive rhythm. Despite a possible cougar rebuilding year it will be interesting to watch to see how things play out.

Two Road Identity

2010-09-14T11:05:00.001-07:00

There comes a time when an individual cannot contain their silence any longer. Cougar nation just witnessed a game where the jerseys in blue were systematically dismantled. Yes, losing might be one thing if it is to a team you really shouldn't be on the field with or to another team where it was a close loss. Here's the problem. That was a game that the Cougs should not have lost in a manner which they did. Why then? Well lets look at its history briefly. The jerseys in blue have such an amazing rich tradition and identity. Names like McMahon, Young, Detmer, Shiede, Bosco, Nielsen, Wilson, Sarkisian, Feterik, Doman, Walsh, Beck and Max have helped tremendously in giving the Cougs such an identity as a quarterback factory. Cougar fans would love to know who's next. I'm among those. Currently the program is at a crossroads. Which path does it take? Nelson Street? Or Heaps way? When an entity goes into battle it clearly must have a leader. As the situation stands the tough decision has not been made of choosing one over the other. That choice needs to be made soon. In fact, should have been made long ago. Long before the first gametime snap. What is clear to the cougs that this is a rebuilding year. I'm fine with that. Every team across the nation will have its lumps here and there.

Our identity has been even inscribed and etched into our own scoreboard. The answer is not far. Tradition, spirit and honor. McMahon. Detmer. Bosco. etc. Its not that hard to figure out our tradition. You don't change an identity of an entire program of over 25 years for one player. The cougs hauled in an expectional recruiting class to get an education and play some football. If some of those student athletes are really that good by all means get them some playing time. If you have some Ferrari's or BMW's sitting in garage you don't drive the VW Bug. By not making those choices you don't give that team a leader and can certainly hurt your recruiting in the future. I'm sorry Coug nation but two quarterbacks equals no quarterbacks and typically incurs terrible results. The choice is yours in a two road identity.

I Want You

2009-02-07T08:45:00.000-08:00

...to get to work now. That's what many collegiate football coaches across the country now are telling their recent recruits. Many of you are well aware that this past wednesday was the national letter of intent day. Young impressional student athletes across the nation placed their name on the dotted line announcing their commitment. The Cougs snagged 21 of these fine young athletes. With the jerseys in blue coming off their third consecutive ten win (or more) season there is much optimism for the Cougs bright future. Yes, they may have "whiffed" on some of the big names (Manti, Xavier, Filiaga, etc) but overall this committed Cougar class fills some needs, adds some depth and may be one of the strongest in recent years. Besides what are stars? Bryan Kehl (now with the New York Giants) was only 2 stars. One of the Cougs finest running back Curtis Brown was listed as only 1 star. Current starter Harvey Unga was scratched down with 2 stars when he signed. On the other side of the coin Ben Olsen, Ofa Mohetau and no show Walt Williams were all listed as 5 stars as examples. We all know how those turned out. Never played a down for the Cougs (don't forget 4 star Magnum Mauga).

This years addition to the Cougar den includes...

Lee Aguirre 5-9/200DB Fullerton Junior College
Terry Alletto 6-4/280OL Parker CO
Jordan Atkinson 6-3/225LB Diablo Valley JC
Trevor Bateman 5-111/185DB Palm Desert CA
Craig Bills 6-2/200DB Provo UT (Timpview HS)
Thomas Bryson 6-5/230DE Layton UT
Tui Crichton 6-4/290OL Provo UT (Timpview HS)
Jray Galea'i 6-0/185DB Kahuku HS
Anthony Heimuli 5-11/225RB Orem UT (Mountain View HS)
Adam Hine 6-1/175RB Santa Clara (Snow Canyon HS)
Cody Hoffman 6-4/200WR Crescent City CA
Brian Logan 5-9/185DB Football Junior College
Peni Maka'afi 5-10/215RB Layton UT
Mitch Matthews6-5/195WR Beaverton OR
Ryan Mulitalo 6-4/290OL West Valley (Hunter HS)
Remington Peck 6-5/222TE South Jordan (Bingham HS)
Brett Thompson 6-3/210WR El Dorado Hills CA
Fono Vakalahi 6-4/320OL Bryan TX
Kyle Van Noy 6-4/210LB Reno NV
Brad Wilcox 6-7/265OL Edmond OK
Richard Wilson 6-3/222TE Spanish Fork

Definately a great group of kids overall with some wonderful future potential. One can't forget that some of this year's incoming also includes (whether via transfers, missions, requalified, etc)...

Robbie Buckner 5-10/165DB Ashdown AR
Romney Fuga 6-2/280DL Huntington Beach CA
McKay Jacobsen 6-0/185WR Southlake TX
Aveni Leung-Wai 6-1/220LB Grossmont JC
Devin Mahina 6-6/225TE Upland CA
Marcus Matthews 6-4/200WR Beaverton OR
Riley Nelson 6-1/195QB Logan UT
Brandon Ogletree 6-0/215 McKinney TX
Riley Stephenson 6-0/175PK St George UT
Houston Reynolds 6-3/295OL Provo (Timpview HS)
Malosi Teo 5-11/195RB Kahuku HI
Manase Tonga 6-1/230RB San Mateo CA

MWC 2008 Team

2009-01-14T15:11:00.000-08:00

With the season over, the lights turned off, the yewts fresh off their Sugar Bowl victory, and Collie headed to the next level now is as good of a time to announce the 4th & 18 version of this years All MWC Team. As follows...

Coach Of The Year (Kyle Whittingham) Utah
QB Brian Johnson (6.1/205 SR) Utah
RB Gartrell Johnson (6.0/225 SR) CSU
RB Devin Moore (5.10/190 SR) Wyoming
WR Austin Collie (6.2/205 JR) BYU
WR Ryan Wolfe (6.1/205 JR) UNLV
TE Dennis Pitta (6.5/250 JR) BYU
OL Ray Feinga (6.5/330 SR) BYU
OL Blake Schlueter (6.3/275 SR) TCU
OL Zane Beadles (6.4/310 JR) Utah
OL Robert Conley (6.1/315 SR) Utah
DL Matt Panfil (6.2235 SR) TCU
DL Paul Kruger (6.5/255 SO) Utah
DL Jan Jorgensen (6.3/255 JR) BYU
DL Jerry Hughes (6.2/250 JR) TCU
LB Jason Phillips (6.1/235 SR) TCU
LB Stevenson Sylvestor (6.2/220 JR) Utah
LB Robert Henson (6.1/230 SR) TCU
DB Brice McCain (5.9/190 SR) Utah
DB Stephen Hodge (6.0/21 SR) TCU
DB Deandre Wright (5.11/195 SR) New Mexico
DB Sean Smith (6.3/215 JR) Utah
PK Louis Sakoda (5.10/175 SR) Utah
PR/KR Jeremy Kerley (5.10/185 SO) TCU

Hats off to Kyle Whittingham who has continued the yewt success over 8 straight bowl games and 2 BCS bowl victories winning the Bryant Coach of the year award in the process. Yewt quarterback Brian Johnson performed admirably all year while staying healthy. In fact, Johnson lit up the nations #3 defense in a hostile environment answering all questions throwing for 336 yards and 3 TDs. Colorado State back Gartrell Johnson put his finishing touches on a great senior year (1476 rushing yards with 285 coming from the New Mexico Bowl alone). In 2006 Ryan Wolfe was a freshman All American and showed again why with over 1000 receiving yards and 6 TDs this season. Senior DeAndre Wright finished his career and third season as the full time starter ans strength of the Lobo defense. Definately will be interesting to see what next year will hold in store for the Cougs as well as the conference.

