How Will Utah to the Pac-10 Affect the Holy War?
by Michael Rueckert on Jun 28, 2010 9:01 AM PDT
in Football
97 comments
The dust has finally settled. Utah came out on top.
After Utah's announcement on the 17th that they are accepting an invitation to play in the Pac-10 conference, many people here in the state of Utah are wondering how it will affect the old heated rivalry with BYU.
Many are saying it won't affect the rivalry. Some are saying it will kill the rivary. And extremest on each end of the spectrum are saying to call off the rivalry.
Here's my take:
There obviously is going to be some sort of effect on the rivalry. The schools have shared the same conference since they started playing and now the conference championship will no longer be on the line. Does that make it less heated? I don't think so.
Florida has a heated rivalry with Florida State, Georgia vs Georgia Tech, Colorado vs Colorado State, the list goes on and on. The game should still be played on the last game of the season, I don't see the rivalry even close to dying.
Both teams will still be playing with something to prove. Bragging rights in the state of Utah will still be at stake. Both teams should continue to be highly ranked in the battles.
It will be the MWC vs. Pac-10 (BCS Conference) matchup that always means something in terms of status and bragging rights. BYU will be trying to prove the non-BCS schools can play with the BCS schools, we've heard this many times before.
Utah will be trying to prove that they are the superior program in the state of Utah and that they were more worthy of a Pac-10 invite than their rivals to the South.
The game clearly will still be played each year. Chris Hill and Tom Holmoe have said they would like to continue playing the game. Now, there may be complications with the new scheduling where it is a possibility that the game will not be played. Unless Utah drops a team on their 2011 schedule, they won't have room for BYU.
Now, if the Big 12 decides they actually want 12 teams, it could turn into a Big 12 vs Pac-12 game. It would bring more of a national spotlight to the game.
The Holy War isn't dead and it is not going to die. There is too much interest in the state to let a game with so much tradition go away.
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Title rarely on the line
I don’t think the title has been on the line in this game ever. I just want this game to still be played late in the year.
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if it's a nine game conference schedule i say we get rid of the game with byu
b/c i believe we will kick their azz this year. let them become even more frustrated then they already are after the loss and if we take them out of our schedule for 2011.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Fedor: He once had an awkward moment in the cage, just to see what it feels like. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. He would show his feminine side if he had one. He is a lover, not a fighter, but don't get any ideas. He is the most important man in the world. Stay thirsty my comrades b/c i will never fight in the UFC. Sorry Fedor but in America Budweiser is the King of beers and Lesnar is a clydesdale while Fedor is just a mule. Losing to Werdum proves what i have been saying. He is pudgy and is on the donwnside of his career just like his contemporaries in pride like mirko cro cop and noguiera Beat Lesnar, Carwin. JDS, Velasquez or Overeem and i'll be impressed. Just one of them. College Football is still the best sport out there.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Jun 28, 2010 9:13 AM PDT reply actions
So you want to stop it just to frustrate them?
Doesn’t seem like a good reason to me.
How can people want to stop a game with such great tradition and passion in the state? It’s one of the best sports traditions that we have! It wont stop.
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by Michael Rueckert on Jun 28, 2010 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions
just for a year or two. we can take a break from that game and become familiar with our new conference.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Fedor: He once had an awkward moment in the cage, just to see what it feels like. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. He would show his feminine side if he had one. He is a lover, not a fighter, but don't get any ideas. He is the most important man in the world. Stay thirsty my comrades b/c i will never fight in the UFC. Sorry Fedor but in America Budweiser is the King of beers and Lesnar is a clydesdale while Fedor is just a mule. Losing to Werdum proves what i have been saying. He is pudgy and is on the donwnside of his career just like his contemporaries in pride like mirko cro cop and noguiera Beat Lesnar, Carwin. JDS, Velasquez or Overeem and i'll be impressed. Just one of them. College Football is still the best sport out there.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Jun 28, 2010 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Why get rid of them?
