OSG College Football Preview: Mountain West Conference

The little guy looked like they were going to be an AQ after adding Boise State, but then they go ahead and lose TCU, Utah, and BYU in short order…

The last year for the Frogs will be a fun one…

Boise State Broncos (12-1, beat Utah in the Vegas Bowl 26-3)

What’s Good: All the seniors coming back for one last chance at a Bee-Cee-Ess Bowl Game including Kellen Moore, Doug Martin, and the 14 returning starters… the Broncos get TCU at home on the blue turf on November 12th. 8 seniors on defense will keep the scores low for the rest of the mtn.

What’s Bad: The fact that the move to the Mountain West may keep the team from a big bowl if they lose their season opener to the University of Georgia in Week One.

Nelson Prediction: The Georgia game shouldn’t be a problem, but Boise will have a bull’s eye on their front, back, and all sides all season long. The game at Fresno October 7th should be the one obvious chance for a trip-up, but Boise has been here before.

Wilkie’s Prediction: Same ole same ole from the Broncos, just a new scene. Can’t wait for the Boise State-TCU game November 12th on the Smurf Turf, appointment television right there.

Phil Says: They will be good, they always are. Contrary to Jon, the Georgia game isn’t a gimme because of it being in Georgia and TCU lost too much in theory to keep up, they won’t run the table...11-1 this season.

TCU Horned Frogs (13-0, beat Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl 21-19)

What’s Good: Gary Patterson has created a monster in the Metroplex and even with the lack of returning starters (3 on offense, 5 on defense), the system and schedule are in place for success. So is the schedule, for that matter, as the only challenge seems to be the game at Boise.

What’s Bad: The lack of returning starters, including QB Andy Dalton… Casey Paschall only threw 9 passes mopping up. WR Jimmy Young is gone as are a lot of the secondary.

Nelson Prediction: Once again, just like the Boise schedule, the winner will get the title and the BCS bid- the loser will be closer to playing to Christmas than New Year’s… 11-1 and probably heading to Vegas…

Wilkie’s Prediction: Double digit wins again before the Frogs head into the Big East Conference.

Phil Says: Another good year, but they’ll struggle early with a lot of new faces. Baylor won’t be a gimme either to open. I say 9-2.

Air Force Falcons (9-4, beat Georgia Tech 14-7 in Independence Bowl)

What’s Good: 8 defensive starters return including six seniors in the front seven, Asher Clark returns for his senior season after having rushed for over 1,000 yards in the Troy Calhoun offense, 14 returning starters are the most Calhoun has had to work with…

What’s Bad: Getting TCU in week two and not later, traveling to Notre Dame and Boise in a three-week period...

Nelson Prediction: The week two game will determine who goes to the Vegas Bowl and who goes to San Diego for the Poinsettia Bowl… 9-3 should be about right…

Wilkie’s Prediction: Scheduling aside Air Force has the talent to make a MWC title run. 10-2 might happen but I wouldn’t be surprised if they defeated TCU or Boise State but not both.

Phil Says: TCU, Notre Dame and Boise will create problems. Otherwise, they’re just plain better than most on their schedule. They DO have a shot at beating TCU though. This season: 8-4

San Diego State Aztecs (9-4, beat Navy 35-14 in the Poinsettia Bowl)

What’s Good: 13 starters return- 8 on offense, including QB Ryan Lindley. Ronnie Hillman, MWC Freshman Player of the Year, can add to his 1,500-yards plus season last year. QB Coach Brian Sipe stays for Lindley’s well-being. Only 3 road games exist on the schedule.

What’s Bad: Brady Hoke has gone for Michigan, and Rocky Long takes over. The end of the schedule is a bear, eventhough the games against Boise and Fresno are both in San Diego. Only 5 starters return for the defense…

Nelson Prediction: Those last few games on the schedule will test Lindley and the Aztec defense. Unfortunately, the opposition will score more than the home team. Looks like 7-5 or 8-4 will be here with an outside shot at a bowl game.

Wilkie’s Prediction: Eight wins and the Aztecs go bowling in December.

Phil Says: Good, not great team. Boise and TCU come to them and Michigan and Washington State are out of conference games. 7-5 sounds about right.

Colorado State Rams (3-9, last bowl game was in 2008)

What’s Good: 8 starters on offense return, including Sophomore QB Pete Thomas who threw for a 65-percent completion percentage- the highest ever for a D1 freshman. His experienced offensive linemen should keep him safe.

What’s Bad: Leading tackler Ricky Brewer is gone. Leading rusher Leonard Mason is gone.

Nelson Prediction: Looks like an improvement for Steve Fairchild over last year’s performance and a 6-6 season will be a step in the right direction…

Wilkie’s Prediction: Six wins is about right for the sheep.

Phil Says: Improving, the program is heading in the right direction. Not on the level...yet, of the teams ahead of them. 6-6 is possible and would be a good season.

Wyoming Cowboys (3-9, last bowl game was in 2009)

What’s Good: 7 starters return on both sides of the ball including leading rusher Alvester Alexander and the depth at back and receiver…

What’s Bad: QB Austin Carta-Samuels transferred out leaving the position the hands of, probably, a true freshman in Brett Smith or Adam Pittser. The top two leading receivers and tacklers are also gone.

