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Tuesday, November 23. 2010

Red, Blue And Pigskin

So quick question. Who books the flights for the Utes, and why would they put the defense on a flight that didn't get to San Diego until halftime? The Utes finally woke up and shook off two and a half week's of doldrums by coming back from an early 17 point 2nd quarter deficit to beat the Aztecs. The cool thing about this game, was the I got to see my first ever Hail Mary work live as I watched the game.

The Cougars also did what was expected and dispatched of the Lobos to become bowl eligible.

But honestly who cares about all that. This week is about one thing, and one thing only. It's rivalry week. The game that defines seasons is upon us. We all know the history, and the memorable moments. We know about Doinks, Magic, Shutouts, and BCS Busting. However, due to major changes for both teams next season, this isn't just any rivalry game, this is the end of an age.

Actually we've come to the battle, or Holy War, to end the third age.Third Age?

This rivalry has been going on for so long, that it can be evenly divided into three distinct ages. Each age has a specific event that causes the change to a new age. Each age also has a specific feel to it. So what are the ages? See below

The First Age

Also known as the age that no one remembers. This is the beginning of the rivalry. The old times. All that's really left of this age, is stories, old newspaper articles, and if we're lucky, really old and grainy black and white video footage.

It started April 6 1896. Sorry BYU fans, but the years as Brigham Young Academy do in fact count. It was the longest of the ages so far, lasting until 1972. It was an age dominated by the Red, with the Utes going 41-8-4. Those 4 ties are the only 4 ties in the rivalries history.

The Second Age

The second age started with the hiring of LaVell Edwards. Years before would cross enemy lines to be coach at the U, the Cougars hired a graduate to become their head coach. LaVell brought in a new era of football to the Cougars, and in doing so changed the rivalry for good. No longer were the Cougars the whipping boys of the Utes. Instead, the roles were completely reversed, as starting in his very first year, LaVell took the Cougars to a 16-2 record over the next 18 years. This was the time during Utah football that beating BYU really was the only thing that mattered.

The Third Age

While it wasn't immediately apparent, the Third Age began in 1990. This was the hiring of Ron McBride. At first it seemed business as usual as the Cougars won the first 3 matchups of this age. But McBride was slowly building a program that would return Utah to relevance. It was the work of McBride, that eventually led to , and the success the Utes still seem today. It was McBride who originally made The Utes competitive again. Not only in the rivalry, but nationally.

This age has been a very hard fought age, with the rivalry all square at 10-10.

With the Utes, and Cougars leaving the conference and going their separate ways, the Rivalry will continue, but it will definitely be a new age of the rivalry.

This Year's Breakdown

So how does this year's matchup break down? How do these two teams compare? Last year, I broke this game down, comparing both teams, by position, by schedule, by stats, and by coaching. It was one of my favorite posts last year, so I'm doing it again.

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Statistics

Once again, I'll spend just a little bit of time on stats, because as they say, "Stats don't lie, Statiticians do!" Besides, when the game starts, stats don't mean jack, and are only a comfort for those looking for moral victories to soothe the agony of defeat.

BYU, helped mainly by the early struggles rank towards the bottom in most categories. They rack up 186.9 yards per game in the air, but get 172.8 yards on the ground. The Cougars have turned this into 24.7 points per game, but have given up 21.8 points to the opposition.

Utah, helped mainly by the early easy schedule, rank quite a bit higher. They get 251.7 yards through the air and nearly match the Cougars with 162.9 yards on the ground. The Utes are 14th in the nation with 37.3 points scored, and thanks mainly to TCU, Notre Dame, and San Diego State, the Utes give up 20.2 points to the opposition.

Advantage: Utah

Non Conference Schedule

BYU had one of the toughest non conference schedules in the nation. They went 1-3 in non conference play with the only victory coming at home in the opener against now 4-6 Washington. The rest of the opponents had their way against BYU with Florida State, Nevada, and Utah State beating the Cougars by a combined score of 92-39. Of those three opponents, only Utah State won't go to a bowl. Overall BYU's non conference opponents are currently 26-17, having gotten that record against teams themselves that have gone 244-222

The Utes on the other hand, unfortunately had an easier schedule. Though not for trying. They started the season with a win against mediocre, but probably Big East champ Pitt. Their only non conference loss was against just barely bowl eligible Notre Dame. In between they beat San Jose State, and Iowa State. Overall their non conference opponents are currently 18-26 against opponents that went 305-172

While Utah's opponents played a tougher schedule, BYU played the tougher non conference schedule.

