Another One Goes Down To Boise State, Broncos Bust Bulldogs

What more do you want Boise State to prove that the Broncos are among the elite in college football.

Saturday night Boise State came to Atlanta to take on the Georgia Bulldogs. Once again the Broncos rose to the occasion defeating the Bulldogs 35-21.

Here's the highlights (Thanks KTVB-TB Boise, Idaho)



This is another milestone in the history of Boise State football. The Broncos had never beaten a team from the SEC in four tries. With the win over Georgia Saturday night Boise State has accomplished that.

It was a hard fought physical game," said Boise State head coach Chris Petersen in a post game press conference.

"Congrats to Boise State. They just beat us tonight. They were better than we were," Georgia head coach Mark Richt said in a post game press conference. ''But SEC play hasn't even started. It's a long season. We've got to get our minds right. A game like this, no question, we know more about our football team than if we played someone and beaten them by 40. Hopefully that translates into us learning how to play better in these type of games and better see where our weaknesses are.''

You think next weeks South Carolina game is important now for Georgia? Richt and the Bulldogs will be feeling the pressure to avoid an 0-2 start. That might make Richt's backside a lot hotter.

Kellen Moore established himself as the early front runner in the Heisman Trophy race. Moore was outstanding against the Bulldogs going 28-34 passing for 261 yards and three touchdowns.

''Growing up watching football, I have a ton of respect for the SEC,'' Moore said after the game. "I watched Georgia play a lot of big games growing up. To play a game like this was a lot of fun. I enjoyed it. We were fortunate to come out on top.''

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.

Mountain West Conference Has New Logo.

The Mountain West Conference has a new logo. It's on the upper right of this column. This is what Mountain West Conference commissioner Craig Thompson said of the new design.

"This initiative is emblematic of the evolution of our league," Thompson stated in a Mountain West Conference release. "The overwhelming majority of the people we spoke to said the Mountain West is bold, feisty and highly competitive, and we strongly believe these qualities are reflected in our new brand identity and our new logo."

When I see that block "MW" I think bold and feisty. In fact the Mountain West has to be the first conference to give it's logo a nickname. It's know as "The Rock."

Here's a portion of the release from the Mountain West Conference.

The unique logo itself is a strong symbol of a league on the rise, invoking comparisons to stately campus buildings and the Rock of Gibraltar. It is unlike any other conference mark. Reflecting the expanded membership from the mountains to the ocean and addressing the previous prevalence of mountain imagery and word marks, the letters representing 'Mountain' and 'West' are given equal weight and dimension.

http://www.themwc.com/genrel/060611aac.html

Don't you love explanations of a logo.

Those of us at the OSG HQ think the new logo looks a lot like the old MTV news logo. Either that or the new "Doctor Who" logo from the show that runs on BBC America...

Boise State's "Smurf Turf" Off To A "Rocky" Start In Mountain West Conference

[HT: http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=69633related/ &

http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2011/04/19/bmurphy/san_diego_state_coach_they_ought_get_rid_blue_turf_i_think_its_u]

If you have seen Boise State's blue turf in person it's not easy on the eyes. On TV it's a distraction to.

That's been Boise State's gimmick since 1986 when the "smurf turf" was installed.

Now that Boise State is set to become a member of the Mountain West Conference the blue turf is meeting some resistance.

San Diego State head coach Rocky Long is not a fan of the blue turf. Long said so in the conference's spring football teleconference.

“I think they ought to get rid of that blue turf. I think it’s unfair,” said Long, the former New Mexico coach who is in his first season as the Aztecs’ head coach.

When asked to expand, Long said, “it takes the visiting team a quarter or two to get used to that different field.”

Long said players “track the ball differently” on the blue turf, particularly since Boise State traditionally wears all-blue uniforms on the blue turf.

Those of us in the OSG HQ are wondering if Boise State's blue turf is unfair how would you describe Eastern Washington's blood red turf? Unplayable comes to mind.

Who Wants The UNLV Gig?