Nelson Prediction: 6-6 with Colorado State in the middle of the pack for Dave Christensen…

Wilkie’s Prediction: Six wins for the Pokes.

Phil Says: Both of you are being really optimistic. Did you read the above? An awful lot of changes here. Not everyone can have a winning record. 4-8

UNLV Rebels (2-11, last bowl game was in 2000)

What’s Good: Rushing and receiving depth are still around for head coach Bobby Hauck- he’ll need it…

What’s Bad: Starting QB Omar Clayton is gone. The top four tacklers from 2010 are gone as well. Only 4 starters are back to add to that…

Nelson Prediction: 2-10 beating Southern Utah and…

Wilkie’s Prediction: I’m rooting for you Bobby Hauck but this year maybe two wins and the Rebels will be better than New Mexico.

Phil Says: Good luck with this schedule. The opener at Wisconsin will be ugly. 3-9 is the call here.

New Mexico Lobos (1-11, last bowl game was in 2007)

What’s Good: We’re still searching on that one… you can talk about the 9 starters on defense coming back if you like…

What’s Bad: Mike Locksley still has this job… the HQ still wonders why while still knowing why… the University hierarchy doesn’t want to pay a buyout in a financial and emotional crisis on campus…

Nelson Prediction: If we could predict negatives numbers for UNM, the HQ would. But we think one game, Homecoming against Sam Houston State, might be the only win on the year. And, mercifully, Locksley might still be fired at season’s end…

Wilkie’s Prediction: Don’t worry about the buyout because UMN restructured that in case they have to pull the trigger which might come before the season ends. Another dreadful year in Albuquerque for Lobo football fans.

Phil Says: As long as Mike Locksley is the coach, this team will suck. It will take a decade to fix his damage..at least. And yet he still has a job? If you look at the schedule on the website, they might win the Fan Photo Day and Scrimmage and maybe Sam Houston State. 1-11 and please get rid of Locksley, your program is a national disgrace.

Jerry Kelly Is Super Bad As SuperFrog

((HT: ESPN))

Jerry Kelly is a tried-and-true PGA'er from 'Sconsin...
Big Badger guy...

But when you lose a bet, you have to pay up...
And Kelly did at the Colonial Pro-Am...

No word on distance off the tee...

Broseph's Bits And The Wednesday Gospel

The gospel went 1-0 yesterday picking up a close victory in Toledo by Bowling Green. I had my "pushes are like kissing your sister" blog post ready, but the Falcons made their FT's and made me stash that away for another day. We don't have picks in the best games of the evening. I know I'll be watching San Diego State - Brigham Young. I think it'll be an outstanding test for the Aztecs and if they somehow pull thru this, then they may finish the regular season undefeated.

Anyways, here's Wednesday's winners.

Ohio -10.5 -- The Bobcats host Eastern Michigan on Wednesday. EMU has struggled this season going 5-13, 2-3 in the MAC. They are scoring a woeful 61.7 points per game and have been unable to crack the 55 point mark in their last three contests. Outside of a road win at equally woeful Toledo, EMU has lost by 30 at Michigan State, 20 at Canisius, 15 at Idaho and 17 at Western Michigan. The Eagles lean heavily on Brandon Bowdry (20.3 ppg) and Derek Thompson (10.5 ppg) for their offense. Ohio is struggling this season as well going only 8-11, 1-4 in the MAC. They are scoring 73.8 points per game this season. D.J. Cooper (18 ppg), Tommy Freeman (11.1 ppg), DeVaughn Washington (11 ppg) and Ivo Baltic (9.1 ppg) are Ohio's biggest threats. The Bobcats have lost three straight, but will enjoy being home. They have feasted on weaker foes beating each of them by at least 10 points.

La Salle -4 -- It's a battle of Philadelphia schools on Wednesday when La Salle takes on St. Joseph's at the Palestra. The Hawks are mired in a terrible season going 5-14, 0-5 in the Atlantic 10 and are coming off a loss to Penn just a few days ago. They are scoring just 64.3 points per game while giving up over 70. The Hawks have scored over 70 just once since December 21st when they put up 79 in a loss to Boston University. Carl Jones (17.5 ppg) and Langston Galloway (11.3 ppg) lead the team in scoring. The Explorers aren't doing much better, but they have a lot more weapons and are putting up a lot more points. La Salle averages 77.5 points per contest getting a lot of contributions from Aaric Murray (15.1 ppg), Jerrell Williams (14.8 ppg) and Ruben Guillandeaux (13.1 ppg). The team is coming off a one point win at Rhode Island and has put up at least 70 in four straight contests. If La Salle ever learned to play defense, they'd be real dangerous.

TCU/New Mexico Over 141 -- New Mexico can snap their three game losing streak on Wednesday when they host TCU. The Lobos have a potent offense as evidenced by the fact they put up over 70 in two of those three losses. The problem was that their defense let them down especially in Utah where they gave up 82 to the Utes. New Mexico has scored less then 70 just twice this season at home. Four players average at least 10 points per contest with Dairese Gary (13.8 ppg) and Kendall Williams (11.6 ppg) leading the way. The other two scorers are Drew Gordon (11.4 ppg) and Philip McDonald (11.4 ppg). TCU's defensive struggles place them 107th overall giving up 70.3 points per contest. Luckily for them, they are able to put up 70.9. Ronnie Moss (15.7 ppg) and Garlon Green (11.7 ppg) lead the way for the Horned Frogs. They also get help from Hank Thorns (9.6 ppg) and Sammy Yeager (9.3 ppg). TCU has given up at least 75 points in four of their last five games and are allowing teams to shoot 50.8% in conference games this season. New Mexico has gone over in four of their seven games against teams with losing records.

