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BYU wants to increase hoops SOS

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Rose is a hypocrite | 12:07 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Maybe before Rose starts crying about teams not wanting to play him in Provo, he should man up and agree to play Utah State in Logan on an even basis. It will have been 4 years in between games in Logan before he finally goes back next year!

Considering that both BYU and USU seem to struggle to get good teams to agree to play them at home, here's a novel idea for both schools: why don't USU and BYU just play each other home-and-home during the season each year (they used to do this back before around the mid-90s already)? This would give them each one very good opponent at home each year, and they could each eliminate a Western Oregon or Montana-State-Northern type of opponent. Fans would all love it, tickets would sell out, everyone would be happy? Why is this so hard to figure out?
Cam Caldwell | 12:16 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
The smart teams will play BYU at a neutral site -- such as at the Jazz arena.

Arizona State and Wake Forest are two outstanding teams. Utah State was terrific too!

A home and home with USU would increase the SOS. Pac 10 teams will probably be the most likely to play BYU in Provo, otherwise.

The Smith Fieldhouse was a tough venue for teams prior to the Marriott Center. BYU has been a tough game in Provo for all but four or five years out of the last forty.
Why USU ? | 3:37 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
The reasons why the Y should quit playing USU in any sport:
1- You have to drive to Logan for away games, and Logan is a horrible place to be, especially in the winter
2- Last time Rose took his team to Logan a fan spit on his wife while she was sitting in the crowd.
3- Playing USU might help the SOS, but only marginally. That win would never show up as a selling point on a tournament resume.
4- And in football, that game drags your SOS to the floor, it is a waste. You'd be better off losing to a Big 12 team by 20 (Just ask TCU).
Comments continue below
south bend cougar | 4:08 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Gonzaga has nearly the same daunting home court record of late but seem to play real competition. Maybe it is because each year in March they go more than one round in the NCAA?
Re: Rose is a . . . . | 4:25 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
great coach that has brought excitement back into BYU Basketball (for me). Like it or not Utah State, BYU is not obligated to play you every year in football, basketball, or any other sport. Both have great teams. Both have great home traditions.

In this day of polls, tournaments, recruiting, coaching security and $$$$ it is easy to see why this (scheduling) is a difficult challenge and dilema for any coach or AD. I wish it were not this way but it is a reality.

Teams and coaches trying to make a name for themselves are willing to take a risk and play anywhere at anytime with very little to lose. If they win on the away court it is a winfall for their program. If they lose: chalk one up for experience, good preparation for conference play or "I am a tough coach and will play anywhere" - very little down side.

For those that are perinnial tourney invites there is little upside and everything to lose playing tough home teams away. I applaud WF for coming (it was way fun) but we won't see them back for long while. Where would they have been ranked if they lost?
Bob2 | 7:11 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Both Utah and BYU should play Weber State and Utah State home and away each season. The crowds would start to be great and in state battles like these do lots to toughen programs.
Rose is scared | 7:17 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
OF LOGAN!!!!!!!!
UTEMAN | 7:41 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
The Cougs need to increase their SOS in all sports haha they dont win when it counts they lose to all ranked teams in basketball and football!!! True the Cougs have a better record in basketball but the Utes win when it counts!!! They beat Gonzaga who have you beat Cougs?
Ernest T. Bass | 7:46 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Rose does seem afraid to play more than one good team.
As for USU, Gary Andersen will have the Aggies beating byu in no time. Bronco & Tom will do anything they can to get out of playing USU in football, the way Rose & Tom are too afraid to go to Logan to play them in basketball.
Aggies are the hypocrites | 7:48 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
The USU game was played at Energy Solutions because the Aggies wouldn't play at the Marriott Center, and that's the real story.
How much clearer can he be? | 7:56 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Rose says it very clear. He calls teams. He emails teams. The best teams. And says, "I'll play you at your place if you'll play the next game at my place." He's not shying away from any team, but won't just play all the best teams on the road. What's fair is fair. You get a game there and I get a game here, that's what he's saying, to every single team in the country. It's very clear. Almost every single one tells him "no thanks, too tough to win at the Marriott Center." Read Wake Forest's coach said if you need proof.
To; Aggies are Hypocrites | 8:22 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Come back when you know what you are talking about.