If Utah chooses to play a team other than BYU, it could be seen as “ducking” them. Not to say this would be the actual reason, however it’s a rivalry game that needs to carry on in the future. There is no question it will help BYU’s strength of scheduling in the future.
by Tony Baldwin on Jun 28, 2010 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions
i don't care about byu's strentgh of schedule. we have boise state that year and i rather play them
for our sos.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Fedor: He once had an awkward moment in the cage, just to see what it feels like. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. He would show his feminine side if he had one. He is a lover, not a fighter, but don't get any ideas. He is the most important man in the world. Stay thirsty my comrades b/c i will never fight in the UFC. Sorry Fedor but in America Budweiser is the King of beers and Lesnar is a clydesdale while Fedor is just a mule. Losing to Werdum proves what i have been saying. He is pudgy and is on the donwnside of his career just like his contemporaries in pride like mirko cro cop and noguiera Beat Lesnar, Carwin. JDS, Velasquez or Overeem and i'll be impressed. Just one of them. College Football is still the best sport out there.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Jun 28, 2010 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions
1984 still bothering you....?!
Man, it’s been 26 years bro. Time to let go.
by Smills9133 on Jun 28, 2010 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's the lamest excuse I've ever heard
1. You want to not play them because you “believe” you will “kick their azz this year?” Believe whatever you want to believe, but that changes nothing.
a – Every fan of every decent team believes that their team will beat their rivals. Some fans of every lousy team believe that their team will beat their rivals. And sometimes, they’re both right.
b – The only way to prove it is to do it; that’s why they play the games. If you don’t play, either side can make up whatever reality they want to make up.
2. You want to “frustrate them?” I’ve never been to Utah and I know that BYU and Utah is a great rivalry. And you want to throw away this rivalry so that you can “frustrate” them? If you’re so confident, why not just beat them and prove all your loud talk?
I’m confident that this is not the case, wolf, but it sounds like you’re afraid of them.
Fear the Frog!
by SammyOBrien on Jun 29, 2010 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions
It will still be heated
Growing up in Utah you are either a Utah fan or a BYU fan, that is not going to change. Even if one team is having a down year, they will still get satisfaction if they can beat the other team so both teams will always get up for the game.
Wouldn't you agree
that the game needs to still be played every year?
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by Tony Baldwin on Jun 28, 2010 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Who needs the game more?
I’d say BYU because of the strength of schedule issues that come with playing in the non-BCS conferences. The opportunities to have a continual series (probably home-home) with a Pac-12 team.
It is still important for Utah though. Wins will help them recruit the LDS athlete. It could further pad their SOS to make a push for the NCG. It will help win over more fans in the state
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by Michael Rueckert on Jun 28, 2010 9:42 AM PDT reply actions
9 game schedule
If they go to a nine game schedule then 2011 could be in jeopardy since the non-conference games are as of now Pitt, Iowa State, Boise State, and Oregon. Oregon will either be a conference game or not played, and I think Utah could reschedule the Iowa State game, but man that would be one hell of a schedule.
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I would almost guarantee that if there is a 9 game conference schedule, than BYU v Utah will not be played. BYU would have to capitulate and agree to playing @ Utah for the second year in a row, and Utah would have to pay off one of the schools on their schedule already.
I believe Utah AD Chris Hill alluded to this when he was interviewed and he said something to the effect of “We’ll try really hard, but I’m not making any promises.” (don’t ask for a source, but I believe it was at the PAC-10 invite signing conference).
by Hockey Beard in SLC on Jun 28, 2010 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Not if they lump Oregon into the conference slate
like they’re doing with the UW/Colorado games in 2015/2016.
And I’m not sure that the payoff to the stranded team would be more than they would make by keeping the Holy War alive.
From the PAC-10 invite signing press conference transcript
PAC-10 conference transcript
DR. CHRIS HILL:
In the spirit of time today, I would like to get this right. I’d like to thank everyone who has already been thanked by everyone else. I would like to acknowledge my friends in the MWC. I have a great respect for them. I especially enjoy the rivalry with BYU and it is my intention to have the rivalry to continue with a tremendous passion.
On the rivalry with BYU:
Dr. Hill: It is my expectation that there may be some complications right away but it is our full intention to continue with that passionate rivalry.
by daedalus17 on Jul 1, 2010 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't know what will happen with the games.
The things I have heard from behind the scenes seem to indicate that Utah is showing indifference at best to continuing the rivalry. The public statements haven’t exactly been enthusiastic.
