Week 2 Preview: BYU vs Utah

BYU and Utah both started the season off with wins and enter this week's holy war looking to prove that the best is yet to come. Intrigue abounds (even more than usual) for the biggest game in the state this season as Kalani Sitake makes his return to the hill, and squares of against his mentor Kyle Whittingham, who of course is a disciple of legendary BYU coach Lavell Edwards.

What's on the line

For BYU this game is big. The Cougars haven't beat Utah in quite some time and would love to do nothing more than come out on top of the holy war for a change. Kalani Sitake and company also need to seize this opportunity to beat another P5 opponent in their quest to prove they belong with the big boys.

For Utah this game is significant if for no other reason than a win would continue their dominance in the rivalry and possibly give them a boost in in-state recruiting. Most Utah fans would like to think that this game doesn't mean much to their team anymore, but they are kidding themselves.

Who has the Edge? 

BYU's Offense vs. Utah's Defense
In week one BYU didn't struggle moving the ball, but scoring was another story. Utah's defense had a strong showing against SUU in week one as they limited the T-Birds to 0 points. Utah's defense showed that despite losing several key players from last season, they are still a force to be reckoned with. The tip of the hat goes to Utah's defense in this match up.

Utah's offense vs. BYU's Defense
There are a lot of questions surrounding Utah's offense this s year, and Thursdays underwhelming 24 points against an FCS team didn't do much to answer them. Meanwhile BYU held Arizona's potent offense to only 16 points. BYU had the edge on this match up.


Special teams
Both teams have solid punters, and Utah's place kicker has been consistent. BYU's place kicking on the other hand had proven nothing other than a knack for the dramatic. The edge goes to Utah in this match up simply because we actually know what to expect from their guys.


The Bottom Line 
Both teams feature solid defense. I don't expect this to be a high scoring game by any stretch of the imagination. This game will most likely be yet another closely contested holy war.  Utah's offense will sputter and struggle to do much against BYU's stout defense.  Meanwhile BYU's offense should be able to do just enough to squeeze by in the end with the leadership and experience of senior QB Taysom Hill being the key factor.  BYU will come out on top, and finally break their losing streak to Utah.  The final score will be BYU 27 Utah 20, with the deciding touchdown coming late in the fourth quarter compliments Taysom Hill.

Week 1 Preview: BYU vs Arizona

 The 2016 Season kicks-off this Saturday night for the BYU Cougars when they square off against the Arizona Wildcats at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.  Both teams return impact players on both sides of the ball, yet both teams have questions surrounding their coaching staff.  Reports are that even though the game is in the Wildcats backyard, the stands of the neutral field will be near a 50-50 split, which promises a great atmosphere adding to what appears to be a great match-up between the Cougars and Wildcats. Both teams are coming off roller coaster 2015 seasons and are looking to prove to that they are capable of winning consistently. Starting the season off with a win would go a long way for both teams as they both face daunting 2016 schedules.

What's on the Line?

For BYU this will the first game under new head coach Kalani Sitake and his staff.  Fans and players alike are excited about the return of Sitake, Ty Detmer (OC) and others who once donned the white and blue as players, but nobody really knows if that excitement will translate into success on the field.  BYU's coaches and players have been tight lipped about schemes on both sides of the ball other than acknowledging that they will take snaps from under center and in the shotgun and that the defense will line up primarily in a 4-3 base (could they be any less descriptive?).  A win would only add fuel to the hype-fire that is currently burning brightly in Provo. A loss would certainly not be devastating, but could take some wind out of the Cougars independent sails.

For Arizona, Rich Rodriguez and company are seeking to maintain their fast paced and high powered spread offensive scheme, while establishing a new identity defensively under new coordinator Marcel Yates. There is no question that the Wildcats will score, but will they be able to keep their opponent from outscoring them (they gave up an average of nearly 36 points last year while averaging 37)? Inconsistency was the best word to describe Arizona last season. This year they would love to find a way to depend on something (anything). A win would be huge for Arizona. Their schedule in the PAC 12 will be grueling this year, so the Wildcats can't afford to drop any of their non-conference games this season.

Who has the Edge?

Offense vs. Defense
BYU's Offense has plenty of experience in every position except receiver, and even there they return 3 key contributors from 2015.  The big question here is will BYU's personnel fit Ty Detmer's new system?  Fifth year senior Taysom Hill will look to lead the Cougars to Detmer-esk success, but nothing has been proven yet. Detmer has promised that the Cougars will attempt to establish the run, so the return of Jamaal Williams, who will seek to become BYU's all-time rushing leader in 2016, along with a full stable of capable RBs certainly won't hurt their chances.

Arizona's Defense lost it's leader, Scooby Wright, from 2015 to the NFL draft. Even when Scooby was on the field for the Wildcats, they had a hard time keeping their opponents from scoring last season. New DC Marcel Yates (formally of Boise State) will try to sure things up on that side of the ball, but it won't be easy. Simply put Arizona hasn't been good defensively for a long time, and it will probably take a couple of year for Yates to turn the tables.

The Edge?
Even though we aren't totally sure what BYU's scheme will look like, they do have solid group of guys who have shown in the past that they can move the ball and score points. Arizona's defense in the past has also shown that they can allow any decent offense they face to move the ball and score. The edge of the BYU Offense Arizona Defense match up goes in BYU's favor.

Arizona's Offense and Rich-Rod have a reputation for going fast, and going hard. Once again the Wildcats will be lead by junior Anu Solomon who is more than capable of spreading the ball around to the various weapons surrounding him. They will likely rely heavily on the read option to keep BYU off balance. Nick Wilson, who rushed for 725 yards and 8 TDs last year will command the lions share Arizona's carries.