Reno In Provo

2009-01-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

While hosting numerous potential recruits this weekend the Cougars received its latest commitment from Reno Nevada in Kyle Van Noy, one of the top linebackers in the west and 9th rated overall (per scout.com). Kyle helped lead his team (McQueen High School) to a state title with a perfect 14-0 record. The 6.4/200 four star linebacker registered 79 tackles (55 solo), 14 sacks, caused 6 fumbles, 4 fumbles recovered and even included 8 deflected passes while maintaining a 3.5GPA in the classroom. Van Noy is a beast with a motor that doesn't stop. Kyle should be a warm welcome to the jerseys in blue defense. Apparently he squats 350, benches 255 and has a 32 inch vertical. Van Noy was receiving interest from UCLA, Colorado, Arizona State, among others besides the Cougs. In the end he will wear the Cougar blue and I'll be looking forward to see him striding in style onto the field.

White Out Sell Out

2009-01-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

Off to its best start in eight seasons the #6 ranked visiting Wake Forest (12-0) Demon Deacons will square off in a sell out at the Marriott Center local time 6PM. With no remaining seats available for the rest of us the "game seats" will be seen on "The Mtn" and radio coverage on 1160AM. According to the ESPN power poll WF is ranked #5 while the jerseys in blue are at #24. There will be over 20 scouts present to witness the white out as the Cougs continue to ride the nations longest home streak at 53. Although the Cougs are favored by 3 (per vegasinsider.com) the jerseys in blue will definately have their hands full. The demon deacons have 6 players 6'8 or taller and it shows as Wake Forest is in the top 5 nationally in RPG and in the rebounding margin. The deacons are a young team but have an immense amount of talent. Of the core players there are 2 juniors, 2 sophomores and 1 freshman. They are led by sophomore Jeff Teague (6.2G) who is averaging 18.8/game. Al-Farouq Aminu (6.8F) has all the tools and talent to play small forward at the next level. Aminu is dropping 12.9 points per game as a freshman and while clearing 9.1 boards per matchup. The other sophomore is James Johnson (6.8F) who averages 12.8 and 7.7 rebounds per game. At center is seven foot junior Chas McFarland who barely left the bench under Skip Prosser yet now averages 10.3 with 6.6 rebounds. If the Cougs can play some solid defense, find a way to clear the boards/work the paint and drop a few threes I definately like our chances.

Thank You

2008-12-29T15:12:00.000-08:00

Yeah the Quest is over. No, the Cougs didn't have that perfect season. No, the jerseys in blue weren't able to see another conference championship. No, we weren't able to beat the heathen team up north. And no, we didn't win a bowl game. It was fun while it lasted. There's plenty of time now to reflect, regroup, and recruit. Yes, it's that time of the year (tis the season) for all the things to be thankful for. The tradition. The spirit. And the honor that the Cougs stand for. There were 117 Cougs listed on the roster this year (per the official website). The Cougs found paydirt 59 times while hittin 13 FGs for the season (I'm still waiting for one to run back). The season officially got underway with Lavell carrying out the alumni flag against Northern Iowa. It was a season receiving national attention while blocking a kick at Washington. This years performance included the stunning shellacking shutout of the tradition found in UCLA at home. It included the dismantling of Wyoming. The cougs remained perfect defending the home turf. Collie set all kinds of receiving records including consecutive 100YD receiving games. Over the past three years the jerseys in blue have gone 32-7. The future is still bright with incoming and returning players. There are still teams on the schedule (just not this season). There will still be big games. There will be conference championships and more opportunities to stick it to the yewts. To all the readers out the in blog-land thank you for making this all possible. Best wishes to each and everyone (yes even the yewts) in the coming New Year!

Raising Arizona

2008-12-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

Will the last one to leave please turn out the lights? Folks, unfortunately this seasons "Quest" is over. Arizona went into the bowl favored by three but might as well been favored by ten with the embarrasing performance. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, look at the photos and sadly they pretty much sums things up. It was supposed to be a bright picture heading into the season returning all the offensive weapons. The Cougs were to add another MWC crown. They were predicted to be this years collegiate BCS buster. Virtually the entire starting OL would be in the trenches again. However, there isn't always that fairy tale ending. Saturdays outing was no fairy tale (if anything was a nightmare) that included mental mistakes, sloppy plays, turnovers and too many penalties. The talent was there but certainly not the execution. Yes the bitterness and bleeding will stop but will take some time to lick the wounds, head back to the boards and make some adjustments(Photo Credit Max/Tom Smart & Reed/Trent Neilson).

With the wildcats first postseason victory in 10 years the Cougs now have lost 5 of their last 7 bowl appearances. Willie Tuitama saturday looked like a Heisman candidate throwing 24 of 35 for 325 yards with 2 TDs and no interceptions. It seemed the Cougar defense had no answers and the offense threw away missed opportunities (3 missed FGs and 2 fumbles for starters). In the losing effort Austin Collie extended his consecutive 100 yard receiving games to 11 with 119. Constantly taking the backseat to Collie was Michael Reed who ended his collegiate career with 9 catches for 117 yards. Reed's playmaking on the field will be missed whether it was making the difficult catches or simply blocking downfield paving the way for Collie.

Yes, the mistakes hurt but great teams find a way to fight through adversity. Vakapuna went down early with a shoulder seperation and did not return. Fui's contribution played a vital role in helping Unga steamroll to yet another 1000 yard season.

Likely the biggest question on everyone's mind concerns Collie. Will he be back? Max has said he believe's he's staying another year. If it were you would you stay? When money talks one can't blame the who owns the most Cougar receiving yards in history (as well as in a single season) if he leaves.

Complete Bowl-over

2008-12-15T15:50:00.000-08:00

Tis the season again for the collegiate bowl games to be played out. Its that festive time of year for the teams to put up or shut up. Who will step up and who will hang their heads. College football is without question momental. Back in 2003 more than $210 million was distributed as a result to NCAA schools with that number increasing ever since. It is part of tradition of over 90 years. The tv audience has reached well over 125 million households. Increased donations, school visibility, endorsements, ticket sales and recruiting all factor into the equation. Bowl games generate an estimated $1.3 billion worth of econonic impact on host communities. In addition to the Cougs heading to a bowl this year's matchups include...

