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BYU football: Cougars' 2009 football opener is OK

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0-1 | 9:05 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

That is BYU's record after week one next year. And Florida State will be a loss as well. For those who say Florida State is no longer a power house didn't watch them play this year. I think they will be ranked top 15 next year, and yes, they have a ton of speed and talent. BYU has talent but no speed. You can deny it all you want BYU fans but speed kills in college football. TCU exposed your slow DB's as did Utah and Oklahoma and FSU will do the same. Unless you have a new defensive backfield coming to campus next year expect the same results. The only positive for the OU game is the payout...

Little brother??? | 9:04 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

If having two undefeated seasons in five years, winning 2 BCS games, winning 8 bowl games in a row to add to the other three giving us 11 total bowl wins when the 'big brother' only has 9 bowl wins, beating more BCS teams (16) since 2000 which is more than any other non BCS team and finally, becoming recognized as not only the best non BCS team in the country but one of the best football programs in the country means Utah is the little brother...Sir, I'll take that label all day long! You can keep the 'big brother' label and all your tradition because it sure doesn't seem to be helping a ton now.

Dear OU alum | 9:07 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

I was at the OSU and TCU games. Not one empty seat. Take off the blue goggles. Nothing like stadium smack coming from a fan of an OK team that couldn't beat TX and is clearly fearful of the AP giving the Utes too much love.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 9:07 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Win or lose the Cougars will be walking away with a 5 million dollar payout for playing this game. I'd say it's a definite win/win.

Cougar in Dixie | 9:11 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Wow! A ticker-tape parade for finishing 4th!!! Act like you've been there before!!!
Wake up U-tards! The national championship game winner will be #1, USC #2, the loser of the nat. champ. game with be #3, and Utah will most likely be 4th and only because Texas didn't blow out Ohio St.

Crimson Club | 9:16 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Does this mean that BYU is not going to have a Quest for Perfection next year? What about all of those T-Shirts and hats that the BYU Bookstore has ordered? Maybe you can ship them down to the Utes because we accomplished our Quest for Perfection.

BYU's win-loss record next year:

6-6

RE: 0-1 | 9:17 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Speed DOES NOT kill in College Football. Mistakes from young men and lack of execution kill! The BYU secondary in 2006 was no faster then the one this year. And yet, that squad completely dominated Dennis Dixon and his high powered Oregon offense that coincedently beat no other then Oklahoma that year! The 2006 defense was slow too, but they didn't make mistakes like blowing the Free safety's zone in his Cover 3 like this years team did. And what about Utah, Utah didn't do much deep against the Y this year. They simply out executed us and didn't make a mistake. Hey, if a team can make 10 play, 80 yard drives for TDs over and over again, then they deserve to win. Most teams in college Can't! Learn your football!!!

Please live right! | 9:20 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

I really hope my cougars will be living righteously during the off-season. That is when the magic happens. If they live right, and Bronco leads them like he always does to put family, friends, and faith ahead of football, I see magic happening in Dallas.
Go Cougars!

McKay | 9:20 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Re: Little Brother
Your teams success doesn't determine your little brother status, it's the fans behavior. Your team can continue to win and win and win, but as long as the Utes fanbase continues to act like little brother, the label will stick. Even after the most successful year in Utahs football history, numerous Ute fans are still obsessed with anything BYU. You don't believe me, watch the Des News message boards for a week and compare any article involving BYU to any article involving Utah, and if that's not enough, go back and watch the TCU game and notice the signs in the Muss that were about BYU even though BYU wasn't playing in the game... that my friend is "little brother syndrome"

Ticket prices | 9:25 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

This is a great move. The best way to get exposure with the MTN. in place is to schedule a big dog on ESPN. Should be a great home schedule also, Florida State, Utah, TCU.... I just hope they don't raise my ticket prices. I know, I'm a typical cheap Mormon.

Honor Code | 9:25 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

We will beat Oklahoma because we all know that when we live right off the field, miracles happen on the field. Everyone knows that BYU students live right. I would hate to be Oklahoma next year. They are going to get a righteous beating from us.

Gorum the Old | 9:31 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Go Sooners! Go Bradford! I predict Bradford will throw for over 400 yards, earn the game MVP, lead OK to victory in the National Championship game, and then be the #1 pick in the NFL Draft and have an all star career.

While I am very sincere about the above written paragrapg, most can probably guess that I don't actually have OK best interest at heart, I just don't want BYU to have to face him next year.

