Deseret News | Cougars looking to '08, BCS bowl

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Cougars looking to '08, BCS bowl

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Lucky? | 9:28 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I smell sour grapes from all the anti-BYU fans. You call it luck when a field goal is blocked.. but it's really only because of the skill and determination of the players that it happened. I believe that BYU could play very well in a BCS game but the outcome will be determined by the players, not but luck.

Sorry Utah.. BYU beat you and UCLA on skill, motivation, determination and a will to succeed.

ron | 9:30 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I am happy for byu being a last game winner and utah being a last game winner I feel good, you feel good. To all of us, stay cool and everyone have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!

Go Cougs | 9:32 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

The lack of Bronco Mendenhall's confidence in Mitch Payne almost became the story line, again. If we had a decent field goal kicker, UCLA would have needed a touchdown or more to win that game.

Comments continue below

no hype for Y and U | 9:36 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

BYU made a very stupid move to NOT take a knee at the end of the first half, giving UCLA the chance to score. Bronco and Anae need some REAL HEAT for that stupid play. If I were Max, I would have done it on my own. BYU was lucky to win against a very weak team.

Utah was also lucky to win. Why were they awarded the ball on the 1 foot line after fumbling away into the end zone (pylon)?? UCLA vs. Navy. I'm not sure which team was weaker. U and BYU: Let's stop talking BCS until we BOTH play at a higher level!!!

Washington Rick | 9:37 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Not a chance unless the BYU coaches (offense) learn how to use the talent effectively and the defense learns how to be tougher late in the game.

BCS game?? | 9:38 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

It is funny to hear UTE fans laugh at BYU fans talking about a BCS bowl game next year. If I remember correctly all the UTE fans were talking BCS bowl after their 2003 season when they went 10-2 and beat a Southern Mississippi team in their bowl game (sounds similar to BYU's season this year). All the talk that the UTE fans did helped their team achieve the goal of a BCS bowl so why not start talking about a BCS bowl for the cougars? Get the players more motivated and get that goal in their minds early. Best of luck to both the UTES and the COUGARS next year and how sweet would it be if both the cougars and the utes were undefeated when they played each other next year.

Cheddar | 9:44 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

To all the U fans to moan about barely beating a .500 team...just remember, a few weeks ago we beat U!

The BCS committee set the table, if you go undefeated, you get considered. That's all this article is talking about. Hawaii did it, BSU did it, and there is nothing wrong with dreaming about it from Provo.

Sure, there are a lot of things that have to happen before we're even in the discussion...but with the team that's returning, the possibility is there. I personally don't think that will happen, especially with playing Jake Locker and UW here in Seattle.

Two 11-2 seasons only make the U jealous in SLC. When was the last time you had two back to back seasons like that? The fact that we beat you twice gives us braggin rights...so keep your whinin up till next year boys!! We own you!

Washington Rick | 9:44 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I don't think anyone on the BYU team (especially the coaches) should be very proud of Saturday's game as they were badly outcoached.

UtesFanatic | 9:47 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I think BYU is going to have an extremely difficult schedule with UCLA, whom they always have trouble, and Utah and New Mexico teams who are also returning a large number of players. If they do it or one of the others do all the better for the Mountain West; but I do hope that if a team in the Mountian West does it they do it through a tough schedule rather than the patsy schedule Hawaii suceeded with. They were fortunate to beat UCLA this time with their third string QB; next year UCLA won't be so underhanded. BYU needs to come out with more fire against tough opponents.

From the east | 9:49 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Just because you had one good play in one game does not mean you should get national attention.!!!!

If we let BYU have a BCS chance, then we should give Salt Lake Community College a definite bowl game. But if that hurts too bad we can always send U of U stamped RED roses to dull the pain.

Forever RED!!!!