Dec 20th
Eaglebank Bowl (Wake Forest 7-5/Navy 8-4) ESPN 9AM This is deja vu. Navy came out on top back on Sep 27th (24-17) but will it be the same story? Wake Forest has been dependent on its 19th best defense nationally to create opportunities to win games. Yet, Navy has won four of its last five.
New Mexico Bowl (CSU 6-6/Fresno State 7-5) ESPN 12:30PM Could be somewhat evenly of a matchup posting two NFL prospects (CSU/Kory Sperry, FSU/Bear Pascoe). The rams last bowl was back in 2005. Should be a fun one to watch.
St Petersburg Bowl (Memphis 6-6/So Florida 7-5) ESPN2 2:30PM Memphis heads into the matchup with its fifth bowl in the past six seasons. South Florida has lost five of its last seven games but should clearly have a decided home advantage (roughly 30 minutes away). The teams are former Conference USA rivals. South Florida has the 9th best rushing defense nationally (only allowing 97.7 yards/game) and I like the Bulls chances in this one.
Vegas Bowl (BYU 10-2/Az 7-5) Sat 20 Dec 6PM ESPN
The Cougs are fast becoming a familiar tourist attraction in Vegas with their 4th consecutive appearance while the 'cats are just happy to be ending a nine year absence from postseason action. In 2008 the MWC went 6-1 against the PAC10 in regular season play. Arizona ranks 16th nationally in scoring offense yet 35th in scoring defense. The cats have dangerous sophomore Nic Grigsby in the backfield who like Unga went over 1000 yardswith 12 TDs. A closer look at the 'cats opponents reveal Cal (8-4) was its only victory over a team with a winning record. Likely a tight game but one has to like the chances for the jerseys in blue.

Dec 21st
New Orleans Bowl (So Miss 6-6/Troy 8-4) 6:15PM Superdome
Southern Miss has won 4 straight to reach bowl eligibility with their offense ranked 20th averaging 434 yards per game. On the other side of the field Troy's offense is 26th nationally. In Troy's 7 of 8 wins the "O" scored 31 or more. Could be a shootout with big digits thrown on the board by both sides.

Dec 23rd
Pointsettia Bowl (BSU 12-0/TCU 10-2) 6PM ESPN
This matchup could turn out to be one of this season's best. TCU brings in the nation's best rushing defense. BSU finished yet another undefeated regular season this year with a freshman quarterback. Kellen Moore ranks overall 10th in passing efficiency. Not too shabby for his first year guiding the Broncs to a top 13 ranked offense. BSU revamped its OL but will receive likely its toughest test against the horned frogs. Definately a game worth tuning in.

Dec 24th
Hawaii Bowl (Hawaii 7-6/Notre Dame 6-6) 6PM ESPN
Amazingly, the tradition rich Irish haven't won a bowl game since the 94 Cotton Bowl (def Texas 31-24). It won't get any easier since Hawaii have 4 of its last 6 and are playing yet another home game.

Dec 26th
Motor City Bowl (Flor Atlantic 6-6/Central Mich 8-4) 5:30PM ESPN
This is a battle of lesser heralded quarterback in CMUs Dan LeFavour and FAUs Rusty Smith. FAUs Smith was last years Sunbelt player of the year. LeFavour will be attempting to win his 2nd Motor City Bowl in 3 seasons.

Dec 27th
Meineke Bowl (W Virginia 8-4/N Carolina 8-4) 11AM ESPN
In only their second bowl appearance since 2001 the tar heels will look to spoil the Mountaineers and Pat White's final collegiate game. West Virginia has two capable individuals in their ground attack in Noel Devine (1228 yards) and quarterback Pat White (919 yards). Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks was the star of the offense as sophomore with 958 yards and 5 TDs. This season Nicks went over the 1000 yard mark and 9 TDs.
Emerald Bowl (Cal 8-4/Miami FL 7-5) 6PM ESPN
Definately a step in the right direction for the 'canes getting back to a bowl in Coach Shannon's 2nd season at the helm. Miami after winning 5 in a row dropped their last two and have struggled against the run. That's not exactly a good formula matching up against Cal's sophomore sensation Jahvid Best who has nearly 1400 yards on the ground with an 8 yard average.
Champs Sports/Citrus Bowl (Wisc 7-5/FSU 8-4) 2:30PM ESPN
Could be a slow grind game with both teams preferring the ground attack. Badgers have PJ Hill and John Clay while the 'noles have Antone Smith who has 14TDs. Hill has over 1000 yards with 13TDs while Clay have 845 yards and 9TDs.

Dec 28th
Independence Bowl (No Illinois 6-6/La Tech 7-5) 6:15PM ESPN
This matchup features two fill in non-BCS teams squarin off making slots in for other that weren't able to provide bowl eligible teams. Yeah not very appealing. To make matters worse these two teams are making their entrance on opposite ends of the spectrum. NIU comes limping in losing 3 of its last 4 games. On the other hand Louisiana Tech has won 4 of its last 5 games. Tech will want to run the ball (averages nearly 200 yards per game) but can NIU stop it. At games end Tech should be celebrating.

Dec 29th
PapaJohns.Com Bowl (NC State 6-6/Rutgers 7-5) 1PM ESPN
Definately a rather intriguing matchup for both teams. Rutgers was 1-5 after six games while NC State was 2-6 after 8 weeeks with ACC/Big East bragging rights at stake. Rutgers has found a weapon in junior WR Kenny Britt who has tallied over 1200 receiving yards on the season. NC State fans preseason may have had jitters having a rookie taking snaps behind center. Russell Wilson had removed that doubt throwing for over 1700 yards 16TDs and only 1 INT.
Alamo Bowl (#21 Missouri 9-4/ #23 Northwestern 9-3) 6PM ESPN
Mizzo's QB Chase Daniel and WR Jeremy Maclin placed the Tigers back on the collegiate football map last season. In fact Maclin in 2008 set an NCAA record for a freshman with 2776 receiving yards. This year expectations were rather high even with hopes of a national championship. Those dreams have faded but redemption could take place in San Antonio. Northwestern this season was 4-1 on the road and have held opponents to an average of 19.3 per game.

Dec 30th
Humanitarian Bowl (Maryland 7-5/Nevada 7-5) 2:30PM ESPN
Terrapin fans will quickly learn the name Colin Kaepernick. The sophomore Nevada quarterback was the WAC player of the year and can hurt opponents through the ground or the air. Calling shots behind center he has run for 1115 yards and thrown for over 2400 yards accounting for at least 35 TDs. The terps were 6-1 at home but a dismal 1-4 on the road. Gotta like the Wolfpack in this matchup.
Texas Bowl (W Michigan 9-3/Rice 9-3) 6PM NFL
Staying at home Rice is seeking its first bowl victory in 54 years. To say the Owls have turned things around is an understatement. In 2007 they finished with a 3-9 record. The passing attack from Rice is ranked 5th nationally. Senior QB Chase Clement has 41 TDs with 7 INTs covering over 3800 yards. Clement has two capable targets in WR Jarrett Dillard (1224 yards with 19 TDs) and TE James Casey 1217 yards with 12 TDs). With 9 returning defensive starters Western Michigan only allowed 5 passing TDs over the last 6 games. Should make an interesting matchup.
Holiday Bowl (#13 Ok State 9-3/#17 Oregon 9-3) 6PM ESPN
Having both teams averaging over 40 points a game expect the scoreboard operator to be kept busy. At 9-3 the ducks have shown there is life after QB Dennis Dixon and RB Jonathan Stewart. Trouble defensively could be brewing in this game already where the Cowboys will be without its DC (Tim Beckman) who has accepted the coaching position at Toledo.