Advantage: BYU

Conference Opponents

So how do the two teams compare against common opponents?

TCU: TCU beat both teams, but BYU was more competitive in their 31-3 loss than the Utes 47-7 dismantling. - Advantage: BYU

San Diego State: BYU was lucky to win helped mainly by a terrible call and review on a fumble, however BYU did dominate the first half of their 24-21 victory. Meanwhile SDSU jumped out to an early 17 point lead, by torching a Utah defense in the first half that had more holes than the Titanic. However they couldn't stop Utah themselves, as the Utes came back for a 38-34 victory. - Advantage: Push

Air Force: Falcons dominated BYU winning 35-14, while the Utes and Falcons enjoyed another close game with Utah coming out ahead 28-23. - Advantage: Utah

UNLV: Both teams dominted the Rebels. BYU by the score of 55-7, Utah by the score of 38-10. - Advantage: BYU

Colorado State: Another team dominated by both. BYU 49-10, Utah 59-6. - Advantage: Utah

New Mexico: A team beaten by everyone but Wyoming. BYU beat them last week 40-7, while Utah destroyed them early on 56-3. - Advantage: Utah

Wyoming: BYU escaped against Wyoming 25-20, while Utah had a tougher than expected 30-6 victory. - Advantage Utah

Overall Utah performed better in 4 conference games, compared to 2 for BYU with 1 push.

Advantage: Utah

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Quarterback

Finally we are talking about the players. BYU started the season, moronically, with a 2 QB system. However an injury to Riley Nelson paved the way for True Freshman Jake Heaps. Heaps has been putting up the numbers the last few weeks against the lesser competition and on the year he is 172 of 312, for 1,824 yards, 10 TD's and 7 Interceptions. He has slowly started to seem a bit more comfortable with the offense. However, he is a true freshman, and as such, is prone to mistakes, especially when pressured.

Jordan Wynn struggled the 3 weeks, before having a great game against San Diego State. Wynn will press at times, and can make the mistake. While he didn't have the season that it looked for a while he would have, he's easily a top 3 QB in the conference, and may even be top 2, depending on your feelings about Ryan Lindley. For the year Wynn is 173 of 269, for 2,135 yards and 16 TD's with 9 INT's.

The other part of this argument in Terrance Cain. If Wynn goes down, Cain has proven more than capable. While he may not have the control of the offense like Wynn, Cain is very efficient and less likely to make mistakes than Wynn. Not much is know about BYU's backup in James Lark.

Advantage: Utah

Runningbacks

BYU is probably deeper at running back with J.J. DiLuigi, Brian Kariya, and Josh Quezada. DiLuigi has become Heaps' safety valve, and primary target in the offense. DiLuigi is a speedster who must also be accounted for out of the backfield in the passing game, while Kariya is a North/South power runner. All three have a propensity to fumble the ball however.

Utah might not have the depth, but their 2 stars are better than all of the Cougars backs. Matt Asiata, and Eddie Wide III are both capable of being the starter, but they split the duties with the Utes. This makes both players fresher. Both backs can run up the middle, or on the edges, and both make plays in the passing game.

Advantage: Utah

Wide Receivers

For most of the season, BYU's WR's couldn't even catch a cold. Junior O'Neill Chambers was dismissed from the team twice. This leaves them with McKay Jacobsen, and Luke Ashworth carrying the bulk of the duties. Both have improved in the last couple weeks.

Utah doesn't have a single dominant WR, instead bringing out a whole bunch of speedsters. Jereme Brooks, Devonte Christopher, Luke Matthews, and Shaky Smithson all are threats to break a long pass.

Utah's depth wins this position

Advantage: Utah

Tight Ends

Tight End is historically a strong position for BYU. This year not so much. Andrew George and Dennis Pitta have given away to... well, not exactly sure what. Even BYU fans couldn't really tell you who their Tight Ends are. On the season Richard Wilson, Mike Muehlmann, Austin Holt and Devin Mahina have combined for 18 receptions. BYU doesn't use their TE's this year, instead loving the RB out on the flat this season.

At Utah, the TE actually lives. As coach Urban ignored the TE, instead opting for another fast WR. It's taken time but Utah has finally revived the position. Kendrick Moeai leads the way for the Utes, and is a threat in the middle of the field. However Utes also get good production out of Dallin Rogers, and Brad Clifford. Interesting fact about Clifford is that he's the only remaining member of the Fiesta Bowl team.