Aside from whether the games happen or when, I do think the rivalry will be hurt simply by being on unequal terms. Utah will now have a built-in advantage that BYU doesn’t, and, as you said, they’ve always been in the same conference so that will be brand new territory. That may not have an effect on the passion behind the rivalry (assuming the games happen), but it could have an effect on the field. I hope BYU can show that they can overcome the disadvantage and keep the rivalry competitive, hopefully winning more often than not.
wah wah wah
CSU was terrible last year and they still beat CU. BYU will continue to roll over the Utes because they have grown men playing on their team instead of 18 yr old boys. BYU is about the only team in the MWC that get top rated recruits because of the religion thing. That will never change. Utah might close the gap because they’ve moved to the Pac-12, but BYU still has two advantages over most teams in their conference. Utards will be glad not to get beat down every year(except for those two years of course).
I guess Utah should get used to taking ASU’s place in the PAC because they won’t do anything ever! Do you really think that if Utah or BSU were in different conferences they would have went undefeated still? Yeah they won some good games, but they would have had to win those games every week in different conferences. They were just lucky they caught the big boys napping in their BCS bowl games. BSU and OU was still the best bowl game ever!
I can't tell if you're actually a BYU fan or not.
But if so, can we please not resort to nicknames like “Utards”? Good grief.
that is fair
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions
you make no sense
BYU definetly does not have a recruiting advantage because their pool of players are so small. Utah will not fall the wayside as AZ or ASU they will be just fine.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 28, 2010 2:16 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
And I'm not sure that UA or ASU have really fallen by the wayside...
ASU has gone to 2 Rose Bowls and a Fiesta Bowl since joining, and UA has gone to two Fiesta bowls in that same span.
The Pac-10 is cyclical, and Utah will fare about the same as everyone not name USC.
Most likely
I think they will be more like Oregon when you counter in their recent success the past five years. They are entering at the right time to be a player in the first few years.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 28, 2010 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Oregon was bad forever before Rich Brooks made a bowl in 1994
they moved up to the mid tier until the beginning of the decade, that’s when they made the jump to the top of the Pac-10.
They have a sugar daddy, couple that with Belotti (good if not great coach) and you have an instant player. I’m not so sure that Utah is going to go that route, but they should be able to come in and compete right away. Although I don’t think it will be for conference titles, they shouldn’t have many problems finishing in the top half as long as Witt stays around.
I think alot of Utah fans are still undervaluing the rigors of a full Pac-10 slate. In the MWC you get a at least 3-4 gimmies every year, and while not all Pac-10 teams are top of the heap, generally there is only 1 (maybe 2) team(s) that you can get your backups in.
wow 1997
it’s been 13 years since ASU was in the Rose Bowl and they lost. It was ten years before that for the other one. Not exactly tearing it up. Even the worst teams in the Pac get decent bowl games. The winner of the MWC plays the the 4th Pac team? What a joke!
so true
The MWC bowl situation is laughable.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions
Well to be fair
two years ago BYU lost to Arizona in that 1st place matchup (2nd but BCS nod in front of them).
I’ve been round and round about this with you guys, and while I agree that the MWC’s bowl affiliations are laughable, the Pac-10 is soundly underrated conference. The Pac-10 is cyclical, and nearly every team is good. If Oregon State’s run over the last 15 years doesn’t convince you then I don’t know what will.
Also I present to you Oregon. They’ve only been to two Rose Bowls in the last 50 some years and lost them both. Yet (as much as I loathe them) I dare you do tell me they’re not a top notch program.
I agree with you about recruiting.
BYU may have a recruiting advantage when it comes to the top LDS athletes (I’m sure that’s not the case for every player, but I think overall in the past it has been—who knows if that changes with Utah being in a BCS conference or not). But overall BYU has always been at a disadvantage simply because the pool of players they are able to recruit (even including those that ultimately choose to go elsewhere) is very small compared to most other schools, including Utah.
Not to mention the massive logistical issues LDS missions create.
actually its arizona that has not been to a rose bowl.
utah 2-0 in bcs bowls, byu none and in 2010 and 2011 no invite either. get use to it.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Fedor: He once had an awkward moment in the cage, just to see what it feels like. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. He would show his feminine side if he had one. He is a lover, not a fighter, but don't get any ideas. He is the most important man in the world. Stay thirsty my comrades b/c i will never fight in the UFC. Sorry Fedor but in America Budweiser is the King of beers and Lesnar is a clydesdale while Fedor is just a mule. Losing to Werdum proves what i have been saying. He is pudgy and is on the donwnside of his career just like his contemporaries in pride like mirko cro cop and noguiera Beat Lesnar, Carwin. JDS, Velasquez or Overeem and i'll be impressed. Just one of them. College Football is still the best sport out there.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Jun 28, 2010 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions
my grandpa remembers it vaguely.