BYU owed USU a home BBall game and wanted out. They refused to play USU in football until the Aggies gave in and agreed to move the BBall game to a neutral site.

From someone who does know what happened.

Score Board | 8:21 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
USU had every chance to beat BYU on a neutral court at Energy Solutions but didn't, the better team one! Keep crying, you lost get over it, the game wasn't played in Logan or in Provo, if it had been in Provo the Y could have one by 20 but we will never know. There was a game played and we got scoreboard!!!
Jake | 8:35 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
The problem of getting good teams to come to your house is not just a BYU or USU problem, it's a problem that all successful mid-majors face. (Sorry, BYU, you're still a mid-major in spite of what your fans think.) If you have a good record at home, nobody wants to come play you unless it is smaller schools who will get a bigger paycheck than usual.
Whiner Rose | 8:35 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Sounds weak to me. Rose can whine all day about no one reading his emails. Why doesn't he pick up the freaking phone?

How about offer to play two games away and one at home over three seasons? Or, why doesn't he offer a home-and-home during the season and offer to write another email to the NCAA Committee requesting a first round draw with that same team? That's about as close to a guarantee as you can get!

Quit your whining...feels like Roger Reid and his boys are back in town...or worse...AINGE!!!
USU Grad | 8:42 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
BYU doesn't schedule tough games because they don't want to lose. However, they always lose in the Tournament. It would toughen up the team to play better teams. It is really embarassing for the State of Utah that BYU hasn't won a Tourny game since 1991. That statistic really hurts all of Utah's basketball programs. Buckle up BYU and play some tough teams. Your SOS is around 140 in the nation right team.
James | 8:47 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
The Aggies wouldn't play at the Marriot Center because BYU wouldn't agree to a home & home series. If BYU won't play in Logan, why should USU play in Provo?
Tyler | 8:58 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
What hypocrites! They want home and home with some of the big schools yet they won't go home and home with the Aggies. Maybe it's because they are afraid to lose in Logan!
To UTEMAN | 8:58 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Idaho State for one.
At the end of this month, add Utah to the list.
Re: South Bend Cougar | 9:11 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
You are totally wrong about Gonzaga, they play a lot of tough teams but this is mainly because they get a lot of invites to tournaments, they earned that by winning some games in the big tourney but teams don't go play them at Gonzaga. In fact they do what BYU does each year and play a team in Seattle (this year UCONN) Here's there home OOC schedule...
Wayne State, Montana State-Billings, Idaho, Texas Southern, Portland State, they do play Memphis but even that is at the Spokane Arena and not on their homecourt
Anonymous | 9:16 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Must be a slow day up in Logan, the Aggie trolls are at it again.... The loss shut them up for a while but I knew it wouldn't last forever
True and accurate RPI's | 9:40 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
KEN POMEROY RATINGS: BYU is No. 15, followed by SDSU (34th), Utah (46th), Utah State (48th), UNLV (64th) and New Mexico (67th).

JEFF SAGARIN'S RPI INDEX: No. 16 BYU, then Utah State (40th), Utah (50), UNLV (53), SDSU (58) and UNM (80).

REALTIMERPI: Utah's RPI is 28, followed by BYU (38), UNLV (53), SDSU (64), Utah State (67), and New Mexico (101).

REALTIMERPI POWER RANKINGS: BYU is 38th, followed by UNLV (41), Utah (49), Utah State (52) and SDSU (63).
2 for 1 | 9:39 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
The solution is to play 2 for 1. Or, just play them on the road. It's good experience. It can only make you better. Pansies.
Re Uteman: | 10:09 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I guess in your estimation the Idaho State Game didn't count, since you lost that one.

Anonymous | 10:10 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Personally I agree with one of the earlier posts. What BYU needs to do to get people to come to Provo, is win in the NCAA tournament. They've always competed well against higher ranked teams and end up losing by 5 points, but when they can consistantly win in the post season then other teams will be calling them to schedule home and away games, so they can strengthen their SOS.
Aggie fans are hypocrites! | 10:21 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
More BYU/Utah State basketball games have been played in Logan than in Provo this decade, and yet, the Aggies still whine about BYU not wanting to play in the Spectrum.

