SLC'er | 12:34 a.m. July 3, 2008
Two words Harmon: Dudley LaPorte. Best TE in the MWC.
Belgie | 12:46 a.m. July 3, 2008
Finally, a real football article!
UTAH MAN AM I | 12:51 a.m. July 3, 2008
Good article, I think that this year has the potential of being very special year for both teams. As a sports fan, you can't ask for anything more... I know that as a state you guys normally dont get the national recondition that it deserves, but take it form me as a visitor... Utah has a great sports environment. Here hoping for a great college football season.

GO UTES!
Comments continue below
utes | 1:06 a.m. July 3, 2008
the utes have the best of every position in the Mountain west. the conference is weak and BYU just brings it down to another level. The utes will go undefeated and The BYU cougars and their fans will go from we are gods team, to what the heck happened to our team. they will go 2-10. UTAH NATIONAL CHAMPS 08!
Nice Article | 1:43 a.m. July 3, 2008
As a die-hard Ute fan I must admit Mr. Harmon wrote a fairly non-BYU biased good article.

Interesting to note though that there was little to no mention of the defensive side of the ball other than DL. Kind of convenient for Mr. Harmon to leave out LB, safeties, and corners from his pre-season ranking categories. Could that be due to the fact that outside of Jorgenson BYU doesn't have a whole lot of proven talent on defense?

I fully expect some of the new guys to step up, but I will argue that BYU will only be as good as their defense. BYU should not expect to skip through the MWC given road games at both Utah and TCU. If the defense doesn't pull its own weight I wouldn't want to be in a shoot out against Utah come November. Utah has enough talent at the corners, safety, and LB position that I see that game as Hall's biggest throwing challenge. Of course on the other side of the ball, if Utah can't stop the run then Hall won't need to throw the ball. Admittedly both teams have some defensive question marks to fill.
Coug | 6:46 a.m. July 3, 2008
Ute, What have you been smoking?
R. Spencer Robinson | 6:54 a.m. July 3, 2008
The Utes have the best of every position in the MWC? Take off the red goggles! There is a remote possibility the Utes could go undefeated. The same is true of BYU. However, doing so would not put either team in the so-called national championship game.
RE: Nice Article Writer | 6:54 a.m. July 3, 2008
As an example of how some partisan fans are mindlessly "blinded" in their quest to criticize anything written by Dick Harmon, the writer of the "Nice Article" post states, "Kind of convenient for Mr. Harmon to leave out linebackers, safeties and corners from his pre-season categories."

Did your rush to find something to criticize about Harmon lead you to completely skip over what he wrote about the safeties and corners? The articles states, �Best Secondary? Utah, hands down.�

What kind of a football fan doesn�t know what a �Secondary� is? Here it is, laid out plain and simple for you: [Safeties + Corners = Secondary]. We Ute fans ought to be embarrassed having one of our own post such a knucklehead comment. This makes it hard to criticize any partisan comments BYU fans post.
metamoracoug | 6:57 a.m. July 3, 2008
Geez! Where are all the BYU fans this morning?

Good luck to the Utes. Personally, I root for you guys in every game except the BYU game. I hope you have a great season. It will make the cougars win over you in November look a lot better!
Hawaiiancougar | 7:10 a.m. July 3, 2008
Its all talk right now but when November comes, I bet on both teams undefeated in it's best rivalry game ever.
Nice Article | 7:18 a.m. July 3, 2008
Very well written article Mr. Harman. Thank you. May I remind everyone.....
Harline is still open.
Collie is still open....
And send us your best 4th and 20+

LoooooooooooooooL | 7:33 a.m. July 3, 2008
Utes, I love you spunk and belief in Utah. Let us be realistic. Utah will win 10 or more games as long as they keep there focus in September and October.

The biggest question for BYU is simply will they get out of September 4-0. If they do look out it will be hard to stop them. Gone are the days when they loose more games than they win so 2-10 is just stupid.

But hey thanks for the laugh.
Anonymous | 7:32 a.m. July 3, 2008
Just a small correction for Nice Article guy. Harmon did actually mention that the Utes have the best secondary, so DL was not the only defensive postion mentioned
Lobo Man | 7:35 a.m. July 3, 2008
I believe this writer has underestimated New Mexico. I feel that TCU is better than both Utah and BYU.
re: Nice article | 7:35 a.m. July 3, 2008
one word for you ReLoad.

As Bronco showed last year when he had almost his whole defence (back field being mostly walk ons) and really no one on offence back they managed to pick up where they left off the season before.