26 years ago is more than a generation ago i’ll give props to robbie bosco. but since 1998 when the bcs system statrted utah has had the much better program. 2 bsc wins and 19 wins over aq bcs conference teams. that is why we are the chosen ones.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Fedor: He once had an awkward moment in the cage, just to see what it feels like. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. He would show his feminine side if he had one. He is a lover, not a fighter, but don't get any ideas. He is the most important man in the world. Stay thirsty my comrades b/c i will never fight in the UFC. Sorry Fedor but in America Budweiser is the King of beers and Lesnar is a clydesdale while Fedor is just a mule. Losing to Werdum proves what i have been saying. He is pudgy and is on the donwnside of his career just like his contemporaries in pride like mirko cro cop and noguiera Beat Lesnar, Carwin. JDS, Velasquez or Overeem and i'll be impressed. Just one of them. College Football is still the best sport out there.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Jun 29, 2010 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions
that is why we are the chosen ones.
It’s actually because BYU holds a religious affiliation and doesn’t have a very good graduate program. Utah has quite a good research reputation and they’re a secular, state owned instituion.
And the recent success of football, and the long history in Mens Basketball help.
BYU has some good graduate programs.
Just not research. Their business and accounting graduate programs are very highly ranked, for example.
You're right
I have lumped them together for most of expandageddon, just for the sake of time, as I’ve repeated that statement about 100 times in the past 8-10 months.
Not a slight on BYU by any means.
Because ALL top recruits want to go
play in UTAH? I mean I’d say BYU has the advantage here, due to the fact that the LDS population would choose BYU over Utah to attend at a higher rate. Therefore, BYU tends to get the top LDS recruits over Utah, because those are the recruits that don’t mind playing in utah. You’re not getting the top SoCal, Texas recruits to come play at BYU or Utah(unless they got the LDS connection – in which case they typically choose BYU). Let’s not forget that Bronco is a better coach than Whittingham and the players(Harvey Unga for example) respect Bronco.
you still can't get over that coach whitt choose utah and not byu.
harvey unga was expelled for honor code violations and i bet bronco was begging the powers that be to let him back in. coach whitt would never beg and that is why he is a better coach. come back to me when you beat an sec team. you can’t even beat an acc team. lol.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Fedor: He once had an awkward moment in the cage, just to see what it feels like. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. He would show his feminine side if he had one. He is a lover, not a fighter, but don't get any ideas. He is the most important man in the world. Stay thirsty my comrades b/c i will never fight in the UFC. Sorry Fedor but in America Budweiser is the King of beers and Lesnar is a clydesdale while Fedor is just a mule. Losing to Werdum proves what i have been saying. He is pudgy and is on the donwnside of his career just like his contemporaries in pride like mirko cro cop and noguiera Beat Lesnar, Carwin. JDS, Velasquez or Overeem and i'll be impressed. Just one of them. College Football is still the best sport out there.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Jun 28, 2010 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions
So, because of your completely baseless speculation that Bronco was "begging"
for Unga to be let back in, Whitt is a better coach? Okay. And Unga was not expelled. He left on his own.
(Sidenote, something I’ve been wanting to ask you for ages: Are you allergic to the “shift” key?)
actually i'm missing that particular finger. still it was an honor code violation.
unlike most i don’t hate byu football. just many of their fans. btw you have no chance to beat us this year. do the mwc a favor too. at least beat the huskies in the first game b/c i seriously doubt you will beat jimbo fisher’s florida state seminoles. i do want what is best for the mwc so of course i want byu to win all it’s ooc games. utah and tcu are the only teams i want to beat you but i got a funny feeling that air force will beat you this year. peace.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Fedor: He once had an awkward moment in the cage, just to see what it feels like. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. He would show his feminine side if he had one. He is a lover, not a fighter, but don't get any ideas. He is the most important man in the world. Stay thirsty my comrades b/c i will never fight in the UFC. Sorry Fedor but in America Budweiser is the King of beers and Lesnar is a clydesdale while Fedor is just a mule. Losing to Werdum proves what i have been saying. He is pudgy and is on the donwnside of his career just like his contemporaries in pride like mirko cro cop and noguiera Beat Lesnar, Carwin. JDS, Velasquez or Overeem and i'll be impressed. Just one of them. College Football is still the best sport out there.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Jun 29, 2010 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions
utah will be lucky to get by wyoming
really put it to a very mediocre wyoming team that was full of freshmen in SLC!!! Lucky to walk away with a win there. you’ll be lucky to get by them again this year.
