Broseph's Bits And The Wednesday Gospel

San Jose State/Hawaii Over 137.5 -- Hawaii looks to pick up their third win this season against San Jose State as both try to advance towards a WAC Championship. The Warriors offensively have scored at least 70 points in five straight and seven of their last nine games. They played a slower paced game at home against the Spartans winning 67-61. Hawaii then beat them at their place 77-71 as well. UH's offense averages 68.7 points per contest. They are led by Zane Johnson (15.8 ppg) and Bill Amis (15.1 ppg). San Jose State is the more potent team of the two putting up nearly 73 points per game. They are deficient at the other end of the court giving up 73.1 points per contest. Adrian Oliver (24.3 ppg), Justin Graham (14.8 ppg) and Keith Shamburger (11.5 ppg) are the leaders of this team. SJSU has scored at least 70 points in nine of their 16 conference games. They've also given up 70 or more in 12 of those contests. This one's going to have a good pace to it helping us pick up the over.

Broseph's Bits And The Weekend Gospel

Just the picks for this Saturday. We seem to be hitting a bit of a roll right now.

Arizona/UCLA Over 140 -- It's going to be a special day at UCLA when they host Arizona at Pauley Pavilion. It will be the last game at the building for some time while it undergoes renovations. School officials are calling for a "Blue Out," which means there will be a lot of emotion. The Bruins have won 11 of their last 13 while Arizona has won 12 of their 15 PAC 10 games. The Wildcats have scored 77.6 points per game this season. Arizona has scored at least 75 points in six of their last eight contests. The first time these two met up on January 27th, Arizona won 85-74. They are led by Derrick Williams (19.3 ppg), Lamont Jones (9.6 ppg) and Kyle Fogg (8.3 ppg). UCLA has more balance with five players scoring at least 10 points per game. They put up 71 as a team while giving up 66.3. The stats show that this team has played a lot of low scoring close games, but they were against teams who tried to play at that pace. UCLA's games with California and Washington State were both played at a higher pace because their opponents didn't mind running.

Mississippi State/Tennessee Over 135.5 -- A topsy turvy eventful season continues for Mississippi State who is in Tennessee on Saturday. MSU is coming off a stunning two point loss to LSU 84-82 at home. The Bulldogs defense has deserted them this season giving up over 70 points in three of their last five contests away from home. Offensively they've scored 71 or more in three straight contests and have no problems getting up and down the court. The team has multiple weapons led by Ravern Johnson (17 ppg), Dee Bost (16.4 ppg), Renardo Sidney (14.3 ppg) and Kodi Augustus (11.6 ppg). Tennessee has also had a long eventful season dealing with Bruce Pearl's issues and some questionable losses. Still the Vols are 17-11 and are putting up 70.8 points per game. They are led by Scotty Hopson (17.4 ppg) and Tobias Harris (14.2 ppg). Tennessee's defense has abandoned them from time to time although they haven't given up more then 70 in four straight games. With a total like this, we don't need an explosion of scoring. Mississippi State's defense will let them down again in this one.

San Jose State -6.5 -- Louisiana Tech's offense took a blow when DeAndre Brown was suspended for the rest of the season. They have failed to crack the 60 point mark in four of their last five games. The team has also lost every road game since December 14th when they played at Houston Baptist. The first time the Bulldogs took on San Jose State, they lost 79-74 on January 13th. They have lost 12 of their last 15 games. La Tech now relies on Olu Ashaolu and his 14.4 points per game for offensive production. The Spartans have two players who score more then that themselves including Adrian Oliver who scores 24.4 points per game. He has help in Justin Graham (15.2 ppg) and Keith Shamburger (11.8 ppg). San Jose State has won three straight after losing the first game of their six game homestand. They knocked off New Mexico State in overtime last time out and got a great effort from Oliver in that win. The Spartans have taken care of business at home against teams they should beat. They'll do it again on Saturday.

Broseph's Bits And The Friday Gospel

The hits keep on coming for the Gospel and now it's time for one of the more intriguing events of the season in the Bracket Busters. The theory behind it is sound as mid-majors get a crack at picking up another victory to add to their tournament resume. The execution isn't very sound as there are way too many games that just don't mean a thing. Sure, some of these teams can use this game as momentum, but how many squads really want to play a non-conference game in the heat of conference play. Kent State is going to go thru a stretch of three games in six days beginning Friday night in Philadelphia against Drexel.

