Fwd: BCS Faithful Blind Again As Urban Speaks Truth...

Check out this article I found on CBSsports.com:  See my comments in Ute red.

 

Didn't take long for Urban to open mouth, insert foot

 

Nov. 21, 2006 By Dennis Dodd CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer Tell Dennis your opinion!  (Here's my opinion, be sure to express yours!) If I'm Bobby Bowden and Houston Nutt, I haven't left a square inch of cork exposed. I've gone to the supply closet for more push pins. I'm checking the printer cartridges to make sure they're as full of it as Urban Meyer.   Is Urban Meyer forgetting it was the same BCS system that put his Utes in the Fiesta two year's ago? (Getty Images)   The Florida coach couldn't/wouldn't/didn't edit himself this week when he condemned a potential Ohio State-Michigan rematch. If it happens, he said, there should be a playoff system in place, like, yesterday. It would be unfair to Ohio State, to the country and, oh yes, Florida. That about covers it, unless the homeless or Daughters of the American Revolution get wind of this crime against nature. What he said is beyond bulletin-board material. It's more of a travesty against the very thing he's grousing about. A playoff? Try beating Florida State first, something your program has done once in the past 20 years in Tallahassee. Get through that and good luck against the hottest team in the SEC, Arkansas. Talk about looking ahead. At least wait until the end of the season to state your case, Urban. Doing it now is a direct insult to the next two opponents, which just happen to be an archrival and the nation's 5th-ranked team. On the Tommy Tuberville Scale of outrage, the timing of Meyer's comments almost seems logical. Tub started angling for a playoff -- and pimping SEC superiority -- in October, 13 days after being embarrassed at home by Arkansas. And less than a month before being embarrassed more by Georgia. Once again, at home.  Meyer has only a slightly slimmer ledge to stand on. First, part of the reason he is at Florida is because of a rematch. The Gators greatest moment was made possible 10 years ago because of a revenge victory over Florida State in the Sugar Bowl. "Completely different era," Meyer said. Which means exactly what? Florida State beat Florida by three in the regular season, then played the Gators again 33 days later for the national championship. Ohio State beat Michigan by three on Saturday. The two could meet for the national championship 48 days from now. The only variable seems to be time. Look, I like Urban. Unlike a lot of his peers, he actually has something to say when he opens his mouth. His candor is welcomed. It is misguided in this case. The one coach who has the most right to lobby, hasn't. Lloyd Carr was the picture of class Saturday night after an incredibly emotional 36 hours. A day earlier he lost his mentor, Bo Schembechler. He had just played the No. 1 team in the country off its feet in its own building, scoring the most points in seven years (39) on the Buckeyes. Rematch?  "I don't have any thoughts right now on that," a forlorn Carr said.  To Lloyd's credit, we haven't heard a peep out of him on the subject since that night. I'm sure the BCS presidents are ready to cave in to a playoff now that Meyer has weighed in. Yup, it's time to scrap the system. A second-year SEC coach who has won -- what, so far? -- says there should be a playoff. Part of this smacks of SEC arrogance. Part of it is Meyer's naiveté. Does he forget that it was this same BCS system that got Utah to the Fiesta Bowl two years ago?  (A Congressionly mandated revised system) In the old system, Utah would have been playing in the Las Vegas Bowl.  (Yeah even if we went 12-0.  That's why the system was and still is flawed.  Who is this guy and what research is he doing.  We would have gon to the Liberty Bowl.  But with a playoff, who knows where we would have gone?  Probably all the way to the top!)   The system also catapulted Meyer to hot-coach-of-the-moment status, essentially got him his big-time shot at Florida.  (Wow!  It wasn't the system that got him his fame.  I can't believe he is giving the BCS credit for Urban's and Utah's accomplishments) We're getting a mixed message. Michigan doesn't belong but USC and Florida do?  (In a playoff system they would still belong, but other teams would be given an equal shot at Ohio St. not just Michigan again, BORING!  Open your ears and listen to what Urban is really trying to say!) Here are some ideas, Urban: Beat Auburn. At least make Auburn score. You're in this position because the Tigers won 27-17 on Oct. 14 without scoring an offensive touchdown. Beat South Carolina by more than the fingernail on Jarvis Moss' hand that blocked a field goal attempt to preserve a one-point victory.  (I'm sorry but that was a good game!  The SEC is one of the most talented conferences this year.  Not all games are going to be blow outs and "style point" acheivements.  I think that hard fought game deserves more "style points" than running up the score!)  Don't play Western Carolina, ever. You know better. But if you have to play the last-place team in the Southern Conference, do it in September.  (Ohio St. and Michigan have played no name teams too.  Why even bring this up?  Not a valid point) If you're looking for a reason why you're in this predicament, check your schedule. It is inferior to USC's. Out of conference, the Trojans scheduled Nebraska (Big 12 South winner), Arkansas (SEC West winner) and No. 6 Notre Dame. Florida scheduled two teams from Conference USA (Southern Miss, Central Florida) and the aforementioned Western Carolina in addition to Florida State.  (These schedules are made 4 or so years in advance.  How can you know how good the team will be?  So because by chance USC rolled the dice and gets to play ranked or conference champion teams out side their conference and Florida has to play ranked Arkansas (#5), Auburn, Tennessee, and LSU they are not contenders.  By the way all of these teams are tanked higher than Nebraska.  It looks to me as if the odds ended up in Floridas favor.  Is this guy a USC fan or something?) Don't talk to me about the SEC conference schedule, either. Florida and USC each will have faced seven bowl-eligible teams in-conference. Beyond the numbers, Florida doesn't pass the eye test when compared to other contenders. (See above again)  Its offense is torture to watch at times. It keeps getting defensive linemen suspended. No wonder that on Oct. 29, Florida was No. 4 in the BCS and hasn't budged since.  (Well duh! Not much has happened to the teams up top.  The only team that has lost is Michigan and that was to #1 OSU)   Meanwhile, USC moved from No. 8 (following its only loss to Oregon State) to No. 3. Win its final two and the Trojans deserve to zip past Michigan into the No. 2 spot. Hey, what do you know? There would be no rematch. Isn't that what Urban wanted? (No you are not listening.)

--
Tijs Limburg
Chairman and CTO of DMX - Digital Media eXceleron, Inc.
Get eXcited!
www.dmxed.com

Utes Show Weakness

With the BYU Game facing down on Utah, a simple statistic shows vulnerability

We all know the Utes 5-4 record is far from impressive. Especially in account of the 7-1 Florida record by Coach Urban Meyer, predicessor to Whittingham. Not to mention that the 5 'W's, with exception of TCU, are to teams with losing seasons, or a non DIV 1 opponent.

Today's game against UNLV was no less mediocre. While some aspects of the team looked improved, others backtracked. The defence preformed wonderfully for 3 quarters of the game, and the 'O' showed up for 2.5 quarters. Mistakes kept Utah from a shutout, not UNLV's abilities. We continued to play Russian Roulette with ourselves in the Red Zone, and still have poor performance and momentum on our offesnsive drives.

In comparison with today's BYU game, Utah looks silly. BYU has a solid, driving, 'unstopable' offensive attitude. Getting first downs looks easy to them. Throwing the ball for completions a peice of cake, and the defense looks hard as rocks. We look out of sync, out of step, and out of toe -All at the same time.