Dec 31st
Armed Forces Bowl (Houston 7-5/Air Force 8-4) 10AM ESPN
Location. Location. Location. Houston was 5-1 at home and this one will be played in Texas. Air Force on the other hand was 5-1 on the road. Which will prevail? Houston also leads the nation in the passing attack. Cougars sophomore QB Case Keenan threw for over 4700 yards with 43 TDs and 10 INTs. Yet the Falcons are 5th nationally rushing. Could be a interesting struggle ahead.
Sun Bowl (#22Oregon State 8-4/#18Pittsburgh 9-3) Noon CBS
El Paso brings this game "back" by popular demand. This matchup features two great young backs (Pitt's sophomore sensational LeShaun McCoy and OSU's PAC10 fab freshman of the year in Jacquizz Rodgers. Both rely on their ground attack and have more than capable defenses. Ironically both Pitt and OSU have played once previously back in 2002 Insight Bowl which was the panthers last postseason victory. Not sure I want to watch when Village People are performing at halftime.
Music City Bowl (#24 Boston College/Vanderbilt 6-6) 1:30PM ESPN
On paper the Eagles look to have most of the advantages offense and defensively) however Vandy should enjoy a home field advantage (campus is only a few miles from the Bowl site). In fact BC has only allowed an average of 18.5 on the scoreboard this season. Vandy is just happy to be in postseason play (first appearance in 26 years).
Insight Bowl (Kansas 7-5/Minnesota 7-5) 3:30PM NFL
To say the gophers have made progress is an understatement. Last season Minnesota was 1-11. Both teams are limping into the bowl (Kansas went 2-4 and the gophers was worse 0-4 down the stretch). Kansas is 7th nationally in passing yards. I see a potential shootout with the jayhawks prevailing.
Chick-fil-A Bowl (LSU 7-5/#14 Georgia Tech 9-3) 5:30PM ESPN
This season's bowl game can't come quick enough for the defending national champs with such a disappointing season (even lost 4 of their last 6 games). How the mighty have fallen. On the other hand the yellow jackets are having a sensational turnaround season under first year coach Paul Johnson. LSU will clearly have their hands full in this matchup as the yellow jackets are ranked 3rd in rushing with the triple option. Stopping Jonathan Dwyer will be high on the priority list who ran for over 1300 yards this season with 12 TDs while averaging 7 yards a carry.

Jan 1st
Outback Bowl (So Carolina 7-5/Iowa 8-4) 9AM ESPN
Coming into this contest the Hawkeyes are hot winning 5 of their last six including an upset over then #3 Penn State. South Carlina carries overall the third best pass defense in the nation (11th overall in total defense). Iowa junior RB Shonn Greene has run and down the field amassing over 1700 yards on the season with a 6.2 yard per average with 17 TDs. Despite neither team being ranked this could prove to be a fun matchup.
Capital One (#15 Georgia 9-3/#18 Michigan St 9-3) 11AM ABC
The stars of this presentation will be found in the backfield. Two of the nation's best will be showcased in Knowshon Moreno and senior spartan back Javon Ringer. Bulldog's sophomore stud Moreno ran for 16 TDs covering 1300 yards. Ringer has been unstoppable with almost 1600 yards and 21 TDs.
Gator Bowl (Nebraska 8-4/Clemson 7-5) 11AM CBS
Both teams are riding three game win streaks but that will all change at the end of this one. Nebraska QB Joe Ganz stepped in for injured Sam Keller last season and hasn't skipped a beat. In his first start he shredded Kansas for 410 yards and this season has compiled over 3300 yards throwing for 23TDs. In 10 of 12 games the Huskers have put 30 on the scoreboard.
Rose Bowl (Penn State 11-1/USC 11-1) 2:30PM ABC
How will the trojans fare without Sarkisian as the OC in this matchup? Will the lions have Paterno back on the sidelines (or will he coach again from the box)? Coach Carroll has elevated receivers coach John Morton for the time being for play calling. Both traditional powerhouse programs will have some amazing collection of offensive talent on the field but this contest could be defensively ruled. USC is ranked first nationally for total defense while the nittany lions are fifth.
Orange Bowl (#12 Cincinnati 11-2/#19 Virginia Tech 9-4) 6:30PM FOX
These teams have split the matchups evenly 4-4 with the first played way back in 1946. Bearcat coach Kelly is well on his way 22-5 after two seasons. Beating the hokies would be icing on the cake. Tech's run first offense is led by Darren Evans who has rushed over 1100 yards as a freshman. Cincy will test VT's defense with receiver speedster Marshawn Gilyard who has lit up secondaries this season for over 1100 yards and 10 TDs.
Cotton Bowl (#7 Texas Tech 11-1/#25 Ole Miss 8-4) Noon FOX
Ole Miss has seen quite the turnaround from 3-9 last season to this year's 8-4. The rebels also are riding a 5 game streak into Dallas but Ole Miss will surely be tested by the nations 2nd ranked passing offense that returns 10 starters. Tech's super senior QB Graham Harrell will lineup one last time with Crabtree hoping to make some more connections. On the season Harrell has thrown for over 4700 yards and 47 TDs.
Liberty Bowl (E Carolina 9-4/Kentucky 6-6) 3PM ESPN
Jeckyll and hyde story here with the 'cats. Which team will show? One that is riding a 3 game losing streak? Or one that hung with #4 'bama (L17-14) and #15 Georgia(L42-38)? The pirates head into the matchup winning 6 of their last 7 games. This will also be the third consecutive bowl game for both the ECU and Kentucky.
Sugar Bowl (yewts 12-0/Alabama 12-1) 6PM FOX
Crimson tide is 8-4 in the Sugar Bowl and more likely will add one more to it. The heathen team from up north runs the #12 ranked scoring defense and has won 6 straight bowl games which definately isn't shabby. A $17 million payout won't be easy for the yewts facing Alabama that ranks 6 nationally in scoring defense. The yewts are 0-6 matched up all time with SEC teams and I don't see that changing in the new year.

Jan 3rd
International Bowl (Buffalo 8-5/Connecticut 7-5) 10AM ESPN
Connecticut heads into the bowl like UPS (seein what Brown can do for you). The huskies have junior RB Donald Brown who is the nations leading rusher (1822 yards and 17 TDs) and have a solid defense with 8 returning starters. In 10 of 12 games the Huskies held opponents to 17 points or less. Ironically, Buffalo has scored 20 or more in all but one game. Coach Turner Gill has a talented trio that can create offensive havoc for teams. Bull senior QB Drew Willy can hurt opponents through the ground or the air with his weaponry. Willy has thrown for over 3000 yards with 25 TDs and 5 INTs. Drew's favorite target is clearly junior wideout Naaman Roosevelt has 1312 receiving yards with 13 TDs to his resume. If Roosevelt isn't doing the damage then good chance its junior RB James Starks who at 6.2/210 is a beast and has bulldozed to over 1300 yards himself with 15 TDs.