no chance
But it would be good to see Wyoming move up the pecking order.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
last year
the game was in Laramie.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
no it wasn't
10-22 W for Utah @ SLC. If wyoming had any type of offense they would have been 3rd in the MWC. Lost 10-0 to @ AF as well.
whoops
I was thinking about that wind game in 08. We will see what Wyo can do this year. I think 8 wins on the high end in the regular season.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions
wasn’t that the blackout game in 08’ when the lights went out or was that in 06’? I think 8 would be pushing it. Our schedule is brutal. I think we can take one from at least AF or UofU and hopefully not drop a dud on one of the UNLV SDSU CSU UNM games. We have Texas and Boise this year for our OOC. I’d be ok with a 6-6 again considering.
2004 actually
The game was to be on ABC west coast but the power went out, so they showed Harry Potter during the slot and aired the game after. With the schedule 6-6 might actually be an improvement.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Seriously Dude
You hatred of the Utah schools has given you a serious case of revisionist history. Wyoming kept it close for a half then Whit inserts Jordan Wynn in the second half and Wyoming doesn’t score another point. Did you watch the Game?
The MW is made up of 2 groups, the group everyone has heard of, (UT, BYU, TC and Airforce) and the rest. Be proud of the fact your team is at the top of the second group, the one the rest of the CF nation never mentions. Who knows maybe with Bose State replacing Utah your fate will change….. NOT!!!!
by I bleed crimson on Jul 12, 2010 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions
recruiting
But besides Jake Heaps what top 4 or 5 star recruit has chosen BYU. Manti T’eo went to Notre Dame after his visit. BYU does have an advantage over those athletes there are not that many premiere LDS athletes. Plus, I could argue that in a few years some of those LDS athletes will migrate to Utah since they are in the Pac-10
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Zac Stout and Ross Apo come to mind
Stout was top 5 at his position and Apo decommitted from Texas.
Bronson Kafusi was another big kid that I think was 4 star.
This year they got the players
Lets see if they can keep it up, because this was their best recruiting class in a very long time if not ever. Even with that Utah had the better 2010 class according to Rivals.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Better coach?
Hard to argue either way, but since Whitt has been to a BCS bowl the edge has to go to him. Really it is close the are both very good coaches.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Anyone who thinks BYU is at a recruiting disadvantage is a moron!
Must be nice to know what your recruiting class is going to be even before the season is over! You’re not even recruiting for your next season, you’re recruiting for 2, 3 or 4 years down the road. The LDS kids will commit as soon as BYU shows interest in them. It’s also nice to have men coming in to play as freshmen instead of 18 yr old boys. Also, some of you think the LDS athlete pool is small. Consider this, it’s probably the largest single block of athletes dedicated to one university behind Notre Dame. Name one other school that has that many athletes dedicated to it with no competition.
Really??
If the advantage is that you know what players yes that is a relief, but the fact remains they rarely get the 4 or 5 star recruits. 2010 signing day was an exception and who know if they will keep that momentum going. Their recruiting is difficult especially with figuring out who will be going on a church mission and coming back to make sure the roster is set for the fall.
Also, some of you think the LDS athlete pool is small. Consider this, it’s probably the largest single block of athletes dedicated to one university behind Notre Dame. Name one other school that has that many athletes dedicated to it with no competition.
That pool is small, so you are saying that the LDS block bigger then the kids who want to go to Texas or Texas A&M not likely. Nearly every kid in Texas wants to go to Texas or A&M, I know this because I lived in Houston growing up and lived there for 20 years.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions
i guess we're talking about texas now.
It’s not like I said they have the most advantaged recruiting system. It’s just not a disadvantage as so many people have said. If age wasn’t a factor, then why do people make such a big deal about underclassmen and getting a few more birthdays under their belt? If they didn’t have 20 yr old freshmen, I don’t think they would be nearly as good as they are in both basketball and football.
