Who is your favorite sports radio personality in Utah?

I love to listen to sports talk radio and here in Utah we have three stations that are devoted to sports.  Each station approaches their shows in a unique way, and from a unique perspective.  Throughout the years, their have been several "defections" from one station to another, so it has created an interesting "rivalry".  

What I want to know is who your favorite is?  Why do you like them?  How did you find your favorite show?  Have you ever "switched" allegiances?  What makes an interesting show to you?

More after the jump........

TribUTE to the 18 seniors playing their last game on Friday.....

This group of seniors has been through a lot during their time at Utah.  They have seen a lot of highs, a few lows, and they led the way as Utah moved into the Pac-12 era.

Here is a memory of/tribute to each of them...........

James Aiono:  This is a kid who has worked his tail off to be where he is today.  Here is a great story on him from Gordon Monson.  Our program depends on people like James who work their tail off and stay ready for when they are called upon.

Shawn Asiata:  After watching this kid last year, I was so excited when he decided to come back for his senior year.  He is a throwback fullback and he is a big reason why John White is so successful.  I really think that Shawn is a better pro prospect than his older brother Matt. It has been fun to watch him bulldoze defenders like they are scrap metal.

Tony Bergstrom:  I will admit, the first time I really paid attention to Tony Bergstrom, I was mad at him.  He was letting Jerry Hughes past him all game long and we were getting killed.  But Tony has become a great leader and a great tackle at Utah.  I look forward to watching him on Sunday's.

Greg Bird:  I think that Greg Bird will have the highest ratio of memories to actual playing time of any Ute in recent history.  Greg was a special teams dynamo.  Blocking punts, making big tackles, lighting up fools on returns, Greg has done it all.

Conroy Black:  Conroy might be the best all-around athlete on the team this year.  He is a competitor and does not back away from anyone.  I'll always remember when he got that pass interference against AZ, only to turn around the next play and seal the win with an interception.

John Cullen:  Ute fans have been critical of Cullen this year, but no one can doubt his love of the game, or his passion for the Utes.  I can't tell you how many times I have seen Cullen be the one who is hustling downfield the most.  I think he is almost always the first to congratulate someone on a touchdown, and he gets the most excited when the Utes score.  Sure, he has made some penalties, but i'll take him on my team all day, every day.

Tevita Finau:  Tevita made a name for himself when he tossed the Oregon State quarterback around like a ragdoll this year.  He has been very versatile, seeing time at every position along the defensive line.  Every team needs a Tevita Finau.

Nai Fotu:  Nai is an animal.  That guy goes full bore after quarterbacks and it is a blast to watch.  Nai has worked hard to overcome his shortcomings and troubles.  I am happy for him.  I hope he can beat his demons and have a great life.  It has been a blast to watch him over these years.

Kenny Golladay:  I'll be honest, I had never heard this kid's name until I read that he was a senior in the press release.  Hey, he made the roster and can say he was part of a BCS team.

Matt Martinez:  Matt has seemingly been on the roster for 10 years.  He personifies to me what being a Ute is all about.  A walk on, he worked his tail off to become a two-year starter for one of the top programs in the country.  He battled injuries, but never let them get him down.  He goes 100% all the time.  I'll never forget his punt block against Montana State where he blocked it with his foot after being tossed by a blocker.

Dexter Ransom:  Dexter does the things that go unnoticed.  I have seen him take on more than a few linebackers in his time.  He has helped open things up out there for his teammates.  By all accounts, he has been a great teammate and example while he has been here.

Mychal Robinson:  A lot of you may not have heard his name, but I have heard his praises sung by the coaches.  This is a kid who has done whatever he can to help the team.  He has been a special teams standout for a couple years now.  Coaches can rest assured when he is out there.

Derrick Shelby:  One of the most underrated Utes in my mind.  As a 6'3", 245 pound redshirt freshman, Shelby came in and gave the team a big boost during the Sugar Bowl run when he started at defensive tackle. Undersized, but never under-hearted, Shelby battled guys much bigger and made the best out of a rough situation.  He has since moved back to the end position where he has put fear into the heart of more than one quarterback.

Ben Soliven: Yet again, had never heard his name until I read the press release.  Good for him for sticking it on a BCS roster.  Something he can always tell his kids and grandkids about.

Tauni Vakapuna:  A warrior if ever there was one.  Tauni brings the physicality every time he steps onto the field.  He has been a leader and a great example of how to work.  And you better not mess with one of his teammates, he has everyone's back.

Chaz Walker:  Another guy who personifies what Utah is all about.  Former walk-on has Pac-12 written all over him.  He has a nose for the ball and always seems to be in the right place at the right time.  Chaz has meant a lot to this team over the years.

Tyler Whittingham:  Another special teams star.  Tyler seems to know just where to be to make a big stop on returns.  As a coach's son, he has been great in the locker room, and on the field.  Guys with a work ethic like that are hard to come by.

JJ Williams:  I feel bad that JJ's career was cut short due to injuries.  He was a talented linebacker who always played his tail off and made some big plays in his Ute career.

These seniors had a strong work ethic.  They were outstanding leaders.  They learned from the guys who went before them, and they have passed on the tradition to those who are now coming up.  We will miss each of them and as a fanbase, we wish them great success in wherever life takes them.  This program would not be the same without these guys.

The Hybrid player becoming a mainstay at Utah?

                This season, I have noticed something on defense for Utah that I have not noticed before.  And perhaps it has been going on for some time and I just never noticed it.  Utah, at least this year, seems to have more sets of just three down lineman. 

                This surprises me because in years past, our bread and butter has been the 4-3 base defense with nickel and a rare dime package here and there mixed in. 

                Looking at our roster, both now and in the coming years, it makes some sense to me.  But I still have to ask the question:  Are we seeing the rise of the hybrid player at Utah?

                The Hybrid defensive player:  Someone who is athletic enough to play linebacker, and big enough to play defensive end.  Whereas in the past we had guys who were strictly defensive lineman (Martail Burnett, Paul Kruger, Koa Misi (the last two, oddly enough, are linebackers in the NFL), etc.).  Now we are seeing more guys who can play both.  Trevor Reilly and Nai Fotu this year come to mind. 

                Additionally, Utah has a lot of these players in the pipeline.  Thretton Palamo might be used in this role next year.  Nate Fakahafua was born for this role.  You get a bunch of these guys on the field together, and even the most experienced quarterback will have trouble reading what they are going to do. 