TCU Invades Columbus, Ohio ((Electronically))

There are no words- except "awesome..."
That and being able to tell Gordon Gee to "stick it..."

Remember November:

"I do know, having been both a Southeastern Conference president and a Big Ten president, that it's like murderer's row every week for these schools," Gee said. "We do not play the Little Sisters of the Poor. We play very fine schools on any given day.

"So I think until a university runs through that gauntlet that there's some reason to believe that they not be the best teams to [be] in the big ballgame."

Billboard picture: Courtesy- WSYX-TV Columbus

BREAKING: Non-AQ Rejoice As TCU Wins Rose

Tank Carder's batted-down pass by Wisconsin's Scott Tolzien preserved the 2-point lead of TCU in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Waymon James converted a key third-down and four with under a minute-and-a-half to go and TCU gives the "little guy" everywhere hope in the big bowl games as TCU holds on to win the Rose Bowl 21-19.

TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson said: "This is for everybody. I got texts from Boise State today. I got texts from all across the country and we won this for TCU First. I can't tell you how much I love my guys.

"I can't say enough about Andy Dalton."

Andy Dalton added: "It sounds amazing. We're thrilled and we're happy with victory. We weren't just playing for TCU we were playing for all the little guys out there today."

When Carder was asked about the game-preserver: "It's just the way it happened. I went to go blitz and I just jumped up and swatted it away. It feels so good to bring this win back for TCU and for the program."

Now it looks like Bob Schieffer gets to collect on his bet from Madison's WISC-TV's Susan Siman... evidence below...
((HT: WISC-TV))

Amon Carter Implosion Successful

((HT: MyFoxDFW))

So, that's why the Texas Bowl is being played at the SMU campus this year...

A portion of TCU's Amon Carter Stadium was imploded to make way for a massive renovation project. It took just seconds-worth of a few boom-booms for the west grandstand to fall.

The demolition is part of a $105 million renovation project that will create three-tiered seating, two-dozen suites, a 20,000 square-foot club level, and a new press box. The north end zone and stadium exterior will also undergo renovations.

Most of the construction is expected to be completed by the start of next football season.

Here's the report from the TCU campus...

Nightside: TCU Joins Big East

Your postgame presser update...

"Having BCS automatic-qualifying status was a priority for our football program and a great reward for the success we've had the last decade," TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte said through a prepared statement.

The Big East will be the fourth conference for TCU since the Southwest Conference broke apart after the 1995 season and the Frogs weren't among the Texas schools that became part of the Big 12.

TCU was in the WAC from 1996-2000 before going to Conference USA for four seasons and then joining the Mountain West in 2005.

Here's team coverage from our friends at Fox4 in the Metroplex- which includes an interview with Del Conte himself...
((HT: MyFoxDFW.com))


And from our friends at WFAA-TV...
Jim Douglas is outdoors...

DEVELOPING: TCU To Big East

((HT: Fanhouse/McMurphy))

So, what does this do for the basketball conference...???
That's really the HQ's first question...

Do all the non-football, Division I-playing schools just go and create their own conference...??? Probably, since it would give the four-day extravaganza another level of unwatchable television.

Georgetown, Providence, St. John's, Marquette, Seton Hall, and Depaul could drift. Does Villanova get promoted to D1...? It would leave basketball with a more manageable 12 or 13 teams if it went that way...

Otherwise, basketball is at 17... and that's too big...

The Horned Frogs will, according to reports, join the league beginning on July 1st, 2012 and begin play in the Big East in the 2012-13 school year. The school has called a 2 p.m. ET press conference to announce it is moving from the Mountain West Conference- as everyone seems to be doing these days.

If Villanova chooses to stay in Division I-AA, Central Florida would be next for the football footprint.

18 anyone...???

More when we know more...

All the above story does is give us an excuse to show TCU's highlights against New Mexico- a game they won 66-17...
((HT: KRQE-TV))

TWTW: I Guess We Follow TCU Now...???

((HT: KSL-TV Salt Lake City))

Only in the sense of the idea that they'd be the prime non Automatic Qualifier to get an at-large bid for the college football alphabet games...

There was wanton destruction of Utah today, but instead of it being in Fort Worth it was at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

TCU exorcised all their road WAC-based demons in this one, winning 47-7...

Sarah Dallof does a very unpopular fan piece and live shot...

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Andy Dalton passed for a career-high 355 yards and 3TD's, and receiver Jeremy Kerley, a quarterback in high school, even threw a TD pass as the fourth-ranked Horned Frogs, now 10-0/6-0 in the Mountain West Conference, jumped out to an early 20-0 lead, quieting a sellout crowd dressed in black for a "blackout" game.

Didn't Georgia teach you about that one...???

