The Life Coach believes that there are no stupid questions, just stupid Vandal fans who ask questions. His purpose is to shepherd Bronco Nation to the calm waters of illumination, guiding them through their perfunctory problems with grace, flair, and competent advice. Got a question for the Life Coach? Email him at OneBroncoNationUnderGod@gmail.com.
Life Coach,
I heard the WAC media convention was in Salt Lake City this year. How much time do you think the journalists spent at Lagoon?
Snoopy in Silverwood
Half to two-thirds. Unless you have a specific reason for being in Salt Lake – and the WAC media convention is not a real reason – then you will spend most of your time at Lagoon. I mean, for real – what’s not to like? There are rides, carnival games, candy apples, and Mormon hotties. Lagoon is the Disneyland of the Great Salt Basin – minus the cleanliness and joy.
But I hear that that weekend is going to be “Lagoon: Get WACd!” Journalists are going to go crazy.
Life Coach,
In regards to new Bronco radio color guy Jadon Dailey, should it matter that he has as much announcing experience as I do?
Sincerely, guy who has never announced anything ever
It only matters when he messes up. Anytime he makes a mistake or isn’t funny or spot-on with a comment – we will all say to each other, “Man, how old is this guy? I could do this way better than this little kid, respectively.” But if he is awesome, then we will all be like, “It is great having a fresh perspective in the booth. This guy is so much better than David Augusto!"
So should it matter that Jadon Dailey has as much announcing experience as you do? Only time will tell…
Life Coach,
I am a Boise state alum and citizen of Bronco Nation who unfortunately had to leave our beloved state capitol to pursue a graduate degree at Idaho State University. I can see the Idaho State football team practice through the windows of my classes and can't help but weep at the thought that I have to wait another month until I can watch Boise State smear them across the new Blue field turf. I was wondering... since it was brought to my attention that Boise state is supposed to beat Idaho State by like 44 points (according to some odds wizards out there), is that a good thing or a bad thing? I mean, if we win by 43, did we let everyone down? Should we hang our heads in shame if we only beat Idaho State by 6 touchdowns? Please put this in perspective for me.
Perplexed in Pocatello
First of all, this is a great problem to have. I remember the worries of BSU fans used to be a lot scarier when we were getting our you-know-what's handed to us by South Carolina and Arkansas and almost every Big Sky team. So if we keep this in perspective – really, it is not a problem at all.
But, on a personal note, if we only win by 43, we should count that as a moral loss because Idaho State will be counting that as a moral victory.
And now that we are good, we hate moral victories.
Showing posts with label Western Athletic Conference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Western Athletic Conference. Show all posts
Monday, July 28, 2008
Life Coach: did somebody say Lagoon?
Friday, July 25, 2008
Headlines from WAC media convention
With the WAC Football Preview (motto: "What happens in Salt Lake, stays in Salt Lake") out of the way, we can finally turn our thoughts toward the start of the college football season. Not that we weren't already anyway.
The media convention was a typical, predictable yakfest between obliging players and coaches and opportunistic media members, but that's not to say that it wasn't without some interesting stories.
Here are some of the highlights:
Boise State tidbits
Ian Johnson = media dreamboat
The most popular player in Salt Lake City was Boise State RB Ian Johnson. The buzz around Johnson wasn't quite at the level of last year's convo, which had extra hype due to the Fiesta Bowl win. Still, he provided plenty of good quotes, and several media outlets were able to cull somewhat original stories from the interviews.
No insurance policy against injury
- Johnson has chosen not to follow the financial footsteps of previous college stars in taking out an insurance policy to protect against a career-ending injury. Here's hoping that US Bank savings account holds up!
- "The secret's out," Johnson said, smiling.
Worst kept secret ever.
- “It’s definitely not as crazy,” Johnson said. “It’s been great because it’s given me time to focus on the couple issues I have — being a great husband and being the best Ian Johnson I can be for the upcoming season.”
- "I'm going to step up and I'm going to put this team on my back," Johnson said Thursday at the WAC football media preview. " I've gotten myself ready to take the hits for a full season and to be a punishing back for a full season. The fact that I have guys biting at my heels, I've got to prove that I am better than them and that they can't just come out and play without us skipping a beat."
- Apparently, he told the coaches he was healthy enough to play. Let the conspiracy theories begin!
"They never asked the question (whether I could play), my number was never called," Ian Johnson said. "I told them at the beginning of the game that I was ready... I try not to show too much emotion. It was a call that was made for the team and if you feel the best way to go is someone else I can be a little angry but I'm going to accept it."
