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BYU ranked No. 16 in AP preseason poll
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Ranking | 1:18 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Wow, it's great that the Cougars and Utes are ranked so high at the
beginning of the season. It really show the respect that both schools have
around the country. Wait a minute, I'm reading the rest of the article,
oops, the Utes are not ranked. I guess it shows the respect the Cougars have
around the country and the total lack of respect the Utes have around the
country. Once again, most of the country is still wondering, "What's a
yewt?" Way to go Cougars.
Movin' on UP! | 1:23 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
ASU plays Georgia in their first game...look for the Cougars to start a climb to
the top!
BTW...I didn't see the Utes mentioned in this article? Is there a ranking for little brothers?
BTW...I didn't see the Utes mentioned in this article? Is there a ranking for little brothers?
Run The Table!!!! | 1:42 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
This is my first season I've owned BYU season tickets. I'm so excited
to watch them trounce teams with their deep running and passing game. Their D
is looking very tough as it has the past couple of seasons, and with a new
kicker that's reliable on hitting consistantly it looks as if NOBODY HAS A
CHANCE. BCS here they come! Can't wait! My neighbor plays for the U and
tells me that the Y is looking tough. He would have gone to the Y but
wasn't offered a scholarship. I guess the U can pick up the scraps! No
offense to my neighbor.
Comments continue below
Ken from Boise | 1:54 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I am a proud Cougar fan and always will be. The Cougars have earned their
pre-season ranking but unless I'm mistaken, wins and losses are what make
the season, not polls. Go get em' Cougs! I'm really proud of you!
Anonymous | 3:08 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I am sure beating Northern Iowa will give the Cougars the national recognition
that they and their fans think they deserve. YAWN. Utah State? Yawn... I hope
the PAC 10 teams bring it this year and show BYU that they are not world
beaters. BYU plays in a soft conference and generally plays soft non conference
teams. NO RESPECT HERE.
By the way... Utah is picked to play in the Las Vegas Bowl and BYU in the Emerald or Poinsetta Bowl.
Play some ranked teams and beat them, then you can talk about being BCS big.
By the way... Utah is picked to play in the Las Vegas Bowl and BYU in the Emerald or Poinsetta Bowl.
Play some ranked teams and beat them, then you can talk about being BCS big.
jandshan | 3:25 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Why do Utah fans care so much about BYU playing Norther Iowa (#3 preseason fcs
rank) when they scheduled Weber State. Byu has been picked by two other
preseason publications (Lindys and Athlon) to play in the Fiesta Bowl. Phil
Steele is the only preseason publication with the Utes going to the Las Vegas
Bowl. The truth is both teams have alot of work and expect both to be ranked in
the top 25 with the MWC title on the line when they meet. (I know its hard to
admit but the Utes do have top 25 talent).
Anonymous | 3:35 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I looked on cougarblue' forum and had to laugh at the people thinking that
byu should be ranked higher than some of the other teams that are ahead of them.
Outside of the MWC, no one really cares about BYU or Utah. They will rank byu
and utah higher when they EARN it by beating worthy opponents.
Anonymous 2 | 3:49 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Hey Anonymous, hope you enjoy watching the utes play Weber St. If they win maybe
it'll wipe away that inferiority complex.
No Problem | 3:52 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
All BYU has to do is win all their games.
The scheduling "fates" have smiled on the Cougars.
UCLA is in "dis-aray". Washington has proven to be a bottom feeder in th PAC 10.
The rest of the schedule is made up of "directional schools" or "no name" MWC opponents.
PIECE-A-CAKE
The scheduling "fates" have smiled on the Cougars.
UCLA is in "dis-aray". Washington has proven to be a bottom feeder in th PAC 10.
The rest of the schedule is made up of "directional schools" or "no name" MWC opponents.
PIECE-A-CAKE
truth | 3:52 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
none of this matters
re: Anonymous | 3:08 p.m | 3:55 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Utah... YAWN...
"Play some ranked teams and beat them, then you can talk about being BCS big."
Hey, wait, we ARE ranked...
You must have missed that with all of your yawning...
"Play some ranked teams and beat them, then you can talk about being BCS big."
Hey, wait, we ARE ranked...
You must have missed that with all of your yawning...