Not of these guys are quite big enough to be a full-time defensive end.  But they can more than hold their own in stretches.  They are also athletic enough to cover a tight end, or to blitz the quarterback from a linebackers spot.  It gives Kyle Whittingham and Kilani Sitake a wide variety of options and combinations to throw at offenses. 

                When you have guys with that kind of versatility, you can mix and match your schemes.  Sometimes, you can bring in four down lineman and three linebackers.  The next play, you can switch to a 3-4.  The next play, you can start with four down lineman, then move one of them into a linebacker spot and have everyone else shift. 

                Obviously, I have simplified it, but it gives Utah an advantage that can confuse and disrupt the rhythm of the opponents offense. 

                Is this just an anomaly at Utah, or are we going to see this move toward hybrid players become a fixture at Utah? 

                                                                                                

Former Utes in the NFL-how are they perceived?

tah *A Big Thanks to everyone at Niners Nation, Cat Scratch Reader, Baltimore Beat Down, The Phinsider, Mile High Report, Bolts from the Blue, Gang Green Nation, Behind the Steel Curtain, and Battle Red Blog.  Your insights were invaluable.*

              I am one of “those guys”.  I don’t have a favorite NFL team.  Growing up in Utah, it’s hard to really get behind a team.

                I used to cheer for the Titans.  That is because I lived in Houston when they were the Oilers.  I miss the days of Air McNair, Eddie George, Frank Wycheck, the freak, etc.  Now they are so overrun with buffoons, that I renounced my fanship last year.

                Now, I just cheer for guys who played for the U., the University of Utah.

                I have gone around asking fans of NFL teams what they think of our guys.  Some of their responses surprised me.  Some of them were easy to guess.  All of them were thought provoking.  Here is what I found:

                Zane Beadles-OL, Denver:  Broncos fans are a little disappointed in Zane.  The general feeling is that he was drafted too high.  Most feel like he is the weak link in their offensive line and that he will eventually be a utility back up.  Here in Utah, we heard the comparisons to Jordan Gross, and that probably wasn’t fair in hindsight.  Hopefully, Zane can work hard and contribute more to the Broncos.  By the way, I loved it in 2008 and 2009 when 40% of our offensive line was named “Zane”.  “Zane” is a great name for an offensive lineman. 

                Jordan Gross-OL, Carolina:  Panther fans consider him a solid player.  They appreciate his steadiness and leadership.  Some call him a top ten LT, and that is hard to argue with.  Gross played during the Ron McBride era.  Combine that with being an offensive lineman and I am not sure he is as appreciated by Ute fans as he deserves to be, but perhaps I’m wrong.

                Chris Kemoeatu-OL, Pittsburgh:  This was one of the players that surprised me when I read the fan comments.  Many fans were frustrated with him and feel like he would be gone if the offensive line as a whole in Pittsburgh were healthier.  The consensus seemed to be that he is good to very good in the running game, but average to poor in pass protection.  He was also noted for his boneheaded play at times.  (Remember the ’03 UNLV game anyone?)  It seems that “Kemo” as they call him might be on his way out in Pittsburgh.

                Paul Kruger-LB, Baltimore: I’ll be honest; I was confused when the Ravens drafted Kruger in the 2009 draft.  I thought he was way too small to be an end in a 3-4 scheme and not quite fast enough to be an outside linebacker.  I was curious as to why the Ravens would grab a player who seemed a natural for a 4-3 scheme.  Fans seemed to be excited for his potential.  He has come on as of late and seems to have found himself after two years of sparse playing time.  His coaches have raved about his increased abilities.  We always knew he was a hard worker and it seems to be paying off.

                Brice McCain-CB, Houston:  Not a lot of response on this one, and that is because Brice is still mostly a special teams guy.  He made a key interception earlier this year.  Brice is one of those guys who came to Utah and was converted to corner and did fairly well (that one play in 2007 never happened, you hear me?  It never happened………..)

                Koa Misi-LB, Miami:  There is some variance in how Dolphin fans feel about him.  The general feeling is that he is adequate, but not a play-maker yet.  The potential is perhaps there though.  This is only his second year, so he has some time.  And linebacker is a new position for him.  Hopefully, he can figure everything out. 

                Sione Pouha-DT, New York Jets: The hometown kid.  This is the guy who grew up in the shadows of Rice-Eccles Stadium and was a fan favorite during his time here.  Remember the Fiesta Bowl year when he bleached his hair? Good times!  Anyway, Jets fans seem to like him.  He is a run stopper and space eater in their 3-4 alignment.  Some would like him to be more of a factor in the pass-rushing game (ala his good friend Haloti Ngata), but he does his job well. 

                David Reed-WR, Baltimore: Reed has been a kickoff returner in his two seasons with the Ravens.  Many fans considered him to be borderline bust.  He is noted for an occasional nice return, but fans want to see him perform more consistently.  He has been a non-factor in the pass game.  It seems to me and a lot of fans that unless he can stay healthy, he will probably be waived at some point.  Hopefully he can get healthy.  That guy was a beast at Utah.  Just watch the Sugar Bowl or the ’08 BYU game….

                Alex Smith-QB, San Fran.:  Not surprisingly, there are two schools of thought on Smith.  There are some that just want him gone and for the team to move on.  There are others who feel like he always had it, but never had the right situation (I think most Ute fans would argue for this).  No one is really happy with him overall, and no one is ready to jump on his bandwagon quite yet.  But, everyone seems to be pleased with him this season.  It seems that a majority of those who responded are happy that he is having success this year, as he is a really good guy. 

                Sean Smith-CB, Miami:  Dolphin fans are feeling what Utah fans felt during his career here.  Sean is very talented.  But he just makes mistakes out there that just make you want to pull your hair out.  I remember a time in 2008 against TCU.  Had an interception right to him, and he dropped it.  Sean is a pretty good cover guy, but he isn’t the playmaker yet that he has the potential to be.  Still, a lot of teams would love a 6’3”, 214 pound corner who can stay with the big receivers in the game today.  A bit of trivia:  Sean weighed in at 236 pounds on the day of the sugar bowl.  A 236 pound corner?  That’s gotta be a record! 

