January 2, 2007
MWC 3-1 in Bowl Games
The MWC 2006 Bowl results, in order of conference standings are:
BYU 38 Oregon 8
TCU 37 NIU 7
Wyoming (No bowl invite)
Utah 23 Tulsa 15
New Mexico 12 San Jose St 20
BYU was the first ranked team to play in the Las Vegas Bowl. The MWC is now 5-3 in the Las Vegas Bowl, 3-3 vs the Pac 10. The game set a record attendance for Sam Boyd Stadium.
TCU won the second annual Poinsettia Bowl.
Wyoming was not invited to a bowl game, despite their third place finish in the conference standings. They finished 87th in the most important bowl eligibility stat. Maybe they need to make a Laramie Bowl, this is not the first time that a good Wyoming team has been left behind by the bowl system.
By defeating Tulsa in the Armed Forces Bowl Utah has won its 6th straight Bowl game, behind only Boston College for the longest current bowl winning streak.
New Mexico got the lone MWC bowl loss to San Jose State. New Mexico is 0-5 in Bowl games since 1997. The MWC formed in 1999. Only Utah has represented the MWC that many times, but is 5-0. Maybe the MWC should have sent a better Wyoming team to the New Mexico Bowl. Wyoming has won its only MWC Bowl Game.
The MWC is now has a 14-12 record in its bowl history. Its record vs BCS conferences are:
MWC 3 Pac 10 3
MWC 1 Big East 2
MWC 1 ACC 0
MWC 1 Big 12 0
MWC 1 SEC 0
No Bowl games vs Big 10
MWC 7 BCS 5
Comments:
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on January 2, 2007 6:35 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
For anybody that would care: I think that the PAC10 needs to expand and take two of these four schools, Boise State, BYU, Hawaii or Fresno State. I rule Fresno out as I don't see them ever expanding their stadium or fillin' enough seats to do so. Top priority would be Boise State. They would instantly be an upper echelon PAC10 team and it would greatly enhance their recruiting. Boise State could get to where they want to go to and help the PAC10 gain more credibility.
That leaves BYU and Hawaii. BYU has been consistantly a better program. Hawaii would give anybody who played them in Hawaii an extra game. That would create more revenue for PAC10 teams. I might think they would lean that way (does anybody smell a buck?). The MWC and WAC have both been takin' steps upward with some of their upper echelon teams. It's time for a "Bigger Conference" to come and screw that up for them. I look for something like this to happen in the very near future. Especially the way that Boise State, Hawaii and BYU have been rolling lately.Tommie T
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on January 2, 2007 6:42 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
I have BYU, Boise State and Hawaii very highly rated this year. Those three teams can play against most anyone - I am sure.
But, let's put thing into perspective. USC has an 14-3-1 record against WAC and MWC opponents while outscoring them 36.6-18.2 per game. These are not the dregs of any of these two conferences either. It is their very best competition. It includes BYU, Utah and Colorado State of the MWC and Hawaii and Fresno State of the WAC. Most of these games were not played while USC was on top of their game either. Now, I would agree, that these three teams this year are very good. It is becoming a waste of Boise State's time to continue in the WAC. Hawaii is also becoming a very explosive team. The PAC10 needs to take these teams soon.Tommie T
Jim said:
posted on January 2, 2007 7:54 PM — 70.35.250.191 — link — abuse?
Diggs,
The Big East is kickin butt and takin names just as they have done all season long. I am waitin for the SEC guys to start talkin. They are 4-3 right now and got beat up pretty good by the Big 10.
Ohio St. 35 Florida 10
Mark that down, no charge if you win money on it.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on January 2, 2007 8:32 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Diggs:
Let me remind you. You've got a pretty easy slate there. There is no doubt that the BE should take them all, but the competition is so weak, that I'm afraid it's not gonna help that SOS all that much. I think they kinda rooked the BE in that regard and I think they did it on purpose. They'll always want to hold something down for as long as they can. All you guys can do is win by as many points as possible - and hope that you can get better Bowl matchups next year. I notice that the SEC got several good games: Auburn/Nebraska, Arkansas/Wisconsin, LSU/Notre Dame, Georgia/Virginia Tech, Ohio State/Florida. They're gonna rake alot of money while everybody else starves. That is what is happening to the BE right now.
