U and BYU Sports Talk

Coaching Search on Twitter

2011-04-01T00:34:00.001-07:00

Everyone is commenting on the fact that Rose and BYU still have not completed an offer, and Lya from the Trib confirms that Eccles and Huntsman have been lobbying for Rose. But our group basically knew that already. As a side note, Utah has 4 billionaire alumni according to Forbes and one billionaire who chairs the Moran Eye Institute. I thought that was an interesting fact. BYU doesn't currently have any. I tweeted a few people that information after they claimed Utah doesn't have the backing to get what they want.

Wojo is apparently gaining steam, as Doug Gottlieb from ESPN in Connecticut is saying Wojo is ready to leave Duke whenever the call comes in to leave for Utah.

Many believe Krystko is at the top of Hill's list, but don't like it very much. Most are saying keeping Boylen would have been a better bet than hiring K. I maintain that if Hill is interested in K, it isn't as a head coach but probably as an assistant, since we now know that Barret Peery is leaving the assistant position he had here for an HC position at Indian Hills CC. So we need an HC and an AC.

Rumors from the South are that Chris Hill is going to meet with Gottfried tomorrow or over the weekend. But it could be a well intentioned April fools joke, as some are tying a rumor along with it of the return of Jim Harrick (not clear on whether its Jr or Sr) to coaching basketball as an assistant to Gottfried. The NCAA has said that Harrick, Jr. can return to coaching in 2011 at the earliest, and Harrick, Sr. is 73 years old.

Others are so anxious to hear news about the coaching hunt they are begging Bill Riley to make stuff up, as long as it is positive news about the coaching hunt. "who cares we want hoops coaching news" was one person's request, to which Riley said "Nothing new to report right now..." In response to this request "could you make something up something positive maybe? " Bill Riley tweeted "Sure!!! Calapari is coming...How's that???"

Also, Jordan Wynn joined the twitter mania.

Fun stuff!

Utah Basketball Coaching Search

2011-03-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

Some radio voices in Vegas are saying they've heard Lon Kruger tell them he's not taking the Utah, Oklahoma, or NCSU. However, Spencer Checketts of ESPN 700 told me through Twitter that:

"Heard from source close to Ute hoops that Lon Kruger will interview for vacant head coaching spot sometime next week...Was never informed if the job was offered or if LK was interested, only that he would be interviewed... I stand by what I was originally told: LK would be contacted about the job."

To which Vegas radio host Ryan Greene responded to our conversaution: "He was absolutely contacted. Just said no thanks."

So, unless that interview goes really well next week (provided it even occurs), we can probably take Lon Kruger off the list. Even still, if Hill is scheduling interviews into next week, we may not know who will be coach for at least another week or more. But, we should be able to tell who is officially off the list as schools start to sign contracts.

No official word on Dave Rose, although Dick Harmon keeps tweeting about "immanent" contract extension signings...which haven't happened. But we expect total homerage from Harmon. However, Blogger Sportsbybrooks is saying he has heard that Rose has turned down both Utah and NCSU.

David Locke seems to think that Tommy Connor would be a good candidate: coached under Majerus, knows Utah recruiting ground, is a winning coach. I mentioned to Robert Jackson of KSL via twitter that he should add Connor to his list he posted on KSL. He agreed that Connor would be a good coach and should be on the list. Most people on twitter think Connor would be better than Krystko, and I agree. Coached 7 total years under Majerus during the best years. Has a 70% winning percentage at Westminster, including 78% in conference play. The conference number to me is more indicative of his winning ways because we know that some of those out of conference losses lowering his other stat were to teams way above the talent level of the team. And yet, he is still managing 20+ win seasons over 12 years as a head coach.

Mark Gottfried is still talked about on twitter as a top candidate. Here is Gottfried breaking down some basketball plays on ESPN: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6274546. Imagine sitting in a film room with a guy like that? We probably won't know a decision on him until next week as his role in the tournament coverage wraps up.

Interesting stuff.

Boise State Should Be Furious

2010-12-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

Something I don't get is why Boise fans aren't burning down the countryside over Connecticut getting to the Fiesta Bowl over them (even with one loss). By my reading of the BCS rules, they should qualify over Connecticut:

Connecticut BCS rank: Not Ranked

BSU BCS rank: 10!

Connecticut Record: 8-4, Big East Champs

Boise State Record: 11-1, WAC Shared Champs

BCS Rules:

3. The champion (BSU=Check) of Conference USA, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Sun Belt Conference, or the WesternAthletic Conference will earn an automatic berth in a BCS bowl game if either:

A. Such team is ranked in the top 12 of the final BCS Standings

BSU=Check

B. Such team is ranked in the top 16 of the final BCS Standings and its ranking in the final BCS Standings is higher than that of a champion of a conference that has an annual automatic berth in one of the BCS bowls.

BSU=Check

No more than one such team from Conference USA, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Sun Belt Conference, and the Western Athletic Conference shall earn an automatic berth in any year. (Note: a second team may be eligible for at-large eligibility as noted below.) If two or more teams from those conferences satisfy the provisions for an automatic berth, then the team with the highest finish in the final BCS Standings will receive the automatic berth, and the remaining team or teams will be considered for at-large selection if it meets the criteria.
So the Big Bad BCS forces the Fiesta Bowl to, in my opinion, violate their own rules by taking a lower ranked champion of an AQC in Connecticut. You can't tell me that the Fiesta Bowl Committee would say "Oh, yeah, let's choose another pathetic Big East team for our at large slot instead of Boise State who will bring the whole state of Idaho down here to Arizona for a weekend." You know the BCS henchmen made them do it. I guess in the future we know who we'll be seeing playing for the Big East year after year. (TCU)

Boise State should start a national protest/boycott and tell people not to watch that game. Ratings will talk.

Tijs Limburg

Why Should The Pac-10 Rush To Add Utah When The Big-Tex (12-2) Is Still Unstable (Not Likely Viable)?

2010-06-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

The above sbnation post presents some interesting arguments. However, I think it, along with many of the comments on the article, fail to see one key factor in the realignment developments.

First, Colorado is going to need, and probably would request, a 'travel partner' in the league. Otherwise, they'd be left out by a large distance from any of their colleagues in the PAC while waiting for more teams to be invited in the future. Utah would be a good fit for a regional rival for CU.

But even more importantly, the PAC cannot let Utah get away, and here's why. The PAC invited 5 schools other than CU to come from the Big 12: Texas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Oklahoma St. However, it seems that A&M was not really keen on moving to the PAC even if the other 4 teams did. So, I think the PAC would have had to revise their offer even if the 4 teams would have decided to leave the Big 12. Which means the PAC would have likely added Utah anyway as a replacement for A&M going to the SEC.

Now with the possibility of the Big 12 remaining for at least a while (although the whole thing seems like smoke and mirrors), the PAC should just get Utah while they can so that as they wait for the inevitable demise of the Big "Texas" 12, CU will at least have a close rival, and, they will already have the teams they need to have when the 4 Big 12 teams become available again and A&M makes their eventual move to the SEC.

I suspect this is the thinking behind Larry Scott kicking around the idea of an invite to Utah.

BYU to loose top 3 receivers to NFL...

2009-01-15T14:35:00.001-08:00

What an outstanding receiving season for these three.

Sean Smith

Sean Smith #4 Paul Kruger #11 Austin Collie #9

What a shame...who is Max Hall going to pass to next year?
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BYU Cougar Bakery - Utah Sale

2008-11-25T10:30:00.001-08:00

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Thoughts on New CBI Tourney for Basketball

2008-03-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

All,

Looks like Utah will be playing UTEP in the CBI tournament, and while it is a far cry from the NCAA tournament, at least it gives our squad some more opportunities to mexh together before the offseason.

With there being 3 basketball tournaments now, (the NCAA, CBI, and NIT) I am wondering why there is still only one College Football championship series in the BCS? Why has no one gone and made a secondary 12 or 16 team Non-BCS college football championship that works like a playoff? I think the CBI has an interesting setup here:

Sixteen teams will compete in this new postseason event, hosted at on-campus arenas throughout the country. The CBI will provide a meaningful opportunity for teams that are deserving of a postseason experience.

The College Basketball Invitational will be a single-elimination tournament, up until the Championship Series, with all games being played at campus sites. The Championship Series will be a best of three series, home-away-home, in which the higher seed will get the first and last (if necessary) home games.

The event will feature eight first-round games, four second-round games, a semifinal round and then a Championship Series
The opening round of the event will take place March 18 and 19
The winner of each opening round game will advance to the round of eight on March 24
The semifinals will be held on March 26
The Championship Series will take place on March 31, April 2 and April 4.

Bracketing will be done geographically into four regions of the country (East, West, South, Midwest) to minimize missed class time. Brackets will be balanced competitively within each region. The process will take place after the NCAA Tournament field is announced.

The 16-team field will consist of teams that are not selected for the NCAA Tournament. Teams will be invited based upon their performance during their conference and non-conference schedule, as well as how well the team is playing at the end of the regular season.

According to this, they are playing at campus sites, which if I understand it correctly means that the games will be held at the team's home court who has the higher seed, much like the NBA or NFL does for their playoffs. If you did a playoff in football like this, it would be best to do it the same way which would minimize a lot of cost in holding games on neutral turf.

I also looked up the company behind this new tournament. Seems like an interesting group, as they say they help create these events through all of their business and client resources. Sounds like they need to come up with a football tournament too.

Tijs
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Re: Addendum: Fumble into Endzone Question

2007-12-22T14:58:00.001-08:00

AMEN! Since the NCAA is going to change the reffing system to an all-NCAA referee system across the nation, I think the rule book will undergo some more scrutiny. Since this call is a hard one to make, and has come up in a lot of games that I have seen this season, I think they will review and clarify the rule. Maybe they'll even change it a little bit.

Here's to the Utes ending a 9-4 season with a great defensive game, and a nice offensive comeback. And here's to next season!

Merry Christmas to you as well.

Tijs

On Dec 22, 2007 11:42 AM, Nevin Limburg <nevinlimburg@hotmail.com> wrote:

What I have concluded from all this is that the next time I need something from my work analysed and dissected I am going to contact my Limburg Nephews. Way to go guys! Great game! I really liked Freddie Brown's (it was him wasn't it?) heads up play to try to stretch that ball to the goal line, right or wrong. And from what you two have written I am now not convinced that the wrong call was made and that it should have been a touchback. If indeed it should have been called a touchback, then the rule should be changed about when the ball hits the pylon, because I thought they made the correct call when I saw the relplays and did not have the benefit of the "written like a lawyer" rulebook. As a layman, it looked to me, the non-biased fan that I am, of course, that it was either a touchdown or placed at the one yard line like they ended up doing. To just give the ball to the other team as a touchback would have been more unjust no matter how you look at it. When compared to the UCLA game's touchback, there is no comparison because that ball went all the way through to the end of the endzone. So figure that, computers of NCAA and come up with something better! Anyway, thanks for the education nephews. and I'm already getting excited for next year's team with Johnson back, Mack, a slew of those young receivers and defensive guys, Asiata, offensive line, and our resident All American Louie. But you watch, and I guarantee it, BYU will still be the odds on favorite for the MWC championship, and Im ok with that because Utah has traditionally done better not being in first place at the beginning. Then when we beat Michigan to open the season in the Big House, ala Apalachian State (who the heck are those guys?) everyone will be after the new M coaches head again. Ha!

Uncle Nevin Merry Christmas!

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Nevin Limburg, CEcD
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Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:00:13 -0700
From: tijis311@gmail.com
To: dmx311@gmail.com; Garth.Limburg@slcgov.com; nevinlimburg@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: Addendum: Fumble into Endzone Question

Right. And that is just it. They don't clarify enough in regards to the ball hitting the pylon whether it needs to be in possesion or not, what direction the ball can hit it from, etc. etc.

Interestingly, the only plane that exists is the endzone. This means that if the ball were to be above the out of bounds line, but never touched anything out of bounds, a player could take the ball and recover it, as long as he remains inbounds.

Also, the forward progress on a fumble doesn't only apply to a recovery. It does apply to going out of bounds (since there can be no recovery):

c. If a live ball not in player possession crosses a boundary line and then is declared out of bounds, it is out of bounds at the crossing point. (not at the point at which it lands out of bounds, as this could theoretically be yards ahead of the crossing point.)

Here is a link to the interpretations book. This will come in handy for next season:
http://www.ncaa.org/library/rules/2007/2007_football_rules.pdf

On 12/21/07, Eric Limburg <dmx311@gmail.com> wrote:

I believe that the fumbling forward only applies if you are the team who fumbled and recovers the fumble and it has been advanced. If the ball were to touch a player of the opposite team after the fumble or say get kicked or pushed in the "advancing" position favoring the team that fumbled it would be spotted in the new "advanced" position due to contact with the other player.

As for as I can interpret from the rules you sent on the ball hitting the pylon issue, the pylon is out of bounds and since the nose of the ball hit the front of the pylon (not the side) on it's way out of bounds (it had already crossed the "out of bounds plane") it would fall under the rule that a loose ball is ruled out of bounds once it hits something that is on the line or out of bounds. If the pylons, theoretically, were not there and calls were to be judged by video or referee vision (not sure if either one would be better than the other, haha) based soley on planes and the field lines this ball would have never crossed the goal line or the touch down plane. It was clearly outside of this by the time it hit the pylon and cannot be considered to have gone "out of the back of the endzone" or the "side of the endzone" since it was angled in a direction aleady out of bounds.