I have been saying all this time, that Whit's team lacks discipline. And now this shows as evidenced by the above factors. So, where's the wit Whit? When will you become the witty, promotional, disciplined, head coach?

Statistically speaking, the best quarter for the utes is the Second quarter, so all BYU needs to do is shut us down in that quarter, and the game will be all theirs. Unless, of course, Andy could actually learn to use the offense he was assigned to run. Did, anyone notice that even UNLV was running shovel pitch plays? You may recall that Urban Meyer incorporated the shovel into the spread 'O', and that Utah was the team that invented the shovel. To my count, no shovels are coming from the offensive teams. Why? It has proven so effective these days, and almost evereyone can attest to that.

One highlight of the game were the red-shirt freshmen and others who performed greatly. This could be a good sign, but the rest of the tea also needs improvement.

We'll see if Coach Whit has enough wit to change anything on "the hill".

--Reluctaltnly hearing the BYU fight song getting louder. Can we be ready?

U Coach Kyle Whittingham Faces Ultimatim: His job or Andy's

All Signals Indicate a Losing Season

With a losing season on the verge of happening after the Utes' stellar loss to New Mexico after blowing a 21 point lead, Whittingham's options are looking to be underwater. What options will he have left to exercise after trying every option to revitalize the team this year? Simple. He can give up his job, or Andy's.

Why the Utes need to keep Whit

Whit hasn't had much of an opportunity to show what he is made of. It is his second season as a head coach. He has an offense that is difficult to run, and the OC running the 'O' has very questionable abilities. As well, Whit is a great link that has kept communications with Florida Gators' head coach Urban Meyer wide open. Utah can't afford at this point to sever those lines.

What needs to happen, then?

Whit needs to get rid of Ludwig. Not only to keep his job, and Chris Hill's inbox clear of dissent, but also to show that he is an effective head coach. He also needs to get at least one Defensive Coordinator. College football is too complicated for the Head Coach to be operating the defence too. BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall found that out, made corrections, and has a team on the way to the championship this year. Urban Meyer has to DCs.

This season is prettymuch decided; prepare for next year

The Utes need to realise that the season is prettymuch decided. It will be either a losing season, or by some miracle, a 7-5 barely-winning season. Players who can prepare for next year by gaining experience need to gain it now. They surely can't give us any worse perfomance or unsigtly football than we have already seen. Get them ready to play for the championship next year.

And don't forget to get an OC who is willing to run the Meyer spread offense, and not a version of his own.

The Path to Another Winning Season (7-5)

Coach Kyle Wittingham On Last Week's Loss to Wyoming
"We went up to Wyoming and they stuck it to us pretty good. There's no beating around the bush. Their defense really controlled the football game. I'm very impressed with their defense. They are very worthy of their number-three ranking in the country (in total defense). We just never really could get anything under way on the offensive side of the ball. WHY NOT?

"Defensively, we didn't play that bad. Not that bad is not that good! It was much like the Boise game. We gave up one real drive. The other touchdowns were either off turnovers or extremely short fields. You can't say that we played great defense, but it was not a bad outing.

"Special teams were positive again. Louie Sakoda continues to kick the ball as well as anybody in the country. The punt team has been a big weapon for us this year.

"The bottom line with this team is ... after going through things from A to Z, three or four times over ... it is very simple. When we take care of the football and don't turn it over, we're very good. When we turn it over, we stink. In our three losses we've turned the ball over 11 times and in our four wins we've turned it over four times. Meyer never accepted turnovers...you were on the bench even if you were the best player. 15 times already this season!? Who's serving bench time? It's not hard to figure out. Now, why do we turn the ball over? If we had that answer, we'd have our problem solved. Part of it is when we face particularly good defenses - UCLA, Boise, Wyoming - that's when the turnovers come and I'm sure they have something to do with that. But that is the bottom line for this football team. If we take care of the football and possess the football, we've won. When we don't, it's been the exact opposite."

On His Involvement When the Offense is Struggling
"I've got a lot of faith (Faith without works is dead) in (offensive coordinator) Andy Ludwig and what he's done. People say play-calling and this and that. Maybe these people are right! Those are the same plays we led the Mountain West Conference and were 11th in the nation (in total offense) last year. Wow, he's said it like we were 11-1 last year. Um Kyle, we were 7-5!! It is not schematics. I don't believe it is play selection. We've got to be better executing what is called. I am certainly privy to what's going on offensively and involved with understanding what Andy is doing and what's going on over there. Am I as involved there as defense? Absolutely not. Defense is my forte. Meyer wouldn't use that as an excuses. A head coach should be involved on all sides of the ball. But I have a lot of faith in Andy and what he does."

More comcast for me

Nevin,

Just thought you might want to know that Comcast stock is doing quite well in comparison to DTV and Dish Network. Main Street (a smarter Wall Street) almost always know the good companies from the bad, and I would bet that Comcast has better earnings reports because of the amount of service changes such as yours and my dad's due to the mtn. channel availability issue. (Not that I am reccomending any actions on any stocks, whether I own them or not! I am not an analyst, so invest at your own risk. And keep watching the mtn. )

Tijs

Guys,

FYI.....

I just ordered comcast high speed internet service for my home, to go with my comcast cable TV/DVR. I will be paying $33/mo. for each of these two, so $66 and the extra ten for the DVR. I am cancelling my verizon wireless as my internet provider because it has givne me too many problems and costs me $80/month. I am still keeing my T-moblie cell phone service, because then I don't have to have a land line phone, and I take my cell with me everywhere.
Comcast is a Utah based company and they are beating the competition in this market hands down.
Love to all.....a happier camper to be Nev
_________________________________________________________________ Search�Your way, your world, right now! http://imagine-windowslive.com/minisites/searchlaunch/?locale=en-us&FORM=WLMTAG

Fwd: My 5/12 of season review: Utah & BYU

After enjoying everyone's comments that started with the Big Ten Swimsuit
Edition, time now for my two cents worth, and start the "unseen
non-statistical" analysis and comparison of our two large and glorious
University institutions, in football 2006:

Both teams have 3-2 records, so let's look further:

If BYU could have a few plays back and get them right, they would be 5-0 and
ranked now
If Utah could have a few plays back now in their two losses, the scores
would have been even more lopsided than they were

BYU has a first team all conference quarterback from last season who is even
better this season
Utah has two quarterbacks who seeming gave the coaches enough confidence to
relegate their 4th-in-the-nation total offence quarterback to redshirt
status, then watches as the two stud quarterbacks go from mediocre at the
beginning to disaster in the last big game

BYU BARELY misses in its two losses
Utah BARELY shows up in its two losses

BYU is finally starting to correct its stupid numerous penalties in the
first games that helped cost them two more victories
Utah beats BYU in this important area and averages just 7 or 8 penalties per
game, and all at just the right times

BYU is out-physicalling its opposition---great big strong guys on the
offensive and defensive lines
Utah's vaunted defensive and offensive lines had hey-days with the likes of
Northern Arizona and Utah State, then got their butts kicked in the game
that really meant something with BSU

Utah has All American Weddle and Louis Swoboda as their bright spots
BYU's helmuts have bright spots all over them---stickers that reveal how
good they have played

BYU has some very good running backs, including Ist team all conference
Curtis Brown
Utah has running backs by committee whose yardage usually runs parallel to
the quarterback's

BYU has a coach who is proving himself this season, that he is restoring
some "great" to the program
Utah has "the Coach both wanted" who has yet to prove himself as the head
man to maintain some national prominence

BYU has lots of talent, size and speed
Utah has lots of talent, size and speed, so a tie in this area

BYU is climbing
Utah is falling

So, you can see that I am somewhat down on my Utes. Who will now rise up
and prevail with 7 games remaining? I'll be in the stands on Thursday to
cheer on my team, though not as loudly.