- "One of the things that's probably going to help Ian is the depth that we have at that position," Petersen said. "We don't have to play him every down and hopefully get him to last the season and also to be pushed a little bit by some of these other guys that we have."
Taking the Taylor Tharp approach to QB competition
The Boise State coaches learned their lesson last year about not jumping to conclusions in the search for a starting quarterback.
“It worked for us before to be patient and work this thing out,” Petersen said. If by "worked out," you are referring solely to the New Mexico State game, then yes.
No Jeremy Childs news until August 4, so stop asking!
"I'll still say the same thing (about Childs)," Petersen said. "When we get back, we'll see. If everything checks out when we get back on the fourth, then he's a go. We'll probably put that whole thing to rest on the fourth."
Mike T. Williams not as popular as Ian Johnson
Photographic proof here.
WAC rivals tidbits
Colin Kaepernick to start at Nevada
"There is no quarterback controversy at the University of Nevada,” said Wolfpack head coach Chris Ault, obviously referring to the fact that Kaepernick could hardly be defined as a "quarterback." According to Ault, the skinny-legged "Kap" has some work to do in order to become a polished product, especially in the "noun" area. “Last year, he was a thrower, not a passer,” Ault said.
Taylor Bennett forgot to transfer his skills
The fate of the Louisiana Tech program rests in the hands of Georgia Tech transfer QB Taylor Bennett. Someone might want to let him know.
Sophomore Ross Jenkins emerged from spring practice as the starting quarterback, with Bennett as the backup. Perhaps the ACC is a lot worse than we anticipated.
SJSU excited about RB, oblivious to expectations
San Jose State, one of several mediocre teams purported to make a push in the WAC this year, received good news when former starter Yonus Davis was granted a sixth year of eligibility...and immediately started printing WAC champion T-shirts.
Holbrook confuses bulking up with Carl's Jr
New Mexico State quarterback Chase Holbrook wanted to add some weight this offseason to be able to absorb the hits he'll take this year. Mission very accomplished.
Holbrook will weigh in at 245 pounds this season. Maybe the motivational Jared Lorenzen wall poster wasn't the best choice.
Utah State embraces idea of depth
Even if the wins don't come this year for Utah State, at least their players will be less tired. The Aggies had little more than 50 players in total last season, but thanks to the recruiting prowess of Brent Guy ("We have XBox!"), Utah State will be able to field a full roster. Not necessarily a good roster, but a full one.
Greg McMackin has not watched the NFL for years
ESPN.com's Graham Watson made the mistake of assuming Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin follows football. Her bad.
GW: So you're going to play DB Ryan Mouton on offense. What went into that decision?
GM: He's so quick. He's got God-given quickness. He's a big playmaker. I just really like him. He's a big-play guy. He ran a kickoff back, he ran a touchdown back on defense, and we can just throw out a screen and let him do his thing.
GW: Is he in the Devin Hester-type mold?
GM: Who?
GW: The guy from Chicago? Uh, how about Deion Sanders?
GM: Oh, yeah, like Deion Sanders.
Sources
Friday: Links with regret
We'll recap the WAC media convention later today. Lots of good things to learn.
Story of the day:
Coach Pete reveals roster updates [Statesman]
At the WAC media convention yesterday, Coach Pete had a veritable laundry list of roster turnover to discuss, including some disappointing news about two potentially exciting recruits.
Linebacker Jack Sula of Carson, Calif., told the Broncos staff that he will not join the team because of family issues, Petersen said.Petersen also said that OL Paul Lucariello's BSU career is over due to medical reasons, and DL Phillip Edwards and DL Kapono Rawlins-Crivello will not be returning to the team. Spencer Gerke, an incoming will recruit, will be the only one to grayshirt out of the incoming class.
Van Drumgoole of Vallivue High, a speedy wide receiver, plans to attend a junior college instead of Boise State to improve his academic record, Petersen said. The Broncos had planned to grayshirt him.
There was no word on WR Jeremy Childs, and there was even less of a word on the starting quarterback.
Other links:
USA Today picks Boise State [USA Today]
And if USA Today says it, it must be true.
Alex Guerrero returns home [Fight Fight BSU]
The afl2 playoff chase is so on!
SJSU player arrested, keeps scholarship [ESPN.com]
Probably because no one else wanted it.
Dinwiddie's reign over CFL begins [Winnipeg Sun]
450 yards passing? Game-winning touchdown? Sounds like Dinwiddie to us.
The name says it all [Holbrook4Heisman]
Thanks for the tip, Graham Watson. Or rather, no thanks.