[HT: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.com/sports/hunt-to-replace-kruger-heats-up-119163399.html]

That's a good question. UNLV hasn't been it's glitziest self since Jerry Tarkanian was forced to leave the strip.

Rollie Massimino, Bill Bayno, Charlie Spoonhour and Lon Kruger couldn't make the Runnin' Rebels the best show in town like Tark did however, a trio of former players for Tark would like to give it a shot.

Reggie Theus wants the job. Theus had a successful yet brief tenure at New Mexico State leading the Aggies to an NCAA tournament appearance.

Dave Rice, who was on UNLV's Final Four teams in 1990, which won the national championship, and 1991 appears to be the leading candidate. According to the Las Vegas Review Journal UNLV athletic director Jim Livengood has already met with Rice, who's an associate head coach at BYU.

The third former Runnin' Rebel to throw his hat in the ring is 1990 National player of the year Larry Johnson. That interview is coming soon I'm sure.

It appears that Bob Knight has expressed interest in the UNLV position. The Las Vegas Review-Journal is citing a source saying Knight is interested. Part of me would like to see Knight coaching in Las Vegas. You would have a most wins in NCAA history death match between Knight, who has 902 career wins and Mike Krzyzewski, who has 900 wins.

Kind of similar to Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden.

The OSG HQ wants to know if any Elvis impersonator have dropped off a resume.

The Politics Of Dancing: San Diego State Over Jimmer, Northern Colorado Is In, As Are The Gauchos

Dana Greene of ABC4 in Salt Lake City has the run on Jimmer's 52 before the Aztecs got a holt of them in the MWC final...

The HQ just likes saying "Jimmer..."


KDVR's Jon Bowman has the Cinderella story of Northern Colorado out of the Big Sky Tournament. They've only been four years in Division I hoops...
 

Memphis' Joe Jackson looked sharp as the Tigers beat UTEP with seconds to go for the Conference USA automatic bid...
((HT: MyFoxMemphis))

Jackson's Free Throws Send Memphis to NCAA Tourney: MyFoxMEMPHIS.com

Mike Klan of KEYT-TV in Santa Barbara has highlights of early Big West tourney action where UCSB beat Pacfic. They went on to upset northridge and Long Beach to get to the Plus-4 field...

OSG Buzzer Beater: A 3 At The Buzzer Lifts Utah Over New Mexico

There were a few impressive buzzer beaters Saturday in college basketball. This is the only one with video the OSG HQ could find. We think its pretty good.

The Runnin' Utes' Chris Hines launched a bomb as time expired and the bank was open on Saturday giving Utah a 62-60 win over Nex Mexico.

Here are the highlights. (Thanks KSL-TV)

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

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...???

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: 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

DEVELOPING: Nevada And Fresno Stay In WAC Til 2012

Nevada and Fresno State have agreed to play one more season in the Western Athletic Conference than they initially intended. They now will transfer to the Mountain West Conference in 2012.

The schools wanted to make the change for the 2011 seasons, but WAC officials filed a lawsuit that said they "failed to provide proper notice" to change their conference affilation and would owe $5 million.

WAC Commissioner Karl Benson has announced they've reached an agreement that allows the schools to make the jump effective June 30, 2012, for a buyout of $900,000 each.

More when we know more...

If you're interested, here's the agreement... thanks to our friends at ABC30 in Fresno...

WAC Suing To Keep Fresno And Nevada

((HT: KRNV-TV Reno/KFSN-TV Fresno))

The WAC has filed a lawsuit in a Denver district court against the University of Nevada, Fresno State and the Mountain West Conference to keep the two teams in the WAC through the 2011-12 season.

University of Nevada President Bill Glick issued the following statement in response to the news:

"I am disappointed. It is unfortunate that this matter has moved to litigation before any discussions between the parties were undertaken. We have been very public about our desire to resolve these matters directly with the Western Athletic Conference and to do so as expeditiously as possible. At this point, our university legal counsel is in contact with the WAC's attorney."