There are some cases where it'll be a HUGE help to the team. Take the headlining contest between Utah State and St. Mary's for example. The winner of this game will get a much needed boost to their resume while the loser will probably dig themselves a bigger hole. The Gaels need this a lot more because they are home and are coming off a loss to San Diego whose RPI was in the 300's. Utah State has played very few good teams this season losing to their toughest opponents along the way to a gaudy record. VCU needs their game with Wichita State on Friday night to help their tournament resume. The Rams losing twice in a row at home to CAA opponents made this even more important.

Anyways, this event allows the public to view the mid major teams that they'd normally shun on the weekends. It also gives the road teams a chance to take on their opponent at home the next season. Utah State will get the Gaels at their place next season. As an aside, please youtube the Utah State student section. This is one of the most underrated sections in college basketball. These students have great passion and great cheers. They could actually be cheering the Gospel as we continue our win streak hitting two overs yesterday. Tonight's pick doesn't have a number yet, but we qualified it in the writeup. If the number that comes out doesn't fit this, then there is no pick. Why waste the win streak on a weak card?

Weber State/San Jose State Over -- The total for this contest isn't out as of this writeup, but as long as this number is anywhere up to 150 or so, I'm on the over. Bracket Buster games involving teams that don't really involve teams with a postseason future are good chances for teams to get up and down and have some fun. Weber State is 15-9, 9-4 in the Big Sky. They score almost 74 points per game while giving up 67.8. This is a team that has scored at least 70 points in five of their last six with that sixth game putting up 68. The Wildcats lost leading scorer Damian Lillard after nine games, but Scott Bamforth (12.7 ppg), Lindsey Hughey (12.4 ppg), Kyle Bullinger (10.6 ppg) and Trevor Morris (10.3 ppg) have picked up the slack. They'll face a San Jose State team allergic to playing defense as they've allowed 75 points per contest. They'd have a better record if this was fixed because they score almost 75 per game as well. Adrian Oliver (24.5 ppg), Justin Graham (15.7 ppg) and Keith Shamburger (11.6 ppg) lead the way for the Spartans. This team has allowed 70 points or more in four straight and five of their last six contests. They've scored over 70 in four of those games over that same time period. My theory is that games like this produce high scores considering the lack of anything at stake.

Utah And San Jose States To Mountain West...? UPDATE: Or not...

((HT: Deseret News/Williams))

Is it just the HQ or is there a distinct possibility that the WAC may be disappearing right before our eyes...

Case in point... the Mountain West meetings in Las Vegas over the next two days may be presenting expansion notices to both Utah State ((who has declined the invitation to the MWC before)) and San Jose State.

That would leave the WAC with Idaho, Louisiana Tech, and New Mexico State...

That's it...

Fresno State, Nevada and Hawaii are leaving the Mountain West Conference effective July of 2012. Denver, Texas State, and Texas-San Antonio are entering in the 2012 season. Denver, however, won't be a football-playing member since they don't have a squad. That gives the 2012 WAC five football teams...

Looks like this was the closest the WAC got to having any kind of national title hopes in their history...
((HT: ESPN/Youtube))


And that was just a few months ago...

TUESDAY PM UPDATE: They're not leaving... yet...

The Mountain West will have eight members for fiscal 2012, with BYU and Utah departing and Boise State joining current members TCU, New Mexico, UNLV, San Diego State, Colorado State, Wyoming and Air Force. In July 2012, TCU departs and Fresno and Nevada join in all sports. Hawaii joins the MWC in football only, while its other teams will compete in the Big West.

Got all that...???

New Mexico State Wins On The Last Play Of The Game

Those of us at the OSG HQ have been wondering if they knew had to play football in the state of New Mexico. The Lobos have been lousy for quite a while. The NM State Aggies haven't been much better. Saturday New Mexico State gave Aggie fans a homecoming thrill against San Jose State.

NMSU wide receiver Taveon Rogers caught an 8 yard touchdown pass with no time left on the clock as New Mexico State beat San Jose State 29-27 and is a hero in Las Cruces.

"It's just all the struggles we've had, these guys continue to work. We made some adjustments this week and it's great to see these kids win a football game." New Mexico State head coach DeWayne Walker said.

Here's the highlights. (Thanks AggieVision/ESPN.com)



And post game highlights as well. (Thanks AggieVison/Youtube.com)

TWTW: Was It Enough Style Points...? Boise Wins By 48

((HT: KTVB-TV Boise))

The HQ would venture, for this week only, the answer is "yes."

Since Boise State's looking to be at the top of the alphabet soup for Week One, the 48-0 win over San Jose State might just be enough- considering everything else that's going on on the webpage this weekend.

But Nevada's loss won't help from this moment on...