Jan 5th
Fiesta Bowl (#10 Ohio State 10-2/#3 Texas 11-1) 6PM FOX
Horns from Texas aren't happy to be in Arizona and have reason. Texas' only loss was a road game that came down to one play. Considering that Texas had a new defensive coordinator for the 4th straight year the longhorns have responded rather well only allowing opponents an average of 18.6 points per game. To say that junior Heisman Trophy finalist Colt McCoy had a decent year is an understatement. McCoy led his team to an 11-1 record while passing for over 3400 yards with 32 TDs and 7 INTs. The buckeyes have some serious experience and talent in this bowl returning 9 starters on the "O" as well as 9 on defense. True freshman phenom Terrelle Pryor found his slot quickly taking the QB reins from senior Todd Boeckman and hasn't looked back. Pryor has passed for 1245 yards with 12 TDs and 4 INTs and often handed off to junior RB Beanie Wells who has rushed for over 1000 yards with 8 TDs. Ohio State defense has held opponents to 17 or under in 10 of 12 games led by senior NFL bound linebacker James Laurinaitis. Unfortunately, the buckeyes don't have fond memories of recent BCS matchups and will look to change that.

Jan 6th
GMAC Bowl (#22 Ball State 12-1/Tulsa 10-3) 6PM ESPN
The Cardinals from Ball State is a team without a coach and winless in 6 bowl appearance. After turning around the program (7-6 last year) coach Brady Hoke recently accepted the position available at San Diego State and decided not to lead the cardinals into their second straight bowl game. Don't count Ball State out just yet as they have some offensive firepower (rank 17th nationally in scoring) and have scored 24 or more in all 13 games. The cardinals returned 9 offensive starters but are led by an amazing pair of juniors. Quarterback Nate Davis has accurately thrown (66.9 completion rate) for 3446 yards for 26 TDs and 7 INTs. In the backfield is a pint sized RB MiQuale Lewis (5.6/184) who has shown he has a nice set of wheels rushing for over 1700 yards with 17 TDs. Tulsa coach Todd Graham has gone 22-7 over his two years with an explosive offensive (rank 2nd nationally averging 47.4 per game) this season. The Hurricanes have a trio of phenomenal seniors directed by QB David Johnson. Johnson has thrown for 3866 yards with 43 TDs and 18 INTs (backup QB just happens to be ex Coug Jacob Bower) with Brennan Marion as his favorite target (1112 yards 8 TDs). Marion was the C-USA newcomer of the year last season. In 2007 RB Tarrion Adams ran for 1225 yards but upped that this year to over 1300 yards with 11 TDs.

Jan 8th
BCS National Championship (#2 Florida 12-1/#1 Oklahoma 12-1) 6PM FOX
Having two Heisman trophy winners in this matchup can't hurt tv ratings. Both teams can score points in bunches bigtime definately also helps. This will be the first matchup between the two. The sooners rank #1 in scoring offense averaging an insane 54 per game and the gators aren't far behind at #3 scoring 45.2. In fact, Oklahoma scored 58 or more in each othe last 6 games (not exactly against slouches either including then ranked #2 TX Tech, then #12 OK State and then #20 Mizzo). Last season freshman and Heisman Trophy winner sooner QB Sam Bradford set an NCAA freshman record with 36 passing TDs. This year's campaign included 4464 yards with an incredible 48 TDs and 6 INTs at a 68.3 completion including a nation's best 186.3 efficiency. His super senior wideout Juaquin Iglesias has compiled nearly 1100 receiving yards for 10 TDs. The sooner backfield thunder and lightning dynamic duo of DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown both have over 1000 yards on the ground and average 5.6 or better per carry with a scary 34 TDs between the two. Sooner coach Bob Stoops will be seeking his second national championship. Florida's offense should still have some consistency for at least one more game. The gator's OC Dan Mullen was named the new head coach at Missisippi State but plans to stay the course through completion of the bowl game. Considering two new defensive assistants this year (Dan McCartney/DLs and Vance Bedford/CBs) the gators have answered any defensive questions losing only one game on a 4th and 1 with than a less minute remaining. Junior gator and multi threat QB Tim Tebow threw for 2515 yards with a 28 TD and 2 INT ratio with a 176.7 rating second only to Bradford.

Dear Santa

2008-12-13T07:48:00.001-08:00

Dear Santa

Quite a bit has happened this year and I've tried to be awfully good. I was hoping that you would be able to help me out with a few things (not in any particular order) that I would really like. I am wishing for....

Quality Incoming Class whether its recruits, JC transfers or even returning players. Help on the defense would be incredibly wonderful (Manti, Jray, Van Noy, etc). The offense could plug in a few replacement holes as well (McKayJ, Mahina, Manase, etc) to keep the flywheel turning.
Austin Collie To Stay another year. His experience, leadership, playmaking and consecutive 100 yard games will surely be missed and hard to replace.

"Veg" Bowl Victory that can help build some momentum heading into next year. Any wins against BCS type opponents (especially when away from LES) always helps with national credibility.

Coaching Staff Intact for the players and fans eliminating any gaps in learning transition of new schemes, etc. If needed to retain those individuals allowing the university to "pony up" rather than lose them to the yewts or wherever else they might head.

MWC Conference Champs Next Year outright (and yes that includes beating that heathen school up north) while continuing to defend our home field.
More Fully Invested Fans that are not disrespectful (foul mouthed taunting, throwing beverages, etc) who understand common decency and good sportsmanship for others. Fully invested fans show up on time (that means early) and wear BLUE.

...anything you can do Santa would be absolutely wonderful.

Viva Las Vegas

2008-12-09T16:35:00.000-08:00

This years Vegas bowl has a good chance of showing some serious offensive firepower from both teams. I wouldn't be surprised if this turns into another shootout. The Cougs are 9-11 overall in the series with the wildcats but have taken 3 of the last 4 from Arizona since they first played back in 1936. Head coach Mike Stoops has led this years squad to 7-5 overall record and their first postseason appearance since 1998.

The cats return 10 of 11 offensive starters. Offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes installed his spread offense and the results have shown. Arizona's Wildcats are directed by senior quarterback Willie Tuitama (6.3/220) who ranks 24th nationally with nearly a 143 pass efficiency rating. Tuitama has thrown for 21 TDs and 8 INTs for 2763 yards. The wildcat offense averages just over 400 yards per game and 37 points thrown up on the scoreboard.

The cats to return all five offensive lineman to provide Tuitama protection as well as pave the way for the capable backfield. Arizona's ground attack consists namely of sophomore Nic Grigsby (5.10/178) and Keola Antolin (5.8/180). Grigsby has rushed for over 1000 yards with 12 TDs while averaging 5.5 per carry but can be fumble prone. Antolin is a fabulous freshman from Vegas and spots 10 TDs on the season with 525 yards to his stats.

