Bill Riley’s Blog

All Conference Time

March 8th, 2010

It’s that time of year for the best of the best to be unveiled…I don’t have an official vote with the Mountain West Conference this year, but I’ve seen more MWC Basketball than most this season…So without further adu here are my best of the season…We will call them the Riley’s…

Best 5 for the Year…

1. Jimmer Fredette

2. Darington Hobson

3. Tre’von Willis

4. Darise Gary

5. Jackson Emery

Next Best 5

1. Kawhi Leonard

2. Ronnie Moss

3. Roman Martinez

4. Malcom Thomas

5. Carlon Brown

League’s Best Player

1. Darington Hobson-New Mexico

League’s Best Defensive Player

1. Jackson Emery-BYU

Freshman of the Year

1. Kawhi Leonard-SDSU

Coach of the Year

1. Steve Alford

I head to the tourney on Wednesday and will be broadcasting games and doing our show. So let me give you my 2 cents worth on how I think things will play out…I don’t see any upsets happening in the early rounds…There is too much of a gap between the top 4 and the rest of the Conference…I like a New Mexico and BYU final on Saturday…I don’t think Vegas is good enough to reach the finals this year, even at home. In the final, if Fredette is healthy, I like the Cougars to cut down the nets in Vegas…New Mexico #3 seed, BYU #4 seed and UNLV a #10 seed in the tourney…The only way SDSU gets in is if they reach the tournament final…

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The Boylen Blow-up

March 4th, 2010

Well I’m not sure what was worse last night at the Huntsman Center…The Utes performance against their biggest rival or their Head Coach’s reaction to a question from a media member. Let me be very upfront at the very beginning of this blog posting, I am a big fan of Jim Boylen. I think he is a very good basketball coach and has given all that he has to Utah the last 3 seasons. Boylan is an emotional, firey guy, who often times wears his emotions on his sleeve.

Last night’s effort had to be a HUGE disappointment for he and his staff. It’s been a tough transition season for the Utes, coming off a league title a year ago and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Losing can take a toll on anyone, but I think with Boylen it’s extremely difficult. Compound that with a dreadful effort against BYU and I would imagine things began to boil over.

That leads us to the post game press conference exchange with The Trib’s Gordon Monson last night.

Boylen-Monson Exchange 3-3-10

The raw emotion, frustration and anger was on full display for all to see and hear last night. It was the wrong way for Boylen to handle things. Whether he liked the question or the questioner, it deserved an answer and not an insult. Part of being a Head Coach at a Big Time Division One basketball program is dealing with the media after wins and after losses. I’m not sure if Boylen has the answer to his team’s offensive questions, but I also know that he knows more than “the ball didn’t go into the hoop”…

Both Boylen and Monson are pro’s at what they do. A win on Saturday for Utah and a win or two next in week in Vegas and the incident will likely be forgotten sooner rather than later. But in the end, the best way to avoid the tough questions from the media is to win, which Boylen and the Utes hope to do more of next season.

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A Rivalry Renewed

March 3rd, 2010

Well it’s a big night tonight at the Huntsman Center. One of the great unknown “national rivalries” is renewed in the final home game of the regular season for Utah. On paper this one doesn’t look to be all that close, but I will tell you having seen Utah play in 3 of their last 4, they will be ready tonight. Let’s look at the match up Jimmy the Greek Style with check marks and all…

Guard Play-Huge Edge to BYU. They have as good of guard play as anyone in the West. Fredettte, Emery, Lloyd and Haws are outstanding. Utah must find a way to slow down Fredette. I don’t think you can completely stop him, only illness has this season. Find a way to make Emery, who’s up and down on offense, Haws or Lloyd beat you. Utah needs a big scoring night from Marshall Henderson, Public Enemy #1 in Provo these days, and a smart game from Luca Drca.

Front Court Play-Even. Utah’s interior defense with Foster, Washburn, Watkins and Tillie is very good. While BYU gets excellent offensive output from their front court of Hartsock, Davies, Tavernari. I think the bigs play pretty even.

Three Things to Watch Tonight that may or may not figure in the outcome:

1. Game Tempo-Utah wants a game in the 50’s or 60’s, while BYU wants a game in the 70′ or 80’s. The team that wins the tempo battle is likely the winner.