That is what Reloading is and it comes from making people earn their positions through practice. When the BYU secondary steps up and is as good as they were last year just remember it was a reloaded team.
Steve Price | 7:41 a.m. July 3, 2008
I think that any of the other teams in the MWC will hate visiting the state of Utah this year. Perhaps the reason Mr. Harmon didn't mention more of the defense was because the article seemed to be more a review of the offensive lines with mention of some of the players that will stand out at other positions and then addressing how defensive lines might handle the offensive lines.
Other than the Ute fan with the red goggles, I think most will admit that BYU returns a strong defensive line. Many article in the national media fail to mention the return of Tialavea. The Utes have the best proven secondary. BYU has some new guys in the upcoming secondary that may start to shine and that may be shown later in the year.
With a little luck it could be BYU and Utah facing each other as undefeated teams during the last game of the year. I'm concerned that it will be in SLC, but it should be a great game. Go Cougs!
Tex-Mex | 7:39 a.m. July 3, 2008
I thought this was a BYU blog! The closet fans sure are contaminated with hate. Why don't those fans from up north create your own blog? I tired of hearing your bragging and then in the fall hear your whinng about losing...again.
Underappreciated | 7:39 a.m. July 3, 2008
Wow we actually have some pleasant comments on one of these boards (minus "utes" who is probably a cougar in disguise or someone just trying to rile up the board). Lines are always the most important thing, which is where BYU has always stood out and Utah is catching up. That is the reason Hall could put up sick numbers last year. He had all day to pass. These are the guys who get the least respect with the most responsibility.
BYU will be great because of their line, and Unga who I think is under appreciated in the press (all I hear about is Hall). With a legitimate running game, the passing attack is always dangerous too.
Utah is going to be stacked as well. Let's hope Johnson is healthy and he gets some production out of his receivers.
Let's just get the season started already. I can't wait for the Michigan game.
Go Utes.
just wondering | 7:42 a.m. July 3, 2008
Can't we make these retarded Ute fans go away and pretend to read their own newspaper? Harmon writes for BYU - that's his job. Don't like it? Don't read it,and please spare the rest of us from your dribbling down your face.
Joe | 7:44 a.m. July 3, 2008
Hey Nice Article Dude, how long have you been following football? Apparently not very long since you don't even know that the secondary is comprised of safetys and corners. Dick said that Utah hands down has the best secondary, so he did give you credit. Take your red goggles off for a second UTE! He gave you way more credit than you deserved.
Anonymous | 7:49 a.m. July 3, 2008
ute fans always are complaining. I wish people would just keep their mouths shut until the season is going and there is actual proof of who is better. i hate trash talk from people who wish they played themselves or something. utes blogger must be on something to make such a bold statement. it will be a fun season to watch.
GO COUGARS | 7:54 a.m. July 3, 2008
Haha of course all you ute fans like this article it give's you some false hope! I cant wait until the end of the season when all of the sudden your team is barley making it back to san diego to a bowl no one cares about! UTES SUCK!!! GO COUGARS!
To "utes" guy: | 7:58 a.m. July 3, 2008
You are pathetic. Get a life. You would look and sound better if you didn't say a thing...
Who Needs D? | 7:58 a.m. July 3, 2008
BYU has all the O in the world, who cares if their D is not that good. They can score everytime.
Zoobie 56 | 8:03 a.m. July 3, 2008
RE: Nice Article

I agree with just about everything you said. If BYU is to have a "monster" season the defense will have to be good from the start. Everyone wants to talk about how inexperienced BYU's DB's are. I'm actually looking forward to seeing them play. This is the first group in a long time that will feature all scholarship athletes. It should translate into more athleticism, but that will have to be proven on the field. If BYU's secondary starts out strong it could be a season Cougar fans dream of. The DB's may struggle early on, but should still be good in conference games with some experience. I expect the Utes to be very good. The Michigan game will be fun for all to watch. Go Cougs!!
re: utes | 8:07 a.m. July 3, 2008
BYU 2-10? My local junior high team could go 2-10 in the MWC. If BYU goes 2-10, I'll look lick your toilet bowl---which is the best bowl that the Utes will qualify for this year. Too bad Michigan is rebuilding this year, I was hoping that they would put up 50 on the Utes.
Secondary of the yewtes | 8:08 a.m. July 3, 2008
Glad to see the yewtes are returning their secondary. Remember how great they were on 4th and 18? Remember how great they were when Unga blew them up as he crossed the goal line with the winning touchdown? Glad to see them back. I also remember how great they were at laying down against the UNLV running back.
Ute Lover | 8:08 a.m. July 3, 2008
Re: Nice Aricle

Good comments; however, Homer Harmon did give us a little love, ranking our secondary No. 1 in the MWC 'hands down' and giving Casteel front billing inhead of Collie.

tds does have a little talent on the defensive side of the ball beyond Jorgenson. I would take David Nixon on our team in a heartbeat; wish we had an LB as good as him on our team.

