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Dick Harmon: Home fields will decide close games

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Home Field @ LES | 7:54 p.m. Oct. 23, 2009
BYU has a huge advantage over TCU.

TCU has not played on an abomination of a field like the wanna-be sod at LES.

BYU has had 3 home games to learn that how to run and how to cut on the ever-shifting sod.

Prediction, in a game determined by close plays, TCU loses out due in large part to not being used to playing on moving sod.
OldpuebloguyInWyo | 8:22 p.m. Oct. 23, 2009
I hope you are right. Seems like when I go to LES, they lose. When I watch on TV, they win....at least this year. I will be in setion 126 and expect the Cougs to win. Long drive from Wyoming to lose my faith in our boys!! BYU 26 TCU 21
TCU DEFENSE | 12:41 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Here kitty kitty.....WHAM!!!

TCU wins 27-13. Sorry cougs, speed kills.
Comments continue below
Good Call, Dick | 1:51 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
You aren't changing your call, Harmon. Early on you said BYU would lose to FSU OR TCU.

I don't think anyone can explain what happened when Bowden and Co. came to town. If the Cougs blow it today, we'll have the answer.

Revenge would be sweet. Can't wait for kickoff.

Go Cougs!!
Post Game Report | 5:05 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Here is the Post Game Report from Bronco:

"Well, we just didn't execute because I didn't prepare the team."

"BYU fans are still uneducated about football."


----------- In other news.....----------

BYU Football is now accepting applications for a new head coach who prepares the team and doesn't call his own fans uneducated.
Work Wins | 6:02 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
BYU will take it. They are not overlooking the Frogs and it will be the Frogs turn to wonder what happened. BYU by 10
LaVar the Utah Cat | 6:05 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Does Harmon know anything about sports? Utah football? Perhaps he meant Joe Dale instead of Joe Dell would be out this game. Is it any wonder newspapers are phasing out? I think poor writing is a significant part of the problem. If Harmon didn't make the error, then who did?
Dick | 6:14 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Utah's injured safety is named Joe Dale, not Joe Dell.
RR | 6:47 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
BYU has been mentioning they've been preparing for a long time for this game. Do unto others as others have done unto you. Today, TCU will be knocked out of the race. TCU isn't amazing on the road and their offense greatly lacks on the road. With BYU's domination at home in conference play, it's hard to predict a TCU win. If TCU prepared as well as last year, they may be tough to beat.
RE: Home Field @ LES | 7:02 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Don't both teams play on the same horrible turf? Additional, for all of the other folks that are hung up on the turf issue: Are you not aware that natural plants, are natural living cells, and mother nature takes care of them as best she can. It takes time for plants to grow a root structure and the grounds crew at LES can't make that happen faster than mother nature wants it to happen. The sod was laid the end of March, 1st of April. Most normal inhabitants, living in Utah, understand that is about the same time things start to grow.

The grass will root down and in the end LES will have natural "green" grass and not an extruded chemical product look-a-like.

I know there are many who would think the feet of the BYU players will not touch the same grass as the feet of the TCU players, but gravity is equal to both.

Let me break it down for those who still don't understand: "BOTH TEAMS PLAY ON THE SAME PATCH OF GRASS, WHETHER IT IS WET, DRY, CUT LONG, CUT SHORT, OR EVEN LOOSE!"


Bear Laker | 7:42 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
You will see a Cougar team execute to prefection today. TCU will be squashed. Everyone will be saying where has THIS team been all year. Sorry cougar haters, you will go to bed tonite very discouraged. Fact of life.
Anonymous | 8:24 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Speed kills....blah blah blah. Yes, sometimes it does. Every team BYU plays,is faster than them, right. TCU has been faster than them every time and the Y usually wins. The game is at home. TCU is good but they haven't looked dominant against AF or CLemso. BYU wins practically every time they play. TCU is very good but the Cougs have a good shot. If they play hard, limit mistakes, they have a great shot at knocking off TCU. I am excited for the game.