2. Turnover Margin-Utah hasn’t been great with this stat this season turning it over 13.5 times per game, while BYU gives it way just over 11 times a game.

3. It’s a Jimmer Thing-If he’s healthy, he’s the best player in the league. Utah has to find a player or a way to slow him down. If he gets on a roll, it’s LIGHTS OUT!!

Great side story to watch…Marshall Henderson and Jackson Emery. After what happened in Provo last month you know that all eyes will be there, plus Emery will likely draw Henderson on the defensive end. One of the leagues best shooters against the MWC’s best on ball defender. I love chippiness in big games, I guarantee we get some tonight.

Who needs this game more? It’s a rivalry game so we know both teams want it, but who NEEDS it? BYU is playing for seeding right now, they are a NCAA Tourney lock. They are probably a #4 seed right now, but can probably make themselves a #3 if they can win out and the MWC Tourney. For Utah, Jim Boylen is building something. His team has played better as of late, but they aren’t going anywhere this year. This is a game that could make Utah’s season and perhaps point them in the right direction for next year. Utah needs it more!! Will they get it? We’ll find out tonight, pre game on KALL 700 Sports at 6:00 and tip off at 7:00.

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Welcome to the Weekend

February 26th, 2010

Well Hello there…I know it’s been awhile and I apologize for my blogging absence…Please accept my apology and this gorgeous picture of one our favorite college football girls…I know it’s not football season, but seriously, can we really say “No” to her, even during hoops season?

Where to start…How about with some local college hoops…Perhaps the biggest game in MWC History takes place tomorrow night at the Marriott Center. Sadly the game between two of the best teams in the country is being shown on Versus, which is bad for a guy like me who has Direct TV. And I can’t go see it in person because I will be calling the Utah/Wyoming game on the Mountain tomorrow afternoon (more on that coming up). This one should be outstanding. Clearly the two best teams in the conference this season. Two Player of the Year Candidates in Darrington Hobson and Jimmer Fredette. My vote still leans the way of Fredette, because I think he controls the game more than any other player in the league. Plus, his brother is a rapper, seriously he’s a rapper!! As far as the game goes, I like BYU. To beat the Cougars in Provo you have to out shoot them. I don’t think that the Lobos can out shoot BYU, not with Fredette, Emery, Tavernari and Haws all playing well right now. I think these two will see each other in a couple of weeks in Vegas and on a neutral floor who knows, but tomorrow I’m looking for a BYU win.

I’ve had a ton of people ask me about the Jim Boylen and the Utes this year. I called the game the other night at Air Force and I can tell you that they are playing better defense than they have earlier in the season. In the big picture, they are a team in transition. This was never going to be a tournament team this season, but with that said, they should be better than 13-14 right now. Utah’s biggest problem is a point guard and leadership problem. They really don’t have much of either. Luca Drca has not had a good senior season, Boylen hopes that incoming freshman Preston Giuot from Missouri, can provide much needed help at point next season. As for the leadership, Freshman Marshall Henderson appears to be the guy moving forward. Gotta love his fire and passion if you are a Ute Fan! Next year is a BIG year for Utah Basketball and Jim Boylen…

Lots of questions this week about the Jazz and their decision to trade Ronnie Brewer last week. I didn’t like the trade from a basketball standpoint, but understood from a financial standpoint. From a basketball perspective, they have become weaker defensively and it will probably be exposed multiple time down the stretch and into the playoffs. Wes Matthews is a fine player, but doesn’t do the things that RB can do on the defensive end of the floor. It also brings the future into play…Derron Williams was not pleased by the deal!! I like where the Jazz are right now and think they’ve got a great chance to catch the Nuggets for the #2 spot in the West, but that job became a bit tougher without Brewer.

Some random stuff now…

1. Olympics-Gotta say I haven’t watch much at all. It’s hard to watch at night when you know the results going in, plus I don’t think there have been many great storylines as there have been in years gone by. What I’ve like about these games: USA Men’s Hockey and Shaun White. What I haven’t liked: Lindsey Vonn’s performances (though the picture below is outstanding), so much hype so little results and NBC’s Coverage.

