I am posting to inform our viewing public that this blog will be taking a break to reevaluate and assess its progress and future. I am sure you have notice the lack of posts and analysis, yet you must also understand that as recent graduates we are involved in starting families, careers and basically new lives.

BYU and it’s fans have been great to us, and the blog has been a blast. Hopefully a “break” will give us the desire and the time to build up some ideas for the future of deepshadesofblue.com. Until than enjoy the off-season -if that’s possible- and get out to the Marriott Center and watch the basketball team.

Cheers, Q. Gooch

Finally, the B[S]CS exhibits a measure of brilliance!

A modern day lesson in how to simultaneously minimize both scrutiny and risk of embarrassment

Even Al Capone or John Gotti would be impressed by this one. Never mind that their credibility remains firmly entrenched in the sewer, but the organizing committee shows some creativity in the way they managed to handle two habitual system busting conferences without risking another Oklahoma or Alabama debacle.

Doug had the same feelings and thoughts as I did as I read about the BCS bowl allocations. I believe it is a slap in the face not to put both TCU & BSU against a supposed big-name BCS conference opponent. By allowing this type of match-up manipulation the BCS will simply discredit the winner by saying “they only beat BSU/TCU. If they would have played Florida or Cincy, it would have been a different story.” Or even worse they’ll continue to exclude these school from the possibility of playing for a National Championship. I hope both Gary Patterson and Chris Peterson voice their opinions and feelings about not getting a shot at a “big-time program”.

This is just another way the BCS cartel is sticking it to the smaller conferences and it solidifies the fact that money/face are the only factors in selecting the BCS games.

Games I would have liked to see:

Florida vs. TCU

BSU vs Cincy

At least our rivalry hasn’t stooped to this level, yet….

Anyway, I don’t have much to say about Max. He’s a passionate guy who spoke his mind. I just hope he has a better game against whom ever BYU plays in the Las Vegas Bowl. Yeah, I said it Las Vegas Bowl -new sponsor who doesn’t care who comes just as long as seats are sold out. (At least I heard the Bowl has a new sponsor, but I could be wrong.)

All I know is that Mr. Nelson better have a tough banker because Max wrote a big check that Riley is going to have to cash.

To: Utah University

You played a great game, it was fun to watch.

It is no secret that BYU fans and players don’t like Utah fans and players, if anything Max has made next years game that much more intriguing. You will get to wear your black uniforms and the Muss will get creative with the signage -I’m sure it will be very classy- and then the fans will get to watch young men from various states in the USA decide which way of life is better: the Happy Valley or Salt Lake Valley way of life. Until then, get that basketball program back in shape.

My concerns stem from earlier performances against FSU and TCU. Where I have no doubts about the teams preparation or level of intensity. No matter who you are as a player, when the lights turn on and you crowd stands up, your blood is pumping and your emotions are high. I am not concerned about the emotion of the game, but more how that emotion is harnessed to produce a win. I am know going to say something that no BYU fan wants to hear….YES I do think it is sometimes necessary to rein in a players emotions. I do think that certain positions on the field need to exercise levels of restraint when playing in a big time rivalry game. The main reason is maintaining a level of composure and focus. I have personally only met a couple of players who could go buck wild before a game and still remained focused. Those types of players are few and far between.

For me the extra emotion didn’t manifest in my outward actions, but rather with a sense of focus and calm. I understood who I was as a player and I understood my role and responsibility to the defense. The recognition of the type of player I was helped me remain focused and unchangeable when playing UNLV or UTAH. I simply brought the same attitude each week.

BUT, I also understand that each team need a crazy S.O…gun that has no restraint on the amounts of emotion they can display. Those types have their place on the field and without them there would be no unsportsmanlike penalties and consequently no fire or emotional intrigue involved in the games.

In my personal opinion most of the players on BYU’s team are the focused and composed types of players. But I also think BYU will rely on players like Max Hall, Manase Tonga, O’Neal Chambers, Logan, Andrew Rich, Scottie Johnson, Jan Jorgenson, Harvey Unga, Dennis Pitta, and Andrew George to show a little more emotion -for some of these players it will be difficult, not as natural, but non the less important. Not too much emotion needs to be on display, but enough to insure that the BYU underclassmen and the team in red and white understand, these Cougars have rewritten the BYU history books and it should not go unnoticed or disrespected.