If Bradford is gone, BYU, while a definate underdog, could definately pull out a win. BYU's recieving corps are scary. 2 returning 1000 yd recievers (Collie 1538, Pitta 1083), 2 legitimate deep threats (Collie and Jacobson), 2 Great TDs (Pitta 1083 yds 6 TDs, back up George 219 yds 6 TDs) and 2 great recieving backs(Unga and Tonga).

If BYU's line provides even mediocre pass protection, BYU will put a lot of points on the board. It will be up to the defence to make sure that is enough.

Arrogance | 9:37 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

I thought BYU fans were arrogant, until the Utes post-season this year.

How did the great showing in the Sugar bowl hurt BYU?

Not at all.

Now BYU picks up this opportunity to represent the MWC, and arrogant negativity flows down the hill from the U of U like a crimson cloud.

Next year is the second year of the BCS looking at the MWC for an automatic Bowl bid.

Either Utah will support BYU in this opportunity, or whine like a jealous baby because someone else might play with their BCS rattle.

Anonymous | 9:43 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Hopefully BYU will actually prepare this time instaed of run their mouths. Don't embarass the conference with a 64-7 loss. If you do, were going to kick you out and bring in BSU.

re: Melgar | 9:36 a.m. | 9:42 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

"I hope the Oklahoma football team doesn't get ahold of this quote. They will use it for motivation. Real classy."

Nothing like a Ute Troll posting a reply to his own lame comment.

The Ute Jealousy continues...

Texas Coug | 9:51 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Is BYU really 1-21 against top 25 football teams? This can't be accurate. Please someone in the know, please give me an accurate statistic.

Waiting.

Crimson Club | 9:16 a.m. | 9:56 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

"Does this mean that BYU is not going to have a Quest for Perfection next year? What about all of those T-Shirts and hats that the BYU Bookstore has ordered? Maybe you can ship them down to the Utes because we accomplished our Quest for Perfection."

We'll ship them DOWN to the Utes alright. And we'll send your bookstore some maps too so you can study and realize that Salt Lake is NORTH of Provo.

Randall | 9:59 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Billed as the Biggest Game in the History of the Rivalry:
And the "Geneva Steel" Plays of the Game?
A Rivalry Record Six Turnovers by the Visitors.
A Truly Historic Performance.

re: Little brother??? | 10:07 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

YES! ABSOLUTELY! A THOUSAND TIMES, YES!!!

No matter what they do, no matter how successful they become, no matter how great their accomplishments, little brothers are constantly looking over their shoulders comparing themselves to their big brothers.

Utah could win the next 10 National Footballl Championships, but Utah would still have fans seeking validation by comparing Utah's accomplishments to BYU's accomplishments -- the very definition of "little brother syndrome".

In their eyes, Utah's success is meaningless, on its own. It's only meaningful when compared to BYU's success.

BYU fans, universally, enjoyed their National Championship season, their Heisman Trophy winning season, their Miracle Bowl, and all of their other great seasons and national honors without giving a second thought to how they compared to Utah's accomplishments.

But, some Utah fans are so insecure, that even during the midst of their greatest season, EVER, they are compelled to minimize BYU's accomplishments, in order to feel good about Utah's accomplishments.

BYU fans, on the other hand, have been congratulating Utah on a great season and even arguing on blogs that Utah deserves to win this year's NC.

BYU fans aren't threatened by Utah's success. BYU has been very successful in its own right.

FACTS | 10:15 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

As a BYU Fan I must admit that the one criticism leveled by Ute fans that is justified is our poor record in Bowl Games and against top 20 competition as of late.

If BYU can pull off a victory in this game that would go a long way to bringing back the glory days of the 1980s and early 1990s when BYU routinely defeated top 20 opponents outside our conference.

Remember BYU 28-21 over #1 Miami in 1990 or BYU 20-14 over #3 Pittsburg in 1984 or BYU 31-3 over previous season's #2 Washington in 1985.

Utah has had some success in this area this year. I guess having an ex-Cougar from that era as a head football coach has really rubbed off on the Utes.

Go MWC! | 10:20 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

As a Ute fan, I would love BYU to beat Oklahoma. Coming on the heels of Utah's Sugar Bowl win, this would send another strong messaage to the country that the MWC is a force to be reckoned with, and would help all MWC schools with respect. Great job getting the game set up, and good luck.

