Deseret News | Reader comments: Cougars left scrambling for 2008 opponent

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Cougars left scrambling for 2008 opponent

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Give me a break | 8:54 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

The last people who should be criticizing strength of schedule is the MWC teams. When they consistently schedule and beat BCS teams then they might be able to condemn Hawaii.

dblack | 8:57 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

BYU needs to enforce the contract by taking immediate legal action against Nevada for serious dollars that they cannot afford without some pain. A deal is a deal. Nevada cannot make as much money playing Grambling in their stadium as they could coming to Provo to play BYU. Perhaps they don't want to play BYU because they are afraid of losing the game more than losing money.

Steve Jarvis | 9:02 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

If we must schedule a lower tier school then make it a Utah lower tier school like Weber State or Dixie. I don't want to see another Eastern Washington when we have local small schools that could at least make the game have some meaning.

I'd like to see the Grambling band too. I hope that GU and some of these 'patsies' blow out some of the bigger programs next year like App. ST. did to Michigan this year.

Comments continue below

No respect | 9:12 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

This is exactly why the MWC and the WAC will never receive respect. You have the likes of Bronco stating that he should find an easier schedule so he can get into the BCS.... Come on....

Try to keep up with the Big East or maybe the ACC. Hopefully one day you can compete with the SEC...

What a joke.

Wassup | 9:14 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

What BCS team has Hawaii beaten away from home?

Interesting | 9:14 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

hmmmmm.... sounds like BYU might want to consider how it fells to be stiffed! BYU didn't want to compete against the Aggies in Logan (Basketball). Let's face it - it's all about winning......

FSU | 9:19 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Nevada would do BYU a favor if they could get a good ACC team to play in Provo. I personally would rather see MWC teams play up instead of down.

Football fan | 9:18 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

I think it would be great if instead of brining in Eastern Illinois and Easter Washington, BYU would play the local FCS teams such as Weber State and Southern Utah. Sure it would be an easy win, but it would be much more exciting for the local fans.

Anonymous | 9:29 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Give me a break -

You may want you check your facts and compare this years MWC record against BCS schools and to the WAC record against BCS schools. You might be surprised.

BCS Tactics | 9:28 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Hawaii has taught us that a weaker schedule is not necessarily a problem for making a BCS bowl appearance (no disrespect to Hawaii, I'm a fan). This is the climate that we find ourselves in with the BCS. A number of BCS schools use this to their advantage. The BCS has shown us that a glossy win/loss record is more impressive than strength of schedule. Why beat yourself up against mid to upper BCS schools, when you can swim in friendlier waters, and gain national recognition. I'm loving the current rankings mess. It screams for a playoff. Perhaps the evil sith lords (BCS Presidents) will get the message that their system is a flop in determining a national champion.

grumpyolman | 9:33 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Here's some facts:
1) Nevada is afraid to play the cougars. (maybe they really do get help from above)
2) BYU down graded its schedule when it re-scheduled Utah State, since they are both in the WAC they could drop the aggies as payback.
3) If we can't replace these games with BCS teams the BCS could be considered in collusion with the WAC and include them in the lawsuit.
4) The Utes were not able to use "That offensive Hakka" or "Those stupid statements by Curtis Brown" as motivation to beat the "Y" but cougs beware Austin Collie's "help from above" statement is the final straw they will not forget and next year they'll be waiting for us. (are the rest of you as scared as I am)

0-4 | 9:34 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Nevada is obviously afraid of starting the season 0-4, thus they have replaced the BYU game.
We should not stoop to Hawaii's level, by scheduling 2 DII schools, however, we should actively try to schedule the perennial doormats of the big conferences: Duke, Northwestern, Baylor, Minnesota, and Syracuse. Also schedule any WAC team and 1 DII school.
Schedule the doormats for the first 3 non-conference games and then schedule the 4th non-conf game against a decent to upper-level BCS team.

BCS is a nightmare | 9:34 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Hawaii has figured it out. Get the weakest schedule possible, and get in a BC$ bowl. Even if a non-BCS team went undefeated on a tough schedule, they still wouldn't even be considered for the national championship. This year, it's more clear than ever that a playoff system is needed.

Re: Give me a break | 9:36 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

The MWC has beaten half the BCS teams it has scheduled, with three losses coming from SDSU alone. The MWC is certainly holding its own against BCS schools. Let's just see if Hawaii can beat an opponent with some raw talent in Washington before we declare Hawaii BCS worthy.

