Deseret News | BYU football: Can team avoid another 1-2 start?

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BYU football: Can team avoid another 1-2 start?

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Re: Utah Fan | 1:15 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Your maturity is simply amazing! C'mon, be the bigger man than your friend. It is good for Utah if BYU beats Washington and UCLA. I thought it was awesome that Utah beat Michigan. Not all BYU fans think the same as your lame BYU friend. Now good luck growing up!

Mountain Worst @ 11:52 a.m | 1:16 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Mountain Worst = bent Michigan fan! BTW what teams are in the SCC conference? I've never hear of it :)

MJB | 1:22 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

I don't know why you are all predicting that UW will score in the 20's. I don't think they will get past 14 pts. Y 35 UW 14

Comments continue below

Steve | 1:20 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

If you really think about it, according to BCS team logic, it is all about strength of schedule right? It's all about who you play. So, according to that, right now teams like LSU, Ohio St., and Georgia shouldn't even be ranked. They all played Playoff Division teams. USC is a legitimate number 1 having beat another BCS team (albeit a crappy one). And how about Utah being in the top 5? They beat a BCS team too. That is BCS logic. Obviously this will all even out as the season progresses, but for right now it is an interesting thought.

MWC | 1:24 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Wait when was the last time either BYU or Utah were blown out by a BCS team? I am just curious, if anyone can tell me. I do remember USC beating BYU by like 20, a few years ago, but other then that BYU or Utah usually can pull out the win or at least it is a really good game. So to say they can't compete is not a true statement.

Anonymous | 1:30 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Delusional BYU fans, whose idea of a quality college football win includes beating the dregs (meaning majority) of the MWC week after week. Look at your glorius record over the last 2 years...22-4. How many of those wins came against lousy MWC teams, ie. San Diego State, UNLV, Colorado State, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Air Force? Let's see....that would be 12 of your 22 big wins. Then, add in Utah State and Eastern Washington, which must have provided big-time thrills for your season ticket holders, and we're up to 14.

That leaves you with a record of 8-4 in games against decent, though not great, competition. A couple top 25 teams (in the 20-25 range), not one even close to top 10 calibre. Pick just about any team in the PAC-10, give them your schedule, and they'd equal your wonderful record. Still no OOC road wins since whipping Utah State 7 years ago. Isn't that just a little bit embarrassing for a supposedly "elite" team (and head coach)?

What happens to the "Quest" when you lose to the worst team in the PAC-10 this week? Good thing there aren't any bridges or tall buildings in Provo.

Texas Cougar | 1:33 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

When was the last time a really good BCS team played BYU or Utah? I remember USC playing BYU twice a little while ago. Was Texas A&M the best non-conference opponent Utah has had since 2000?

To 'Reality'- Where's mormonland? Is it a new attraction at Disneyland? If so, I wonder what kind of rides they have there.

To Reality | 1:36 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Outside of Utah, the story is that Michigan lost to a lousy team like the Utes. Nationally, Utah is no great shakes. BYU's loses are remarkable for their penchant of failing to beat worse teams. You mentioned bigotry, a subject with which you must be well acquainted. Such generalizations and nonsense identify you as someone with little knowledge or objectivity. Go back to The Hill with your sycophants.

Ute fans | 1:55 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Thanks for posting on BYU, the best team in the MWC. Some day the TUN may get a life, but probably not.

Wayne | 1:59 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

I'm a Y alum but let me just say that the Cougs are never going to be a national power house. Good years yes but It's never going to get any better than it is right now.

Steve | 2:09 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Just throwing this out. Since 1998 BYU is 77-48, Utah is 79-40. Not much difference there.

Iq92 | 2:14 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Lavell made a career by winning big against Bo Diddley Tech. BYU, keep in mind the reality of who you can recruit. Stick to playing one top-team per year. Focus on converting Wyoming.

Hmmm... | 2:17 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Wayne | 1:59 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008
"I'm a Y alum but let me just say that the Cougs are never going to be a national power house. Good years yes but It's never going to get any better than it is right now."

It could get better next year, when BYU returns nearly all skill players on offense and much of this year's young defense. I think next year BYU will be even better. Max Hall with his options of throwing to Austin Collie, Dennis Pitta, McKay Jacobsen, or O'Neill Chambers. Manase Tonga at fullback and Harvey Unga as halfback. Also, next year the team will be deeper at QB, with James Lark and Riley Nelson battling it out under Hall.