                Steve Smith-WR, Carolina:  The most glowing praise I saw was heaped upon Smith.  It seems like if he were to run for the Mayor of Charlotte, he would win in a landslide.  Fans were labeling him as the greatest Panther ever.  I love watching Steve Smith.  Even as he gets older, he is still dominating guys who are much bigger.  I am hoping he breaks the record for yards in a season this year.  My only regret is that he played during the Ronnie Mac era.  Can you IMAGINE the numbers he would have put up in Urban’s two years?  Still, one of the all-time great Utes.  Fans also pointed out that it has been nice to see him mature over the years to the point where he is now a well-respected leader.

                Paul Soliai-DL, Miami:  The one word that can be used to sum up Dolphin fans feelings of this mammoth is disappointment.  Soliai cashed in big time this year, and while dominant at times, has not had the overall impact that he did in the past.  Fans feel like he is being paid too much for what little he actually contributes.  I used to love this guy at Utah.  “Thing 1 and Thing 2” with he and Talavou were a nasty combination out there.  

                RJ Stanford-CB, Carolina:  Easily the greatest Ute ever.  Most definitely the greatest Ute alumni in the NFL right now.  RJ is on pace for his first pro bowl this year…and well deserved!  Ok, I kid.  I am amazed (as are some Panther fans) that he has stuck on a roster.  Good for him; he is making more than me.

 

                Stevenson Sylvester-LB, Pittsburgh:  This is another player whose review surprised me.  I have heard that “Sly” has made some plays on special teams, but I had no idea that he was so well respected in Pittsburgh.  A majority of the fans feel that he can start someday, though it’s obvious that right now he hasn’t mastered the position (he has been playing inside for the Steelers, whereas he was a rover at Utah).  I have come to really respect the Pittsburgh franchise because of the way that they have built their team.  They like to keep it in the family and are great at developing players.  I am glad that Sly has found a place where he fits. 

                Eric Weddle-S, San Diego:  My inquiry into Weddle caused a spirited discussion about where Weddle fits as far as top safeties in the league.  Though a consensus was not reached, it is apparent that Weddle is appreciated by Charger fans.  No one seems upset about his contract.  He has really stepped his game up this year and is quickly becoming a force.  For those of us who saw him literally play every position (I am not kidding when I say that I once saw him put his hand down as a down lineman on defense once) at Utah, we knew he would be successful.  And he is just an all-around great guy.  Glad to see that he is having success.  As a side note, I know a zoob who still feels like Eric Weddle is an injury replacement.  I asked him once “so there is some guy, who you can’t name, who has been injured for three years, who will be someday come back and take Weddle’s job away? Right…….”  Zoobs.  You gotta love ‘em.  

KSL's "The Browser" a welcome addition to station lineup.

During the summer of 2010, it was announced that KSL would be severing ties with Sean Hannity.  His contract with them was due to expire and they were not going to pick up his show. 

I was very excited to hear about this.  I used to listen to Hannity a lot, but he grew cold on me.  I don't know, I guess that I just don't like people who blame all of life's problems on one thing and refuse to see anything else.  He blames Obama for every little inconvenience, and while I'm not an Obama fan by any means, it just gets old to hear the same thing day after day.

So I was excited to see what KSL would come up with to replace Sean.

In early October, the station rolled out "The Browser". 

The show is hosted by Jay McFarland and Amy Iverson.  I was hooked after the first segment of the first show.  The show talks about the latest news from around the internet, and it can literally be anything.  Jay and Amy always find the most interesting things and they treat the show like they are having a conversation in their living room. 

Contrast this with Hannity's yelling and temper tantrums and it is easy to see why KSL made the change. 

The Browser has now been going strong for over a year, and it just keeps getting better. 

From the latest technology, to the latest viral videos online, Jay and Amy are always talking about something that is interesting.  And they never dwell on one topic.  They cover it for a while, then they tell you where to go if you want to find more info, then they move on.  And when something is particularly interesting (a new app or a viral video), they will bring the creator onto the show to get their story. 

While they do not take calls (i dont think I have ever heard them take one anyway), they are all about audience participation.  If you text in, they are likely to read your text if it is good.  They really try to keep the listener entertained.

I applaud KSL for two good moves.  Number one, they dumped Hannity.  Two, they brought in a quality show to bolster their already solid lineup. 

National Unfriend Day

                National unfriend day is coming up again. 

                It’s that time when you go through your facebook list and delete those who you feel deserve to get the ax. 

                Everyone has their criteria for facebook friends.  I have a shared account with my wife, and it seems to work really well.  We purposely keep our friend list to people we actually know fairly well.  If someone “requests” to be our friend, and we don’t know them well, we just hit no thanks.  So honestly, we won’t have much to do on unfriend day. 

                The art of “unfriending” is interesting to me.  I love it when I look for someone because something that happened that reminded me of them and I want to see how they are doing.  I find that they have “unfriended” me.  For a second, you wonder what their problem is, then you get ticked off, and then you realize “this is just an online community, no need to get worked up over it!”

                We have been unfriended by at least one family member (that I am aware of), people who used to go to church with us, and others.  Heck, recently I had someone who I met while in Minnesota comment on something about my time there and then she unfriended us two days later.  

                I have done my share of unfriending.  When I had my own account, I would accept any friend request sent my way, even if it was from someone who I only marginally knew in high school or college.  I would have to periodically go through and clean out my list.  And then I would go right back to accepting everyone’s request. 

                In the last month, I have really changed how I approach facebook.  I realized that not everyone wants to hear my sports rants all the time.  So I don’t post them anymore.  If something big happens, I’ll comment, but I am not going to post about every game that interests me.  But it’s probably annoying to read about sports all the time. 

                Another option is to block people from your news feed.  This can be effective for people who like to troll, invite you to a million things, spam, push their political agenda, give you every detail of their lives, complain a lot, etc.  That way, you can check to see how they are doing, but your main page doesn’t have to be cluttered with their mess. 

                What are your thoughts on unfriending?  How do you go about it?  How many people do you plan on unfriending?  Tell us your stories!

Here are a couple of interesting links on the subject:  Time KSL

Do the little guys belong?

              It’s no secret that the University of Utah football team has struggled during its first year of Pac-12 play.  In its inaugural season as an “AQ” team, the Utes were blown out in their first four games before finally beating Oregon State this past weekend.