Oregon picked third in Pac-10 [ESPN.com]
One more reason to be scared.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Coach Pete press conference audio
Coach Pete will be speaking at the WAC media convention starting at 1:30 this afternoon. Possible topics of discussion include:
- QB situation
- Current two-game losing streak
- Jeremy Childs
- How the buffet was
Update: Dave Southorn has posted his notes at his IPT blog. Still waiting for the audio/video.
Update2: Here is the link to the audio/video:
New Mexico State media stumps for Tadman
Yesterday, we joked about including Marty Tadman in the discussion for preseason WAC defensive player of the year. The New Mexico State media? Not joking.
The preseason picks for offensive and defensive players of the year should be announced later today. We voted for Chase Holbrook for offensive player of the year and Boise State's Marty Tadman for defensive player of the year.Here's a close-up image of their selection.
Tadman lost to Hawaii's Solomon Elimimian, who is still an active player.
Preseason Football Poll Update [Bleed Crimson]
Update: This was not a typo. These guys actually voted for Marty Tadman.
Thursday: Links with technology
Story of the day:
Karl Benson's state of the WAC [ESPN.com]
In his press conference at the WAC media days yesterday, commissioner Karl Benson had plenty of good things to say about the recent success of the WAC and the high national profile that the conference has earned over the past few years. The only thing that could bring down his good times? Idaho, Utah State, and NMSU.
"We need to get better at the bottom of the league," Benson said. "There are 120 FBS programs and we've had teams in the hundreds, and those teams need to get better. It has an impact on the teams in the top half in terms of BCS standings."Besides those three black sheep, Benson was pleased with the conference's progress. And he always loves a good MWC ribbing.
"The WAC has re-established itself as the second-most recognized conference in the West behind the Pac-10," Benson said. "It wasn't intended to compare the WAC to the Mountain West. The WAC is well-grounded, well-established and continues to perform at a high level."Benson did not confirm an ESPN TV deal, but he did promise better officiating and a concerted effort to keep anyone from using the term "non-BCS conference" ever again. Good luck with that.
Other links:
Broncos will speak this afternoon [WAC Sports]
Ian Johnson, Mike Williams, and Coach Pete on the mic.
Notes from WAC media days [Press-Tribune]
Shirtless Idaho players? We're kind of glad we're not there.
Media votes Colorado seventh-best Big XII team [Big12 Sports]
Dan Hawkins wonders if BSU will take him back.
The Sugar Bowl did more harm than good [Salt Lake Tribune]
"Hawaii debacle" is a pretty strong headline.
Coach Pete conquers Blue Angels [Statesman]
Not blowing chunks in an 800 mph airplane is quite the achievement.
Ian Johnson weight update [Dave's Blog]
He's at 207. Update your Excel spreadsheet accordingly.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Honest, biased preseason WAC standings
Yesterday: preseason WAC players of the year
Today: preseason WAC poll
Tomorrow: a nap
The WAC media and coaches have released their picks for conference favorites, and now it is time to reveal ours. As is always the case, our preseason poll has an unconventional look to it, and plenty of bias and passive-aggressive anger went into the picks. Feel free to tell us how badly we botched things.
We see them going undefeated and winning the national championship, which is probably why we weren't invited to the WAC media convention.
Why are we giving Nevada respect? Beats us, but we do see them winning six conference games
We'd be surprised if anyone else had the Bulldogs this low, but if there's a way for Fresno to screw the pooch in conference play, they'll find it. We imagine it's hiding under the guise of a road game at LaTech.
Speaking of LaTech, the Bulldogs may show flashes of a program on the rise this season. However, they will also show flashes of LaTech.
If the Spartans win in Hawaii in September, they could certainly finish here. If they don't, then we will never trust them with anything again.
The Warriors may surprise us, or they may completely implode under the shaky hand of Tyler Graunke and the deer-in-the-headlights stare of Greg McMackin. We're betting on the latter.
The Vandals are a poorly-coached, undisciplined, talentless football team. That's good enough for seventh place in the WAC.
Happy trails, Brent Guy. Pick up your parting gift at Deseret Industries on your way out.
Finishing below Idaho and Utah State is no easy task, but considering that the Aggies lost at home last year to USU and get both of the teams on the road this season, we're confident they are up to the challenge. Catch the Hal Mumme fever!
Wednesday: Links with dread
The WAC preseason picks are out. Click here for the results. (Spoiler alert: the good guys win.)
Story of the day:
Boise State making play for MWC? [Review Journal]
For awhile now, it seems like the Broncos have been exploring options on how to get out of the WAC. Their latest accomplice may be...the Humanitarian Bowl?