The wildcats will throw the ball around no question about that. They have 4 receivers (technically 3 WRs and 1 TE) who each have over 450 yards. The receiving corps is led by dangerous Mike Thomas (who also returns punts and is ranked 17th nationally). Thomas (5.8/195) has 70 receptions for nearly 800 yards and 4 TDs as a senior. Delashaun Dean (6.4/200) is a super sophomore with 46 catches for 505 yards and 3 TDs. The lone junior of the bunch is Terrell Turner (6.2/190) with 39 receptions and 469 yards. Tight end Rob Gronkowski (6.6/260) is a physically imposing sophomore who will keep defenses honest. Gronkowski missed 3 games with mono this season but still had 43 receptions for 645 yards and 10 TDs. Gronk may very well be the offensive difference maker for Arizona. If the 'cats get into the red zone definately look for some balls to be thrown his direction.

Despite only returning 3 defensive starters (serious makeover) the cats rank 20th nationally in overall total defense (36th for scoring defense). If this matchup does become a shootout and turnovers become a factor Arizona does rank 27th in TO margin. One stat that also stands out is that they rank 14th in pass defense. The Cougs may have to take to the ground and pound this thing out. The longer the jerseys in blue can keep Harvey and Fui on the field the longer it means the cats shouldn't be able to get on the board. Senior linebacker Ronnie Palmer (6.3/245) leads the cats with 77 tackles. Free safety senior Nate Ness is the playmaker of the unit and isn't far behind with 70 tackles.

Games are often won or lost with field position and ball control. If that does become an issue the cats do have sophomore Keenyn Crier who averages over 44 yards per punt and ranks 12th nationally. Crier (6.1/200) last season earned All Pac10 honors with more than a dozen heading 50 yards or better. Don't look for Arizona to hand this thing over. The cats will be hungry and ready to play. It won't be easy but if the Cougs can execute at a higher level, play smart positive ball control and play some tough defense look for the jerseys in blue to grit this one out and come out on top.

On Neutral Ground

2008-12-06T07:36:00.001-08:00

Later today at 5PM the Energy Solutions will be the center of attention in the 225th meeting between the Cougs and the Aggies. The jerseys in blue lead the series 134-90 and this will be the first time for both teams in squaring off at a neutral site. Both squads are defending conference champs coming fresh off of victories (Cougs thumpin Weber 92-62 and USU 74-62 over UC Irvine). Neither team has seriously been tested yet and this should give a better indication where both squads stand. The Aggies are led by a dynamic forward duo of Gary Wilkinson (6.9/240 Sr) and Tai Wesley (6.7/240 Soph). Wilkinson averages 16.4ppg with 8.2reb. Wesley isn't far behind at 12.6ppg with 7.0rebs. The Cougs triple threat of Cummard, Tavernari and Jimmer will be tough to shut down. Clutch Cummard leads the way at 20.6ppg with 6.6reb. Tavernari brings 16.1ppg and 7.1reb to the contest. Fredette averages 12.4ppg with 5.3ast. Tipoff is at 5pm with tv action on KJZZ and KBYU.

Sark To Seattle

2008-12-05T05:55:00.001-08:00

Multiple sources across the internet are saying former Cougar quarterback Steve Sarkisian and current USC offensive coordinator will be heading to Seattle to take the coaching reins over for Tyrone Willingham who was forced out at Washington after a rather disappointing (0-11) season. Husky AD Scott Woodward had no comment thursday. Sark will definately have a tough road ahead restoring the Husky tradition. Notable names that pop out include Lincoln Kennnedy, Greg Lewis, Ron Holmes, D'Marco Farr, Steve Emtman, Mark Brunell, Corey Dillon, Napolean Kaufman, Warren Moon, etc. Over the years Washington has had 15 PAC10 championships, 7 Rose Bowl titles, a split national championship (with Miami in 1991)and even have the 17th all time winning percentage. However, their last winning season was back in 2002 under "Slick" Rick. In four years under Willingham the Huskies were a dismal 11-32. If anyone has the capability to succeed its definately Sark. In 1996 Sark led the Cougs to a Cotton Bowl victory and named the Bowl MVP finishing a spectacular 13-1 season. As a Cougar Steve per cougarstats.com ranks 10th all time passing with 53TDs 26INT over 7464yards. Sark can relate to the players. He knows how to win. Steve even knows how to recruit. In fact, his hiring could be the final push to make a certain high school QB turn his eyes towards Washington from his "Heaps" of offers. Sark has the passion, fire and the tools necessary to make good things happen in Seattle.

Max Factor

2008-12-02T15:07:00.000-08:00

Against the matchup with that "school up North" it was rather painfully obvious that Max Hall clearly did not have one of his most productive games. In fact, Hall's performance was one of the worst of his collegiate career. Unfortunately, it was also rather evident there were some deficiencies in his game. On the other hand, who doesn't have some? Everyone has areas in anyone's life that could be addressed to become better whether its on the field or off. Instead of looking at the negative individuals could stop and take inventory. Since taking the reins back in 2007 Max has lead the team to an overall 21 wins and 4 losses including 2 bowl appearances (the 2nd is still yet to be determined but is assured). After the 2007 season his QB rating stood at 137.11. So far this year Max has improved on it marking it at 160.33. Consider a few stats pulled from cougarstats.com (definately a recommend site well worth checking out!) where Max stands...

Career Passing
1. Ty Detmer 121TD 65INT for 15,031 yards
8. Marc Wilson 61TD 46INT for 7637 yards
9. Max Hall 60TD 25INT for 7477 yards
10. Steve Sarkisian 53TD 26INT for 7464 yards

QB Rating
1. Ty Detmer 162.7
6. Robbie Boscoe 149.4
7. Max Hall 148.2
8. John Walsh 147.7

Career Total Offense
1. Ty Detmer 135TD 65INT for 14.665 yards
8. Marc Wilson 68TD 46INT for 7602 yards
9. Max Hall 64TD 25INT for 7590 yards
10. Steve Sarkisian 56TD 26INT for 7253 yards

In 2007 Max Hall simply put up the best digits of any sophomore QB in the nation (yes that includes Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy, etc). By passing for a nations best 3848 yards over 13 games last year he also became the MWC All Time leading sophomore QB. With the awesome stats Hall put down on paper in 2007 he ranked fourth in Cougar history behind only Detmer, Sarkisian and Robbie Bosco through their first 13 starts (among some fine company). Max even showed some serious toughness as well in last years "Holy War" with a 49 yard completion on the famous 4th and18. Keep in mind Hall was still "recovering" from a significant shoulder injury the previous week. The future is bright. There is still more football to be played. There are still games to be won. Not too shabby for being the nephew of Danny White.