Should be a great season. BYU will not go undefeated in conference and will not go to a BCS Bowl game this year. They have too many tough conference games on the road and their luck will run out at RES this year if not before.
Always | 8:20 a.m. July 3, 2008
It's always about the Oline. That's the secret of any team's success.
Re: GO COUGARS @ 7:54 | 8:24 a.m. July 3, 2008
" cant wait until the end of the season when all of the sudden your team is barley making it back to san diego to a bowl no one cares about!"

You mean kind of like the Las Vegas bowl against a 6-6 UCLA team that had to beat you earlier in the season to ever be bowl eligible!?!?!?! Now that's a bowl people care about!! What is BYU's post season record as of late, anyways?? Good luck Hawaii, uh, I mean BYU (see: Northern Iowa), even with you dumbing down your schedule the best you'll do is another date with the 6th best Pac 10 team (hopefully with a better record than .500). Meanwhile, the Utes can show you how to make a real pay day at another Fiesta Bowl (don't worry, you'll get a chunck of change for the Utes success and second BCS bowl appearance).
Alma the Wiser | 8:39 a.m. July 3, 2008
Re: Who Needs D? - Just like they did against Tulsa, right?

BYU will be fortunate to win 10 games this year. That defense of theirs will cost them at least 2 games this year, maybe more.

It will be a huge let down if the Utes don't win 10 or more games this year. Utah has the offense and defense to win the MWC this year. Their schedule is difficult, but very favorable. They just have to take care of business.

Go Utes!
Ernest T. Bass | 8:39 a.m. July 3, 2008
Wyoming is the most talented team in the MWC. Pokes will run away with this thing.
stupid yewts | 8:41 a.m. July 3, 2008
All you yewts saying BYU is dumbing down the schedule, look at the nation. Everyone is doing it. You've got Weber State on your schedule as well as Utah State, which plays like a I-AA team! Only two teams in the entire nation have NEVER played a I-AA team: USC and Washington!

Get over yourselves and pack your bags for Albuquerque or Fort Worth again this december
Utes secondary | 8:42 a.m. July 3, 2008
As a huge BYU fan I have to admit, Utah's secondary is extremely impressive! Forget 4th and 18, one time fluke play, we were lucky that they had a brain fart on that play. I watched how consistently the Utah secondary shut BYU's passing attack down. They are physical, and adjust well on the fly. I thought they were too physical, but if the refs aren't calling it then it's just good football. The refs finally called a few interference calls at the end of the game, which was lucky for the Y because it put them on their heels a bit and opened it up. But not fair considering the refs had let them play like that all game and only called it at the end of the game. Call it or don't call it, just be consistent. BYU ran the ball against Utah only because we couldn't pass against them. That will be a HUGE challenge come November, I'm hoping for two undefeated teams by then. Will be our toughest game of the year. GO COUGS!
hey | 8:49 a.m. July 3, 2008
you guys are crazy if you think utah will beat michigan that coach is way to good and they have more talent also
Harline open... Collie open... | 8:47 a.m. July 3, 2008
You know, we can go back and forth like this all day... for instance:

- Savoy is still running down the sideline
- Alex Smith just threw another TD
- Warfield just picked up another six yards
- You are still behind by three points in the ice bowl
- Dyson picked you off (again)
- Yergensen�s kick still hasn�t hit the ground
- Jenkins still has nightmares of Kautai
- The Fiesta Bowl trophy is still shiny, but Utah fans have moved on
- 1984 was 24 years ago, but BYU fans pretend it was yesterday
- Bogut just dodged another �donkey kick�
- Majerus is still fat� and the king of the � hill

I guess I should stop with the basketball smack, as it�s just not fair to BYU� even considering the past three seasons� anomaly.

The point is, y'all have bragging rights due to the victory last year... congrats on that. But, don't get too comfortable because this can, and will, turn on you very quickly. History has proven that fact.

Go Utes!!!
Record | 8:54 a.m. July 3, 2008
It is one thing to say that BYU will not go undefeated. It is entirely another to say that a team that has 10 returning starters, including the best quarter back in the conference will go 2-10. Another quality education gained at the power house academic program to the north. Still LMAO!!!
Anonymous | 9:04 a.m. July 3, 2008
My prediction...

