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BYU football: Destination is unknown for Cougars

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Something New | 12:17 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

I would like to see BYU go to the Poinsettia Bowl and play either Boise State or Notre Dame. Sure, Notre Dame is having another down year, but it would get tons of press which would be good for the MWC, and it would give BYU a chance to beat up on a storied program. Obviously Boise State would be the preferred opponent, but Notre Dame would be better than any of the other WAC teams as a second option.

Holy War Part 2 | 12:21 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

BYU vs Notre Dame in the Poinsettia Bowl = Holy War Part 2

I would take that over seeing another mediocre Pac 10 team in the Las Vegas Bowl again.

Got my vote | 12:58 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

I saw the BYU/Notre Dame prediction on espn.com. Because of the press coverage, I would favor this match up over any other non-BCS possibility.

Comments continue below

BYU | 1:19 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

BYU's destination should be the recruiting trail. If we can't get any half decent DB's what's the point of even following them in their meaningless bowl game and next years season? Oh, and maybe we can decide to use our backs just a little bit, instead of throwing into double coverage or into the empty abyss that Hall somehow discovered in RES. Before Bronco begins to hype next year, let's make sure we get some DB's first.

3 good options | 1:19 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

1. BYU v. Cal
2. BYU v Boise St.
3. BYU v Notre Dame

All other options would feel sort of like playing Wyoming in Laramie.

Disagree | 1:20 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

BYU v Notre Dame is a lose-lose. Notre Dame is bad and unless BYU kills them, it would hurt them. ND almost lost to pathetic San Diego St. ND doesn't deserve to even go to a bowl game. I'd rather see the Cougs play Cal. It would be a much better game.

Be careful what ... | 2:01 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

you wish for. We aren't playing that well and I could easily see us having problems with ND. Anything can happen in a bowl game and it could be a dominating win or frankly a very embarassing loss. ND will have a lot of emotion going on with likely a new coach and we always have a tendency to play to our competition in bowl games. ND could be scary.

Big Daddy | 2:34 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

No BCS anyway....so why not?
BYU vs Notre Dame = LARGE FAN/TV TURN-OUT = $$$
Big Daddy likes the possible match up!!

Re: Something New | 3:36 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

'let BYU beat up on a storied program'. Wow, cougar fans have really slipped if their 'quest for perfection' can be satisfied by beating a storied program that is having a down year. A real competitor would want to play the best at their best to prove themselves.

You would think | 5:26 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

You would think that BYWho would want to play the best team possible. However, after getting spanked twice this year, it is no wonder that zoobies want their team to play a horrible Notre Dame team so they can beat up on them.

think about it | 5:40 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

Notre Dame would be a bad match up for BYU, oh sure the Y will win but at what cost to them and the MWC. Beating up on a team that is 6 and 6. It would only give more for the national media to say just how weak the MWC is. BYU needs a match up against a powerful team, and they need to win. Respect is what you get from bowl games, not only for the team, but the conference you play in.

oops | 5:50 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

Uh there are two other undefeated, non BCS teams besides TCU, but Ball State didn't have a chance!

MattMO | 5:58 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

How about MSU vs BYU. Chase Daniel and Max Hall.

David | 6:04 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

Not that I would argue that Ball State is the equal of either Utah or Boise State, but they are another undefeated non-BCS football team (Ranked 12th in the BCS standings). Just an issue of accuracy there.

Dear Vegas Bowl | 6:41 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

You don't want BYU in your bowl game. Half the fans you saw in the past three years will not be coming this year (myself included). The wind left our sails when we got pounded by the Utes. Let us go to San Diego where we can overcome our depression in a nice stadium in a nicer city against a much more interesting opponent. Your bowl is pathetic and only sold out the past three years because we love our Cougars. You will not sell out a BYU matchup this year.

true blue | 6:46 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

An 8-4 cal team wouldn't be a bad match up. Who cares if we win. It's a meaningless bowl game. Next year is in sight, the offense should be even better next year. Tough schedule next year with ASU and FSU. Should be a doozy

Eugene | 6:58 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

Pretty sad that the #18 team in the country would have to play the #4 or #7 Pac-10 team, kind of like scraps to the dogs. The Cougs lost to the #6 and #11 teams in the country which if by the standards held to other top 20 teams should have the Cougs ranked in the top 15.

BCS is crap, always will be. Along with Utah, Boise State deserves a chance at the big boy club. As I've said before, Obama save us by implementing the play-off!!

