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?
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Friday, October 20, 2006
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.
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.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
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."
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
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.
---------
Here, Here, how true! I was there too and witnessed what Garth is saying.
Nevin
---------
Here I go again,
Any one can like whatever he wants.
- Bruce
---------
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]
);
//-->
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]
);
//-->
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]
);
D(["mb","\n ----- Original Message ----- \n From: \n Limburg, Garth ",1]
);
//-->
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
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.
---------
Here, Here, how true! I was there too and witnessed what Garth is saying.
Nevin
---------
Here I go again,
Any one can like whatever he wants.
- Bruce
---------
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]
);
//-->
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]
);
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
-------------
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-
-------------
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
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
-------------
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-
-------------
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
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