I haven't watched AF play but I hope to be home from soccer games to watch the end. If the Utes lay and egg, AF is good enough to knock them off. Should be a good game as well. If it is a blow-out, gotta be the Utes on top.
Joe Dell...really | 8:34 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Also, did Dick just say "TCU's strength on offense is running plays"? That's a fine piece of analysis for you. Of course the homer upset pick too, but if your analysis is "the other team's strength is that they run plays" why would you even question it?
Utef@n | 8:48 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
I can't really analyze this game because I don't really follow BYU, but I post on every BYU article where I either predict a loss or talk about Utah's BCS wins. So armed with buzz words I picked up from some other Yewtard, I will now expound on my practical and actual lack of anything meaningful to say with the following:

Speed hurts, speed scars, speed wounds, and marks. Speed kills....oooooooh speed hurts.

Now on to an arbitrary prediction of the score:

TCU 35 BYU 3. There is is, I said it. It takes a real man to throw out a prediction like that on an anonymous message board.

Today's Analysis | 8:55 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Sorry Cougs. I thought this game was yours to lose, but based on my sound analysis, I'm very concerned. I believe TCU wins this game.

Max Hall and big games are like oil and water. Max isn't good under pressure and TCU's Hughes will provide that pressure. I have to factor out the OU game. OU isn't a good team and so "that" big game doesn't count. I do have to factor in the FSU game. A big game at home and still the cougs get beat - soundly. The FSU game is a big factor in my analysis, especially since FSU isn't good! Lastly, Dalton is a scrambler and I need to factor that in AND factor that BYU isn't good against a "scrambler."

I need to send this analysis for Mr. Lee Corso of ESPN. I'm confident that Mr. Corso will put on the horned frog's mascot head. I've got to factor out all the emotion on this one and factor in reality. Objectively, the team down south loses this one. Final factored analysis: TCU walks away with a "W." Sorry cougs.
AK Cougar | 8:57 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Early in the morning and TCU defense, a Ute troll, is already forgetting his Utah team and commenting only about BYU. Where is his love for the Utes.

Harmon, you did a good job of analyzing all the MWC games today. The matchup with BYU hosting TCU will be anxiously awaited by more fans in the state than any other. I am hopeful the BYU team comes with their A game and TCU doesn't.


I am hopeful also that Utah can bring their best game to the field. Airforce has been a historically surpise team and risen to the occasion and knocked off some of the better teams over the years.

Go Cougars, Go Utes
Anonymous | 8:57 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Lol sod does not lose games, players lose games. Cougs gonna be lucky to score a TD today. TCU 87 BYU 3
Joe Who? | 9:10 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Never heard of Joe Dell on the Utes squad. I know a Joe Dale, however.
Too much for Utes | 9:23 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
You give too much credit to the Utes. They almost lost to Colorado State and haven't looked dominating in any game this year. This is the day that they are exposed for the mediocre team that they are.

AFA 27 Utah 10
optimist | 9:45 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Dick Harmon,

As usual, I enjoyed this article, as I do most of your articles.

Your point about SDS coming up with several trick
plays, never before seen on tape, which they saved just to use against BYU, illustrates just what I have been screaming about all of last year and all of this year.

We can not continue to keep treating every team we play as a generic team, making no changes in our own game plans, but doing everything the same, while just trying to execute it better. It doesn't even work in today's High School Football, so how can we expect it to work in today's 1A College football?

Yes, we won last week by 10 points which had a point spread of 17 1/2 points, and by comparing the rankings, the spread should have been by much more if the gamblers indeed thought we were as good as the rankings show.

#22 Florida State took time to study our films, come up with plays that were designed to play only against #7 BYU and the results killed our Cougars.

Three words that I have grown to hate are, "JUST EXECUTE BETTER".
The field wins? This isn't GOLF! | 9:49 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
It's sad when byu fans have to depend on the field to beat tcu. Talk about how tcu's defense hasn't played against an offense like byu's in over a year. Talk about how Unga will be the first true back they face this year. Talk about how tcu's offense has had it's struggles against bad defensive teams. BUT DON'T TALK ABOUT A FIELD ADVANTAGE WHEN YOUR OWN TEAM WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT IT AFTER THEY GOT A BEAT DOWN FROM FSU.
Anyway, I see this playing out to tcu's advantage again because the speed is too much for byu. Hall will be a lost little boy again not seeing who's open or not, and your defense won't know what hit them when they see the backs running past them all day.
TCU - 24
BYU - 13
Anonymous | 10:05 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009

Post Game Report | 5:05 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Here is the Post Game Report from Bronco:
"Well, we just didn't execute because I didn't prepare the team."
"BYU fans are still uneducated about football."