Here's your reader from our friends at KRNV-TV in Reno


And one from ABC30/KFSN-TV in Fresno...
John-Thomas Kobos is at Fresno State for a live shot...

DEVELOPING: BYU Formally Announces Independence

((HT: Fox13Now/KSTU-TV))

BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe says the Cougars' move to independence in football has plenty of risks and he hopes even bigger rewards.

Holmoe gave some details Wednesday about BYU's athletic future. While football will play without a conference, other sports are joining the West Coast Conference starting next year.

By leaving the Mountain West Conference, BYU was able to negotiate its own broadcast rights for football. BYU announced that the school has an eight-year deal with ESPN to televise the Cougars on one of the network's channels.

BYU said it has also agreed to a six-game deal with fellow independent Notre Dame. Holmoe says the two schools are still working out the details.

Here's Cecil Samuelson and Tom Holmoe at their emancipation presser...
 

DEVELOPING: Independence Day In Provo, BYU Football Goes It Alone...

Well, almost alone... they join Notre Dame, Army, and Navy...

They made the decision by the sum total of one day before the imposed deadline of the Mountain West Conference and the Cougars have decided to go it as a Division I independent in football. All other sports will register with the West Coast Conference.

BYU's original idea was to join the WAC in other sports while staying independent with football, but when Fresno State and Nevada decided to crossover from the MWC to the WAC that plan was scuttled.

The four letter has already jumped in and said they would be a partner with Cougar football in some capacity.

Shocker there....

There are issues with three BYU Sports that the West Coast Conference doesn't currently support: softball, swimming and diving, and track and field.

The presser to explain all of this is set for 2PM eastern time Wednesday.

Here's the latest from our friends at KSL-TV in Salt Lake...
FOSG Tom Kirkland sits at the adult table...

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

The WCC has eight members in its conference at present- seven of them are affiliated with the Catholic Church. Pepperdine is affilaited with the Churches of Christ. BYU will add more credibility to the basketball roster that currently has Gonzaga, St. Mary's, and Santa Clara.

((Insert holy war reference of your choosing here))

Here is an interview with Dick Harmon, sports columnist with the Deseret News, that Kirkland had in full with KSL-TV...

And here's Fox Salt Lake City's lead story on the move...
Rick Aaron is on campus...
((HT: Fox13Now/KSTU))
 

BYU Staying In Mountain West After All...???

From the "sound and fury signifying nothing" department...

According to a report by Natalie Meisler in the Denver Post, BYU may stay in the Mountain West Conference after all. When Fresno State and Nevada left the WAC to join the Mountain West the idea kinds fell apart on its own.

The Post says a decision could come as soon as today, and the school has until September 1st to inform the Mountain West Conference that it is leaving if it wants to play as an independent starting in 2011.

When contacted by ABC 4 TV in Salt Lake City, BYU associate athletic director Duff Tittle said in an e-mail, "Nothing has changed at BYU. As we have said for weeks, we continue to explore all options."

If BYU stays in the Mountain West, its membership would be at 11 teams, so the next question would be whether or not to expand to 12 schools. Utah State, which originally received an invite from the MWC before turning it down, would be a likely candidate.

Utah State has expressed an interest after their initial "thanks, but no thanks" move. The HQ doesn't think it was a move they could afford to make in the first place...

The HQ thinks the Aggies need to listen to Winston Zeddimore...
((HT: Columbia Pictures/Youtube))

BREAKING: MWC Invites Fresno And Nevada; Fresno Accepts

The Mountain West Conference has extended invitations to Fresno State and Nevada to join their party. This comes on the heels of BYU looking to go their own way...

You know... go your own way...


The MWC announced on Wednesday that it has offered the two the chance to join and leave the Western Athletic Conference and join a league that's losing Utah - and possibly BYU- next season but gaining Boise State, another WAC school.

But there is an issue... a pretty big one...
After Boise State announced its departure, the remaining WAC members signed a $5 million buyout agreement that would be assessed to any member that left the conference within the next five years.