BYU's Defense returns several experienced players, but the loss of Bronson Kaufusi to the NFL is sure to be noticed. Under Bronco Mendenhall the Cougars operated in a 3-4 scheme, but with Kalani Sitake they will switch to a 4-3 scheme that will depend on man coverage and getting to the QB quick.  Historically BYU has struggled in man coverage but some close to the program think that the Cougars might finally have the athletes to cover speedy receivers, only time will tell.


The Edge?
Over the years BYU has showcased strong defenses, but nobody knows how the current personnel will fit into the new scheme. Given the fact that Arizona's offense as a whole remains as intact as a college football team can hope to stay from year to year, the edge goes to Rich-Rod and his high octane fast paced approach.

Special teams are a big question mark for both teams.  Neither team has a place kicker who has ever attempted a field goal in a college football game. BYU does return punter Johnny Linehan who averaged 42.7 yards per punt, and had a season long of 77 yards in 2015. Arizona doesn't have a punter on roster who has ever kicked in an FBS game.

The Edge?
The edge here (and it is a very slight edge) goes to BYU mainly because they have the only kicker or punter with any true experience on their roster.

 The Bottom Line
This game is a huge opportunity for both teams. I expect both sides to do well offensively, and struggle somewhat on defense. In the end I believe the biggest difference maker will be BYU's Taysom Hill, who has shown time and time again that when his team needs him, he can take over a game and lead them to victory. I have BYU winning in a tight one, 34-31.

What the Nation Doesn't Know about BYU's 2016 Football Team

As the 2016 college football season creeps closer and closer, many national experts have weighed in on how they think BYU will do against a difficult schedule.  Most predictions put the Cougars finishing the season with a record some where between 5-7 and 7-5. At first glance it really isn't hard to be less than optimistic about BYU this season. A completely new coaching staff with new schemes and nuances and perhaps the most difficult schedule in school history are seen largely as negatives against BYU's chances at anything much better than a winning percentage above 50%. My prediction of the BYU season is far more optimistic than most. Here is my completely blue goggled run down on why I believe BYU will far exceed the expectations of most of the experts.

New Coaching
It's true that Kalani Sitake has never been a head coach before.  It's true that offensive coordinator Ty Detmer has never coached in a college football game before. And, yes it's true that over all this new staff is quite inexperienced when it comes to coaching FBS football. But I believe that BYU's new coaching staff will turn out to be more of a positive than a negative on the outcome of BYU's 2016 season.

There is no secret that over the past at least two seasons (and possibly longer) a sense of staleness crept into the BYU football program under coach Bronco Mendenall and his staff.  Since athletic director Tom Holmoe announced the hiring of Kalani Sitake shortly after the end of the Las Vegas Bowl many have said that a tangible energy has been pumped into the football program. Cougar fans everywhere are excited to see Sitake and Detmer back in blue.

Perhaps the one of the most important members of this new staff is also one of the most unheralded ones, former SUU head coach Ed Lamb.  He is the only member of BYU's current staff with any experience as a head coach at any college level. In 8 years at SUU Lamb accumulated an overall record of 45-47, which might not seem all that impressive until you consider the circumstances under which he did it. In 2008 Lamb took over an NCAA Division 2 program at SUU that had been wallowing in mediocrity for decades.  Within four years Lamb elevated the Thunderbird football program to heights previously not imagined in Cedar City including a Great West Conference championship and even more importantly an invitation to move up to NCAA Division 1 FCS competition in the Big Sky Conference. Over the next four seasons Lamb led SUU to two FCS playoff appearances and their first ever Big Sky Conference championship. He accomplished all of this while competing against conference opponents whose budgets and facilities far exceeded SUU's. Indeed Ed Lamb has proven himself as high caliber coach with a reputation of being able to do more with less, which is exactly what BYU needs.

BYU's QB Situation
BYU finds itself in rare circumstances, boating two quarterbacks who have proven that they are winners at BYU in Senior Taysom Hill and Sophomore Tanner Mangum.  Last week Taysom Hill was named the starter, which came as no surprise to most of Cougar Nation.  Hill is an explosive athlete with elite speed and a nose for open space making him a dangerous and viable running threat that defenses must respect. He has shown improvement year by year as a passer, and many involved in fall camp have stated that he has yet again become more accurate and efficient this year. The only thing that stands between Taysom and a great senior year is the possibility of injury (he has had three season ending injuries at while at BYU).  It is true that it would be painful for BYU fans to watch Taysom go down to injury again, but at least Cougar Nation can take solace in the fact that if he does an elite and proven back up, Tanner Mangum, is waiting in the wings.A major injury to Taysom Hill doesn't necessarily derail the hopes and dreams of the BYU football team.

Experience
There may be a lack of experience on the coaching staff, but there will be no lack between the sidelines, as the Cougars return 15 starters (7 offense, 8 defense) in 2016. If that's not good enough for you, just wait, it gets better. 2 of the 15 returning starters won't be starters this year. Tanner Mangum (2015 starting QB) will stand as back up to 5th year (or 6th, or 7th year...whose counting anyway?) Senior Taysom Hill and last years starting running back will likely be listed after Jamaal Williams (who returns to the program after a 1 year hiatus) on the depth chart. So in reality BYU returns 17 starters which means at any given time up to 82% of the players on the field could have starting experience.

By no means do I think BYU will run the table in 2016, but I do think BYU will do better than many have predicted. There are some questions surrounding the team, but with the above mentioned factors, I believe that BYU just may have more answers than a lot of people are giving them credit for.

NBA and NFL Uniforms that NEED to Come Back

Uniforms have always been one of my favorite parts of sports. Over the years there have been some kits that were truly classic but that were abandoned for whatever reason. Here is my list of uniforms that have gone the way of dinosaurs, but need to come back.

NBA

One of the only Bucks uniforms that anybody has ever liked.  You have to admit that Ray Allen's Three pointers never looked any smoother than when he was sporting these threads.

