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'Big 3' continue to carry national image of MWC
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Can you not count? | 10:10 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
It is the big two. TCU and BYU!
bigutefan | 11:02 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
When the Utes win out.....it will be as usual, Utes carrying the conference.
Big 2 | 11:43 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
Utah drops out after losing to Air Force.
Comments continue below
Big 1 | 11:48 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
Only one MWC team has done anything on the national stage, and that is Utah.
Don't expect anything TCU or BYU do this year to change that.
Anonymous | 12:33 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
It would be the "Big 4" if the MWC would finally invite Boise State
already. I am tired of talking about it. How much better would the conference be
if Utah, BYU, and TCU would all have to face a team currently rated #4 in the
BCS standings every season? The Mountain West champion would basically become a
de-facto BCS bowl team. The BCS cartel would eventually have to cower or face
severe penalty if they refuse to recognize something that would already exist:
the Mountain West would be a "BCS"-quality league with the addition of
BSU. Also, as a Utah fan, I believe that Utah's best games are ahead of
them. They are becoming more diverse as an offense with the loss of Matt Asiata.
Terrance Cain gets better every week. The Utes' next three games are all at
home. They will most likely be 8-1 and ranked near the Top 10 when they play TCU
in Fort Worth. GO UTES!!!!!!
No Boise State | 1:23 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
The MWC doesn't need Boise State to become the 7th AQ BCS conference after
2012; the MWC is already on track to do that.
Re: Anonymous | 12:33 a.m | 1:25 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Wow ... take off the rose colored goggles. First, the MWC already has enough
top 25 programs. (didn't you read this article ?) Second, adding Boise St
would most likely just end in the top teams all losing at least 1 game per yr
keeping all of us out of a BCS game. Third, the Utes offense is getting
'more diverse' and Cain is getting better ? You only managed 327 yds
against UNLV's sieve-like defense. How can you think they're getting
better ? You might not even gain 100 yds against TCU. Hope your defense can
score a bunch. Finally, prepare yourself to lose 1 of the next 3.
tony gonzalez | 5:44 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
What we learn from the first BCS release this year:
1) BYU is highly overrated. Ranked 16 in human poll, but 25 in the computer rankings.
2) Utah is very underrated. Number 14 in the computer rankings. Reason? They have won on the road and their only loss comes by one TD to a highly ranked opponent (also on the road)
3) BSU is right where they belong, number 5's across the board. This let them move up to 4 in the average rankings because the computers and human polls are mixed on the other top 10 teams.
4) Teams that don't belong anywhere near a top 25 ranking are: KANSAS and OHIO STATE, #33 and #32 respectively, in the computer rankings.
1) BYU is highly overrated. Ranked 16 in human poll, but 25 in the computer rankings.
2) Utah is very underrated. Number 14 in the computer rankings. Reason? They have won on the road and their only loss comes by one TD to a highly ranked opponent (also on the road)
3) BSU is right where they belong, number 5's across the board. This let them move up to 4 in the average rankings because the computers and human polls are mixed on the other top 10 teams.
4) Teams that don't belong anywhere near a top 25 ranking are: KANSAS and OHIO STATE, #33 and #32 respectively, in the computer rankings.
Vegas Vacation | 6:00 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
The Las Vegas Bowl is obligated to take the MWC #1 team. If that is TCU and TCU
goes to a BCS bowl, the Vegas bowl has to take the MWC #2, which would be BYU if
BYU beats Utah. So your scenario of Vegas skipping on BYU to get Utah (at MWC
#3) is not permitted. But it is all a moot point, because BYU will spoil
TCU's BCS hopes, eventually leapfrog Boise, and get the nod as the non-AQ
team busting the BCS. BYU has the largest national fan base, has a better
strength of schedule than Boise, and Cincinnati will lose and not finish in the
top 12, leaving the Big East champ not ranked higher than the highest ranked
non-AQ team.