Nervous Nevin Limburg

Football and other Things

Sorry, but I have to comment. I was at the UCLA-Utah game in the Rose Bowl a few weeks ago. The same drunken hooligans you encountered at Qualcom must have made their way to the Rose Bowl. They weren’t there to watch the game, just to harass and shout vulgarities of the worst kind at the visitors. They stood behind a chain link fence in the stadium which provided nothing except to give them safe haven from having the crap beat out of them by us visiting fans on the other side. After paying a lot of money (I brought five people to the game including myself and paid lodging, rental car and airfare to get the there and I never felt so unwelcome by a host institution. I guess the uncivil fans are all over now. It is a sad symptom of our society.

I am truly not picking on you because your points have some validity but to suggest the pro players don’t care really is not true. Yes, there are some like Terrill Owens who make assess of them selves but what about guys like Brett Favre who have been playing since 1992 and he still jumps up and down when he throes a touchdown strike? Some are so exuberant that they get penalized for celebrating, it isn’t taunting either, it is just displaying shear joy. I see this every week in the pros. Another example, Alex Smith chases a guy all the way down the field trying desperately to stop him from scoring a touch down all the while getting clobbered continually by three big offensive linemen! He didn’t succeed but he really tried and I think he really cared about the game. He certainly wasn’t concerned whether he got injured on the play or not. My thoughts and again I enjoyed your comments. –Garth-

P.S. If the band, cheerleaders, and players provide all this entertainment for free tuition, why does a college game have to be so expensive to attend? Could it be that these students are being exploited by the big money guys in the Conference Commissioner’s Offices and the NCAA? Just wondering. Bruce will now say, “Don’t be so negative Janine (Jacobs)!” -Garth-

Who watered the field, Mike Giddings.

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Here, Here, how true! I was there too and witnessed what Garth is saying.

Nevin

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Here I go again,

Any one can like whatever he wants.

- Bruce

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I seldom agree with my brother (he is an Italian-speaking Ute fan, afterall)................but I think I have to line up on his side of the ball this time. You both make some valid points..........and yes, Garth, college football does have corruption with the big money being hogged by the power conferences and the elitist bowl system strangling the "little guys". NFL does decide on the field..........and hopefully college will someday too.

My favorite spectator sport, by far, is college football. There is an energy, a surging jolt of excitement that comes with game day. Having had the opportunity now to take my kids to such stadiums and campuses as Georgia Tech, Virginia, Arizona, USC, Notre Dame, Mississippi State, and yes, even Provo. In addition, we were escorted by the Alabama AD around their empty stadium in Tuscaloosa where he told us, "This place is magical. It is absurdly loud on game day and the stadium simply rocks. There is nothing like it." Jeff and I also entered Tennessee's stadium at midnight, the night before their season-opener. The endzones had been painted with their traditional orange and white checkerboard. The Security Guard allowed us in and said, "Ya'all come on in. Just stay off the grass."! As we ascended up the steep grade of stairs, it was breathtaking. 107,000 seats.........most of them literally on top of the field. The next day we saw hundreds of vehicles with orange flags out the windows.....on the freeways of Tennessee. RV's had been parked their ALL WEEK for tailgate parties. In the South it's either God and Football or Football and God. It is truly something to behold.

And yes, there are some rude and \ndrunk fans out there (we encountered some at USC).....but for the most \npart.........we have been welcomed and invited to tailgate barbecues. The \nfolks at Mississippi State told us they feed all opponents, " \'cept Mississippi \nfans"! Very gracious and extremely kind people. Same at Notre \nDame............we handed our tickets to men in suits who told us, "Welcome to \nNotre Dame. Enjoy the game." The Virginia male students all wore \nshirts and ties (tradition). The MSU Bulldog fans brought cowbells and \nrang them incessantly throughout.\n \nMy point? The vast variety of \ntraditions and student body behaviors can\'t be found in the NFL. The NFL \ngame is too generic. The teams all run pretty much the same plays. \nNo Air Force option attack. No Texas Tech spread offense. No Florida \noffense for that matter. In fact, if the QB runs the ball his life might \nbe over. When Peyton Manning faked 2 weeks ago and kept the ball on an \nend-around, it was heralded by the media as unexpected and \nbrilliant..........shoot, that\'s all Auburn and LSU do..........to get into the \nendzone.\n \nAnd what about rivalries? Sure \nDallas-Washington is great but can it compare to Ohio State-Michigan, \nAuburn-Alabama, Florida-Georgia, UCLA-USC, or even BYU-Utah? Remember \nMcBride\'s final game? His team finished what, 6-5? Yet the fans tore \ndown the goal posts after beating BYU? What .500 team in the NFL, it\'s \nteam being far from playoff contention, would have fans tear down goalposts \nfollowing a season-ending "near meaningless" victory?\n \n",1]
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And yes, there are some rude and drunk fans out there (we encountered some at USC).....but for the most part.........we have been welcomed and invited to tailgate barbecues. The folks at Mississippi State told us they feed all opponents, " 'cept Mississippi fans"! Very gracious and extremely kind people. Same at Notre Dame............we handed our tickets to men in suits who told us, "Welcome to Notre Dame. Enjoy the game." The Virginia male students all wore shirts and ties (tradition). The MSU Bulldog fans brought cowbells and rang them incessantly throughout.

My point? The vast variety of traditions and student body behaviors can't be found in the NFL. The NFL game is too generic. The teams all run pretty much the same plays. No Air Force option attack. No Texas Tech spread offense. No Florida offense for that matter. In fact, if the QB runs the ball his life might be over. When Peyton Manning faked 2 weeks ago and kept the ball on an end-around, it was heralded by the media as unexpected and brilliant..........shoot, that's all Auburn and LSU do..........to get into the endzone.

And what about rivalries? Sure Dallas-Washington is great but can it compare to Ohio State-Michigan, Auburn-Alabama, Florida-Georgia, UCLA-USC, or even BYU-Utah? Remember McBride's final game? His team finished what, 6-5? Yet the fans tore down the goal posts after beating BYU? What .500 team in the NFL, it's team being far from playoff contention, would have fans tear down goalposts following a season-ending "near meaningless" victory?