Paul | 4:07 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Go ahead and keep drinking your koolaid, Anomymous. It's a good thing you
have the lone idiot, Phil Steele to make your koolaid for you (all other
publications pick BYU ahead of Utes). Two of them (see Lindys and Athlon) have
BYU in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma or Missouri. Of course, you have pointed
out that no team gets there based only on a pick. But you are the one crowing
about Utes being a pick above.
Anonymous | 4:08 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
RE:RE: anonymous
Newsflash... I am not a MWC fan. Not a Ute or BYU fan. By RANKED, Im talking consistently finishing in the top 10-15.
I was not directly my comments at Utah because they do not carry the same swagger as BYU fans. I think Utah fans at least realize that props are EARNED. I agree that WEBER State is soft too...
Newsflash... I am not a MWC fan. Not a Ute or BYU fan. By RANKED, Im talking consistently finishing in the top 10-15.
I was not directly my comments at Utah because they do not carry the same swagger as BYU fans. I think Utah fans at least realize that props are EARNED. I agree that WEBER State is soft too...
Utah / Weber State | 4:18 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Do I see and "UNLV Moment" scheduled in the Ute's future???
LOL, nice schedule | 4:35 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
BYU by far has the easiest schedule of any top 25 team. BYU probably wont play a
top 25 team until they meet Utah in the final game. Thats a joke of a schedule.
head vs heart | 4:35 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Think with your head and not with your heart, do you REALLY think BYU can hang
with Missouri or Oklahoma?
It is possible that the "magic" could happen and BYU could get a BCS bid. I just don't think they are ready to play with those schools.
It is possible that the "magic" could happen and BYU could get a BCS bid. I just don't think they are ready to play with those schools.
re: head vs heart | 5:20 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I watched Miami in Provo. Yes, I think BYU CAN hang with them. WILL they?
This is the best part of the season. Unless it gets better. I think it will. I think BYU will walk the talk. I think it is a beautiful scenario - higher ranked teams will fall, BYU will get no respect yet continue to rise, they'll beat Utah at the last second again, bust (or sneak in the back door - I don't care) the BCS.
And the Utes will be scratching their heads wondering what happened.
This is the best part of the season. Unless it gets better. I think it will. I think BYU will walk the talk. I think it is a beautiful scenario - higher ranked teams will fall, BYU will get no respect yet continue to rise, they'll beat Utah at the last second again, bust (or sneak in the back door - I don't care) the BCS.
And the Utes will be scratching their heads wondering what happened.
chuckles55 | 6:04 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
As in years past, I predict that BYU will be its own worst enemy. They have
always played very inconsistently. For years, I couldn't wait for the next
week's football or basketball game for BYU. I now only watch them
periodically, when there is nothing more interesting to do. Good Luck BYU! I
will probably check in at the end of the season to see how you have done.
However, I don't expect 16 to last very long once the season begins.
Henry Drummond | 6:12 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Do you really think BYU stands a chance against Northern Iowa?
Bleed Blue | 6:14 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I couldn't be a bigger BYU fan, but I have to agree with some of the
criticism here. Not the criticism of the team, but the fans. BYU will never
enjoy the kind of respect some fans think they deserve until the fans shut up
and let the team earn respect by their play on the field. BYU fans are
notoriously unrealistic in their expectations, which helps rank BYU high on the
list of schools people love to hate.
On the other hand, criticism of the team and its schedule are unfair, IMHO. Every year, BYU tries to schedule the best opponents it can, but they have a hard time getting anyone to play them in Provo. They could play more highly ranked teams if they were willing to do it on the road all the time. Still, they do try, but schedules are done so far in advance that it is impossible to predict how good a team will be when the game finally rolls around. UCLA and Washington were both good when they were scheduled.
BYU could go a long way toward a stronger schedule by going undefeated this year and winning a BCS bowl game. Go cougars.
On the other hand, criticism of the team and its schedule are unfair, IMHO. Every year, BYU tries to schedule the best opponents it can, but they have a hard time getting anyone to play them in Provo. They could play more highly ranked teams if they were willing to do it on the road all the time. Still, they do try, but schedules are done so far in advance that it is impossible to predict how good a team will be when the game finally rolls around. UCLA and Washington were both good when they were scheduled.
BYU could go a long way toward a stronger schedule by going undefeated this year and winning a BCS bowl game. Go cougars.
Re: Re: Re: Anonymous | 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Not a Ute fan or a Cougar fan? Must be an Aggie!
Ron McBride | 6:31 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Oh golly gee, the Cougars are ranked. BYU has a decent team, but their fans are
total dweebs.