1999-2000 Logan BYU 82-73
2000-2001 Provo BYU 69-67
2001-2002 Logan USU 90-81 (OT)
2002-2003 Provo BYU 66-56
2003-2004 Logan USU 76-74
2004-2005 Logan USU 71-57
2004-2005 Provo USU 84-62
2005-2006 Logan USU 91-80
2006-2007 Provo BYU 75-62
2008-2009 SLC BYU 68-63

The fact is, the Cougars are no more afraid of playing the Aggies in Logan than the Aggies are afraid of playing the Cougars in Provo. Anyone who says otherwise is either a liar or an idiot.
To USU Grad | 10:26 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Interesting that someone stayed long enough in Logan to get a GED. USU is nothing to BYU or Utah. As an out of stater, it is obvious that if UScollege were not a state school they would get nothing with the major Utah schools. Just be glad that you get something. And, your fans are pathetic.
To Ute man | 10:30 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I saw that Utes winning when they really had to, some school called Southwest Baptist, Idaho State, Cal and Okie. Congrats on Gonzaga, but loses to SWBap and ISU will offset the win against Gonzaga. BYU has loss to two Top 25 teams and by a combined 8 points. Both games they were in until the last minute. Utes have played 2 ranked, beat one and lost by 18 to the other. So keep attempting to use one victory and ignore the losses to teams you're expected to beat.
To USU Grad 8:42 a.m. | 10:36 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
"It is really embarassing for the State of Utah that BYU hasn't won a Tourny (sic) game since 1991."

It was 1993, but your point still stands, although I doubt "the state of Utah" is embarrassed about it.

The key to winning in the tourney is seeding, and that is earned during the regular season, which gets back to the point of the article - toughening up the season schedule.
To UTEMAN | 10:52 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I wouldn't be bragging about beating Gonzaga. They've lost 4 out of their last 5 games. Hardly a world beater.

Fact is, Gonzaga has been living on their reputation and the rankings are reflective of thier prior glory.

Kind of like Michigan in football.
BYU's Problems | 11:24 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
1. You have to win in the post season to garner any respect national!!!!!! If you win all your games in the regular season but fail to win in the post season your season is a dissapointment.

2. BYU has to do better in winning against top teams not just playing close with top teams, close doesn't count in basketball.

3. BYU needs to represent the conference better (in football too) they will the regular season but don't do anything in the tourament. Please take a page from UNLV and Utah and do something in the tourament.

4. BYU put together a pretty good SOS this year but it has to continue and even get better, no matter how gonzaga does it they put together a top SOS. Memphis is another top team in a so-so conference that always puts together a really good SOS. Look at Davidson this year or Xavier, really good SOS.

Good luck BYU but if UNLV continues to play the way they have the past couple of games the conference is theirs this year. Wins at Louisvile against Arizona and 5-0 on the road.
Who is USU?? | 11:27 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
BYU, as a private school, doesn't represent the state of Utah in anything nor do they owe anything to Utah State.

As a BYU fan who lives far outside of the state of Utah, I wish BYU would quit playing Utah State in football. It does absolutely nothing for the program other than pull down the strength of schedule. No BYU fans that I know care about Utah State in football. I'd rather see the team schedule up or at least schedule a team outside of the state of Utah so the school gets some exposure elsewhere.

As far as bball is concerned, the idea of a home-and-home in the same season with Utah State was a bad idea and still is a bad idea. The reality is that for BYU fans, a game against USU is about as exciting as a game against Western Oregon.
The point is | 11:35 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Without playing a Tournament style set of games at the ESA there is no benefit to either Utah or BYU of playing either USU or WSU. Nothing to gain, everything to loose. The format is perfect and fair. More fans would be able to attend. Without this type of format, I personally see no reason to play those games.
Jeff
Every coach | 11:57 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Takes the same position as does Rose. You always get one at home and one away, that's how it's done. Utah, USU and all of them have the same policy. If your team gets the top teams to play at your place, then they don't think much of your program or your place.
Re: Everyone on this forum | 11:58 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Holy cow. Why must ever comment page to an article about basketball turn into a discussion about football? We all realize and agree that BYU has a much better football team than Utah State. Why do BYU fans even bring it up in a discussion about scheduling basketball games? The fact is that BYU and Utah State are generally pretty well-matched when it comes to basketball (a five point game on a neutral court shows that)and both teams would benefit from playing each other. Yes, the game should have been in Logan last year. Yes, the game should have been in Logan this year. Let's just make sure these two teams keep playing each other, hopefully trading off locations each year, as it should be.
Amen Brother | 12:03 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
"The reality is that for BYU fans, a game against USU is about as exciting as a game against Western Oregon. "

That was a great way to put it.
Coach | 12:50 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Rose is a stud! Nough Said.