Tommie T
Diggs the Mountie said:
posted on January 2, 2007 9:13 PM — 68.48.90.248 — link — abuse?
Tommie Trojan,
The bowl game selections are pre-determined by where-ever teams place in their respective conference. I know there can be minor changes to these selections, for example: (Notre Dame filling one of the Big East slots). Therefore, whomever happens to land in these bowl slots are not subject to favortism. Now, I know that the BCS games are more greatly affected by favortism than the 2nd tier games are..... but you can't sit there and say things like..... " They could not have given the BE five bigger mismatches". Let me remind you Tommie.... they were not "given"..... the teams earned the right to land there. Now, I know you're trying to save face for the PAC-10 as a whole for having a "WAY" less than stellar Bowl Season performance......... but c'mon man...... give credit where credit is due......and suck up your bad bowl performances and hope that the PAC 10 turns it around "NEXT SEASON".
Randy said:
posted on January 2, 2007 9:31 PM — 74.93.5.150 — link — abuse?
Jim, if you want to see the SEC guys talking get on the SEC thread.
When you say "beat up pretty good", do you mean Arkansas's 3 point loss?
At least you did admit that the SEC is 4-3. How's the Big 10 record looking?
After So Cal beat Michigan like they were a government mule, I would think that you would be too embarrassed to show your face for a while.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on January 2, 2007 9:47 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Diggs:
Somehow your misunderstanding what I am saying. You should know that I have #3 Louisville, West Virginia around #7 and I'll be having Rutgers around #10 I think. I have defended your conference all year.
Listen to what I am saying, "They are trying to keep the Big East down". Does that surprise you? It does not surprise me at all. You don't get any honor from beating the teams that they lined you up with. Do you not think that Rutgers could have handled a little more than Kansas State. How bout Louisville? You don't think they could have bitten off a bigger piece than Wake Forest? Why is Notre Dame the sacrificial lamb for LSU? Why not put Louisville over in that slot? Because, what if Louisville won the game? Why was West Virginia only allowed to play Georgia Tech. Turned out okay, because Slaton was out and White was nicked up, but West Virginia could have taken on a more worthy opponent than that. Why do you think Oregon was matched up with BYU and Arizona State with Hawaii? So they would get blown out. Those were two good teams there. Makes the PAC look bad. How bout BYU or Hawaii plays California instead? How about Oregon gets Texas A&M? No, my theory is they arrange all these games to hold the status quo. Yes, your conference will go 5-0 and get no respect at all. I have no doubt that the BE could have gone 5-0 against some of the better teams from the other conferences - SEC included. But, you'll never get the chance. The PAC10 has never played an SEC team in a Bowl game. What? How is that even possible? Diggs, explain that one to me. After all these years not one single PAC10 vs SEC matchup in any kinda Bowl game. Why not?Tommie T
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on January 2, 2007 10:07 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Diggs:
You know this: Always follow the money. They are never going to willingly give it up to anyone. Why do you think that Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College left for the ACC? To break your conference of course. Thankfully for you guys, you must have some people runnin' that thing, that have some real sand. They are doin' a tremendous job. The SEC and ACC aren't gonna give up to much of the ol' dinero easily. They would rather crawl in bed with the hated Notre Dame - then give one more crumb to the BE. And, you'll probably never get a game scheduled against the SEC.
Tommie T
Diggs the Mountie said:
posted on January 2, 2007 10:27 PM — 68.48.90.248 — link — abuse?