The Vancouver Grizzlies never were good, but at least they looked good.  The designers of their uniforms found a way to use nearly every square inch of the jersey and shorts.  These uniforms served as a beautiful distraction from the team's play on the floor.

Is it just me, or were the 90s not the golden era of busy NBA uniforms? Even in the midst of all of the pinstripes and crazy color schemes the Heat managed to keep it simple, which I loved! The 3D numbering on these uniforms is what put them over the top.

Several NBA teams tried out pinstripes in the 90s, but it really only worked for one, the Orlando Magic.  It didn't matter if they wore white, blue, or black the Magic always had one of the freshest looks in the association.

The Nuggets are probably the only team that can claim every color of the rainbow as their own, literally.  Denver was never really a contender during their years in these uniforms, but there was just something right about Dikembe Mutombo with a rainbow across his chest.

The Pacers were one of the first to go wild with their look in the 90s, and boy did they do it well. Those right side panels...truly a thing of beauty.

These are the only NBA uniform to ever feature a dinosaur...so they pretty much have to be on this list, right?

In my opinion the Suns sunburst uniform is one of the best uniforms of all time. Just a magnificent use of orange purple and black.

This is the only 70s era uniform that made my NBA list. Bright green. Bright yellow. One of the most iconic basketball logos of all time. Put them all together and you get one inedible uniform. The Jazz should wear these more often.

NFL

Nobody told the Bengals they had to put tiger stripes on their helmets, shoulders, and pants. I'm sure glad they did though.

The Buccaneers original uniforms are simply put, the best ugly uniform of all time. The shade of orange they used...is it just me, or does it look like Denver Broncos uniforms that have been washed a few too many times? 

The Broncos use of orange in the 80s and early 90s was truly the best the color has ever seen. Those jerseys matched with royal blue helmets and trim made for one of the best looking uniforms of all time.

The Rams helmets have always had some of the NFL's best threads, no matter what colors were featured. Yellow and blue with matching "horn" patterns on the shoulders take the cake though. What a classic look.

The NFL didn't go uniform crazy in the 90s the same way the NBA did. Still, the Patriots found a way to get in on the action. The stripes in the fabric were a nice touch to go along with the oversize logos on the shoulder pads. This truly was the NFL's best fad look ever.

How to win a #BYU 50 Box: True Advice from a True Winner

Wow! That was a whirl wind of a day, wasn't it? Tom Holmoe running around provo with a football helmet on. Burger eating contests. Drained phone batteries. A few winners. And a whole lot of broken dreams. All in the name of #BYU50.

If you are reading this, it's probably because you just can't quite get to sleep. If you had just done one or two things differently, you would have gotten that box and would be basking in the eternal glory of being a #BYU50 winner right now.

#BYU50 only comes once a year, so it's never too early to start planning your strategy for next time. As a former #BYU50 champion, I feel it my duty to guide you to victory so you can join me and all of the other illustrious winners in the #BYU50 circle of champions. Let's begin.

Step 1: Preparation 
You really can't be too exhaustive here. The #BYU50 competition is one of the most diverse and demanding challenges known to man. You need to be prepared to sprint at full speed, down hamburgers in 2 bites, and drive a golf ball like a pro if you even want a chance on game day. Here are some tips sure to make you one of the elite:

• Extra phone batteries. With how much you'll be refreshing your twitter feed you will be sure to burn through full charges like wildfire. You'll need a minimum of 11 batteries to make sure you get through the day. 
• Hone in on every possible skill now. I'm not kidding. You have to be an expert at literally every conceivable way that two people could compete with each other. Badminton, ballroom dancing, limbo. You name it, you could be asked to do it. 
• You'll need to know your area like the back of your hand. The box could be dropped anyplace. You must be able to recognize every park pavilion, every store front, every obscure landmark in a 30 mile radius at the drop off a hat if you even want to think about winning. 
• Gas up your car and scope out the most central location for potential "drop spots" in the area you are aiming to win in. I'd also suggest you invest in a good cooler full of drinks (caffeinated), snacks, and well balanced meals. It could be a long day. 

Step 2: Game Day

• #BYU50 day starts early, make sure you get a good nights sleep so you can deliver at peak performance. Also, carb-loading is never a bad idea. 
• Arrive at your central location no later than 7am. The early bird gets the worm, or as I like to put it, the early Cougar gets the box. 
• Where ever you park, do not turn your motor off or even put the car in park. Time is everything and you cannot afford to waste any of it. Dreams are made and broken by hundredths of seconds. Don't be a victim, be a champion! 
• Refresh your twitter feed as often as humanly possible. This might drive your data overage charges through the roof, but winning isn't free. Are you willing to pay the price?
• Be ready to move when the time comes. Peddle to the metal my friend. "Eat my rubber! Burn shorts! Right Rusty?"
• Laser focus is a must once you get there. Sprint to the finish and complete all tasks just like you did in your training. You are almost there! 

Step 3: Win 

If you follow every step of advice listed above you are sure to win. So what are you waiting for? Get to it! I'll see you in the winners circle. 

BYU & the Big XII: From the Perspective of a True Outsider

Recently the Big XII conference announced that they would consider expanding the conference to 12 or 14 members as soon as 2017. Among those rumored to be under consideration are Houston, Cincinnati, UConn, Memphis, Colorado State, and of course BYU. In the days following the conference's announcement there has been oodles of speculation about who will get let in, who will be left out, or if the Big XII will even expand at all. 

To most, BYU seems like the front runner in nearly every way except geography. The Cougars have a strong football tradition which includes a national championship, a Heisman Trophy winner (who just so happens to be BYU's current offensive coordinator), and multiple other prestigious individual awards. BYU also boasts strong men's and women's basketball and Olympic sports. All of this along with the fact that BYU does have a national following adds up to make the Cougars at the very least a strong candidate should the Big XII choose to expand. 