Unfinished Business

2008-11-28T08:16:00.001-08:00

Defeat is always bitterly hard to swallow. Last saturdays 48-24 awful implosion to the yewts was incredibly hard to digest. No possible BCS bid. No conference championship, etc. Like Thanksgiving it was a feast, on turnovers. Six TOs will pretty much seal the deal for anyone. It seemed like that afternoon/evening the offense's ball control had A.D.D. on some energy drink. Games of intense rivalry are often determined by execution (as Bronco says), focus, discipline, and simply hard work. Unfortunately, those characteristics weren't present on the field that day. Although hard to take the Cougs will bounce back. Former great Cowboy coach Tom Landry once said "Something contructive comes from every defeat". When was the last time the jerseys in blue had a 3000 yard QB, two 1000 yard receivers AND a 1000 yard rusher BEFORE a Bowl Game? No the season it NOT over. There is still one more game to be played. There is still work to be accomplished and addressed. We are still undefeated at home and heading to our 3rd consecutive bowl. (Photo Credit Douglas C Pizac)

Other Rivalries

2008-11-20T15:44:00.001-08:00

Many collegiate football fans outside the state of Utah might not be aware of how intense the rivalry is between the Cougs and the team up north. Some may see it as church versus state. Former ESPN College Football Analyst Bill Curry sometime ago mentioned of our particular rivalry "I think people from the south and from the midwest ought to see this. This is big-time football rivalry". With the focus this week on perhaps the state's biggest game of the year with possible BCS implications it would be interesting to see where it stands among others found around the nation. Did a little bit of internet digging and found quite a few. As follows...

Florida/Georgia-Often referred to as the world's largest cocktail party (no I haven't "participated"). Apparently tailgating begins the week before and is held at a neutral location.
Ohio State/Michigan-Began way back in 1896. Between the two schools there are 18 national championships and 10 Heisman's. Most games have determined the Big 10 conference title. In fact many have influenced the outcome of the national championship game itself. Was ranked back in 2000 by ESPN as the greatest in American sports rivalry.
Oklahoma/Texas-Known as the Red River shootout. Played on a neutral field exactly halfway between the two. You know its big when even the two state's governers have bet on the game.
Alabama/Auburn-The "Iron Bowl" began in 1893 and wasn't played from 1907 through 1948 since they couldn't even decide which ref's to use.
Army/Navy-Simply known as the Commander In Chief Trophy. What a great rivalry where they don't play for a NFL contract but for country.
Lafayette/Lehigh-This one's so old it predates football trophies. The winning team gets the gameball painted with the score.
Minnesota/Wisconsin-Played for the instrument of forest destruction known as "Paul Bunyon's Axe". It is also the oldest rivalry in NCAA Div IA.
Harvard/Yale-The 3rd most played rivalry. It was also one of the 1st collegiate football matchups.
California/Stanford-This produced "the play" back in 1982 using 5 laterals and took out a completely stunned cardinal trombone player.
USC/Notre Dame-Played for "The Jeweled Shilelagh" a Gaelic warclub from Ireland made from oak. It has a ruby for USC or emerald for Notre Dame placed on it.

...unfortunately there have likely been countless numbers of rivalries that will have been left out. So where do you think this one stands? Would love to hear!

Opposition In All Things

2008-11-19T15:16:00.000-08:00

Like Coke versus Pepsi there seems to be opposition in all things. Both schools can't even agree on what the alltime matchup records. At stake saturday is the deseret duel, the Beehive Boot, a possible BCS berth, a share of the MWC title, as well as school pride. The yewts head into the action in Lavell Edwards Stadium North (yeah thats Rice Eccles) flaunting a #8 national ranking with a perfect 11-0 record. Unfortunately, the Cougs haven't beat a top ten team since 1990 (then #1 Miami) or a top 10 team on the road since 1984. On the other hand BYU is 148-92 when ranked in the top 25. Considering the fact that the Cougs have such a high octane offense and the yewts control a rather stingy defense makes this matchup look like a doozy. The game is sold out (or check out ebay link listed below 2 tix northeast endzone corner $1500) but for those fans it can still be watched on "The MTN".

http://cgi.ebay.com/UTAH-UTES-VS-BYU-COUGARS-HOLY-WAR-DUEL-2008-TICKETS_W0QQitemZ260318582844QQihZ016QQcategoryZ16122QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The Cougars ride into town ranked #16 sporting a 10-1 record while the yewts are 35-17-3 playing in Salt Lake. Senior yewt QB mentioned "It's big, you know, because so much is on the line". The jerseys in blue would absolutely love nothing better than to destroy their possible BCS hopes with a Cougar victory and a share of the conference title.

In the offensive trenches the team up north starts Zane Taylor (6.3/305 Soph), Caleb Schlauderaff (6.5/305 Soph), Zane Beadles (6.4/305 JR), Robert Conley (6.1/310 SR) and Dustin Hensel (6.7/307 SR). Conley is a 4th year starter and scheduled to graduate this summer in economics. Hensel is a history major and obviously hopes to claim a little piece of history. Sophomore center Zane Taylor is a beast who squats 550 and benches 405 pounds.

Behind center is Brian Johnson (6.1/200 SR) who has thrown for 2,333 yards with 20 TDs and 9 INTs (143.5 rating). Backup is Corbin Louks (6.0/195 FR) who has some serious potential and can hurt opponents on the ground or through the air. Look for junior yewt RB to take some direct snaps as well.

The yewt backfield has a 1-2 punch much like the Cougs in Matt Asiata (6.0/230 JR) and Darrell Mack (6.0/220 SR). Asiata has bounced back nicely from a broken leg last season forcing him to redshirt now rushing this year 122 times for 633 yards with 10 TDs. On the year Mack has 110 carries for 493 yards and 3 TDs.

As for the yewt wideouts they have 4 with over 300 receiving yards a piece. Downtown Freddie Brown (6.4/215 SR) has some wheels and leads the crew with 57 catches covering 678 yards and 7TDs. Bradon Godfrey (6.3/200 SR) owns enough juke moves for 47 connections over 466 yards and 3 TDs. Senior wideout Brent Casteel (5.10/200) has 35 receptions on the year for 486 yards and 1 TD while David Reed (6.0/185 JR) has 19 catches for 309 yards adding 4 more TDs.

On the defensive line the yewts will line up with left end Koa Misi (6.3/265 JR), tackle Greg Newman (6.4/260 SR), nosetackle Derrick Shelby (6.3/245), and all conference sophomore Paul Kruger (6.5255). Misi and Kruger will definately anchor the line saturday and will provide a tough challenge for the Cougs OL to protect Max.

The linebacker jerseys in red will be supplied by Steven Sylvestor (6.2/225 JR), former walkon Mike Wright (6.2/230 SR) and sophomore Nai Fotu (6.1/232). Last season Sylvestor was second on the team with 86 tackles .

In the secondary the yewts will have a pair of seniors in Brice McCain (5.9/185) and Sean Smith (6.3/214) covering the corners. While the safeties will be manned by a pair of juniors in Robert Johnson (6.3/195) and Joe Dale (5.11/200). Last season Dale was named the Pointsettia Bowl defensive MVP (provided 12 tackles as well as a game saving INT). Although the yewt secondary may not have serious size they do possess some scary speed.