Another point...............as much \nas I despise no playoffs in the college game..........there is a wonderful \nsilver lining to it. EVERY GAME IS IMPORTANT. If you want to play \nfor the national championship, you had better not mess up along the way. \nNot so in the NFL. The Steelers never even played a home game on their way \nto the Super Bowl because they HAD MESSED UP along the way and lost several \ngames. In effect, then, game day saturday has serious meaning every week, \nnot just as the season winds down.\n \nI\'ve heard that games in Washington \nDC and Denver are like a college atmosphere.........but that\'s the \nexception............whoops, Green Bay too. And I\'m sure tickets are more \nlikely more money than most college stadiums. But alas, Garth, many in the \ncountry agree with you. The NFL has a cult-like following fed by ESPN, \nMonday Night football, etc. They are the best athletes..........but it\'s \nalso a business, and many of them will tell you they feel more like a piece of \nmeat than a human. Once they are injured or rendered \nineffective........they are tossed out the back like old lettuce. College \nplayers, for the most part, get to keep their \nscholarships.\n \nTo conclude, I was talking with a \nbusiness associate of my father, years ago, and he mentioned he used to have \nseason tickets to BYU, but "I gave them up. It was a long day. A big \nhassle. The traffic....the long game, by the time I got home, the day was \nover." I laughed and told him, "That\'s the point. It should \nlast all day. It\'s an event, not just a game. You go early. \nYou eat. You throw the football around with your kids. You listen to \npostgame. You enjoy the band. You take it all in. There is \nno point in rushing there late, sneaking out early to beat \ntraffic,etc. Enjoy the WHOLE DAY. It\'s not a church welfare meeting, \nfor Pete Sake!",1]
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Another point...............as much as I despise no playoffs in the college game..........there is a wonderful silver lining to it. EVERY GAME IS IMPORTANT. If you want to play for the national championship, you had better not mess up along the way. Not so in the NFL. The Steelers never even played a home game on their way to the Super Bowl because they HAD MESSED UP along the way and lost several games. In effect, then, game day saturday has serious meaning every week, not just as the season winds down.

I've heard that games in Washington DC and Denver are like a college atmosphere.........but that's the exception............whoops, Green Bay too. And I'm sure tickets are more likely more money than most college stadiums. But alas, Garth, many in the country agree with you. The NFL has a cult-like following fed by ESPN, Monday Night football, etc. They are the best athletes..........but it's also a business, and many of them will tell you they feel more like a piece of meat than a human. Once they are injured or rendered ineffective........they are tossed out the back like old lettuce. College players, for the most part, get to keep their scholarships.

To conclude, I was talking with a business associate of my father, years ago, and he mentioned he used to have season tickets to BYU, but "I gave them up. It was a long day. A big hassle. The traffic....the long game, by the time I got home, the day was over." I laughed and told him, "That's the point. It should last all day. It's an event, not just a game. You go early. You eat. You throw the football around with your kids. You listen to postgame. You enjoy the band. You take it all in. There is no point in rushing there late, sneaking out early to beat traffic,etc. Enjoy the WHOLE DAY. It's not a church welfare meeting, for Pete Sake!
\n \nNow what\'s the matter buddy, \naint you heard of my school, it\'s #1 in the state. So be true to your \nschool now, just like you would to your girl now.....be true to your school now, \nand let your colors fly.............\n \nBrian Wilson and the Beach \nBoys\n \n \n \n",1]
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D(["mb","\n ----- Original Message ----- \n From: \n Limburg, Garth ",1]
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Now what's the matter buddy, aint you heard of my school, it's #1 in the state. So be true to your school now, just like you would to your girl now.....be true to your school now, and let your colors fly.............

Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys

Ute and BYU Season Talk

As you can see, the Utah-BYU rivalry is only one of many. This email photo came from a guy I work with who loves Ohio State. As you can see..............the Michigan Wolverines are his favorite target. I thought it was pretty funny..............if Michigan inserts her into the lineup for the rivalry game, they just might win.

And speaking of targets..................I went to Izzy's house to watch the BSU-Utah game yesterday. I don't think I've ever seen Utah dominated like that..............not since I was a teenager anyway. Either Boise State is awfully powerful, or Urban Meyer is sorely missed. I didn't expect that at all, especially after Boise struggled to win by 7 in Laramie.

Merland, we might be seeing a Rutgers-Boise State BCS game in late December or early January! I will be oh so curious Thursday to see which team is angrier and who plays harder, TCU or the Utes? I have a feeling it will be Utah....................

Ted Capener

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Well, McBride was fired because he couldn’t take us to the next level. So, Urban comes and takes us to the next level. Now, we have regressed all the way back to Jim Fassall. I don’t see any signs of Urban Meyer at Utah anymore. Where is the shovel pass? Where are special teams? Where are end arounds with a receiver? No where to be found.

Have you seen what Crowton is doing at Oregon as the offensive coordinator? 5-0 baby! They man handled Arizona State at Tempe! This guy will get another chance as a head coach if he wants it and soon. The fans at Oregon are giddy that Mike Bellotti shipped Andy Ludwig off to Utah and hired Crowton. –Garth-

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Yes, I think it's a classic case of someone better suited to be a specialized assistant rather than head coach. If good head coaches are smart enough and lucky enough to have excellent assistants..................then they can simply "oversee", much like LaVell did. Too, in Crowton's case, he has much more speed and athleticism at Oregon than he ever had in Provo. When he did inherit speedy and athletic Doman and Luke Staley.............he was able to win 12 games..............and it went steadily downhill from there. I'm happy for him.....................it has to be wonderful vindication of his abilities as a so-called offensive genius.

And poor Whittingham has to be feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders.............he desperately needs a win over TCU or it could be a nasty season. I, too, have wondered about their lack of misdirections, end-arounds, crazy special teams, 12th man, etc. Much has been made of Ratliffe's great numbers last year vs. anemic ones this year. I know BYU's secondary last year was absolutely horrible......and I know that Georgia Tech, after beating Miami and Auburn on the road, was extremely disappointed to draw a MWC team on the left coast and probably didn't show up with a lot of motivation or even preparation............still.........Ratliffe played great, and that can't be discounted.

The most surprising thing to me.................Whit has always had such stout defenses.........always. 10 plus years worth................yet UCLA and BSU moved the ball with ease. Remember Carson Palmer and USC racking up, what...............7 points vs. Whit's defense in the Vegas Bowl? What has happened to that D? And why was the DB who stars at Florida now benched last year? I don't get that. Shoot, last year BYU played anybody with a heartbeat and two legs.

I read some of the profanity filled message boards of the Utes. The comments were worse than McBride days.....................Urban M. created a monster.................and it needs to be fed.

The sad part in all of this....................from a national perspective? I recall after the 1984 National Title how many discounted BYU and their abilities. Then, every game since then, every big game that they lose (and it has been many)..............the national voices take glee and say, "See, we told you. They were pretenders". Which is patently unfair. Kevin Feterik and John Walsh were not Steve Young and Robbie Bosco. To compare teams minimizes being fair. Same with the Utes. That Alex Smith team that steamrolled everybody.............was so much better than what the Utes have now. Yet, many national "authorities" quietly agree that Utah was lucky, or undeserving, whatever. Not fair. That team was unstoppable and to diminish their accomplishments based on a UCLA or Boise State loss, 2 years later, isn't even reasonable.

ESPN Gameday crew predicted Boise would beat Utah..............but then went on to say that even if the Broncos go undefeated, they won't get nor will they deserve a BCS bowl bid. Say what? That Boise team is solid from top to bottom and if they finish out................I think they deserve a spot. Notre Dame, by contrast, even if they lose 2 more games.................will have numerous supporters clamoring for them to go to the Sugar Bowl. I'd love to see Notre Dame travel to Boise State.........they would have their hands full, for sure.