Otis Spurlock | 10:24 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

To Texas Coug,

Unfortunately, BYU is 1-21 against top 25 football teams. We are getting better though, and next year with our tough schedule, we could really do some damage in the national rankings.

ute fan | 10:25 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

congrats TDS on FINALLY planning a difficult pre-season scehdule. You will lose two of three, but will be lucky to beat Tulane who is fast in the dome. Utah still has all there defense coming back and will be playing for more than the BCS next year. someone say National Championship? wait and see

Go Utes

re: OU Alumni | 10:26 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Every Ute game this year was sold out, and the average attendance was higher than stadium capacity.

miked | 10:33 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Ute fans: It's about time your football team did something. BYU carried the conference for 3 decades.

Easy ,Ute fans | 10:34 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Silly Ute fans......need I remind you that BYU has won 3 outright MWC Championships since 2001. Utah has won 3 outright since 1964!
Instead of talking smack about BYU and claiming to have the greatest football program in world, why don't you just be excited for BYU just like BYU was excited for you to play Alabama???
I've been a BYU fan for years and the only time I DON'T root for Utah is when they're playing BYU.
So EEEEEASY on the smack talk, settle down, I know you're excited cause your program has finally started to show that it really matters, but take it easy yewt fans, your program still isn't even the best in the state of Utah when it comes to fan base, conference championships, national titles, heisman winners, etc.

Utah Man | 10:41 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

The Little Brother Syndrome. . .

I am a little brother. Always have been, always will be. It's a tough draw sometimes, especially when your older bro is an achiever or over-achiever.

As the baby, you learn to survive, to cope with the looming shadow of your big brother and no matter how much you emulate him, you separate and become your own unique individual.

Talented and smart you are, maybe even smarter. But often, even in adulthood, that tall, dark shadow of "him" lurks in places unknown. Ever ready to cover you in a veil of inadequacy.

MUSS musings | 10:45 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

It's interesting how Utah fans have done everything they can to belittle BYU this season, making fun of the Quest, denigrating BYU's opponents, minimizing BYU's wins, mercilessly attacking Collie and Hall, and yet, when it comes time to argue for national respect and how deserving Utah is of winning the National Championship, their most compelling arguments are an undefeated season and wins over FOUR Top 25 teams -- Alabama, TCU, Oregon State...

and BYU!

BYU is a fraud, undeserving, a lousy team, mediocre at best, until Utah fans need to add another quality win to their resume.

A 10+ win season and Top 25 ranking is consequential to Utah fans when it furthers Utah's interests.

Three straight 10+ win seasons and Top 25 rankings are inconsequential to Utah fans when it furthers BYU's case that BYU has an outstanding college football program.

There's a word for someone with that kind of reasoning. It's called:

Hypocrit!!!

This season isn't even finished, and already, Utah fans have started the same clueless attacks on next season's BYU team; some are even posing as BYU fans.

There's another word for that:

Sad!

Let's get after it!!! | 10:52 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Bronco Mendenhall knows what he is doing with this game on the schedule. With the talent and Bronco's system there is no reason the Cougs can't use this game as a launching point for BCS busting season in 2009. If BYU can win this game and waltz through the MWC--surely a BCS title game could await our team. Oklahoma is losing some key players and it could be the perfect storm for a perfect season. GO COUGS!!

azcougar | 10:53 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

it's nice to see BYU playing on national television against a top rated team but there are a lot of disappointed fans in Arizona who were looking forward to a BYU/Arizona State match-up especially with Max Hall's former ASU connection.

Reality | 10:55 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

BYU Football 1-21 against top 25 ranked teams.

BYU Basketball hasn't won a Tournament Game in almost 20 years (1992).

The above statistics are real and must be a horrible thing to have to carry around BYU fan's necks.

BYU- Little Brother | 11:02 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

I am a lifetime BYU fan who is willing to admit that we are the little brother right now. Until we do what Utah has done, we've got nothing to say. The past doesn't matter. Utah has done something extremely special this year and we need to do something like that before we can talk.

The Oklahoma game gives us a chance to make a mark and do something special. We need to win this game to regain some of the national respect that has clearly gone to Utah and rightfully so.

Utes, Utes, Utes | 11:04 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Jan Jorgenson was right about lots of, shall we say, funny fans in this BYU-Utah rivalry. Lots od "My Dad is Bigger than Your Dad" kids who didn't and can't grow up.