At special teams the yewts have senior candidate Louie Sakoda (5.10/178) who is up for both the Ray Guy and Lou Groza awards. His only misses in 2007 came from 45, 48 and 51 yards. This season "Louie Louie" has 46 perfect PATs. He is 8 of 8 from 30-39 yards, 6-7 from 40-49 yards and 2 of 3 from 50 plus yards. If the game is close Sakoda could definately be an "x factor".

So "Long"

2008-11-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

Two days after the Lobo season ended Rocky Long threw in his hat and called it a career as head coach. Way back in 1969 through 1971 he was the starting QB for New Mexico and even was WAC offensive player of the year in 1971. After a short stint sometime in the CFL (BC Lions) Long found himself behind the whistle taking the coaching reins in 1998. Yes, his overall record might not have been that great. Consider this though he was 40-34 in conference play. Rocky led the Lobos to 3 straight bowl games (5 overall) finished 9-4 last season including a 70-7 thumping of a conference opponent this season. Long produced one of the NFLs best linebackers in the game in Brian Urlacher. He also gave us Bronco. New Mexico's athletic director Paul Krebs mentioned about Rocky "In my opinion Rocky's 11 year tenure is the best 11 years in the history of our football program. He is New Mexico football.". Whatever Rocky road you travel best wishes to you and good luck in all your endeavors.

BLUE And red Leatherheads

2008-11-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

Way back when in 1922 (October 14th to be precise) was the first rivalry contest between the two schools. At least by knowledgable sources. The heathen school up north believes it all began back in 1896 when BYU was still an academy. It's just one of many things that both identities can't seem to agree on. Much like Michigan or Ohio State. Possibly Ali Frazier. How bout the Sox and the Yankees? Maybe Bird and Magic. Or even from the links Palmer and Nicklaus. Former ESPN College Football Analyst Bill Curry has mentioned of our particular rivalry "I think people from the south and from the midwest ought to see this. This is big-time football rivalry". In the last 10 matchups (excluding the 2004 smackdown) the combined AVERAGE margin of victory is only 4.4 points. Will it be another nailbiter? The series always seems to provide some of the most memorable matchups. Last season "Magic Happened". In 2006 it was the "Answered Prayer". Back in 2003 the duel would be remembered vividly as "The Snow Bowl". Reaching back into 2001 there was Staley's sideline run. There was also something special in 2000 for "Lavell's Last Hurrah". Fans even remember the "Kaneshiro Doink" heard round the world (well at least in the state). Regardless of what side you are on at least one thing that could be agreed on is that it sure will be fun to watch. And yes you better wear BLUE (facepaint and leatherhead optional).

Whose "Overrated"

2008-11-16T11:08:00.000-08:00

Saturday 42,177 fans were able to watch at Falcon Stadium the Air Force cadets getting beat by a team that "might be the most overrated No. 17 team in American football history" as quoted David Ramsey from the Colorado Springs Gazette Sports Columnist. Yes, the Falcons put up a fight and threw up a few points on the board. Air Force senior Todd Newell (5.10/210) was the cadets highlight who had 21 carries for 116 yards and 1 TD. The 38-24 loss to BU drops the falcons to 8-3 and 5-2 in the conference. On the other hand the Cougs can still control their destiny with a 10-1 overall record (6-1 in MWC play). The jerseys in blue have now won 22 of 23 MWC games and have claimed 5 straight wins over the cadets. Overrated? Max Hall was 28 of 37 for 354 yards with 2 TDs and 1 INT. Unga (despite playing with a stinger) carried the rock 19 times for 88 yards and 2 TDs. Pitta reeled off 9 receptions for 113 yards while Austin torched the cadet secondary 7 times for 130 yards with 2 TDs and a halftime pep talk. By the way the Falcons now drop to 14-62-4 against "ranked" teams. So David Ramsey if you are out there, you tell me who's overrated?

Clutch Cummard

2008-11-15T07:21:00.000-08:00

Inside the friendly confines of the Marriott Center the Cougars tusseled with the Long Beach State 49ers en route to a hard fought 75-65 victory. From the Sporting News Mike DeCourcy put together his top 10 list of small forwards which included Lee "Clutch" Cummard. Last nite showed why. Lee carried the Cougs scoring 22 of the blue jerseys first 31 points. Cummard does it all showing his versatility. In 36 minutes Lee had 36 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists even included 3 blocks. The Cougs were also able to shut down Donovan Morris holding him to 13 points. Tavernari added 19 points, 7 rebs and 5 assists while Miles had 9 points and 6 rebs. Next up the Cougs will head tuesday to Pepperdine. (Photo Credit Douglas C Pizac)

48 On The 49ers

2008-11-14T13:52:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder that within a few hours from now that this will be your first chance to see the hoop jerseys this season officially and extend the nations longest home winning streak to 48 over the visiting Long Beach 49ers at the Marriott Center. Yes, March Madness 2008-9 will be officially underway. This is where RPI (rankings per index) and the SOS (strength of schedule) all begins. It's a clean slate for everyone and a fresh new start. Last season the Cougars finished as MWC Champions with a 27-8 overall record. The series is knotted up at 4 games a piece with the 49ers coached by Dan Monson who took a squad to the Elite Eight (Gonzaga back in 1999). Monson is in his second season at Long Beach State with a 176-148 overall record covering 12 years. Pregame radio coverage begins at 6PM (tipoff at 7PM) on KSL 1160AM (Sorry but no tv, either hear it live or go check it out personally in surround-sound).

The visiting 49ers are led by preseason All Big West senior stud Donovan Morris (6.3G) who can lite it up. Morris has had 4 thirty point games and 22 twenty point games in his career. Of the opener coach Rose mentioned "This is a time that our players are excited for...the guys are excited for the season to start". Good luck Cougs and don't forget to rise and shout for the jerseys in blue will be taking court again!

Air Or Ground??

2008-11-12T18:14:00.000-08:00

In each of the past 11 seasons the Falcons have led the conference in rushing and currently rank 4th nationally. Last season had all everything Chad Hall who set the school all purpose yardage record with 2,683 yards. With his graduation it was unlikely one single player would be able to replace Hall. Could it be running back by committee this year? Well, this season Air Force's (8-2) top 7 rushers have 229 yards rushing or more. They say if you find something that works stick with it. Falcon coach Troy Calhoun has done exactly that. At 17-6 over two seasons his stock is clearly rising. Yes the Cougs have taken the last 4 from Air Force. It's also true that the Falcons have won 5 straight since losing to Navy. Air Force also happens to rank 17th nationally in scoring defense with a 17.3 average. Not too shabby for a team projected to finish 6th in the conference (Athlon). Saturdays matchup between the Cougs and the Falcons will be the 29th meeting with the jerseys in blue holding the all time edge (22-6). Last season the Cougs came away with a 31-6. So what will we see? Will it be the high octane offensive air attack from the Cougs to prevail in another shootout? Or will we see the chunks of yards ground out from the Falcons? Fans will soon find out 1:30MT (DirecTV 613 Comcast 170 Dish 152).