I went into a second grade classroom during reading time. The room was quiet. Kids were looking out the window, looking at each other, and their eyes were meandering around the room. Why aren't you reading I asked? We don't know how, they replied. The teacher said, "In this quiet reading environment, if they try hard enough, they will learn". No phonics were taught, no context clues, no syllabication lessons, no stimulation to read. My question to the students showed that I was uneducated when it comes to teaching reading. I thought there had to be a game plan.

optimist | 10:22 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
BYU Offense VS. TCU Defense
BYU 17 TCU 14

BYU Defense VS. TCU Punt Returner and Running game.
TCU 17 BYU 14

Probable outcome depends on if we are treating TCU as a generic team, making no changes in our game plan and planning to only execute better, (A BYU loss),

or if we studied the TCU films, and change our game plan to stop the TCU running game, and to execute a new supprise offense plan never before shown on tape. ( A BYU win)

Go Cougars!
OK, so what have we learned? | 10:29 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
We have established that Harmon and his editors missed on their fact checking, this time on the correct spelling of a certain injured Ute player's name.

We have established that once again, Harmon is picking the home teams to win.

We have established that once again, Ute trolls are predicting a resounding BYU defeat, while BYU fans generally couldn't care less how the Utes do.

Sounds to me like business as usual. All is well in zion. Go cougs.
Re: Too much for Utes | 10:57 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Hey, look at last year - the Utes weren't always dominant last year either, but they figured out ways to win. I don't see them losing at home the rest of this year The big question will be if they can win on the road in Ft Worth and Provo.
Harold | 11:03 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Nice Harmon,

Pick the game both ways and you're never wrong.
Just Execute | 11:18 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
For those who want to critisize coach M. for "Just Execute," are the ones who typically haven't played or coached football, other than on a JV HS football level.
A few examples #1 Florida and Urban Meyers. They are on National TV enough and we watched him here in Utah to know his plays were all very similar, routes similar, runs similar. He does install a variation of a play, which has been practiced all spring and fall, for a particular SITUATION, but not team. #2 Alabama---same offense and defense the Utes played and beat two years ago. Alabama was ranked then, is ranked now. (and the Utes?) I am connected to Provo High. Last night Timpview CRUSHED my Bulldogs. It was the same Timpview counter run, counter fold, pull one guard, its a pass to the flat, pull guard and tackle and its a counter run; that I have seen for years!!!! AND they have, what, 7-8 state championships???
Talk to Van Orden, who should be a coach at BYU, Execution is the difference between winning and losing. That and about 4-5 plays per game that are executed perfectly by the winning team!
TCU VS. BYU | 11:27 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
I heard a BYU fan say this is the first time they have faced a back like this all year. I just want to point out it will be Clemson's RB in the pros not Harvey Unga.
Henry Drummond | 11:33 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
I like the way Dick put "and avoid turnovers" in as an almost parenthetical proviso. That is the big problem especially in dealing with a team that has the speed TCU has. Keep in mind also that TCU can pitch change-ups as well. See the last year's game.

One thing for sure though. BYU should be motivated this time 'round.
labman | 11:44 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
talk softly, but carry a big stick! I think Broncho is more motivator than the Y haters think. Just because the man doesn't rant and rave in public like some less than desirable coaches, doesn't mean his doesn't motivate his team or himself. Motivation aside, a think a good start does more for a team than a coaches rah rah rah! TCU is good, BYU is good; the best team will emerge with a win today regardless of motivation, momentum, or preparation.no turn-overs will win this game.
BYU Fan | 12:09 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
I am going to the game today. I am worried that BYU might not win. If not, it is ok. However, I love the spoiled Ute fans comments about BYU and this game. I can't wait until Utah has to play TCU. What will the UTe fans have to post then? After months of games, I can just hear it....
1. We are saving our best plays for TCU.
2. Our team is young
3. We aren't as fast