The Mountain West could send a team to that game this season if the Atlantic Coast Conference fails to qualify an eighth bowl team, but a deal would be for a guaranteed spot in 2009 for the No. 5 MWC team. MWC commissioner Craig Thompson didn't deny Boise State might use the bowl as a means to gain admission into the Mountain West.What strange bedfellows. Boise State and the H-Bowl have a tenuous history, mostly because BSU treats the home game as a fall-back option, not unlike our dating history in high school. "Well, if the Hawaii Bowl asks us out, then we're going, but I guess we could always play mini golf with the H-Bowl if all else fails." We love mini golf.
Not sure how everyone is making the presumption that a MWC team in the H-Bowl means Boise State is making a play to join the conference. From what we can tell, the Broncos might have more incentive to stay home and face a MWC team (ugh, Wyoming again?) to prove that they belong with Mountain West teams.
It's worth following to say the least, but we'd rather the Broncos be looking for subversive ways to join the Pac-10.
Other links:
Tim Brady on cover of media guide [Press-Tribune]
Sorry, Brock Jaramillo. Maybe next year.
Colt Brennan blogs Colt Brennan-ness [Redskins.com]
Thanks, Warriors Will Throw. We appreciate the extra ammunition.
The Bronco Nation podcast is big time [BNN]
Voting FSU ahead of BSU in preseason polls, however, is not big time.
Sporting News' Boise State preview [Sporting News]
#33 in the country: we'll take that.
Interesting stats on the WAC [Sporting Network]
An original WAC preview. How refreshing.
Statesman's preview of media days [Statesman]
Brent Guy rationalizing his career record should be fun.
Chase Holbrook, Heisman candidate [Reno Gazette-Journal]
We just threw up in our mouth a little.
Interesting take on mid-majors [Sunday Morning Quarterback]
Kudos to blogger journalism.
Idaho State may not even be competitive in Big Sky [ISZ]
Merril Hoge sheds a tear.
Broncos picked first, Johnson picked best
Take that, Fresno State. In your face, Chase Holbrook.
The Broncos were chosen by the WAC media to finish first in the conference, and Ian Johnson was named the WAC's preseason offensive player of the year at the WAC media convention in Salt Lake City.
Boise State received 383 points and 25 first-place votes from media members around the WAC and the nation. Fresno State was picked a close second after garnering 379 points and 20 first-place votes.Here are the official standings for the media poll.
- Boise State (383)
- Fresno State (379)
- Nevada (296)
- Hawaii (243)
- Louisiana Tech (209)
- San Jose State (183)
- New Mexico State (167)
- Idaho (87)
- Utah State (78)
Ian Johnson and Hawaii LB Solomon Elimimian were voted as the players of the year for the conference. Johnson is without a doubt the face of the WAC, considering his success in the Fiesta Bowl season and his national notoriety, but NMSU QB Holbrook could have just as easily duped the media into picking him.
We're actually a little surprised that the Broncos were chosen to finish first. We have heard everyone and their mother tout the greatness of the Bulldogs this upcoming season, and we figured that the media would think the same. They have obviously skipped the Fresno Kool-Aid in favor of Boise State coffee and Red Bull.
In lieu of this really early announcement (what are they doing awake this early?), we'll run the daily links later this morning.
Broncos picked first... [Bronco Sports]
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Far out predictions for preseason WAC awards
Today: Preseason WAC players of the year
Tomorrow: Preseason conference standings
Thursday: a nap
The official preseason players of the year in the WAC will be revealed in the next couple days, and they are sure to reek of predictability and groupthink. Ian Johnson, anyone?
Our picks are a little different. We know from experience that a college football season rarely plays out as planned, which is why we've done our best to think outside of the box with preseason prognosticating. Does Chadd Cripe know any better than we do about what will happen this season? Of course not.Will his ballot reflect a stuffy assuredness of safe answers and false modesty? We hope not.
To be sure, we know the right answers to the preseason players of the year questions; they are obviously outlined in every preview magazine on the shelves. However, we stand by our decisions for players of the year, and we're more than happy to eat crow when things start falling apart in Week Three.
So without further ado, here are the picks:
OBNUG's preseason WAC defensive player of the year
Jeff Schweiger, San Jose State DE
Who? What? Are San Jose State linemen even eligible? These same questions ran through our heads, too, but we put peer pressure and good sense aside and went with Schweiger anyway.
Perhaps a little background would help: Schweiger is a 6'5", 255-pound transfer from USC. He owned SJSU's spring practice, and he was so good that 2007 all-WAC DE Jarron Gilbert has moved inside to tackle. Obviously, Pac-10 competition is a step above WAC play, so we're expecting Schweiger to really be an animal this fall. San Jose State is supposed to be one of several strong WAC defensive teams, and Schweiger will be the reason.