By this logic I believe they got the original call correct and with the video evidence accessed the same although they were not able to confirm the call with the video evidence.

Now however in contrast citing the case of the Wyoming game when a similar thing happened, the ball (if my memory serves me correctly) hit the inside side of the pylon. The inside wall of the pylons are in direct correlation with the endzone plane and the out of bounds lines with the rest of the wall surfaces are not.

Looks like from this we need laser technology to step in and support both human intelligence and video evidence.

On Dec 21, 2007 10:43 AM, Tijs Limburg <tijis311@gmail.com> wrote:

The rulebook also states that a player cannot fumble forward while the player is moving out of bounds. This is part of the rule to prevent the offense from being able to intentionally fumble forward and recover the ball in the endzone for a touchdown.

The ball was clearly moving forward.

On 12/21/07, Tijs Limburg <tijis311@gmail.com > wrote:

That fumble call last night looks like it is getting messier. The officials released a post-game statement saying that the call should have been a touchback. I looked to see if I could find any info in the rulebook for further enlightenment.

Unfortunately, the rulebook is not available online (the NCAA should change this), so I couldn't go directly to the citation the officials gave in their statement. However, there is a "rules and interpretations" book available from the NCAA online, and so I looked into it. Below is what the book says on the issue of fumbling out of bounds, and touchbacks.

Read Articles 2 and 3 of section 2. There is obviously a difference between a held ball and a loose ball. In part b, are they talking about a loose ball hitting the pylon? If so, then the officials should have ruled it a touchback. ("behind the goal line" means the same as "crossing the plane").

Here is what the rule book says on fumbles, as cited in the interpretations book:

SECTION 2. Out of Bounds

Held Ball Out of Bounds

ARTICLE 2. A ball in player possession is out of bounds when either the

ball or any part of the runner touches the ground or anything else that

is on or outside a boundary line except another player or game official.

Ball Out of Bounds

ARTICLE 3. a. Aball not in player possession, other than a kick that scores

a field goal, is out of bounds when it touches the ground, a player, a
game official or anything else that is on or outside a boundary line.

b. Aball that touches a pylon is out of bounds behind the goal line.

SECTION 6. Touchback

When Declared

ARTICLE 1. It is a touchback when:

a. The ball becomes dead out of bounds behind a goal line, except from an

incompleted forward pass, or becomes dead in the possession of a player

on, above or behind his own goal line and the attacking team is

responsible for the ball being there (A.R. 6-3-9-IV, A.R. 7-2-4-I, A.R. 8-6-

1-I and II, and A.R. 10-2-2-XXXIX) (Rules 7-2-4-a and b).

b. Akick becomes dead by rule behind the defending team's goal line and

the attacking team is responsible for the ball being there (
Exception:
Rule 8-4-2-b) (A.R. 6-3-4-IV).
c. Aviolation by the kicking team occurs in the receiving team's end zone.

SECTION 7. Responsibility and Impetus

Responsibility

ARTICLE 1. The team responsible for the ball being out of bounds behind

a goal line or being dead in the possession of a player on, above or behind
a goal line is the team whose player carries the ball or imparts an impetus

to it that forces it on, above or across the goal line, or is responsible for a

loose ball being on, above or behind the goal line (A.R. 6-3-4-I).

Initial Impetus

ARTICLE 2. a. The impetus imparted by a player who kicks, passes, snaps

or fumbles the ball shall be considered responsible for the ball's

progress in any direction even though its course is deflected or reversed

after striking the ground or after touching an official or a player of either

team (A.R. 6-3-4-IV; A.R. 8-5-1-II, III, VIII, IX and XI; and A.R. 8-7-2-IIX).

b. Initial impetus is considered expended and the responsibility for the

ball's progress is charged to a player:

1. If he kicks a ball not in player possession or bats a loose ball after it

strikes the ground (
Exception: The original impetus is not changed
when a loose ball is batted or kicked in the end zone) (A.R. 8-7-2-V).

2. If the ball comes to rest and he gives it new impetus by any contact

with it.

Exceptions:

1. Rules 6-1-4-a and 6-3-4-a (A.R. 6-3-4-I-IV).

2. The original impetus is not changed when a ball at rest in the end

zone is moved when touched by an official or a player.
c. Aloose ball retains its original status when there is new impetus.

Anyway, appearently there have been other issues with officials ruling an "out of bounds plane" (which is not in the rulebook, apparently). If you google the issue, there are quite a few references to the issue.

Looks like the NCAA needs to clarify a little better.

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Get eXcited!
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The "Don't Tread on Me" Flag: The First Navy Jack is enjoying renewed popularity these days thanks to an order from the Secretary of the Navy that directs all U.S. Navy ships to fly the First Navy Jack for the duration of the War on Terrorism.

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Get eXcited!
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The "Don't Tread on Me" Flag: The First Navy Jack is enjoying renewed popularity these days thanks to an order from the Secretary of the Navy that directs all U.S. Navy ships to fly the First Navy Jack for the duration of the War on Terrorism.

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Re: Addendum: Fumble into Endzone Question

2007-12-21T11:00:00.001-08:00

Right. And that is just it. They don't clarify enough in regards to the ball hitting the pylon whether it needs to be in possesion or not, what direction the ball can hit it from, etc. etc.

Interestingly, the only plane that exists is the endzone. This means that if the ball were to be above the out of bounds line, but never touched anything out of bounds, a player could take the ball and recover it, as long as he remains inbounds.

Also, the forward progress on a fumble doesn't only apply to a recovery. It does apply to going out of bounds (since there can be no recovery):

c. If a live ball not in player possession crosses a boundary line and then is declared out of bounds, it is out of bounds at the crossing point. (not at the point at which it lands out of bounds, as this could theoretically be yards ahead of the crossing point.)

Here is a link to the interpretations book. This will come in handy for next season:

http://www.ncaa.org/library/rules/2007/2007_football_rules.pdf

On 12/21/07, Eric Limburg <dmx311@gmail.com> wrote:

I believe that the fumbling forward only applies if you are the team who fumbled and recovers the fumble and it has been advanced. If the ball were to touch a player of the opposite team after the fumble or say get kicked or pushed in the "advancing" position favoring the team that fumbled it would be spotted in the new "advanced" position due to contact with the other player.

As for as I can interpret from the rules you sent on the ball hitting the pylon issue, the pylon is out of bounds and since the nose of the ball hit the front of the pylon (not the side) on it's way out of bounds (it had already crossed the "out of bounds plane") it would fall under the rule that a loose ball is ruled out of bounds once it hits something that is on the line or out of bounds. If the pylons, theoretically, were not there and calls were to be judged by video or referee vision (not sure if either one would be better than the other, haha) based soley on planes and the field lines this ball would have never crossed the goal line or the touch down plane. It was clearly outside of this by the time it hit the pylon and cannot be considered to have gone "out of the back of the endzone" or the "side of the endzone" since it was angled in a direction aleady out of bounds.

By this logic I believe they got the original call correct and with the video evidence accessed the same although they were not able to confirm the call with the video evidence.

Now however in contrast citing the case of the Wyoming game when a similar thing happened, the ball (if my memory serves me correctly) hit the inside side of the pylon. The inside wall of the pylons are in direct correlation with the endzone plane and the out of bounds lines with the rest of the wall surfaces are not.

Looks like from this we need laser technology to step in and support both human intelligence and video evidence.

On Dec 21, 2007 10:43 AM, Tijs Limburg <tijis311@gmail.com> wrote:

The rulebook also states that a player cannot fumble forward while the player is moving out of bounds. This is part of the rule to prevent the offense from being able to intentionally fumble forward and recover the ball in the endzone for a touchdown.

The ball was clearly moving forward.

On 12/21/07, Tijs Limburg <tijis311@gmail.com > wrote:

That fumble call last night looks like it is getting messier. The officials released a post-game statement saying that the call should have been a touchback. I looked to see if I could find any info in the rulebook for further enlightenment.

Unfortunately, the rulebook is not available online (the NCAA should change this), so I couldn't go directly to the citation the officials gave in their statement. However, there is a "rules and interpretations" book available from the NCAA online, and so I looked into it. Below is what the book says on the issue of fumbling out of bounds, and touchbacks.

Read Articles 2 and 3 of section 2. There is obviously a difference between a held ball and a loose ball. In part b, are they talking about a loose ball hitting the pylon? If so, then the officials should have ruled it a touchback. ("behind the goal line" means the same as "crossing the plane").

Here is what the rule book says on fumbles, as cited in the interpretations book:

SECTION 2. Out of Bounds

Held Ball Out of Bounds

ARTICLE 2. A ball in player possession is out of bounds when either the

ball or any part of the runner touches the ground or anything else that

is on or outside a boundary line except another player or game official.

Ball Out of Bounds

ARTICLE 3. a. Aball not in player possession, other than a kick that scores

a field goal, is out of bounds when it touches the ground, a player, a

game official or anything else that is on or outside a boundary line.

b. Aball that touches a pylon is out of bounds behind the goal line.

SECTION 6. Touchback

When Declared

ARTICLE 1. It is a touchback when:

a. The ball becomes dead out of bounds behind a goal line, except from an

incompleted forward pass, or becomes dead in the possession of a player

on, above or behind his own goal line and the attacking team is

responsible for the ball being there (A.R. 6-3-9-IV, A.R. 7-2-4-I, A.R. 8-6-

1-I and II, and A.R. 10-2-2-XXXIX) (Rules 7-2-4-a and b).

b. Akick becomes dead by rule behind the defending team's goal line and

the attacking team is responsible for the ball being there (
Exception:
Rule 8-4-2-b) (A.R. 6-3-4-IV).

c. Aviolation by the kicking team occurs in the receiving team's end zone.

SECTION 7. Responsibility and Impetus

Responsibility

ARTICLE 1. The team responsible for the ball being out of bounds behind

a goal line or being dead in the possession of a player on, above or behind

a goal line is the team whose player carries the ball or imparts an impetus

to it that forces it on, above or across the goal line, or is responsible for a

loose ball being on, above or behind the goal line (A.R. 6-3-4-I).

Initial Impetus

ARTICLE 2. a. The impetus imparted by a player who kicks, passes, snaps

or fumbles the ball shall be considered responsible for the ball's

progress in any direction even though its course is deflected or reversed

after striking the ground or after touching an official or a player of either

team (A.R. 6-3-4-IV; A.R. 8-5-1-II, III, VIII, IX and XI; and A.R. 8-7-2-IIX).

b. Initial impetus is considered expended and the responsibility for the

ball's progress is charged to a player:

1. If he kicks a ball not in player possession or bats a loose ball after it

strikes the ground (
Exception: The original impetus is not changed
when a loose ball is batted or kicked in the end zone) (A.R. 8-7-2-V).

2. If the ball comes to rest and he gives it new impetus by any contact

with it.

Exceptions:

1. Rules 6-1-4-a and 6-3-4-a (A.R. 6-3-4-I-IV).

2. The original impetus is not changed when a ball at rest in the end

zone is moved when touched by an official or a player.

c. Aloose ball retains its original status when there is new impetus.

Anyway, appearently there have been other issues with officials ruling an "out of bounds plane" (which is not in the rulebook, apparently). If you google the issue, there are quite a few references to the issue.

Looks like the NCAA needs to clarify a little better.

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Get eXcited!
www.dmxed.com

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The "Don't Tread on Me" Flag: The First Navy Jack is enjoying renewed popularity these days thanks to an order from the Secretary of the Navy that directs all U.S. Navy ships to fly the First Navy Jack for the duration of the War on Terrorism.

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Fumble into Endzone Question

2007-12-21T08:53:00.001-08:00

That fumble call last night looks like it is getting messier. The officials released a post-game statement saying that the call should have been a touchback. I looked to see if I could find any info in the rulebook for further enlightenment.

Unfortunately, the rulebook is not available online (the NCAA should change this), so I couldn't go directly to the citation the officials gave in their statement. However, there is a "rules and interpretations" book available from the NCAA online, and so I looked into it. Below is what the book says on the issue of fumbling out of bounds, and touchbacks.

Read Articles 2 and 3 of section 2. There is obviously a difference between a held ball and a loose ball. In part b, are they talking about a loose ball hitting the pylon? If so, then the officials should have ruled it a touchback. ("behind the goal line" means the same as "crossing the plane").

Here is what the rule book says on fumbles, as cited in the interpretations book:

SECTION 2. Out of Bounds

Held Ball Out of Bounds

ARTICLE 2. A ball in player possession is out of bounds when either the

ball or any part of the runner touches the ground or anything else that

is on or outside a boundary line except another player or game official.

Ball Out of Bounds

ARTICLE 3. a. Aball not in player possession, other than a kick that scores

a field goal, is out of bounds when it touches the ground, a player, a

game official or anything else that is on or outside a boundary line.

b. Aball that touches a pylon is out of bounds behind the goal line.