                What does this tell us about “Non-AQ” teams?  Not much.          

                A lot of BCS honks and media types will claim that Utah’s struggles are evidence that non-AQ teams do not belong playing with the big boys; that they should remain where they are.  The weekly grind is too much for these “little sisters of the poor.” 

                This is completely false.

                Prior to this season, Utah was at best the third best “non-AQ” program in the land.  Boise State and TCU were both able to maintain success at a higher level for a longer period of time than the Utes.  Still, Utah was the first non-AQ team to make it to, and win, two BCS games.  In 2008, Utah rolled into the Sugar Bowl as big underdogs and basically knocked Alabama senseless. 

                Some will tell you that Alabama didn’t want to be there.  People like that have never played sports at even a slightly competitive level.  Utah was the better team, and would have won 8 out of 10 games against the Tide.

                Utah has taught us that you have to have depth to compete at the BCS-level.  Utah only had one decent quarterback when the season started.  When he went down in game #4, Utah’s offense has struggled.  And yes, the weekly grind has proven to be a factor, somewhat.  With a semi-competent quarterback, Utah would be in a better spot.

                If you were to put Boise State and TCU (even this year) into a BCS conference, they would contend.  Give them a couple of years, and they would be right there at the top.

                I am convinced that the upper non-AQ teams can compete on a week-to-week basis with the big boys.  It’s cliché to bash the BCS, but it’s a joke.  Boise State this year has no chance to reach the championship game (barring several epic collapses).  And they are arguably the best team in the nation.  A lot of people can say “oh, well they haven’t played anyone, they would get killed!”  How can you say that?  If you can’t say that Boise is the best, then you can’t say that they aren’t either; they deserve the chance to prove it.

                Utah will rise to be an upper Pac-12 team.  TCU will do well in the Big 12.  Boise deserves to be a BCS team.  And the bottom line is that non-AQ teams are narrowing the gap.  They deserve their shot to prove it. 

                

A shocking column from a BYU legend.........

Here is a story from BYU great Vai Sikahema.

In the last week, Salt Lake Tribune colmnist Gordon Monson had this to say about the same topic.  When Monson said it, I had to laugh. Jake Heaps transferring to Utah?  No way, no how.  But when a BYU legend says it?  That makes you think........

Obviously, these aren't "sources" saying that they are hearing that this is going to happen.  In fact, no one has said it at all.  These are just two guys making an observation.

Take a look at Jake Heaps.  Number one recruit in the country at QB.  Some BYU fans had him penciled in for at least one Heisman and probably a top 10 pick after his junior year.  His freshman season got off to a rocky start with the debacle that BYU used called the "two quarterback system".  Luckily, he got his shot and showed that he could lay a beat down on some of the worst teams in college football last year.  In the preseason this year, many were saying he would have a breakout year in 2011.

This year, he struggled, to put it nicely.  He was benched for ineffectiveness against Utah State, and unfortunately for him, his backup came out on fire and led the Cougars to a dramatic come-from-behind win.  Since then, he has sat the bench as his backup has throttled inferior competition.  All the fans who seemingly worshiped him have now turned their back and are now singing the praises of Riley Nelson.

Tonight's game against TCU is HUGE for Jake's future.  TCU has dominated BYU three years in a row.  (As a side note: TCU has dominated everyone not named Boise State in the last few years).  If Riley Nelson is able to win, or at the very least be semi-productive in moving the ball; Jake's season is over.  He will be relegated to mop up duty in meaningless games after the Bye week.

If Riley flops tonight, Heaps may get a chance in the second half to try and lead a comeback.  If he is at all successful, he can earn the job back and finish out the year, then go into next year as the favorite.

But if Riley is successful, he will have, barring injury, the inside track to start next year (his senior year).  That would leave Jake with a few options; play back up as a junior, then have the job for one year as a senior.  Or he can redshirt next year, then have two years once Riley is gone.  Or he can transfer, redshirt a year while he learns the new system, and have two years at a new place.

You can all but forget the middle option.  This isn't a video game.  Egos are too big to redshirt for a non-injury reason in the middle of a career.  Not happening.

That brings  in Utah.  Utah has a disaster situation at QB this year, and probably next.  Jordan Wynn, while a solid QB is unreliable due to injuries.  And there is nothing else in the cupboard.  Heaps could sit it out for a year, learn from Norm Chow, arguably the greatest offensive coordinator and quarterback coach in college football, and have two years as the man.  Plus, he is playing in the Pac-12, and not against scrubs from the WAC.

There is a lot more to it, and again, we have no idea how Jake is feeling.  Still, it's an interesting thing to think about........

How do you think this will turn out?
 

Should I raise my son to be like me?

               As I watch this world series play out, I can’t help but wish that the Red Sox were involved.

                Even though I have never been anywhere near Boston, I have always been a die-hard Red Sox fan.  My dad (who also has never been to Boston) is a die-hard Red Sox fan. 

                In fact, just last night as I watched the final innings of game 6, I became irate when they showed the Buckner play.  That always makes me mad.  For one thing, the Red Sox lost that game, and the World Series that year.  Another thing is that Buckner’s name was vilified for years over that.  Yeah, he made a mistake, but that game was not on him.  How about Bob Stanley?  Or the host of other Sox who made mistakes?  I digress.

                The point is that now I am a father.  When you see your child for the first time, your life changes forever.  All of a sudden, it’s not all about you anymore.  You want everything for your child.  You want them to always be happy and you never want them to experience heartache.  I have a deep passion for sports that I hope to share with my kids.  This past summer, before putting him to bed, I would sing to my son..,..

                Take me out to the ball game.

                Take me out to the crowd.

                Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks

                I don’t care if I never get back

                Let me root, root, root

                For the RED SOX!             

                If they don’t win it’s a shame

                For its one, two, three strikes you’re out!

                At the old, ball game!

               

                And obviously that’s where the Red Sox come in.  Recently, I have been thinking about raising my son as a fan of another team besides the Sox.  I know, I know, it sounds blasphemous and in a lot of ways it is.  But I just don’t want him to experience the almost yearly heartache that comes with being a Red Sox fan. 

                Take this year for example.  We were running away with the wildcard, we had a seemingly insurmountable lead.  Even with a handful of games left, the oddsmakers said that we had a 90+% chance of going to the playoffs.  We lost a slew of games to the Baltimore freaking Orioles. 