As for Nevada - bock, bock, bock, buh-kock!

I'm pretty sure BYU can't play any FCS teams next year, but I'm OK if Florida State wants to come to Provo. They'll get some serious chapped lips in that dry, September Provo heat.

wapiti | 9:41 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

The Mountain West is 6-7 vs the BCS this year. The WAC is 0-14 . . . yes that's zero wins and fourteen losses. The Mountain West schedules and wins its fair share against the BCS schools. The WAC? The record speaks for itself.

Gretzky | 9:49 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Let's get Hawaii on the schedule so we can see what former BYU QB Jake Bower can do unless he goes to Michigan with Coach Crowton if the LSU coach Les Miles takes Crowton with him...

BSC is Antiquated | 9:51 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Wapiti, thanks for the stats. BCS teams are overrated. They have created a rift in the minds of the nations football fans, that bcs teams are far superior to the mid-majors. There is more parity in football than ever before.

Here's a suggestion. shuffle conference teams each year. Let Michigan play in the MWC and BYU or Utah play in the Big 10, and see if they can compete. We might be shocked in the outcome.

So What!!! | 9:56 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

BYU chokes at least two OOC games every year. Nevada backing out just saved BYU that one extra Tulsa like choke. Get a gimme game like Eastern Washington, can't hurt, just look at Hawaii.

Exclude the BCS | 9:58 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

The 5 non-bcs conferences should join ranks and exclude the bcs teams from competition. Don't schedule them for any games, and at the end of the season, the 5 non-bcs conferences should stage their own playoff system for a national champion. Move forward without them.

Trying to compete with the bcs, is like tying to hangout and win the admiration of the popular crowd when your a nerd. It's pathetic the way non-bcs schools kiss the butts of the bcs. I'd say, go your own way and develop a better mouse-trap.

Re: Exclude the BCS | 10:14 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

I like the idea of excluding BCS schools, lol. Your scenario reminded me of the people that hang out at a popular night club, hopping the bouncers will let them in. Of course its all based on attractiveness. The Big East is filled with former mid-major teams that the BCS allowed into their dance. Those teams are still the same caliber, but now they hang with the more popular crowd. The rest of the teams (mid-majors) sit outside pathetically hopping to be included. Why they just don't leave the dance line, and go hold your own dance. When you no longer have people clamoring to get into the popular night club, it loses much of its appeal.

just me | 10:24 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

The reason Hawaii is ranked high is because of their quarterback who is breaking Ty Detmer's records. That is where the interest is not their schedule.

New horn section | 10:36 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Sounds to me like BYU just needs to get a better band.

Bronco Leaving? | 10:57 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

I just got back from Southern California. A local sports channel mentioned UCLA will fire their coach after their upcoming loss to USC this saturday. Bronco Mendenhall was mentioned as a possible candidate to replace him. I don't know if it is being mentioned in the local media here. I know Bronco likes it here but UCLA could pay three times more than BYU plus the nice weather and recruiting pool would be awesome. Any truth to the news?

Woo hoo!! Bring on FSU! | 11:01 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Love to see Bobby and the boys come to Provo.

Torn between a softer schedule that would allow us to go 3-0, but surely no one could criticize our SOS playing UCLA, Washington, and FSU in one season.

Living right | 11:03 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

If the people who schedule these games were living right, this wouldn't happen.

Las Vegas Katbacker | 11:13 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Hawaii didn't ask for their schedule. Michigan and Michigan State bought out their play contracts with them. No big school wants to go to Hawaii. They are going with what they can get. They still were looking for a game to finalize the schedule in March (5 months before kickoff).

RE: Bronco leaving? | 11:19 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

I heard the same thing.
No question Bronco's stock is rising and schools with $$ will be calling.
Bronco's days at BYU are extremely numbered.
BYU needs to have a plan for when this happens. The bidding war for Kryal Wittingham was embarassing.

I say good for Bronco.

Band? | 11:24 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Did they really note the band in that announcement? Geez

Pretty classless that they didn't even mention dropping BYU or their contractual obligation they are ignoring.

BYU should charge Nevada the cost of a sell out at LES. 65k seats at an average of $50 per seat. A three million dollar invoice might be just the wakeup call they need to honor their contract.

At the very least they should call it a forefit and take the win.
Don't expect BYU to play the Wolfpack ever again.