Anonymous | 6:41 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
re: lol, nice schedule
Its a joke schedual because they have to play Utah? i would a gree with that.
Its a joke schedual because they have to play Utah? i would a gree with that.
Anonymous | 6:48 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
byu fans better hope all the talk pays off. in my opinion i beleive they should
have rankings after the first week of the season.
re re head vs heart | 7:00 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
wait, you watched miami in provo? When was this? I think you mean walk the
walk? I know that if the Utes beat Michigan, they'll get no respect, so
bring on the rivalry baby, bring it on.
Anonymous | 7:07 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
TO RE:RE:RE at 6:30 Is it possible that there are OTHER teams in the nation
besides the ones in UTAH? Your thinking is typical of MWC fans...
I am LDS, Live in Utah and am not a Utah, USU, or BYU fan. Hard to imagine isnt it?
To Bleed Blue~ yes it is hard because you have to be willing to play on the road against some of the bigger schools. You need them more than they need you. If it means going to Oklahoma, or Georgia, or Florida to play them... then you do it. If you can show you can compete with them, THEN you get the respect.
I am LDS, Live in Utah and am not a Utah, USU, or BYU fan. Hard to imagine isnt it?
To Bleed Blue~ yes it is hard because you have to be willing to play on the road against some of the bigger schools. You need them more than they need you. If it means going to Oklahoma, or Georgia, or Florida to play them... then you do it. If you can show you can compete with them, THEN you get the respect.
Duh | 7:45 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Hey clueless, the reason teams like Oklahoma, Georgia or Florida are reluctant
to play BYU is because of the respect factor. They want to fill their
nonconference schedule with patsies. I don't blame them, their conference
schedule is tougher than the MWC. Other than the Zoobs, who else is there? Two
years in a row undefeated in conference you girls!!
Anonymous | 8:09 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Just let the season speak for itself!!!!!! We will know who is who when
November roles around!
Anonymous | 8:10 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Duh... you must be a BYU fan as you had to resort to name calling. Your logic
goes along with BYU scheduling USU and Northern Iowa. There are many other
schools to choose from. Even if it isnt a top 5 team.
A medioccre team should be able to go undefeated in that conference. It would be ideal if BYU could leave the MWC or bring in one or two more teams that would be competitive.
True to form of BYU fans, you cant see past the celestial glow of Lavell Edwards Stadium.
A medioccre team should be able to go undefeated in that conference. It would be ideal if BYU could leave the MWC or bring in one or two more teams that would be competitive.
True to form of BYU fans, you cant see past the celestial glow of Lavell Edwards Stadium.
Bob in line | 8:14 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
BYU fans have a reason to crow. Now if they start talking national championship
they are going too far.
Let's get back to BCS 101. The BCS was created, in a different form, back in the 1980's. Actually, its infancy was created after some team that was not from one of the all-hallowed conferences won a national championship. I believe it was 1984. The big conferences with the big TV contracts got together and said "Never again!" Thus was born the BCS.
In order for the BCS to not get ripped apart for violating the Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890 they have to have a legitimate bone to throw. Remember Sen McConnell and others threatening to have the Justice Deptarment take a look at the BCS? It is rigged to keep 2/3 of the nation out.
In any case, in order to keep the Justice Department at bay the unwritten rule is that if a Div-1 team goes undefeated they get a BCS consolation bowl. Doesn't matter that Hawaii's strength of schedule was like 105th. Either that or Justice Department climbs in with a dozen different Federal laws.
If BYU goes undefeated they will get a BCS invite. Period!
Let's get back to BCS 101. The BCS was created, in a different form, back in the 1980's. Actually, its infancy was created after some team that was not from one of the all-hallowed conferences won a national championship. I believe it was 1984. The big conferences with the big TV contracts got together and said "Never again!" Thus was born the BCS.
In order for the BCS to not get ripped apart for violating the Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890 they have to have a legitimate bone to throw. Remember Sen McConnell and others threatening to have the Justice Deptarment take a look at the BCS? It is rigged to keep 2/3 of the nation out.
In any case, in order to keep the Justice Department at bay the unwritten rule is that if a Div-1 team goes undefeated they get a BCS consolation bowl. Doesn't matter that Hawaii's strength of schedule was like 105th. Either that or Justice Department climbs in with a dozen different Federal laws.
If BYU goes undefeated they will get a BCS invite. Period!