SECTION 6. Touchback

When Declared

ARTICLE 1. It is a touchback when:

a. The ball becomes dead out of bounds behind a goal line, except from an

incompleted forward pass, or becomes dead in the possession of a player

on, above or behind his own goal line and the attacking team is

responsible for the ball being there (A.R. 6-3-9-IV, A.R. 7-2-4-I, A.R. 8-6-

1-I and II, and A.R. 10-2-2-XXXIX) (Rules 7-2-4-a and b).

b. Akick becomes dead by rule behind the defending team's goal line and

the attacking team is responsible for the ball being there (

Exception:

Rule 8-4-2-b) (A.R. 6-3-4-IV).

c. Aviolation by the kicking team occurs in the receiving team's end zone.

SECTION 7. Responsibility and Impetus

Responsibility

ARTICLE 1. The team responsible for the ball being out of bounds behind

a goal line or being dead in the possession of a player on, above or behind

a goal line is the team whose player carries the ball or imparts an impetus

to it that forces it on, above or across the goal line, or is responsible for a

loose ball being on, above or behind the goal line (A.R. 6-3-4-I).

Initial Impetus

ARTICLE 2. a. The impetus imparted by a player who kicks, passes, snaps

or fumbles the ball shall be considered responsible for the ball's

progress in any direction even though its course is deflected or reversed

after striking the ground or after touching an official or a player of either

team (A.R. 6-3-4-IV; A.R. 8-5-1-II, III, VIII, IX and XI; and A.R. 8-7-2-IIX).

b. Initial impetus is considered expended and the responsibility for the

ball's progress is charged to a player:

1. If he kicks a ball not in player possession or bats a loose ball after it

strikes the ground (

Exception: The original impetus is not changed

when a loose ball is batted or kicked in the end zone) (A.R. 8-7-2-V).

2. If the ball comes to rest and he gives it new impetus by any contact

with it.

Exceptions:

1. Rules 6-1-4-a and 6-3-4-a (A.R. 6-3-4-I-IV).

2. The original impetus is not changed when a ball at rest in the end

zone is moved when touched by an official or a player.

c. Aloose ball retains its original status when there is new impetus.

Anyway, appearently there have been other issues with officials ruling an "out of bounds plane" (which is not in the rulebook, apparently). If you google the issue, there are quite a few references to the issue.

Looks like the NCAA needs to clarify a little better.

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

Blogs:
http://phystrings.blogspot.com/
http://getoutofthedark.blogspot.com/

The "Don't Tread on Me" Flag: The First Navy Jack is enjoying renewed popularity these days thanks to an order from the Secretary of the Navy that directs all U.S. Navy ships to fly the First Navy Jack for the duration of the War on Terrorism.

Fourth Down and 18

2007-11-26T09:29:00.001-08:00

Message put on the Deseret News comment board in regards to an article:

You are spot on with your analysis of the Utah losses to BYU over the past several years. I have attended most of them and seen first hand what you are talking about. What amazes me is that Kyle Whittingham has been involved in everyone of them and Bronco has not. Kyle should be keenly aware of what is required to "close the deal". Yet, he stated in the Tribune today that no one play decides a game. Are you kidding? Of course one play can decide a game! As long as Kyle continues with this assessment he will continue to lose the close ones. I am a Utah season ticket holder and I want Kyle to succeed in every way. May I suggest one simple thing? In fourth down situations with the game on the line when a defensive stop will win it all, spend a time out and get the players on the same page and review coverages and assignments. Make sure the players understand the situation and what their assignments are. There is no sense saving your time outs when the opposing team beats you in a fourth down situation.

I completely agree. Spending a time out to help ensure a broken play for BYU on a 4th and 18 is critical. Guess how many time outs we had left last year at the end of the game when we lost on that last play?

Whit is like Jerry Sloan in this regard. He saves his time outs as if they'll pay him interest in a savings bank. Note to both of them: Time outs are like options, they can have huge payoffs, but THEY EXPIRE at the end of the half.

One other note. How long has it been since two MWC teams have been in the top 25 this close to the end of the season? The WAC has two. And if Hawaii can hang on and beat Washington, they'll be in the BCS for sure.

If that happens, the WAC will get back to back years of BCS money. It has been 3 years since the MWC sent Utah to the Fiesta Bowl.

This is why I hate BYU winning the Conference all the time. They are not very good at beating teams outside of the conference, so what good is it to win the conference championship when you can't go out and represent the MWC to the other big boys.

The MWC needs to come up with a special trophy award for the team that wins the most NON-CONFERENCE games so that there is more motivation to go out and defeat those other teams. The award should include regular season and bowl games.

Lastly, look at some of the teams in the Top 25. Some have 8-4 records, so the Utes should not get down on themselves for their 8-4 record. They have improved over last year and I think they will continue to get better.

Go Utes

-Tijs

Re: Rivalry Week---my final point comparisons of common components

2007-11-20T12:09:00.001-08:00

All,

Here are some interesting stats I looked up. According to these stats, Utah has a slight edge due to special teams and our D.

Keep in mind, these stats cover the entire season. What is interesting is that the season advantage is slightly in Utah's favor, but as Nevin's stats pointed out, our recent stats show a larger advantage, because our improvement is accelerating. Case in point: below you will see that Utah's season average of points allowed per game is 13.6. Compare that with the current, 3 game average of 4.33 per game. (and I don't think you can claim that is due to lesser caliber teams - except for CSU. But even they scored more points on us than Wyoming.)

Scoreless or TD-less games for the opponent this season:

BYU: 0

Utah: 3

Scoreless Quarters

Defense (Opponent didn't score):

BYU: 17

Utah: 21

Offense:

BYU: 3

Utah: 11

Total Points scored this season:

Utes: 296 BYU: 309

Average Points Per Game: 27 : 31

Average Points Per Quarter: 6.7 :7.7

Difference: BYU scores 1 point per quarter and 4 points per game more than the Utes.

Points Allowed:

Utes: 150 BYU: 188

Average Points Per Game: 13.6 : 18.8

Average Points Per Quarter: 3.4 : 4.7

Difference: BYU allows 1.3 points per quarter and 5.2 points per game more than the Utes.

Advantage: Utah

GO UTES!

Tijs

On 11/19/07, Tijs Limburg <tijis311@gmail.com> wrote:

It is nice to see BYU in the top 25 this morning at 23. It gives our conference some recognition... but it also bolsters our chances of beating them. The Top 25 this year have had trouble with unranked teams.

Funny, BYU fans were all mocking us ealier in the season for the fact that we play well against ranked teams and choke against pathetically unranked teams like UNLV.

BYU is now ranked. They should be afraid.

On 11/19/07, Bruce Gundersen <bruceg@chpdc.com > wrote:

In fact, the two non-conference wins were against teams who were in the top ten to start the year.

From: Tijs Limburg [mailto:tijis311@gmail.com ]
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 9:10 AM
To: Nevin Limburg
Cc: garth.limburg@slcgov.com ; beaner230112@yahoo.com; bruceg@chpdc.com; dmx311@gmail.com; dnacurtis@yahoo.com; mikecu@schiffnutrition.com; klcbrazil@cascadeaccess.com
Subject: Re: Rivalry Week---my final point comparisons of common components

I think it should be added that the Utes beat 2 of 3 nonconference teams, BYU did not.

Utah also has won 4 on the road. BYU has only won 3.

With Utah's record in Provo recently, and the ability to win on the road, this will be a great game. I hope it is Utah by 16, but Utah by a TD will suffice for me.

Tijs

On 11/18/07, Nevin Limburg <nevinlimburg@hotmail.com> wrote:

Well, things turned to the "dark" Crimson red side after the weekend scores. See the attached excel spreadsheet (makes it professional and authentic). The Utes have a +16 point spread advantage going into the big game. enjoy!

Nevin

'We should be too big to take offense, and too noble to give it.'

Abraham Lincoln

Nevin Limburg, CEcD
Business Development Manager
Economic Development / Redevelopment Agency
West Valley City, Utah
Office: 801-963-3322

cell: 801-232-0542

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Get eXcited!
www.dmxed.com

Blogs:
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The "Don't Tread on Me" Flag: The First Navy Jack is enjoying renewed popularity these days thanks to an order from the Secretary of the Navy that directs all U.S. Navy ships to fly the First Navy Jack for the duration of the War on Terrorism.

Fwd: Rivalry Week---my final point comparisons of common components

2007-11-19T15:34:00.001-08:00

Great point. Go Utes!

Garth

Subject: Re: Rivalry Week---my final point comparisons of common components

It is nice to see BYU in the top 25 this morning at 23. It gives our conference some recognition... but it also bolsters our chances of beating them. The Top 25 this year have had trouble with unranked teams.

Funny, BYU fans were all mocking us ealier in the season for the fact that we play well against ranked teams and choke against pathetically unranked teams like UNLV.

BYU is now ranked. They should be afraid.

Tijs

Fwd: Rivalry Week---my final point comparisons of common components

2007-11-19T09:36:00.001-08:00

In fact, the two non-conference wins were against teams who were in the top ten to start the year.

Bruce

Fwd: Rivalry Week---my final point comparisons of common components

2007-11-19T09:35:00.003-08:00

Let's not forget, too, in the last three games, the Ute defence has held SDS, Wyo, and NM to a total of 13 points, an avg. of 4.33/game. Wow! So, should I predict 20.33 to 4.33, Utah, to get my 16 pt spread? Or should we make it 26.33 - 10.33? Take your pick.

Nevin

Fwd: Rivalry Week---my final point comparisons of common components

2007-11-19T09:35:00.001-08:00

How about we return the favor from last year and score on a Utah hook-and-lateral like Boise St did. Of course when we do it this time there will be almost no time left on the clock in the 4th and it will be tied. That will erase that stupid Beck to Harline cloud that BYU has been haning over our heads the last year. KSL Radio was so stupid this morning to start jabs on Utah. The sports announcer was saying how cool it was that again it's rivalry week and that it will be a very good matchup since both teams are on 7 game winning streaks. Then he said, "But despite the outcome this weekend BYU will always have this up on Utah..." and they proceeded to play a soundbite from the last play of last years game. So even if Utah beats BYU this week down in Provo, BYU will always be better than Utah because of that play? Whatever! I can't wait to see our defense take the field on Saturday and crush Max Hall. He thought Wyoming was tough just wait until he sees the defense of Kyle Whittingham and the Utes!

Fwd: Rivalry Week---my final point comparisons of common components

2007-11-19T09:34:00.001-08:00

I think it should be added that the Utes beat 2 of 3 nonconference teams, BYU did not.

Utah also has won 4 on the road. BYU has only won 3.

With Utah's record in Provo recently, and the ability to win on the road, this will be a great game. I hope it is Utah by 16, but Utah by a TD will suffice for me.

Tijs

Well, things turned to the "dark" Crimson red side after the weekend scores. See the attached excel spreadsheet (makes it professional and authentic). The Utes have a +16 point spread advantage going into the big game. enjoy!

Nevin

'We should be too big to take offense, and too noble to give it.'
Abraham Lincoln

Nevin Limburg,

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Fwd: CSTV

2007-10-05T09:17:00.001-07:00

Right on.

Bruce

Funny. Now that I have been paying attention more to CSTV's ticker, since you pointed it out to me, it bugs me. Don't know if they changed their screen format from last year or just started adding "stupid news" recently but I have to say now that I agree with the fact that they clutter up too much of the screen. I have to be honest I don't think I have watched an entire game on CSTV this season so that may be another reason I didn't notice as much. But like the DesNews said, "at least it's not the mtn." So now you have to pick the lesser of 2 evils. It will be nice to see Utah on ESPN tonight even though the announcers will probably bash us and we will get our butts handed to us by Louisville at least you will be able to see it in HD and I will see it in almost HD (better than CSTV and MTN). We might even be able to catch a few replays... imagine that! Go Utes.

Eric

My points exactly. I will not watch CSTV. Make sure to read the last four or so paragraphs (marked in bold) of this article. Did I say the same thing or not?

Garth

College football on CSTV sophomoric

By Scott D. Pierce
Deseret Morning News

Published: October 5, 2007

The powers that be at the Mountain West Conference and its television partners would like us to believe that games televised on CSTV are national telecasts, which, of course, they are not.

When a channel is available in fewer than one in five homes in America, it's really hard to make a believable argument out of that contention.

But CSTV is not The mtn., at least, and chances are that Ute and Cougar fans across the country can find their team on CSTV — even if they have to go to their computers.

But, leaving all that aside, what kind of job does CSTV do when it telecasts Mountain West games?

Adequate, for the most part. With some moments of astonishing stupidity.

During last week's BYU-at-New Mexico game, for example, CSTV updated the score of, um, 15th-ranked Sam Houston State's game against Oklahoma State for hours. Really.

Wasn't anybody at CSTV watching their own telecast? Or weren't they paying any attention to the annoying graphics that clutter up too much of the screen?

Honestly, it's hard to complain too much about any Mountain West Conference game that makes it on TV. Providing, of course, you can see it.

But, at the same time, the production values on CSTV aren't as good as those on ESPN. Heck, they aren't as good as those on the Big Ten Network.

(They're better than what we see on The mtn., but then so are the production values on KJZZ's coverage of high school football.)