Sorry! | 6:05 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Anon might be right, BSU deserves to play in a better league and the MWC does
have room for a couple more teams. Maybe they should invite BSU, the Vandals of
Idaho and Nevada making it two teams each from Utah, Idaho, Colorado, and
Nevada, plus one each from Wyoming, California, Texas, New Mexico. If Idaho
continues to play like they are they might just be a good match for BSU and
Nevada is every bit as good as UNLV, SDSU, and UNM. Otherwise BYU and Utah
really need to start courting the PAC for a place in the sun.
TCU is going to be a tough game on Saturday,but the winner will win the MWC championship. Utah cannot beat them both. Utah is going to end the season at best 10-2, before their bowl. BYU likely will end up the same. TCU will lose to one of Utah or BYU, but will be 11-1 and win the conference, but that is pretty darn respectable and should give the conference the right to join the BCS.
TCU is going to be a tough game on Saturday,but the winner will win the MWC championship. Utah cannot beat them both. Utah is going to end the season at best 10-2, before their bowl. BYU likely will end up the same. TCU will lose to one of Utah or BYU, but will be 11-1 and win the conference, but that is pretty darn respectable and should give the conference the right to join the BCS.
What's up? | 6:30 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Not sure that it would not make more since for Utah to join the WAC again, That
would make three teams to have played in BCS games in that conference.
Big 1 teams | 7:01 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
don't struggle to beat CSU and San Jose State.
Boise St and Fresno St | 7:02 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Lets add both of these teams. These are two schools that not only succeed in
football but have great athletic programs. If these two are in the MWC along
with our other great teams, it would make a good conference great. The MWC
would get more recognition if it got rid of the Mountain. I like it but it
takes away from the national spotlight in every sport, not just football.
The Truth | 7:42 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Boise would be a great addition in football, but not much else. The winner of
TCU/BYU will win the MWC this year, but unless Boise loses, will not be in a BCS
bowl and that is....THE TRUTH
Re: Vegas Vacation | 7:43 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Sorry, but you are wrong. If TCU went to a BCS bowl, the Vegas Bowl is able to
pick from among the remaining MWC teams.
Last year, BYU was #3 in the conference and TCU was #2, but the bowl decided to go with BYU over TCU.
Last year, BYU was #3 in the conference and TCU was #2, but the bowl decided to go with BYU over TCU.
Felix Urioste | 7:54 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
When byu loses to another 6-5 team in a bowl game, byu fans still wont be able
to figure out they're an average program.
Add Nevada??? | 8:13 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
You say the MWC should add Nevada because they're every bit as good as
UNLV, SDSU, and UNM. How in the world does it make the conference better to add
another team that's "as good" as three of our consistently worst
teams? Yipes, the thought of somebody in charge actually listening to that
suggestion is going to keep me up nights.
re: Can you not count? | 8:17 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
I like your style. Sticking with the number TWO, your supposed big two are
currently TWO BCS trips and wins behind Utah.
Until that changes, Utah is the flagbearer of the MWC.
Until that changes, Utah is the flagbearer of the MWC.
re: Big 1 teams | 8:20 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Or San Diego State. Or get drilled at home to a 2-4 team, by 26 points. Or to
Air Force by 3.
Oops. The big 3 just became the big ZERO according to your rules.
Oops. The big 3 just became the big ZERO according to your rules.
Y Grad / Y Dad | 8:24 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
My bowl game is THIS WEEK and it is TCU! We'll talk about the rest
later.
All world implications, at least for TCU, a partial national stage (come on ESPN, buy this game out!), a shot at redemption x 2, the rest of the universe (including Utah) can stand still for a week. This is THE ONE that matters. This week
All world implications, at least for TCU, a partial national stage (come on ESPN, buy this game out!), a shot at redemption x 2, the rest of the universe (including Utah) can stand still for a week. This is THE ONE that matters. This week
Utah Utes... | 8:25 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
were the second best team in the conference last year; however, they did have an
amazing game in the Sugar Bowl. TCU was a better team last year. TCU is the
best team in the conference again this year, but the best team doesn't
always win (see Utah last year).