What kind of a crowd do you expect Thursday?

Eddie Johnson

-------------

Your observations are on the mark (Thomas). The funny thing about Crowton is that he has the Urban Meyer play book and he executes it better than anybody. I know all you guys love College football but your comments regarding Boise State and the BCS from game day knuckleheads is exactly why I like the pro game and am turning more of my attention to the pros and depending on the outcome on Thursday I may forego this college season for the pro game. My reasons for following the pro game:

Playoffs, playoffs, playoffs. No BCS horse crap! The best teams keep on playing.

The best athletes to play the game are on the field.

Games can start and end in 3 hours even with playback reviews and 2 minute warnings.

Almost every game is competitive. No real mismatches like you see every weekend with the college game.

The revenue is spread around evenly from team to team. No pity poor kids in the neighborhood like the SEC vs Mountain West. I have the privilege of paying $92.00 a game for two chair seats in RES to watch a poorly executing team play in an absolutely crappy conference.

I don’t follow a specific team. It is the individual coaches and players that I am interested in. My two cents about pro football.

My favorite comment from the USC-Utah football game in the Las Vegas bowl came from a sports writer for the Las Vegas Sun. He wrote that Utah’s defense made Carson Palmer (QB for USC) look like Arnold Palmer!

Also, I wonder what Michael Young (U of U Pres) is thinking this morning. Two years ago when he took the reigns at the U he said that the football team would remain the dominating force in the Mountain West. I think this would put Kyle on a short timeline. The crowd Thursday will be large (no sell out) and short tempered. The problem with charging so damn much money to watch college football is that the fans get angry knowing they are paying out the nose to watch a poor product.

–Garth-

-------------

What are you saying BYU got a national title in 1984? I missed the 80s.

-Bruce

-------------

All,

Here is a letter I submitted to the SL Tribune:

Dear editor,

I think U fans (and maybe even BSU fans, who expected a better game) deserve an apology from the U coaching staff for that horrifying loss on Saturday. That game set us back 17 years in statistics, and I don't believe that it is due to a lack of player talent, but more due to leadership and coaching error, for two reasons. One, last year this team beat BYU, and two, they beat a ranked team in a bowl game after that. I can remember Coach Meyer giving everyone an apology for a "coaching error" after a loss to New Mexico in 2003. That was a loss, not a blowout, therefore an apology from the entire staff is due to us, from top to bottom. Especially after we sold out our stadium in expectations that were completely thrashed. I'm not mad --just looking fo a bit of coaching and leadership integrity-- that's all.

Tijs Limburg
Chairman and CTO of DMX - Digital Media eXceleron, Inc.
Get eXcited!
www.dmxed.com

-------------

Nice, Some things to think about. It sure seemed like everything went wrong for the Utes. I wonder what their plan really was. I can't believe they would be that flat by accident.

- Bruce

-------------

My 2 cents on the pro game: The players don't care unless they are either 1) up for a new contract or 2) in the running for the big money playoffs. I can't stand the NFL and frankly, can't even tell you who the Steelers beat in last years SB. After attending a few Charger games in San Diego and watching a blue collar drunken riot laced with tattoos and knee deep in gin and hookers, I concluded that I will gladly stick with the college educated crowd complete with a band and cheerleaders that work for free tuition. Oh yea, and the players are out there trying hard because they are ambitious and not yet rich knuckleheads. There is just a "spirit" at college stadiums that doesn't exist at Qualcomm (which it does when the Aztecs are playing).

Sorry. You can't give me NFL tickets.

Ci Vederemo dopo il partito il jovedi.

Ciao Ciao

Nathan, "I fall down, out of bounds, with the basketball" Marshall

Re: Response to Article Published Sept. 15th

Dear Editor,

 

I would like to respond to the editorial Deal Benefits only Comcast (Sept. 15th), by first ensuring that everyone know that CSTV is a CBS entity, and is not owned by Comcast as many think who have written in.  Also, the mtn. is a joint venture between CSTV and Comcast, and broadcast companies across the country do sell access to their subsidiary programming to other providers all the time.  Look at the company Viacom.  Every cable or satellite provider I know of carries the Viacom channels, even though until recently, Viacom was affiliated with CBS.  Walt Disney owns ESPN and ABC, and Time Warner is a cable provider, as well as an outlet for the WB and AOL.  And I don't see other cable providers shunning those channels and services.

 

As an officer for a local tech company, I study the implications of these types of changes that go on. And though I don't understand why Comcast and CSTV didn't, and haven't, been able to get wider coverage for the mtn., you may still be able to get the games if your cable provider won't serve up the mtn. to you, or if you are outside of Comcast's mtn. distribution area.  CSTV recently announced a site that will stream the games via Internet.  And when I say video streams, I'm not talking about the streams we are used to.  These are high quality streams. With the new Media Center PCs, and Microsoft's upcoming release of Vista with Media Center built into it, these types of solutions will become even more viable, and most areas now have some kind of access to broadband Internet.  Once again, the way broadcasting is done is now rapidly changing, from aspect ratios, to HDTV, from DVRs, to Media Centers, from broadcast TV, to OnDemand.  And CSTV and the mtn. happen to be on the very forefront of this change, so we should all expect headaches and confusion with the new technology, but expect to get unprecedented programming in the near future.

 
Tijs Limburg
Chairman and CTO of DMX - Digital Media eXceleron, Inc.

Murray, Utah
 

Deal benefits only Comcast

I was wondering, did the Mountain West Conference do any research before they made The mtn. channel deal?

Why would anyone in their right mind make a deal with CSTV/The mtn. (mostly owned by Comcast) and know that probably less than 2 percent of the MWC fan base cannot get, have or afford Comcast? Sure, CSTV/The mtn. (once again owned mostly by Comcast) said they offered DirecTV and Dish Network to carry the channel. Yeah, right! Why would Comcast offer a channel to their competitors? If DirecTV and Dish Network had CSTV/The mtn., then Comcast wouldn't get more subscribers. This deal only benefits Comcast, nobody else.

Christy Halla

Provo

---

©

 

Fwd: Utah Utes vs. Northern Arizona

While we didn't stand up the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks like previous BYU Coach Crowton stood up Nevada a few years ago, we almost didn't show up to the first quarter of the game, allowing NAU to get on the board early.  It was great, however, that after that, the Utes rallied and posted 45 unanswered points.

 

The thing I have taken away from this game in my analysis of things, is that the Utes are not being diciplined very well as a team.  This is in effect, a coaching problem.  A disciplined team shows up to play ALL quarters of football, plays every down, and every play.  As well, the penalties are another large indicators of this, and the number turnovers in the UCLA game can be counted as another attribute of a less disciplined team. 

 

If there is anything Coach Wittingham can improve on this week to prepare for the harder teams that are coming up on the schedule, it is disciplining his squad. 

 

As I watched them warm us, as compared to NAU, I knew that they woiuld come out slow.  They were warming up like it was some sort of beach party.  I would have liked to see some warmup routines like Coach Meyer had 2 years ago.  This also brings up the point that if they are "lousy" in warming up for the most important day of the week, then how do they warm up for practice? 