Inclusion in a power 5 conference, of course, has been the proverbial unicorn that Cougar faithful have sought since they be came an FBS independent in football and joined the WCC for all other sports in 2010, the very same year BYU's arch rival Utah was invited to the PAC 12. BYU's independence in football, as intended, makes them an attractive candidate for the Big XII because they will be immediately available without having to pay an exit fee from another conference. Independence in football also makes BYU a possibility to add as a football only member with the rest of their sports remaining in the WCC, though this would be less than ideal for the Cougars. 

From a statistical standpoint, BYU's numbers are better nearly across the board than any other G5 candidate. If you don't belive me check out byutobig12.com for an extensive analysis. 

With all of this put together it's clear that Tom Holmoe has put BYU in a great position by making them the strongest and most easily accessible potential candidate for Big XII expansion. Indeed it seems that BYU is a shoe in the event that the Big XII does send out invitations.

Top Ten Players of the Bronco Mendenhall Era at BYU

At this time of year where real football news is so sparse, it's fun to reflect on the highlights of yesteryear. This is my list of the top ten BYU football players during the Bronco Mendenhall era.  Feel free to comment with any players you think I missed. Let's get started:

#10. Jan Jorgensen

The Janimal was a four year starter at defensive end, and his career was truly electrifying. Jan's sophomore campaign was particularly exciting as he set MWC records for both sacks and tackles in a season. Even though he was not able to eclipse those marks in subsequent seasons Jorgensen was still a force to be reckoned with from start to finish at BYU. 

#9. Cody Hoffman

Cody Hoffman missed only two games in his four years at BYU and will go down as one of the most reliable sets of hands any BYU quarterback has ever had to throw to.  He finished his career as BYU's all time leader in all-purpose yards, games with 100+ receiving yards, career receiving yards, and career receiving touchdowns.  Cody caught a pass in every game where he stepped on the field for BYU.

#8. Max Hall

Max came to BYU as a relatively unknown player and left as the quarterback with the most wins in BYU history. As a three year starter he never missed a game, never had a season with fewer than 10 wins, and is the last Cougar QB to end his career with a winning record against Utah. 

#7. Bronson Kaufusi

If there was one D-line man during Bronco's tenure who had pro potential from day one it was Bronson Kaufusi. With the height and reach to swat passes, the strength to bull rush offensive tackles and the speed to chase down opposing quarterbacks and running backs Kaufusi seemed to always find a way to throw a wrench in opposing teams offensive game plan. With Kaufusi's talent and tools it's no wonder the Baltimore Ravens have been so high on him through rookie training camp. 

#6. Curtis Brown

Curtis Brown's career at BYU was one to be remembered.  As three year starter Brown finished his career with two 1,000 yard seasons and a career average of 5.0 yards per carry.  By the time his time in the Cougar backfield was finished he was BYU's all-time rushing yards leader and one of the most beloved to ever don the white and blue of BYU.

#5. Kyle Van Noy

Kyle Van Noy will go down as one of the best linebackers in Cougar history. A truly dangerous edge rusher with serious ball skills and a nose for the end zone (yes as a linebacker) it's no wonder he will go down as one of the biggest play-makers to ever line up on defense for  BYU. 

# 4. Harvey Unga

Harvey Unga was one of the most reliable running backs BYU has ever had line up in the backfield. He had the whole package. He had just enough speed, plenty of strength, steady hands, reliable receiving skills, good blocking and a nose for holes in the line. It's no wonder by the end of his junior season he already held every rushing record in the Cougars record book. There is no doubt if he had been able to stay at BYU for his senior season he would have put most of those records out of a reach for years to come. 

#3. Dennis Pitta

There is no doubt that Dennis Pitta was the best tight end of the Bronco Mendenhall era. He set the NCAA record for most career receiving yards by a tight end and will go down as one of the many greats to play tight end at BYU.

#2. John Beck

John Beck's career at BYU started off turbulently, but he sure made up for it in the end. Each season Beck set new career bests for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and QBR. He also managed to win every conference game his senior year. He capped his BYU career off with his incredible final play touchdown pass to Johnny Harline to beat Utah followed by walloping Oregon in the 2006 Las Vegas Bowl.

#1. Austin Collie

There is no question that Austin Collie was the best wide reciver BYU has ever had, period.  At the end of his junior season, his final at BYU,  he held BYU's all-time record in every meaningful receiving statistic.  Collie had speed, strength, hands stickier than pine tar, and great rout running making him the whole package. Cougar fans will never blame him for leaving early to the NFL, but they will always wonder what could have been if he stayed in Provo his senior season.

BYU and Utah Football 2016 Season Preview

BYU and Utah College Football Preview:

It's that time of the year for me.  Spring ball is over, fall camp is still a ways off. I try to distract myself from the lack of football with other things like camping, vacation, baseball, and other forms of recreation but at the end of the day my mind still waders to the same thing nearly every night: College Football

Much anticipation surrounds the upcoming CFB season in the state of Utah.  In some way or another, be it new coaches,QB's, or what have you, BYU and Utah each will be entering a new era in their history.  So why beat around the bush? Here are my previews and predictions for the U of U's, and BYU's 2016 football season:

Utah

Big questions surround the Utes this year, particularly on offense. With Travis Wilson, DeVontae Booker, Britain Covey and others gone, Utah returns less than 20% of their total yards from last season (the lowest percentage of returning yards of all FBS teams).  Joe Williams, a decent player but a far cry from DeVontae Booker, figures to be the starting running back.  A three horse quarter back race will no doubt spark media and fan intrigue and questions during fall camp. Britain Covey was the lone stand out of an otherwise unremarkable receiving unit last season and with his departure for a church mission who knows what the team will be able to count on from that part of the offense. The fact that the Utes return 4 out of 5 offensive line starters bodes well and makes the offensive front likely to be the anchor of an otherwise questionable offensive unit.