If TCU makes a few major mistakes, like they did at Utah last year, then it will be BYU in the Vegas bowl, TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl and Utah in the New Mexico Bowl. YIPPEEE!!!
If TCU makes a few major mistakes, like they did at Utah last year, then it will be BYU in the Vegas bowl, TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl and Utah in the New Mexico Bowl. YIPPEEE!!!
Mouth on the Loose | 8:41 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Moose, did somebody spike your Kool Aid at the stake dance? Why don't you
compare 1984 to Utah's 2008 season when the Utes beat 4 ranked teams and
squashed a 12-1 Alabama team in the Sugar bowl, while in 84 BYU beat ZERO ranked
teams and barely escaped a loss to a mediocre 6-5 Michigan team. Paint that in
your stadium.
Anonymous | 8:42 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Just a reminder: the MWC does not stink. The ACC, Big 10 and Pac 10 aren't
any better. Seriously.
Wake Up To Reality | 8:43 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
I am a BYU fan, and hope they win out....it becomes a non issue for BYU and
Utah, because neither will win out. Have either of you fan boys seen TCU play?
They are goung to crush BYU AND UTAH in impressive fashion. Both BYU and UTAH
have great teams, but not anywhere close to TCU. The truth will come out this
Saturday at Lavell Edwards stadium.
Cougarf@n | 8:53 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
The best MWC game of the season will be BYU vs. TCU this Saturday. A battle
between the best offense and the best defense. Obviously I'll pick my
cougars to win a close one, but anyone who has watched both teams this season
would know that this game could go either way.
Remember that the MWC champion is a Boise State loss away from a BCS game, and if TCU wins out they'll likely pass up Boise State. Even Utah is poised to go BCS bowling again if they win out and BSU loses. I don't think Boise State will lose, but they've looked very vulnerable against Tulsa and even UC Davis. Just because they play some of the worst teams in D-I doesn't mean they can't have a down week and lose.
Remember that the MWC champion is a Boise State loss away from a BCS game, and if TCU wins out they'll likely pass up Boise State. Even Utah is poised to go BCS bowling again if they win out and BSU loses. I don't think Boise State will lose, but they've looked very vulnerable against Tulsa and even UC Davis. Just because they play some of the worst teams in D-I doesn't mean they can't have a down week and lose.
Cougarf@n | 9:00 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Re: Wake Up: I saw TCU barely beat mediocre Air Force and Clemson teams.
Don't get me wrong, I think TCU is a legitimate top-10 team and their D is
outstanding, but BYU can score on anyone and this will be a great game on
Saturday. If BYU wins then they will be a legitimate top-10 team. Absent a
complete meltdown in the TO ratio for either team, this game will be very close
and exciting.
Anonymous | 9:06 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Utes, you were great last year, but not this year! BYU over Utah for sure! Utah
will not be the MWC champs this year. See ya!
Anonymous | 9:17 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Re Utah utes ... Your right that's why tcu lost twice and Utah went
unbeaten
I think... | 9:18 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
BYU needs to take care of business. They need to concentrate on every down of
every series against TCU. SDSU showed that BYU defense is far from great. SDSU
is not a consistent team, whereas TCU may have what it takes to exploit BYUs
lack of concentration and heart. In Saturday's game, BYU stopped
SDSU's first drive and scored themselves. But then they got lazy and had
SDSU had a decent team, they would have stayed ahead of BYU the rest of the
game. To Max's credit, there were no interceptions, but that is more likely
because SDSU's defense just doesn't pick many passes. TCU may get a
few because they are a better defensive team. BYU could get behind early and
fall apart, like they did against a terrible FSU team. And Oklahoma doesn't
deserve to be #25 in the polls with 3 losses, so the luster of that win has
gone. Come on Cougs!