Don't let us down, Jeff Schweiger. Although, from a San Jose State Spartan, we may be asking the impossible.
What the media will say: Solomon Elimimian or Adam Leonard, Hawaii LBs
Other candidates we considered: Ryan Winterswyk, Derrell Acrey, Jake Hutton, David Veikune, Moses Harris, Elimimian, Leonard, Marty Tadman
OBNUG's preseason WAC offensive player of the year
Nick Graziano, Nevada QB
The Nevada Wolfpack have tangible hype going into the season, which could be dashed in an instant by a 4-for-26 Colin Kaepernick quarterbacking performance.
The funny thing is that you probably didn't even flinch at the absurdity of those numbers. Kaepernick completing one-sixth of his passes is a very real possibility, and thusly Kaepernick finding the bench is just as plausible. When it happens, we could see former starter Graziano stepping in and saving the Pack's season.
He'll have a wonderful running back behind him in Luke Lippincott. The offensive line will be solid. He'll have every chance to put up big numbers, and he could bring stability to an offense that will become fairly predictable once Kaepernick starts breaking the pocket immediately on passing plays. You may be thinking, "Then why not pick Lippincott for player of the year?" Because we're idiots. But only time will tell.
FYI: We were thisclose to picking Idaho RB Deonte Jackson, but we couldn't bring ourselves to openly support anything that has to do with the Vandals or anyone who shares a backfield with Nathan Enderle.
What the media will say: Ian Johnson, Boise State RB
Other candidates we considered: Jackson, Malcolm Lane, Ian Johnson, Titus Young, Ryan Mathews, Taylor Bennett, Lippincott, Ryan Dinwiddie
What do you guys think? Who would get your vote? Do you agree with our picks? Are we idiots? Actually, don't answer that last one.
Tuesday: Links with stardom
Story of the day:
Boise State radio details [Idaho Radio News]
For those still curious as to how the whole Peak/KBOI/BSU radio deal went down, Don Day at Idaho Radio News has the details. The report from IRN is vast and impressive, giving insight into virtually every aspect of the dealings. We were particularly interested to hear about the "inappropriate overtures."
BSU president Bob Kustra mentioned several “overtures” on behalf of groups that wanted “this contract very badly.” He told the board that no back-channel requests ever came from Peak. But clearly someone at Citadel did something that Kustra thought to be improper.We imagine those overtures to be Magic 93.1's free Rhianna tickets.
“It’s particularly distressing that we bent over backwards to be fair, to be objective and to ignore some overtures that I think that were improper,” he said.
The whole story is a good read, and we would suggest checking it out. Day put in some good work to get those details (200 pages of documents, emails, records, and a dozen Red Bulls), and you can tell from the final product.
Other links:
Channel 2 belongs to J Bates [J's Blog]
Well, at least the sports department and Wayne Dzubak.
WAC media day schedule [WACSports]
Plan your day around the Akey news conference.
Behler's competition for the job [Idaho Radio News]
Is there anything Don Day can't do?
The Mountain West media go to Vegas [ESPN.com]
The WAC media burn with jealousy from their Salt Lake City hotel rooms sans cable TV.
Unique photo collage of BSU QB race [Odd Waffles]
Nick Lomax, we hardly recognized you.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Salt Lake City braces for WAC media
The WAC media convention is nearly upon us. Starting tomorrow, media members from WAC cities across the country will meet in Salt Lake City for three days of interviews, buffets, and Sugar Bowl jokes. Sounds like fun, right Will Hoenike?
We think it sounds like fun. However, being excited about a media convention is not enough to get invited to a media convention, and as such, we will be following along from the comfort of our office chair and gigantic, old Dell monitor. Too bad because we had always wanted to tour the Mormon Temple with Chase Holbrook and Luke Lippincott.
The media will be releasing their picks for players of the year and conference champion, and there will gads of interviews that will lead to gads of Honolulu Advertiser feature stories. As for the Statesman, we'll be curious to see if they marry the idea of all-day football news and blogging. There's a first time for everything.
Other things that we're excited about:
- Kellen Moore coming up in conversation entirely too often.
- Colin Kaepernick crashing the party.
- Hawaii coach Greg McMackin drinking his weight in Coke.
- The Marriott running out of continental breakfast and every column mentioning it in his WAC media days article.
- Whether or not San Jose State bothers to show up.
- Hearing Robb Akey use the word "family."
- Living vicariously through Dave Southorn's blog.