Part of this is budget, obviously. You get what you pay for. And, during the BYU-New Mexico game, CSTV wasn't even paying for that graphic yellow line that indicates the first-down yardage.

(We've become so accustomed to that thing that it's instantly noticeable if it's not there.)

And CSTV isn't paying for first-string broadcast talent, either. Tom Hart and Trev Alberts were, at best, adequate during the Cougars- Lobos game. And sometimes less than that.

There were times when it hardly seemed that Hart was even paying attention to what was happening on the field. In the space of less than three minutes of game time, he first told viewers that BYU punter C.J. Santiago had gotten off a 91-yard punt, which was clearly impossible (given that the line of scrimmage was BYU's 20-yard line).

Then, minutes after Santiago's punt was picked up at New Mexico's 5 and returned to the 8, he punted again and kicked it into the end zone, Hart told viewers, "Two punts tonight, two touchbacks."

There were a number of other head-scratching moments that detracted from the telecast, but Hart and Trev Alberts made the biggest mistake sportscasters can make — we care about the game, we don't care about you. And all your chit-chat about yourselves was not only annoying, it got in the way of what was going on on the field at times.

Um, we couldn't possibly have cared less about a soda pop can with Alberts' picture on it.

There's no quick fix to that, but there is a fix to one other problem — too many graphics cluttering the screen. We don't need both the top of the screen and the bottom graphic-ed up during the entire game.

We particularly don't need a graphic at the bottom of the screen distractingly flashing about "breaking news" every few minutes. Particularly when nobody at CSTV seems to understand what either "news" or "breaking" are.

The arrest of a former Arkansas quarterback (1996-99) for drunken driving is barely news anywhere outside of Fayetteville and Little Rock. A high school player verbally committing to Michigan is barely news even in Ann Arbor.

And, when the same "breaking news" flashes on the bottom of the screen time after time, hour after hour, it's NOT breaking news. "Breaking" indicates something that has just happened (or at least something you've just learned about).

Sigh.

Ah, well. At least it wasn't on The mtn.

E-mail: pierce@desnews.com

© 2007 Deseret News Publishing Company | All rights reserved

U of U Questions

2007-10-02T09:08:00.001-07:00

A. With the injuries suffered that affected the first few games especially, to end up 9-3 would be fantastic, and a mark of true coaching excellence. The Staff would deverve a medal.

Nevin

E. Bring back Jim Fassel to run the offense.

PS. Did you see Philly last night? One week after a record setting
performance and win (ala UCLA) they looked absolutely terrible (ala
UNLV). Even the pros have a hard time with consistency. Sometimes
changing coaches is not the answer. Look at the Charges. Two losses
last year under Marty Schottenheimer (?) to not able to win this year
under Norm Turner.

Questions:

If Utah goes undefeated the rest of the season (while unlikely, they
have the talent to do so) what does Dr Hill do at the end of the season?

A. Congratulate Kyle for a very good season (but we still won't be
conf champs)
B. Fire the whole staff for being underachievers
C. Give Kyle an ultimatum of an OCC next year or be gone
D. Require Kyle to re-vamp his coaching staff or face dismissal
E. ________________?

2007 Season Shows Need for Playoff - Again

2007-09-29T22:44:00.001-07:00

Well, week 5 in NCAA football showed me why there needs to be a playoff in College Football. And as the weeks - and years - add up, it is getting more maddening that there are not enough people together on the issue to get it to happen.

Just look at the week 5 turnout for the top 25:

#3 OU fell to Colorado

#4 Florida fell to Auburn

#7 Texas fell to Kansas St.

#10 Rutgers fell to Maryland

#13 Clemson fell to Georgia Tech

#21 Penn State fell to Illinois

#22 Alabama fell to Florida State

Notice that the top 25 teams that were playing lower ranked teams and lost all lost to unranked teams this week, except for #5 West Virginia who lost to #18 South Florida (still an exceptional loss).

That means that at least 8 teams will have significantly lower rankings come monday. I would almost like to see how many teams so far have hit the top 25 and left it so far this season. I think I can name a few off the top of my head, such as BSU, UCLA, Louisville, Fresno St., Michigan, TCU, Georgia Tech, and Texas A&M.

And I'm sure there are others that I am not thinking of at this moment.

And we all know that this has been going on all season. And don't even talk about Notre Dame.

In reality, it is too bad that the teams in the MWC that were ranked at the top - Utah, BYU, and TCU - all stumbled at the beginning of the season. Had they won those games they lost, they would all have a good chance of being ranked.

This season is definately getting interesting.

Tijs

Fwd: ESPN

2007-09-25T18:56:00.001-07:00

I tuned in and watched the NFL football game last night on ESPN HD. I was thrilled to find no scrolling sports ticker at the bottom of the screen and no banner across the top of the screen. Just one small graphic at the bottom middle of the screen showing the score, time, quarter, and down. The rest of the screen was filled with a beautiful football game. On some replays the graphic at the bottom even disappeared. I see where the BYU game this Saturday is on CSTV. I guess I won't watch that game if CSTV continues to fill up the screen with a ticker that continually scrolls non stop across the screen with some ridiculous items like, "Breaking News: Chicago State athletic director James Williams has fired head tennis coach Norm Anderson for undisclosed reasons. Speculation is that Ben Holbrook will be named the new tennis coach at Chicago State soon".

Garth

Fwd: OC

2007-09-24T12:21:00.001-07:00

Dan Mullen met and married a Salt Lake girl while he was here.  He
probably would take a head job here unless he felt strongly that by
sticking with Meyer he can get a bigger gig somewhere else.  Everybody
should keep their eye on him though.  My son's team is undefeated and
headed for the playoffs.

-Garth

Fwd: OC

2007-09-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Do you think Dan Mullen would be willing to coach us for two years to get a
BCS gig?

Bill

Good questions, but I don't know the answers.  I do know that you do not
wait until game day to announce your starting QB.  He needs to know it
is his team and get the reps during the week.  Maybe you withhold the
info from the opposition but the team has to know who the leader is.
Also, we had this discussion last year about putting points on the
board.  On fourth down you always put points on the board and start to
chip away at the score and give the team some confidence especially when
you have the best place kicker in the conference.  Don't change QB's at
half time when you are down 13-0 and the primary problem is OL blocking.

When Florida plays LSU in a couple of weeks it will be Urban Meyer
against Gary Crowton.  Gary is now the OC at LSU and doing a good job.

In answer to some of your questions, who do you think makes these
decisions at Florida?  Now that Notre Dame is off to its worst start in
school history I wonder what their fans who said Meyer's decision to
take the Florida job over their job would make no difference are saying
and thinking now!

- Garth

I have a question.

Does the OC decide how the O-line will block?  Does the OC design all
aspects of the play that is to be run?  If the O-line doesn't block
well, who chews out the line coach, the OC or the HC?  Isn't it the HC
who pushes the OC button's, who pushes the other offensive coaches'
buttons, who then push the player's buttons?

Kyle hasn't decided to travel to San Jose State to talk to them to see
how to fix his offense has he?

How could Versteg run such a stagnate offense her but run a good one at
Rutgers?

Any chance that we could get McCoy to leave the pros and be our OC?

-Bill

UCLA Upset a Confirmed Fluke?

2007-09-24T07:15:00.001-07:00

Fair assesment. I think the players really put themselves at a loss early. Mistakes made were big ones and affected the momentum of the game (fumbles, personal fouls, etc). There were a couple questionable coaching calls like the numerous attempts on 4th down conversions when we probably should have kicked field goals. But despite this I also believe it was the players fault. They didn't show up to play. We had good play calling on offense for the most part and we made adjustments on defense second half to stop UNLV's #4 from having a "more spectacular" game. Defense played their hearts out again, but we lacked on offense and special teams. Without our decent defense we would have lost 42-0. They caused turn overs and big plays that gave our "O" several opportunities but we failed to capitalize. I can't remember the last season we had two opportunites from the 1 yard line to put it in the end zone and failed to do so. WOW! My prediction and concern going into this game and the remaineder of the season was the possible and almost innevitable quaterback controversy that would come up. I didn't think it would happen this soon since Johnson wasn't predicted to play this game. Instead of having a decent quaterback we have gone to 2 sub par quaterbacks sharing reps in practice. A very hard decision no doubt for Whit to make. Funny that as soon as we figure out our running back position our quarterback position goes to pot. This is why you can't mess around with position competitions during the season. I feel bad Johnson got injured but a team has to move on. And if Johnson is going to come back then start him. The quaterback is the most important element to a football team and he needs all the confidence he can get. It can't be divided up. I know BLAH BLAH BLAH. I'm done. One more thing. This has to be classified as the worst game of the year so far. Not even at Oregon St. or against Air Force did we get shut out. When was the last time we got shut out?

Let's just hope we can regroup this week.

Eric

UCLA Upset a Confirmed Fluke?

2007-09-22T23:39:00.001-07:00

I think it was Bruce who asked if we all thought the game last week was just a fluke. I think we probably all hesitated to answer...hoping it wasn't and hoping to see similar execution against UNLV.

I'll just say a few things:

1. This is the weirdest season in college football I think I have ever seen. How does a team put the smackdown on a PAC-10 team ranked 11th in the country, who beat BYU the week before, and then lose to a team like UNLV, being completly shut-out of the game? And things like this are happening around the country. (How is it that Notre Dame has lost all four so far?)

2. By my calculations, the Ute D has played 6 games worth of football this season. In each of the losses, it seems like they were on the field the whole game, meaning they have played twice as much as they should have.

3. How could we shut down UCLA's ground game last week, and get destroyed by UNLV's run game this week?

4. UCLA wasn't that bad were they?

5. The UCLA win is now nearly meaningless with a loss like that to UNLV. I'm glad that game was not on national TV.

6. I will now refrain from even attempting to predict the outcome of the games for the rest of the season. I have not been right yet.

7. Urban Meyer must have been busy this week. Either that or someone forgot to call him.

8. My Dad theorized that maybe SL Mayor Rocky Anderson showed the UCLA team the Salt Lake nightlife and that is why they lost the game. Maybe Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman got wind of the tactic and used it on us.

9. Whittingham is racking up some wierd stats. He defeated the highest ranked non-conference team we have hosted at home, he lost to UNLV for the first time since 1979. Does anyone know the last time the Utes started the season 1-3?

10. Johnson added nothing to the Utah offense. Actually, I wonder if he got in the way. Since he played in this game, I'm almost positive he was in on the reps during practice...which obviously means Grady got half the amount of reps. In otherwords, the glass was half empty for both quarterbacks, and that's why neither one could show anything.

11. Why did we not use a turn-key player such as "Louie Louie" in those 2 "red-zone" opportunities when we could have changed some momentum in our direction? (Que Garth's mantra on putting points on the board. He'll say in all-correctness "an NFL team would have kicked the field goal.")

12. Could we have gift-wrapped the game for UNLV any prettier?

I have to hand it to the coaches though. I think this loss was purely the players' fault. Missed tackles, turnovers, penalties, and no offensive execution killed us.

I do have to admire the way that Mack and Rogers played as well. They showed up to play and were the bright spots on an otherwise overshadowed offense.

Fwd: ESPN Link

2007-09-18T11:31:00.001-07:00

Kevin Curtis has been especially quiet. Maybe he is in Brazil looking for another nice brown piece of meat.

Garth

The group has been rather quiet following a very good win. Did you think it was a fluke?

Bruce

Fwd: ESPN Link

2007-09-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the link. Boise State at # 14! Is there any reason why the MWC should not be adding this team immediately? Typical that Craig Thompson would screw things up. Utah at # 28, TCU # 24, and BYU #44. Nice. Look at all the teams in BCS conferences that get all that $ that are below these teams. What a joke and sad commentary on the state of college football.

ESPN Link

2007-09-18T07:07:00.001-07:00

Here is the link to ESPN's College Team Rankings of the Decade:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2947988

The rankings are split up into sections, and you can go to each by clicking on the right side of the page.

ESPN Rankings - Top Teams of the Decade

2007-09-18T07:04:00.001-07:00

I found this ESPN ranking of the top 100 or so teams of the last decade in College Football interesting. It places teams just about where I would expect them to be.

One thing I found interesting was just how lucky we were to find a coach who could take us from the lackluster 3 seasons that preceeded Meyer, and in two years be romping on Pittsburg in the Fiesta Bowl. Just look at the teams that are at #30 through #100. Many of them have had bad records and bad seasons for many decades. I didnt' realise, for example, that UNLV has had such a bad time.