                I get it, it’s just sports, but I can’t help it.  I don’t want my son to have to watch as his team collapses like that. 

                But the more I think about it, the more I realize I just can’t do that.  This boy will be a Red Sox fan.  At least I’ll sure try to have it that way.  If I really want the best for my son, I’ll allow him to face some hard times, because then he will be able to appreciate the good. 

                And those good times in Boston have been great.  The 2004 comeback is still probably my favorite moment in baseball.  And 2007 was sweet as we came back against the upstart Indians to get into the WS.  It was so fun to watch all the clutch hits, the defensive gems, the thrill of home runs and strikeouts to finish the other team off.  Life as a Red Sox fan is pretty darn good. 

                The sun will come out tomorrow, the world will continue to go, and the Red Sox will once again rise to the top.  Then, all the heartache will be worth it.

               

The triumphant return of "Five for Five"!

           Welcome back to the hardest-hitting, number-crunching, wanna-be blog on the internet!  Today, I am taking a look at Runnin' Ute basketball, BYU's situation, Utah in the Pac-12 so far, the NBA Lockout, and comment boards.

Runnin’ Utes

Hard to believe, but basketball season is here! 

For the Runnin’ Utes, it’s a new beginning; in more ways than one.  This will be the team’s first year playing “big boy” ball in the Pac-12.  It is also the first year under new head coach Larry Krystkowiak. 

For a storied program like Utah, the last several years have been very frustrating.  You probably know the history.  Legendary coach Rick Majerus steps down in ’04.  The school hires Ray Giacoletti and makes a run to the sweet 16 on the shoulders of Andrew Bogut.  Bogut leaves early for the NBA, a large chunk of his supporting cast seeks greener pastures, and the program has been teetering ever since.

Ever since the MWC title run in ’08-’09, there has been constant turnover in the program.  The team would show flashes of brilliance, only to take a step back in the next game.

Now the team is starting over again.  Fresh faces have come in to play for “Coach K” and the returning players seem to have a sparkle in their eye we haven’t seen before.

What can we expect? 

Who knows.  This is a collection of players from all over and it will take time to build chemistry and rhythm.  And since there is such a large influx of new players, it is difficult to know where the overall talent level is. 

And playing in the Pac-12 will be a step up from the MWC.  Sure, the top of the MWC was probably nearly as good as the top of the Pac-12.  But there aren’t any TCUs or Wyomings in the Pac-12 to boost your record either. 

Personally, I am looking for a few things this season.  I want to see an offense that features movement.  I want to see the chemistry grow and the team to get better as the season goes along.  I want to see the players gain confidence.  I want to see consistent rebounding.  Most importantly, I don’t want to grow to love these players, only to watch them transfer in the offseason, as I have had to do over the last few years.  If they can do those things, I don’t care how many wins they have.  I know that this program will get back on track; I just want to see movement in that direction. 

BYU to the Big 12?

If you are like me, you are tired of the constant and inconsistent rumors about conference expansion.  What will the Big-12 do?  Does the Big East really want to move all the way across the country?  Will the dominoes ever stop falling? 

In one of his talks, speaker John Bytheway referenced an interesting thought:  To find out how great a country is, open up its borders completely for a while and take note.  Do people run in, or do they run out?  For instance, if Cuba was all of a sudden completely open, how many people would drown off of its coast because they are trying to escape from Florida?

Let’s apply this conference realignment.  Let’s open the borders of the Big-12, is there a rush to get in?  Sure, from smaller teams.  But let’s stick to just AQ-teams.  If you open up the conferences, do you think anyone leaves the SEC?  How about the Pac-12?  For the life of me, I just can’t see anyone jumping ship.  The Big-12 is a completely different story…..as has been demonstrated. 

Look at what you have in the Big-12.  You have the dominant program (Texas), the second dominant program (Oklahoma).  The little brothers who just take orders and do as they are told (Oklahoma State and Texas Tech).  The moochers (Baylor and Iowa State).  And the pretty good programs who will say they are invested, but they would be gone in a second if the opportunity came (Kansas and Kansas State).  You open the borders of the Big-12, and there are teams that would leave. 

I get it.  BYU could be left out in the cold.  But this independence thing is pretty darn cool for them.  They have more flexibility.  And as long as they win, ESPN will help them out with scheduling.  In other sports, the WCC is a good place to be.  If I was BYU, I would avoid the Big-12 at all costs. 

In my opinion, the best option for the Cougars (assuming they want in) is to get on board with this Big East expansion, in football only.  That would be a nice mix of regional games and national exposure across the country.  If the Big East was able to grab Boise and BYU, along with Air Force, Navy, Houston, and SMU, that is an AQ conference in my book.

The joys of the Pac-12……

Earlier, I touched on a subject about competition in the Pac-12.  The football team at Utah has found out the hard way that things aren’t as “Rosy” as they thought they might be in their new conference. 

Every week is a new challenge.  The teams are bigger, stronger, faster, and more battle hardened than the average MWC team.  Utah has to adjust.

Clearly, Utah is not as bad of a team as they have shown so far.  Utah can and will compete in this conference.  A rash of bad luck and some program mistakes have put them where they are now. 

                There are too many factors that have been discussed to the point of beating a dead horse around the internet.  To sum it up, Utah was not ready at the QB position this year.  An average QB can get you a decent spot in the MWC if you have some other things; but it doesn’t work in the Pac-12.   

                As the years go by, I think you’ll see Utah win more than their fair share of games in their new conference, but it will take some precious time.  As with basketball, fans need to be patient and continue to support their team through thick and thin.

                NBA Lockout and the casual fan

                I should be excited to watch the NBA tip off in the next week, but instead I am fed an endless supply of “information from sources” about how close and far away the NBA and players are from reaching a deal.  

                Bottom line: these guys need to come to a deal soon.  There are people whose livelihood depends on the NBA and they are tossed to the side in this battle of egos.  I don’t have time or the interest in spelling it all out, but the players are going to have to cave sooner than the owners.  That’s just the way that the leverage works.  I don’t like either side, but the owners have more resources.                 

                Just get it done, you bozos.  If you wait too long, you risk alienating the casual fan, and they might never come back.  And you come off looking bad.  Just get it done, please.

                Online comment boards….