- Mormon Keno.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Tuesday: Links with procrastination
Story of the day:
Dave Southorn's WAC picks [Dave's Blog]
The Idaho Press-Tribune's Dave Southorn has posted his preseason picks for WAC media days on his blog at the IPT website, and we could not be happier to see that homerism reigns supreme.
I don't see the Broncos losing a WAC game before they play Fresno State at the end of the season. By then, the new QB will be comfortable, and the Broncos get the Bulldogs at Bronco Stadium, so that's why their (sic) my pick to win the conference.
Good for you, Dave Southorn. There's no reason to pick the Bulldogs just because everyone else is, especially when they have yet to prove they can handle pressure or win outright WAC championships.
But the good BSU football vibes don't end there. In addition to having the Broncos as WAC champs, Southorn also has a Boise State player listed as his player of the year.
Offensive player of the year: Ian Johnson, RB, Boise State
I think it will be extremely unlikely he matches 2006's numbers, especially considering the great depth behind him. However, no other player in the conference demands a defense's full attention like IJ.
Kellen Moore must have been a close second.
Other links
Coach Pete to fly with the Blue Angels [Fight Fight BSU]
Robb Akey to ride a float at Dairy Days.
That stadium sure looks good at night [Statue Left]
But does it look $30 million good? Yeah, we think so.
BSU athletic website previews the offense [BroncoSports.com]
Talk about a conflict of interest.
WAC quarterbacks aren't all that bad [Bruce Feldman blog]
Take that, Sun Belt QBs!
Colt Brennan signs with Redskins [YB Sports]
And the state of Hawaii has the day off today.
Matt Nelson signs with Spanish team [Press-Tribune]
Donde esta la biblioteca, Pedro?
Bold predictions for Non-BCS schools [ESPN.com]
BSU losing at home is not bold; it is erroneous.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Monday: Links with body paint
Story of the day:
WAC to renew TV deal with ESPN [Honolulu Advertiser]
After a couple fruitless summers of negotiations, it appears Karl Benson and the WAC finally have the deal they want from ESPN. The Honolulu Advertiser is reporting that the WAC will sign a new deal with ESPN that will increase the exposure of the league's teams and pay the conference royally for the right to do so.
The WAC had been receiving $900,000 per year on a six-year deal set to run through the 2009-10 academic year. That figure was down from $1 million after Texas-El Paso and three other schools left for Conference USA in 2005. The new agreement is expected to be worth, on average, approximately $4 million per year to the conference.That's a 400 percent raise! Was Dwight Schrute involved in the negotiation talks for the WAC? The extra money is encouraging, and the extra exposure, especially for men's basketball, is exactly what the conference needs.
Under the current contract, the WAC (men's basketball) has been guaranteed only three games per season (two regular season games and the conference championship). The new deal is expected to more than triple the opportunities. In football, the WAC has been guaranteed a minimum of eight games, though it has averaged about 10 the last couple years. The new deal could double those opportunities.Unfortunately, we are one step closer to Pam Ward covering Idaho-Utah State football.
Good for the WAC and good for Karl Benson. This TV contract is unlike any other that a small conference has. Rather than create their own station (Mountain West Conference) or toil in anonymity (Sun Belt, MAC), the WAC has found the kind of exposure and national spotlight that most conferences covet. Now if only Benson could fix the WAC competition, he'd be onto something.
Other links:
Notes from the highly entertaining BSU charity softball game [Fight Fight BSU]
We're curious what Raphiel Lambert ordered at the concession stand.
Bush Hamdan ranked 47th best fantasy quarterback [Fantasy College Football]
Points awarded for not talking to the media.
Bruce Feldman likes Boise State's recruiting taste [ESPN.com]
Southwick and Peterson are keepers; Burks may or may not still exist.
Another pick for BSU in the H-Bowl [Saturday Soundoffs]
What would make them think the Oregon game is unwinnable? Past precedent?
Checking in with some incoming BSU football recruits [Statesman]
Bigger, faster, stronger, and less Guitar Hero.
Phil Dailey gives a vote of confidence to Behler [Press-Tribune]
The same vote cast for Hamdan or a different one?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Wednesday: Links with girth
Story of the day:
A veritable Who's Who at WAC media days [Press-Tribune]
The WAC Football Preview (motto: Salt Lake City sure is nice, isn't it?) is two weeks away, and while we bloggers patiently wait for our tickets to arrive, Dave Southorn of the Idaho Press-Tribune has the scoop on which players will be in attendance.
Boise State-Ian Johnson, RB and Mike T. Williams, DEGood choices by the Broncos. Everyone will love to see Ian Johnson doing Ian Johnson things, and Mike T. Williams should get a chance to explain to people who he is. We're curious if Bush Hamdan got an invite but had to turn it down based on the inherent evil of a "media convention."