-Living right- | 11:28 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

I'd have to agree with you... someone isn't living the way they should. I guess that is why the U of U is so blessed. this has never happened to them before.

good riddance | 11:53 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Let's get a non conf schedule that helps our exposure and recruiting. Play someone from a major conference, especially in the PAC 10 where we recruit heavily and can get a big fan base out to the game. Our kids in CA and AZ rarely get to see BYU play. East Coast appearances are also too rare. BYU is already on the verge of disappearing with the poor TV deal. I went there in the days of McMahon, Young and Bosco. I can't believe 25 years later we are still struggling to improve the quality of this program. We should NEVER EVER consider a WAC team on our schedule...

You are only as good as your competition...

Bronco Staying | 12:05 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

Bronco was asked if he would leave by channel 2, and he said basically he would stay as long as he is wanted, and he looks at as something beyond football and has to do with his faith and his family (i'll leave it at that). bronco isn't going anywhere

BCS record | 12:08 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

Actually, the WAC is 1-14 against BCS schools. Fresno State beat Kansas State last week.

Worthy | 12:16 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

You know, when you are living life right on and off the field the Lord will step in and play a part. Don't worry he'll bless your program to find a quality opponent to make your BCS hopes great and thus bring glory to the Church through it. Just keep the faith. Go Cougs!

Reality Check | 12:20 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

Washington will beat Hawaii and pop that bubble they are living in.

AK Cougar | 12:27 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

Next years Great Alaska Shootout had a dropout team. Teams post a $50,000 bond to get in the tourny. The UAA AD says next year maybe he'll collect a $100,000. bond. Maybe BYU needs to collect a no show bond something like $500,000 to $1,000,000 when they schedule these non conference teams. This could put some serious financial obligations to keep their word whether written or not.

SeattleCougarBlue | 12:49 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

Living right! That was one awesome crack in response to Collie's comments... gotta admit, you had me ROFL! As far as nevada not honoring their contract no big deal for BYU. I would just as soon see the cougars play a BCS opponent anyway. In fact, if WAC teams have found the formula for high rankings and BCS bowl games by playing weak opponents, then BYU should drop Utah State and force Nevada to play USU twice next year! That should be weak enough to impress the WAC brass! The only WAC schools that are worthy to be on the schedule with the cougars are Boise St., Hawaii, and possibly Fresno St. In fact MWC... invite Boise St. to join the MWC and let the other WAC schools play Grambling instead of Boise St. That would make more sense based on their "formula."

I would just send a letter to Nevada thanking them for the favor even though it was a classless act. Then I would send a letter to the other MWC schools encouraging then not to ever schedule Nevada as a non-conference opponent. Let them fill their schedule with Grambling, Eastern WA, UVSC, and Elko high school.

SammFan | 1:23 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

They HAVE to schedule up! They owe us big time.

If they play teams from BCS conferences - and more importantly - with better TV deals, we have a shot at seeing the games on Nat'l or even Regional TV!

SJ Bobkins | 2:39 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

Recall that a Crowton coached Cougar team already completed BYU's part of the home and home agreement by playing, and getting upset in Reno. I hope Nevada has to pay a fortune to find BYU another home game. They got their win and recognition for beating BYU now they cover with the thought of becoming an opening weekend meal for the Cougs.
Fans don't mind seeing BYU losing a competitive game to a highly regarded team, as long as it's respectable, but to play any more body bag games with Div 1-AA competitors (including in reality, Utah State) creates a big snore and apathy. We have the Eastern Wash and Eastern Illinois games as evidence.
Other MWC teams are at a different point, where a win means more than seeing a good game between decent teams. BYU needs to keep climbing, not sinking down to a less competitive level. Everyone knows what Hawaii does, it's no secret.
BYU Football isn't a charity to help USU stay in Div 1-A, by increasing their home attendance, 10,732 for 2007, 107th in the NCAA Div 1-A, far below the required 15,000.

Play Quality Schools | 4:33 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

The only way the Cougars and the MWC to gain national respect is to play and beat BCS schools. Period. If Nevada's too scared, bring on Florida State or whoever. Win or lose, at least BYU's played a quality opponent.

Did I read Bronco right that he might go along with playing cupcakes? I guess the man isn't perfect after all. I DISAGREE COMPLETELY. The main appeal of BYU sports is trying to become visible nationally and showing the Cougars can *compete* with the best. Not always gonna win... but it's never been all about that.

Pollsters aren't impressed with cupcakes, and even IF the Cougs SOMEHOW cupcaked their way into a BCS game, who wants to see them blown out 84-7? I don't! Hawaii will choke in a BCS bowl. Horrible road team + few quality opponents + ramped-up competition = DISASTER.