It Will NEVER Happen | 9:59 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Do you think Utah, New Mexico and UCLA aren't thinking the same thing? The stars all have to align in order for it to happen. It did for Boise State, Hawaii and Utah. BYU has lost too much on defense and UCLA really showed a weakness in their running game. Blitz, blitz, blitz. BYU's biggest plays were yellow flags. Before the UCLA game, Unga was shown as an "up and comer" to the 2008 NFL draft on CBS Sportsline. He showed a projection of 3rd or 4th round. I don't think he will leave but if he stayed and got injured, he would forever regret staying in Provo.

Vernal roid | 10:03 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Don't think of the BCS because BYU did nothing to impress anyone in the LV bowl, They won't come out ranked because the don't deserve to be. Really poor play calling, poor offence, defence, dosen't ad up to respect.

Lets get real | 10:06 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

BYU wont go undefeated next year since they are coming to Logan. Good bye BCS!!!

MWC Fan | 10:08 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I love to see the MWC do well. But for somebody to say that "they" should go undefeated in MWC play is ridiculous! I grew up a BYU fan but I'm getting tired of their arrogance.

Re: It will NEVER... | 10:10 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I am sure that's what BSU and Hawaii fans said a year ago as well. The possibility is always there.

Cougar | 10:11 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I was very happy to see the team win - it certainly included skill, determination and luck. Anae did have some great calls this year, but not taking the knee was a big-time mistake. Hopefully that will NEVER happen again. Looking forward to '08 - what a great time to be a Cougar fan!

BYU in 2009 | 10:13 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Yep, looking at a Jan. Bowl next year. Add a field goal kicker with a 55 yd range, take away a fluke touchdown and BYU beats UCLA with a similar score to USC. Utah fans, get over it. You lost for the 2nd time in two years and required a botched call for a win over Navy. As for a 6-6 UCLA team, you must not have watched football all year, filled with major upsets of all the BCS powers. Parity is here and so is the Y!

Re: Lets get real | 10:16 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

That has to be the joke of the day -- BYU's BCS bid ruined in Logan. When yall can win more than 5 games in a season, please post again. Thanks!

Ute Fan | 10:17 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Cheddar-

What a great name for a cheesy BYU Fan....Your question is one that just begs to be answered. Let me see...2003 was 10-2 and if I remember correctly 2004 was 12-0. I have no problem with BYU dreaming of getting into the BCS. Only..., hmmmm...., oh yeah, I think we were the first to break the BCS. Keep dreamin'......

Lucky | 10:21 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Who puts the Y in lucky?

B
LuckY
U

Why the complaint? | 10:22 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Reading all the Ute fan posts makes me laugh. Not too many years ago they set a goal for a BCS game and kudos to them, they made it and did extremely well. I am happy for them that they won. All the naysayers asking for a reality check should just chill!!! The reality is that goals are important to any successful endeavor...otherwise you'd never get what you wanted in anything. We all know that the Cougars have a tough hill to climb and one "off day" on the field could destroy their chances for a BCS bid in an instant. Look at all the "BCS" teams this year that lost to unranked teams. Life happens! Good teams make bad plays and lose from time to time... but that does not change the fact that BYU should hope for an undefeated season and a BCS bid. It is a worthy goal and Utah would be doing the EXACT same thing if they were in our shoes. BYU has the talent, determination, and skills capable to beat any team on any given day if they are healthy and well prepared. We'll see what happens!

is this a joke | 10:24 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

what kind of an article is this? BYU has a long way to go to be a BCS bowl caliber team. The fact that they are already talking about the END of next season shows a lack of focus and discipline on the part of the players and coaches. BYU really overacheived this year, they were good, yes, but not 11-2 good. without miraculous "magic" they would be 9-4.

IF byu wins their opening game next year against washington and then ucla then maybe the discussions could start but then they would have to get through the MWC schedule with games at TCU and at Utah. Lets be real, BYU got lucky on saturday against UCLA's 4th string walk-on quarterback. When they play UCLA next year they wont be so lucky, they will be playing against the #1 bruin QB.

kay | 10:25 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Lets get it straight!!
BYU didn't win the game at the last second. They had the game won in the first half when the reached 17. UCLA lost the game in the last seconds of the game.