Here's a bunch of Bronco offense...
Again...

Ryan Larrondo was indoors for this one...

OSG College Football 2009 Predictions: Western Athletic Conference

Boise State Broncos

2008 Record: 12-1 Overall, 9-0 In The WAC
Lost To TCU 17-16 In The Poinsettia Bowl

Boise State’s run during this decade is off the charts. The Broncos are 54-2 vs WAC opponents since 2002. Boise should get noisee again this year. A BCS bowl might be in the plan for 2009.

Things To Like About The Broncos:

Head Coach Chris Petersen: It’s time to start mentioning Petersen in the same sentence with Nick Saban, Urban Meyer and Bob Stoops. Heading into his 4th year at Boise State, Petersen is 35-4 but look deeper into the numbers for a more intense “wow” factor. Petersen is 23-1 vs WAC opponents, 1-0 vs a Top 10 team, 3-1 vs BCS teams and has led the Broncs to 2 unbeaten seasons.

Secondary: The WAC likes to sling it but offensive coordinators and QB’s will be uneasy challenging Boise State’s defensive backfield. All 4 starters return from a secondary that ranked 2nd in the country in pass efficiency. CB Brandyn Thompson and FS Jeron Johnson are darn good.

Quarterback: Kellen Moore isn’t big or has an NFL arm but he just gets the job done. Moore also won’t make mistakes which is critical at that position.

Things Not To Like About Boise State:

Offensive Line: They are young and have injury issues. There will be pressure on this group to protect Moore.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Same ole same ole for the Broncos. Double digit wins, a WAC title and a big bowl, maybe a BCS one for Boise State. BSU opens with Oregon after that they can cruise.

Phil: These guys always win. Ian Johnson is gone now, isn’t he? They will be good…they always are, that won’t change. They won’t be undefeated though.

Nelson: I’m actually thinking that Boise will be one of those interlopers that will give the BCS trouble slotting everyone this year. They’ll be that #6-seed that gets to go to the last pick-BCS bowl game. They’ll get to square off against the Big East winner or Notre Dame. Fun times on the smurf turf…

Fresno State Bulldogs

2008 Record: 7-6 Overall, 4-4 In The WAC

Has college football’s annual flavor of the year starting to go stale? 2008 was a rough year for the Bulldogs. Is head coach Pat Hill backside feeling a little warm right now?

Things To Like About Fresno State:

Running Backs: The entire unit is awesome. Ryan Matthews could be one of the nations elite RB’s but must stay healthy. Lonyae Miller isn’t bad either but is injury prone. Anthony Harding was Fresno State’s most consistent back last year and is back. That RB rotation could be on of the best in the country. All three have the potential to run for 1,000 yards.

Offensive Line: Fresno State always has good O-line’s and this one will be to. This group will be a rock this year.

Things Not To Like About Fresno State:

Defense: They were just bad last year finishing near the bottom against the run and in sacks. The Bulldog defense must make some plays, force some turnovers and stop the run.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Pat Hill will take on anyone, anywhere. The Bulldogs have racked up some nice wins on the road vs BCS foes which gets some attention but just what has Fresno State accomplished? They don’t win their league and their talent level is there and maybe better than Boise State. Hill enters his 13th year in the valley and 2009 is a critical year for him and the Bulldogs.

Phil: I agree. This is the year they get Boise. They will run run, run and run some more and dare people to stop them. It’s a big contrast to the rest of the WAC. If they can stop anyone they could be very good. They will be good enough to win the WAC this year.

Nelson: I don’t think they’ll be 7-6, but I don’t think they’ll be 12-1 either. One other item to consider- the Fresno State athletic department is having to go through severe cutbacks just instituted by President Welty. This means that they will be furloughing coaches just like everyone else on campus. Look for Coach Hill to jet after this year- regardless of the amount of success.

Nevada Wolfpack

2008 Record: 7-6 Overall, 5-3 In The WAC
Lost To Maryland 42-35 In The Humanitarian Bowl

Nevada has always been that team nobody wants to play in the WAC but could never get that big win to win the conference. This Wolfpack team just might get the job done. Mark down November 27th when Nevada plays at Boise State, that might be for the WAC title.

Things To Like About Nevada:

In The Trenches: The Wolfpack has one if not the best offensive lines in the WAC. They do a great job protecting their QB. The defensive line is aggressive and has one of the best pass rushers in the country. Nevada’s defensive ends Kevin Basped and Dontay Moch are terrific.