I would rather watch TCU beat BYU then to ever put myself in the pathetic group of a Ute Fan!!!
BYU Key: RUN | 12:44 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Run the ball, early and often. Run at TCU's best D-lineman so he has to play the run and can't just key on pass rush. Run your game plan.
Mizzou Blue | 12:50 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Just a few hours til kickoff. Here's hoping the Cougars come out fired up, focused with game faces on & put it to the Frogs! Go Cougs!!!
Manhood is 'On The Line" | 1:35 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Bronco can say what he wants, but he and his team's manhood is on the line big time today. If the Cougs lose this one, they are just little sisters.
The Better Coach Wins | 1:43 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
This one will come down to who is the best prepared and who uses the best game plan. Bronco this one is on your shoulders, whether you like it or not. BTW coaching is what lost the Florida State game. Bowden was the better coach that day.
TheHailstorm | 2:03 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Better hope that TCU wins , it's the only chance that the MWC has for a BCS bowl game.
YBU loves all that free money it receives from others who make it to ,( and win), in the BCS games.
Can't wait for the excuses after the game with Jan Jorgensen complaining of the holding calls and Bronky.. " we just didn't execute well within our game plan".
Boo | 3:59 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Versaus and the MWC!
NevadaCoug | 6:00 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Yep. Sure. Home field decides close games.

Too bad the Cougars are getting embarrassed for the second time this season on their home field.

They fooled us again. They made us believe in the first 2 games that they had a defense. They made us think that maybe Florida St. was an aberration. Nope. Their is no such thing as "defense" in Provo.
1 Wrong 1 to Go... | 6:21 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Utah's offense once again played horrible today only to be saved by its defense.

But Harmon is spot on about BYU: down 14 in the 2nd Quarter.
Speed Kills | 6:32 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
TCU 21 BYU 0

This is the FSU game all over again. Face is it Zoob nation your the 3rd best team in the league.

Utah and TCU find ways to win games with their defenses. BYU has no defense.
ert | 6:35 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Unless a series of amzaing trun arounds occur, the Cougs are looking just like they do against any team with talent, speed, and good coaching.

Those boys at OU must be wondering how they could be so dumb to lose to BYU!!

Harmon is wrong again. | 6:38 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
21-0 in 2nd. Home field working?
NevadaCoug | 6:50 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
I keep hearing something about "speed wins". Exactly how is speed killing BYU in this game? Speed has nothing to do with it. It's more the fact that there is ZERO pressure on Dalton. He has all day long to find an open receiver.
RE NevadaCoug | 7:31 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
How is TCU getting open ... they just scored again Hicks was 5 feet in front of BYUs slow corners. The same corners that Utah and TCU schooled last year.


No More Airport Celebrations  | 7:38 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Lets face it Zoob nation your defense is just not that good. Anytime that allows 50+ plus points against a 3 win team is pathetic.

TCU is embarrassing you just like...

FSU
Arizona '08
Utah '08
TCU '08
Utes Moving Up in Rankings | 7:58 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
It is priceless seeing BYU fans leaving with 13 minutes left in the game.

The top 3 deference's in the MWC:

1. TCU
2. Utah
3. Air Force

Re: Nevada Coug | 8:00 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Dalton has time because BYU's defensive line is slow. Receivers are running past the DB's and the defensive line for TCU is in Hall's face every second. Their past five losses come at the hand of some of the quickest teams. Is that merely coincedence? I think not!
Nice Pick Dick | 8:15 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
You flip-flop almost as fast as Mit Romney. You should have stayed with your original TCU because the coug "firepower" misfired as it always does in big games. If they make double-digits they will be garbage time points.
Anonymous | 8:16 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
The home field does certainly account for an advantage. You can count for 3-6 points due to a home field, so add that in to the final score. Bronco (do you name your kid this?) explained in the coach's show that home field was a great advantage tonight. Thank goodness!
LES | 8:19 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009

becomes TCU's homefield tonight.

On 11/28, LES will be Utah's homefield.

Good article, Dick!

SoCalUtahFan

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