USC | 8:48 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
congratulations! as a fellow top 25 ranked team, we would like to welcome you.
maybe you can run the table and become mediocre.
Re USC | 9:19 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Mediocre like USC or did you have another top 25 ranked team in mind?
Anonymous | 9:42 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
If you consider USC mediocre, no wonder you think BYU deserves to be ranked
higher than 16 and be BCS busters.
SC showed what they could do to BYU a few years ago. I was there for that beautiful game.
SC showed what they could do to BYU a few years ago. I was there for that beautiful game.
Re: Chuckles55 | 9:44 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Dude you sound like a BYU fan that has came through a time machine from 2005.
Newsflash, 11-2 is not inconsistent, especially when doing it 2 years in a row.
A 10 game winning streak is not inconsistent. Under crowton, yes byu was
inconsistent and I also wanted to stop watching. But you probably haven't
been watching lately because we didn't earn our preseason rankings that we
currently have by being inconsistent.
Anonymous | 10:07 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Why has it taken you so long to welcome us to the top 25? BYU has finished 24
spots ahead of their preseason ranking the last two years. Why do I mention
this? Well, I would have to say that USC is the most overrated team in the
nation. I do admit that in the times of Leinart & Bush USC was great, but
what do you have now? From what I have seen of Sanchez, I'm not impressed,
at least to the point that he is a quarterback of a team in the preseason top
10. Maybe a little work with Sarkisian will help, otherwise you are helpless.
Re: Duh | 10:09 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
"...the reason teams like Oklahoma, Georgia or Florida are reluctant to
play BYU is because of the respect factor. They want to fill their nonconference
schedule with patsies."
Your logic is flimsy. Neither Texas nor Oklahoma is afraid to schedule TCU. Wisconsin and Rutgers haven't shied away from Fresno St. The SEC will play Southern Mississippi. These aren't cream puff opponents. These are strong teams from the MWC, WAC, and C-USA that are NOT regarded lighter than BYU. The cougars could have scheduled Florida, LSU, Rutgers,...,even Fresno St. since they were all seeking opening opponents for this season, but the cougars opted for Northern Iowa. Bronco himself said, "...the model has been set", suggesting an easier, "2007 Hawai'i" schedule was the road to the BCS. It doesn't appear that it's the BCS teams that are afraid of BYU. It would appear to me it's the other way around.
Be honest. Duh!
Your logic is flimsy. Neither Texas nor Oklahoma is afraid to schedule TCU. Wisconsin and Rutgers haven't shied away from Fresno St. The SEC will play Southern Mississippi. These aren't cream puff opponents. These are strong teams from the MWC, WAC, and C-USA that are NOT regarded lighter than BYU. The cougars could have scheduled Florida, LSU, Rutgers,...,even Fresno St. since they were all seeking opening opponents for this season, but the cougars opted for Northern Iowa. Bronco himself said, "...the model has been set", suggesting an easier, "2007 Hawai'i" schedule was the road to the BCS. It doesn't appear that it's the BCS teams that are afraid of BYU. It would appear to me it's the other way around.
Be honest. Duh!
I knew a clown named chuckles | 10:20 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
"chuckles55 | 6:04 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
As in years past, I predict that BYU will be its own worst enemy. They have always played very inconsistently"
Two years undefeated in conference? Longest win streak in the nation?
Show me a team with more consistency.
Blowing out UCLA and getting shut out by UNLV, losing to Air force.
That, my friend is inconsistent play. I suggest going out and buying a dictionary, a ESPN college football preview magazine, and start understanding college sports.
As in years past, I predict that BYU will be its own worst enemy. They have always played very inconsistently"
Two years undefeated in conference? Longest win streak in the nation?
Show me a team with more consistency.
Blowing out UCLA and getting shut out by UNLV, losing to Air force.
That, my friend is inconsistent play. I suggest going out and buying a dictionary, a ESPN college football preview magazine, and start understanding college sports.
Re: Anonymous @ 9:42 p.m. | 10:24 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Ya, the funny thing about that is that we were under one of the worst coaches in
the country at that time and when we played USC @ USC we were down either a
touchdown or less than a touchdown with under 5 minutes to go and had the ball
before turning it over.
It should never have been close especially when you have all of that help from recruiting.
If I were you, I wouldn't be bragging about being at that game where BYU was at the low point of its program and USC was near the high point.