Ignorance | 10:26 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Most have forgoten UCLA's last game against USC was for the Pac 10 Championship. the firing of their head coach was motivation in a big way. On the flip side playing UCLA again was a let down for BYU. Top teams play down against bad opponents constintly and win by a fingertip and people are happy about the win. Finally how many teams do you think aren't setting a goals for a BCS bowl and/or undefeated season. Don't be a hater and don't forget last year they killed Oregon and they were one injury away from a national title. don't be so igorant and unhappy. Let the boys dream.

sob | 10:31 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

saying that bronco will be at usc next year is
about the dumbest thing that has been posted on this
board all year long
the chances of pete being gone first and that usc would have ANY desire for bronco mendenhall is even
less likely then byu being invited to or even winning a bcs bowl
again we laugh in your general direction

Robo | 10:33 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

The difference between the 1984 team which achieved a national championship and the upcoming teams is that no one knew that was the goal for the 1984 team. They kept it to themselves. Good approach I think. The team shouldn't talk about their goals outside of the locker room. In fact, they shouldn't talk hardly at all outside of the locker room.

johnson | 10:40 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

You guys are the biggest dreamers of all time. You will never reach the status the UTES gained in the Fiesta Bowl. The only talent you have is Collie

Re: Patata Brava | 10:41 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Your post was so sophisticated that it was beyond the comprehension of most. Wake up! It is primarily your own fans who are ticked off at the way BYU ï¿½executedï¿½ï¿½needing a miracle to win; the bone-headed play at the end of the half; barely beating a 6-6 team with a third and fourth string QB, no coach, etc.

Don't try to make all Utah fans to be as big of idiots as you suggest. How about a little humility?! Nothing ticks off Utah fans more than arrogant, self righteous BYU fans. We know, we know...You are living your life right on and off this blog...but get over yourselfï¿½there are other good people in the world beside BYU fans.

Congratulations on the victory. When you have some unique material, come back and see us. I love the banter, but not when it comes from uneducated fans or those who want to write "yo mama" jokes, it just make me laugh.

PA cougar | 10:41 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

yewtah for BCS in '08... Oh wait, that's not even close to being a point of discussion. Why not set your goals high? Given the strength of our returning starters (on offense particularly) the BCS is not an unrealistic goal. It may be optimistic, but not unrealistic.
What do you yewtah fans suggest as appropriate goals? Winning conference championship? Check, twice in a row. Undefeated in conference? Check, twice in a row. So what's next? Do you set goals that are higher (BCS and undefeated) or just be content to regress to yewtah-like achievements of of the past 2 years? No thanks, BCS here we come.

Funny | 10:43 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

How funny to see this article has become a forum for frustrated Utah fans. I'm glad to see they have a way to blow off some of that jealous steam before the holidays. Oh by the way, get used to it!

Just Stating the Obvious | 10:46 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

1. BYU returns literally everyone on offense and the two who will be replaced have some very talented backups in line - Sorenson and several WRs fighting to take Allen's place.
2. Almost the entire defensive secondary needs to be replaced. But BYU has some very talented kids who have waited and learned for a couple of years. The actual talent level will substantially increase as some excellent athletes will take the place of some good, scrappy but former walk-ons.
3. The coaching staff does need to tighten up its decision making in key situations. Quoting scripture and touting "will", "investment", and "determination" will not continue to mask some youthful coaching errors.
4. UCLA probably played harder and with more fire for Walker than they did the entire last 2/3 of the season. And those 3rd and 4th string QBs everyone keeps talking about were probably rated higher out of hs than any QB on our roster.
5. A real kicker (Bingham kid) next year will add a whole new dimension for the Cougs.
6. Everyone stop with the righteous = blessed garbage. Utah has several RMs and Ben Olson is an excellent member. Where were their blessings?

Anonymous | 10:47 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

johsnon-
Was that status a national championship?

BYU in 2009 | 10:50 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Hey Johnson. you're conceding then that we beat your talented team with one player with talent? Thanks, we'll take that compliment! By the way, you were lucky to be in that game at all, after being outplayed the whole way.