Quarterback: Colin Kaepernick is special. He ran for over 1,000 yards last year and threw for 2,500 yards as well. He will be one of the most exciting players in the nation.

Things Not To Like About Nevada:

Secondary: That was a big weakness last year. The DB’s were picked apart. That can’t happen for the ‘Pack to make a major move.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: If Nevada can get past Notre Dame at South Bend (and it might happen) then stay up late and watch this team when they are on TV. The Mizzou Tigers come to Reno so there’s another shot to make an impression. This team might be a team to watch as a potential BCS buster.

Phil: Wilkie said the QB is “Special”. This may be your surprise WAC team of the year. They are always pretty good and with Kaepernick running the show, they could be “Special” (I said it too). They could beat N.D…but that will be it. A WAC runner up.

Nelson: Their game with Boise should decide the conference champion. The organized chaos that Kaepernick controls is really fun to watch. It’s high-risk, high-reward. I think there will be more rewards than risk this year.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

2008 Record: 8-5 Overall, 5-3 In The WAC
Defeated Northern Illinois 17-10 In The Independence Bowl

La. Tech is the team moving up in the WAC. Derek Dooley is proving to be just as good as a head coach as his dad Vince.

Things To Like About La. Tech:

Solid Lines: La. Tech will win most of the battles in the trenches. The Bulldogs return all their big fellas on the O-Line and D-Line.

Things Not To Like About La. Tech:

Schedule: It’s a tough one. La. Tech opens on the road at Auburn and at Navy. Later in the year the Bulldogs play 4 of 5 on the road with a home game against Boise State sandwiched in between.

Secondary: The glaring weak link in the La. Tech defense. They allowed way too many short and mid-range throws to be completed last year to keep the chains moving. That has to change.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: From October 24 through November 21 La. Tech plays 4 of 5 games on the road with Boise State sandwiched in between. Who did the Bulldogs piss off? After Boise State La. Tech goes to Death Valley to battle LSU then head out to Fresno. La. Tech will be a better team on the field but probably wins 6-7 games. Should make a bowl too.

Phil: Derrick Dooley has this team rolling. These guys have gotten some attention and they have earned it. I still don’t get the whole WAC thing…but whatever. The schedule may be what does them in this year. It will be hard to be very competitive within the conference with such a tough out of conference schedule. 4th place, though the bottom line improves…a lot.

Nelson: Look for another tour of the southeastern second-tier bowl this year for Coach Dooley. The home game in Shreveport last year did wonders for the karma of the program. Interesting to see if there’s some carry-over…

San Jose State Spartans

2008 Record: 6-6 Overall, 4-4 In The WAC

Believe it or not Dick Tomey is building a program at San Jose State. The Spartans have gone from getting the paddles to a near full recovery.

Things To Like About San Jose State:

Defense: They are good. When he’s not double or triple teamed DE Carl Ihenacho will make plays and disrupt the opponent’s backfield.

Things Not To Like About San Jose State:

Offensive Line: They were not very good last year and had a tough time protecting their QB. Their will be pressure on the O-Line to improve for the Spartans to have a special year.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: A tip of the hat to Dick Tomey for making football matter at SJSU. San Jose State opens at USC, a loss, then host Utah, possible win, then at Stanford, pick’em. This is a team that could be the surprise of the league is things fall into place.

Phil: Do you know the way to San Jose? The hurdles are large and I’m not sure they are up to the task. They will be OK and they will scare some folks. Don’t look for the record to be any better than last year.

Nelson: Dick Tomey, really, deserves Coach of The Year consideration. But people want success of ungodly proportions to think about it instead of going from “dead” to “relevant.” If the Spartans catch a break here or there, they could be in Louisiana Tech’s place in the bowl picture.

Utah State Aggies

2008 Record: 3-9, 3-5 In The WAC

Things To Like About Utah State:

Depth: The Aggies return 18 starters and 48 letterman and can go 2-deep in every position.

Things Not To Like About Utah State:

Not Very Big: The Aggies are one of the smallest teams in the country. They will have to rely on quickness than hand to hand combat.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: They say Utah State should be the most improved team in the WAC. I’ll take their word on that. 4-5 wins in 2009.

Phil: Yawn. Not impressed. They are the 3rd best team in Utah. They won’t be a threat this year unless they get bigger and stronger and deeper. Don’t look for much if any improvement.

Nelson: : Baby steps here… I agree with the 4-5 win idea, but any kind of tangible success is still a bit off.