Last year if Utah threw to the TE it was probably a mistake. This year it's BYU's mistake whenever a pass to the TE happens.

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Advantage: Utah

Offensive Line

Both teams have had consistency all year on their line. The Cougars line is anchored by preseason Playboy All-American Matt Reynolds. The Utes are centered around seniors Zane Taylor and Caleb Shlauderaff. All three of these players will be in the NFL next year. While both teams started off strong, not allowing a sack in the early games, the Cougars eventually started giving up the sacks. Starting with 8 against Florida State, the total for the season is 19 sacks. Utah however has maintained it's protection giving up a total of 7 sacks, one of which came against the second stringers at the end of the Notre Dame game.

Advantage: Utah

Defensive Line

BYU's defensive line took a big hit when Romney Fuga's season was ended thanks to a very cheap shot during the Nevada game. However since Bronco Mendenhall has taken over as Defensive Coordinator, the line play has improved led by Vic So'oto and Eathyn Manumaleuna. Outside of those two, the Cougars are young, and haven't been able to replace the leadership that was provided last year by Jan Jorgensen.

Utah however is deep on the Defensive Line. Utah likes to have a rotation of 12 players that includes, Derrick Shelby, Sealver Siliga, Christian Cox, Joe Kruger, Dave Kruger, Junion Tui'one, Star Lotuleilei and others. The Line is keyed on pressure coming from Siliga and Shelby.

The one weakness both teams share is they at times struggle to get pressure with just the front four.

Advantage: Utah

Linebackers

Both teams replaced three seniors at the Linebacker position this season. Cougars linebacking core is led by Jr Jordan Pendelton who unfortunately missed a few games earlier in the season with an injury. The future of the Cougar linebackers is Freshman Kyle Van Oy. That is as long as Van Oy can stay eligible both academically and through the Honor Code. Since being placed in the starting line up, it is a common occurrence to see Van Oy making plays and being around the ball.

The Utes have a bit of a no name line backing core. J.J. Williams was supposed to be the anchor of the squad but a foot injury has limited him to just two games. Instead the Utes bring out Chaz Walker, Matt Martinez, and Chad Manis with Trevor Reilly to spell them. The Utes linebackers aren't the studs they have been in past years, and are probably the weak point on the team.

Advantage: BYU

Safeties

Safety Andrew Rich is not only the best player on the Cougars Defense, but he nudges out Matt Reynolds as the best player on the Cougars. He flies around and is always willing to lay some wood. He's appeared on more than one injury report with a "full body contusion"

Robert Johnson is gone, and while true Freshman Brian Blechen looks to carry on the great tradition of Safety play at Utah, he is still learning. Blechen and Tap-Tap are both able to make great plays, but also are capable of making a coverage mistake.

While I think Blechen will eventually be a stud, Rich currently is a stud.

Advantage: BYU

Cornerbacks

I don't care how good a player is as a corner back, if he's only 5'6" than there has to be a better choice. Cougar staring Corner Brian Logan can make plays, and was a big part of the victory in last year's rivalry game, but he is a 5'6" corner.

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Even Jereme Brooks is taller than he is. The rest of the Cornerbacks are young, and haven't shown much through the season.

Despite what's been a bad 3 game stretch for him, Brandon Burton is going to continue the Utes tradition of putting corners in the NFL. Burton is the best corner in the conference, and someone who is fully capable of shutting down a WR all by himself, like he did against Pitt's Baldwin. On the other side Lamar Chapman is also a very good cover guy, but prone to mistakes, however he is the teams leading sacker, as Utah likes to blitz with their corners. When the corners are on, the Utes' Man to Man scheme can really shut down a passing game.

Advantage: Utah

Special Teams

Both BYU and Utah have very reliable kickers, and both have punters who can be questionable at times. Utah has had a punt blocked three times.

The difference in this matchup is Shaky Smithson. Shaky is the nation's best punt returner, with 2 Td's this season, and 3 returns of greater than 70 yards. In the kickoff game, Smithson is joined by super speedster Reggie Dunn who has also returned a TD to the house.

Advantage: Utah

The Coaches

They will forever be linked. Ever since Kyle Whittingham said no to the Cougars, and instead chose the Utes, forcing the Cougars to go with Bronco as their second choice, these two have been forced to be compared against one another. I'm no different.