By halftime, the Horned Frogs had outgained Utah 328-72 for a 23-0 lead. The loss snapped Utah's 21-game home winning streak and dropped the Utes to 8-1/5-1.

Shame this rivalry goes its separate ways...

TWTW: Utah Holds Off Air Force 28-23

((HT: KSL-TV Salt Lake City))

And they'll probably move up in the alphabet standings in the next version of their poll.

Utah's defense forced five turnovers and stopped Air Force twice on downs in the fourth quarter, as the 8th-ranked Utes held off the Falcons for a 28-23 win to set up their showdown with the probably-changing Number 4 TCU.

The Utes, now 8-0/5-0 in the Mountain West, had a 28-10 lead in the fourth quarter. That's not really a surprise as the last 13 games against the Falcons, now 5-4/3-3, have been decided by double digits, and last season's game went into overtime before the Utes won that one.

Start your TCU talk now...

Rod Zundel stands in front of his green screen again...

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

An OSG College Football Status Report After 1/3 Of The Season

Time flies when you are having fun and can you believe we are one-third of the way through what has been one hell of a college football season. Boise State and TCU are up their with the big boys. The ACC and Big East conferences have not helped their underachieving reputation. The Mountain West once again has proved it deserves BCS status and the SEC and Big 10 are flexing their muscles while the Pac 10 is on the rise.

That leads us to the OSG college football status report.

The Final Four – The Best Teams In College Football So Far

Alabama – The reigning national champions are still playing like the best team in the country. The Crimson Tide dominates both sides of the line, have two of the best running backs in the country in Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson and a quarterback who rarely makes mistakes (although Greg McIlroy had a couple against Arkansas last Saturday.) ‘Bama has a few more tests to pass and with Jolly Ole St. Nick running the show you tend to think the Tide will.

Oregon – Duck fans including their very deep pocketed one Phil Knight should be ecstatic about Oregon’s season. In each of Oregon’s four games the Quack Attack offense has put over 40 points on the board and leads the Pac – 10 in virtually every offensive category. Oregon heads into teeth of their Pac-10 schedule facing Stanford Saturday. That game will tell us where the Ducks are in the Pac-10.

Boise State – Lay off the Broncos. Boise State has proven they can play with the big boys with wins over Virginia Tech and Oregon State. There talent is far above the run of the mill WAC schools so don’t knock them for that. Boise State may not be an automatic BCS qualifier but the Broncos are doing what they have to do to compete for the crystal ball. Unless Boise State loses a game they shouldn’t deal with it, the Broncos are for real.

TCU – The Horned Frogs are probably the best team in the state of Texas. If TCU were in a BCS conference they might be just as good. Those of us at the OSG HQ think TCU is better than Boise State. TCU has one big test to pass at Utah, win that and TCU is in business.

TCU and Boise State have one BCS common opponent, Oregon State. The Horned Frogs beat the Beavers 30 – 21. Boise State defeated Oregon State 37-24. Judge for yourselves but that appears to be a pick’em.

Those of us at the OSG HQ think right now no matter what Boise State and TCU do they have almost no shot of playing for the BCS Championship Game and that’s a shame. If college football had a final four they would be there.

Teams To Watch Out For:

Stanford – We knew the Cardinal would be good but they are scary good. If Stanford gets by Oregon you might be able to bet the farm that the tree will be shaking in Pasadena.

Nebraska – The Cornhusker team you knew and loved growing up is back. Quarterback Taylor Martinez has been fantastic. Any question the Huskers are going to win the Big 12 North.

NC State – Before you say “huh” hear us out. The Wolfpack are rolling and have two of their toughest games, Virginia Tech and Florida State, at home. If the Wolfpack keep this up and “Don’t drink the Kool-Aid” as offensive coordinator Dana Bible said then NC State fans might head down to Miami and the Orange Bowl in January.

Heisman Stock: On The Rise

Mark Ingram – Alabama: I know he missed two games to injury but the reigning Heisman Trophy winner ran wild at Duke and pounded Arkansas. He may not win it again but he’s got the nation's attention.

Russell Wilson – NC State: The way Wilson is playing he will get an invite to New York. Wilson is among the NCAA leaders in total offense, moving up the ACC passing charts and leading his team to big wins.

Denard Robinson – Michigan: Robinson is the leader in the clubhouse. He’s been electrifying and has woken up the Wolverine fan base. Those of us at the OSG HQ wonder if Robinson can continue to take the pounding.

Heisman Stock: Dropping

Ryan Mallett – Arkansas: A fourth quarter offensive meltdown with two “WTF” interceptions against Alabama at home really hurts.

Christian Ponder – Florida State: Sticking up the stadium on national TV against Oklahoma will be tough to overcome.

Coaches Who’s Backsides Are Feeling Quite Warm

Houston Nutt – Ole Miss: Losses to Jacksonville State and Vanderbilt already. Call it the curse of Jeremiah Masoli.

Dan Hawkins – Colorado: When will the University begin a collection fund to pay for Hawkins’ buyout?

Mike Locksley – New Mexico: His ass is practically on fire. We expect something to go down soon to stop the madness in Albuquerque.

Tim Brewster - Minnesota: Let's see new stadium, alumni and boosters ready to win, a 1-3 start including a loss to South Dakota. How much is Brewster's buyout?