Although I pray it doesn't happen is that Brian Johnson will be injured in the first 4 games. The utes will rely on Loucks.

Then we will see if they can reload like BYU has the past few years.
Request | 9:06 a.m. July 3, 2008
I have a few request for these boards, just to make them more tolerable to everyone.
1. Utes- stop saying that you have already accomplished the Cougars goal for the season. Bottom line is that they DO have a national title. Of course that is what everybody wants.
2. Cougs- you won the national title over 20 years ago. You have lost the right to brag about years when your current players were not even alive.
3. Stop using the term Ewetes. I really just don't get it. It is stupid.
4. All- fans of both schools post on each others boards just to get you riled up. Let's stop saying the other team does it when you probably did it the day before.
5. All- Unless you are a girl between the ages of 10-15, please please PLEASE stop using accronyms like LOL and LMAO, etc. Most of you are grown men. It is embarassing.

Let's start with just these criteria and move on as we progress.
Nathaniel | 9:18 a.m. July 3, 2008
Can both sides agree that we don't like it when we play FBS (I-AA) teams?

As for Utah State, I know they aren't very good, but part of the beauty of college football is the history, and I for one want Utah to continue playing the Aggies. I hope, someday, they'll be able to compete again.

Go article Mr. Harmon. I look forward to a good season.

Go Utes!
Qwest 4 Perfection | 9:22 a.m. July 3, 2008
First, there will NEVER...I mean NEVER be a non-bcs conference team win the national championship. I just won't happen so having that as your "GOAL" for the year is like me having the goal to make $5 million in salary.

That in mind, the coUgs Qwest 4 Perfection means an undefeated season and a birth in a BCS bowl. So yes, we Utes CAN and WILL continue to say that byU's goals this year goals that Utah has ALREADY accomplished (and in this decade). So, keep aspiring, coUgs, to be like your rivals on the hill. The view from the hill is great, by the way. And if you ever want to know what its like to cheer for your team in a BCS bowl, let me know and I can tell you!!!
RE: Request | 9:23 a.m. July 3, 2008
GO AWAY!!!
Re:Nathaniel | 9:29 a.m. July 3, 2008
I completely agree with you. Great point on USU. I thought it was a shame when BYU wouldn't play them for a few year. And the I-AA teams thing is a joke. Fans-don't go to the game and allow your athletic program to get away with it. If they are packing the stadium and making money with a guaranteed W, they will continue to do it.
BYU-Utah | 9:29 a.m. July 3, 2008
Byu will have a better record at the end of the eyar than Utah. They will because they have an easier schedule.
Request | 9:32 a.m. July 3, 2008
Re:Qwest 4 Perfection

I am a huge Ute fan, but you really just sound rediculous when you say that we have already done it. Everybody knows that we have done it. That doesn't mean it isn't worth trying for. We haven't even won the conference in the last three seasons and our team has said that is the goal for the season. Don't be an idiot.
And by the way, it is extremely unlikely, but still possible for a non-BCS team to the title. Think if you had another year like last year and a team that had gone undefeated for 2-3 seasons. It is possible.
Not about football | 9:33 a.m. July 3, 2008
It's about who ever will be doing what they should be doing on and off the field, and then look out and watch the magic come.
The Ty | 9:39 a.m. July 3, 2008
"Johnson and Hall are head and shoulders above the rest in experience and skill"

I'm sorry, but Brian Johnson sucks. He's not even the best QB on his team. I'd take UNM's, Wyo's 2, TCU's 2 and UNLV's Dixon over BJ.

Brian Johnson is slow, innaccurate, indecisive, fat, and a poor decision maker. I only wish he wasn't a sr.

Max Hall is head, shoulders, knees, and toes above anyone else in the conference.
Bronco Rules.... | 9:39 a.m. July 3, 2008
I can't believe that Dick Harmon believes that any MWC player at any position could be as good as any BYU player.

Dick, If you expect Cougar fans to continue reading your column, please stick to promoting BYU athletics.

Whose side are you on anyway?????
haunyocker | 9:44 a.m. July 3, 2008
It's sad when the yewtniks can't give an honest evaluation of Harmon's column. As a former journalist, I rate it as was well written, brutally honest, and a good overview of the prospects for the areas to look at that will impact all the league's teams.

When the season is over, I think a second reading Harmon's column will show just how accurate it was, and Yewt posters will continue to show their perpetual juvenile posts.
conference race? | 9:45 a.m. July 3, 2008
You mean there is actually a conference race? I thought BYU had already won the conference and was on its way to play for the National Title.

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