2. Looking forward to the potential match up on Sunday between the US and Canada for the Gold Medal in Men’s Hockey. What happen North of the Border if the Canucks lose again the US? That said I think Canada likely wins the Gold, but both must first get by the Finland and the Czech Republic first…

3. Finally on Hockey…I am just laughing at all of these people that are up in arms today at the celebration by the Canadian Women’s Hockey team team last night after they won the Gold Medal, beating the USA (2-0).

Who the hell cares???? Seriously…They just won the Gold Medal..let them celebrate and enjoy themselves. What did they do that was so wrong? Have a Beer? Smoke a Cigar? Get a life!!!! If they were men would we say anything??? We have become way too sensitive…

Posted in BYU, College Football, NBA, U of U, U of U Basketball, Uncategorized, Utah Jazz | 1 Comment »

The End of the Urban Era???

December 26th, 2009

MeyerUrban_090204_5592_TCas

First off let me say Happy Holidays and I’m sorry it’s been a while since I posted…One of my New Year’s resolutions will be to post much more often…

I would say that it’s been less than a happy Day After Christmas for the Gator Nation…Urban Meyer announced this evening that he will coach his final game with the Gators in the Sugar Bowl next Saturday night against Cincinnati. Meyer is resigning over health concerns that date back to at least the SEC Championship game. I will post later on his legacy, which while short is extremely impressive. But for tonight a quick though or two on who should take over the most prolific program in college football today.

Whomever Jeremy Foley, Florida AD, selects as his new Head Coach will not be Urban Meyer, let’s get that straight right now. Nobody in the college game today possesses the combination of traits that Meyer does. Not Pete Carroll, Not Mack Brown, Not Brian Kelly, Not Anyone…That’s what makes Meyer the BEST and what makes this such a huge loss for Florida and College Football.

I had the opportunity to do the Urban Meyer Coaches Show with him in his final year at Utah. His enthusiasm for the game and his team was infectious. I knew he wouldn’t be at Utah very long, but had no idea what was to come over the next 5 years…

Here’s my short list of candidates that would make potentially good successors to Meyer at Florida:

1. Bob Stoops-Big Game Bob really hasn’t lived up to his nickname in recent years and actually turned the job down before Meyer accepted 5 years ago. He’s coached at Florida as Defensive Coordinator with Steve Spurrier in the late 90’s. He’s won at National Title and has run won of the best programs in the Country over the last decade. He will get a call.

2. Chris Peterson-Offensive innovator at Boise State and a great fit for Florida. Young, Innovative, High Energy. Has taken the Boise State program about as far as it can go in the WAC. The only downside is that he’s got no real ties east of the Rockies.

3. Kyle Whittingham-Has taken what Urban built at Utah and made it better. Has ties to Meyer and Florida President Bernie Machen. If he was ever to leave Utah it would be for a job like this.

4. Jim Harbaugh-Successful Head Coach at Stanford. Comes from a Coaching Family. If you can recruit to Stanford I’m pretty sure you can recruit to Florida. Has paid his dues and can promise NFL experience and insight with his 15 years in the league.

5. Les Miles-This one may seem strange, as he is a rival coach in the SEC. But he knows the League and is an excellent recruiter and game coach. Plus he has the perfect swagger to Coach at Florida.

One Darkhorse Candidate could be Dan Mullan, Meyer’s longtime Offensive Coordinator at Utah and Florida. Mullan is currently the Head Coach at Mississippi State. My only issue with Mullan would be his lack of head coaching experience. Would you turn over the PREMIERE job in college football to a guy with ONE year of head coaching experience? I wouldn’t and I don’t think Jeremy Foley will either…

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Football Picks, Futbol Pick and More from Seattle

November 21st, 2009

washhuskies1

Greetings from the Great Northwest! I know these things are coming a bit later than usual this week, but I’ve been busy getting ready for MLS Cup and dodging raindrops here in the Emerald City. In honor of my stay here and the college football weekend, say hello to the Lovely Ladies of U Dub!!