There are 6.5 million LDS and even more if you throw in the pacific islands and such. There is only one school choice for them. I wouldn’t say that they are the most athletic group of people, but they do produce athletes because they have so many children and athletic excellence is a priority in their culture. They aren’t sitting around playing XBOX all day. I’ll say that if the competition for Texas kids is only between Texas and A&M, then they would have a big block, especially considering how crazy Texas is about high school football.
the age is NOT an advantage
If it was an advantage then the top schools would send their studs to the Peacecorp for 2 years. There are players that come back and yes are better from being mature, but you rarely here about the player who comes back and either does not play football or is just lousy.
BYU is not the only choice for LDS athletes, yes it is most likely on their list but it is not their only choice. I think the point is being missed here. BYU has an advantage in that certain athletes want to come to BYU their whole life, BUT they are not always the top notch athletes. Their pool IS smaller then most, Bronco has said so. They look at maybe 50 athletes for football where as Utah and over MWC schools have well over double or triple that amount they are looking into or that the athletes are interested in attending said school.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions
except
for football studs don’t want to join the Peacecorp. If they were into it, they would do it and then join their team. Mormons are into their missions and want to leave for two years. BYU is not “sending them” to the feedlots to fatten up and get bigger. It is what it is. It’s a positive side effect of how their particular religion and university work.
that is my point
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Listen laxwyo
Contrary to popular belief BYU does NOT have the ultimate pipeline of LDS athletes. I’m not disputing that they get the lions share but you talk as if they are the only school benefiting the rewards of LDS athletes. Remeber that Hawaiian kid who chose Notre Dame over the Y?, plus Utah has plenty of returned missionary players. For every Harvey Unga and Jake Heaps the Y successfully recruits, trust me there are plenty of great LDS talent going for greener pastures of BCS conference schools (which up to this point HASN’T included Utah).
Utah has been doing just fine in the recruiting war with BYU. Whether you want to believe it or not, the Pac-12 move WILL effect recruiting dramatically. Potential recruits (both LDS and non alike) have turned us down in the past because the was always a “but” in the recruiting process: We weren’t a BCS school.
am I saying that 4/5 star athletes will come knocking on our door tomorrow? absolutely not. schools like USC, Texas, OU Bama’ and Florida will always get the cream of the crop. I’m just saying more doors will open to us now that we can tell recruits they will be playing against good teams year in and they will have a shot at playing in the Rose Bowl. (I’m not counting my chickens, I’m just making a point).
Smills:
What possible explanation to you have that Bronco trumps Whittingham? head to head record? (I’ll give you that one) Conference titles? overall record?. I’m not saying that Coach Whitt is God’s gift to the universe but I do have to point out Kyle has done a lot for our program. (plus he won a BCS game with his team rather than printed T-shirts and talked about going perfect). They are both great coaches but until Bronco can win the big games (cough TCU cough) I can’t put him on Kyle’s level.
i guess we're talking about exceptions instead of the rule.
I wouldn’t deny that some LDS athletes have chosen other schools, maybe for something other than they are a BCS conference. Maybe some of them go because lets just say, it’s Stanford! And the academics of the school actually play a part. If we are talking about a LDS kid wanting to play football, i think they choose BYU.
I’m not denying that recruiting might pick up for Utah, but you’re talking about the star ranking system. If that thing was correct, why would the MWC be doing so well against the PAC? I don’t think Utah does as well as you think they’ll do in the Pac. When Utah goes undefeated, who did they have to go through? BYU, TCU, maybe one OOC tough game plus an excellent win in the BCS bowl game. The rest of the wins are beating down my cowboys, the rams, falcons, lobos, aztecs and rebels. That’s a lot of easy wins during those two years. Now there won’t be any down time, you’ll be playing a BYU/TCU caliber team every single week and I don’t think, the slight bump in recruiting will get you to the Rose bowl for about 10 years. Well maybe now USC is all sanctioned and all.
BEEP, BEEP, BEEP
Mountain West Connection The best site for MWC sports!
by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions
A serious note
glad to have you aboard on the site.