Tommie T,
We have a 1 for 1 against Auburn for the 2008 and 2009 seasons, followed by a 1 for 1 against Mich. St. for the 2010 and 2011 seasons, then we have a 1 for 1 against Florida St. for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Hopefully Pat White and Slaton both stay for the 2008 season against Auburn. I know our secondary is going to be awesome by then, but then again Auburn isn't noted for their passing attack. I just hope we have both of those guys here for 2008.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on January 2, 2007 10:29 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Well, here's my chance to jump in and "do the big plug" for the SEC. I'm with Randy here. You know when I knew that Michigan was in real trouble: was when Arkansas was beating Wisconsin all up and down the field. Wisconsin had absolutely nothing and Arkansas did not have a QB. Had Arkansas had any kinda QB - they win that game going away. I've had Wisconsin rated down all year, along with Arkansas, but it was Arkansas who more than doubled Wisconsin in yardage. Penn State did do a nice job with Tennessee and that was one that I did not see coming. I will say that I was not too impressed with Auburn, and even more unimpressed with Nebraska coach Callahan, but Auburn did get the win and ended up at 11-2. Great job by Tubby. I was not impressed with South Carolina's win over Houston either - as they gave up way too many yards. But, I was very impressed with both Georgia and Kentucky. Those two teams grabbed wins that were "real big". Stafford is gonna be a force starting now. Look for Georgia to get back in it. It's too bad that Charles Johnson is leaving. That dude was a walkin' train wreck. That's NFL right there. He'll be eatin' QB's in the NFL for awhile. So, the SEC at 4-3, has done very well. And, they have not been blown out of any games so far.
In contrast, thought the PAC10 is 3-3, with probably two of the best wins in California over Texas A&M 45-10 and USC over Michigan - but three blow out losses by Oregon, Arizona State and UCLA. The Bruins may not have been quite literally "blow out", as they owned about 1/2 the game at least, nevertheless they were the big disappointment. Oregon State's win over Missouri was uninspiring to say the most. The SEC would have a clear advantage over the PAC10, anyway, with their two biggest games coming up.Tommie T
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on January 2, 2007 11:09 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Diggs:
Well, that is good news. I don't think Slaton will be on hand - but Pat White will definately be there. Too hard to keep a good runner for four years. They run too much risk of injury. Marshawn Lynch declared for California today. I don't know if I'm any too happy about it, as his backup Justin Forsett, is much faster and more slippery. The Trojans can get ahold of Lynch - but they'll have to catch Forsett. You guys will have another Slaton back there by then. I wouldn't worry about it too much. You got next year with both of them. Better make it count.
Tommie T
easternfan said:
posted on January 3, 2007 9:58 AM — 67.72.98.91 — link — abuse?
Tommy: Your right that the other conferences on our side of the Mississippi, would have been more than happy to see the BE fold. The thing is, as its been reported here, the ACC pulled that dishonest move so that they could survive, not to destroy the BE. Imagine the future of the ACC without UM and Vatech, not very bright. As Diggs said we got Auburn comming up, but we also played Miss St this year, before you laugh, when that game was scheduled MsST was racking up 9 win seasons. The future is bright, Rutgers is no flash in the pan. The BE has now won its last two BCS games and is 4-0 so far this year. Neither the Pac10, SEC, B10, ACC or B12 conf can claim winning their last two BCS games.
gatorhippy said:
posted on January 3, 2007 9:59 AM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?
Diggs (#4) & chad (#17):
I would certainly hope the BE could go 4-0 against three unranked teams and Wake Forest...
Not a real big accomplishment in the grand scheme of things...
But certainly is for the new Big East...
Regardless; Congratulations...
Hoping these programs can keep forward momentum and continue to be in the mix...
The more parity in CFB the better...
Diggs the Mountie said:
posted on January 3, 2007 12:35 PM — 68.48.90.248 — link — abuse?
gatorhippy,
Yeah, Congrats to the Big East. But, it is no longer a parity..... get used to the Big Easts "Big Wins" from here on out.....and it's simply going to continue as long as the Conference Teams retain the coaches they currently have.
gatorhippy said:
posted on January 3, 2007 1:41 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?
I think you miss understood, Diggsy...
The "parity" in CFB comes from the rising of conferences such as the BE and WAC to being able to compete annually with the traditional "Big Boy" conferences...
Dude, it's a compliment...