Here is one Ute fan who absolutely, positively will be cheering for BYU next September.

What a great opportunity for BYU, the State of Utah, and the MWC.

Playing Okalhoma early in a season is be best time to do so.

I am a dyed-in-the-wool Ute fan who will cheer, cheer, cheer for BYU against any Big 12 team, anywhere, anytime.

No big brother/little brother stuff. Nada.

Go Cougars vs. Oklahoma!!!!!!!

Good to see | 11:11 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

The TUN just beat a good team in Alabama. However all they can do is bash on the cougars. Whats say we grow up and recognize we are both solid teams. Yes we got worked bt Arizona. Yes yo ugot worked by UNLV. Stuff happens. Going into the 4th quarter of both TCU and BYU it could have gone either way. TUN made the plays and deserved what they got. But next year is a new year. Lets see if you can go 2 years without hurting a QB.

BY-OU | 11:17 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Like some of the other posts, I am an alum from both universities. I am very excited for the game and really hope BYU makes a good showing...but BYU will have to play a perfect game in order to hang with the Sooners. People will point to OU versus Boise State and the Utes versus Alabama as proof that the non-bcs schools can hang with the big boys, but those are two games out of hundreds. BSU beat an uninterested OU team who overachieved with a receiver playing quarterback and the Utes just beat an uninterested and overhyped Alabama team. Having watched college football at Alabama and all throughout the Big 12, there is no chance a fully focused SEC or Big 12 "big boy" loses to someone from the MWC or WAC.

depressing | 11:30 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

the negative commenting on these board depress me to no end. And yet I cant turn away. BYU did a great job scheduling this game. Isnt that what its all about playing the best and measuring yourself. If they get beat bad, now you know where you stand. If you win you also know where you stand. Never hide from the best. Ute fans saying dont embarrass us are saying their conference is inferior. If so A.G. Shurtleff is wasting his time.

Oklamoma vs BYU in Dallas | 11:31 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Ok, a story about BYU and Oklahoma.

I hate to point out the same old stuff, but this is not a story about the Utes of Utah.

Yet, more than half of the comments are from Ute fans or Ute trolls "pretending", like 2nd graders, to be someone else. A few add to the discussion, but the vast majority just want to say something stupid, pithy, and demaning.

This is a great honor for a team in the MWC. Yet, even thought the article is not about Utah, they come in droves to bring their drivel.

What is a Ute Fan?

What do they stand for?

Which is more important to Ute Fans, Utah or BYU?

Why can't they look at an article about BYU and say good for them?

Why does good news about BYU make a Utah Fans blood boil?

When will Utah be able to stand and walk by themselves.

No posts here from WSU, BSU, USU, TCU, AFA, or UNM.

Only Utes.

Sooooo...

Why not just go out and live your own lifes?

Any wonder your classless act is not invited to Texas? Your National Manhood called into question? Cowboy Up, and quit comparing to BYU....

re: Reality | 10:55 a.m. | 11:34 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

...And, how does this apply to this article?

Micah | 11:39 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

This is a great non-conference schedule. For those who are saying that BYU will get killed, we'll see. At least a MWC school has another opportunity to make some noise against a "powerhouse" school.

I'm a Cougar fan, but I was happy to see the Utes kick Bama's butt! The more strength all teams in the MWC can show, the better it is for each individual team.

Jerry W | 11:52 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Good show, football jocks, who try to win football games with their mouths and insignificant metal capacity.

re: MUSS musings | 11:59 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Put perfectly!!!

I don't begrudge Utah its moment at the end of the season. The players certainly earned every praise they're getting.

But Ute fans talking smack about next year should take a few moments to consider the gaping holes that need to be filled on their own team next season, especially on offense. While the defense will win several games for them, there are a lot of Utes putting Oregon, TCU and BYU in the "win" column a little prematurely.

As tall an order as it might be, BYU's certainly in better shape to take on OU in the season opener than next year's Utah squad.

byu in Tucson | 12:10 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

BYU FANS need to show up at the OK game and make some NOISE! We went to the Vegas bowl and BYU fans around me (on byu side) just wanted to get up and get food, sit around and talk, and didn't know when to get loud. I was shocked. At our U of A games Nobody gets up to get food until hafetime. Where I sat 25 people got up at least 5 times each to EAT. They should of hit up a buffet before the game. Somebody was walking in front of me every 30 seconds to get more nachos when the cougers needed their fans to get in the game. With our binoculars we could see Wildcat fans accross the stadium on their feet the whole game screaming their heads off. That looked like the fun side. The BYU side was gluttany. At a bowl game your mouth is for cheereing not stuffing. I'm amazed Bronco can win 10 games with his fans out to LUNCH!