I'd say there's plenty to look forward to with BYU football.

Helendaleghs | 2:17 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

No matter what anyone says in the blogs, it will all be settled on the field.

Every year...something new | 2:31 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Every year it is something new. In 2006, everyone was talking about BYU not beating a ranked team since whenever... the Cougars answered by beating TCU in Texas (and pretty easily I might add). In 2007, everyone was talking about BYU not beating Utah in Provo for a while... the Cougars answered again and got the win. This year it's all about how they haven't beat a non-conference foe on the road for a while... the Cougars will answer that in 2 days! Doesn't it get old for those out there that consistently trying to find holes in BYU's program and keep getting shut down?

TC | 2:45 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

WOW! a lot of talkin' smack from fans of a couple of teams that are 1-0 this season. I might expect this if both teams were undefeated in about the 8th week of the season... but now??? Until they play eachother, BYU is the better team

1. defending conference champions for 2 years
2. they beat Utah the last 2 years

I'm sure the players are just concerned about winning their next game, not who beat a BCS team on the road last year, not who played in a BCS bowl game, or even who is ranked higher in the polls.

As a cougar fan, I'd be absolutely elated with a 25-23 victory over the UW Huskies. It would be just as big of a win for us as the Utes win over Michigan at the big house. It will be interesting to see next weeks comments if both teams are 2-0. I'm sure there will be talk of national championships and dynasties.

2-1 | 2:57 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

BYU will be 2-1 after three games. Trying to beat Washington on the road is very difficult for any team, especially when you are 0-3 against them on the road over the years.

RE: Wayne @ 1:59 p.m. | 2:57 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

You do know that many years ago Harvard, Princeton, Yale used to be the dominating football programs in the Nation? Whoever says things cannot change and will stay the way the are now is living in his own little world and oblivious to the way things are in the real World.

Richard Noel | 3:00 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Q. "Can team avoid another 1-2 start?"

A. NO.

To anonymous | 3:12 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

There are plenty of bridges in Provo and 10 stories of the swicket would definitely do the job. Fortunately most of us are smart enough to realize football is just a game and besides we aren't going to lose on Saturday.

Its interesting you criticize BYU for beating bad teams. Lets see how did USC do against Stanford last year?? At least we win our games against the bad teams in our conference. Yes it is a legitimate claim to say we haven't beaten anybody that good, but thats not our fault if they won't schedule us. Plus it seems everyones opinion of good is top 10. I'm sorry but there just aren't that many top 10 teams out there and none of them want to sign a home and home with BYU especially when there is a very good chance they lose at least one of those.

geezer | 3:17 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

re: where's "stocton" (misspelled)

With age comes wisdom. If the Cougars blow out Washington I owe you an apology. That would be great, but I don't think it'll happen. I still say BYU wins or loses a close one and we'll see who's correct Saturday. Your blowout forecast is about as accurate as your spelling. (Stockton is correct Senor know it all)

Cougar man | 3:15 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

I'm a huge Cougar fan but I have to admit that I worry about the team this year. It seems as though we still have a lot of problems to work out. This WA team is going to throw everything they have at us and we better be ready. I don't know if we are.....

Popular! | 3:25 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

look at how many coments BYU is getting, they are for sure popular.

Anonymous | 3:30 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

GO COUGS!

Agree with Texas Cougar | 3:34 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Texas Cougar has a point. These teams haven't had much chances to beat a quality opponent. A lot of these quality teams don't want to schedule a game like BYU and Utah with the fear of getting beat down. Why do you think Nevada backed out of their game with BYU late last season?

A little more fodder for the pil | 3:39 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

The comment may have been made, but I will 'second' the motion if it is necessary....

What is all the hype about the 'utes'? I watched the game against Michigan....I live in Michigan and am a BYU grad with utah ties....utes played an overwhelmed Mich. defense in the first half, but got things right in the second half....too bad the 'rines didn't finish the job...

Next...Quality BCS wins from utah?// Puleeze...with every so called bcs win the utes have they fall on their faces in the coming weeks against teams like UNLV, New Mexico, TCU or Air Force or others...and wait till they play in Laramie this season...that will be a tastie game to watch...

Next....at least for the last two years and we know how important those yearsare....the Cougars have beat the bcs buters from Salty Town....close games my little yewt fiends....but the W's belong to the Cougars.....where is your balance??? Where is the beef when it has come to shutting down the lowly Cougars???