Sierra Blue | 10:52 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Someone has to set the record straight. BYU's non-conference schedule for 2008 is Utah State, Nevada (although that game will likely be postponed or cancelled for a 1AA school) UCLA and Washington. Arizona is not on the schedule for 2008.

Simple fact is, any "non BCS" school with zero defeats likely plays in a BCS bowl. Playing in a BCS bowl does not mean playing for a national championship. It just means playing in a bowl with a bigger payout and more glamour.

Finally, it would be well if all the so-called experts who have posted on this article got their facts straight. Goals are set to encourage achievement. There is nothing wrong with having the national championship as a goal. Only a loser plays for anything other than being the very best. My guess is all those who have made their vitriolic comments have never worn pads or accomlished much in their life.

Contemplative | 10:52 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Let's not be so hard on the guys, guys. They're not saying that they won't be beat next year, they're saying that there goal is to see if they can't whittle the number of losses down from the two that they had this year to one or none. They've lost two games in each of the last two seasons. They want to do better than that next year. It's not arrogant to set a goal to better your best so far. It's just what sports folk do. Strive for better.

Congratulations to BYU for toughing it out as many times as they did to win even when the other team might have outplayed them in the first 59 minutes of the game.

Re: Re: Lets get real | 10:53 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Yes it is a joke, where is your sense of humor

BYU | 10:54 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I'm a BYU fan, but Collie is a straight up idiot. Why does he keep mixing football and God? He doesn't care if we win or not. He cares if we pay tithing, fast and do out home teaching. Get a clue Collie!

To Rabid Fan | 10:59 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I hope your comments about USC looking to replace Pete Carrol with Bronco Mendenhall were made in jest. I am a BYU alum and fan living in Los Angeles. Pete Carrol owns LA and he is not going anywhere unless he chooses to return to the NFL.
Mendenhall is a decent coach in the MWC, but he would be way in over his head at USC. BYU had a good year, but not deserving to be in the BCS. If and only if they go undefeated next year, will they be in a BCS bowl game. Going undefeated is a good goal, but very unlikely (only 1 undefeated team this year). As fans, we should recognize where we are on the college football landscape, which is a good team in a mediocre conference. We need to earn respect, not demand it.

Allan Jones | 11:03 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I HATE MEAN UTAH FANS! Why can't you chumps let us have our day in the sun? Granted, BYU's team this year was not as good as the BYU team of 06, which, by the way, would have competed well in a BCS game. But this year's team still went 11-2, and were two touchdowns away from an undefeated season. And we punked the Utes shoddy defense 2 years in a row. So DIRTY UTES quit your sorry whining. Cougar nation understands that you're having a tough realizing that your short glory days are behind you. We all know you cry yourselves wishing for the return of Urban Meyer. In the meantime, all I can say is "Harline's still open" and "4th and 18."

Anonymous | 11:03 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

PEOPLE,PEOPLE,PEOPLE, you are missing the point of the entire article. It's not about rather or not we are good enough or rather we will make it in, its about setting the goal to do it. I would be highly disapointed in the cougars if they ddn't have this goal. I mean honestly what are they supposed to do, say hey I got a goal for next year, finish the same as the last two years. Yeah that really motivates players and fans. We all love to strive for mediocrity. Up your goal every year. When we get into the BCS then set a goal for a heisman then a national champion. I don't think it will happen but set the goal and go for it. Maybe the utes should take a page from Bronco and the cougars, learn to set HIGH goals.

Facts | 11:03 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

*Utah didn't win the conference. Which makes their remarks about winning nonconference games seem silly.

*BYU has beaten Utah two years in a row.

*BYU is a top 20, ranked team. They will most likely be in the preseason also.

*BYU has many returning marquee players.

*BYU had no say who they would play in the Vegas Bowl.

*Navy is ranked 70.