I have to say that I love this city! There’s a great vibe about it in so many way. Outstanding night life, the Sports Scene and Venues are top notch (Note to any city that are thinking about building stadiums and where they should place them. Please visit Seattle before making any decisions. Qwest Field and Safeco Field are downtown and have brought the area to life. If only Salt Lake City had had the foresight with Soccer stadium in conjunction with Energy Solutions arena and the Gateway.)

qwest and safeco

Here for MLS Cup on Sunday, with Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy. If you’d like some good insight on the match up especially with the Galaxy here’s a preview by Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated. I don’t happen to agree with all of Grant’s assessment. While LA has been very good for most of the 2nd Half of the season, they still have their issues. Namely their back 4, an aging Greg Burhalter and some big game inexperience with Franklin, Gonzalez and De La Gaza. In addition to that, Beckham’s ankle is ailing and will need to have pain injections to be able to play. RSL on the other hand is healthy and playing with great confidence after their wins against Columbus and Chicago. I like the way the midfield and forwards are connected right now. Plus the X-Factor is the Nick Rimando, no one is playing better in these playoffs right now. Call me hopeful after calling their games for the last 5 seasons, but I like RSL’s underdog chances…Real Salt Lake 2 and LA 1.

One other note before I get to the College Football Picks for the Weekend. I went to see the Blindside last night. The movie chronicling the life of Michael Oher, the Baltimore Ravens Offensive Tackle. I will say this right up front, I didn’t have great expectations for this movie when I went into the theater. I’m not a big Sandra Bullock fan and often times Sports stories don’t translate to the big screen well at all. I am happy to report that this movie translates and translates well!! Bullock is outstanding in her role as LeAnn Tuhoy and the young man who plays Michael Oher, Quinton Aaron, is terrific too. The best part of the movie is that it is a TRUE story. Whether you are a sports fan or not you will enjoy this movie, because while sports/football is a backdrop, it’s a story of humanity more than anything else. Two Snaps up in a “Z” formation.

Now on to the picks for the Weekend….Coming off a (6-1) weekend last week. The rivalries begin this weekend and carry on to and through Turkey Day….In honor of the biggest rivalry, if not game of the weekend, here is the lovely and Rachel, a big fan of the Big Blue, to help us with our selections…

michigan hottie

San Diego State at Utah-The Aztecs are improving under first year Head Coach Brady Hoke. The storyline here is: How do the Utes bounce back after last weekend’s beat down in Ft. Worth? A good showing today tells me that Utah is ok and it was more about TCU last weekend, but if they struggle it tells me that they aren’t quite as good as I thought they were. Paint me the optimist and the former more than the latter. Utes 35 Chief Montezuma 17.

Air Force at BYU-This game is interesting to me on several levels. What happened to BYU last week at New Mexico? Did they take the Lobos lightly or are there problems in Provo? Air Force has been in just about every game this season, but are they on course for the usual late season nose dive? BYU has the Holy War next Saturday, will they look ahead? Is Harvey Unga healthy? I honestly don’t know what to expect here…So I will go with the Home Team, but not by much…Cosmo 24 Fly Boys 20

Kansas State at Nebraska-It’s the Battle for the Putrid Big 12 North. What’s happen here? Bill Snyder has done a wonderful job with a team lacking real talent, he’s the Coach of the Year in the Big 12 in my opinion. This game will be low scoring and all about the defense. As long as Big Red doesn’t turn it over too many times, they should rule the day with their #10 defense and on to represent the Big 12 North in a battle with Texas. Harry Husker 16 Willie the Wildcat 6

arizona-cheerleader-hottest-student

Oregon at Arizona-It’s a battle for the Pac 10 lead and the Rose Bowl in Tucson today. Who would have thought that Mike Stoops would be in better shape than big brother Bob this season? Well he is and the Wildcats are tough, especially in the desert. Wouldn’t you play well if you knew there were “hotties” like the above waiting for you if you won? QB Nick Foles has had a nice season, but Oregon’s LeMichael James has been outstanding for the Duck Nation. I like the Ducks and their athleticism on both sides of the ball to get it done tonight in Tucson. Fighting Phil Knights 38 The Other Stoops Brother 28

Connecticut at Notre Dame-The buzzards and jackals are circling in South Bend. There is very little doubt that Chaz Weiss is done. I picked them as my upset special last week at Pitt and they nearly pulled it off. Today it won’t be an upset, but rather one last stand for the Irish at home against the Huskies. The Irish will win and likely handily today, but it will be their last of the season and the last in the short ND coaching career of Charlie Weiss. Touchdown Jesus 41 Rebecca Lobo U 24

