Deseret News | BYU slips one spot while Utah climbs in latest college football polls; Oklahoma No. 1

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BYU slips one spot while Utah climbs in latest college football polls; Oklahoma No. 1

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Who cares? | 11:17 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Nobody cares about the polls...at least they shouldn't care. They're a sham. Just wait until the BCS poll comes out, or until later in the season. We're only halfway through the season, and there are plenty of top-10 teams that will lose at least 1 game. Until then, I'm gonna go back to sleep.

GO USU | 11:17 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Either BYU is overrated or USU is underrated? Which do you prefer?

Bob in line | 11:24 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Far less damage than I had expected, only dropping one spot in the polls.

From other comments by officianados the problem that BYU faces now is that of the 8 teams ahead of them one is a one-loss team, USC.

Of course BYU needs to win out the schedule, beat TCU and Utah, both on the road. For the sake of climbing in the polls BYU needs to thrash New Mexico this coming week. If TCU can win convincingly then maybe they will be in the top-25 when we play them in a couple of weeks. And of course, we need to beat them solidly as well.

By thrashing New Mexico this week, and if USC has a mediocre performance we could jump one spot ahead of them.

I think the trick is to win big and let the other teams beat each other up, like Oklahoma and Texas this week.

If both BYU and Utah are consistent then the showdown on Nov 22 should be two top-10 teams from the MWC fighting it out for a BCS bid. And so long as Austin Collie and company stop dropping balls, we should be OK in that game.

Go BYU!

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 11:28 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

I think it is funny that the studentbody chants "overrated" when they lose by three touchdowns - they sure don't expect much from their team - it really doesn't matter how any of us rates anything - it will play itself out

Re: Who cares? | 11:32 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

It is undeniable that polls are huge for recruiting. While you're sleeping through the season waiting for the BCS polls to come out, the nation's top seniors are picking which top-ranked schools they would like to play for.

BCS influence already beginning | 11:35 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

As the first one-loss BCS conference team has already jumped ahead of the Cougars. And USC will not be the last.

It is only a matter of weeks before the first two-loss BCS teams is voted ahead of the Cougs.

Any NC aspirations are only delusional, as BYU is and will remain only a pretender-at least for the near future.

Style Points | 11:36 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

BYU is giving HATERS more ammunition by tip-toeing past graveyard opponents like USU.

BYU needs to put EYE-POPING numbers up on everyone left on the schedule. Anything less could doom the Cougars to some lesser bowl game than one of the BCS games they so desperatly covet.

Lehi cougar fan | 11:36 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

No worries Cougarfans. BYU will refocus this next weekend and dominate New Mexico. I expect the offense to come out firing on all cylinders. My prediction: BYU 49 New Mexico 10 Then the Cougars will pull out a close one at TCU the following week BYU 17 TCU 10

On the other hand, some of the teams above BYU over the next two weeks will fall. Missouri has to play hot Oklahoma State and then Texas the following week. Oklahoma plays Texas and LSU plays Florida at Florida, both next week. Bottom line: If BYU wins out they'll be in a BCS game.

Steven Jarvis | 11:44 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

BYU does not need to worry about USC this year because the MWC has a better computer profile than the PAC10 this year. They win out, they are guaranteed to make a BCS game.

There is little to no chance that BYU or Utah make the title game by going undefeated. The B12 and the SEC have the inside edge on that game (Oklahoma Vs. Fla is my prediction) even with one loss teams. However a miracle could occur.

If somehow no one makes it through the SEC or B10 without two losses, it could happen. But even then I suspect the B12 will have two representatives in the title game before our league gets a shot.

Clueless | 11:57 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

I have to laugh at the clueless naysayers predicting that all of the one-loss and two-loss BCS conference teams will pass BYU in the polls. It's obvious from their opinions that they haven't followed the polls all that long.

USC was a special case; a former #1 who solidly beat another Top 25 team, and the Trojans only passed BYU in the AP; in the Coaches poll BYU is still ahead of USC.

Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech all play each other. Alabama and LSU play. Penn St still plays at Wisconsin and Ohio State.

BYU still has too potential Top 25 teams on their schedule.

As long as the Cougars take care of business and win out, they'll be ranked in the Top 5 when they play Utah in November. Anything is possible from that point, including a possible berth in the NC game.

Bleeding_Blue | 12:07 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

I think USC would have jumped BYU this week regardless of the score in the USU game. That's just how the pollsters think. It doesn't really matter in the long term, BYU and UTAH and other BCS busting hopefuls still just need to prove it on the field.

Fully Invested | 12:07 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

This is what I expected. If BYU had won 60 to 0 USC still would have passed them in the polls. USC killed a ranked team. I have no problem with that.

Sam | 12:08 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Its not Utah that is going to be the biggest test for BYU, its TCU. I feel they will likely be the MWC champs this year. They will have no problem with Utah either.
Go Cougs!

Chuckle | 12:10 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

"Anything is possible from that point, including a possible berth in the NC game."

Thanks, I hadn't had a good laugh today. Now I feel like watching last night's SNL debate.