Solid defense has always been the trademark of Kyle Whittingham's teams and this year should be no different with the Ute defense returning plenty of experience.  Lowell Lotulelei and Hunter Dimick will look to head up another aggressive defensive attack that will be sure to regularly put opposing quarterbacks under duress. As in years past, the 2016 version of Kyle Whittingham's defense should be strong enough to keep the Utes competitive in all of their games.

Schedule Predictions:
Sep. 1 - Southern Utah
SUU will serve as a warm up game for the Utes.  The T-Birds are coming off a Big Sky Conference championship last season, but lose tons of talent across the board.  Early in this game the Utah defense will dominate, while the offense sputters during the first quarter.  Eventually though the Ute offense will find a groove as the SUU defense wears down, and the Utes will cruise to a 38-6 victory.

Sep. 10 - Brigham Young
The Holy War! The biggest game of the season in the state of Utah. This will be the first true test of Utah's challenging schedule. The Utes and Cougars will go punch for punch through the first first half.  In the second half though the Cougars experienced and potent offense will pull away as the Ute offense bogs down. Utah's five game win streak against the Cougars will come to an end as the Utes suffer a 27-13 loss to their arch rival.

Sep. 17 - at San Jose State
Coming off a tough loss to BYU, Utah enters it's first road game against SJSU looking to get back on track. The Ute defense absolutely shuts down the Spartans offense, but for the third week in a row the offense struggles to find a flow early. Luckily for Utah their defense is so dominant in this game that SJSU's defense just wears down in the second half.  The offense finally starts to move the ball and put consistent drives together. Utah wins this one 31-3 to head into PAC 12 play with a good taste in their mouths.

Sep. 23 - Southern California
Looking to avenge last season's thrashing at the hand of USC, Utah enters this game focused.  The defenses dictate this game which makes special teams and field position vital.  With the score tied at 17 late in the 4th quarter Utah pin's USC inside the 10 yard line and forces a 3 and out.  A good punt return sets Utah up for a field goal that sails through the uprights and ends up being the difference in the game. Utah pulls off the 20-17 victory over USC to open up conference play on a high note.

Oct. 1 - at California
Utah takes their show on the road to face the Golden Bears.  Without Jared Goff Cal isn't nearly as good as they were last season.  Utah's defense is able to limit the Bears air raid attack to a season low in yards and points, while the Ute offense finally puts together a good performance from start to finish. Utah earns it's third victory in a row with a dominant 42-24 road win.

Oct. 8 - Arizona
The Wildcats are on a roll coming into this game on a 4 game win streak, and so are the Utes. Arizona is the first offense to break the 30 point threshold against Utah's defense as their pace of play just wears the Utes down.  Utah's offense does it's best to keep it close but in the end, they just can't keep up and the Wildcats pull away in the 4th.  Arizona hands Utah their second home loss of the season, and the grumbling about Whittingham starts again. Final score: Arizona 38 Utah 28.

Oct. 15 - at Oregon State
At the midway point of the season the Ute's own a 4-2 record, with both loses coming to ranked teams.  Looking to recover from last weeks loss to Arizona, the Utes take on the Beavers.  There are no secrets to be had between these two teams.  Gary Anderson and Kyle Whittingham know each other well and this game turn out to be a classic. Late in the 4th quarter the Utes lead 27-24 but OSU is inside the 10 threatening to score when Hunter Dimick gets his hand up to tip a pass which is intercepted by a Utah corner and returned 97 yards for a huge pick-six. That puts the game out of reach for the Beavers and Utah escapes with a 34-24 win.

Oct. 22 - at UCLA
The past few meetings between the Bruins and Utes have been classics. This game holds to the same standard.  Both teams have solid defenses, but the Bruins have the edge on offense. In the 4th quarter the Bruins lead by two with only a few seconds left and the Utes are on the edge of field goal range.  Unfortunately for the Utes this time Andy Phillips doesn't come through (nobody is perfect) as he misses wide and the Utes endure their first road loss of the season with a 30-28 loss to drop their record to 5-3 with 4 games remaining.

Oct. 29 - Washington
Once again the Utes find themselves looking to rebound from a tough loss. Once again Utah's defense rises up for a good game against a solid Huskies offense.  Unfortunately the Utah offense is not up for the challenge of a solid Washington defense failing to get in the end zone even once.  The Huskies Offense does just enough to pull of the win, handing Utah their 3rd home loss 10-9.  Given the major struggles of Utah's offense this year and last, grumbling from fans and media about Utah's coaches reaches a crescendo and Kyle Whittingham is forced by the powers that be to demote Arron Roderick and Jim Harding and put Dennis Erickson in charge of the offense.

Nov. 10 - at Arizona State
The changes in the hierarchy of Utah's offensive coaching seems to pay dividends in this game. For the first time in weeks the offense seems to be able to find a flow. By this point in the season ASU has lost focus and it shows.  The Utes dominate on both sides of the ball in this one pulling off a refreshing 38-14 win on the road.

Nov. 19 - Oregon
There is no doubt about it, the Ducks are a solid team. Last season the Utes trounced them in Eugene.  Oregon comes into this game focused and ready to rumble, but so does Utah.  Make no mistake, Oregon is the better all around team on paper, but the games aren't played on paper are they?  Utah has had some struggles at home this year dropping three, they are determined to send the home town fans off with a home win and they deliver. It doesn't come easily, but Utah come away with a huge 31-24 win over the ranked Ducks.

Nov. 26 - at Colorado
The Buff are terrible again. They might as well be called the Buffalo Chips at this point. The Utes make easy work of Colorado for their most impressive victory of the year. Utah wins this one 45-10 to end the season winning three in a row with a final record of  8-4.