Bob2 | 7:00 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

I can't understand how last seasons great game isn't creating an after effect and some love for the Middies. After Navy beats Army a Poinsettia matchup between BYU and Navy would be perfect. I was at the Utah/Navy matchup and having the Armed Forces personnel there made it a special day. The Poinsettia Bowl does it up right. I just hope the matchup is either with Boise State or Navy.

Anonymous | 7:21 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

Dear Utah Fans:
There are currently 18 posts many by you on this article and 0 on the Utah article.
Further proof you are BYU haters and not Utah fans. Another term for this is: little brother.

Ute Troll Alert | 7:26 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

re: Dear Vegas Bowl

Analysis: harmless ankle biter

Response: carry on

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

As a BYU fan who has attended the last three Las Vegas Bowls, I'd much rather make it four in a row for BYU with a chance to get another crack at California this year.

The Poinsettia Bowl would be okay, but since it's so close to Christmas this year -- traveling home on Christmas eve is a non-starter for our family -- that we'll be staying home and watching the game on television if the Cougars play in San Diego.

A TCU vs Boise State matchup would be great for the Poinsettia Bowl. Hopefully, the WAC bosses won't reward their conference champions with a meaningless home game against an 8th-place ACC team.

BYU Doesn't Travel | 7:31 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

The Sporting News resurrected an article that was writen over 10 years ago. The article was written by someone from the DNews. The myth is that BYU fans travel well which is not the case. BYU does have a fair share of locals that travel to the games but if you look closer at the crowd, you see missionaries, local church members. In the article picture of BYU vs UCLA it shows a large group of missionaries. The article mentioned that there were over 25,000 BYU fans in the audience. Probably less than 1,200 had actually traveled from outside of Southern California to the game. Many of the travelers stay with family or friends. The only businesses that truly benefit from BYU fans are the concessions and ticket sales. Many BYU fans will find Taco Bell before the game and sneak food into the stadiums. It's a fact. I think it's great that BYU has such a large, (built in) fan base but if you compared BYU to Ohio State, Notre Dame, Alabama, there is not comparison. These fans show up three days early, stay in hotels, eat the food, drink a lot, buy souvenirs, etc.

Re: Bob2 | 7:36 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

Navy already has a bowl tie-in. If they earn at least 6-wins on the season, and are not selected for a BCS bowl, they will always play in the EagleBank Bowl in Washington, D.C. Your BYU/Navy matchup will not happen.

It won't make any difference who goes to the Las Vegas, and who goes to the Poinsettia Bowls this year. What matters is that whoever the opponent is, the highest rated team should go to TCU. They've earned it. If Boise St. goes to San Diego, I hope the LV Committee selects BYU. If a WAC team does, I hope the LV Committee selects TCU.

Bob2 | 7:39 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

Navy is tied to a new bowl this year and would not be eligible to play in the Poinsettia bowl.

If I were a BYU fan here is what I would think of the bowls.

1. Notre Dame is a game we could win.
2. Cal not sure if we could beat them but probably a better game than ND.
3. Boise St. I would want a crack at them in order to try and redeem ourselves and give our team some respect.

Personally I would rather see TCU play BSU since they are a better team and I really want to see the ponies get slapped down.

win with class | 7:48 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

When are you Utah fans going to learn what it means to win with class? ... or is it just that you don't have any class in the first place?

alum | 7:58 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

California will easily romp on the cougars. BYU melted when playing contenders this year. Bronco has set the 'standards'. Anything but BCS is "season over".

A Sad Cougar | 8:05 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

The way my team played this year, I think they should just stay home and play the Provo Bull Dogs at the High School.

Cats | 8:06 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

It will be Las Vegas for the Cougs. If there is ANY way possible for Las Vegas to choose the cougs, they will do it. They want a full stadium and TCU can't fill it. BYU fills it every time and the LV Bowl guys love BYU for that reason. It will probably be BYU against Cal again this year.

Re: BYU doesn't travel | 8:09 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

How can you tell if the fans in the stands are locals or if they traveled to the game? What a genius.

re: Anonymous 7:21 | 8:11 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

The alledged little brother is 5-2 in the last 7 games against the older brother.
That same 'little' brother has earned TWO BCS bowl games to zero for the 'older' brother.
It would appear that the 'older' brother is fat, slow and out of shape and needs to retire.

nottyou | 8:16 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

I would rather cheer for the Cougs in the Toilet Bowl than be a front-runner Ute fan. I am the fan that Ute fan hates...I hope the Utes get throttled by anyone they play. Bring on the best for the Utes and let's see how good they are.

Quest for Humor | 8:17 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

This is too funny:) BYU and its fan base have abandoned their quest for a comical crack at teams "having a down year."

