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Tonight is the middle game in the BYU Holiday Classic. Three games in three nights against pretty competitive teams is something I haven’t seen in Provo for quite a while. We’ve had a number of Saturday and Monday games which is kind of like a back to back game for BYU since they don’t practice on Sunday. However, three games in a row is a challenge for any school.

After defeating Liberty handily last night (which I guess should be expected since BYU was a 20 point favorite), Broadus said the following in regards to tonights opponent, Oral Roberts, “We knew they’d be tough even before tonight.”

When I read this I remembered the trite phrase that coaches and players have to throw into every interview, “We can’t look past the next opponent. The next game is all that matters and what we’re preparing for.” At least something to that effect. It’s so embedded in competition that I was competing in an online “idea warz” competition and I sarcastically answered the following:

What was the one idea you feared going up against at the start of the Golden Hammer Tournament?

I didn’t look ahead. I just took it one matchup at a time. The final round is Film Funder. I’m completely focused on Film Funder. Nothing else matters. It’s all about this week. If I don’t take care of business this week then there won’t be a next week. I don’t care what the media says. People will talk what they want to talk. My focus is on this week. Film Funder is my focus now.

I can see how this mentality certainly rings true in football when you play one game a week. However, does it apply to basketball? Does it apply to a 3 games in 3 days basketball tournament? It seems like Broadus was saying that “we” (which I translate to him, the players, and the coaches) have already looked ahead to Oral Roberts.

If BYU wins 3 games in 3 days, then I hope Broadus will point out that the reason they won those 3 games. They didn’t focus only on the next game, but instead understood when to think about the current game and when to think about future games. I wouldn’t count on it, but it caused me to stop and think.

THREE-DAY, FOUR-TEAM EVENT TIPS THURSDAY AND CONCLUDES SATURDAY
The BYU Cougars (7-4) of the Mountain West Conference will participate in the BYU Holiday Classic this week at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, along with the Liberty Flames (6-4) of the Big South Conference, the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (5-6) of the Mid-Continent Conference and the Seton Hall Pirates (7-2) of the Big East Conference. The three-day tournament features daily double-header games Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 5 and 7:30 p.m. MT. Seton Hall and Oral Roberts open the Classic Thursday at 5 p.m. with BYU and Liberty following at 7:30 p.m. in the nightcap. Friday’s games match up Liberty and Seton Hall at 5 p.m. and BYU and Oral Roberts at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday’s contests pitting Oral Roberts and Liberty at 5 p.m. and BYU and Seton Hall in the finale at 7:30 p.m. The games are not being televised. The radio broadcast of BYU games can be heard on KSL Newsradio 102.7 FM and 1160 AM out of Salt Lake City or via the Internet at ksl.com.

I got so excited when I saw that BYU was hosting a tournament with such teams like Liberty, Seton Hall and Oral Roberts. All names that people should have heard if they’ve ever participated in march madness tournament picking. Three straight days of BYU basketball should be pretty exciting.

Well, I thought it would be exciting until I read the following on BYU’s Athletics website: TV: None The MWC finally got the mtn in Las Vegas and now they’re not showing some of BYU’s most exciting games of the season. I’m sure there’s some interesting licensing details that make broadcasting it hard, but I wish they’d figure this stuff out. At least hook us up with the rebroadcast on BYU TV.

It’s really too bad that BYU’s playing such amazing opponents during the Christmas break. I’ve been to basketball games at BYU during this time and the Marriott Center is relatively empty for these games. Not to mention the students are missing which has a serious impact on the noise that’s generated. I wonder if this might be part of the reason why the game isn’t being broadcast. BYU wants as many people at the game as possible. Too bad I live too far away or I’d be there at the games. Until then, I’ll have to stick with BYU radio online. It’s not the same, but is better than nothing.

Here’s the schedule of games:

Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006
Oral Roberts (5-6) vs. Seton Hall (7-2) — 5 p.m. MT
BYU (7-4) vs. Liberty (6-4) — 7:30 p.m. MT

Friday, Dec. 29, 2006
Seton Hall vs. Liberty — 5 p.m. MT
BYU vs. Oral Roberts — 7:30 p.m. MT

Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006
Liberty vs. Oral Roberts — 5 p.m. MT
BYU vs. Seton Hall — 7:30 p.m. MT

John Beck’s had an outstanding year and will definitely be missed at quarterback next year. Originally the next quarterback was to be the highly recruited traitor, Ben Olson. All of that aside, BYU is faced with filling the hole left by Ben’s departure.