Coaches Who Have Cooled Off The Hot Seat

Rich Rodriquez – Michigan: That seat still has some warmth to it but after Michigan’s start and the emergence of Denard Robinson Rich Rod new fangled ways in Michigan are beginning to win over the hardcore Wolverine fans.

Ralph Friedgen – Maryland: The Terps have already topped their win total of last year. The Navy win to begin the season was a huge confidence boost for Maryland and despite one setback at West Virginia the Terps have ridden that wave and saving Fridges job.

Frogs Leap To 4-0, Claim Iron Skillet Again

TCU received a little scare from their Dallas metroplex rival but the Frogs proved to be too strong in the fourth quarter defeating SMU 41-24.

TCU quarterback Andy Dalton wasn't very sharp throwing two interceptions each leading to SMU scores, however after tossing his second pick of the night and the Frogs down 17-14 to the Mustangs, Dalton and TCU settled down scoring four 2nd half touchdowns to win it in Dallas.

The Frogs keep winning, the regular season win streak now stands at 17.

“We took their best shot and came out with a win." TCU head coach Gary Patterson said. "That was two emotional rivalries (Baylor and SMU), and we played them back-to-back. I’m very happy with the way my team played in all three phases of the game today.”

Fox Sports has the highlights from Big D. (Thanks foxsports.com)

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=ab92b018-69fd-4650-896c-58daa5ebb8a2" target="_new" title="">Highlights: (4) TCU - SMU</a>

SMU head coach June Jones after the game (Thanks SMUMustangsAthletics/youtube.com)

JerryWorld Hosts Dalton Beating Beavers 30-21

((HT: KVAL-TV Eugene))

Andy Dalton ran for two touchdowns and threw for another score to make up for his two interceptions and 6th-ranked TCU opened the season with a 30-21 victory over 24th-ranked Oregon State.

Dalton became TCU's winningest quarterback, his 30th victory snapping a tie with "Slingin' Sammy" Baugh, who had held the record since the mid-1930s.

Nick Krupke is in front of a monitor again with your highlights...

CFB Preview 2010: Mountain West Conference Football

The Mountain West Conference has accomplished all it can to state their claim to be included in the BCS. It’s just a matter of time before the powers that be finally allow the MWC to join. Utah has decided to take matters into their own hands and joined the Pac 10 Conference thus ensuring the Utes BCS status.

This MWC will crash the BCS party again this year but don’t expect it to go further than that.

TCU Horned Frogs

2009 Record: 12-1

Things To Like About TCU: What’s not to like. The Horned Frogs have the best quarterback in the MWC, Andy Dalton, the best receivers, offensive line and even with the loss of Jerry Hughes the best defense in the conference.

Things Not To Like About TCU: If there is a weakness with the Frogs it’s the running backs and even that is grasping at straws. Matthew Tucker is a dependable back and should get most of the carries.

OSG’s Take: This might be Gary Patterson’s best Horned Frog team in 10 years in Ft. Worth. TCU has a pair of games against BCS teams in the D/FW metroplex, Oregon State to open the season September 4th in Jerry World (Cowboys Stadium) and hosting former Southwest Conference rival Baylor September 18th. TCU’s schedule sets up nicely for a showdown with Utah November 6th in Salt Lake City and that might be for a BCS invite.

TCU can run the table this year and that will be enough to crash the BCS party again. That’s as far as it goes for the Frogs.

Wilkie: TCU would be favored to win five of the six BCS conferences. This team is awesome. 12-0 and expect cries from Ft. Worth to include the Frogs in the BCS title game.

Nelson: What Wilkie said... let the crying start anew...

Phil: Ditto. Even if they lose 1 of the "Big Boy" games, they are just better than everyone else.

Utah Utes 2009 Record: 10-3

Utah has the talent and a favorable MWC schedule to challenge TCU for the conference title. What might do the Utes in is their non-conference schedule, lets just say it’s a doozy.

Things To Like About Utah: Matt Asiata returns to the Ute backfield after missing most of 2009 with an ACL tear. With Asiata paired with Eddie Wide Utah has a nice running back combo. With Jordan Wynn under center the Utah offense will put some points on the board. On defense Brandon Burton is all over the field and has next level skills. Another big plus, TCU and BYU must come to Salt Lake City this year.

This Not To Like About Utah: Utah’s starting linebackers from last season are gone. One who returned, Nai Fotu, tore his ACL this spring. Utah might be challenged in stopping the run.

OSG’s Take: Utah has definitely upgraded their schedule opening the season hosting Pittsburgh. The Utes also have a pair of road games against BCS opponents on the schedule, at Iowa State and a November 13th trip to South Bend, Indiana to face the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Those games might bite the Utes on the backside.

Utah’s league schedule though much more kind. The Utes have TCU and BYU at home so a BCS invite might be a no go but a conference championship is a possibility.

Wilkie: I’m thinking 9-3 is realistic for Utah. Should the Utes get defeat TCU and BYU then their final MWC season might included a conference championship.

Nelson: Since TCU is headed to the BCS, looks like Utah gets to go to Las Vegas to take on a Pac-10 opponent... Does anyone else sense the irony there...??? Losing a school-record six draft picks won't be easy to counteract...