 

Discipline plauged Coach Mac.  Coach Meyer took the same players Mac had the previous year, and made them a championship team and in two years a BCS buster, with discipline --sometimes so rigorous that after summer camp, a few players called it quits-- and maybe that is overkill.  But the Meyer solution worked, and is continuing to produce results even at the big time Florida U.  (Imagine being a Coach like Meyer and going into a bigshot school like that and telling the players on the nationally renowned Florida Gators that they are lazy, and that he is shutting down their plush locker room until he feels they are more disciplined.)  If Florida needs discipline, then assuridly the Utes cannot neglect it.  And I think Wittingham has forgotten it.  He's new at the head coach position, so we'll cut him some slack, but disciplined W's are the goal to beat this season, as a comparison; and when it boils down to it, we will win or lose on it.

 

All that said, I think the team improved this week, and I think the team will now take this confidence W and run with it.  I worry though, that we have once again become a desperation team, and not a definition team --a team that redefines football.  The game of football is driven in all ways, both the physical and the mental, by momentum, and should only need desperation as a final straw.  Despireration is dangerous because it causes a lot of 1 and 2 point losses --something the Utes were akin to in the 90's.  They then became a momentum team under Meyer, where every drive carried the next, and we saw some hints of that today with 45 unanswered points in 7 consecutive drives.  Do that every game, no matter who the contestant is, and you will win games.  Momentum also carries you through the red zone, and into the endzone.  Desperation just carries you into the bluezone --where teams get down on themselves because they are always a "play late and a yard short" of making a win. 

Tijs Limburg

 

(Editors note: Y fans - the bluezone is not an attempt of any kind as a cheap shot to your school.  However, I cannot do anything about the fact that the color blue is associated with depression and loss of will.)

--
Tijs Limburg
Chairman and CTO of DMX - Digital Media eXceleron, Inc.
Get eXcited!
www.dmxed.com

Parowan vs. Richfield

I took Tyler to Parowan for Josh's JV game vs. Richfield thursday night.

Afterwards, we ate, swam, read his favorite story books, and played
SORRY in our "lovely" motel room in Beaver. It even had a towel and a
toilet!!!!!!!!! Following a typical guy breakfast of apple fritters,
bananas, and milk, we drove to Richfield for Jeff's friday night varsity

game.

Prior to kickoff under the lights, the PA announcer directed our
attention to 2 small trees that had been planted near the endzone. 2 of
Richfield's best players had been killed in a car wreck and the driver
of the "overcorrected" vehicle which hit a semi was on the sidelines
with a crushed pelvis (in a wheelchair with his game jersey on). They
had a "long" moment of silence.........many tears.......then the
national anthem.

I took it all in. It was so refreshing and touching. Hundreds from the

small community of Richfield came out to support their team. Huge band,
20 + cheerleaders, and dozens of small children, including my own Tyler,

playing touch and tackle football on the adjoining grass field during
the Richfield-Parowan game. The weather was perfect (especially
compared to Mesquite heat) and the entire environment was heartwarming.
Small-town America at it's best. The 2 funerals had been completed that
week, and the entire community reached out to that young blonde kid in
the wheelchair (who wanted to die because his best friends did and
because he felt responsible.......he'd only had his driver's license for
30 days).

The folks in Richfield were so kind.....and supportive of their high
school team. Prior to the game I bumped into Mary Peterson who had
worked at MACU in Mesquite, but moved back to Richfield when her cop
husband couldn't find work in Mesquite. I asked her if she was going to
the game and she said, "Yes, along with the rest of the town. You'll be
amazed at the support.........it's a lot different than Mesquite". It
was amazing.......the crowd was bigger than many I had seen in SLC high
schools. After the game Josh, Tyler and I spent an hour, alternately
throwing two footballs on long pass routes on the Richfield home grass.
We finally stopped when Tyler missed one that hit him in the
nose..........he was mad and said I did it on purpose!!!!

But the entire evening was a chapter out of LIFE magazine 40 years ago.
Americana.................at it's best. Kids and adults coming
together..........during good times and hard times.......to support, to
cheer, to honor 2 of their fallen kids. Many wonder if Americans are
too fixated on sports? Perhaps.............but like Bear Bryant
(legendary Alabama head coach) said years ago, "It's difficult for a
community to rally around a math class". I'm convinced, certainly for
the Richfield folks, that friday night was a form of
healing............just as the funerals had been too. Actually, perhaps
an "athletic tender mercy" approved from ON HIGH. The game was closer
than the final score indicated, but Richfield is
now 2-0...............and the Parowan Rams are still looking for victory
#1. Moot point.

And, true to form, the white Altima slithered home at a comfortable 62
mph.........deep into the night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KC

Satellite prividers and MTN. info

Hey everyone,

 

I have noticed (as well as Garth) that a very high percentage of people have no idea that this change in broadcasting of MWC games is going to occur in the next few days!  It is pretty amazing.  I have encountered people all over the place that have never heard anything about this.  So I have been referring them to our blog ( http://uysports.blogspot.com/ - Now one of the prime blogs on the subject of both teams and on the CSTV - MTN. issue on the blog search engines).

 

So, I have been doing more research to answer their and your questions. I found the following now posted on the MTN.'s webpage:

(from http://themtn.cstv.com/faqs/)

 

What is the mtn.? (pronounced and referred to as "the mountain")

• The mtn. is the first ever 24-hour sports network devoted exclusively to a single collegiate athletic conference. The mtn. will feature more Mountain West Conference games and sports than ever before, including at least 25 MWC football games, 75 men's basketball games, women's basketball games, conference championships, and men's and women's Olympic sports, such as swimming, diving, soccer, and tennis.
• The mtn. will feature more than just live games. There will be a variety of studio shows, including pre and post-game shows, which break down MWC games, look ahead to the big games on the horizon and feature extensive game highlights. In addition, the mtn. will offer special original programming which will focus on local sports interests prevalent in our communities.
• This new network is truly unique. NO other conference can offer their fans such depth and breadth of coverage as well as access 24/7 to their teams! The MWC and MountainWest Sports Network will grow together and give fans multiplatform access to live events as well as in-depth news and information about our conference and its member institutions.
• We're the first and only conference to have its own network.

How can I get the mtn.?
The mtn., which will bring unprecedented exposure to Mountain West Conference athletics, will initially premiere on Comcast systems in Utah, Coloroado and New Mexico, including expanded basic service in the Salt Lake City market, and digital cable service in the Denver, Colorado Springs and Albuquerque markets.
    Comcast Systems
        Albuquerque, N.M. - Digital Basic Service
        Colorado Springs, Colo. - Digital Basic Service
        Denver, Colo. - Digital Basic Service
        Salt Lake City, Utah - Expanded Basic Service

Negotiations are ongoing with satellite providers. Please contact
    Dish Network at 1-888-284-7116 (existing customers) or 1-888-825-2557 (new customers) AND
    DirecTV at 1-800-494-4388 (existing customers) or 1-888-238-7177 (new customers)
and request that The MountainWest Sports Network - The mtn. - be added to their channel lineup.

When can I get the mtn.?
It varies by market. If you live in Utah, Colorado or New Mexico and receive your cable from Comcast, the mtn. is available to you and will launch on Sept. 1. The first football game will be on Sept. 2. If you subscribe to satellite or other cable companies, please contact your provider and tell them you want the mtn.