I would love to see a BCS bowl game with BYU playing USC or maybe even another LV bowl if USC chokes (wouldn't surprise me with the lack of talent this year on offense.)
It should never have been close especially when you have all of that help from recruiting.
If I were you, I wouldn't be bragging about being at that game where BYU was at the low point of its program and USC was near the high point.
I would love to see a BCS bowl game with BYU playing USC or maybe even another LV bowl if USC chokes (wouldn't surprise me with the lack of talent this year on offense.)
Anonymous | 10:30 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I totally agree that preseason polls mean nothing.
However, the only thing it really does is separate the men from the boys. 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, no huge difference.
Still gotta win on the field.
Bieng ranked top 25 mens smoething, that is if you believe coach Majerus,who hung his hat on being a top 25 team each year.
I does seperate the Ohio States, the BYUs, the Trojans, the Sun Devils from the Utah States, the Weber States, the North Texs States, the Utes...
It gives you pictre who has a real shot.
When was the last time a non-BCS team made a BCS bowl working it's way down from #28 preseason?
Utahs best bowl possible will be in Vegas, anly if BYU goes BCS.
However, the only thing it really does is separate the men from the boys. 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, no huge difference.
Still gotta win on the field.
Bieng ranked top 25 mens smoething, that is if you believe coach Majerus,who hung his hat on being a top 25 team each year.
I does seperate the Ohio States, the BYUs, the Trojans, the Sun Devils from the Utah States, the Weber States, the North Texs States, the Utes...
It gives you pictre who has a real shot.
When was the last time a non-BCS team made a BCS bowl working it's way down from #28 preseason?
Utahs best bowl possible will be in Vegas, anly if BYU goes BCS.
wYo8 | 10:55 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Re: Duh seems like all those teams have to go and play the bcs schools on the
road. Byu has the fan base and stadium to warrent a home and home series.
To bleed blue | 10:55 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I think you're right because this year Fans expectations vs reality is
factored into the BCS formula. News flash the AP and Coaches poll people
don't read these columns.
And to all the people that think BYU isn't ready to hang with the Big Boys like Oklahoma, ask yourself when was the last time Oklahoma won a BCS bowl game? Oh and Missouri didn't make it to a BCS game (remember steve young against missouri too).
And to all the people that think BYU isn't ready to hang with the Big Boys like Oklahoma, ask yourself when was the last time Oklahoma won a BCS bowl game? Oh and Missouri didn't make it to a BCS game (remember steve young against missouri too).
RE: No Problem | 3:52 p.m. | 11:01 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Oh, come on. Washington a "bottom feeder"? You been smoking something
you need to talk to your bishop about? You know anything about Husky QB Jake
Locker? A word of advice to you: NEVER, EVER underestimate the Pac-10.
History lesson in brief, easy-to-digest snippets, for you and anyone who's either forgotten or never learned:
*Oct. 29, 1994.
*Cougar Stadium.
*BYU 7-1.
*ASU 2-5.
*Cougar fans crow before game about "bottom feeding" Sun Devils, etc., etc.
*HUGE mistake. DEVILS dominate game from start to finish--in Provo! On a "down year"!
*Cougars lose 36-15, and lucky to score even 15!
Washington's picked to finish 4-8, but then again, they haven't played the games yet. Besides, they play in one of the toughest conferences in the country. One of the "4" could easily be a non-conference opponent--including... well, you take a good guess!
If all this BCS talk ends Sept. 6 IN SEATTLE--you remember they're playing there, right?--or even the next week, in Provo at the hands of currently non-ranked UCLA--please don't say nobody warned you.
And PLEASE stop dissing the most quality opponents you can manage to scrape up. Thank you.
History lesson in brief, easy-to-digest snippets, for you and anyone who's either forgotten or never learned:
*Oct. 29, 1994.
*Cougar Stadium.
*BYU 7-1.
*ASU 2-5.
*Cougar fans crow before game about "bottom feeding" Sun Devils, etc., etc.
*HUGE mistake. DEVILS dominate game from start to finish--in Provo! On a "down year"!
*Cougars lose 36-15, and lucky to score even 15!
Washington's picked to finish 4-8, but then again, they haven't played the games yet. Besides, they play in one of the toughest conferences in the country. One of the "4" could easily be a non-conference opponent--including... well, you take a good guess!
If all this BCS talk ends Sept. 6 IN SEATTLE--you remember they're playing there, right?--or even the next week, in Provo at the hands of currently non-ranked UCLA--please don't say nobody warned you.