Phil: Yeah, schedule even tougher than TCU's. Good, not great team. 9-3

BYU Cougars

2009 Record 11 – 2

The Cougars return seven starters on offense however one of those it not Max Hall but the BYU offense should be great again. There is still a lot of weapons there.

Things To Like About BYU: BYU likes to sling it around and the Cougars have some talent at receiver. The offensive line anchored by Matt Reynolds is outstanding. Three of four starters in the secondary returns.

Things Not To Like About BYU: The inexperience at quarterback is a concern. True freshman Jake Heaps may get the call. The defense is in rebuilding mode with only five starters returning. The schedule is a killer. Road games at Florida State, at TCU and at Utah for the final holy war is a lot to over come.

OSG’s Take: Teams in college football that are going through an overall could go either way. In BYU’s case they will be OK. The offense will be fine. It might take a few games for the defense to find its identity. The Cougars won’t get to high nor too low, that’s head coach Bronco Mendenhall’s style and his team reflects his personality.

Wilkie: I do not like BYU’s schedule which will prevent the Cougars a shot at the MWC crown. 8-4 this year for the Cougars.

Nelson: Yeah, and most of those four losses could come early. If Jake Heaps is the starter at QB, how will the highly-touted freshman respond after those first four games...? I still think 9-3...

Phil: Another good, not great team. 8-4...but only if Heaps develops quickly.

Air Force Falcons

2009 Record: 8-5

Air Force may not be the sexy pic TCU, Utah and BYU are in the MWC however the Falcons consistently string together eight to nine wins and get a bowl invite. If a few things go the Falcons’ way an improvement in the win total might be coming.

Things To Like About Air Force: Jared Tew and Asher Clark are a pair of running backs that could get 1,000 yards each. The defensive back field is outstanding. Last year in the Armed Forces Bowl, AFA picked off six Case Keenum passes. Anthony Wright and Reggie Rembert are as talented pair of corners that you will see in this conference

Things Not To Like About Air Force: Like service academy FBS schools the offensive line is undersized but couple that with five brand new starters this is a big concern. Only three starters return on the Falcons’ defensive front so stopping the run might be an issue.

OSG’s Take: Nothing changes in Colorado Springs. Air Force will be the constant pain in the back side to TCU, Utah and BYU, the latter two are home games by the way. The MWC championship won’t happen however, regaining the Commander in Chief Trophy from Navy just might.

Wilkie: If Air Force goes 2-1 against the MWC’s big three (Utah, BYU & TCU) it could be a special year in Colorado Springs however, the Falcons are 2-15 against the “3” since 2004 and I’m willing to bet that won’t happen. Winning 8 games and going bowling will.

Nelson: I still think Navy has the inside track on the CoC trophy. I can't wait to see what ACC team takes these guys on in Shreveport... talk about a headache.

Phil: The traditional team everyone is scared to play. In this conference, they don't have the horses to run with TCU and Utah...but a good team never the less. 7-5

San Diego State Aztecs

2009 Record 4-8

After hitting rock bottom in 2008 San Diego State had a nice rebound last year going 4-8 in Brady Hoke’s first year. Expect the Aztecs to continue to improve as Hoke upgrades the talent.

Things To Like About San Diego State: The Aztecs have a quarterback. Ryan Lindley was outstanding last year and his go to guys return too. Wide Receiver DeMarco Sampson was 3rd in the MWC in receiving last year and has NFL talent. The other wide out Vincent Brown could have gone pro but stayed at SDSU. Combined Sampson and Brown could be the best pair of receivers in the MWC.

Things Not To Like About San Diego State: The defense had issues stopping the run last year plus allowing way to many big plays. Only returning 1 starter at linebacker may not help that cause. Lindley must cut down in his interceptions, he threw 16 last year and while we are on the subject of the Aztec offense, who will be the featured back. SDSU received no help from the running backs last year. True freshman Ronnie Hillman will be counted on to give the running game a boost.

OSG’s Take: San Diego State is a program moving up the MWC food chain. The offense can put points on the board. The defense will need to make some stops for SDSU to go to a bowl game for the first time in 12 years.

Wilkie: Is San Diego State better? yes. Will they be bowl eligible? I say so. 6-6 and a bowl game.

Nelson: Sounds about right at 6-6 even as they score a lot of points. I think the New Mexico Bowl will pick the Aztecs over Wyoming for 2010 and send the next team to lose a game against C-USA or Army in the Armed Forces.

Phil: Agreed. Like the improvement. Probably shouldn't be a bowl team yet, but at 6-6, it's enough.

Wyoming Cowboys 2009 Record 7-6

Last year you could call Wyoming the Comeback Cowboys. 5 of their 7 wins were fourth quarter comebacks. I’m sure this year Wyoming would like to not live on the edge as much.

Things To Like About Wyoming: Quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels become the first Cowboy to earn MWC Freshman of the Year honors. Carta-Samuels will only get better as a sophomore. Brian Hendricks is back to anchor the Wyoming linebackers. Though Hendricks is the only returning starter at that position he can carry the load until the unit gels. Cowboy head coach Dave Christensen loves the Wyoming secondary. Chris Prosinski was second in the MWC in tackles per game at 10.6 from his free safety position and the Gipson brothers, Marcell and Tashaun, have NFL potential according to Christensen.