Yeesh, Big East peeps are so touchy and paranoid...
Always think everyone is out to get them...
Diggs the Mountie said:
posted on January 3, 2007 6:21 PM — 68.48.90.248 — link — abuse?
gatorhippy,
What I'm saying is that the Big East Conference's Teams are competitors now. Just watch and see. Now, your comment about the measuring stick........ I know all you're trying to do is get a argument going....... i'm not falling for it. I will say this, the Big East can be used as a measuring stick to some extent. Meaning..... that with all the recent robbings of the conference such as teams and coaches...... we have still managed to pull through some tough years and start our ascent back up to becoming a "Power Conference". Now, this you cannot deny.....
So Cal USMC said:
posted on January 3, 2007 6:34 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
If the PAC would ever expand, it would take BYU and Utah. BYU in particular is run like a major program as it is. BYU has a solid fanbase and the best attendance of any 'mid-major' in the country (consistantly)... and they produce good Football teams. Utah is not far behind but sorta in the next group of 'mid-majors'... they'd probably go for the 2'fer, both schools from the state of Utah.
It wouldnt be Fresno State... it'd be San Diego St before Fresno State.
Boise State, maybe, but its football success overshadows its other "qualifications" for being a major program... maybe not the 'perfect' fit.
So Cal USMC said:
posted on January 3, 2007 6:51 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
Gator-hip
If not for Rutgers beating Louie, it'd be Ohio St vs Louie in the National Title game. The Big East is right in the mix. They were a 'measuring stick' as much as any other conference.
Dont you wonder where the "the Big East beat up on itself" excuses are ???
So Cal USMC said:
posted on January 3, 2007 6:52 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
2006 was a WEAK SEASON in College Football (dont let the entertaining Bowl games fool you).
This season it wasnt so much "Parity" in College Football this year, as much as it was just plain Bad Football (relatively speaking, ofcourse). This year's teams were not as good as teams in the past, collectively (especially compared to 2005). With the expection of MAYBE Ohio State... all of these other "elite" teams this year, Michigan, Florida, USC, LSU, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, etc, were all fatally flawed. And even down the line...EIGHT TEAMS this year got beat by Division 1AA and/or Division II teams !!! FYI, usually its 1 or 2... or none, but it happend 8 Times in 2006! Thats a telling sign to go along with the Underwhelming performances, flawed teams, less-specatcular players.
gatorhippy said:
posted on January 3, 2007 6:56 PM — 70.121.184.145 — link — abuse?
Fair enough, Diggs...
Just try to be clearer...
No doubt Louis has been on its way up for a few years and I see them sustaining...
If Rutgers can keep Schiano, they may be able to maintain...
WVU needs to continue at the level their at and not fall back into the every 5-10 years cycle...
Pitt will be back in the mix very soon...
And South Florida, well...
Over the last two years, WVU and Louis have got a taste of what the Bulls are going to turn into very soon...
It looks very good for the BE...
But to be in the "parity" mix in CFB it's gotta be sustained...
Your right about the continuity of coaching being very important...
But are the BE schools willing to pay the price for keeping them?
Stay tuned...
gatorhippy said:
posted on January 3, 2007 7:01 PM — 70.121.184.145 — link — abuse?
SoCal:
Right on...
THIS year they "measured up"...
It's maintaining that success that is needed to become a "measuring stick"...
That goes for the entire conference...
The BE as a whole will need to maintain and improve upon the last two year's successes in order to become part of the "measuring stick" rather than trying to "measure up"...
I think this year was all about gaining respect for the BE, which they definitely gained in my book...
gatorhippy said:
posted on January 3, 2007 7:06 PM — 70.121.184.145 — link — abuse?
SoCal:
That Louis only lost one game and got snubbed for a shot at the champ shows my above point...
The SEC because of longevity and respect (or hype, if you prefer) is why UF was in and not UL...
BE has to maintain and continue to improve in order to reach the level of respect the big five command...
posted on January 5, 2007 10:24 AM — 150.176.192.1 — link — abuse?Ben Prather said:
Tommy: I plan to post something this off season about my ideas regarding PAC 10 expansion.