And PLEASE stop dissing the most quality opponents you can manage to scrape up. Thank you.
To Bleed Blue | 6:14 p.m. | 11:11 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Applause! I hope many of your fellow Cougar fans are listening. You're a
voice of reason in a heads-in-the-cloud world, man. You win games ON THE FIELD.
Not by talking smack on inane comment boards.
I predict BYU will win the National Championship--in Fans Most Likely to Count Their BCS Chickens Before The Eggs Hatch.
Honestly, folks. You guys ever heard the saying, "Pride goeth before the fall?" Remember that. You just might learn exactly what it means--the hard way.
If I were you, I wouldn't even overlook Northern Iowa. Even THEY are more dangerous than most of you think they are.
I predict BYU will win the National Championship--in Fans Most Likely to Count Their BCS Chickens Before The Eggs Hatch.
Honestly, folks. You guys ever heard the saying, "Pride goeth before the fall?" Remember that. You just might learn exactly what it means--the hard way.
If I were you, I wouldn't even overlook Northern Iowa. Even THEY are more dangerous than most of you think they are.
Patata Brava | 11:27 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
to Re: Duh at 10:09 pm
Your examples (and logic) fall flat. The reason why Texas and Oklahoma aren't afraid to play TCU away is because it would essentially be a home game for both of them. I live in Dallas and Texas/A&M/Oklahoma stickers beat out TCU stickers probably 97% to 3%. TCU just doesn't have that big of a following here. I can't speak for Fort Worth, but just 30 miles away from TCU, they might as well be 400 miles away.
As for your other examples, BYU wanted a home game. Understand? A home game. Getting the cougars to play in Florida might not be hard. Getting LSU, Florida or Rutgers to play in Provo is a different matter. BYU would have ended up playing more away games than home games. Why purposefully disadvantage yourself, especially if Urban wouldn't make the return trip to Provo?
Look, Nevada backed out. I know that Utah State would have probably backed out of playing anyone to play the Cougars, but we already scheduled them. So Northern Iowa it is.
Word to the athletics department - never purposefully schedule Utah State. That way if someone else bails, they'll be plan B.
Your examples (and logic) fall flat. The reason why Texas and Oklahoma aren't afraid to play TCU away is because it would essentially be a home game for both of them. I live in Dallas and Texas/A&M/Oklahoma stickers beat out TCU stickers probably 97% to 3%. TCU just doesn't have that big of a following here. I can't speak for Fort Worth, but just 30 miles away from TCU, they might as well be 400 miles away.
As for your other examples, BYU wanted a home game. Understand? A home game. Getting the cougars to play in Florida might not be hard. Getting LSU, Florida or Rutgers to play in Provo is a different matter. BYU would have ended up playing more away games than home games. Why purposefully disadvantage yourself, especially if Urban wouldn't make the return trip to Provo?
Look, Nevada backed out. I know that Utah State would have probably backed out of playing anyone to play the Cougars, but we already scheduled them. So Northern Iowa it is.
Word to the athletics department - never purposefully schedule Utah State. That way if someone else bails, they'll be plan B.
Get facts straight. | 12:13 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008
Hey Movin' on UP!: why don't you get your facts straight.
Georgia is ASU's 4th games of the season, not the first. The same for Georgia, ASU is 4th in their schedule this year.
ASU has a be the next week then plays CAL followed by USC.
Georgia is ASU's 4th games of the season, not the first. The same for Georgia, ASU is 4th in their schedule this year.
ASU has a be the next week then plays CAL followed by USC.
dc | 12:14 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008
It's nice to see that Mendenhall has put together a program that has
re-gained national recognition and begins the season with a top 20 ranking.
Concerning strength of schedule, it was difficult to foresee that UW and UCLA,
two normally strong programs, would quite possibly have weaker teams than usual
entering 08. Respect in earned in victories. It would be wise for BYU not to
look past No. Iowa., else all of the pre-season accolades could dissipate in
just a few short hours on the 30th. Any team is capable of an upset, so notch
the victories before we begin talk of running the table. The BCS will take care
of itself as the wins come. Then BYU will have the opportunity to disprove
critics on a national stage in January when they take on a true top tier team.
Bakerb | 12:21 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008
There were several teams that were willing to invite BYU to play an opening
game, however, none were willing to come to Provo. BYU would have been forced
to give up a Home Game to play one of the open BCS Schools.
