BYU not picked to win MWC

[clenz]

I heard on OPR today that Gary said one poll had Utah picked to win the MWC this year and not BYU. What are the thoughts of BYU fans on this?

[Big_Al]

Re: BYU not picked to win MWC

I heard on OPR today that Gary said one poll had Utah picked to win the MWC this year and not BYU. What are the thoughts of BYU fans on this?

*smiles*...

[JayJ79]

Re: BYU not picked to win MWC

Personally, I'd rather have BYU (or any opponent we face) getting lots of preseason attention and whatnot. That way, if we have a good showing, it comes off as more impressive.

But I don't REALLY care either way.

[kccougar]

Re: BYU not picked to win MWC

I heard on OPR today that Gary said one poll had Utah picked to win the MWC this year and not BYU. What are the thoughts of BYU fans on this?

I don't know of any poll that didn't pick the Cougars to repeat as conference champions. Of course there may be one somewhere (read not in the conf) that has no real idea what goes on here, but BYU is definitely the consensus pick. Only right considering they haven't lost a conference game in 2 years.

BYU was picked first in the MWC media poll with 29 of 34 first place votes.

[BCPanther]

Re: BYU not picked to win MWC

Phil Steele is the one that picked Utah over BYU...

[kccougar]

Re: BYU not picked to win MWC

Phil Steele is the one that picked Utah over BYU...

Okay, that makes sense. There are a couple individuals that have picked Utah over BYU but no polls that I'm aware of. Even Duke gets a top25 pick every year

[TC_Ute]

Re: BYU not picked to win MWC

I don't know of any poll that didn't pick the Cougars to repeat as conference champions. Of course there may be one somewhere (read not in the conf) that has no real idea what goes on here, but BYU is definitely the consensus pick. Only right considering they haven't lost a conference game in 2 years.

Ah, yes. Gotta love the fans in Provo. For the record, there has only been one actual "poll" released - the Coaches Poll, which has BYU at #17 and Utah at #28. There have, however, been a number of college football "experts" who have picked Utah to win the MWC, including several articles that are predicting the Utes to make their second appearance in a BCS bowl. My appologies for not taking the time to research all of the links. Sorry, kc, I just couldn't let that one slip by.

Panther fans, I stopped by your board to check out some of the conversation about your opening game with BYU, and I've had a good chuckle reading through some of the posts by the cooger faithful. They'll have a good team this year, and they've got a chance to make some noise and may very well repeat as MWC champions.

Personally, I think coog fans will be a bit surprised when they realize what I'm sure the BYU staff and players already know: UNI will be no cakewalk. BYU's offense will be stong with Hall and a good group of receivers, plus a tough running back in Unga. However, they'll be starting new players at every position in the secondary, an area that UNI will likely try to exploit. If UNI can hang with BYU by sustaining drives and mixing in a few big plays, this could be a fun one to watch.

If you're travelling out to the game, I'd advise staying in downtown Salt Lake City (about 45 minutes north). Provo only has one bar, and to say the nightlife is limited is an understatement. SLC has every type of accomodations and dozens of bars, clubs & restaurants within walking distance of most hotels.

I'll be in Ann Arbor on the 30th for the Utes game, but I'll be looking for a sports bar after the game to cheer on the Panthers. Best of luck in Provo, and best of luck this season.

TC_Ute

[kccougar]

Re: BYU not picked to win MWC

See what we have to put up with? I swear little brother follows us around everywhere we go.

[clenz]

Re: BYU not picked to win MWC

See what we have to put up with? I swear little brother follows us around everywhere we go.

I know, it much be hard to put up with a Utah fan who praised you, and seemed very respectful. Must be tough.

[YardTime]

Re: BYU not picked to win MWC

However, they'll be starting new players at every position in the secondary, an area that UNI will likely try to exploit. If UNI can hang with BYU by sustaining drives and mixing in a few big plays, this could be a fun one to watch.

That's not entirely true. Both of our safeties have experience. Tafuna would have been the starter last year if not for an injury requiring a medical redshirt. Also, Kellen Fowler returns with several starts under his belt.

Our secondary will definitely be less experienced than last year though. Here's some info on the secondary:

BYU's Secondary for 2008

[Marc Wigim]

Re: BYU not picked to win MWC

Utah fans followed you onto a UNI message board? Know your rival, I suppose. He makes good points, though.

[Big_Al]

Re: BYU not picked to win MWC

There have, however, been a number of college football "experts" who have picked Utah to win the MWC, including several articles that are predicting the Utes to make their second appearance in a BCS bowl.

You aren't saying that the Utes are BCS caliber, are you? ;D

Good to see a word from a fellow Ute fan. Do you post on utefans.net often? I rarely do, but I have a good buddy who is quite into it.