Things Not To Like About Wyoming: When in the game Wyoming was good at closing the deal, however, they never put anyone away early in the game with the exception of winning big over New Mexico. Then again the Lobos were easy prey. The Cowboys were blown out four times last year. The defensive line lost three starters so their will be some drop off. The receivers need to step up for Wyoming’s offense to click.

OSG’s Take: Wyoming is one of those teams that doesn’t get much respect when the season starts but overachieves and wins a few they were not suppose to. This year the Cowboys have home games against future MWC foe Boise State and so to be former MWC Utah that might put the Cowboys on the radar screen. The Cowboys will overachieve again but I’m sure Coach Christensen would like the Cowboys to have a few convincing wins in the bank.

Wilkie: I’m going to say Wyoming wins seven games and pulls off an upset too.

Nelson: 6-6 is about right for the Cowboys, too. Having Carta-Samuels around for another year helps immensely. But having games at TCU, hosting Utah, and going to BYU will kill them as they try and improve that 107th-ranked offense.

Phil: The law of averages will catch up to them. Without offense, they can't compete in this conference. I say losing season...5-7

Colorado State Rams 2009 Record 3-9

After a tough 2009 season in which the Rams had to endure injuries to key players there is optimism in Fort Collins. After all, things couldn’t be as bad as last year.

Things To Like About Colorado State: The Rams go five deep at running back. UCLA transfer Raymond Carter will headline the unit along with the M&M boys, Jon Mosure and Leonard Mason. Mosure and Mason finished in the six in the MWC in rushing last year. A pair of true freshman Chris Nwoke and Lou Greenwood are in the mix. The Linebackers are solid led by Mychal Sisson.

Things To Not Like About Colorado State: True freshman Pete Thomas is expected to win the quarterback job. You always are concerned when a true freshman leads your team. The offensive line only returns one starter so with the potential of a freshman quarterback and an inexperienced offensive line it’s not an ideal situation. The receivers are new and will need to be productive.

OSG’s Take: This team will be much better that last season and yes they will win a conference game, maybe more. It all depends on how productive the offense will be. The defense will keep the Rams in the game.

Wilkie: I like the way Steve Fairchild is doing things in Fort Collins. Last year was a fluke. Colorado State will be much improved however six wins looks to be the max.

Nelson: Steve Fairchild is quoted as saying that 3-9 "will not happen again." It will happen again... Freshman quarterbacks, while a good idea in the long-term are disastrous more often than not in the short-term.

Phil: What Jon said, plus that Freshman QB, behind a brand new line spells trouble. 3-9

UNLV Rebels

2009 5-7

There’s a new coach on the strip. Bobby Hauck takes over after a highly successful tenure at Montana. Hauck will have plenty of talent to work with in his first year with the Rebels.

Things To Like About UNLV: It starts with a Hauck who was a great hire for the Rebels. Though two year starter Omar Clayton must learn a new system and take snaps under center he can adjust. There is talent at the skill positions and the offensive line returns four starters. The linebackers Starr Fuimaono and Ronnie Paulo are the anchors of a defense that might benefit from a change in philosophy.

Things Not To Like About UNLV: The defense has underachieved the last two years and their biggest problem has been not creating turnovers. While the defensive line returns two starters is hasn’t consistently put pressure on the quarterback. The schedule is brutal. Road trips to Utah, West Virginia and BYU are on the 2010 agenda.

OSG’s Take: The Rebels will be better but it probably won’t reflect in their won-loss record. Opening the season hosting Wisconsin and then road games at Utah and at Idaho isn’t the best start for the Hauck era. Get UNLV then because you don’t want to play the Rebels in November.

Wilkie: I knew Bobby Hauck back when he was a assistant coach at Northern Arizona so under full disclosure I am openly rooting for UNLV. The Rebels will struggle at the beginning but I wouldn’t be surprised if UNLV closes the season winning four in a row. They won’t be bowl eligible this year but the future in bright on the strip. 5-8 is the number.

Nelson: The defense only returns four, they're playing 13 games and you think five wins...??? Dude... The defense was 115th nationally and they're only bringing back four...

Four... that might be the number of wins...

Phil: They will struggle. Things will get better, but not this year. 3-10

New Mexico Lobos

2009 Record 1-11

The Lobos were dogs last year. Mike Locksley changed the entire scheme at New Mexico with very disappointing results. To add insult to injury he punched one of his assistant coaches and was suspended for 10 days. No place to go but up in Albuquerque.

Things To Like About New Mexico: There’s not much here to like about the Lobos. There quarterback might be true freshman Tarean Austin so that’s a concern. The defense gave up a ton of points and yards. New Mexico can boast and pretty decent defensive line with Illinois transfer Reggie Ellis joining the Lobos and landing four star recruit Calvin Smith, who chose New Mexico over Alabama, Florida and Notre Dame.

Things Not To Like About New Mexico: Too many to list.

OSG’s Take: New Mexico is years away from a winning season and a long way from contending in the MWC.

Wilkie: If New Mexico wins a game I will be amazed.

Nelson: Locksley should have been fired. Maybe after another one-win season, he'll get fired anyway...