I am excited for the rivalry game. In every way I regret that I was unable to participate in my final rivalry game. I would have substituted just about any game during my career to play in one more game against Utah. A game with “meaning” is more exciting, more intense and more unpredictable. Personally I hope the game is close. I hope it comes down to BYU needing to make a play to win the game. Those moments are when players are defined and remembered. Who could forget Coach Doman’s legacy against Utah, or Luke Staley’s moments, Jenaro’s interception or Aaron Fransico playing his last game against Utah with a torn MCL. I would expect similar moments this weekend. If there isn’t, well…then I guess a win will do.

Things that concerned me was Max’s unpredictable nature when something doesn’t go his way. He lost his head for a few series and the offense suffered as it took some time for him to regain his composure. I understand your emotional and competitive, but don’t forget that your performance drives the outcome of the game. Keeping your cool takes precedents over how tough you appear to your linemen or fans.

I don’t want to give Max too much crap because he has moved up a very prestigious ladder to etch his name in BYU history right next to Jim, Ty, and Steve. That’s not a bad short list.

Also congratulations to Harvey Unga and Dennis Pitta for the respectable contributions to BYU history and the legacies they will leave behind. BYU’s offense really has been something to behold as this trio has left their mark.

I am looking forward to next week, it will be a spectacular game with a lot of fire, intrigue and two good team laying it all on the line for…..well, second place. But hey, TCU deserves it and hopefully the conference championship will find its way back to Provo.

OK here’s the question of the day: In the history of BYU vs. Utah who can outline the worst cheap shots handed out by either team?

I’ll start it off with both Curtis Brown and Eric Weddle in the game every BYU fan loves to rub in a Utes face, and yes, he is still open.

Anyway, I think reading about others comments and insights is valuable and for that reason you are welcome.

But before you leave a comment please stop, think, and formulate an appropriate response. Go F&&& yourself doesn’t fly.

Thanks. #25

Some might say AFA is like the little brother that has some skills, but just can’t mix up the peaking order. Yeah the little brother might sneak past you every once in a while, but if the “big brother” plays up to his potential than it shouldn’t be a close.

But with the way the Cougars have been performing this year, you never know what your going to get. As mentioned before I feel as if the Cougars have lost a little identity as they’ve worked to overcome the two losses at home. What I mean is, the Cougs had finally beaten a top 5 or 10 opponent, when they beat Oklahoma. Then they found out Oklahoma was over rated. The Cougs are then smashed by a FSU team that hasn’t been able to string two good plays together since they left Provo. Basically you have a team that is highly ranked, but still hasn’t really gotten over the hump of beating a really good team -case and point TCU…enough said. Our offense doesn’t really have a star -some might argue that this is a good thing- and our defense doesn’t have that trusting, ah…don’t worry feel. I’m really looking for someone to take a game over. Max did this against SDSU, but it hasn’t been consistent. Harvey looked great against a few teams but hasn’t gotten the touches to really shine. Dennis and Andrew and both great athletes and potential game breakers, but they just haven’t blown me away. Our defense, as a whole is good enough to win game, but I don’t think teams are intimidated by them. Who is BYU? Are they a team that wins the games they should and losses the game they should? Are they a before Christmas Bowl game team or will they start towards change? Are we a top 25, 10, 15 or do we not belong? I want a player on the BYU Cougars to take the flag and make a statement….

Looking at the three games remaining -AFA, UT, Bowl game- the Cougars need to reestablish themselves as a consistent football team that can perform up to standard week in and week out. Our young players need to start thinking of themselves as starters and experienced and they need to begin preparing, and playing like they are the future -because they are.

One day when I was a sophomore Coach Mendenhall said something to the defensive backs that was very interesting. He was talking about Dustin Gabriel. Coach pointed out a play during one of our practices -in the middle of the week- where Dustin was running and making a play, and it looked like everyone else in the picture frame was standing still. Coach turned on his pointer and said, “I can win football games with players like that. That is a guy who I don’t have to recruit past.” (And we watched the clip over and over…and over) Meaning: I like his effort, speed, and ability and I can count on him producing while he’s in our program. It was something that always stuck with me. I always thought, and feared I was a player that he had recruited past. It forced me to work harder day to day. It made me focus more when I ran onto the practice field. It was a small bit of motivation that crept in every know and then and reminded me that there is always someone better, working harder. It forced me to be good, all the time.

