September 30, 2008
Benefitting from others mistakes
Written by: David
That is really all BYU did this week, but I can’t complain. The rise to 8 in the AP poll and 7 in the coaches poll was to be expected after the rash of upsets that took place over the weekend. The great fear now is of overconfidence. I’m glad BYU gets Utah State on the flipside of their bye week so that even if they don’t play a perfect game they will still win most likely.
The biggest upside to being ranked this high so early is that all BYU has to do is maintain and they will be in a BCS bowl. It would be really hard to move them down in the rankings as long as they keep winning. Perhaps the brightest spot in these rankings is that BYU has garnered enough respect to move up even when they don’t play. This shows that people are noticing what is going on in Provo. Recognition will only aid in furthering the program.
While the added attention should help with recruiting, the rash of losses amongst big name schools this week goes to show that who you play isn’t nearly as important as how you play. Parity in college football is glaringly evident these days. The difference now and in the future will be the effectiveness of coaching, and I am glad we have Bronco to lead us into the future.
I loved Bronco’s response to moving up. I can’t remember it exactly, but basically said that something is fundamentally wrong with a system that has a team move up so much even when they didn’t play.
I also wouldn’t be so sure that BYU couldn’t lose a spot or two over time. A close game against USU or San Diego State and the voters will certainly penalize BYU.
However, if they keep winning we better start saving our pennies so we can travel to Florida for the National Championship or the Fiesta Bowl at least.