Mountain West Connection The best site for MWC sports!
by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
you just put down your own team.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Fedor: He once had an awkward moment in the cage, just to see what it feels like. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. He would show his feminine side if he had one. He is a lover, not a fighter, but don't get any ideas. He is the most important man in the world. Stay thirsty my comrades b/c i will never fight in the UFC. Sorry Fedor but in America Budweiser is the King of beers and Lesnar is a clydesdale while Fedor is just a mule. Losing to Werdum proves what i have been saying. He is pudgy and is on the donwnside of his career just like his contemporaries in pride like mirko cro cop and noguiera Beat Lesnar, Carwin. JDS, Velasquez or Overeem and i'll be impressed. Just one of them. College Football is still the best sport out there.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Jun 29, 2010 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions
You talk as if were joining the SEC instead of the Pac-10
Yes, the talent we will face on a weekly basis will be better than the MWC but consider the Pac-10 right now: Outside of USC, Oregon and occasonally OSU and Cal who has made noise in the P-10? Don’t get me wrong, top to bottom they are much deeper but for years the P-10 on the national spotlight has consisted of USC…..and…and.
My point is how many P-10 teams on paper are that much better than Utah? comparing teams like Stanford, Arizona St. and Washington St. (no offense to Cardinal,Sun Devil and Cougar fans) to TCU is a bit of a stretch.
Stanford, ASU and WSU all could have beaten the TCU of 3+ years ago (okay maybe not WSU)
not necessarily a win, but pre 2008 TCU wasn’t a powerhouse.
umm... 2005
They were 11-1 and beat OU. They have won 5 conference titles since 1999, they have been to a bowl game ever year since 1998 to present except for 2004 with a 7-4 record. They have been ranked in the top 25 final polls 7 of the past 10 years, so not sure where you are getting from they have been nothing since 2008.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Not nothing, just not an unbeatable powerhouse that GamiUte made them out to be
The past two TCU teams could have beaten anyone in the Pac-10, but prior to that, any of the top 8 Pac-10 teams in that given year could have given them a run if not won. Most of the Patterson teams (and LT’s team under Franchione) could compete in the Pac-10, no doubt, I just think it’s a bit absurd to juxtapose the of the MWC to the bottom of the Pac-10.
Still disagree
You are right they werent great as they were in 08 and 09, but I still think they could be mid Pac-10 in those prior years.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Having said that though....
I fully agree the Pac-10 is on the rise and WILL take advantage of USC’s sanctions.
definitely
I really think Utah could walk into the Pac-10 in 2011 and win at a minimum of 8 games in the regular season, and in year two with a senior QB could win the conference.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
utah could be 6-6 this year especially getting played tough for their farewell.
Losses to PItt and Notre Dame (very possible) and losses to TCU and BYU (again very possible) and two possible loses out of these three; to AF (always tough) and @ Wyoming (second year of coach and QB) not to mention no cake walk @ Iowa St.
possible, but not likely
I agree they will get everyones best shot, but Whitt has their team prepared. I would put BYU closer to AFA because of their offensive loses.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 29, 2010 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
i guarantee byu will be closer to 6 losses then utah. the worst i see utah going is 9-4.
jake heaps want even make the trip to slc. we will probably get your second or third string qb by then.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Fedor: He once had an awkward moment in the cage, just to see what it feels like. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. He would show his feminine side if he had one. He is a lover, not a fighter, but don't get any ideas. He is the most important man in the world. Stay thirsty my comrades b/c i will never fight in the UFC. Sorry Fedor but in America Budweiser is the King of beers and Lesnar is a clydesdale while Fedor is just a mule. Losing to Werdum proves what i have been saying. He is pudgy and is on the donwnside of his career just like his contemporaries in pride like mirko cro cop and noguiera Beat Lesnar, Carwin. JDS, Velasquez or Overeem and i'll be impressed. Just one of them. College Football is still the best sport out there.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Jun 29, 2010 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions
And we're back to somehow assuming Heaps is going to be injured or off the team by the end of the year.
I remember you mentioning this in the past. I still don’t understand the logic behind your random predictions (and yes, they’re predictions, not the certainties you make them out to be).
To clarify
I understand why people think BYU is going to have a down year. I think they can surprise some people, but I get why people are making the predictions they are. What I don’t get are your random predictions like “Heaps won’t make the trip to SLC.”
me neither
The offensive line is pretty good. I really could see BYU go anywhere from 7-5 or 10-2. Bronco is an amazing coach, but playing an improved Washington team, at Florida State who will be pumped for a big home game, and then playing at Utah, at TCU, and at Air Force is not easy.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jun 30, 2010 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Considering
Bronce places football at priority 5, he does a great job. Even his coaches have less time to prepare in order to have more time with their family.
I think Bronco is the better coach for BYU and Kyle is the better coach for Utah.
hmmm
They are both great and I think would do good at any school they coached at.