                If you want to find the corner of the world where the lowest forms of human life hang out, you don’t need to visit your local slum, or even your nearby state prison.  Just take a gander at your local paper and the comment boards. 

                For a sampling of what I am talking about, you should read the comments on the Deseret News website.  It is an endless battle of brain bankrupt Utah and BYU fans that battle over the most trivial things.  They are constantly trying to one up each other.  You can find more maturity at your local Daycare.

                And the funny thing is, the Deseret News claims to want to create an environment where civil dialogue occurs.  Their way of doing this is to screen and approve of every comment before it gets posted.  That’s a nice idea, not exactly the most American thing I have ever seen, but I see where they are coming from. 

                Still, they fail at it.  When I posted there, I had numerous comments “rejected” because of a breach of the rules.  I never swore, I never used inflammatory words, or anything.  And yet, I have seen numerous people get posts with curse words and posts that are meant to be inflammatory across.  Anytime you put people together where they can say things anonymously and not have any consequences, you are asking for trouble.  The fact that they pre-screen and still allow all of that junk boggles my mind. 

                Great Job Des News!  You get the “Epic Fail of the Day”!   

                If you want comment boards that really have civil dialogue, check out any of the SB Nation blogs, those are the best run blogs and message boards on the World Wide Web, and they probably have a blog dedicated to your favorite team. 

The Yewts and the Zoobs

A couple weeks back, I posted a link to facebook from Jim Rome.  The subject was “Softball Guy”.  If you haven’t heard it, it’s funny.

                Today, I want to take a similar approach.  I want to explain what a “Yewt” and a “Zoob” is, for those who aren’t in the know. 

                First, a “yewt”.  Like Softball guy, there is a big difference between being a Ute and being a Yewt.  Make the distinction.  A Ute is a fan who cheers for his team through thick and thin.  He only cares about the opponent that’s next on the schedule.  He follows the other teams, but doesn’t care one way or the other.

                There are basically two kinds of “yewts”.  The first is the “disgruntled Utah resident”.  This is the guy who is stuck in Utah because of work.  He didn’t know anything about Utah until he moved here and now he hates it.  Particularly, he hates the Mormon church and the influence it has on local culture.  So even though he went to some school in California, or back east, or wherever, he starts buying Utah things and going to games just so he can yell obscenities at BYU and their fans.  This is the guy who pulls out “polygamy humor” because he thinks it’s still fresh and funny.  This guy goes out of his way to disparage the LDS church, not realizing that a good chunk of Utah fans are LDS themselves.  This guy shows up to every Utah-BYU game, regardless of the sport, and uses it as a chance to vent his frustration in life. 

                The second kind of Yewt is the guy who takes things too seriously, thus ill call him “too serious guy” or TSG. This is the guy who positions himself right by the band so that he can let loose with his clever humor at the other team.  He then texts all of his buddies to tell them what he said, and then he makes up a reaction that never really happened.  For instance, such a text would look like this……

                “Dude!  Im at RES.  Wyoming just came onto the field and I wuz like “Yo!  Where’s Laramie?” lol!  Some moron flipped me off and seven other guys threatened to beat me up! LOL!”

                If you have been to Rice-Eccles, you know that its common for someone to bring a beach ball and hit it around the stadium.  TSG will watch it closely and when it gets close, he will knock over little kids, old people, whoever just to get it and hit back.  When the crowd starts doing the wave, TSG will yell across the stadium at the people who aren’t doing it “the right way”.  TSG is looking to throw down with anyone who wears the opponents colors.  It doesn’t matter who.  If he walks into the bathroom at halftime of a game against Weber St., and he happens to see an 85-year old man washing his hands wearing a Weber shirt, he will walk up to the guy and say “Hey Gramps, why don’t you hit the road before I hit you.” And then he will stare the guy down as he leaves.  

                If as you read this, you are saying to yourself “Ben is a closet Zoob, he is definitely a UINO,(Ute-in-name-only)”, then you are a Yewt.  If you like Utah for no other reason than to hate BYU, you are a Yewt.  If you have ever yelled at someone for doing the “I wish I had some chocolate milk” cheer incorrectly, you are a Yewt.  If you got up at 3 in the morning to go to “College Gameday” last year just so that your “BYU SUCKS!” sign could be seen around the country, you are a Yewt.  

                Now, onto the other definition.  There is likewise a big difference between “BYU fan” and “zoob”.  BYU fan knows his stuff and just wants to cheer for his team.  “Zoob” on the other hand is a different animal all together.

                “Zoobs” can be lumped together in one group.  “Zoob” is the person who changes scriptures to be about BYU athletics.  For instance…..

                “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Dick Harmon.”

                This is the guy who when asked to give the opening prayer in a church meeting, prays for BYU and prays for those who have yet to come to a knowledge of the true team.  This is the person who thinks that being the head coach of the football team at BYU is a church calling, on par with being a member of one of the quorums of seventy.  As such, anything that Bronco says should be treated as though it were a general conference talk.    

                This guy brings a portable radio with him to the game because even though he is there in person, no one quite brings the game to life like Greg Wrubell.  

                This is the BYU co-ed who goes to the games for the social scene and then pretends to know what is going on.  “On my gosh!  Did you see Jimmer throw that touchdown pass!  I can’t believe it!  We are only in the third inning!  Go Cougars!  Vanquish the foe!  Then go forth to serve! Gooooooo team! A ha ha ha ha! I wonder if my home teacher is here!”

                If as you read this, you thought about notifying my bishop because I am clearly on the highway to apostasy, you are a zoob.  If you have ever referred to BYU as “The Lord’s Team” in any way that was not sarcasm, you are a zoob.  If you are thinking “I don’t know anyone who is like that, Ben just hates BYU.”, you are taking this way too seriously.  

                Finally, here are some universal signs that you are a Yewt/Zoob.  

                -If someone tells you an interchangeable joke about your team, and you tell the person that that is “lame” and then you go and tell the same joke, changed to be about the other team, to someone else and laugh your head off, you are a Yewt/Zoob.  Examples of interchangeable jokes:

                “How do you get a Utah/BYU grad off your porch?  You pay them for the pizza and tell them to leave!”

                “What do you call a Utah/BYU fan with half a brain? Gifted!”

                -If you think that everyone in the other fanbase is classless/self-righteous/arrogant/ignorant/drunk, and people in your fanbase are “real fans”, then you are a Yewt/Zoob.  