If BYU's going to *say* they'll play the game the right way, for heck's sakes, *really* play it the right way. SCHEDULE QUALITY. But if Bronco *really* wants only 25,000 in LES for a thrilling 2012 home opener, BYU vs. North Dakota State, that's his choice. He has his free agency. I have mine.

Mike in Austin | 6:20 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

A note on BYU and so-called "class"...

How many here are willing to take the bet that, despite the score, BYU will keep Unga in the game until he breaks the freshman rushing record?

I'd say that odds are 2-1

Need playoffs or bust | 6:43 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

Shoot yeah, Hawaii deserves to be in BCS, I mean look at all the high quality wins from the WAC this year. Hmmm... well maybe not, does it count for anything if the 2nd place WAC team Boise St. lost to the last place PAC 10 team (Washington)?

Who knows, Hawaii may be deserving, and I hope they win their BCS game, assuming they beat Washington.

The big eye sore on BYU's loss column is Tulsa, to me that does not qualify them for a BCS game. I think any at-large should go to either Florida or Kansas.

wsl | 6:55 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

According to a release by University of Nevada, they asked out of the game with BYU over a year ago. How is it that BYU is just now realizing it?

Tmoney | 7:29 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

Nevada is irrelevant for the most part what bothers me is that BYU schedules all of their BCS opponents against the Pac-10. UCLA and Washington in the same season, UCLA and Arizona this year. I cant remember the last time they played a Big 12 team in a non bowl game. I tired of always seeing Pac-10 on our schedule

Greg | 7:34 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

It sounds like Nevada does not want any part of the "Provo Blue Magic"?

Michigan Cougar Fan | 7:51 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

A couple of thoughts. First, no one east of the Mississippi ever talks about BYU. Second, if you play more teams from the ACC, Big East, or SEC, they might start. Third, higher quality opponents will not only help your BCS aspirations, but will also help recruiting (good players want to play good teams). Ultimately, the only way to build a major football program is by playing the best teams. Every Mountain West program should schedule as many non-conference games as possible with BCS schools with good programs.

Utes | 8:02 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

Hey, open against Utah.

Make it a home and away freeway series.

That way Utah would have two shots at a win, and two BYU bowls.

Unga would be guaranteed two games next year with big numbers.

observations | 8:45 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

Interesting how BYU wasn't chicken when they refused to play USU in Logan but now Nevada is chicken.

I am always told that USU is so much below BYU that BYU fans don't even think about USU. This situation has nothing to do with USU but USU keeps being mentioned here.

All of these types of contract come with buy out clauses. Nevada will have to pay the buyout. This kind of stuff happens all the time. Last year BYU bought out USU's contract with Oregon so that USU would play in Provo. That put Oregon in the same situation. BYU didn't have a problem with it then.

Hawaii did have Michigan and Michigan State on their schedule but they backed out just like Nevada just did. So to assume that they went out of their way to have an easy schedule is a completely false assumption. But I wouldn't expect anything different.

#1cougfan | 9:04 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

BYU is scheduled to play FSU in the next few years anyways. why don't we just bump it up a year. I think we need to play teams from the east of we want BCS attention. Even if it is a lower team from a BCS conference. I hope that BYU and UTAH can make it into the BCS bust every year and have the rivalry game actually mean something every year. Like a conference championship.

Nate | 9:16 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

Why would Nevada be afraid of BYU? They are playing @ Moussori, @ UNLV, vs. Texas Tech and vs. Grambling State. The reason why they dropped BYU was probably, because of the fact that they would have 3 away games and 1 home game. That makes it difficult for any team and their fans. Their fans want to see games at home. If you have no respect for the WAC or their teams, then what are you complaining about? BYU is a bunch of whining mormons. How does it feel being stiffed? The whole MWC stiffed the WAC back in the day just to from the MWC.

Congrats (a Utes Fan) | 9:31 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

How does a scheduling story turn into banter between Utah and BYU fans? As a Utes fan my opnion is the Cougs should put a weak team in. If you look at the three teams that have busted into the BCS they all had one thing in common. The year before they ended with a high ranking. If BYU can win their bowl game they will probably be a top 20 or 15 team. Then next year with the returning players they should start in the top 20. The Utes did that and so did BSU and HI. I would love for BYU to be in the running for a BCS game. Imagine if Utah and BYU both broke into the BCS within 5 years. Maybe we could push our way into the PAC 10.

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