LSU at Ole Miss-Here’s a story that is sad and troubling if you are a fan of College Football in the South. It only goes to re-enforce all the stereotypes that SEC fans have tried to erase. On the field, it should be a pretty good match up. LSU’s struggling offense but great defense vs. Jevan Snead and the Rebels. Give me the Tigers in a tight one…LSU 23 Ugly Old South U 17

Cal at Stanford-THE BIG GAME! Not quite as big without Javid Best playing for the Cal Bears, two concussions in 8 days have him on the sidelines. So much to play for here for the Cardinal. The Bears have won 6 of the last 7, but not today. TOBY GERHART!!! My Heisman favorite right now. The Trees 31 Teddy Bears 20.

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TGIF Football Selections and More

November 13th, 2009

tcu hottie

Greetings on a Friday Morning…The eyes of the college football world will be on Ft. Worth and TCU this weekend so I thought I would begin today with your eyes on this lovely TCU supporter…

What a huge weekend for local/national college football (A coach once told me that the “Game in November are the Games to Remember”), NFL Football, MLS Soccer Final Four with RSL in Chicago, and my most favorite time of the year–The Beginning of College Basketball Season….

Let’s start with a few random thoughts before the Pigskin Picks…

1. The Jazz are going to be without Derron Williams tonight in Philly. He’s been excused for personal reasons. Let’s put it simply: THEY HAVE NO CHANCE!!! Let’s hope he’s back soon for the Jazz sake.

2. I’m on my way to Chicago to call the MLS Eastern Conference final between Real Salt Lake and the Chicago Fire. Please don’t ask me who I think will win, because I haven’t a clue. But I will say this…It’s the first time in quite some time that I think RSL may be the better team and playing in better form, after their sweep of Columbus. Two keys, for what it’s worth…Javier Morales has to play BIG for RSL to win and RSL MUST contain the playmaking ability of Blanco. If they can do these two things, they may very well be in Seattle next weekend.

3. The NFL fined Chad Johnson $20,000 for his $1 dollar gag/joke/bribe of an official last weekend. I love the NFL but it’s got to be the most uptight/stick up the a@@ league I’ve ever seen. Lighten up Roger, seriously it’s a game….

4. Is anyone else tiring of Michael Jordan right about now? What’s more tiresome is the way current and former players bow so reverentially to him , when he could care less about them or the game he once played so very well. Here’s the latest example from The King…Great Player, Lousy Basketball Man, Bitter Person….

5. Looking forward to the Sunday Night NFL Game…Best two teams of the last decade and perhaps the best two QB’s of all time matching up…Here’s a breakdown of the match-up so I don’t have too…I like the Colts and Manning in this one. I’ve always been a Manning guy, it stems from interviewing him when he was in college at Tennessee. This is not to say that I don’t respect the resume and play of Tom Brady, I just lean more towards Manning. I hope it lives up to the hype.

Now on to the picks for the week…I went (5-2) last week with Alabama, those lovely Tide fans and of course the “legally blind” SEC Officials helping me out. Looking for a big week this week and some extremely tough games to pick….

Utah at TCU-Last season in Salt Lake City it was one of the best games of the college football year, with defense ruling the day and of course Brian Johnson’s “heroics” too…Gary Patterson told me it was the”toughest locker room” he had been in in 27 years of coaching. This TCU team is better than last years and this Utah team isn’t quite as good as last year’s. Freshman Jordan Wynn goes from the frying pan to the fire this week and will likely see things that he’s never seen before in football from the Frog Defense. Andy Dalton will have his hands full with a Utah Defense that continues to get better and better. The difference in this game could very well come down to Special Teams and Jeremy Kerley, who’s having an unbelievable year, with 2 highlight reel TD returns. 09′ BCS Busters 20 08′ BCS Busters 14