                -If you refer to the other team as being “little brother”, then you need to punch yourself in the face, and you are a Yewt/Zoob. 

That is so Offensive!

                Last week, I took a look at Utah's defense.  This week, I move to the other side of the ball and make an early assessment of the offense.  As always, feel free to let me know what you think.  Tell me what I missed. 

                  Why Utah's offense could be WORSE this year than it was last year:

                 -Running of the Bulls: Can Harvey Langi, Thretton Palamo, and John White carry the load?  Will Lucky Radley get any playing time?  All question marks at a critical position.  How well these guys do will have a MAJOR impact on how well this team does.  Potentially, this group could be better than their predecessors eventually, but until further notice, this is a question mark. 


                -Replacing of the Guard:  Our starting guards will be new this year.  Caleb “Slaughterhouse” Schlauderoff will be playing in the NFL.  Zane Taylor’s departure has caused right guard Tevita Stevens to move over to center.  A mix of Jeremiah Tofeaono, Percy Taemoelau, Isaac Asiata, Sam Brenner, Benji Kemoeatu, and Po'u Palelei.    

            -Better to give than to receive: Jereme Brooks and Shaky Smithson have moved on.  DeVonte Christopher is the lone returning receiver with significant experience.  We know he is talented, and it appears that he has now fully embraced his position.  What we don’t know is how he’ll react to being the number one guy.  Behind him is guys full of inexperience.  Dres Anderson, Kenneth Scott, Anthony Denham and Dexter Ransom will be asked to contribute this year.

                -Put your shoulder to the wheel:  We have no idea how Jordan Wynn’s shoulder will hold up.  We do know that it will be a target of opposing defenses.  Jordan has never been terribly accurate on his long balls, and it will be interesting to see how this shoulder problem affects that.  If Wynn goes down, the team could be in trouble. 

                Why Utah could be BETTER on offense this year……….

                -You can’t teach an old dog new tricks:  But do you have to when you have Norm Chow?  Some say the game has passed Chow by.  Some say his struggles at UCLA were not his fault.  At any rate, his offense is far better suited to the strengths of Jordan Wynn than the spread was.  Wynn will not be asked to run the option anymore (thank goodness!). 

                -Paying the Ransom:  Dexter Ransom came to the team toward the end of fall camp last season.  As such, he never quite caught his stride.  This season, he enters camp having gone through a full season and spring ball.  He knows the playbook better and will be able to contribute more.  Ransom was a highly-sought player.  He has great value to a team like Utah in a pro-style offense.  He is bigger and stronger (6’3”, 221) than almost all corners/safeties.  He is a guy who you can throw the ball to and he can use that size and strength to beat defenders for the ball.  Every offense needs the “possession guy” to open the field for the playmakers.  Additionally, look for his blocking to be a great addition in the open field. 

                -Dude, that is so tight!: For the last two years, we have been hearing about how Kendrick Moeai and the tight ends are going to be more utilized, and it really hasn’t been the case.  This year, look for a more experienced Moeai to thrive.  He has the physical tools to be dominant.  In the pro-style system, he will be used more.  If he can add that dimension, he will take pressure off of everyone. 

                In all, this offense has potential.  A lot will have to come together, but this offense can really grow this year and be absolutely dominant next year if the pieces come together.  While the experience is not there across the board, the talent level is high.  Look for progress to be made throughout the year.  Also look for some early season rough patches. 

                All told, this is an exciting part of the Ute football team.

Utah football (early!) season preview-The Defense!

               We are just under two months away from football.  I know its still a while, but I just wanted to put this up because I want to get some discussion going about UTAH FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!

                So, here is my first (of probably many) posts about the football team this year.  Today, I look at the defense. 

                Why Utah’s defense could be WORSE this year than it was last year……

                -Zero returning starters in the secondary.  Brandon Burton declared for the NFL draft early and will be freezing his butt off in Minnesota this winter.  Lamar Chapman and Justin Taplin-Ross graduated.  Brian Blechen moved to linebacker.  That leaves a lot of question marks. 

                -John Peese is no longer the defensive line coach.  Coach Peese brought extensive experience to the position.  His shoes will be hard to fill. 

                -Rotation of the front seven.  There is a lot of depth along the front line and in the linebacking core.  Not everyone who deserves reps will get as many as they would like/deserve.  Will this lead to bad attitudes?  Will it become a distraction?

                -In addition to the departures of the entire secondary, the front seven is replacing team captains Christian Cox and Sealver Siliga, along with Juinor Tuione and Chad Mannis.    

                Why Utah’s defense SHOULD be BETTER this year than it was last year……

                -Keith McGil.  We have been hearing great things about this guy for a long time and now we get to see how much of it is for real.  I refuse to hype a guy up before he has played a down, but Keith McGil is the closest thing to a sure fire star that you can get.  Keith is a REAL free safety, something the team  did not have last year and something which the defensive scheme relies on.  Justin Taplin-Ross was a pretty good strong safety.  He was merely adequate as a free safety.  He would have been better suited to being the guy who drills people over the middle, but the team just did not have a better option.  The lack of a real free safety put too much pressure on the corners, which led to some deep balls getting through. IF McGil can come in and be that Robert Johnson or Eric Weddle type presence, it will go a LONG way to helping the team defense.

                -Coverage.  Last year’s linebacking unit was not great at helping in coverage.  They got better as the year progressed, but not great.  This year, they add Brian Blechen at the stud position.  Brian’s experience in the secondary will add a lot to his ability to help in coverage.  Additionally, JJ Williams should hopefully be healthy, and that also adds to the coverage help. 

                -Another deep line/linebacking group.  Along the line, you will see Dave Kruger, Tevita Finau, David Rolf, James Aiono, Joape Pela, Star Lotulelei, LT Tuipulotu, Derrick Shelby, Joe Kruger, Eric Dago, Lei Talamaivo, and Latu Heimuli battle it out for reps.  Guys like D. Kruger, Aiono, Talamaivo, and Finau can play all the positions.  Others will be specialists at their spots. The linebackers are also deep. 