With the budget issues that are in California and Nevada these days, it might be a big problem- even with the invite...

Fresno State Presdient John Welty, according to KGPE-TV in Fresno, accepted but the deal won't be officially announced until later this evening.

In a statement, Welty said:
“Fresno State is honored to have received the invitation to join the Mountain West Conference. We are seriously considering the invitation, and do so with the best interests of our Athletics program, our university, our community and Bulldog fans as our top priorities.”

Here's the latest on BYU going independent that seemed to have started all this recent mess...

Thanks to our friends at KSL-TV in Salt Lake City...

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

A Utah State University source close to the situation ((Boy, do we like those)) told the Deseret News that BYU is bolting after the quorum of the Twelve Apostles Thursday...

BYU To Declare Independence

[HT: Salt Lake Tribune]

The Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that BYU's move to leave the Mountain West Conference to become a football independent and join the Western Athletic Conference in all sports but football is all but a done deal.

The paper is citing sources from the WAC on its website saying BYU will seek final approval on the moves from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who owns the university, either today or Thursday. A press conference could take place next week is approval is granted.

Click on the link below to read more.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/sports/50131959-77/byu-football-wac-mountain.html.csp

BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall told a group of reporters before practice Wednesday,
"I am not in the loop regarding anything," Mendenhall went on to say that he has so much more going on as far as who plays quarterback, tight end, etc. Mendenhall also added that he hasn't been on the Internet since he took the BYU head coaching job five years ago and doesn't value what it has to say.

There is word coming from WAC sources that Boise State may be rethinking their move to the Mountain West Conference now that Utah and perhaps BYU, two cornerstones MWC, are bolting.

There's been no comment from the Mountain West Conference over the fact the league is about to lose a second school.

Photo Courtesy: Stuart Johnson/Desert News

BYU Looks To Make A Move

[HT: Salt Lake Tribune/The Desert News]

Rumors are flying all over Utah that BYU might be leaving the Mountain West Conference. According to various reports BYU would join the Western Athletic Conference is all sports but football and compete as an independent in that sport.

BYU just may be very serious about going independent. TV rules the roast in college football and the university has made a very significant investment in the medium. BYU has there own broadcast center complete with their own network, BYU TV, that broadcasts on satellite services. (Note: I have AT&T U-verse and BYU TV is one of my channels.) The university has the infrastructure in place to broadcast their own games on their own network, all in HD. Will a broadcast network want to invest dollars to air BYU's games like NBC with Notre Dame?

That appears to be what is moving the university toward independence in football. It remains to be seen though if BYU could get a BCS exception like Notre Dame has.

BYU must inform the Mountain West Conference by September 1st if they plan to make any move following the 2010-11 academic year. The clock is ticking.

A month ago BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe seemed to have been exploring the possibility of going independent in football. After all the conference shuffling had calmed down Holmoe had this to say to local reporters on whether going independent is a consideration,

"Independence is an option that obviously has been out there. We will look at everything. We have looked at everything. There are pros and cons to the Pac-10, the Big Ten, the Big 12, the Mountain West Conference and independence. With all these things there are pros and cons.
So what you have to do is you have to weigh those and measure them against what? What is right for BYU. And not for what is right for BYU in the year 2010, but what is right for BYU into the future. That is quite a bit more complex than most people understand. You have got a constituency to deal with. You have got a school to deal with. "

You can read more from Jay Drew of the Salt Lake Tribune by clicking below:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogs/byusports/50129575-65/byu-holmoe-conference-looking.html.csp

UPDATE: BYU associate athletic director Duff Tittle was quoted in various Utah newspapers Wednesday that there is "not much we can say right now." regarding the rumors of BYU going independent in football.

ESPN.com has reported that a news conference has been scheduled for Thursday. Tittle was not aware of said news conference but did add he would alert the media if some announcement would be made.

Click on the Desert News link below for more.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700058103/BYU-football-Cougars-keeping-mum-about-WAC-rumors.html

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