Today, Snow College quarterback Cade Cooper said he has decided to attend BYU and has already enrolled in classes. “After talking to BYU coaches last week, I decided to do it,” he said. “I’ll pay my own way [this semester], but once a scholarship becomes available, they say it will be mine.”

He had received scholarship offers from Utah State, Utah, Arizona, Nebraska, Northern Arizona, Weber State and Troy, but says the “quarterback legacy at BYU, and the fact that it has always been my dream to play there,” caused him to stick with BYU, despite not having an immediate scholarship.

Cooper, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound left-hander who played high school football for Lehi and Timpview, completed 224 of 335 passes for 3,103 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2006, with just eight interceptions. His quarterback rating was 170.4.

It will be interesting to see how he makes the transition from junior college to BYU.

Arizona State transfer Max Hall and Idaho prep phenom Jacob Bower will be his biggest competition next year. Should be an interesting spring ball.

Thanks Jay Drew from the SLTribune for the info.

I’ve searched high and low to find any of the media outlets talking about what Oregon Coach Mike Bellotti said during a press conference yesterday. I heard the sound bites on ESPN 920 here in Las Vegas last night. I’m amazed that no other media outlets are writing about his comments. I did find a few people on cougar board talking about Bellotti’s comments on BYU being part of the Pac 10 here and here.

Here’s what I remember from the sound bites I heard on the radio (the second one I haven’t found anywhere else):

The media person asked Mike Bellotti if he thought that BYU could compete with the upper half of the Pac 10.

After a short pause, Mike Bellotti said, “No.”

He then went on to say that he thought that BYU had a number of players that could be stars if they were in the Pac 10, but that collectively as a team BYU wouldn’t be able to compete in the Pac 10. Mike Bellotti also referenced BYU’s loss to a bad Arizona team and their loss to California in last years Las Vegas Bowl.

I could not believe that he really said this. The only thing that makes sense is that if Mike Bellotti says that BYU could compete in the Pac 10 he’d be admitting that BYU was a better team than Oregon. However, Mike is stupid for making a comment like this. There are plenty of good ways to answer the question. Saying, “No” is not one of them.

The second sound bite from Mike Bellotti is even more amazing.

A reporter asked Mike Bellotti if he had gotten any film from other schools in the Mountain West Conference.

Mike kind of stuttered as he asked what teams were in the Mountain West Conference?

The reporter said, “New Mexico, …”

Mike responded that he’d talked to Andy Ludwig and got tapes from them.

That’s ridiculous. What kind of coach doesn’t know where he got tapes from? Even if Mike Bellotti doesn’t know which teams are in the MWC, he sure as heck should know what kind of film he has available from an opposing team and the background of those games.

The funny thing is that I don’t know if Mike meant to say these stupid things or if he just doesn’t know how to hold his tongue?

**All of the above quotes are from the best of my memory. They aren’t exact, but are my best memory of what was said. If someone has the exact quote I’d love to post them.

It’s now official that Cox Digital Cable is going to have the Mtn and CSTV in their lineup. This is great for cable owning BYU fans in Las Vegas and San Diego. It’s even better news for satellite subscribers.

“It provides a broader coverage of the league, plus the satellite companies now know the programming is valuable,” said MWC Associate Commissioner Javan Hedlund. “They will need to pick it at some time. It’s all about competition.”

Any pressure that can be exerted against the satellite providers is good news in my book. Although, people in Las Vegas and San Diego shouldn’t be too excited. Seeing these two channels is going to come at a price for those using Cox. Here’s the details from TheMWC.com announcement:

The networks will be available on Cox Digital Cable’s Sports and Information tier, a highly penetrated package of more than a dozen digital networks consisting primarily of a mixture of national, regional, and specialty sports-themed channels. CSTV, the leader in college sports, will be shown on channel 319 in San Diego and channel 333 in Las Vegas. The mtn., the first network dedicated solely to an intercollegiate athletic conference, will be shown on channel 320 in San Diego and channel 334 in Las Vegas.