Fresno State-Tom Brandstater, QB and Bear Pascoe, TE
Hawai‘i-Adam Leonard, LB and Solomon Elimimian, LB
Idaho-Shiloh Keo, S, and Adam Korby, C
Louisiana Tech-Patrick Jackson, RB and Weldon Brown, DB
Nevada-Luke Lippincott, RB and Mundrae Clifton, DL
New Mexico State-Chase Holbrook, QB and Davon House, DB
San Jose State-Jarron Gilbert, DE
Utah State-Jake Hutton, LB and Derek Hoke, OT
As for the rest of the WAC, Fresno State couldn't have chosen two more typical players; way to think outside of the box, hosers. And San Jose State is only bringing one player? We thought if any school was short on interesting players it would have been Idaho.
Other links:
Murphy: is BSU recruiting too young? [Statesman]
We're not even going to touch this one.
Early commitments are not Tom Scott's cup of tea [Scott Slant]
Derek Schoumann is, though.
Players aren't the only ones reneging on commitments [SI.com]
Tom Scott would probably hate this article.
SJSU linebacker punches friend, sent to jail [ESPN.com]
Details weren't available, but Guitar Hero probably figured prominently.
Someone give Utah State a hug! [Bleacher Report]
And a 20-point handicap in non-conference games!
Fresno State #23 in Rivals countdown [Rivals]
Let the disappointing begin.
Dan Hawkins stands up for student athletes [Rivals]
So long as they aren't playing intramurals.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Monday: Links with passion
Story of the day:
Scandrick tries humility on for size [Fort Worth Star-Telegram]
Former Boise State CB Orlando Scandrick has his work cut out for him if he wants to be in the Cowboys' secondary come opening week. As such, O.S. is taking a slightly different approach to things than usual.
(Scandrick) admitted that he could have been "a little more humble" in college. His approach was much different during his first Cowboys minicamp, when veterans such as Anthony Henry said they were impressed as much by his attitude as they were by his speed.From what we hear, Scandrick has been very impressive in his time with Dallas. The Cowboys have one of the deeper secondaries in the league, but we would be surprised if Scandrick doesn't find somewhere to contribute, whether it be in dime packages or on special teams.
The story also gives some insight into why Scandrick may have fallen into the fifth round despite Mel Kiper's second round projection.
Scandrick can think of only one reason for the dropoff: a vague reference to "major character concerns" on his NFL.com draft profile.Interesting. We had no idea Robb Akey had access to NFL.com draft profiles.
Other links:
Re-working WAC BCS payouts [Fresno Beehive]
"Should Idaho go to a BCS game..." Let us stop you there.
BSU-Fresno a bigger game than Ohio State-Michigan? [Red Zone Report]
We don't know. Both rivalries seem kind of lopsided if you ask us.
BSU football players to play softball for charity [Statesman]
The Bronco coaching staff has yet to announce a starting pitcher.
ESPN's Boise State preview [ESPN.com]
At last, our ESPN Insider subscription starts paying for itself.
The WAC is not getting any less WAC-ish [Fresno Beehive]
Benson against expansion, realignment, and having nine competitive teams.
Jerard Rabb interview [Press-Democrat]
The MAC has a new logo [MAC Report Online]
Friday, July 4, 2008
Friday: Links with independence
Story of the day:
Karl Benson bares his soul [Denver Post]
The Denver Post is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Mountain West's split from the WAC the only way they know how: making Karl Benson relive it all over again.
DP: That had to be the lowest point of your professional life 10 years ago when the Mountain West teams left...
KB: May and June 1998 was certainly difficult. It was challenging, tumultuous and gut wrenching both professional and personally.
Next question!
Aside from the start of the interview (great ice breaker, Denver Post), the story ended up being a positive look at how the WAC has survived throughout the past 10 years. Benson gave a lot of praise to Fresno State for soldiering on in the early years, and he of course had good things to say about Boise State football, too. But God bless him if he didn't try his best to put a positive spin on Utah State, Idaho, and NMSU.
DP: You're like the Statue of Liberty of college athletics: Give me you poor, your tired, your huddled masses.Translation: my bad.
KB: We were forced to fill some holes, fill the gaps... We claim when teams join the WAC they get better, some get better quicker than others. I'm still confident our last three additions are going to get better.
The behind-the-scenes information from Benson was pretty neat to hear, and the Denver Post followed the story up with a feature on the present state of the WAC and the MWC. For all the bad things that are said about the WAC, it was nice to find a story that showcases the conference to a certain degree. That said, we'll flip to the Pac-10 in an instant if they come calling. Sorry, Karl.