Also, I found it interesting that UCLA, the team we amazingly ground into the turf last Saturday, was ranked in the spot above us at #27. Take a look at the statistics. We had better stats all around, but they still favored the PAC-10 team over us:

Ladder 119: Nos. 26-50 (from 1997 to 2006)
RANK	TEAM	RECORD	WIN %	TITLES	BOWL RECORD
26	Georgia Tech	79-46	.632	1 conf.	5-5
The Yellow Jackets have only one 10-victory season since sharing the 1990 national championship with Colorado. Georgia Tech went 10-2 in 1998 and shared the ACC title under former coach George O'Leary. Coach Chan Gailey has a 37-27 record in five seasons, but has been dogged by his team's inability to beat its biggest rivals. Last season's 7-1 mark in ACC games was a breakthrough -- but the Jackets still finished 9-5.
27	UCLA	74-47	.612	2 conf.	3-4
The Bruins came within one victory of playing for the national championship in 1998 -- UCLA lost to Miami 49-45 in the regular-season finale and then lost to Wisconsin 38-31 in the Rose Bowl. UCLA has struggled to find that level of excellence ever since, with only one 10-win campaign in the ensuing eight seasons. The Bruins' biggest obstacle has been crosstown rival USC, which has a 7-1 record against UCLA since 1999.
28	Utah	76-41	.650	3 conf.	6-0
The Utes were the first team from a non-BCS conference to play in a BCS bowl game, finishing 12-0 and beating Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl during the 2004 season. Former coach Urban Meyer parlayed that dream season into a job at Florida. The Utes haven't had the same success under successor Kyle Whittingham, who is 15-10 in two seasons, but they might be poised for another big season in 2007.

Interesting isn't it? 6-0 in bowl games, including a BCS win, a Las-Vegas rout of USC, and a great victory over Georgia Tech. We also have a better winning average, and more conference titles.

Obviously it is hard to get any respect. That is why I'm hoping that what we saw Saturday was the beginning to some more great things on The Hill.

My pick for this Saturday: Utah 38 (5 TDs - 1 FG) - UNLV 24 (3 TDs - 1 FG)

UCLA Dropped From Rankings after Loss to Utah

2007-09-17T12:32:00.001-07:00

All,

Wow. I thought that UCLA might still have a chance to be in the Top 25 even after Saturday's blowout by Utah at Rice-Eccles, but they lost out of all of the polls: AP, USA Today, ESPN Power 16, and the ESPNU Fan poll. Nice to have some payback for last year right. Also of note, Meyer's Gators made Tenessee drop from the polls after their huge win. And Louisville dropped from # 9 to # 18. Looks like we need to play hard these next few weeks and get a few more wins, and then get ready to beat Louisville and drop them from the polls as well.

By the way, the Utes are still making front page headlines on ESPN.com. Go get 'em Utes! (Man, our new uniforms look good up close...but somehow I don't think Olsen would agree!!)

Letting Talent Go

2007-09-11T11:55:00.001-07:00

Well said all. May I just add that I too beleive that recruiting has been a problem at the U? I have been looking into the recruiting classes and the starting rosters at the U for the past few seasons and i just don't think we have been using the talent weve had to the fullest. One story I didn't know about, and maybe you older gents may recognize, is that of cornerback Ryan Smith who transferred from the U to Florida in 2006. Long story short, Urban Meyer called Whit to see if he approved of the transfer. Meyer said about the call ""I called him and I asked what do you think? He said you do what you've got to do. We have our opinions. He was going to play somewhere though. He was going to 1-AA or try to get eligible right away and he has two years of eligibility left which is kind of a good thing."

Smith went on to start for Florida, and is now on the Tennessee Titans. Just remember that Urban Meyer recruited him and started this guy in six games at the U in 2004. Why did we "squeeze" him out as it says in the article? Both coaches (Meyer and Secondary Coach Chuck Heater) wanted him over at Florida. Wouldn't that signal to you that there is potential there?

I've heard people say that Meyer simply didn't recruit and used all of Coach Mac's guys as an excuse for why we have less talent. Obviously, that is nonesense, as many key players to the 2 year success were brought on by Meyer. But it seems that, for whatever reason, we've let talent, discipline, and the team as a whole go by the wayside.

http://www.gatorcountry.com/football/article/day_3_new_ncaa_rule_works_in_gators_favor/

Tijs

Blogs:
http://phystrings.blogspot.com/
http://getoutofthedark.blogspot.com/

The "Don't Tread on Me" Flag: The First Navy Jack is enjoying renewed popularity these days thanks to an order from the Secretary of the Navy that directs all U.S. Navy ships to fly the First Navy Jack for the duration of the War on Terrorism.

College Football OFFENSE for Dummies - In the Voice of Big Rick

2007-09-11T11:28:00.001-07:00

Well said all!

- Van Limburg

First...when reading the title of that first book "College Football OFFENSE for Dummies", everyone must hear it as Big Rick would say it.

Second, it's frustrating to see the return of mediocrity. It is unacceptable to me, and should be to all fans, to hear a head coach say to the press that he "doesn't meddle in the offense". You're the head coach...it is your job to meddle in whatever isn't working. Obviously the offense isn't working. We have more ACL injuries than touchdowns this year. We had this highly touted rank of receivers and we're not seeing it on the field. I know that the injury to BJ and Asiata really threw us a curve, but that is no excuse. As has been stated, there is no passion, a lack of discipline, and (I say this with the risk of being kicked down to the bubble) no accountability on this team (can you hear Pony Mendenhall?).

BJ

Blogs:
http://phystrings.blogspot.com/
http://getoutofthedark.blogspot.com/

The "Don't Tread on Me" Flag: The First Navy Jack is enjoying renewed popularity these days thanks to an order from the Secretary of the Navy that directs all U.S. Navy ships to fly the First Navy Jack for the duration of the War on Terrorism.

Kyle's Conference

2007-09-11T11:25:00.001-07:00

Kyle said it in the press conference yesterday that coaching evaluations will be done at the end of the season. He also stated, which is dumbfounding to me, that he "doesn't meddle in the offense." So basically what Ludwig says and does on offense goes. Kyle has not control there. He said he doesn't want to get involved and mess things up. That says to me he doesn't know what to do on offense even if he did get involved. Not a good trait as a head coach. That also shows that he wasn't paying any attention to what Urban was doing while he was here or at any of the meetings, conversations, or camps, including the Fiesta Bowl National Championship game for Florida that Kyle has been involved in. What is the point of this friendship? Looks like Urban is getting some good defensive advice but we don't pick anything up. We are going through the same thing BYU did with Gary Crowten. He knew offense, but couldn't run a team. He did well as a coordinator and continues to at Oregon. Kyle would do the same.

But now at the present what is to be done to salvage this season and get some wins. If it's money then head coaching change is out of the question. Cheaper and more efficient now would be to let Ludwig go now. If this isn't an option either then Kyle needs to check out some books from the library "College Football OFFENSE For Dummies" and "How To Be a Head Coach" this week and then take Ludwig by the balls and say, "This is how we are going to do things." The responsibility lies with Kyle. And if he can't get it done then Chris Hill has got to step in.

Just one more thing to add to Kyle's pile is his lack of discipline. There is none on his team. The team doesn't have the amount of respect that he needs to lead them to victory. He is too soft on his players as well as his coaching staff. Before long he will be Grandpa Whit like Coach Mac. To confirm this not only was Casteel not repremanded for celebration in the end zone at the Oregon St. game but one of our receivers, Wilson I believe, was charged with a DUI before the Air Force game and still allowed to play. There are several other universities in the country that would not allow this to happen. Of all people why Kyle and the U of U. We have an image of the football team, university, and the state to hold up. We don't need players like this. We don't need coaches that don't put their foot down on things like this. Where was Chris Hill on this issue. Where is President Young? Maybe we should ask ourselves "What would Meyer do?" Ok, just kidding that was a joke to lighten things up. But really I am disappointed in many aspects. Truely, "WHAT IS TO BE DONE?"

Eric Limburg

Agreed

2007-09-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

Easy for me to say this, but I will. I agree with all of your comments. OC, OL, R, RB coaches have to change, or we are going to continue to slide from what was a coupld of years ago national prominence. Dr Young has called for the U to lead the Mountain West in all sports. To do that will take some hard decisions. Giving guys some time to find another job, some severance, good references, and a pat on the back is all it will take. The fan base is most important, and as Kyle has said, "they deserve better."

Nevin

Blogs:
http://phystrings.blogspot.com/
http://getoutofthedark.blogspot.com/

The "Don't Tread on Me" Flag: The First Navy Jack is enjoying renewed popularity these days thanks to an order from the Secretary of the Navy that directs all U.S. Navy ships to fly the First Navy Jack for the duration of the War on Terrorism.

Kyle and Changes

2007-09-11T09:36:00.001-07:00

Back in the old days the U (Bud Jack, Athletic Director & Pres. David Gardner or maybe
it was James Fletcher) put the demand for changes on then Head Coach Bill Meek.
Bill Meek had a friend, Jim LaRue, as Defensive Coordinator (ala Andy Ludwig). Rather than
make the demanded changes Bill Meek resigned and we ended up with HC Tom
Lovat who went 1-10 the next three years before Wayne Howard arrived.
Things like this can really back fire. I am glad Hill is there to make
the decision.

Hack Miller

We could hope, but Kyle and Andy are best friends. I wish it would happen but I don't think it likely. We are stuck. More money won't help. They don't even know how to fix the sound system in the stadium.

While there may not be a change at the head coach level, do you think that Dr. Hill will go to Kyle and tell him to make changes? If this season goes the same (or worse) as the last 2 I think Chris Hill will go to Kyle and tell him to make changes. The problem with that is that Kyle should be the one to see that it isn't working and make the changes himself. It's a no win situation if Dr. Hill has to be the "coach"

Right, but that problem has existed now for the third year and Kyle has not made a change. He thinks Andy knows his stuff.

Right now I don't care about the head coach, it is the OC, the O line coach, maybe the running backs coach, and who ever is not requiring the wide receivers to block down field.

No matter how bad it gets this year, there will be no changes made at Head Coach. You can count on that.

Giac is scheduled to receive $150,000 per year for the next 5 years. Kyle is paid $650,000 per year if my info is correct. I also believe that Kyle's contract is guaranteed for two more years after this one. So, if he is fired the athletic department will be saddled with an $800,000 bill for the next two years and still will need to pay for their new football and basketball coaches. Does the U have that kind of money?

While no expert, I think the choice is clear:

1. Ludwig needs to go; this is Versteg and Lee all over again, maybe worse.

2. Anderson can still be assistant head coach but not the DC.

3. Kyle needs to take over the defense and call the shots there. Bronco, Pete Carroll, the Tulsa head coach, and even Belicheck (SP) of the Patriots and more are both HC and DC.

4. Offensive line coach Dickey, receiver's coach Rodderick (possibly) need to go as well.

5. Find an OC who has an offensive philosophy and recruit to that philosophy. Kyle does it on defense, why not on offense? When defensive players go down he does not change the defense, the same needs to said of the offense.

6. And unless Urban Freaking Meyers is willing to come back and coach, no more hiring friends.

The problem with changing coaches right now is $$. The U is already set to pay Ray Giacoletti on his contract for several more years and I believe Kyle got a seven year deal going in. I don't believe the U has the kind of money it takes to buy out coaching contracts and still have the $ to hire a real good proven coach. If we were Florida or Michigan no problem. That is the problem with college football, the revenue sharing is not equal or fair. I want Kyle to succeed. Maybe a shake up of his staff is what is needed.

Kyle

Who's a cougar?

He's a cougar, need I say more?

It's amazing how far we have fallen so fast. And it all started when Kyle was named the head coach. I want him to succeed, and yes, I understand we lost some incredible players. However, we have the same talent base that everyone else does in this conference (if not better) and what I saw on the field last saturday was a lack of passion, execution, and bottom-line, a lack of coaching. It seems without a coaching change we won't be able to realize the potential we have. Frustrating. Should we have let Kyle go to TDS?

Honestly, without serious improvement, I think 2 games to win is a reasonable expectation.

Do you realize what Michigan, in their "house", coached by Meyer would do to Utah's current team? Aren't there laws against things like that? Isn't that a form of Football S&M?

Fwd: Where do we go from here?

2007-09-10T22:23:00.001-07:00

All great points. We have lost the swagger Meyer brought to the program. It is gone! I seriously don't see a game on the schedule that we will likely win. I'll enjoy the fall afternoons sitting in the stadium however. If Michigan fires Lloyd Carr and makes a big push for Meyer with an offer he can't refuse, then we will face him next year at Michigan. Remember, Michigan was a school Meyer had on his short list of places to coach.

Wow,

I have to agree, all correct. Although it's hard to lay much of this at Grady's feet. It's not his fault he is a 5^th year freshmen. That too is coaching and given this is only his first start, he did improve in the second half.

It surprises me how much of Urban Meyer has been forgotten already.

What did you think of the game?

My casual observations:

1. Grady does not read the defense quickly enough. Took much too long to decide where to throw it, does better on the timed routes such as quick slant where he simply throws. Can the offense be made simpler for him and still produce points? Doubtful.

2. Our offensive line can not block. At least not run block. While the running backs are not great, the blocking is not good enough to get very many yards. This has got to be a coaching problem.

3. Our wide receivers do not block downfield. Again, a coaching problem.

4. What happened to our attacking, blitzing defense?

5. Whit said he was most concerned that they could not get that one yard. I'm concerned that they only scored 3 points in the first half. I'm concerned that we have no offensive philosophy. We change our offense radically when we have to put in a new QB? We have a JC QB that can run the spread but we don't use him because what? He isn't good enough, or we don't want to burn his red-shirt? The freshmen they are red-shirting is the heir apparent to Johnson. Manus will never see the light of day unless Johnson goes down next year and probable not even then.