Taheel Ute | 12:25 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

The is an opportunity for BYU, that if they win, will set the tone for their season, much like the Utah's visit to Michigan.

I suspect the OU team that BYU plays, will be far better that the Michigan team that Utah beat, but in either case, win or lose it can't help but prepare BYU for the remainder of the season.

For my part I hope BYU beats OU for the good of the MWC, if for no other reason.

Petey | 12:29 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Utah fans, go back to your caves and enjoy your good season. The score is still BYI = 1 National Championship, Utah = 0.

Though I'm not terribly optimistic that the Cougars will beat Oklahoma next year, it would be great if it happened.... and the Texas (and national) recruiting will be gelped a lot by playing in this game. That is what we really need in order to get the athletes required to play top-level football.

I do believe that Mendenhall gets the most out of his players - we just need some more athletic players, especially on defense.

Aaron | 12:40 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Byu needs to switch things up on offense. Tcu, Utah, and Az all knew what was coming on offense. We have speed and athletes, it's all about execution and correct play calling. Anae's offense is too predictable.

Re: Living Right | 12:57 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

I realize you're just being facetious, but these kinds of posts are what make us look stupid! I'm sure you're Ute fans, because REAL Cougar fans aren't THAT stupid!

I really hope that Coach Mendenhall can see where the adjustments need to be made and that we can show up against a perennial powerhouse in the Sooners! Everyone underestimated the Utes' chances against 'Bama and look what happened? I'm guessing the Sooners will learn from Saban's vanity and won't overlook the Cougs, but I'm hoping we can make it a great game anyway!

GO COUGS!

P.S. - GO AWAY UTES!

Alan | 1:10 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

I am glad BYU will represt the MWC- It is about time someone beside Utah does it. When BYU won the national championship (84)- only 2 teams were ranked Pittsburg 17th (9-4) and Michigan 16th and 14th (9-25 and 10-2). No team they placed was ranked at the end of the season when it really counts. Utah this year played 4 team nationally ranked (12-7) Alabama (4th); TCU (11th); BYU (17th); and Oregon State (24th). If you go by win-lost records Utah should be ranked 1st- at lest they play 4 teams ranked in the top 25 at the end of the season- when it really counts. If the rules would have been the same Utah would be #1. It just because of the BCS that Utah isn't number 1. Since Meyers Utah has produced better teams than BYU. BYU should be grateful for Utah and how they represent the MWC. In parting I want to wish BYU good luck- in the game with OU because they will need all the help they can get. Good luck

Herb Gravy | 1:16 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

LS: Yeah, reminds me a lot of yours!

TB | 1:19 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

So, the coug fans are finally standing up for their squad... this is good. Welcome back the rivalry. I do realize the last three months have been fairly humbling and somewhat embarassing. Your squad didn't stand up to muster this year, after all the bravado. I for one hope BYU beats Oklahoma and every other team on their schedule... until the utes get to create another nightmare in November. By the way, good staffs have coaches hired away, when was the last time anybody wanted a BYU coach? crickets....

Speed kills, see you next year, and you can start worrying about the U's basketball team if you want.

TOTAL COMMITMENT | 1:26 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

You returning seniors have unfinished business. This schedule gives you the opportunity to set a standard for generations to come. You left the job unfinished in 2008. Your fans, we were totally invested at the beginning of the season. The UCLA game was a masterpiece. You played with speed, intensity, and a dominating attitude ...What happened? The table is set and your loyal fans are hungry for the kind of season that you promised but didnï¿½t deliver It will take TOTAL COMMITMENT from every member of the team to achieve what you are capable achieving. Drive yourself and encourage the others to run faster, strive harder and execute to perfection. Austin, if you are not guaranteed to be picked in the first round, you can return to become a legend. Max, you have the skills to lead the Cougars to an undefeated season. Thatï¿½s the goal and this is the season. To the coaches, you have an obligation to recruit SPEED and then train those recruits with the skills necessary to win. I am just one of thousands of totally committed fans. I ask you for a totally committed seasons.
BYU FANATIC

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