Wow how the mighty have fallen. However, you cannot really blame Provo Nation the same tactic of duck and run won them their, still talked about, 1984 championship. Was BYU on a "quest" that year? Probably not but they were looking for a duck and run schedule, just check out the record of their opponents, unfortunately I remember it well.

Thought I would bring this up since that is all BYU has for ammunition now is their glory of over 20 years ago but it is obvious BYU has faded at the turn of the century into a very good mediocre team. Good work Boogers.

GO SUU!

byu v notre dame | 8:21 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

byu v note dame in the Bottom of the Barrell Bowl

Notre Dame wins 3-0 and its not on tv

byu hasn't played in a nationally televised game this year.

can we expect it from a bowl game?

las vegas | 8:22 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

i dont think las vegas will want byu, they can bring a good crowd but the only money they spend in vegas is game tickets and hotel.

ute alum | 8:25 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

lv..what's that old saw....

the brigham young grad went to vegas with a 20 dollar bill and his virginity. he came back with both.

Beat ND? | 8:28 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

I'm older than most of you fans and remember EVERY SINGLE year that we complained about not getting 'worthy' competition in the bowl and then got our behinds whipped. So, we can beat Notre Dame, eh?? I say let's keep our collective mouths shut and talk AFTER the game, if we're lucky enough to play in one. Personally, I don't think we deserve a bowl. I want to see Anae and some of these other assistants FIRED for the pathetic job they have done!!!!!

re: BYU Doesn't Travel | 8:38 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

Every morning I tell myself, 'don't read the posts!'..and then I do, thinking today will be different. Today someone will stay in bed that shouldn't get up. Today someone will post something that is really worth reading...Today I can spare an extra 15 minutes and speed read thru the thoughts and find something of value...Today never comes.

What I find, way too frequently, are posts like this. Just stupid. I'm sorry, I'm sure you are a really great person, or maybe just an imbittered Ute fan who has only won once in the last 7 contests of major sports against the Cougars. Certainly that would really tick me off as a Cougar fan, (if the Cougs were 1-6 against the running puke)...but I digress.

For the 'BYU Doesn't Travel' poster, get a grip on reality. Second ONLY to Notre Dame, BYU has the largest contingency of fans in opposing stadiums than any other team. No mission in the Church has over 250 missionaries...they certainly don't make up 20K fans who went to Seattle. And please don't embarrass yourself trying to claim you stand outside the respective stadiums and inventory the fans as to who is local and who is not.

You losers | 8:49 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

The little brother comments refer to the Ute fans who are still talking about BYU even when their team is undefeated. What a pathetic existence you must have. Yes, BYU did have a down year and finished in the top 20 with a 10-2 record while rebuilding the defense. Utah's down years are coming and coming fast and they won't be 10-2 seasons. Sakoda, Johnson, and Coach Anderson will be gone next season and then reality will set in on the Utes. The Utes are BYU's little brother and always will be and it's Ute fans that keep the complex alive.

Math lesson: 2 BCS bowls is less than 1 National Championship.

Non BCS teams who have been to a BCS bowl = 3.
Non BCS teams who have won a National Championship =1.

Years since a non BCS team has won a National Championship = 24.

That's 24 years the Utes have had to match the feat of the Cougars in 1984 and they haven't been able to do it and never will.

Beth | 8:56 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

Go SUU!? My high school had a bigger football stadium than SUU's. Just because you couldn't get into BYU, U of U, or Utah State doesn't mean that you need to call names!

Utes are ripe for a fall | 8:57 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

If the attitudes of the Ute fans here are in any way representative of those of the team then the Utes are in for a Hawaii-style smackdown at the hands of a Big 12 or SEC team.

That "mediocre" "fat, slow and out of shape" BYU team hung over 400 yards of total offense on your supposedly superior defense, with over 200 of that coming on the ground. Had Max Hall not thrown 5 picks the outcome would have been much different.

If the "overrated" Max Hall and the Cougar offense can move the ball at will in the air and on the ground against the Mighty Ute Defense, what do you think Oklahoma or Florida or Texas will do?

Chances are very slim that Sam Bradford or Tim Tebow or Colt McCoy will throw gift interceptions to your defensive linemen in the fourth quarter.

Yep, the more I think about it the more I believe the Utes are in for a humiliation this year. And the best part of all is that they don't even realize they're walking into a buzzsaw.