BKB
BKB
RE:Anonymous 10:30 PM-too funny! | 1:09 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008
Wow if this is the caliber of a BYU education, good move for dodging the church
school.
"Bieng ranked top 25 mens smoething" Is this German?
"I does separate" Karl Malone:)
"gives you pictre" ok it is only one letter . . .
"anly if BYU" interpretation of this is scary.
Ok I understand if I mispell a word in my post here I will be ripped but this post shows that BYU football draws a "dumbed down" fan base of zealots who know somehow they are destined to be great but unfortunately have to live on the MTN to do it. Great that BYU will be playing on national television in whatever bowl game they get in. The rest of their schedule is so weak. Classic Hawaii here; Utah, Utah State and Washington are not going to get it done. Keep in mind the weakness of this lame conference. Where is a legit team on this schedule? No where-they should be undefeated but guarantee they won't because the Cougars are Mountain tough, not PAC or SEC tough. Go Hawaii . . . I mean BYU, nice SOS.
Cougars are Weak:)
NO I am not a Yewt-but thanks anyway.
"Bieng ranked top 25 mens smoething" Is this German?
"I does separate" Karl Malone:)
"gives you pictre" ok it is only one letter . . .
"anly if BYU" interpretation of this is scary.
Ok I understand if I mispell a word in my post here I will be ripped but this post shows that BYU football draws a "dumbed down" fan base of zealots who know somehow they are destined to be great but unfortunately have to live on the MTN to do it. Great that BYU will be playing on national television in whatever bowl game they get in. The rest of their schedule is so weak. Classic Hawaii here; Utah, Utah State and Washington are not going to get it done. Keep in mind the weakness of this lame conference. Where is a legit team on this schedule? No where-they should be undefeated but guarantee they won't because the Cougars are Mountain tough, not PAC or SEC tough. Go Hawaii . . . I mean BYU, nice SOS.
Cougars are Weak:)
NO I am not a Yewt-but thanks anyway.
Ranking says it all | 3:35 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008
Despite what the clueless naysayers think (most of them don't think), the
preseason Top 25 rankings say it all.
The national media and coaches already have respect for the BYU football program.
Regardless of the so-called "weak" schedule (TCU and Utah will probably be BYU's toughest opponents), if BYU stays undefeated, they'll end the season ranked in the top 5 or 6, and they'll be a lock for a BCS bid.
One game at a time now Cougar faithful. Remember, on any given Sunday, even the "mighty" have proven that they're mortal:
In 2007:
Michigan vs Appalachian State
USC vs Stanford
Texas vs Kansas State
The national media and coaches already have respect for the BYU football program.
Regardless of the so-called "weak" schedule (TCU and Utah will probably be BYU's toughest opponents), if BYU stays undefeated, they'll end the season ranked in the top 5 or 6, and they'll be a lock for a BCS bid.
One game at a time now Cougar faithful. Remember, on any given Sunday, even the "mighty" have proven that they're mortal:
In 2007:
Michigan vs Appalachian State
USC vs Stanford
Texas vs Kansas State
AP also rans | 3:46 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008
26 South Carolina 84
27 Fresno State 83
28 California 59
29 UTAH 53
30 Cincinnati 44
31 Florida State 41
32 MICHIGAN 36
33 Boston College 32
33 Rutgers 32
35 Michigan State 21
36 Boise State 17
37 Arkansas 14
37 North Carolina 14
39 Connecticut 10
40 Tulsa 7
41 UCLA 6
42 OREGON STATE 5
43 Mississippi State 4
44 Virginia 4
45 Arizona 3
46 Nebraska 2
46 Notre Dame 2
48 Hawaii 1
48 WASHINGTON 1
27 Fresno State 83
28 California 59
29 UTAH 53
30 Cincinnati 44
31 Florida State 41
32 MICHIGAN 36
33 Boston College 32
33 Rutgers 32
35 Michigan State 21
36 Boise State 17
37 Arkansas 14
37 North Carolina 14
39 Connecticut 10
40 Tulsa 7
41 UCLA 6
42 OREGON STATE 5
43 Mississippi State 4
44 Virginia 4
45 Arizona 3
46 Nebraska 2
46 Notre Dame 2
48 Hawaii 1
48 WASHINGTON 1
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Fui Vakapuna and the BYU Cougars will start their BCS quest from the No. 16 ranking.
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