What level of service will the mtn. be on?
The mtn. is available on expanded basic in Utah and digital basic in New Mexico and Colorado. CSTV is available on digital basic in all three markets.

Will the mtn. be on satellite via DISH Network and or DirecTV?
We believe that the mtn.'s exclusive college sports programming should be carried widely by all operators. Also, we will be working to do everything we can to distribute the network to DISH, DirecTV and other providers by the network's launch. We encourage fans to call both satellite operators and request the mtn. be added.
    Dish Network at 1-888-284-7116 (existing customers) or 1-888-825-2557 (new customers)
    DirecTV at 1-800-494-4388 (existing customers) or 1-888-238-7177 (new customers)

So if you have satellite, or a different cable provider than Comcast, you will need to call your provider and request service enough that they get the hint that they need to provide the channels. 

 

Also, as Garth suggested, look for a clause in your agreement that states that you can get out if they cannot provide services you need.  Otherwise, there is usually a fee for early termination.

 

Good luck! (And Go UTES!)

--
Tijs Limburg
Chairman and CTO of DMX - Digital Media eXceleron, Inc.
Get eXcited!
www.dmxed.com

 

Quality of CSTV is valid concern

By Scott D. Pierce
Deseret Morning News

As we quickly approach the dawn of The mtn./CSTV era for the Mountain West Conference, we've got more to worry about than just whether we'll have access to the channels.

I'm more than a bit worried about what the football and basketball telecasts will look like.

Because, to be blunt, the quality of CSTV's football and basketball coverage to date has been minor league. Even if the Mountain West is a mid-major conference, its fans have been accustomed to BCS conference-like coverage on ESPN and ESPN2.

The ESPN-regional telecasts haven't been up to that level of excellence, but even those have been at a level of production quality that CSTV has only aspired to.

I was encouraged back in 2004 when Dave Checketts became not only a major investor in but co-chairman of CSTV and folded his SportsWest Productions into the company. Over the years, SportsWest's coverage of BYU football and basketball has matched — even exceeded — the quality of ESPN's telecasts.

But Checketts no longer has anything to do with CSTV. His investment was bought out when when CBS acquired CSTV back in January.

Of course, that CBS acquisition raised my hopes. Nobody knows more about broadcasting football (both college and pro) and college basketball than CBS, the home of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

But when I asked CSTV president Brian Bedol a few weeks ago if the cable channels would receive production support from CBS, he said that CBS's assistance would be "mainly promotional" and went on to talk about how CSTV operates on a different business model.

That was sort of scary.

I'm not saying CSTV and The mtn. haven't stepped it up. I'm not saying they can't put on telecasts that rival the quality of those on more established cable and broadcast networks.

I am saying that, given the track record, we have reason for concern. And that I'll be watching when Utah State takes on Wyoming on The mtn. on Sept. 2 — not just to see who wins, but to see how well The mtn. plays the game.

TO ALL OF YOU who keep e-mailing me from all over the country, I don't have any idea if your local cable company will carry CSTV and/or The mtn. You'll have to call them and ask.

And annoying them with repeated phone calls won't hurt.

It won't hurt in Utah, either.

CARD ME: As I wrote last week, a Fox Soccer Channel sportscaster did indeed say that when Real Salt Lake's Atiba Harris was penalized during the game against Real Madrid, "When we looked on our replay right there, it looked like a yellow card for sure. A red card seems a little bit harsh to me." But it was Christopher Sullivan, not Sean Wheelock, who said it.

That's at least a yellow card, if not a red, on me.

---

The mtn.'s channel

The mtn. — the Mountain West Sports network — will be available on Comcast Ch. 37 (or Ch. 53 in Heber, Nephi and Morgan) on expanded basic service beginning Sept. 1.

---

 

U Football Schedule

Dad,

 

Here is a football schedule you can send to everyone, in case they don't have one.  It included the TV network the game will be on.  This will be posted to the Blog as well>

 

Tijs

 

2006 Utah Football Schedule

Day	Date	Opponent	Location	TV	Outcome/Time
Sat	09/02/06	UCLA	Los Angeles, Calif.	FSN	4:00 PM
Sat	09/09/06	Northern Arizona	Salt Lake City	mtn.	6:00 PM
Sat	09/16/06	Utah State	Logan, Utah	KJZZ	6:05 PM
Sat	09/23/06	San Diego State	San Diego, Calif.	mtn.	5:00 PM
Sat	09/30/06	Boise State	Salt Lake City	Versus	1:00 PM
Thu	10/05/06	TCU	Salt Lake City	Versus	7:00 PM
Sat	10/14/06	Wyoming	Laramie, Wyo.	mtn.	1:00 PM
Thu	10/19/06	New Mexico	Albuquerque, N.M.	mtn.	7:00 PM
Sat	10/28/06	UNLV	Salt Lake City	mtn.	2:00 PM
Sat	11/11/06	Colorado State	Salt Lake City	Versus	12:00 PM
Sat	11/18/06	Air Force	Colorado Springs, Colo.	mtn.	5:30 PM
Sat	11/25/06	Brigham Young	Salt Lake City	CSTV & mtn.	1:30 PM

Comcast

 

I called Comcast Cable today and was informed that CSTV and MTN games will be on channel 37.  They will also be put “on demand” so that subscribers can watch the games on their own schedule whenever and any number of times they want.  This is great news.  I just got Comcast yesterday with HDTV and two DVR’s for my two TV’s and I’m loving it.  The “on demand’ programming is awesome.  –garth-

The BYU Snap

 

I think we need to rename the "new mexico snap" (the name we gave following those horrible 70's new mexico teams that would snap the ball over the punter or quarterback's head) to the BYU snap. It is almost funny how john beck says this isn't a problem. 3 or 4 such snaps in fall practice suggests they will have one in their opener with arizona...and I will put money on it.

RE: CSTV - Comcast - MTN Deal

That is my hope too, Nevin. I have several friends and a "friendly" ex-wife willing to have BYU football parties. But DISH has not come through yet.............it might take some time............ESPN was miniscule and off the radar early on too. This year could be torturous.............then we'll see what kind of inroads we have for 2007. I live in a townhome complex and we're all locked into the local Rio Virgin Cable deal..............which, just to give you a kick-in-the-gut idea of where they lean..........after 3 years of carrying FSN (multiple PAC 10 and even Big 12 games), they replaced it with an auto racing network. 74 channels...............and they crossed off a good one for auto racing...............frustrating.
The Utah-UCLA game will be on FSN. I'm hoping Tucson hotels will carry the game so we can watch the first 2 or 3 quarters. The Utes finally will go against Ben Olsen..................hmmmm, returned missionary in Pasadena leading the Bruins..........I'm so curious.

Lee Corso

RE: CSTV - Comcast - MTN Deal

Tijs,

I am a Dish Network subscriber with an 18 month contract that began Feb 2006. I have written an email to Dish, and called them and left a message with a customer service rep. who said she would forward it, about Mtn. and CSTV and what is Dish going to do about MWC games? I have no reply yet. From your perspective, and anyone's, what are my options, and what more should I do?