BYU at New Mexico-I wouldn’t even look at this game if it didn’t involve a local school. New Mexico is really really bad and BYU is solid. Is that enough analysis for you? Cosmo 49 Liz Lambert U 3

south-carolina-girls6

#1 Florida at South Carolina-The Head Ball Coach vs. Urban The Great…It’s got to really eat at Spurrier that he left his school and the program he built to jump to the NFL, with little success. Now his alma mater has been taken to greater heights than he ever took them to by Meyer. The Cocks have a great defense and that’s about it. Spurrier hasn’t been able to work his QB Magic in his 5 seasons at USC and he will be looking squarely across the field at a QB and Coach that have already surpassed his playing and coaching legend at Florida. Speaking of legendary, see the above photo, the TALENT in the SEC is LEGENDARY!! The Tebows 34 The Visor 21

#15 Iowa at #10 Ohio State-Is it possible that a match up between two Top 15 Schools could be a snooze-fest? The answer is YES, when that match-up happens in the Big 10. No Ricky Stanzi for the now beaten Hawkeyes and with that note you know that the “Sweater-Vest” will play it ultra-conservative and not allow Terrelle Pryor to show his skills. Somewhere Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler will be smiling, but nobody else under the age of 50 will be…Brutus 23 The Spirit of Hayden Fry 10

#25 Stanford at #11 USC-How in the world is USC still ranked at #11, can anyone answer that for me PLEASE??? They were beaten by Washington and absolutely taken to the woodshed by Oregon, yet they are still just outside the Top 10. Oregon ran the football on them all night long. Two words for Trojan Nation–Toby Gerhart–the best running back that nobody is talking about…16 TD’s, 2 200 yard games, 2nd in the NCAA at 135.2 yards per game. This is a perfect spot for Harbaugh to add to his potential Notre Dame resume, he would be my choice over Brian Kelly if I was hiring in South Bend. The Trees 27 Fight On 24

Notre Dame at #8 Pittsburgh-It’s been the Charlie Weis deathwatch all this week in the College Football World. Everyone has Chaz fired and gone by seasons end and that still may happen…But this week just feels like an opportunity for Notre Dame to circle the wagons and play for their coach. Irish Offense is un-questioned, but their D not so much…Pitt has an outstanding QB in Bill Stull and a better running back in Dion Lewis, plus the game is in the Steel City. I have no basis in logic for this pick, but it’s the UPSET SPECIAL of the WEEK…Touchdown Jesus 38 Dan Marino U 35

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#3 Alabama at Mississippi State-This one has the potential of an upset, but the better potential of some outstanding “eye candy” in Starkville, see above. Bulldogs Head Coach Dan Mullen nearly got his old boss, Urban, a few weeks back. Now he’s had 2 weeks to get ready for the Tide, who have been the beneficiary of some questionable calls in recent weeks. Bama’s offense isn’t good right now and their defense has had to do much of the heavy lifting!! It’s a night game in Starkville and the Cowbells will be ringing…It will be close, but….Red Elephants prevail…Roll Tide 24 The Other SEC Dawgs 20

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Friday Football Picks and More…

November 6th, 2009

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It’s that time of the week again for my college football picks, though I’m not sure after last week I should be picking this week…Maybe I could let this lovely young Alabama fan make the selections for me, she certainly appears to be a big Alabama Football fan, though you can really tell from her attire…Less is More in the SEC, but this week she and her fellow Tide fans hope that “Les” is much Less than the Red Elephants. After a pathetic (3-4) week last weekend, I’m at (41-22) for the season…I’m going Tebow and promising that I will be better this week, with my picks and my pics…

New Mexico at Utah-It’s been a rough fall for the Lobos. First their Head Football Coach assaults an assistant Coach and now one of their women’s soccer players assaults a BYU soccer player in the MWC Tourney in Provo yesterday. What’s going on in Albuquerque these day? Maybe Anger Management should be a new Major in the Land of Enchantment. I have a feeling Saturday’s game against Utah isn’t going to help anger issues amongst the Lobo Nation. It will likely be Jordan Wynn’s debut as a starting QB for Utah and New Mexico is just plain bad right now…Utes 42 Angry Wolves 10

BYU at Wyoming-How beneficial was the bye week for BYU? I guess we’ll find out when they venture into Laramie on Saturday. I was impressed by the Pokes effort at Utah last weekend. Carta-Samuels should be a nice QB moving forward for Dave Christensen and he should have much better success against the sieve-like Cougar Defense. With that said, I still like the Cougs with 2 weeks prep time against a far from athletic Wyoming Defense. Cougars 31 Cowboys 21