My estimation is that there is no beef at utah, just mouth and the desire to see a BYU meltdown in lue of poor performances by yout team...

Our team, the Cougars....win championships,we rock!

Fact!!! | 4:10 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Utah has the most wins by any non bcs team over bcs teams at 14 and I believe Fresno is behind them at 12 or 13. The problem with BYU is not that they start out slow but it is the fact that for some reason they just cannot beat non conference teams on a consistant basis. When they start to win non conference games and non conference games against bcs school then they will get national attention. Right now not much of the nation talks about BYU as a big threat because they haven't shown lately that they can win out of conference. I believe it is only a matter of time before they do but until they do they do not deserve national attention. If you want it then go earn it!!!!! Good luck againt UW on Saturday!!!!! It is time to make a statement(even if UW ends up a the low end of the Pac-10 you still have to start somewhere) and earn the attention that so many think they deserve

Re: Agree with Texas Cougar | 4:10 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

The reason both teams haven't beaten quality teams is because they haven't scheduled them very often. They are more content going after the bottom barrel teams (both AD's have admitted this). If the big schools didn't want to play big games, why do we have Ohio State and USC meeting this year. Unless you are the one making the calls to try to set up non-conference games, you don't even know what you are talking about.

And since when was Nevada a quality team. Did they schedule thinking it would be a cake walk and then backed out after realizing that BYU wasn't really the Div I-AA team they originally thought?

BYU struggles | 4:17 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

The reason why Byu has struggled out of the gate is because they play mostly an out of conference schedule. The athletes are more athletic and faster. To downplay Utah's victory over a Michigan team at home is pretty funny because back in 1984 (Byu championship) was against a 6-6 Michigan team. Funny how many Byu fans rejoiced over that win. Look a win is a win. Its not BYU or Utah's fault if their opponent does play well. The reality is that BYU doesn't have a great record when they step out of the MWC so there is some credibility to the idea that BYU struggles when they step up in competition.

Cougar faithful | 4:23 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

I hope the Cougars have a better start this year. However, the most important thing is winning conference games. Placing 2nd or 3rd in the MWC gets you a nice little bowl game, but no championship. Winning the MWC gets the championship, even though you have to travel to Las Vegas for the ugliest bowl game.

MWC: Get a bowl game in SoCal or Phoenix.

53-33-4 | 4:47 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

53-33-4, any real football fan will know what those numbers represent.

Also, the fact that neither Utah nor BYU has been able to beat the rest of the MWC by 3+ TD's show that they are not BCS material. The top 10 teams would easily beat down on the rest of the MWC (maybe save TCU on some years) by 21+ ponits each game. Wake me up one of these guys starts really thomping the MWC teams, then maybe we'll have something.

Be reasonable | 4:50 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

I'm a cougar, but how can we say we dominate Utah. We've won the last two years, but those were definately, miracle, down to the wire plays. Utah could just as easily won those. I think the two teams are closer in skill and talent than either side wants to admit. Look at the last 20 years or so, most of the games have come down to practically the last play (save a blow out or two).

I think that shows more than anything how close these two teams really are. And if both do well, it's good for both teams, really.

Prophet | 5:35 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

"BYU football: can team avoid 1-2 start?"

No

Mike B. | 5:54 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Alot of comments have been about quality wins again'st BCS opponents. BYU has had some but not consistently throughout the years. This is the year to prove ourselfves. Washington is not good, a loss on saturday would be catastropic as far as any BCS consideration, but not to our season. I would be very surprized if we lose this one. I hope Bronco has them focused. Now is the time to shut up and shut some BCS naysayers up!!

To Anonymous @ 3:12 | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Scheduling Top Ten Competition is possible. Arkansas will play 4 teams currently ranked in the Top 10, with 1 being out of conference. They play 2 more teams currently in the Top 25.

Arkansas plays this level of competition every year. They had 10 wins in 2006 and 8 in 2007, including beating the #1 team and eventual national champions at home. This is a rebuilding year, so even rabid fans aren't predicting a similar season. Throw in consistent top 10 opponents in their bowl games and they play as many as 8 ranked opponents each year. In fact, I would have to validate it, but the Hogs have probably beaten more ranked teams in the last 2 years, than BYU has since 1996.

BYU fans look at an Arkansas and say, we had 11 wins we are a better team. The problem is that no team that plays that level of competition can win 10 games a year on average for an extended period of time. There are multi-year flashes of this (i.e. USC) but even the greatest dynasties among the elite lose games.