Getting more frustrated daily Nevin

Friction at BYU practice

By Patrick Kinahan The Salt Lake Tribune Salt Lake Tribune

Posted: 12:46 PM- PROVO - A little friction apparently is developing in Brigham Young's defensive backfield.     During Tuesday morning's practice, secondary coach Jaime Hill clashed with safety Cole Miyahira. The tiff resulted in Miyahira leaving practice more than one hour early.     Hill, in his first season at BYU, blew off any questions after practice. He said he would speak to reporters after Wednesday's practice, which is a scrimmage at LaVell Edwards Stadium.     "I'm not talking today," he said, without stopping.     Coach Bronco Mendenhall wasn't aware of the situation and wouldn't comment after practice. He was not near the secondary drills at the time.     Last week Mendenhall kicked offensive lineman Travis Bright out of practice for continuing to scuffle with a defensive lineman after the whistle. Mendenhall said it was a dead issue after practice.     A senior, Miyahira has been contending for a starting position. He moved up to the first team when Dustin Gabriel began suffering headaches.     "Cole has played his best football since he's been here over the last few days when he's had a chance to run with the 'first team"," Mendenhall said after Monday's practice.

 

Dish TV

In regards to your dilemma with DISH TV I would suggest that you pull out the agreement or get a copy of one and look for a clause under the heading “Early Termination of Agreement” or similar language and see what it requires to terminate the agreement.  You may be allowed out of the agreement if DISH cannot provide you with the new channels that you desire (ie. MTN) or you may have to pay an early termination fee.  If it is possible to terminate early then I would call Comcast Cable and go with them.  Comcast is coming to my place tomorrow to hook me up.  Love, Garth

BYU is still 'most sober'

BYU is still 'most sober'

Princeton Review also notes an unusual fondness for milk

By Tad Walch
Deseret Morning News

PROVO — Raise a glass, everybody, and toast the students at Brigham Young University.

BYU, this milk's for you.

For a record ninth year in a row, BYU is ranked No. 1 on the Princeton Review's "Stone Cold Sober" list.

The university is also No. 1 on the publication's "Got Milk?" list for low rates of beer drinking. That, it turns out, is doubly appropriate. The favorite drink on campus, by far, is white milk — the campus community consumed 338,000 gallons of the substance on campus in 2005.

The second most popular drink at BYU?

Milk.

Folks chugged 75,000 gallons of chocolate milk at BYU last year.

Beer, obviously, isn't available. It's banned by the Honor Code of the university owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But root beer came in fifth, behind Dasani-brand water and Powerade.

BYU students also are considered the nation's most religious and are on top of the "Don't Inhale" list for low marijuana use. In fact, BYU is ranked first more times — five — and appears on more lists — 14 — than any other school in the latest edition of the Princeton Review's "Best 361 Colleges" book.

But the "Stone Cold Sober" list is easily BYU's favorite. Proof of that came in 2003, when LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley referred gratefully to the university's top ranking during the inauguration of BYU President Cecil Samuelson.

The Princeton Review is often criticized for its list of the top party schools — this year the University of Texas at Austin is No. 1 — because of the company's methodology. The chancellor of last year's top party school, the University of Wisconsin, called it "junk science."

Editorial director Rob Franek believes the Princeton Review's methods are unique and powerful. The lists are generated by a nonscientific but massive sampling of American college students.

"We received back a little over 115,000 surveys this year from students at those 361 schools," Franek said. "The purpose of all of our ranking lists and the narratives in the book is to make college-bound students and their parents savvy and well-prepared to select a college that's the right fit."

The top party school changes every year, often as the school cracks down on binge drinking and parties because of negative publicity tied to the Princeton Review ranking.

Meanwhile, BYU maintains a proud death-grip on the No. 1 spot for sobriety.

"Nobody else has been ranked No. 1 on one list nine years in a row," Franek said.

Franek said the Princeton Review won't retire the category the way sports teams retire the jerseys of their greatest players. So, how about a Hall of Fame?

"A Princeton Review Hall of Fame?" he said, laughing. "A 10th year at No. 1 for BYU would be a great reason to start one."

The only mystery left now is why BYU's dominance, now longer than the dynastic run of the Boston Celtics — eight straight NBA championships — didn't start earlier.

In 1997, BYU, which had been second on the "Stone Cold Sober" list the year before, was left out of the top 10. The headline in the Deseret Morning News the next day announced the shocking news: "What an affront!"

The winner that year was the California Institute of Technology. Caltech has been among runners-up to BYU ever since.

Franek didn't join the Princeton Review until the following year and doesn't have an answer for the 1997 omission. The best speculation is there was a disconnect in the paper surveys done at the time. Now, 93 percent of the surveys are completed online.

"The Best 361 Colleges" goes on sale today. It includes a two-page profile on each school. The list will be available to the public Tuesday at www.PrincetonReview.com.

BYU students also ranked No. 1 for "Future Rotarians and Daughters of the American Revolution," No. 2 for "Scotch and Soda, Hold the Scotch" (low use of hard liquor), No. 3 for low acceptance of the gay community and for right-leaning politics and No. 4 for best college library.

It also was mentioned for best quality of life, good relations with its host city, participation in intramural sports, happiest students and good administration.

University of Utah students complained about their lack of access to professors (eighth-worst in the country) and ranked No. 9 for most religious. U. students also were 18th for low acceptance of the gay community.

Westminster College is profiled in the book but didn't make any lists. Utah State University and Southern Utah University were not profiled.

Deseret Morning News graphic

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E-mail: twalch@desnews.com

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© 2006 Deseret News Publishing Company

 

Fwd: CSTV - Comcast - MTN Deal

Hey everyone,

 

Just wanted to drop a line about the MTN channel for the MWC.  I read a press release article posted on Comcast's website about their plans with CSTV and the MTN channel.  It is quite interesting, and you can see it at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=147565&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=883980&highlight  .  I found one paragraph particularly interesting stating their plans to do on demand content for the MTN channel, as well as wireless, Podcasts, etc.  Looks like they are really trying to go beyond the mark in making this an interestingly advanced service.

 

"In addition to televised coverage, fans will experience integrated multimedia cross-platform coverage of MWC athletics. This agreement includes rights for coverage on a myriad of other platforms, including Comcast's signature video on demand service, CSTV.com's industry-leading broadband product, high definition, wireless devices, as well as on iTunes and podcasts. "

 

 

The article also states that this is "the first network dedicated to exclusively covering a collegiate conference...The mtn. will be prominently positioned as not only the first network devoted to a single league, but also as an industry leader in both television programming and intercollegiate athletics."

 

I am suprized that I am now actually finding myself excited at something Comcast is involved in.

 

Kevin, this may be an answer to your problem in Mesquite (from: http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6354755.html  ):

"Comcast, though, will talk with cable operators outside of the nine-member conference's seven-state footprint in an effort to gain national carriage for the service, according to CSTV CEO Brian Bedol.

Select MountainWest Conference events will also appear on Comcast-owned sports network OLN, which will be renamed Versus in September, as well as through Comcast's video-on-demand platform. Content will also be available via broadband via CSTV.com (www.cstv.com)."

So if you can't get the programming any other way, you might be able to at least get it online.  But that might require a pretty fast connection.  However, it looks like Comcast is going to attempt getting other cable providers on their side, which makes sense for both companies, and their customers.

Tijs Limburg