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lsu-hot-girl LSU at Alabama-When it comes to Eye Candy and Great College Football Match Up’s it’s hard to beat the SEC on a week in and week out basis. This weekend is no exception with the Bayou Bengals traveling to Bear Bryant Country to take on the Fighting Sabans. I have a feeling these ladies will be there this Weekend. Neither team is great offensively right now, both are outstanding on defense. Athletic advantage slightly to LSU, football and playmaking advantage to Alabama. Take the Home team and Ribs at Dreamland!! Arrogance Head Coach 17 Tiger Bait 13

Ohio State at Penn State-Old School Coach in a Sweater Vest against an OLD Coach in Coke Bottle Glasses. Somewhere Bo, Bear and Woody will be smiling. There will be over 100 thousand people in Happy Valley ready to welcome Terrell Pryor back home and tell him that he made a mistake in not coming to Penn State. I think the Terrell will realize this at the end of 60 minutes of Football. Joe Pa 24 Tressel 17

Oklahoma at Nebraska-This game used to be one of the games of the year that you set your Thanksgiving Weekend by…Not so much anymore…They now only play every other year, because of the Big 12 North/South schedule. Both of these teams have been underwhelming this season. Oklahoma had National Championship hopes, while Nebraska had Big 12 North Title hopes…Both look like dreams now…I have to feel what-so-ever for either team..So I’m going with the Home Team…Husker Power 23 Boomer Bust 20

USC at Arizona State-It’s a back against the wall kind of game for Pete Carroll and the Trojans. Their National Title hopes are gone and they’ve been killed all week long in LA. It’s not been a great season for ASU, but a win against USC (even a down SC) would make the year. Not going to happen here…Trojans rebound, but even in a loss it’s still good to be a student at Arizona State (see below)….Song Girls 34 Devils 21.

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Utah State at Hawaii-The Aggies are headed to the Islands this weekend. Two former Ute Assistants squaring off-Anderson vs. McMackin–It’s been an up and down year for both programs. The Ags have been close in most of their losses this year, but you can see that Gary Anderson is building something in Logan. This is the week he gets a breakthrough win on the road…Cache Valley U 27 Islanders 21

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Girl Fight

November 6th, 2009

If you haven’t seen the video highlights from yesterday’s BYU vs. New Mexico soccer match, check it out HERE. Trust me, it’s worth the click.

Tags: New Mexico, Women's Soccer
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Utah Football Update/Monday Musings

November 2nd, 2009

OREGON.GIRLS

Well it was less than a stellar weekend for yours truly…My picks, worst of the season (3-4), my alma mater gagging in Lubbock, the Yankees winning, well the Chiefs didn’t lose so I’ve got that going for me…At least the girls above still have something to cheer for..QUACK QUACK!!!

Well who is going to be the Quarterback for the Utes this Saturday against New Mexico? Kyle Whittingham wouldn’t give us any clues at his weekly presser today, but my money is on Jordan Wynn, the true freshman. I don’t see how you can burn his “redshirt” and not give him another shot this week, especially considering that he was better than Terrance Cain on Saturday. Whittingham says it will be a game day decision…Sure it will…BET ON WYNN!!! The kid was solid in his debut…Give him a full week of snaps and time to prep for an opponent, I think you’ll see a very good performance this week, plus it’s New Mexico. Just beware of Mike Locksley and hope that he takes his “happy pills” before the game.

The other Ute Issue is play calling/Offensive Coordinator. New offensive coordinator Dave Schramm, was told to relinquish his play calling responsibilities on Saturday. Wide Receivers Coach Aaron Roderick called plays on Saturday night. Let’s see what happens this week…How does this impact things on the staff? Can you remember an offensive coordinator anywhere that doesn’t call plays?? Stay tuned here…

Jazz at home tonight against the Yao/Macgrady-less Rockets. They’ve been less than impressive in their first two games. They should be much better tonight, look for big nights from Boozer and Milsap.

I hate to say it but the Yankees are going to be your 2009 World Series Champs! The Series was decided before Game 4…I said it last week, but not nearly as well as Yahoo’s Jeff Passan did this morning…It might go to Game 6, but it won’t go beyond that…5:57 tonight on KALL 700 Sports…

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