Even though Utah ended the year on a high note, this season is viewed as a disappointment.  Once again the Utes fall short of winning the PAC 12 South division and settle for a spot in the Las Vegas Bowl and this year, they find themselves in unfamiliar territory, being left out of the end of season top 25.  Despite a Bowl win over a solid SDSU team Utah Kyle Whittingham finds himself on the hot seat, and will no doubt be on a very short leash next year. Utah's final record is 9-4

BYU

If there are questions around Utah this season, BYU has doubled the order. New coaches. New offensive and defensive schemes. Two starting quality QB's in Tanner Mangum and Taysom Hill, and a grueling schedule.  All this adds up to make things very interesting for the Cougars in 2016.  All questions aside, BYU returns plenty of talent and experience on both sides of the ball.  This fact alone gives Cougar Nation hope. Hope that the transition into new strategies will be smooth.  Hope that Kalani Sitake and company can get this team over the hump that Bronco Mendenhall couldn't seem to crest.  Hope that BYU's future might have a glimmer of...hope.

The quarterback battle between Taysom Hill and Tanner Mangum is likely to dominate the headlines of fall camp. The good news for Kalani Sitake and Ty Detmer is that, really they can't make a bad choice here.  In the end I predict that Taysom Hill will win this battle and be the starter from start to finish.  But QB is not the only position of strength for BYU.  The running backs boast a sold core. The O line is experienced, and the receivers have caught plenty of passes. Pair that with a perennially solid defense and the Cougars look like a formidable team, despite any questions surrounding them.

Schedule Predictions

Sept. 3- at Arizona (University of Phoenix Stadium) 

There is no doubt BYU fans will have a high level of anxiety going into this game.  The wildcats and Cougars will go on to put on a show that will not help either fan base's anxieties. Arizona plays at a fast, almost frenetic offensive pace and they will no doubt score points.  On the flip side that defense has had trouble keeping other teams from scoring points and even with new defensive coaches, culture changes take time. Both teams will put up points in this game with Taysom Hill leading the way for the Cougars.  His explosive athleticism will be a key difference in this game, as BYU wins this game narrowly 34-31.

Sept. 10 - at Utah

This game means more to BYU than Utah this year. The last time BYU came out on top was 2009.  Only one of BYU's five consecutive losses has been by more than 7 points making this streak of defeats all the more agonizing for the men in blue. The first half of this game will be knock em' down smash mouth football at it's best with the defenses setting the tone. In the second half Taysom Hill's experience and leadership will show once again as he comes up with big plays when the Cougars need them. The biggest difference maker in this one though is senior tail back Jamaal Williams and his relentless ground attack that wears down the Ute defense in the second half. BYU's defense on the other hand will lock down the Utes in the second half and BYU will beat their arch rival for the first time in 7 years 27-13.

Sept. 17 - UCLA

BYU plays in front of its home crowd for the first time this season against a solid UCLA team.  Last years 24-23 loss to the Bruins still haunts some BYU players.  Josh Rosen will come into this game on a roll leading a highly ranked UCLA team.  But Taysom and the Cougars are ranked too and won't bow down to UCLA.  BYU's attack is relentless and their defense gives Rosen fits for the second year in a row. This time BYU doesn't let the Bruins hang around long enough to make a come back sending them back to LA with a 23-38 loss. The Cougars are 3-0.

Sept. 24 - West Virginia (Fedex Field)

BYU has broken the top 15 after the big win over UCLA and come to DC seeking to validate this ranking. But this game against Dana Holgersen's crew is kryptonite for the Cougars. Every time BYU does something, the Mountaineers have an answer. Maybe its having 4 big games in a row, or maybe its the travel, maybe its both, but the Cougars are in a funk. In the second half BYU finds a bit of a rhythm, but its too little too late as they are never quite able to close the gap. BYU drops this game along with the hopes and dreams of Cougar Nation. The final score is BYU 24 West Virginia 34 dropping the Cougars out of the top 15.

Sept. 30 - Toledo

Six days and over 2,000 miles after a devastating loss BYU plays a dangerous Toledo team in Provo. This would be a perfect trap game for BYU if not for the leadership and focus of this team. The senior leadership of BYU comes through to lead them to a great bounce back win against a good team. Final score BYU 42 Toledo 31.

Oct. 8 - at Michigan State

This is the first of three big ones for the Cougars. Michigan State has taken a step back from last year's CFP appearance, but they are no push over either. Both teams show up for this one with BYU holding a slight edge late in the game. Taysom breaks it open with an impromptu scramble that ends with him diving over the pylon to put the game out of reach for the Spartans. BYU 31 MSU 21. BYU is 5-1.

Oct. 14 - Mississippi State

The Bulldogs come to Provo trying to make a splash against a top 25 team. With Dak Prescott gone they have struggled in the brutal SEC west.  BYU and MSU go toe to toe with each other all game long with this one coming down to the final 5 minutes. Late in this one the altitude comes into play, with BYU pulling away for a home win against an SEC foe, final score 31-24. BYU is bowl eligible at 6-1.

Oct. 20 - at Boise State

The Broncos are ranked #12. BYU is ranked #17. This is a showdown between non-P5 heavy weights and it does not disappoint. For the third game in a row BYU is nose to nose with a very good team late as the clock dwindles but this time, they don't quite have enough in the tank. Boise State pulls away in the 4th quarter in a big way rolling to a resounding 38-24 victory. BYU drops to 6-2 and down to #25 in the polls.

Nov. 5 - at Cincinnati

After a bye week to recover from the devastating loss to Boise State, BYU has regained it's focus and composure. Cincinnati is playing great football of late behind the outstanding play of quarterback Gunner Kiel. The first half of this game sees the Bearcats to 24-17 advantage. In the second half Taysom Hill's shear will takes over as he shreds the Cincinnati defense.  BYU comes away with a 41-37 victory and improves to 7-2

Nov. 12 - Southern Utah

Back in the safe confines of Lavell Edwards stadium BYU is ready for this "game." The Cougars are ranked #23 after the win over Cincinnati and ready to pounce on the T-Birds. BYU cruises past SUU 62-10. 