                -Right corner.  Lamar Chapman was excellent at getting a pass rush with his quickness, but at 5’8” he was physically overmatched.  This year, Ryan Lacey brings some more size and a little more sheer speed to the position.  He has seen some game action over the last couple years, so his adjustment period shouldn’t be too long.  Conroy Black replaces Burton on the other side.  Black and Lacey are the fastest players on the team.  Both are EXTREMELY competitive and take it personally when they get beat.  Having a roaming free safety will really help ease their burden.

                As the team enters the Pac-12, there are some growing pains ahead.  But the team is building some real depth and it should be fun to see this team grow together this season!

The BEST (or worst) LDS movie of all time.......

               Growing up, a Sunday tradition in my home was to watch a “church movie” together as a family.  Initially, the goal was to feel the spirit and be edified. 

                Unfortunately, as many of you know, LDS movies are pitiful.  I am not talking about “The Singles Ward” or “The RM” or one of the other movies that was made for the big screen.  I am talking about “Our Heavenly Father’s Plan”, “Man’s Search For Happiness”, “Uncle Ben”, and countless others. 

                This annoyed my parents at first.  We would pick the most pitiful movies to watch just so that we could laugh and mock them.  Eventually, they realized that we were having some wholesome fun together as a family and since that is one of the points of the Sabbath, they allowed us to continue the practice. 

                Until recently, the movies that the church itself was producing were awful.  They were so cheesy that they were comical.  Obviously, they were made to take the message of the LDS church to the world.  For the life of me, I cannot imagine ANYONE taking these movies seriously. 

                My all-time “favorite” has to be “The Pump”.  If you have seen “The Pump” you know what I am talking about.  If you have not, please watch it on YouTube here as you read my commentary.  (It’s only nine minutes long, it will be worth your time).  

                After about a minute of opening filler, we see a car driving down a road.  We get to meet the main character, who is enjoying some old-time music.  He appears to be out in the middle of nowhere, just enjoying the open road. 

                He pulls to a stop at a potential turnoff and examines his map.  He notices on his map a warning telling him not to turn off the main road without making local inquiry first.  Who is he going to ask?  A lizard?  There are no towns around here!  Assuming he finds someone, what will he ask them? 

                It appears on his map that this road will allow him to get to his destination safely and quickly.  But that JERK! He fails to make local inquiry first!  How does he know that the road is safe?  He might find bandits! Or coyotes! Or worse, the band that is playing the music he is listening to! 

                The next 30 seconds or so show a bunch of scenes that indicate that indeed, he is in the middle of nowhere.  I am glad that they established that, because I had no idea that he was out in the desert until they showed me the cactus or the sand dunes.

                The silence breaks to a sound that will surprise no one.  Since this moron failed to inquire of the locals about the desert road, his car broke down.  If only someone had told him that his car would break down.......Try as he might, he can’t get it started again.  *Movie Error: The actor is obviously smiling and trying hard not to laugh.  He turns around to compose himself and then returns with a more situation appropriate look on his face.*

                He then bobs his head furiously.  The car, for some odd reason, does not respond.  Doesn’t he know that bobbing your head doesn’t work?  You have to shake your head from side to side……duh. 

                Ok, so the car won’t turn on and he remembers the warning that he failed to heed.  The weight of the situation begins to bear down on him.  Fortunately, our hero stays strong and does not let this get him down.  He heads off to find help.  Again, I have no idea who he expects to find.  But you gotta do what you gotta do. 

                After an agonizing minute (of film), he stumbles upon a ghost town.  Of course, there is always a ghost town conveniently located just where you need it.

                I love the cryptic music that plays as he walks through.  Like, all of a sudden some evil doer is going to jump out and mug him and say “You idiot! Your map told you to make local inquiry first and you failed to do so! Because you didn’t, no one warned you about me, and I am going to steal all of your stuff!”

                Sadly though, there is only a lizard in this town. 

                Finally, like an oasis to a weary desert traveler (oh wait, that’s what this is) he finds a water pump.  He begins pumping furiously, but to no avail.  Right on cue, the music turns dramatic and frantic.  If you are not sitting right on the edge of your seat at this point, you obviously don’t appreciate great theater. 

                Dejected, he rests on a fence post.  Obviously, in this town’s glory days, weary cowboys would tie up their “hosses” when they needed to stop and have a brew at the local saloon. 

                Just as he is about to abandon hope and slowly die of dehydration, he hears the sound of a metal cup rocking back and forth in the wind.  He notices that there is a paper in it.  He immediately runs over and grabs it anxiously.  But hold on!  Rewind your player.  You will notice that in an earlier shot, as he approaches the pump, this same cup is clearly seen with no paper in it.  Someone came and inserted the paper and then left.  If this guy had even HALF of a brain, he would have gone with whoever came and put that paper in that cup. 

                Some cowboy begins narrating the note.  All hope is not lost!  There is a bottle of water under a rock and he can prime the pump!  This must be some special glass they were using.  A rock that size has been laying on that bottle for who knows how long and the bottle is perfectly intact.  But hey, very little about this movie has made sense so far.......

                He pops the bottle open and is about to quench his thirst when the cowboy’s warning returns to him.  “Don’t go drinking any first!”

                Our hero is obviously not good at heeding warnings.  He continues to wrestle with his decision in his mind as the cowboy’s voice becomes slower and more creepy.  Should he prime the pump or quench his thirst now?  AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! The stress is just killing me!  What do I do? What do I do? 

                And then, the music reaches a climax.  And there is our hero, dead as a doornail out in the desert.  The camera pans back to show us that our weak-minded hero did indeed drink from the bottle and did not prime the pump.  He satisfied his need of the moment without looking for the long term benefit of having a pump.  He sold his birthright for a mess of pottage!  Darn you, you modern day Esau!  Not only did he fail to heed the note that was left for him, he also failed to fill up the bottle and put it back under the rock.  The next person who stumbles upon this ghost town will meet the same fate as himself. 

                As the movie ends, the music changes to an upbeat, and dare I say, happy tone.  Yay!  This idiot died!  Hurray! 

                And we got one last shot of the pump with some “ta-da!” music to really drive home the moral of the story. 

                If you go to your local LDS meetinghouse and find a copy of this video in the library (you would be surprised, I have never found a library without one), you will find that the description on the cover says that in this movie “numerous gospel analogies can be made.”  Really?  I can’t think of a less effective way to teach the Gospel. 

                So there you have it.  Don’t you feel inspired? Don’t you feel like a better person?  I sure don’t………..