6. Coaches silly enough to chase points (read 2 point conversion try) in the middle of the game. What that said is, either I'm stupid and have never look at the study done over and over again on this subject, or I don't think we can score more than once again in regulation. Sad.

7. This is beginning to look like McBride all over again.

8. Is Kyle too stubborn to change when it is staring him in the face? Stupidity is doing the same thing over and over and thinking the outcome will change.

9. Why does Kyle give scholarships to people who can't play the type of football you play?

10. If we only win four games (USU, UNLV, SDSU, UW/UNM) will Dr. Hill pull the trigger? Does Kyle get fired or is he forced to re-vamp his coaching staff?

What say ye?

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U Football what you goin' do?

2007-08-31T14:05:00.001-07:00

I don't feel as bad this morning as I did last night.

Upon reflection the defense was better than originally thought.  I feel
it was a matter of too many three and outs in the second half.  OSU
could very well be the second or third best team in the pac-10 and our
defense matched up well actually.  Part of that reason is KW is
personally coaching the nickel and dime backs.  I really wish he would
take over as the DC.  Bronco does it, Pete Carroll does it, and so does
Bellicheck.  The defense has not been as good since Gary Anderson took
over.

I think it is possible for Utah to stay in all the conference games with
their defense and special teams (read Louie Sakoda).  The problem is the
Offense.  Utah coaches tout our receiving corps as the best in the
conference.  Yet the offense did not go vertical very often last night,
why?  I also believe it is possible to attack a defense and not go deep
every other play.  Last night Utah was successful when they attacked the
defense.  Running plays that are run horizontal to the line of scrimmage
when the defense has good or great team speed is ludicrous an outright
stupid.  Additionally, the offensive schemes at times did not work to
our offensive lines strengthens.

The only good thing that should come out of this game is either Andy
Ludwig better pull the preverbal rabbit out of his hat or be gone at
season's end.  Tommy Grady is here because Ludwig brought him here.  Now
I'm no rocket scientist but why would you bring a 6" 7" less than
mobile, inaccurate QB to operate a spread offense?  Ludwig better be
able to get Grady to run effectively 10 plays or Utah could well be
toast.

I think this defense is better than last year's (I know its only one
game).  Our kicking game is still one of the best in the league.  The
coaches now need to find a way to get the ball to our skill players in
the right position on the field.

Lastly, KW needs to kick Castile's and Wilson's butts for such a stupid
display at the end of the touchdown.  It was worse than sophomoric and
just plain selfish to put your team in a hole after going up on the
scoreboard.

- Bill VanderLinden

Another Rebuilding Year? --How many more?

2007-08-30T23:01:00.000-07:00

"Becoming champions means making the most out of the very worst".

The game started with a 3 and out.

It pretty much went down hill from there, with a slight break when Utah scored the first touchdown of the game.

But now, the damage is done. Asiata is out. After only having the chance to carry the ball a total of 16 yards. (they were impressive carries).

Johnson was out for over half the game with an injury, and we are still awaiting reports of his ability to return.

Our offense looked lackluster at best, even when we had all of our starters. Why does Andy Ludwig call such boring play calls? The offense has no fire to it at all. The Beaver defense read almost every play, and puched through our O-line, causing sack after sack.

If it wasn't for our Big-D, the game would have been much worse.

So, the question is can Utah build through the season? If coach Whitingham can cause it to happen -If he can go 11-1, 10-2, 9-3 or even 8-4, then the Utes will have accomplished a feat.

But I find it sad, and dissapointing, to say the very least, that we are one game into the season, and it already looks bleak -not from the loss, but from the lack of cohesion the team presented before Oregon State.

Their first appearance of the season made them look like #9 not #3 in the MWC. And it wasn't even close to championship football. Don't even talk about November (caugh).

Whit's record is now 15-11. And he has no championships. I am rooting for this guy and I think he deserves to win games and championships. I think he's really working hard to find solutions, and he's getting roughed up with all of the injuries already this seasons and in past seasons. But, remember when Meyer lost Rice in the Texas A&M game in 2003? When Alex Smith was born, and never looked back? Neither did the team. They became champions. Both that year and the next. And together, the teams broke barriers, records, and the BCS.

The A&M game could have set them back. The New Mexico game that year could have ruined them -the star running back was sidelined, and the team suffered their second season loss. (it would go on to be Meyer's last loss at Utah, as they went on a 14 game winning streak.) Who knows, had they allowed adversity to ruin the season, maybe Meyer would still be at Utah instead of coaching Florida to national championships. But becoming champions means making the most out of the very worst. And that's what the Utes did.

Can they do it again?

Does Whittingham have it in him to pull the team together, and help them step up to the plate? This season may determine that. This season may bring out that characteristic from the depths of what is Coach Whit.

I hope he does. We've got a long season ahead of us.

- Tijs Limburg

Re: Question...

2007-08-09T13:48:00.001-07:00

Comcast doesn't own the MTN outright, because it is a joint venture with CSTV, who owns the other half, and they have made deals successfuly with carriers like Cox Cable in Californa, and mSTAR here in Utah for example.

The problem is that the other carriers like DTV either don't care about the channel, feel it is too risky, or can't get the two owners of MTN to give them what they want as far as a subscription/advertising revenue deal. They also probably want to see more viewership. Apparently, the MTN and the MWC have been in "ongoing negotiations" with the carriers that don't have the channel yet, but ironically, Comcast advertises that in order to catch all the action on the MTN, you will need to get a Comcast subscription. So it seems they are playing both sides.

On 8/9/07, Eric Limburg < wrote:

Is the fact that the MTN can only be viewed on Comcast due to other providers not wanting to carry it or that Comcast owns the rights to the MTN outright? I know that MStar (on the Utopia fiber network) has the MTN so how did they get access? I received an email today about an online petition foing on to get sattelite providers to provide the MTN. This would be nil if Comcast owns the rights. The petition would need to be to Comcast, right. Here is the link to the blogsite with the petition http://www.addthemtntosatellite.blogspot.com/.
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Note to WAC Commissioner

2007-01-03T00:59:00.000-08:00

This story includes the following quote from the WAC commissioner:

"It's not just WAC schools," says WAC commissioner Karl Benson. "I think schools in the Mountain West and Conference USA, as well, are going to look at what Boise State has accomplished this year and evaluate what it takes to get into that BCS game."

Uhhhmmm...someone needs to send Karl a note and remind him that the MWC knows what it takes to get into that BCS game. Afterall, we paved that road, we broke the ice, the system, and the Big East Champion. If it wasn't for Utah breaking the BCS and forcing them to make another bowl game and change up the computer computations, the Bronco's triumph would have never been.

Someone should also remind BSU that Utah ended up 5th (4th AP) overall and did not get to share a championship, also set new Fiesta Bowl records, and sent a 1st round draft pick to the NFL 6 months later.

That's what it takes not only to make it to a BCS game, but to break the BCS system as well. I didn't see congress get excited over this game, and I liked to see how Utah's 2005 Appearance still cast its shadows over this came in all of the commentating and reports, as it should have.

I think the WAC Commissioner must still be bugged that the MWC for the most part has lived up to it's creed it stated back in 1998 when the 8 teams left the WAC.

Will someone also send a note to BSU President Robert Kustra letting him know we are inviting him to the MWC, soon to be MTN 10 (Mountain 10) Conference?

Here's to 2007.

Craig Thompson
MWC Commissioner

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Their time, their way
Boise State traces a path to what Fresno State still only dreams about: a date in a big-time football bowl.
By George Hostetter / The Fresno Bee
12/27/06 04:18:30
Forget maturity. To heck with good manners. Throw mama's advice about grace in the face of disappointment out the window.
Boise State made it to a Bowl Championship Series football game and the multimillion-dollar payday that goes with it. And Fresno State didn't.
Bulldogs fans wouldn't be human if they weren't sick with envy.
The contrast between the two schools was once stark.
Boise State was a junior college only 40 years ago. Five years earlier, in 1961, Fresno State had captured the national spotlight by going undefeated and crushing a tough Bowling Green team in the Mercy Bowl.
The Broncos were playing Division I-AA football in 1992 when the Bulldogs were thumping USC in the Freedom Bowl.
Boise State didn't play in its first Division I-A bowl until 1999, and that as a member of the lowly Big West Conference, which the Bulldogs had fled earlier in the decade for the Western Athletic Conference.
Boise State has defeated only three schools from BCS conferences since it joined the WAC in 2001. Fresno State in 2001 beat three BCS teams within 14 days.
Bronco Stadium holds about 10,000 fewer fans than Bulldog Stadium. Boise State's athletic budget is smaller than Fresno State's.
Don't these trend lines suggest Fresno State should be the first WAC school to break the Big Boys' barrier and earn a berth in a BCS bowl?
But it'll be No. 9 Boise State that tangles with No. 7 Oklahoma in Monday's Fiesta Bowl, becoming only the second school from a non-BCS conference to play in a BCS bowl. Utah was the first, in 2005, but the Broncos' feat, in so short a time, is more impressive by far. The Utes were beating the likes of Oregon and Colorado when Kennedy was president.
The Bulldogs, coming off a 4-8 season, will watch the Broncos-Sooners battle on the living room TV.
How did this reversal of fortune happen?
Officials close to both programs aren't sure.
"If it was that much of a science, everybody would have the answers," says Paul Oliaro, chairman of the Fresno State Athletic Corp. board.
"I don't know why Fresno State hasn't done it," says Hank Smith, president of the Bulldog Foundation scholarship fund drive. "Everything has just worked out right for Boise State."
Yet, Boise State clearly did something right. And it's fair to wonder if Fresno State did something wrong.
No one at Fresno State begrudges Boise State its success. The Bee left numerous messages for Bulldogs coach Pat Hill, but was unable to contact him. But throughout this season, Hill was generous with praise whenever the Broncos' program was discussed at his weekly news conferences.
Former Bulldogs coach Jim Sweeney probably best summed up Fresno State's attitude. Asked his opinion of Boise State's Fiesta Bowl invitation, he replied: "Isn't that marvelous?"
Division I-A football, though, is a no-nonsense industry with millions of dollars at stake. Boise State associate athletic director Bob Madden estimates the Broncos will clear as much as $3.5 million after expenses from the Fiesta Bowl. The other WAC schools, including Fresno State, will get a much thinner slice of the bowl's payout.
The future of Fresno State's football program could benefit from an unsentimental review of recent events. Here are some factors that may partially explain why that big check is headed to Idaho rather than the central San Joaquin Valley:
Stability at the top. Madden says Boise State has benefitted from having the same athletic director Gene Bleymaier for a quarter century. Football coaches come and go, Madden says, but the athletic department's vision remains firm.
Hill has worked for three athletic directors and at least one interim AD. The tenures of two ADs Al Bohl and Scott Johnson were marked by periods of controversy outside football. Did this hurt the football program? It probably didn't help.
Broken momentum. "It would have been a much easier path to success if we'd been
able to stay in the old WAC," Sweeney says.
But the old WAC essentially died in May 1998 when eight schools announced they were bolting to form a new conference (soon named the Mountain West), effective in 1999-00. Until then, Fresno State's rising football fortunes had coincided with the higher stature of each new conference affiliation.
But the fallen WAC convinced Fresno State that it had to find a path to national renown outside the conference. That meant embracing a tough nonconference schedule with checkered results.
Unbroken momentum. Boise State, on the other hand, never suffered a similar shattering of the spirit. It grew from a junior college to a state college to a state university, from Division II to Division I-AA to Division I-A, from the Big Sky Conference to the Big West to the WAC.
It was a natural progression, Madden says.
And, with each step, enthusiasm among players, coaches and fans grew as well.
Focus on the basics. Boise State puts great value on winning the conference title, Madden says. The Broncos have won or shared five titles since joining the WAC.
The Bulldogs don't dismiss the WAC's importance, but they've concentrated far more energy on their nonconference schedule. Perhaps that's why Fresno State is surprised every season by one or two WAC opponents.
Says Sweeney: "If there is one word that exemplifies Boise State's program and has been somewhat lacking in our program, it is consistency."
The changing bowl landscape. The BCS started with the 1998 regular season. Six conferences Pac-10, Big Ten, Big 12, Atlantic Coast, Southeastern and Big East plus independent Notre Dame pretty much had the four BCS bowls locked up.
Schools in non-BCS conferences howled. Today, there are five BCS bowls and non-BCS schools have a better chance of landing an at-large invitation.
It's not easy, though. High poll rankings at the end of the regular season are vital. It helps if the best teams in several BCS conferences lose a couple of games each. And going undefeated is a must.
Scheduling. Says Boise State's Madden: "We haven't overscheduled. If you put all your marbles in one basket, and that doesn't work out for you, that can affect the rest of your season."
Translation: Play a worthy nonconference schedule, but don't get intoxicated with dreams of beating Texas in Austin, Florida in Gainesville or Michigan in Ann Arbor. At least, not yet.
In nonconference games this season, the Broncos beat I-AA Sacramento State and Oregon State at home and Wyoming and Utah on the road. Only Oregon State is from a BCS conference. The Beavers and the Utes earned bowl berths.
This raises perhaps the biggest difference between the football programs at Boise State and Fresno State.
Faced with being frozen out of the BCS bowl scene in the late 1990s, Hill and the Bulldogs decided to storm the BCS gates.
They essentially said: You think we're not good enough for you? We'll play any of you, anywhere, anytime and win. Then you'll have to let us in.
How can you not admire a coach and program with such pride?
But where Fresno State went wrong was forgetting that American life always overwhelms an aristocratic, privilege-by-birth system.
It's not always quick, simple or pretty. But, sooner or later, opportunity expands to meet demand. Even in Division I-A football.
Boise State didn't forget this truth.
So, while Fresno State was traveling to Columbus to play Ohio State and Norman to play Oklahoma and Baton Rouge to play Louisiana State, and playing with courage yet getting soundly beaten, Boise State was traveling a different path.
The Broncos succeeded where the odds were in their favor. They watched what they spent. They built a reputation for excellence. They concentrated on winning the conference. They didn't "overschedule."
And what happened? The Broncos went undefeated this season and positioned themselves to exploit the chance of a lifetime.
Of course, Boise State officials couldn't have anticipated events unfolding this way nine months ago, let alone nine years.
But predicting the future isn't the point. What counts is preparing for a future impossible to predict.
Boise State did, and that's why it's playing Oklahoma on Monday in a BCS bowl.
The game's importance figures to reverberate throughout Division I-A football.
"It's not just WAC schools," says WAC commissioner Karl Benson. "I think schools in the Mountain West and Conference USA, as well, are going to look at what Boise State has accomplished this year and evaluate what it takes to get into that BCS game."
The reporter can be reached at ghostetter@fresnobee.com or(559) 441-6272.