BYU would have finished 5-7 or 4-8 playing Arkansas' schedule the past 2 years.

To Anonymous @ 3:12 | 6:49 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

To finish up the point. Even great teams like USC occasionally lose to teams like Stanford, if for no other reason than they are just beat up from playing a much tougher schedule.

You should show a little respect, especially since BYU has yet to earn it outside of the MWC with no real case since 1996.

Re: UNI not NIU @ 12:03 | 7:33 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

I'm so glad that you were paying such close attention to that little slip up. I'm sure that the whole world, and cougar fan base in particular, was just utterly lost by that statement and had no clue that we just played Northern Iowa not Illinois. Thank you so much for guiding us during these dark times of typo's and simple mistakes.

P.S. I'm so impressed with your knowledge of FBS and FCS history, you're my hero! ;)

DieHardCougar | 8:30 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

RE: "I think you guys are the ones trying to climb out of a 'little hole.' We're alredy out in the sunlight buddy. Again, start talking when either one of you guys beats a real school. That's all I'm waiting for. You talk about how great you are etc... etc..., but it doesn't mean anything until someone beats a real team. What is so hard to understand about that?"
You sound kinda silly. I won't wait to talk about my team until they beat a "real school." Why? Because my team is 15th in the nation and they've been ranked the majority of the weeks in the national polls each of the last two plus years. Because they have gone undefeated the last two years in conference. Because they have ended each of the last two seasons on 10-game winning streaks. You can go back and forth all day long about who a "real team" really is, but the best teams go out and win in whatever situation they are put in. BYU has been pretty good at that over the last 2 seasons. I expect them to do the same this season.

dumb question | 9:30 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

The reason they have started out slow and finished strong lately is the competition has been better at the beginning than it has been at the end (and frankly barely beating Utah the past couple of seasons does not mean finishing strong in my book). I want them to win these games at the beginning and in fact they may this year (because these are bad teams they are playing) but we shouldn't over analyze what is obvious. You play strong teams on the road and you're likelihood of losing goes up. There - the answer is so simple you are missing it.

Reality | 9:32 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

The reality is that we are going to a Pac 10 house with Pac 10 refs. I can't wait to see the disparity in penalty yards.

In context, Pleez! | 10:55 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Yada, Yada...Edwards, Crowton, now Bronco. Reality is: this was Crowton's and Bronco's first gig as Head Coach. One failed, the other has passed the audition within the MWC teams. Unfortunately, some folks seem to string the win-lose records together to make whatever point that suits the moment.

Facts appear, Bronco and his staff may have been out coached when on the road against non-conf teams, esp the PAC-10 teams. They are slow to react and implement changes on the field or to make the highest and best use of the talent on the bench.

As for the Washington game, it will be a dog fight.
The Huskies will come out with eight in the box and stuff the run game. The cougars counter move, would be to place Pita in the slot and George at TE to establish the short passing game. On defense, the cougars will need a heavy pass rush and three safties because the Huskies will try to run the corner and passes to the deep middle. If the Cougars don't knock them out in the first half. it'll be a long ride home.

AzByuFan | 11:57 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Wow, an amazing number of comments dissn' BYU, MWC, and even dissn' the Utes a well. If you think nationally no one cares then why do you troll articles regarding BYU? Thanks for the laugh!
BYU 31 WA 24. By the way, every conference has dregs in it. The top three in the MWC are good but it looks like the rest are weak. I am really disappointed in SDSU. Stanford lost to Cal-Davis not long ago, most of the Big 10 is weak. Many teams in the Big East is weak. The ACC has Duke. BYU/UT has won against the SEC the last few times (GA Tech for the Utes, Miss St for BYU) It is amazing the MWC can defeat a BCS school because it is not a level playing field. The BCS schools are millions of dollars ahead each year. The state of Utah is the largest state population-wise that does not field a BCS school--due to its geographical location between the narcisistic PAC 10 and flatlands of the Big 12.
Go cougs and go utes! Again, BYU 31 WA 24. Thanks UT for defeating the 2nd most storied team in the land.

Nevada 31 BYU 28 | 12:22 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Hey all you Nevada bashers- teams make changes for whatever reason- get over it. Like BYU played well enough to beat Georgia?

Something to chew on- September 14, 2002
Nevada 31, BYU 28. Cougars were ranked 24 in the polls as well. Really was a shocking loss for the mighty Cougs. They just know that a win on Earth starts with a win in heaven.