Nov. 19 - Massachusetts

This game is another unremarkable one. BYU does what they are supposed to do and send the Minutemen away after a 70-3 thrashing. BYU improves to 9-2.

Nov. 26 - Utah State

Utah State comes to Provo with an upset in mind.  BYU has other plans. The Aggies put up a fight in the first half but in the second half the Cougars pull away and roll to a big season ending home victory. BYU 45 USU 20.

BYU finishes the season with a 10-2 record and a #20 ranking. They accept an invitation to play in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego facing old Mountain West Conference foe Colorado State. BYU wins the bowl game big and finishes the season on a high note with an 11-2 record and ranked #18.

BYU's 2016 Dream Season

There are plenty of questions surrounding the Cougars for this up coming season. Who will start at QB? What will the offense look like? Is BYU ready for such a challenging schedule? Is Kalani Sitake ready to be the head coach of a FBS program?  There is no doubt that the departure of Bronco Mendenhall and hiring of Kalani Sitake has breathed a breath of fresh air into the program, But will it pay off?  Currently there are no answers to these questions but one thing is for sure, there will be plenty of attention on the Cougars IF they rise to the occasion.

Schedule Predictions:

Sep. 3 - Arizona

Prior to this game no starter has been announced at QB. On BYU's first play of the game though Taysom Hill trots on to the field to field and calls out the signals.  Taysom is physically and mentally ready to be back out on the gridiron.  The Wildcats are no slouch of a team either though and BYU and Arizona proceed to put on a great show. With BYU down 3 and less than one minute left in the game Hill takes a snap near midfield drops back, scans the defense and then takes off running and weaving his way to the end zone for the game winning score. BYU leaves the desert with an impressive and dramatic 35-31 victory in University of Phoenix Stadium to start the season on the right foot.

Sep. 10 - at Utah

BYU hasn't beat Utah since 2009. Kalani Sitake and company are bent on changing that. As always, this game is intense from the start.  The Utes have a solid defense, but their offense has yet to find a groove which levels the playing field in the first half.  In the second half however, Utah's defense begins to fatigue in large part due to their offenses inability to sustain drives. Slowly but surely Taysom Hill, Jamaal Williams and friends pull away from Utah snaring a 27-13 victory and snapping a 5 game losing streak to their bitter rival. Following back to back wins against PAC-12 teams BYU finds itself ranked in the top 25.

Sep. 17 - UCLA

Last season UCLA stole one from BYU.  This year the Cougars won't give the Bruins the opportunity to sneak out a victory.  BYU scores early and often in this one putting # 10 UCLA away well before the final whistle. Taysom Hill is dominant in this game burning the Bruins through the air and on the ground, throwing for 200 and 2 TDs, and running for 85 and another 2.  BYU wins this one 42-20 leaving no doubt that the Cougars are legit and spring boarding Taysom into the Heisman discussion.

Sep. 24 - West Virginia

BYU has started white hot, improving each week and now ranked 18th in the nation. West Virginia is good, but not that good.  Once again BYU hits the ground running in this game with Taysom Hill and Jamaal Williams leading the way.  Still the Mountaineers don't go down without a fight making a late surge to make the score seem closer than the game truly was. BYU wins this one 45-35 at FedEx field, and improve to 4-0 on the season

Sep. 30 - Toledo

Toledo is a nice team, with some good players and an up and coming coach. Traveling to Provo is a challenge for them but they are determined to make a splash against #15 BYU.  The first half is hotly contested with BYU up by just a field goal at halftime.  But that is where the competition ends.  BYU's depth and experience help the Cougars pull away in the second half and BYU wins this one comfortably in the end. BYU 52 Toledo 24.  The fans are excited, the team is 5-0,focused, and the stage is set for a huge game on the road against Michigan State.

Oct. 8 - at Michigan State

BYU is ranked #15. Michigan State is ranked #11. The stakes are high for both teams, and this game does not disappoint.  Like two heavy weights exchanging blows for three rounds this one comes down to the last play.  BYU has played itself into a 2 point lead but the spartians have the ball on the 33 yard line setting them up for a 50 yard field goal attempt to win it. The snap, the hold, the kick.......It's long enough....It is.......DOINK.....No good! The attempt bounces off the right post and BYU's players jubilantly celebrate the victory as Michigan State's fans and players look on in disbelief.

Oct. 15 - Mississippi State

The Bulldogs come to Provo to take on the #10 Cougars. For the second week in a row BYU finds itself in a real dog fight. Every time one team seems like it might pull away the other comes charging right back. In the final moments of this one the Cougars are up 7 but the Bulldogs are able to punch it into the endzone with 3 seconds left, and it looks like this one is going to overtime.  But wait whats this? MSU is leaving the offense on the field...they are going for the win.  The play is a fade to the right corner of the end zone, he catches it, and the officials arms go up! The Bulldogs are up by one and BYU's season has come to an end. "The previous play is under further review" announces the ref. The replay on the video board zooms in on the Bulldog recievers right foot and its clear, his toe was out of bounds. "After further review the ruling on the field is over-turned" and LaVell Edwards stadium erupts. BYU has escaped a miraculous 35-34 victory.