2007: The Rivalry Continues

2007-01-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

This dribble was directed at BYU fans. Since I am not a BYU fan I am
taking the tickets Gary Crowton gave me and I will indulge. Should be
fun! By-the-way, as co-chairman (Dr. G is the other co-chair) of the
BYU Study Group we have issued our findings:

The policies at BYU as implemented by Bronco are working too well.

BYU should stay in Provo and not cut and run.

Utah fans should buy out Bronco's contract and get BYU to rehire Crowton
or put a contract out on Bronco.

The insurgents in Provo should attend UVSC.

BYU should talk to its neighbor UVSC and reach agreement on where the
insurgents should live off campus.

After a thorough search for WMD on campus no rapists were found the last
two years.

As always,

James Baker
Co-Chairman, BYU Study Group

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

Does this mean we aren’t going on this road trip? What about the tickets?

Sponge Bob Square Pants

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

Talk about Mormons needing to take a stand, BYU has taken a stand against playing on Sunday, why don’t they take a stand against playing in this ridicules bowl game in Las Vegas? The last time I was in sin city there were filthy pornographic images everywhere, on the sidewalk (pinups and centerfolds dropped by passersby), on billboards, posters, and store fronts. I won’t go back. Shame on BYU fans who will wade through this smut! Instead of trying to be like everyone else and liked by everybody why don’t we Mormons do some more separating from the world and send a message? What would Joseph or Brigham say about corrupting BYU this way? Or is BYU truly like everybody else and it is all about the money? What a corrupting influence money is.

Brent Halladay

Chairman, Holladay Bowl Committee 1966

---------

Observations, ramblings, and yes...............a little gloating and lots of teasing.....................

Garth and Nevin, my oh my oh my..............I tip my hat to both of you and to your father. Emails with the last name of Limburg actually lit my computer on fire in Ute blood-red. Such devotion, such ferocity (is that a word?), such loyalty to the cause. The scriptures could well say "and John begat a Ute who begat another Ute who begat even more Utes, even until the end of time"................I didn't have any problem understanding where the Limburg loyalty lies! Fireside or pep rally........mattereth not, just show up in red!

Actually, I am SERIOUSLY tipping my hat to the Limburg clan. As I lost my voice sat. afternoon jumping up and down in the living room, joined by my 4 children, ages 7 - 17, I recognized............we may not be the Limburgs...........yet.........but we're getting there. I knew we were well on the way when my 7 year old, then 6, explained over breakfast last year that the Utes have poop in their helmets. His Ute Grandpa (Blaine) scolded him on the spot about "potty talk" while the siblings quietly snickered and I had to leave the room I was laughing so hard. Still, we went from near tears to elation beyond measure as Utah went into the well-described-from-Italy prevent the win defense. Thank you, Ute coaching staff.

And typically, a little humor from the Gundersen household about Whittingham being a Cougar. I liked and laughed at that one as much as when your daughter said, "Who invited you?", at Curtis's farewell.

I learned a few things from all the postgame comments. I had expected to hear cries and complaints of pass interference calls on 3rd and long......instead, I learned that BYU holds every down but the Utes don't. And I liked the takedown of "3 Utes" on the last play.......when only 2 rushed.........

Strangely, there was no mention of the legality of roughing the kicker/punter or illegal blocks in the back on fake punts. Hmmmmmmm...........could it be that we're all a little biased?

Nice job, Nevin, on the 2 pt. differential prophecy...................amazing. I have to admit I thought we would whack Utah convincingly...........Utah played hard, played smart, ran some terrific new wrinkles (the Weddle pass to the same guy he faked the end around to comes to mind), and when I saw the Ute bleachers moving up and down in raging joy with 79 seconds left in the game............I was as stunned as my angry sons!

Watching the Utah news that night, they were interviewing a Grandmother (BYU fan) when a Ute student ran in front of the camera and shouted, "BYU Sucks". Two comments on that. One, the grandma made me laugh when she said, "No, we don't"............like only a grandma could say...... and two, all Utes out there.................PLEASE CONSULT WITH DUKE UNIVERSITY..........they are very creative in how they "attack" and "taunt" their rival (UNC). BYU sucks is as tired and worn out a phrase as there is. Please, Cougar-haters.........come up with some creativity.....consult the Blue Devils in Durham............something like "friends don't let friends attend BYU" would enter the classier and better-thought-out taunt than BYU sucks. In fact, couldn't that be the theme for a pre-game Ute fireside.........er, I mean, pep rally?

I have saved the best for last..................this will be written in my very best BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY HOLIER THAN THOU, MOST OBNOXIOUS BLUE-BLOODED, ARROGANT-WE-ARE-BETTER-THAN-YOU..................approach. Here goes: Gordon Monson of the Salt Lake Tribune wrote last week, while trying to shed the term HOLY WAR from the ute-cougar debate, "God does not care about this game or who wins."

Hmmmmmmmmm, after seeing what happened in LaVell's last game and after hugging my four kids in unspeakable joy following THE CATCH on saturday, Gordon Monson might want to rethink that one.........................LOL....................over and out :) :) :)

Jonny Harline

P.S. Even though I'm approaching age 50, and even though I've seen the light in regards to school affiliation (LOL)..........I still have to admit I really LIKE and LOOK UP TO Garth, Bruce, and Nevin. You guys brought me a lot of joy and fun in my youth..........and there are not 3 nicer guys on Earth. I have to add Kirk and Dick Gundersen to that mix, as well..........not because their brother was a Y QB, but because they are filled to the brim with warming goodness............I miss seeing all of you on a regular basis............but please know...........I'll be happy to continue to insult and harass via email.

----------

Kevin (Nevin with a K),

This is one of your best---loved it and thanks. I read it at work and should be reprimanded here for laughing too much on the job. Nice kudos at the end about us Limburgs. You’re a much-better-than-average guy yourself, and keep the ranting going.

One fun observation at the end of the game as we all were walking (or floating) out. My daughter Laura, who attended with her husband Jason who is a second year student in the U’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program, in fun blurted out to BYU fans nearby, “Oh yeah, the refs gave you the game!” To which one of the BYU fans quickly replied, “The Lord was on our side.” My smart daughter even more quickly yelled back, “The Lord doesn’t care about who won this game, IT’S JUST A FOOTBALL GAME!” So the rivalry and Holy war will go on and on and on “til the end of time.” (Editorial note: yes, the Utes have some fans, a few, relatively, who get carried away with language not fit for the Telestial Kingdom, but…..nothing, and I mean NOTHING, gets Utes’ hair to stand on end more than when they hear “The Lord is on our side.” So why (same as the question about the ‘BYU sucks’ sayings), do arrogant BYU fans keep saying that? There are somewhere between 15-20,000 LDS students who attend the U, and a clear majority of the males are returned missionaries. Is the Lord not on their side too? Was the Lord not on Brigham Young’s side when he had the U of U established in 1850? I believe it borders on being blasphemous to be using the “Lord” name with regards to a football game. So let’s put our energy into cheering on the ‘gathering of Israel’ team, where I am certain the Lord has taken a side).

Thanks for the allowance to speak my mind and have some fun in doing it.

Cheers to all of us who write these and have fun and keep it clean, yet hard hitting on the most important issues of our day!

Nervous Nevin

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

2006-11-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

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

2006-10-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

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)

2006-10-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-04T03:39:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

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]
);
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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]
);
//-->
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

Ute and BYU Season Talk

2006-10-03T02:29:00.000-07:00

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

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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

2006-09-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-09T22:45:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Satellite prividers and MTN. info

2006-08-27T00:03:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-23T00:06:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

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'

2006-08-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

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

E-mail: twalch@desnews.com

Fwd: CSTV - Comcast - MTN Deal

2006-08-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

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

TV Deal and PAC-10

2006-08-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

From: Limburg, Garth
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 10:42 AM
To: 'Kevin Curtis'
Cc: 'Tijs Limburg'; 'Nevin Limburg'; 'Sales'; 'Eric Limburg'
Subject: RE: TV Deal

Thanks Kevin for your insight. I have made my move from DirecTV to Comcast because I can get rid of my landline telephone that I don’t need anymore. DirecTV realizes that they have a problem with this and they are taking corrective measures so maybe in the future I will be back. If you have a landline phone it sounds to me that you may need to dump your Cable TV provider and go with DirecTV. They do have CSTV and will have MTN shortly. I have been very happy with my DirecTV service.

As for the PAC-10, now that they are all playing a full schedule of conference games because of the change allowing for 12 games a season, I don’t see the PAC-10 expanding at all and I really don’t care anymore. I’ll just be happy with our little Mtn West Conference shown on low grade television channels. BYU will never be invited even though as you point out, they bring a lot of fans to all their away games, because of Sunday play, church owned, not enough wacky left wing professors like Ward Churchill (Colorado U) or visits from people like Cindy Sheehan who kisses every dictator on the planet but calls Bush a terrorist, and of course BYU is too close to FOX News and Sean Hannity. You can take all the snobs in the PAC-10 and leave them on the left coast. I just hope BYU and Utah beat Arizona and UCLA. –Bill Meek-

TV Deal, BYU, Utah, PAC-10

2006-08-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

From: Sales [mailto:records@aros.net]
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 9:13 AM
To: Limburg, Garth
Subject: Re: TV Deal

Your analysis is right on about the mtw west/craig thompson deal...what a shame. As to BYU getting into the PAC 10...well it will never happen until BYU or the PAC 10 change their posture on Sunday play. I am not talking about Sunday play for football because very few Sunday games are played by any college football teams. I am talking about Sunday play in all the other PAC 10 Sports, where Sunday paly is mandatory, and I don't see BYU ever changing their mind about not playing on Sunday (nor do I think they should change) but I can't see all 10 Presidents in agreement (has to be 100% agreement to make a change) to add BYU to it's fold and agree to change it's policy to not playing on Sunday. It won't happen. I am not saying this as a Utah VS BYU fan. Utah has a much better chance of Joining the PAC 10 than any other teams with the exception of Texas and Colorado, but why would Texas want to join the PAC 10? They have proven they can win a national championship by being in the weaker Big 12, and they are making boatloads of money where they are right now. Colorade is a few years away from getting any invite to the PAC 10 with it's recent scandals. I just don't see the need for the PAC 10 to want to expand. When I talk to serious PAC 10 fans that live here, they laugh at me when I ask the question about Utah and BYU being considered to join the PAC 10. I heard a top level employee from comcast on the radio this morning on 1320 kfan state that comcast is in 44% of the metro area that represents 95% of the population base of the state, and he stated that direct tv, and dish network are working out plans to have those platforms sign deals for the mtn and cstv. He said that Comcast, direct tv and dish network were all trying to get the cstv/mtn deal, but that comcast had the more powerful upper hand, and so the deal was struck with them first. He was very, very very confident that deals will be made in the next 2 weeks. He also spoke about comcasts production quality for the games. He said that they have contracted with ESPN companies to produce the broadcasts, and that the quality will be superb. Hopefully this will all work out. I am excited for the 13 of us that will be at the UCLA _ Utah game on the 2nd. I thing both games BYU - Arizona and UTAH - UCLA are pretty much make or break seanon games for both teams. I will make this statement. If Utah and BYU win their openers, they will have outstanding seasons. If they don't win their opener, they will have better than average seasons, which is about what they had last year.

Gotta go...

Brother Matt

----- Original Me

From: Limburg, Garth

To: Sales

Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 8:26 AM

Subject: FW: TV Deal

Here is a good analysis by Kevin Curtis. I think you and he are on the same page and I agree 100%.