To All Ute Fans: | 12:11 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

stop running your mouth or you will get popped in it come Nov. 22.

Lehi cougar fan | 12:14 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

All BYU needs to do is keep winning and keep playing well. I agree that style points help in the polls, but the most important thing is that they most importantly win and secondly play well. I don't care if you're in the SEC, MWC, PAC 10 or WAC, going undefeated is extremely difficult to do and the polls will appreciate that and reward it. Also, let's be realistic, it's very unlikely that the Cougars will be ranked 1 or 2 in the final BCS poll at the end of the season, but making it to a BCS game and winning a BCS bowl game would be a tremendous accomplishment. To get the automatic bid, they just have to win out and it's a done deal. I actually hope that USC keeps winning and keeps winning big so that they will make it to the title game. That will open up a spot in the Rose Bowl so that BYU could then play the big 10 champion. That would be sweet!!!!!

to: USU | 12:15 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

OK, USU, if it makes you feel better make this addendum to the polls: Receiving Votes-Utah State,points-1/2, rank-114, last week-115

There, now go back to your celebration of the moral victory from only losing by 20!

I think this week's poll reflects a little more accuratly where both BYU and Utah should be

Not so fast | 12:16 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

BYU fell to 16th in the overall Sagarin ratings, part of the BCS formula. In the Sagarin ELO chess, that the BCS uses, BYU fell to 41. They are far behind Boise State, Utah, and TCU.

Friday night was an unmitigated disaster. If Boise goes undefeated, which is very likely, nobody from the MWC goes to the BCS.

TCU is getting hosed | 12:19 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Wow I cant believe it. TCU loses to the number one team and they drop out of the polls while USC loses to OSU and stays in the top 10. They are better than the rankings (or lack thereof) they are getting.

TCU will knock off either BYU or Utah. They are a good team and as a cougar fan, I'm more worried about the TCU game than I am about the BYU vs. Utah game.

oregon | 12:21 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

is not a real ranked team. they have no quarterback, and they stink. they will finish in the middle of the Pac-10.

Lehi cougar fan | 12:23 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

BYU in the national championship game this year is not going to happen, nor do I want it to happen because they would probably get throttled by an Oklahoma or USC. Best case scenario is to hope for a BCS game against a Big Ten team like Ohio State. Win that game and they'll gain a ton of respect and momentum for next year when you can make a true run at the title. GO COUGARS!!

UteofUtah | 12:24 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

BYU will continue to move higher as other teams start having one and two losses, then they will lose a close one to Utah and Utah will have a 2nd BCS berth.

Re: Sam | 12:29 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

You and the rest of Zoobie nation keep trying to convince yourselves of that one.

Again, you still have yet to play anyone at all. Your schedule has to be one of the weakest in the nation and definitely one of the weakest of the top 25 teams.

Watch out for the UTES they are breathing down your necks now and will show you Nov. 22nd what true domination is all about!!

GO UTES!!!!

Re: To All Ute Fans | 12:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Wow! Supreme confidence with a threat to boot. Unfortunately the same could be said to Cougar fans.

Scoobie | 12:33 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Big deal....... so we dropped a notch in somebody's mythical who's who's.......We moved up last week with out even a snap of the ball. These guys and their computers seldom get it right. Do expect to see more of the same.

Thanks to the insistance of the Rose Bowl the AP doesn't even count anymore......even the six BCS polls are based on human element input.... still with bias so they can't even agree. Ohio State the Alma Matre of the BCS's brainchild is still floundering and USC is the PAC's only remaining hope.......don't be surprised when the Rose Bowl is forced into putting up For Rent or For Sale signs and looking for new lodgers. Things are not well in the BCS's two Showcase conferences

funny comments | 12:34 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

all season long cougar fans have been looking to the polls as a source of validation of how good their program is. now this week, as the cougars slip, the rankings are suddenly something that "nobody cares about." Cougar fans, you can't have it both ways.

San Diego Ute Fan | 12:37 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Re: To All Ute Fans 12:11 p.m.

Calm down buddy! You are so typical of the many ugly BYU fans that pollute this forum. Relax, enjoy the ride, and let the Utes & Cougars settle it on the field. Jeesh, you people are so classless! Jerks like you give our rivalry and conference a bad name.

Re: GO USU | 12:37 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

That would be...USU is "never rated".