I like your list, but find it to be lacking Utah.
Boise, Fresno and Hawaii don't participate in as many other PAC 10 sports as BYU and Utah do.
Fresno will not be a PAC 10 team due to the high academic standards of the conference. This limits Boise as well, though in their case it is do to the small number of programs offered there rather than a poor academic performance.
I would agree with the statement that the PAC 10 should expand to include two of BYU Utah or Hawaii. Actually I would usually leave off Hawaii :)
The result of any PAC-10 expansion would be a MWC expansion to pick up Boise, Fresno and possibly a couple other WAC teams like Nevada, Hawaii or San Jose State. Even Sun Belt team Utah State would be a likely possibility, if Utah and BYU go PAC 10. This would likely lead to a union of the remaining WAC and Sun Belt conferences, giving all conferences around 12 teams each, and a conference championship.
The only remaining expansion would be for the Big 10, who is holding out for Notre Dame.
Big East/Parity: I thing Boise State proved that the parity in college football is closer than common perception holds it to be.
frogfan 99 said:
posted on January 6, 2007 1:38 AM — 207.200.116.69 — link — abuse?
Ben, if you believe that any Pac-10 expansion would result in a MWC expansion, you would have to take into account that there are 3 schools in the MWC that deserve a better conference. BYU had a fantastic season. Utah is always good, but everyone keeps forgetting there is another powerhouse in the MWC. A powerhouse that is 4-0 versus Big 12 schools. And in 2007, they will get to prove themselves against Texas, and then in October they will get to play Stanford. How can you talk about moving teams from the MWC to the Pac-10 without mentioning TCU.
You have to take into account that TCU had the number 4 rush defense in the country. And with Tommy Blake planning on returning for his senior season, they will have 9 returning starters next season. Not to mention Gary Patterson is the probably one of the most under-rated coaches in college football.
Discostu said:
posted on January 6, 2007 3:15 PM — 67.169.251.28 — link — abuse?
The issue with TCU going to the Pac-10 isn't one of worth; they have a fine athletic program. The issue is geography, they are simply too far away from the bulk of the conference. The teams on the coast wouldn't want to travel that far when there are other quality programs much closer to home.
frogfan 99 said:
posted on January 7, 2007 1:18 AM — 207.200.116.69 — link — abuse?
After the big win by Bosie State, it is time for the rest of the NCAA to open up and let every program compete for the National Championship. As a true college football fan, especially TCU, I am tired of watching good programs get screwed over for money. Living in California, I get to see several Pac-10 games a year, and I am not really that impressed. I believe BYU could hold their own against several teams in that conference. Hawaii, with their pass happy offense would offer challenges, but not like BYU.
If I could have one wish come true, I would not mind to see the rebirth of the SouthWest Conference. Just to think about Texas, Texas Tech, Arkansas, TCU, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor, Rice, and Houston back together. This conference with the football powers would instantly become one of the BCS powers. 7 out of the 9 teams played in bowl games this year.
posted on January 8, 2007 10:38 AM — 150.176.192.1 — link — abuse?
frogfan 99: TCU is a strong team, that is why they moved from the WAC to the MWC.
While I agree they deserve a BCS conference bid just as much as Utah, BYU, Colorado State or Boise State, they don't fit in the PAC 10 geographically. As the old WAC demonstrated, geography matters.
The Big 12 would be the best fit for TCU, but unless they pull a temple I can't imagine any changes comming soon to that conference.
The best chance for TCU to join a BCS conference is for the MWC to become a BCS conference. If Boise State, Fresno State and a couple other top WAC teams defect to teh MWC this statement is not as obserd as it may at first seem.
So Cal USMC said:
posted on January 2, 2007 5:35 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?Im taking a mulligan on the Mt West. They'll be taking their "step-up" next year. They did well in the Bowl season, but not as good as expected overall (thru-out the season).
Im still backing UNLV/Mike Sanford, despite their 2-10 season.