Oct. 22 - at Boise State

Nothing comes easy on the Smurf Turf. BYU is 7-0 and ranked #8. Boise State is 6-0 and ranked #14. Neither team is going to back down. It's a clash of non P5 titans. Taysom and the Cougars find themselves down 7 with less than a minute to go and driving. It's 4th and goal from from the 3. Taysom takes the snap fakes the hand off to Jamaal and runs a naked boot to the left. He dives for the pylon and he is in with only 3 seconds left on the clock! Now all they need is the PAT and we'll see what happens in OT...but wait...the offense is staying out there to go for 2. The play is a fade to the right corner, and it is caught, but the official signals incomplete! "The previous play is under further review.  For the second week in a row the hopes and dreams of Cougar Nation hang in the balance. The replay zooms in on the receivers right foot but it may be too close to call. Here comes the announcement from the ref. "After further review, the ruling on the field is over-turned, the two-point conversion is good." The final score BYU 36 Boise State 35

Nov. 5 - at Cincinnati
After a bye week BYU has had a chance to recover from three of the most incredible finishes in the history of football.  The Bearcats do their best to keep up with Taysom and company but they are no match for the # 6 ranked BYU Cougars. Taysom puts up huge numbers 300 passing with 3 TDs, 150 rushing with 2 TDs, and solidifies his position as the front runner for the Heisman Trophy. BYU Cruises to a resounding 52-17 victory.

Nov. 12 - Southern Utah
The T-Birds have some great uniforms. That's about the only positive for them in this one. BYU is ranked #5. The game is over and the starters are out 5 minutes into the second quarter. Plenty of playing time for the back-ups in this one. BYU 84 SUU 3

Nov. 19 - Massachusetts
UMass? They have a football team? BYU is still ranked #5. Same story as last week only worse. BYU sets a school record for points and margin of victory winning 105-0.

Nov. 26 - Utah State
Finally a real opponent for BYU. Despite the HUGE wins the past two weeks, BYU's ranking dropped to #6 becasue those weren't real games. But the Aggies have actually put together a good season to this point and find themselves ranked #25 coming into Provo. A resounding victory over a ranked opponent is exactly what the Cougars need, and they deliver.  BYU takes control of this game from the start and never lets go. Taysom once again displays his almost superhuman abilities on the football field shredding the Aggies for 200 yards in the air and 90 on the ground with 1 passing and 3 rushing TDs. For the first time since 2001 BYU is 12-0 after disposing of USU 45-10. This victory over a ranked opponent is just enough to bump BYU into the playoff picture when 4th ranked Oklahoma loses in it's conference championship game to 15th ranked Oklahoma state, a team they beat earlier in the season (this debacle puts major pressure on the Big 12 to expand) and 5th ranked Florida State loses to 20th ranked Duke in the ACC championship game.

BYU's End of season CFP ranking #4
Taysom Hill wins the Heisman Trophy
Jamaal Williams wins the Doak Walker Award

CFB Semifinal- Ohio State
BYU has never been here, and The Ohio State has. Many people people have more or less written BYU off in this one for that reason alone. But from the opening kick off its clear the BYU belongs in this game.  Remember how Utah stuck it to Alabama back in '08? That about how this one goes. BYU hits the ground running, and before the Buckeyes realize whats hit them this one is out of reach with Heisman winner Taysom Hill leading the way. BYU 38 OSU 17 

CFB Final- Alabama
BYU is poised, cool, and collected before this game. So is Bama. The Tide and Cougars battle back and forth all game long. This one is going to come down to the wire. The tide own a three point lead with 4 seconds left but BYU has driven to the 15 yard line and is lined up for the game tying field goal to send it to OT. Alabama sends an all out block and one of BYU's ends sneaks down field.  BYU's holder, who is none other than Back-up QB Tanner Mangum tosses a high arching floater just before being drilled by the Tide rush, but they are too late. The pass floats right down in to the hands of BYU's wide open receiver in the end zone and BYU wins 38-35 in the most dramatic ending to a national championship game ever! 

Open letter to the Utah Jazz

Dear Jazz Management, 

Thank you for putting together a decent team for the 2015-16 season. They played some good ball at times. Won some games against good teams, lost some against bad teams, and once again finished so close and yet so far away from the playoffs. That's pretty much par for the course the past few years for the Jazz.

This is 4 years in a row missing the playoffs. 6 years since we won a playoff game. It's been tough sledding. 

Now, don't take this the wrong way, but I think it's time to admit that the guy who is going to take this team to the next level is not currently on the roster. Gordon Hayward is a nice player, but making him the center piece of an NBA team? I think we all know that is a stretch. D-Favs, I like how he plays the game but, once again he isn't great. There are lots of nice players on the Jazz! But the team is lacking one thing that you have to have in order to be a contender in the NBA, a superstar. That's right, I said a superstar, the likes of which the Jazz haven't had since Stockton and Malone. So, I'm just going to come right out and say it. It's high time the Jazz did something to bring a superstar in. 

There are two ways you can bring in a superstar: Draft one, or bring in a free agent. Let's start with the later. 

Every year there are a few stars on the free agent market, but a superstar becoming a free agent? That only happens once every 3 or 4 years, so when there is one you gotta take a shot at him. This off season happens to be one of those years, with Kevin Durant hitting the open market. Please don't watch his free agency unfold from the sidelines. I know it seems like a long shot but, as Wayne Gretzky said "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take."  Put your best foot forward. Charter a jet for the guy, bring him to SLC, wine and dine him, and then offer him enough money to make him think "hey, maybe Utah should be on my radar." So take a shot! If you miss, well be no worse off than we were before, but IF you hit, it would alter the future of this franchise.

Bringing a superstar in through the draft? It's a bit of a crap shoot! You hold the 12th pick in the draft. Odds are that at 12 the cream of the crop will be long gone. The way I see it, you have two choices. The first is to stand pat and take your chances at 12. The second is to package that 12th pick along with a guy who is good and has value but who might not be quite working out for the Jazz (maybe like Trey Burke) and move up the board.

Whatever you do, please don't stand pat like you have the past few years. Please throw your hat in the ring with KD! Don't let him sign with another team without at least making a competitive offer. Please don't draft another project from Europe. It's time to start making some real progress. It's time to show the fans that you are serious about making this team a contender again. 

Sincerely, 

A life long Jazz fan