Stew's pretty good too!

I love how good the ball in Utah is right now. And it's only going to get better. We have top coaches all around the state from the High School Level - Collegiate to The Best NBA coach ever in Jerry Sloan and his Amazing Staff. I LOVE THE BASKETBALL IN THE STATE OF UTAH. GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING!!!! Keep it up Coachs.

Fans can whine all they want, but it's the games that tell the story. Yee Haw!
ml | 1:14 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
The BYU vs USU game this year was a great game to watch. I was impressed by both teams. After seeing USU, I thought that they were going to have a very good year - which it has been, so far. BYU has also exceeded my expectations so far, they play much better team ball without Plaisted. Against Wake Forest, they held their own, though man for man Wake has more talent. It has been fun, sit back and enjoy the games, the kids are trying hard!
USU Fan | 1:35 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
The MWC should place BYU on Basketball Probation until they win at least one Tournament Game. 18 years is a long, long, long time to not win a Tournament Game. USU, Weber and of course, Utah, have all won many Tournament Games since 1991.

What's wrong with BYU? Why can't they win any Tournament Games?

Waiting for an answer.
Remember when.... | 1:43 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
BYU only won one game in a season? I believe that game was....oh that's right, Utah State. Even when BYU is one of the worst teams in the nation they are still better than the Aggies.
Weber State Graduate | 2:20 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I've said this before and I will say it again. What's the difference between Weber State's Basketball Program and BYU's program? Weber wins Tournament Games. Since 1991, (BYU's last Tourny win), Weber has won 6 Tournament Games.

USU and the Utes have won Tourny Games too.

Tourny Wins = National Respect. BYU hasn't had any since 1991.
Re: USU fan | 2:23 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Honestly, you and your comments are an embarrassment to the team and school. You never, ever, have anything intelligent or based on fact to say.
To: Remember when.... | 2:33 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
When it comes to Tourny Wins, USU is much better than BYU. Also remember, Tourny Wins equal national respect. BYU hasn't had any since 1991.

I agree with USU Fan, BYU should be placed on Basketball Probation until they win at least one Tourny Game. It brings down the MWC reputation and the reputation of basketball teams statewide for BYU not to have won a Tourny Game in 18 years.
Re: USU Fan | 2:40 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Tell me you're kidding, true Utah had their successes in the tournament as did Weber State but Utah State?? Seriously, the Aggies won in the first round in 2001 and before that hadn't won a tourney game since 1970 when Ladell Anderson was the coach. So you tell me, how does winning ONE tourney game in 27 years count as winning many?

Waiting for an answer.
USU Fan | 2:44 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
It must be discouraging year after year after year, for BYU to get skunked in the Tournament. Tournament wins are really the only way for a team to garner National Respect. It has been almost 20 years since BYU has one a Tournament Game or had any National Respect.
Re Weber State Graduate | 2:47 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
The difference between WSU and BYU was about 30 points wasn't it? I was at that game and I would say the difference was pretty clear. Anyways, the Wildcats win over NC a few years back was amazing, as was the win over Michigan St a few years before that... but lets' be honest, WSU has 6 total tourney wins in their history, not 6 since 1991, they had the 2 nice wins in the 90's but before that it was 1979. BYU on the other hand has 11 total tourney wins, which includes 2 in the 90's (91 and 93), the same amount as your Wildcats and 1 more than the Aggies
BYU football 2009 | 2:53 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
At least the Cougar football teams has some dandy games next year. Oklahoma, Florida State and Tulane, and Utah at home this time.
To UTEMAN | 2:53 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
BYU beat Utah State; you know, the same team Utah lost to.
John Lambert | 3:17 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
BYU can't win Tournament Games because they lack the talent to run with the big boys. When I was a student back in 85 it was very disappointing to have them always have a great season, but lose in the first round of the Tournament.
Jessica | 3:22 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Quest for the Vegas Bowl!!! lol!!!

How about Quest for the first Tourny Win in almost 20 years! Win a Tourny game and get some national cred.

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