Udent | 9:25 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
This game will be epic
The Truth | 9:49 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Be told, it isn't how you start, its how you finish...and to those who say
if Utah was any good they shouldn't have struggled with San Jose or
CSU..you know nothing about football...The Utes play "UP" to
competion, let's be honset..without UTAH..they (BCS) would never haved
payed any attension to the the MWC..which TCU and BYU are reaping the
benefits...but as a Ute fan..I'm lovin the fact that no one has given the
Utes a chance..cause we all know..what happens when its all said and done...the
real school will be there @ the end...UTAH UTES BABE!!!!!!!!!!!
TCU | 10:05 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
is much better than those close games show. If you watched them play CSU then
you know they completely dominated them in a way neither Utah or BYU could. They
allowed CSU only 2 field goals in the very first part of the game, and after
that it was lights out, and TCU's offense is much more explosive this year.
They got the passing game going pretty well, and have a very good special teams.
BYU seemed to have struggled against SDSU which wasn't expected to have a
very good offense. It was a very close game, and it becomes apparent that an
interception by Johnson in the 2nd quarter could have been the difference.
kw | 10:29 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
I think what it boils down to in the MWC is that BYU has both at home. TCU has
one at home and 1 away. Utah has both TCU and BYU on the road. I think that is
going to make a major difference. TCU seems to be unstoppable at home.
re: TCU | 10:46 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
TCU is very strong at home, not as good on the road. They struggled at Air Force
winning only 20-17. BYU's offense is also, as you say, much more explosive
this year as well as being able to put together long time consuming drives.
I think the Cougars will have a very good chance against them this week unless several key players are suffering from the flu like in the SDSU game this past weekend. Hopefully those guys will be feeling much better for TCU.
I think the Cougars will have a very good chance against them this week unless several key players are suffering from the flu like in the SDSU game this past weekend. Hopefully those guys will be feeling much better for TCU.
The Big 3 Killed My Baby | 10:50 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
When will people learn. BYU will not win against TCU and they will not win
against UTAH. Not saying they are a bad team, BYU just cannot stop a good spread
offense with team speed. I think TCU exposed it last year, followed by Utah.
Then Florida State did the same thing this year. BYU does just great when it
faces a QB playing under center, but as soon as they see shotgun with elite
speed on the outside, well they cannot contain it. Care to disagree?
Utah Man | 10:52 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Blah, Blah, Blah BYU, TCU this and that. UNTIL U beat UTAH the defending CHAMPS
of the MWC then You aren't the better team. We all know that this weekend
will be "Chokefest II" in front of Gameday and the rest of the Nation.
TCU better than Utah? Last time I checked there are "NO" points for
missed field goals. The end result last year with all the chest thumping??? BYU
and TCU LOST to UTAH. Until that changes???? learn to shut! The UTES are the
No.1 team in the MWC until your team steps up and proves it on the field. BYU
will once again go to the LVBowl and play UCLA or Cal. TCU will go to San Diego
and the UTES will be going to Glendale and the Fiesta! Go Utes!!!
Big J | 10:59 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
What we have learned from prior years is this:
1. BYU starts the season strong and ends poorly. Their defense is suspect, especially the secondary. No real improvement over last year. Will probably lose to TCU, Utah and maybe Air Force. BYU will have three losses by year end.
2. Utah improves as the year goes on and plays their best football at year end. They might have a loss to TCU on the road and they always have trouble with Air Force. They should win in Provo. Possibly two losses at year end.
3. TCU is very consistent throughout the year. I am predicting a loss to Utah in Ft. Worth. In six tries, TCU has only beaten Utah once. That game ended in OT with a very controversial call. The Utes match up well with them. One loss at year end.
1. BYU starts the season strong and ends poorly. Their defense is suspect, especially the secondary. No real improvement over last year. Will probably lose to TCU, Utah and maybe Air Force. BYU will have three losses by year end.
2. Utah improves as the year goes on and plays their best football at year end. They might have a loss to TCU on the road and they always have trouble with Air Force. They should win in Provo. Possibly two losses at year end.
3. TCU is very consistent throughout the year. I am predicting a loss to Utah in Ft. Worth. In six tries, TCU has only beaten Utah once. That game ended in OT with a very controversial call. The Utes match up well with them. One loss at year end.