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by Jeremy Mauss on Jul 1, 2010 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
I wouldn't trade
and I doubt the Cougar fans would want to either.
That says a lot about both coaches.
trading
Not saying either fan base would want to, but rather they would be good anywhere.
Mountain West Connection The best site for MWC sports!
i'll name the game. heaps if he is starting won't make it out of the fsu game.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Fedor: He once had an awkward moment in the cage, just to see what it feels like. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. He would show his feminine side if he had one. He is a lover, not a fighter, but don't get any ideas. He is the most important man in the world. Stay thirsty my comrades b/c i will never fight in the UFC. Sorry Fedor but in America Budweiser is the King of beers and Lesnar is a clydesdale while Fedor is just a mule. Losing to Werdum proves what i have been saying. He is pudgy and is on the donwnside of his career just like his contemporaries in pride like mirko cro cop and noguiera Beat Lesnar, Carwin. JDS, Velasquez or Overeem and i'll be impressed. Just one of them. College Football is still the best sport out there.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Jun 30, 2010 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions
My bet...
Heaps pulls a Jordan Wynn and starts mid season. I am interested to see what actually happens.
So when does the golden boy become golden? I don’t think it is his freshman season.
agreed
I think he will be similar to Wynn, but Heaps may start from day one.
Mountain West Connection The best site for MWC sports!
We've gotten off subject
I think the Holy war dies down a bit. I think every other year it will happen. Maybe letting the juices of a loss simmer for two years will make the rivalry hotter.
I think you are right
A year or two off will probably make the rivalry hotter. Especially when everyone knows it will come back soon.
There will be a lot of pent up frustration from the inability of playing each other. This year the rivalry game will be huge. Bragging rights multiple years could be on the line.
Wait what am I doing here.
Why am I here? UW hasn’t beaten BYU since 2003 and it’s been a few years since we’ve even put up points against them. Then you have U of U who gets offended when poor little Joe Glenn tries to rally the troops by guaranteeing a win, then dillhole Whittingham decides to onside kick up 43-0. Why am I caring if BYU-Utah ever plays again??? I’m a fan of tradition. I hope they keep it up. Don’t let your head get too big Utah!!! Your TDS will always give you all you can handle!
it will be funny to watch when coach whittingham runs up the score on byu this year.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Fedor: He once had an awkward moment in the cage, just to see what it feels like. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. He would show his feminine side if he had one. He is a lover, not a fighter, but don't get any ideas. He is the most important man in the world. Stay thirsty my comrades b/c i will never fight in the UFC. Sorry Fedor but in America Budweiser is the King of beers and Lesnar is a clydesdale while Fedor is just a mule. Losing to Werdum proves what i have been saying. He is pudgy and is on the donwnside of his career just like his contemporaries in pride like mirko cro cop and noguiera Beat Lesnar, Carwin. JDS, Velasquez or Overeem and i'll be impressed. Just one of them. College Football is still the best sport out there.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Jun 29, 2010 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions
he might beg whittingham to put in the 3rd unit in. that would be are freshman vs your 23 or 24 year olds.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Fedor: He once had an awkward moment in the cage, just to see what it feels like. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. He would show his feminine side if he had one. He is a lover, not a fighter, but don't get any ideas. He is the most important man in the world. Stay thirsty my comrades b/c i will never fight in the UFC. Sorry Fedor but in America Budweiser is the King of beers and Lesnar is a clydesdale while Fedor is just a mule. Losing to Werdum proves what i have been saying. He is pudgy and is on the donwnside of his career just like his contemporaries in pride like mirko cro cop and noguiera Beat Lesnar, Carwin. JDS, Velasquez or Overeem and i'll be impressed. Just one of them. College Football is still the best sport out there.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Jun 29, 2010 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions
in fact
I am just the opposite. I loathe BYU more than any team just ahead of CSU but unlike most of you, I have no vested interest any either Utah teams. I have always given them their due and they usually field a pretty good squad. I still root for them during OOC games which Utah will soon be one of. Neither of the teams will be as good as they have been the last few years. Doesn’t mean they can’t still win some games.
99% of Utah wants to keep this rivalry going
I do too. I think that Utah takes more risks because of it.
Everyone talks about how Utah and Colorado used to have a rivalry going. I don’t know the details, but I do know the rivalry ended 1 year after Utah was the only Colorado loss that cost them a chance to play for the national title.
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