Bronco is 52-20, Kyle is 57-19 Bronco leads the Rivalry game at 3-2 Bronco is 3-2 in Bowl Games, Kyle is 6-0 (Kyle is recognized as Co-Head Coach for the 2005 Fiesta Bowl) In Big games, which are games against TCU, The Rivalry Game, Bowl Games, Notre Dame, or any AQ School, or Ranked Team the teams, Bronco is 12-15, Kyle is 17-10 Bronco is 2-4 versus TCU on a 3 game losing streak, Kyle is 3-3 on a 2 game losing streak High Point: Bronco - 2006-2007 2 consecutive years undefeated in conference, 11 wins both seasons, wins versus Oregon and UCLA in the Vegas Bowl. Kyle - 2008, 13-0, Sugar Bowl, Alabama. Enough Said. Low Point: Bronco - The beginning of this season. The decision to go with two quarterbacks. The decision to stay with two quarterbacks an hour before Riley Nelson announced season ending surgery. Throwing his Anai and Doman under the bus about the 2 QB system. Kyle - At about halftime of the San Diego State game I would have said that what looked to be an ugly 3 game slide would have been Kyle's low point, but the Utes pulled that out, making the 2007 shutout loss to UNLV still the low point. Personality: Bronco still doesn't have one. No, seriously. Is there anyway we can get a fundraiser together to buy him one? Kyle can often times be heard cracking jokes with the radio personalities. Doesn't sound like a robot reciting coach speak during his press conferences.

X-Factors: Bronco does double duty as the Defensive Coordinator and has seen improvement from that squad. However there are still many questions about Bronco's ability to make in game, and sometimes in season adjustments as evident from his team going into the fetal position offensively during last year's game in the second half. Also his coordinators are weak, with Anai as the Offensive Coordinator being a true Joke.

Kyle doesn't double up like Bronco, and can sometimes be a bit fiery. But Kyle is also the kind of player to run on the field and yank a player back to prevent a penalty. Offensive Coordinator Aaron Roderick is more creative than Anai, and Defensive Coordinator Kelani Sitake is comfortable now in his role. Kyle's teams tend to start slow while the Utes figure out the opponent and them make adjustments to overwhelm them.

Advantage: Utah

The Crowd

This game will be at Rice-Eccles Stadium, and thanks to Max Hall's rehearsed, and recycled comments after last year's game, the crowd is going to be in a frenzy. Ever since Max Hall's idiocy, Utah fans have laughed at him, and mock his

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classless allegations by making it a rallying cry. While Max was trying to anger Utah fans, all he's done was given Utah fans something to laugh at and treat as a joke. Last year, in one fell swoop Max Hall symbolized all the stereotypes that Utah fans have about BYU and their fans. Look for plenty of references to Max Himself, to pride in classlessness, and to beverages being tossed.

When the game starts it will be a complete sellout including Standing Room only. And it will be loud. BYU's only chance it to jump out early and hope the crowd quiets down. The fans will be excited to leave the Mountain West on a loud, and rowdy note, while sending BYU off to independence with the impression that nobody likes them.

The only thing I hope is it all stays non violent, which both fan bases failed at last year.

Advantage: Utah

Final Thoughts

On paper this should be a dominant Utah victory. At almost position they are the better team, mainly due to BYU's youth and inexperience. While I think it has the chance to be a Utah landslide, this is the Rivalry game, and I know better. This is a rivalry that hasn't had many blowouts recently. Both teams are going to want to end this third age with a win. Both want to leave the conference on top. BYU doesn't want to end the regular season .500. Utah wants 10 wins. So if this game is close, don't be surprised.

The Fourth Age

This rivalry is a great rivalry. I personally enjoy all the animosity that is within the rivalry, as long as it doesn't get violent, and people remember it's just a game, and don't get carried away, which is something that both sides have a tendency to do sometimes. I also don't believe that no longer being conference mates will dull the rivalry any, as long as both teams are competitive. The loss of a chance at a conference championship being on the line will not have a negative effect, because truthfully, the conference championship was rarely at stake in this game. Utah isn't going to want to lose to a Non-AQ BYU. BYU will love to show up their AQ Rivals from up north. While BYU couldn't prevent a Rose Bowl appearance, a loss to a BYU team, could prevent a National Championship appearance. Utah however could put to be a hindrance to BCS dreams for the Cougars.

I think this game shouldn't be the 3rd game of the season as it is next year, and I hope, and pray it eventually gets moved to the season opener, where a big national spectacle can be created. Eventually the nation will see how great this rivalry is.

Enjoy the Game, and Go UTES!

Posted by Sideshow in Red, Blue And Pigskin at 09:54

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