BYU | 12:39 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

better get real about the Utes. the Utes are well ahead of the Cougars in Elo (BCS like) poll and schedule strength is more then 50 spots higher. the Utes get BYU at home as well as TCU. Year before last aside the Utes are a good home team and BYU is a top ten team at home and about bottom 50 away....stay myopic or get real right now the Utes have the inside track

Lehi cougar fan | 12:40 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Not so Fast - If both BYU and Boise State both win out, I doubt that Boise State would jump ahead of BYU. Strength of schedule is only a component of the BCS rankings. Besides, it's likely that if BYU beats both Utah and TCU, that their strength of schedule will be higher than Boise State since both BYU and TCU would be ranked including Utah in the top 15 if they are undefeated going into Nov 22nd. Winning out is the key and all else will fall into place.

re- to all ute fans | 12:40 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

who is going to pop us in the mouth? You said to the fans, so are you going to come pop us in the mouth if we run our mouth? Dork

Fully Invested | 12:41 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

To Not so fast, you are wrong. By the end of the year if BSU goes undefeated, none of their opponents will be in the top 25. However , if BYU or Utah goes undefeated, there may be two of their opponents in the top 25, with a win over a top 10 team during the season. With the exception of Fresno State, WAC teams need to realize that by the end of the year their strength of schedule won't hold a candle to that of MWC teams.

sob | 12:43 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

to to all you ute fans 12:11
sounds like someones alligator mouth is over loading their humming bird butt.

USC didn't jump BYU... | 12:46 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

...because of BCS bias. They jumped BYU because they destroyed Oregon who was ranked 23. And BYU had a very lackluster performance against a poor team. One loss or whatever...both performances warranted the movement in the polls.

Fully Invested | 12:48 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

San Diego Ute Fan, you , by your own words, have proven that some Ute fans are no better than some BYU fans. Classless? Jerks? In my experience, people with nothing intelligent to say usually resort to calling names. Way to represent our rivalry.

Lehi cougar fan | 12:51 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

To San Diego Ute Fan:

I agree. Let's cut out the insults and talk intelligent football. Besides, it's awesome to see both BYU and Utah ranked in the top 15. When has that ever happened? Enjoy the ride as President Monson just counseled in his conference talk. :-)

Funny | 12:52 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

I find it funny how most of you on here are in complete denial. USC jumps over you because the national scene is not going to allow BYU to have any chance of a NC. Every national power will have to lose twice (2 times) for BYU to even be considered. Stop the crazy talk on here and live with the reality that NC games are not in your future. Perhpaps you are the same people who tell your 16 year old son that he is the best player on the team when he was no talent?

WhyGuy | 12:56 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Big time cougar fan here but I have this terrible feeling that TCU is going to end the dream for us after that It's down hill.

BYU ALWAYS | 12:56 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

We are the best team in the country. Max Hall said we can take on anyone.

Lehi cougar fan | 12:57 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

sob: go post somewhere else unless you want to talk football

Utes and Cougs unite! | 1:02 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

President Eyring just gave a great talk on unity. I think we should all unite and be better neighbors and friends. I love the Utes and I love the Cougs!

I don't understand | 1:02 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

What I don't understand is how Alabama BARELY beat Kentucky, yet stayed comfortably in their #2 spot. If we're gonna dish out the smack talk, let's dish it out to everyone. You can't say that BYU loses in style points but then not say anything about some of the other near losses from top teams. I agree that the 4th quarter was a disaster, but we still creamed USU. A 20-point win is still a decent beating.

Clueless | 1:03 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Ute fans are clueless about SOS

Lehi cougar fan | 1:06 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

I have no problem with USC jumping in the polls. If you watched the game, they were very impressive against Oregon. Their skill players are amazing. Don't forget they thumped Ohio State a few weeks ago. I actually hope they continue to roll and go to the BCS title game because then that opens up a spot for BYU to possibly get picked by the Rose Bowl, which would be better than playing against an SEC team in the Sugar Bowl down in New Orleans.

SCHEDULING | 1:08 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Can somebody please tell me which teams are going to be really good in 2016? I'm trying to put together a list for some of the coaches of teams that will be awesome in 2016 so they can get their schedules in place by next year.

It's just so hard for me, though, because I know that when teams are scheduled so far in advance, nobody knows who will be good 5 years down the road. I really need all your help in making a killer schedule so my team can bust into the BCS in 2016 by showing that we beat some legitimate teams.

I would just schedule Michigan, but this year makes me wonder about how good they are. I would just schedule USC, but they're also kind of spotty this year. So, I need your help.

Please, tell me which teams are gonna be worthy foes in 2016...I'm so confused!!

Re: clueless | 1:10 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Gerneralizations like yours are clueless.

best for the MWC... | 1:14 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

...if BYU, the U, and TCU end ranked and better yet if both BYU and the U get to go to BCS games. That one of them has to loose next month in Rice Eccles will probably prevent that of course.
But look what it would do for recruiting. The MWC would become an increasingly demand-respect conference. I had wished that BYU could go PAC-10 because it would make them a better team over the coming years. But if BYU & U can go BCS then they won't need to leave to get stronger, nor would the U.

Road struggles | 1:16 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

BYU has more points this week than last week...it's just repositioning. BUT, I don't think it's ironic that BYU has dropped after both road games this year. They aren't that tough on the road. The talent doesn't go away, but the toughness does. That's scary for TCU, AFA, and Utah down the road. Don't count the eggs yet. They haven't hatched.

Gary | 1:20 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Funny how ute fans keep talking about BYU dropping. the only reason they moved up is because two teams in front of them lost and they also got leaped by a team that was 4 spots behind them.

Fully Invested | 1:20 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

SCHEDULING, nice point.

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