The point of that story is to illustrate the fact that the Coaching staff has filled positions and backup positions on the depth chart and these last few games are when players need to identify themselves as players that can be produce. Otherwise, the Coaching staff is going to find a “new” guy that can hopefully produce in your place.

The picture wasn’t interesting because of the guy running in for a score, or pointing, or anything like that. It was interesting because it captured the essence of a “Utah lineman”. Handing out a cheap, behind the ball, meaningless hit on a defender who has all but given up pursuing the running back into the end-zone.

Hit the link for the picture, and keep your head on a swivel in Salt Lake County.

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/photos?photoId=2385889&gameId=293182628

Hall had a solid day, not spectacular, but solid. Max’s “troubles” this morning were directly linked to the offenses inability to rush for any significant yardage, 1.7 yards per rush, which is also why the game was so close. When the Cougs aren’t rushing the ball effectively, they aren’t controlling the clock. These two variables have an effect on how much and how well our defense performs. Statistically the game was as tight as the score, but if you look at the time of possession the Lobos had the ball…well all the time.

Coach Anae wasn’t showing any love to the Unga train. Hopefully BYU will again realize that Harvey is the best player they have…period. Use him, not just some times, but all the time.

Also the fact that BYU doubled up on turnovers is a little disconcerting considering they have to play a much better AFA team -which is well known for getting after ball carriers and arrant passes. Plus a Utah team that will be out for blood -as always.

The game ended with a sigh of relief and a scratch of the head. This years Cougar team has lost some of their earlier identity and becomes a different team each week. Who are we? What are our strengths -and why aren’t we using them to the fullest?

The Lobo offense and defense has been dismal this year as they’ve become the MWC whooping boy. It really makes me wonder if Rocky Long saw this train wreck coming and got out at the perfect moment. The one good thing about New Mexico’s current situation is the fact that Rocky Long went to SDSU and will hopefully help build their program into another MWC contender. A solid SDSU team will give the Mountain West four strong teams -with the AFA cadets providing a fifth team that can be dangerous, but man could they please find a way to finish off the Horned Frogs.

Writing about New Mexico is difficult. I almost feel bad for the University and it’s administration. They hire a coach that brings some Big Ten swagger and the next thing they know they are offering a battered assistant $500,000 to stop talking about their head coach’s MMA choke-out technique. It makes you wonder about the criterion the administration put forth when deciding on the new coach? I wonder if Spirit, Tradition, and Honor were discussed? How was the interviewing process handled and what types of questions were asked?

I also feel bad for the New Mexico players. Their out there taking beatings on the field, trying to perform and succeed while watching a three ring circus during the week. As a player that would be disheartening. A new coach is supposed to bring excitement and new life. He’s supposed to exemplify what your trying to accomplish as a team. Instead he’s duking it out with one of his hires, and then dealing with suspensions and lawsuits. All you can really do is shack your head.

I hope, BYU plays well because next weeks game won’t be a cake walk. Also, here’s to BYU, which is climbing back up the polls -almost back in the top 20, again. -If that isn’t a testament as to the program Bronco is running I don’t know what is. I not sure I’m looking towards yet another Las Vegas Bowl appearance. But, it will be interesting to see how the Pac-10 finalizes their year end standings and which team will be heading down to Sin City to play the Cougars. Whoever that team is could be a good match up for the Cougars -of course this is all pending a Utah win, I love how it always comes down to the Utah game…one way or another.

It is a tough transition that BYU, Utah, and TCU are all in pursuit of obtaining. Utah has performed well in a couple of seasons but hasn’t shown the consistency to be recognized at the national level year in and year out. BYU and TCU have had a consecutive great years -and all three have been consistent- but how are they going to transition?

BYU has been trying to focus on the character of players and relying on their desire to play extremely hard -while possible lacking in a few of the physical attributes. I should know….I was one of those players that played hard and lacked a few physical attributes.

TCU has the physical attributes a solid coaching staff and a huge recruiting pool. What’s been holding them back? I think it’s the fact that they normally have a let down game or two during their season. This zaps their players desire and they end up with a solid -but not stellar season.

Utah has larger fluctuations, but has hit the “jack-pot” more often compared to the rest of the conference. Have the capitalized on weaker conference years -that’s not for me to say. But they have had some very talented teams and there is no doubt that they have benefited from the recruiting that comes from playing in BCS games.

So who is going to be the team that makes the jump to the big time, on a more consistent bases? (By consistent I mean the Boise State or USC of the Mountain West Conference)