UTE CRYBABIES | 11:04 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

When success tears a person apart inside, angry comments usually arise from the jealous-hearted. BYU has had great success and now they face criticism instead of congratulations and support.
There is no team in the top ten that dominates anymore, maybe it may never be that way again. The playing field is leveling out for college football teams, so that means BYU has as good of chance as anyone else to compete in the BCS.
Also, about the Las Vegas bowl, a BYU freshman/sophomore offense beat a senior/junior defense. This is the reason BYU should be considered to contend with BCS teams.
ute fans: focus on making your team better, than trying to make BYU look bad. It just shows your angry/jealous hearts. Bashing BYU will not make your any team better. Oh yeah, ute fans, if you really hate BYU that bad quit watching our games, that makes no sense at all.

Non-Expert | 11:18 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I guess I'm just not as bright as all you who seem to know it all and how to be the best judge of others....I thought I saw a solid UCLA team that played very well under a first time head coach....I also watched a very good BYU team do what was necessary to win.....both teams showed class.....better than some of the "pathetic judgemnts" of those who are actually on the field.......

Craig | 11:20 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Like it or not, the simple fact is that BYU WILL BE RANKED IN THE PRE-SEASON. What happens from there is unknown, but given the results of the last two years and with the offense returning intact, there will be many national pundits talking about BYU in the pre-season as a potential BCS-buster. So why on earth would the team, the coaches, or the fans set their sights on anything less? It's motivating, exciting, fun, and healthy to aspire upwards. To criticize someone for doing so is just an expression of ill-will. Let's instead congratulate all our MWC teams for winning their bowl games and wish them even greater success next year.

Happy Are We | 11:23 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I think it is funny that many Utah fans are critical of how BYU fans are looking to the future and happy about their teams success, including two straight wins over the Utes.

Yeah...I'd rather have to worry about beating my rival. I'd rather be in a position of having Utah fans tell me how "out of touch" we are than have to look for excuses as to why my team can't beat our rivals!

Go Cougs. Good luck Utes...I'd rather have a good rivalry, both on the field and in the blogs!! :)

BYU Fan Kudos to Utah | 11:28 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I know a couple of BYU players well and they say they are friends with many of the Ute players and say most are all-around classy guys. For those who are LDS, remember there are a ton of RMs, head-coach is LDS, and always players like Weddle last year who join the Church on the Utah team. I personally feel that, minus a few fans, they are a class act. They keep pushing us to be our best and next year they very well may be the toughest team we face and we do it in SLC. They are currently setting the bar for us (and the nation) for bowl excellence. I know it's fun to have a rival but you would be hard pressed to find a classier, harder working bunch of kids top to bottom. Kids like Weddle last season and Johnson this season are the definition of classy, good kids. I'm sure Mendenhall could find a couple BofM scriptures that fit their character as well :).

a BYU alum/fan! | 11:34 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Let's not get overly arrogant and start counting the chicks before hatching. God's no respector of people. Your comments about getting a BCS bid next year make me want to vomit!

Bruins Fan | 11:35 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I think that it would be great to see BYU in the BCS against UCLA(they seem to be spending a lot of time playing each other), but Hall needs to spend less time on the ground. Also Hawaii and Utah have/had Heisman candidates running the offense and Boise had one of the nations leading rushers, I don't see that at BYU. They also need to beat play solid conference teams like Utah, AF, and TCU.

Good Luck and dream big Cougar fans

NothingLuckyAboutIt | 11:37 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

For those who think BYU was lucky in that win grow up and stop crying...

A lucky win would have been the UCLA kicker missing the last kick on his own. Instead BYU made a play, blocked the ucla kick attempt and preserved the win. Those kids made plays to win the game. Nothing lucky (or Divine) about it.

Appalachian State made the same play against Michigan to preserve their win, and they got credit for making a play. They didn't get credit for being lucky.

IMOP the only people driving the BCS suggestions are the media. They pose loaded questions to these kids to get an answer they are looking for and can write a story about. Every team in the country wants to play in a BCS game. Why is the media trying to make it out to be more than it is?

BCS | 11:55 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Of course BCS should be a goal of BYU, Utah and every other upper tier MWC team. But give me a break, keep it to yourself. This article has accomplished it's goal. It has riled up every U fan who reads DNewst.i

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