Other links:
BSU's Grinnell competes for Olympic berth [Scott Slant]
The triple jump finals or Mars Attack? We could go either way.
Nick Jezierny's interview with BSU's latest recruit [Statesman]
Watch your back, Chadd Cripe.
BSU President Kustra working for the NCAA [Press-Tribune]
Alright! We got a man on the inside.
Colt Brennan autograph signing tour [Pictures Plus]
He will not be signing souvenir Sugar Bowl T-shirts.
Ian Johnson a top five running back [End Zone Buzz]
Why, UNLV?! Why?! [UNLV Rebels]
Thank goodness we don't have to see these uniforms in person any time soon.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Monday: Links with distractions
Story of the day:
Brilliant Boise State football feature [Missoulian]
Can the Missoulian be Boise's newspaper? Please? The paper from Missoula, Montana, just finished up a series of fine journalism on the chances of U of M moving into Division 1-A. Saturday, they wrote a fascinating piece on how Boise State has fared since the Broncos' move to big-time college football.
The Boise State Broncos represent a best-case scenario for all Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams pondering a move up. An example of what is possible for those that risk stability for a spot in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).Not only was the article a wonderful read, but there was some good BSU knowledge in there, too. Reporter Bill Speltz did his homework and then some. Witness this encouraging quote:
“We purchased East Junior High School, just a quarter of a mile from here, that will give us 15fi acres we can access next summer,” BSU AD Gene Bleymaier said. “We'll move the (running) track out of Bronco Stadium and our next expansion will be to horseshoe the south end of the stadium and add another 6,000 seats."Thanks for the Bronco Stadium update, Missoula paper. Best of all, one of the endearing themes of the story was its focus on the importance of a great fan base. The Missoulian gave Bronco Nation a great big slap on the back.
The people of Boise are also a big part of the Broncos' success. When Boise State made its leap of faith into FBS football in 1996, Bleymaier knew he could depend on the community for support. That confidence made the transition about as smooth as can be expected.And to think, we were joking when we took credit for BSU's success.
We highly recommend you reading this story for yourself.
Other links:
So long, Gary Craner [Scott Slant]
Turned ankles will never be the same.
List of Broncos in the CFL [Statesman]
Bronco Nation north of the border, eh?
Boise State offers Kellen's little bro [Tri-City Herald]
Bronco fans immediately pencil him in as starting wide receiver.
Are Boise State's home games for sale? [BNN]
Our Ian Johnson/Marty Tadman two-sided jersey sure hopes not.
Fresno's baseball success gives credibility to WAC [Shreveport Times]
Calling Fresno the "California Bulldogs" loses credibility for this story.
Brian Murphy to the Aaron Burks rescue [Murph's Turf]
We don't even want to touch this one.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Friday: Links with possiblities
Story of the day:
Phil Dailey on the Fresno bandwagon? [Dailey's Bottom Line]
The local media is starting to turn in their preseason WAC ballots, and the transparency of the Idaho Press-Tribune affords us the luxury of peering into Phil Dailey's thought process. Playing a prominent role in Dailey's thoughts: the Hawaii Bowl.
I think you have to give Fresno State the nod, after all, the Bulldogs won their bowl game over Georgia Tech, while Boise State blew it against a not-very-good East Carolina team in the Hawaii Bowl.Dailey has Fresno State at the top of the WAC, with Boise State at number two. Right behind them? Louisiana Tech. A gutsy call, but we like our local media members to think outside the box.
I’m a big Derek Dooley fan and I think he’ll have his team ready for the WAC after non-conference tilts against Mississippi State, Kansas and SE Louisiana.We'll give you two guess who the teams at the bottom are.
Other links:
Reggie Larry does not hear his name called [Yahoo!]
He may still have a chance to catch on with a team this summer
BYU snags two recruits that had BSU's interest [Daily Herald]
When you factor in Mormon missions, the Cougars can have 'em.
IPT recaps preview mags [Press-Tribune]
And in the process, saves us $14.95.
Tom Scott weighs in on stadium expansion [Scott Slant]
Scott: The south end zone will be a horseshoe by 2013.
J Bates snidely rips Brian Murphy's blog [J's Blog]Nice to know we're not the only ones who notice these things.
Weekend series on Montana's D-1 hopes [Missoulian]
South American vacay for Dan Hawkins [Longmont Times]
"It's Rio De Janeiro! It's the Amazon River! It ain't intramurals!"
San Jose State preview [Saturday Soundoffs]
If anyone cares.
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