RR | 11:01 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Really tired of local writers joining the national media. Have you tried a
thing called, support? Doubt it. Writer is a glass half-empty kind of a guy.
Wake Up Y fans!!!! | 11:02 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Your BCS busting DREAM ended at the hands of FSU. You will not be going to a
BCS bowl game. That said, if you want to dream of being like Utah I can
understand.
John | 11:12 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Is there mountains in Ft. Worth??
UteFan | 11:13 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
should read big two. Utah and TCU. cougs will drop out of the top 25 after
losing to TCU this week. I know coug fans want to think of themselves as a top
25 program but they have not proven it. but, you do a pretty good job in the
vegas bowl every year. I predict the cougs will lose to Washington in the vegas
bowl this year.
Re: Utah Man | 11:20 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
You clearly have a U of U education. That rant was nearly unreadable. Please
have an East High soph English student proofread your next post please.
Re: UteFan | 11:13 a.m | 11:31 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
What exactly has TCU accomplished ? The past 3 yrs, BYU has more conference
championships, more wins, and more head-to-head wins against both TCU and Utah.
Utah could only manage 327 yds against a poor UNLV defense and you expect them
to win against BYU and TCU on the road against much better defenses ?
You'd better hope and pray Robert Johnson doesn't get hurt. He is
keeping your season together by himself.
BYU | 11:44 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Please state who where the 4 ranked teams that you beat last year? Yes one of
them was a ranked BYU team. To bad that Utah are never ranked when it matters
for the Y. Back in 1984 the ewe was no wear to be seen. Thanks for joining
the party this decade, your vast tradition started in 2004 with Urban. Prior to
that you where a blip on the map that showed up as another bad team that the Y
beat on a regular basis.
wallofvoodoo | 12:35 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Air Force might not be as big, but they are scrappy. I would hardly say we are
carrying them. They would be first & undefeated in a lot of other
conferences.
Cougarf@n | 12:58 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009
What is obvious is that most the posters (or should I say posers) on this board
don't remember anything past last year. BYU is 2-1 against TCU over the
last three years. Obviously last year was the most relevant year as both teams
have returned many of the players from those squads, but it's not the only
indicator. BYU can beat TCU, especially at home. I think BYU's offense is
more difficult to exploit this year than last because they spread the ball
around a lot more and when opposing defenses get too aggressive Max has been
throwing it in the flat to the RB's and TE's. The same people who
predicted a big win by OU are now predicting a big win by TCU. It's sink
or swim for BYU and I like their chances.
Re: BYU | 1:01 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009
Really? Who are the ranked teams? byU was the least at 25...Oregon State, TCU,
and Alabama also all finished ranked.
Stinky Ute-Air Farce-TCWho? | 1:08 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009
The fact is- the only real shot the MWC had was with BYU, that pipe dream was
shattered when FSU toolk them to the woodshed. Now, the Bosie State Nation (if
there is such a thing) will take the 1 non BCS spot, due to their 1 impressive
win, and crappy opponents. Who else do they have? Weakness, that's it.
Welcome to the Crapper Bowl...BYU,TCU,UTAH,and Air Farce.
re: RR | 1:12 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009
It is not the writer's job to be a cheerleader for the locals. He should be
fair and balanced. Oops, maybe those are the wrong words to use since there is a
network that uses that catch phrase but is anything but fair and balanced.
slccoyote | 1:31 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009
for the delusional byu fans who think that byu has dominated utah historically
in football: Utah leads the all-time series with BYU 53-33-4 (includes a 3-3
record when BYU was called BY Academy). Utah leads 35-17-3 in Salt Lake City
and yes, that includes the ladell anderson years where byu dominated utah for most of 2 decades.
the ranked teams utah beat last season included byu, tcu, oregon state, and alabama.
and yes, that includes the ladell anderson years where byu dominated utah for most of 2 decades.
the ranked teams utah beat last season included byu, tcu, oregon state, and alabama.
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