Nevada plays (12) Texas Tech this Saturday and (6) Missouri the next week. Like to see BYU schedule two top 15 teams two weeks in a row. Easier to win in a conference with 4 to 5 struggling teams. Can't do that in the SEC.
Go Washington, beat the Cougs.

The Mighty Cougs | 4:44 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

BYU is 1-13 in their last 14 games against currently ranked teams, a 7% winning record. That included losses against ranked teams in the MWC.

The win against Mississippi State in 2001 was against a 3-8 that lost to Troy State and won a single SEC game. BYU allowed 38 points. It hardly proved that BYU could compete in the SEC.

Mississippi State has a scores the occasional shocking upset and is the consistent cellar dweller in the SEC West.

BYU's stadium seats about less 20,000 than BYUs, much smaller than any other SEC school. While it does share in the SEC's money, there isn't nearly the disparity between it and BYU in terms of revenues and recruiting that some of you think automatically comes with being an SEC school.

In fact, BYU is extraordinarily similiar to a SEC program in terms of revenue, recruiting, and historical record. That program would be Kentucky.

Like BYU, Kentucky had a fluke National Championship (1951) but can't field the horses to consistently play tough with the powers. It has a similar record against ranked opponents.

While perennially hopeful, Kentucky usually ends up with a 6-6 or less season.

Anonymous | 6:20 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

RE: "Pick just about any team in the PAC-10, give them [BYU's] schedule, and they'd equal your wonderful record."
I love all of these lame hypotheticals. Fact is, PAC-10 teams don't have BYU's schedule, so the point is moot. Try some other angle...I'm still not convinced.

BYU Forever | 6:30 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

"When they start to win non conference games and non conference games against bcs school then they will get national attention."
Just so you know, BYU was 2-1 against BCS teams last year. By my estimation, that covers winning "non conference games and non conference games against bcs school". Using your logic - BYU gets national attention. Mission accomplished! I like your logic, dude!

BYU Forever | 6:41 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

"Also, the fact that neither Utah nor BYU has been able to beat the rest of the MWC by 3+ TD's show that they are not BCS material."
Let's see, BYU had three 21-point + wins against MWC opponents last year:
AFA @ BYU - BYU 31 AFA 6
BYU @ WYO - BYU 35 WYO 10
BYU @ SDSU - BYU 48 SDSU 27
In 2006, BYU had - wait for it - 5 wins against MWC foes by 21 pts or more!!!
Wow, dude. You were way off on that argument!

Anonymous | 6:45 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

"BYU would have finished 5-7 or 4-8 playing Arkansas' schedule the past 2 years."
Another lame hypothetical...

Mighty Cougs | 6:52 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

RE: Anonymous 6:20

What isn't hypothetical is that if you put them in a league with 4 to 6 top 25 teams (Pac-10, SEC) is that BYU wouldn't be having 10 win seasons consistently. Here is some context.

1. 1-13 record (7% winning average) in the last 14 games against ranked opponents. I don't believe the win was against Top10 opponents.
2. No more than 5 to 6 schools have pulled that stunt off over an extended range of seasons (USC, Alabama, Miami, Oklahoma, Nebraska).
3. The number of overall wins makes BYU fans slightly delusional, the number of quality wins should be sobering.

BYU and MWC fans love to complain that the BCS system is stacked against them. It was a quirk of the then current polling system that granted BYU it's national championship.

Since the polls started awarding the championship after the bowls (1965) has any other team won the mythical championship by beating a 6-5 team?

The only thing that I will concede to you at all is that the change that should have resulted from the 1984 BYU mistake was a play-off system. At least the BCS will prevent a repeat of thhe 1984 mistake.

Dear Reality | 7:01 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

You need a reality check. Apparently you have been on some remote island in the Aleutian Islands for the past 30 or 40 years. BYU's record is not the best, but over the years BYU has had a hard time scheduling the so-called great teams, because just enough of them have been knocked off by BYU over most of them will not schedule a home and home with BYU. They don't want to spoil their reputation.

TO say that outside of Utah BYU has no respect is absolutely flat untrue. I lived in California for 35 years and BYU had great respect everywhere. Our children live in Ohio, Texas and Lousianna and BYU has respect their also.

Once again when you live among the Aleuts there is not a lot of football knowledge there and your comments show that lack of knowledge.

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