Phil: If Locksley survived last season, he can't survive this. Bottom of the Barrel contender. 1-11

Mountain West Champion:

Wilkie: TCU

Nelson: TCU

Phil: TCU

Offensive Player Of The Year:

Wilkie: Andy Dalton – TCU

Nelson: The name's "Dalton..."

Phil: Vincent Brown- SDSU

Defensive Player Of The Year

Wilkie: Tank Carder - TCU

Nelson: Carder... this is easy...

Phil: Carder in a landslide

TWTW: Boise Gets Noisey Again In The Fiesta Bowl

The Fiesta Bowl was a dog of a game. Boise State won this game with their defense. That's right defense however, TCU was helping out as well with terrible play calling and poor execution. I'm not saying TCU's offense was unprepared but it looked the Horned Frogs were nervous and tight in this big time setting.

This Fiesta Bowl match up between TCU and Boise State was a terrible idea by the BCS selection committee. The Horned Frogs and the Broncos want to prove themselves against the big boys. Monday nights game didn't prove a thing and that contributed to an uninspired effort by both teams.

If it's any consolation, Boise State will be one of 2 teams to finish the season undefeated but will have nothing to show for it. They Broncos didn't beat Oklahoma this time. At least the WAC can say their conference is one up on the Mountain West. Yippee.

All this game will do is add more ammo for Congress to eliminate the BCS and force the top level of college football to have a playoff. That's change I can't believe in.

Here are your highlights, Thanks Fox Sports/Youtube.com


Here's postgame from a very excited Justin Corr from our friends at KTVB-TV in Boise



Photo Courtesy: Shawn Raecke \ Idaho Statesman

The BCS Sux...Simply Put...

Those of us at OSG HQ first caught wind of this during our listening/watching of the "Dan Patrick Show..."

Songwriter-singer Eric Hutchinson was holding a contest on his youtube page where people would send in ideas and Eric would write a song about the topic.

TCU offensive lineman Trevius Jones wanted Eric to scribble a ditty about a topic near and dear to the HQ...

Here's the end result...very Jason Mraz-Jack Johnsonish...
Enjoy...


Merry F'n Festivus...

Bowling For Dollars: Fiesta Bowl Reaction

It's TCU and Boise in an absolute, as Ol' JR says, slobber-knocker...
These two should pack Arizona with a lot of folks and a great ball game...
The first time that two undefeated schools play in a BCS game and still not play for a title...

Hmmm....

Here's how TCU celebrated their bid...
Thanks to our friends at MyFoxDFW and Sophia Reza...


The Brncos have been to the Fiesta before, but this time we think there won't be any marriage proposals after the game in 2010...

Here's the reaction from our friends at KTVB-TV...
Justin Corr takes the lead...


This is a rematch of last year's Poinsettia Bowl...
By the way, it's pronounced Poin-Set-Uh...
Not Poin-Set-Tea-Uh...

TWTW: TCU Asks What Is A Ute, New Mexico Still Sucks

((HT: KSL-TV))

A busy day in the state of Utah...

Mike Locksley is still coaching a crappy football team... whether one is related to the other is still yet to be empirically proven through scientific means...

Max Hall tossed for two scores and BYU woke up when they needed to to win 24-19... Here's your highlights,, thanks to KSL and the mtn...

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Then, there's our friends at TCU...
They ran the hell over Utah 55-28...

"If the nation didn't think that this was enough style points, then I don't know what is," coach Gary Patterson said. "We're just going to go about our business."

The Horned Frogs (10-0, 6-0) stretched their winning streak to 12 games. With a record crowd of 50,307 at Amon G Carter and representatives from the Orange, Rose and Fiesta bowls watching from the AD's box, the fourth ranked team in the country now waits for someone to stumble...

Unfortunately, they need two teams to stumble...
Here's your highlights again, thanks to KSL and CBS-CSTV...

TWTW: TCU Keeps Rolling 41-0 Over UNLV

((HT: KVBC-TV/Las Vegas, Las Vegas Sun/Keefer))

The UNLV Rebels offense managed only seven first downs and 160 total yards of offense en route to being shut out for the first time this season.

Quarterbacks Omar Clayton and Mike Clausen went 9-for-23 for 41 yards and an interception. They never got the Rebels inside of the TCU 30-yard line.

The defense, meanwhile, gave up 578 yards of offense to No. 8 TCU, including a number of big plays.

"This is by far the best defense we’ve faced all season,” rebels coach Mike Sanford said. “We were obviously not productive on offense, and we’ve got to be able to score points and move the ball.”

Uh, yeah...

Here's Randy Howe with the highlights
((HT: Versus/KVBC))

TWTW: TCU Asserts BCS Buster Move, Takes Out BYU 38-7

((HT: KSL-TV/Salt Lake City))

Andy Dalton passed for 241 yards and three touchdowns and No. 10 TCU remained unbeaten with a 38-7 win over 16th-ranked BYU on Saturday.

The Horned Frogs (7-0, 3-0 Mountain West) continued their march to what they hope is a BCS berth with their eighth straight victory and routed the Cougars (6-2, 3-1) for the second year in a row.

BYU, which had won 13 straight conference home games, was hoping to avenge a 32-7 loss at TCU last year that ended the Cougars' 16-game winning streak.

Here's Rod Zundel standing in front of a green screen with some fancy graphics...

Video Courtesy of KSL.com