Perfect Week for a 'Y' Fan

This is the perfect week to be a 'Y' fan. Not only did BYU have one of their best games in recent memory in defeating the nationally ranked Horny Toads of TCU (#17) on the road, but the University of Utah suffered a humiliating loss to #23 Boise St. at home. I had been walking a thin line in my feelings about the BSU v. U of U game in that a win for the U. helps the Mountain West Conference look good, but in that same vain a win for the U. makes the U. look good, hence my dilemma. Ultimately, I took greater pleasure at the thought of the U. looking bad and was rooting for BSU. Is anyone else in a similar predicament?

Being an optimist but also at times a realist - as I have learned by tough experience in my career as a Cougar fan - I recognize that this elation that I am feeling over the success of BYU will probably be fleeting. But I will enjoy it for as long as it lasts. Which I hope is all the way through the Las Vegas Bowl.

Where BYU ranks nationally:
16th in total offense (432.2 ypg)
4th in passing offense (318.2 ypg)
29th in scoring offense (30.8 ppg)
34th in passing defense
37th in rushing defense (105.0 ypg)
40th in scoring defense (17.4 ppg.)
John Beck 5th in total offense (309.5 ypg.)

Articles:

• Donations pile up at Clemson
• Early returns indicate Cougs, not Utes are for real
• BYU Cougars exact sweet revenge on TCU Horned Frogs
• Horned Frog's streaks are snapped in MWC opener

TO = Everything I dislike about professional sports

There has been much in the news recently about the psychological battle between Cowboys Coach Bill Parcels and his new wide receiver Terrell Owens. Much like he has done throughout his career TO is now stirring things up in Dallas. Owens has yet to compete in any of the Cowboys preseason games because of a "pulled hamstring". Despite test results that show no sign of injury, Owens continues to insist he is hurt and will not participate fully until he feels he is at 100%. Owens relationship with current and former coaches reminds me of a girl dating a scum bag whom she claims she can change, while taking his relentless abuse. Each new team sees the talent that is so abundant in TO and insists that they can change him, and that their style of coaching will solve what is the TO mystery.

I believe the root that is the TO problem is selfishness. TO only cares about TO. He has tried to debunk this claim that has been made by countless others by citing his quick rehabilitation from a serious injury to play with his teammates in the Super Bowl against the Patriots 2 years ago. This only proves my point. Of course he is going to make sure he's available. We're talking about the biggest stage in the world. Millions around the world gather around their television sets every year to watch what has become an international event. Do you really think TO would miss out on that kind of exposure? I think he would have been trying to get on the field if both feet were in casts, his arm was in a sling, and he had a patch on one eye.

Owens is a perfect example of a growing problem in professional sports, where disgruntled stars hold their respective teams ransom in hopes of drawing an even more ridiculous paycheck than they already receive. Whatever happened to the days when the coach was the boss? This is one reason I prefer the college game to the pros, where the athletes are not jaded by their own fat wallets and in most instances give credence to what their coaches say. It was great to see the Eagles give TO the boot last year after his numerous tantrums. This should be the model for teams to emulate in the future, not because it is a perfect solution, but because somebody took a stand and didn't cave in to the whining demands of a pampered athlete. That being said, I'm not really a Cowboy guy so maybe we could just let the cancer fester in Dallas for a while and start this with TO's next team - as long as its not one of mine.

Cougar News

Here are just a few articles discussing the Cougs - Enjoy!

• Fox Sports 2006 team preview
• Controversy over missions are rediculous
• Cats let hair down during camp; next up: BYU

BYU Football 2006

We are fast approaching my favorite time of the year - the Fall. Fall isn't my favorite season because we bid farewell to 100+ degree tempratures (though that too is welcome relief). It is my favorite time of year because football season is upon us. There is nothing quite like arriving at the stadium as fallen leaves dance in the breeze on the streets in cadence with the marching band welcoming fans to the gridiron.

After 3 years of misery watching the Cougars of BYU wallow in mediocrity and underachievement 2005 offered a glimmer of hope. After a respectable regular season and a good showing at the Las Vegas Bowl the Cougars appear to be on the rise, and 2006 should only get better. With returning all conference QB John Beck to go along with standout RB Curtis Brown and TE's Johnny Harline and Daniel Coates, BYU has a high octane offense that should give opposing defenses fits.

The big question for this team is the defense. After struggling through 2005 with a secondary that was virtually non existent (all blame can't be placed on those who tried to fill holes left by players booted from the team due to honor code violations), the defense couldn't possibly be worse could they? Fortunately, the best defense is a good offense, which we have.

Go Cougs!!