Anonymous | 9:00 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

too many bowls, too many teams with lousy records. give the boys a chance to pass their finals.

re: You Losers 8:49 | 9:03 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

Which program has lost more games than it has won? byu
Which program has more overall victories and has a winning overall record? Utah
Which team has more head-to-head victories? Utah
Which program has the better bowl record? Utah
Which program has a winning record agains BCS conferences? Utah
Which program is a paper tiger? Byu

Reality | 9:22 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

For all the Ute fans thinking this year has been magical:

OK. 12-0 is great. Really. As a fan of the team that is now 6-1 against you in major sports, over the past 7 games, I'm glad that you have this chance. Reality is that 12-1 is just OK. Remember BYU went 14-1...which is still a National record and until a playoff is instituted, it will never be broken...the difference is that they won the last game of the season. Your only prayer is that the Fiest invites a ACC or Big East team, then you might go 13-0. Good year for you.

But please face reality head on. If the Fiesta invites BSU, you lose twice. First no respect. Second you lose the game.

If the Fiesta invites a Big Ten, Big 12, or, God forbid, USC (if they lose to UCLA) you get beat up bad. You will be in the stands praying that 420 yards will be all that is hung on your team. Reality is that you will wish you had not hitch-hiked all the way to Phoenix. Reality is you will hope the cameras will not pan on you during the game.

Traveling Myth? | 9:25 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

How many Notre Dame fans travel from South Bend to away games?

It really doesn't matter whether fans are local or travel halfway across the county.

BYU fans are, for the most part, frugal, but they will travel in huge numbers if the bowl is:

a) attractive enough (matchup and location)
b) within reasonable driving distance (a day or less)

augment the fans who travel from Utah with large pockets of fans throughout the country who travel to nearby games, and BYU almost ALWAYS has large numbers of fans at away games

You Wish | 9:25 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

I love to brag about beating a 6-6 team for a mythical championship.
Although in today's world, we would have had to play a good team, in which case there wouldn't have been no championship in our myth.

David O | 9:33 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

It would be best for the Cougars to go to a bowl against a team without a defense.

steve | 9:47 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

Las Vegas Again
BCS games for Utah = 2 Byu = 0 some quest for perfection and Byu would probably lose to a Pac 10 Team,

Big Al | 9:48 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

I have generally sworn off reading or responding to these posts, but just can't contain myself--just one more time in response to fans of both BYU and Utah:
1. BYU won 10, lost 2 this year. Two losses to two very good teams. Can BYU fans who feel the season was terrible and that BYU should stay home and play Provo HS please get a grip? You are really emotionally unbalanced to utter such irrational comments--even on this blog. Your obsession with the Utes is unhealthy for you and reflects poorly on any level-headed Cougar fan.
2. Utah had a very good team this year--can't go 12-0 without having really good talent and coaching. However, Utah fans do nothing but detract from an otherwise classy program. All through the season Ute fans have demonstrated through their posts that they are immature scum--and they take a great deal of pride in being as vulgar and debased as they can be. I suppose the anonymity of this blog gives you license to say what you want without fear of reprisal or embarrassment. Many BYU fans should likewise be embarrassed by their ridiculous posts. Anyway, I'll go away for good now.

The Count | 9:51 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

I have been to all the LV bowls, and now it feels like the "toilet bowl." I say bring on the Irish in San Diego. It is the best place on earth this time of year, they have a huge BYU following in SoCal...what's not to like???

re: Loser | 9:03 a.m | 9:52 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

Fact Checker:

Overall Record:
BYU 494-371-26 (57%)
Utah 594-417-31 (58%)

Overall Head-to-Head:
Utah 30-50-4

Overall Record Since 1962 when BYU & Utah joined the WAC:
BYU 366-193-4 (65%)
Utah 284-244-4 (54%)

Head-to-Head Record Since 1962:
BYU 28-19

Which team has the most Top 25 finishes?
BYU 15
Utah 4

Which team has won the most national championships?
BYU 1
Utah 0

Which team has played in the most bowls?
BYU 26
Utah 13

Which team has won the most national awards?
BYU
Heisman(1)
Outland(2)
Doak Walker(1)
Davey O'Brien(4)
Sammy Baugh(7)

Utah
Heisman(0)
Outland(0)
Doak Walker(0)
Davey O'Brien(0)
Sammy Baugh(0)

Which program is the true paper tiger?
Utah

sob | 9:57 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008

i doubt very much that bsu would lower their standards and expectations to play byu

for you enterprising souls, if the why goes to the vegas bowl, you could set up food stands on the exits of I-15 in southern utah and sell sandwichs and non caffinated drinks to the meandering herd.... get them to spend half of their $20 traveling fund in state.

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