Hawaii Warriors

2008 Record: 7-7 Overall, 5-3 In The WAC
Lost To Notre Dame 49-21 In The Hawaii Bowl

Things To Like About Hawaii:

Big Plays: The Warriors live by that. Greg Alexander is no Colt Brennan but he’s getting there. Hawaii’s receivers have playmakers. They may torch some of the league’s weak defensive backfields

Things Not To Like About Hawaii:

Defense: It has to be totally rebuilt. The Hawaii defense only has 2 returning starters. It will be a work in progress.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: I just don’t see how Hawaii makes it back to a bowl. To many questions on defense and the offense will have pressure to put 40 points on the board.

Phil: They haven’t been the same since June Jones left. No depth on “D” will kill them; they aren’t good enough to make up for it. Bottom 1/3rd of the league.

Nelson: Rebuilding when you have as technical an offense the Rainbows have is never a good recipe. There will be a dip from 7 wins and a return to the middle of the pile…

Idaho Vandals

2008 Record: 2-10, 1-7 In The WAC

Things To Like About Idaho:

Deonte’ Jackson: One of the best running backs in the WAC. Unfortunately his talents are rarely displayed because the Vandals are out of games early. Jackson will get his share of carries this year. He’s all Idaho has.

Things Not To Like About Idaho:

Where Do I Start: The Vandals couldn’t score last year or could stop their opponents from scoring. One if not both of those issues must improve for Idaho to begin to move up.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: It won’t be fun to watch at the Kibbie Dome this year.

Phil: Again, sorry. Not feeling it. While they may be a bunch of good kids, they don’t have the horses to run with the big boys. There really isn’t much else that I can say here.

Nelson: Next....

New Mexico State Aggies

2008 Record: 3-9 Overall, 1-7 In The WAC

Things To Like About New Mexico State:

The Hal Mumme Experiment Is Over: They would chuck it in Las Cruises but it didn’t translate into touchdowns or even wins. DeWayne Walker takes over and is a coup for NMSU. Walker has BCS program written all over him so if Walker moves the program up the WAC food chain he might be gone. Enjoy him while you can Aggie fans.

Things Not To Like About New Mexico State:

Everything: This isn’t a good football team so don’t expect a turnaround.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Another year in the WAC basement for New Mexico State.

Phil: They’ve got “A long, long way to go”. I agree with Wilkie, coach Walker will help, but they are going to need time. A lot of time. There is always 2011.

Nelson: Is there any place lower than last…???

OSG'S Take On The WAC

2009 WAC Champion
Wilkie: Boise State
Phil: Fresno State
Nelson: Boise State

Best Offensive Player:
Wilkie: Colin Kaepernick – Nevada
Phil: Ryan Thompson- Fresno State
Nelson: Colin Kaepernick - Nevada

Best Defensive Player:
Wilkie: Kyle Wilson – Boise State
Phil: Kevin Basped, Nevada
Nelson: Jeron Johnson - Boise State

College Basketball Predictions: Western Athletic Conference

For the last few years, Nevada has ruled the pack in the WAC. That trend looks to continue as the title will go through Reno once again but Utah State could challenge it things fall their way.

Best Team In The WAC - Nevada Wolf Pack:

The only thing better in Reno other than the gambling and legal brothels is Nevada basketball. Mark Fox has built a mid-major power in Reno and will continue their run of championships simply because the Wolf Pack have the best talent in the league.

Best Player In The WAC: Armon Johnson - Nevada:

He is the reigning WAC Freshman of the Year after averaging 11.5 PPG and 4 boards per as well.

Team That Could Surprise: New Mexico State Aggies

NMSU boasts a talented player in sophomore Herb Pope. He was inconsistent last year as a freshman even though he wasn't cleared to play till mid season. Pope is a former High School All-American who could be the most talented player in the WAC before he leaves Las Cruses. Pope has a supporting cast that is young. Watch out for the Aggies.

Who Goes Dancing: Nevada, Utah State, New Mexico State

Who Plays For Number 66: San Jose State

WAC Notes: Mark New Years Eve on your calendar WAC fans. That is when Nevada hosts North Carolina and the Tar Heels could be #1 in the country then. Its a big test not only for the Wolf Pack but for the league going up against the best in the ACC. The secret to Utah State's success is to protect their house. Last year the Aggies went unbeaten, 17-0, at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum and are 142-17 at home the last 10 seasons. It's by far the best home court in the WAC.

Predicted Finish (Coaches Poll)

1. Nevada

2. Utah State

3. New Mexico State

4. San Jose State

5. Boise State

6. Louisiana Tech

7. Hawai'i

8. Fresno State

9. Idaho

Photo Courtesy: John Byrne/nevadawolfpack.com