That sounds like a digital sports package on top of the Cox digital cable package. I’m thinking USDTV needs to get the Mtn and then that will be the best option for people wanting cable in Las Vegas.

At least we can rejoice that tonight the Las Vegas Bowl is being shown on ESPN.

I read a bunch of the news about BYU players doing the Haka at the Fremont Street pep rally. The stories I read seemed to blow it out of proportion. It sounded like there was a fight going on similar to something Miami football players might do. Watching the video of what happened, I don’t think it was that bad. It was 2 people puffing there chests at each other. Don’t get me wrong, it was stupid and could have become something much worse, but I think most of the BYU football players held their composure quite well. I don’t think this kind of puffing of chests is new to sports. Take a look at the video of BYU doing the Haka and tell me what you think? The video is on the right side of that webpage. Sorry that I can’t embed it right on my site.

I personally think the Haka should stay as long as there is a real polynesian (and probably Maori) member of the team. Here’s some commentary on keeping the Haka at BYU and some commentary on getting rid of the Haka at BYU.

Also, for your viewing pleasure. Here’s the BYU doing the pre-game Haka before beating Utah:

and here’s the post game Haka BYU performed:

Yes, the camera quality isn’t the best and the shaking is a bit too much, but it’s the best I could find online. I’ll be at the game today with video camera in hand. Hopefully I can catch the pre-game haka for all to enjoy!!

I can’t help but make a comparison between Kenna Young and Travis Hansen. I’m not talking about their style of play. I’m not talking about the number of points they score. I’m not talking about their looks. I’m talking about my opinion about them as a player at BYU.

I remember just after my mission I took a girl to the BYU basketball game against some no name opponent who BYU slaughtered. The girl I took to the game played basketball in High School and obviously had a better eye than me, because she commented on how she really liked that Hansen kid (although I really think she just thought Travis was good looking). I was honestly surprised that she said that, because I watched him play and was not impressed by his play at all. I can’t remember what he did, but I do remember wondering why BYU had given him a scholarship.

Well, I think we all know what happened with that story. Travis really flourished into a leader of the team. He earned my respect as a player, a leader and a scorer. I always felt good when he had the ball in his hands and needed to make a play. When that year was over, I was sad to see Travis go. He was a fun player to watch.

That brings my story to Keena Young. I think the first time I saw him play was when I watched him play against BYU-Hawaii. I was working for BYU-Hawaii at the time and was lucky enough to have made the trip from Hawaii to see the game in Provo. In fact, I think it was my son’s first BYU Basketball game. However, I digress. Watching Keena Young just frustrated the heck out of me. He was making poor decisions, couldn’t make easy shots and was a disappointment for me.

Well, this year I’m starting to change my mind about Keena Young. I’m not sure he’ll ever have the same leadership qualities that I found so endearing in Travis, but I’ve been impressed with Keena’s ability to score this year. He’s starting to grow on me. Let’s hope at the end of Keena’s time at BYU I’ll remember him as highly as I remember Travis Hansen.

I’ve been meaning to post a little something highlighting some of the various Las Vegas bowl activities that are happening this week. Here’s the highlights from the BYU Athletics website:

Cougar Club members can join BYU fans in five pre-bowl activities prior to the Dec. 21 Las Vegas Bowl, which kicks off at 5 p.m. via ESPN television.

The first team fireside will be held on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m., at the Black Mountain Stake Center, 801 Arrowhead Trail, in Henderson.

On Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., is the Fremont Street Experience Las Vegas Bowl Pep Rally under a canopy as players, coaches, bands, cheerleaders, and mascots join fans from both programs to show who has the most school spirit. Free and open to the public.

On both Wednesday, Dec. 20 from noon to 5 p.m., and Thursday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m., to 1 p.m. is the Cougar Caravan. Take the second Mesquite exit (#120) to Mesquite Ford/Lincoln/Mercury (just off I-15 South, look for the blue and white balloons). The BYU Bookstore, BYU Dining Services, and the Cougar Club are providing FREE BYU Growl Towels (available to the first 1,500 fans), FREE BYU Creamery Ice Cream (available to the first 1,500 fans), and FREE BYU Flags (one per car, 300 available). The BYU Bookstore will also be selling the best selection of Official BYU Merchandise in Nevada! Restrooms available at the dealership.

On Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m., at the Redrock Stake Center, located at 10550 Alta Drive is the second team fireside.

Third, there is a CougarTown Tailgate at the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec., 21, beginning at 2 p.m. The cost for the buffet line is $20, but purchase must be made before Dec. 18.

I’m looking at going to the Fremont Street Experience for the BYU Las Vegas Bowl Pep Rally. The fireside and the Cougar Caravan sounds fun, but we’ll have to see if I can make it at those times. One thing I don’t understand is why the Cougar Caravan is on Wednesday. Why not do a caravan on Thursday before the game and everyone drive to the game together? Seems like a better idea, but maybe I’m missing something.

Either way, I’m ready for Thursday. The forecasters here are showing some chilly temperatures that day. That nice BYU blanket my wife bought me a while ago is going to come in really handy Thursday.

Go Cougars!!

Seeing BYU beat San Jose St. was just a give me kind of game. Don’t get me wrong. It was important to win the game and add to that total number of wins at the end of the season. 20 win teams are looked at very favorably come selection Sunday. However, beating San Jose St. says nothing about the quality of the BYU basketball team.

BYU was playing at home in the Marriott center against a road weary San Jose St. team. That should be enough to convince you that this game says nothing. However, look at San Jose St’s roster and you’ll see that they only have two guys at 6’9″ holding down the center spot. No wonder Trent Plaisted scored 20 points and had eight rebounds. Having 2 inches on someone is a huge difference.

Trent played great and deserves credit for that, but San Jose St was completely over matched down low. He’s not going to have that once we start playing conference games. He’s going to be matched up against talented big men that are going to challenge him on every play. Will he perform? It’s yet to be seen, but I do know that he better stay out of foul trouble. Otherwise, it’s going to be a long basketball season for BYU.

What I’m really looking forward to is this Saturday’s game against Michigan State. That’s a game that will say something about the team.

As a Side Note: Did everyone else enjoy seeing that Utah State beat Utah on the final shot?

A recent article by Scout.com talks about the Haka being performed by members of the BYU football team before a game. I guess a number of people are upset that the “white boys” are participating in the Haka. I thought that Bryce Mahuika’s response rang true:

“I’ve never in my whole life heard that certain people can and cannot do the haka,” said BYU wide receiver Bryce Mahuika, who is the grandson of a Maori chief. “The All Blacks [New Zealand’s national rugby team] were the first to do it in a sports atmosphere. They’ve had all kinds of different people do it like white guys, poly guys such as Tongans and Samoans who aren’t even Maori. They have all kinds of different guys doing it, and they’ve always done it. If they are all doing it in New Zealand where the Maori culture is from, then why can’t everybody do it here?”

I’m surprised that this is an issue. However, no one should really think that the Haka being performed by American athletes was started by BYU. I went to Highland High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Highland’s greatest sport (although it was only a club sport) is Rugby!! Highland High School’s rugby team is one of the greatest high school rugby teams in the world. That’s really saying something. I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but I think in a 14 year stretch they won 9 national championships.

One year the Rugby National Championship was held in Provo, Utah and I made the trek to see Highland High play for the Rugby National Championship. It was a great game and Highland High School won. After winning the whole Rugby team came over in front of the stands with shirts torn off and started doing the Haka. I’d never seen it before this, but it was impressive and fierce. I remember some of the white players hitting their chests so hard they turned a bright red. I later found out this was a tradition for the Highland High School Rugby team. I think it had a powerful effect on the team.

Granted, that was Rugby and the Haka was obviously taken from New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team. However, I later lived in Hawaii for two years and became familiar with the Haka again. It was often performed at ward parties, scouting trips and other community activities. Just imagine all the little primary boys doing the Haka with their shirts off. It was awesome.

Even more close to home was my son being born while we were living in Hawaii. As many new babies do, he would cry and cry and cry. Of course all the crying would drive my wife and I nuts. I finally resorted to taking one of his toys and doing my form of the Haka to get him to be quiet. It worked. This would often lead to my wife asking me to do the Haka to quiet my son down.

Thinking of this reminded me of a picture my wife took of my son dressed as a sumo at about 6 months old. One day I hope he’s doing the Haka for BYU football:

That a baby!!