From: Limburg, Garth
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 8:23 AM
To: 'tijis311.uysports@blogger.com'
Cc: 'Tijs Limburg'; 'Eric Limburg'
Subject: TV Deal

From: Kevin Curtis [mailto:klcbrazil@cascadeaccess.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 9:05 PM
To: Limburg, Garth
Cc: bruceg@chpdc.com; Sandra Gale; Israelita Goya; Merland Halisky; DNACurtis@yahoo.com; Mike Curtis; Nevin Limburg
Subject: Re: TV Deal

Hey Garth,

I'm still highly skeptical that our commissioner's effort to create a "bonanza" will work. In fact, when the Utes went undefeated..................they at least were seen nationwide for a couple ESPN games. Now, I'm afraid, the only people to ever again see a MWC game will be the select few in Utah and Colorado willing to pay. It's discouraging..........I actually enjoyed Thursday and Friday games. Our commissioner says it's time to bring the games back to sat. afternoon. Problem is............the Big Ten and other leagues play then also...............at least we gained some national exposure with the odd nights.

Nevada, quite frankly, could care less. I called the manager of the cable company here.......two days ago.........and he had never even heard of "mtn" or CSTV. Typical.........I'm afraid. He is the manager yet he knows nothing..............is our commissioner really, truly out selling this? Or is he taking the money and running?

I debated whether or not to get season tickets this year again......awfully long drive for a game, plus I'll be driving all over Utah to watch my boys play JV and Varsity football for Parowan. In the end, I knew I had to if I wanted to see the games...................I haven't missed a BYU game in 26 years. I'm sad I'll miss virtually all the Ute games...................I love scouting them!!!!

BYU plays Boston College on ESPN2, thankfully, and I'll be flying with my kids to Tucson. Add 6 home games...........leaving 4 I'll have to find a satellite or something.........including vs. Utah in SLC in November.

All in all..............if you live in SLC or Provo where there is a demand.........the cable and satellite companies respond to that demand. I wonder about San Diego and Albuquerque, etc. UNLV only sells out when they play us, otherwise, that huge city doesn't care much about football and is losing hoop interest too since Tarkanian left.

I will miss turning on KJZZ to watch, for example, Wyoming vs. Air Force or CSU. We might be able to catch some of the UCLA-Utah game from our Tucson hotel room prior to our own game but I'll miss, for example, the Utah-Boise State game............in years past, almost all the games were on the tube. Thankfully, in Mesquite, our cable company gets both the SLC and Vegas network stations and KJZZ. In years past, this has been awesome. Channel 4 (ABC out of SLC) and Channel 13 (ABC out of Vegas) have shown two regional games simultaneously. SLC likes to show a lot of Big 12 whereas Vegas shows the PAC 10 almost exclusively. It was nice to flip back and forth between a Texas-Texas Tech game and, say, Arizona State-USC.

I'm afraid the MWC could become the Big Sky on a national perception level. How many Big Sky games have you seen? The Montana teams actually play good football........but nobody ever sees or cares, nationally speaking. With our league buried on some "mtn" network............I'm just worried about national respect..........especially when it's deserved like Utah 2 years ago.

One final thought..............in this modern age of college sports being driven by money...............I'm still surprised the PAC 10 does not seem to even want to consider Utah or BYU or both as new members. I know BYU's conservatism is a bad fit............but consider this..........................did the league officials not notice how many Ute fans flooded Tempe 2 years ago? And when I called the Univ. of Arizona ticket office for tickets to the Sept. 2nd game (BYU's allottment was already gone from Provo), the guy sold me 5 then laughed when I asked him where the BYU fans were sitting. He said, "It's almost unprecedented............BYU fans have bought out virtually the entire upper deck........we'll probably sell more seats for the BYU game than our huge PAC 10 games (like USC and ASU)."

A few years ago the PAC 10 courted Texas and Colorado to join the league. Texas...........I can understand.......they have a huge following.....but CU? Would CU fans buy out the entire upper deck in Tucson? BYU may not enjoy a lot of liberal scholarly friends along the left coast......but surely should not be ignored for an uncanny ability to put thousands of fans in seats........home and away. If we had a few whacko liberal professors like CU does...........perhaps we could get more recognition!!

Anyway..........I'll be relying on you guys for some descriptions of the games..............including the UCLA game. I know Monson today strongly suggested Whittingham should pick Ratliff. I have a feeling Coach Whit wants some athleticism at the QB position in the Rose Bowl. Johnson wins the race........................prediction from Mesquite. The last game played in the Rose Bowl had a wonderfully athletic QB from Texas who took the game over......and won the National Championship.

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy........................

Paul "the stats mean more than the game" James

----- Original Message -----

From: Limburg, Garth

To: Kevin Curtis

Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 6:35 AM

Subject: TV Deal

Please explain what is going on with CSTV and MTN channels in Mesquite. I am interested. –Bill Marcroft-

From: Kevin Curtis [mailto:klcbrazil@cascadeaccess.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 12:14 AM
To: Limburg, Garth; Nevin Limburg; Sales; Tijs Limburg; dmx311@gmail.com; bruceg@chpdc.com; kmcmullin@commercecrg.com
Subject: Re: Utah Football

I may need to camp out at Bruce's or Garth's house.............Mesquite is really locked out. I miss ESPN and KJZZ already!!!!!!!!!!!

----- Original Message -----

From: Limburg, Garth

To: Nevin Limburg ; Sales ; Tijs Limburg ; dmx311@gmail.com ; bruceg@chpdc.com ; kmcmullin@commercecrg.com ; Kevin Curtis

Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 1:43 PM

Subject: Utah Football

Here is the latest tally of where people believe Utah Football is in terms of the conference and country. By the way, it appears that after about eight years with DirecTV that I am going to have to migrate over to Comcast cable both for the ability to get CSTV and MTN channels and for the price of the package. This will also allow me to get rid of my landline telephone which DirecTV requires and which I don’t need anymore because everyone in the house has a cell phone. Anyone disagree? -Garth-

Magazine

MWC

Nation

Sporting News

2nd

--

Athlon

2nd

23rd

Lindy's

1st

15th

Phil Steele

1st

23rd

Gold Sheet

1st

21st

Street & Smith

3rd

--

Blue Ribbon

1st

20th

Game Plan

2nd

25th

ATS

1st

25th

TV Deal

2006-08-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

From: Kevin Curtis [mailto:klcbrazil@cascadeaccess.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 9:05 PM
To: Limburg, Garth
Cc: bruceg@chpdc.com; Sandra Gale; Israelita Goya; Merland Halisky; DNACurtis@yahoo.com; Mike Curtis; Nevin Limburg
Subject: Re: TV Deal

Hey Garth,

I'm still highly skeptical that our commissioner's effort to create a "bonanza" will work. In fact, when the Utes went undefeated..................they at least were seen nationwide for a couple ESPN games. Now, I'm afraid, the only people to ever again see a MWC game will be the select few in Utah and Colorado willing to pay. It's discouraging..........I actually enjoyed Thursday and Friday games. Our commissioner says it's time to bring the games back to sat. afternoon. Problem is............the Big Ten and other leagues play then also...............at least we gained some national exposure with the odd nights.

Nevada, quite frankly, could care less. I called the manager of the cable company here.......two days ago.........and he had never even heard of "mtn" or CSTV. Typical.........I'm afraid. He is the manager yet he knows nothing..............is our commissioner really, truly out selling this? Or is he taking the money and running?

I debated whether or not to get season tickets this year again......awfully long drive for a game, plus I'll be driving all over Utah to watch my boys play JV and Varsity football for Parowan. In the end, I knew I had to if I wanted to see the games...................I haven't missed a BYU game in 26 years. I'm sad I'll miss virtually all the Ute games...................I love scouting them!!!!

BYU plays Boston College on ESPN2, thankfully, and I'll be flying with my kids to Tucson. Add 6 home games...........leaving 4 I'll have to find a satellite or something.........including vs. Utah in SLC in November.

All in all..............if you live in SLC or Provo where there is a demand.........the cable and satellite companies respond to that demand. I wonder about San Diego and Albuquerque, etc. UNLV only sells out when they play us, otherwise, that huge city doesn't care much about football and is losing hoop interest too since Tarkanian left.

I will miss turning on KJZZ to watch, for example, Wyoming vs. Air Force or CSU. We might be able to catch some of the UCLA-Utah game from our Tucson hotel room prior to our own game but I'll miss, for example, the Utah-Boise State game............in years past, almost all the games were on the tube. Thankfully, in Mesquite, our cable company gets both the SLC and Vegas network stations and KJZZ. In years past, this has been awesome. Channel 4 (ABC out of SLC) and Channel 13 (ABC out of Vegas) have shown two regional games simultaneously. SLC likes to show a lot of Big 12 whereas Vegas shows the PAC 10 almost exclusively. It was nice to flip back and forth between a Texas-Texas Tech game and, say, Arizona State-USC.

I'm afraid the MWC could become the Big Sky on a national perception level. How many Big Sky games have you seen? The Montana teams actually play good football........but nobody ever sees or cares, nationally speaking. With our league buried on some "mtn" network............I'm just worried about national respect..........especially when it's deserved like Utah 2 years ago.

One final thought..............in this modern age of college sports being driven by money...............I'm still surprised the PAC 10 does not seem to even want to consider Utah or BYU or both as new members. I know BYU's conservatism is a bad fit............but consider this..........................did the league officials not notice how many Ute fans flooded Tempe 2 years ago? And when I called the Univ. of Arizona ticket office for tickets to the Sept. 2nd game (BYU's allottment was already gone from Provo), the guy sold me 5 then laughed when I asked him where the BYU fans were sitting. He said, "It's almost unprecedented............BYU fans have bought out virtually the entire upper deck........we'll probably sell more seats for the BYU game than our huge PAC 10 games (like USC and ASU)."

A few years ago the PAC 10 courted Texas and Colorado to join the league. Texas...........I can understand.......they have a huge following.....but CU? Would CU fans buy out the entire upper deck in Tucson? BYU may not enjoy a lot of liberal scholarly friends along the left coast......but surely should not be ignored for an uncanny ability to put thousands of fans in seats........home and away. If we had a few whacko liberal professors like CU does...........perhaps we could get more recognition!!

Anyway..........I'll be relying on you guys for some descriptions of the games..............including the UCLA game. I know Monson today strongly suggested Whittingham should pick Ratliff. I have a feeling Coach Whit wants some athleticism at the QB position in the Rose Bowl. Johnson wins the race........................prediction from Mesquite. The last game played in the Rose Bowl had a wonderfully athletic QB from Texas who took the game over......and won the National Championship.

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy........................

Paul "the stats mean more than the game" James

----- Original Message -----

From: Limburg, Garth

To: Kevin Curtis

Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 6:35 AM

Subject: TV Deal

Please explain what is going on with CSTV and MTN channels in Mesquite. I am interested. –Bill Marcroft-

From: Kevin Curtis [mailto:klcbrazil@cascadeaccess.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 12:14 AM
To: Limburg, Garth; Nevin Limburg; Sales; Tijs Limburg; dmx311@gmail.com; bruceg@chpdc.com; kmcmullin@commercecrg.com
Subject: Re: Utah Football

I may need to camp out at Bruce's or Garth's house.............Mesquite is really locked out. I miss ESPN and KJZZ already!!!!!!!!!!!

----- Original Message -----

From: Limburg, Garth

To: Nevin Limburg ; Sales ; Tijs Limburg ; dmx311@gmail.com ; bruceg@chpdc.com ; kmcmullin@commercecrg.com ; Kevin Curtis

Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 1:43 PM

Subject: Utah Football

Here is the latest tally of where people believe Utah Football is in terms of the conference and country. By the way, it appears that after about eight years with DirecTV that I am going to have to migrate over to Comcast cable both for the ability to get CSTV and MTN channels and for the price of the package. This will also allow me to get rid of my landline telephone which DirecTV requires and which I don’t need anymore because everyone in the house has a cell phone. Anyone disagree? -Garth-

Magazine

MWC

Nation

Sporting News

2nd

--

Athlon

2nd

23rd

Lindy's

1st

15th

Phil Steele

1st

23rd

Gold Sheet

1st

21st

Street & Smith

3rd

--

Blue Ribbon

1st

20th

Game Plan

2nd

25th

ATS

1st

25th

Utah Football

2006-08-16T00:08:00.000-07:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kevin Curtis

I may need to camp out at Bruce's or Garth's house.............Mesquite is really locked out. I miss ESPN and KJZZ already!!!!!!!!!!!

----- Original Message -----

From: Limburg, Garth

Here is the latest tally of where people believe Utah Football is in terms of the conference and country. By the way, it appears that after about eight years with DirecTV that I am going to have to migrate over to Comcast cable both for the ability to get CSTV and MTN channels and for the price of the package. This will also allow me to get rid of my landline telephone which DirecTV requires and which I don't need anymore because everyone in the house has a cell phone. Anyone disagree? -Garth-

Magazine	MWC	Nation
Sporting News	2nd	--
Athlon	2nd	23rd
Lindy's	1st	15th
Phil Steele	1st	23rd
Gold Sheet	1st	21st
Street & Smith	3rd	--
Blue Ribbon	1st	20th
Game Plan	2nd	25th
ATS	1st	25th