What's going to be different about next year's game?

[Top Ute]

Minus the obvious implications of having it not count as a conference game.

The weather should be better. An afternoon kickoff would almost certainly register as the warmest Holy War on record.

At least for 2011, both teams will be coming off road games against national powers eager to flex their muscle after disappointing 2010 campaigns. Tough to say right now which opponent will be tougher between Texas and USC, but Utah has the added onus of facing a conference opponent prior to BYU.

As a Ute fan, my biggest fear is next year's game is BYU's home opener. We won't have a shot to scout BYU under circumstances that are favorable to BYU, so the element of surprise is clearly in BYU's favor next year.

[PaloAltoCougar]

How many starters this year will Utah lose? My sense is BYU more returning starters next year than any season in memory.

[doctorcoug]

How many starters this year will Utah lose? My sense is BYU more returning starters next year than any season in memory.

But we lose some big players on defense.

What is going to happen with Riley Nelson vs Heaps? Is that question answered?

[UtahDan]

I think one new MAJOR feature of the rivalry beginning next year is that one year from now, a lot of the fans from the losing team will be saying "yeah, but if you played us now you would lose, we are a much different team!" Mark that down.

I also think that at least from Utah's perspective, the loss won't sting as much (if we lose) because we can say "well, that sucks but we could still be in the Rose Bowl at the end." I imagine it will be the same for BYU since it won't any longer effect their chances for a conference title and since if they look great for the rest of the season will still get a decent bowl game (which I think is what BYU is basically now playing for and will be the focus of fan talk).

I will also say now that I think there is a good chance that both teams will walk in having been beaten up at least once (BYU could be looking for its first win) and will be that much more anxious not to be below .500 three games in.

[EuropeanFootballMale]

It will be weird having a game a week after the Utah game. Part of the reason it sucks so much to lose yesterday is because I have to stew in it for a while. I think the early season game might help tone the rivalry down a notch because there won't be months to dwell on the result.

[Colly Wolly]

What is going to happen with Riley Nelson vs Heaps? Is that question answered?

It damn well better be.

[MarkGrace]

But we lose some big players on defense.

What is going to happen with Riley Nelson vs Heaps? Is that question answered?

Are there still people that think Riley can play quarterback? Lol!

[DrumNFeather]

How many starters this year will Utah lose? My sense is BYU more returning starters next year than any season in memory.

Utah loses Chad Manis at OLB. He could be replaced with a tackling dummy.

As for other positions, I think Utah will lose 2 OL, a slew of WRs (happens every year) specifically Brooks and Shaky Smithson, Wide III, Asiata, Shakerin, Cain. On D, the aforementioned Manis, Justin Taplin Ross (I think), Lamar Chapman, Christian Cox...and some others.

Utah will get Nai Fotu back from an injury, but will be looking for a starting RB and hopefully a few faster LBs.

I'm not sure who the early season matchup favors more, I suspect BYU, but that is just a hunch.

[doctorcoug]

Are there still people that think Riley can play quarterback? Lol!

Has he stated that he won't serve a mission?

[Jeff Lebowski]

To answer your question, BYU is going to win.

[old_gregg]

Has he stated that he won't serve a mission?

he already did

[PaloAltoCougar]

But we lose some big players on defense.

What is going to happen with Riley Nelson vs Heaps? Is that question answered?

I've liked Logan and Bradley, but I'm hopeful they can be replaced. Andrew Rich is close to irreplaceable, however, so that'll hurt. With that notable exception, I expect the D to be better next year. And the Heaps vs. Anyone question was answered for me yesterday. I think bowl prep, spring, and fall camp with him as the clearly established field general will be a big help in his development.

[doctorcoug]

I've liked Logan and Bradley, but I'm hopeful they can be replaced. Andrew Rich is close to irreplaceable, however, so that'll hurt. With that notable exception, I expect the D to be better next year. And the Heaps vs. Anyone question was answered for me yesterday. I think bowl prep, spring, and fall camp with him as the clearly established field general will be a big help in his development.

I thought he performed very well yesterday. Monson made this argument that they didn't trust him; I don't think it was a lack of trust at all. I think it was playing odds.

I think we have great years of heaps ahead. I didn't know that he previously said he wouldn't go on a mission. What does Riley end up doing now? Free education?

[Top Ute]

I think one new MAJOR feature of the rivalry beginning next year is that one year from now, a lot of the fans from the losing team will be saying "yeah, but if you played us now you would lose, we are a much different team!" Mark that down.

I also think that at least from Utah's perspective, the loss won't sting as much (if we lose) because we can say "well, that sucks but we could still be in the Rose Bowl at the end." I imagine it will be the same for BYU since it won't any longer effect their chances for a conference title and since if they look great for the rest of the season will still get a decent bowl game (which I think is what BYU is basically now playing for and will be the focus of fan talk).

I will also say now that I think there is a good chance that both teams will walk in having been beaten up at least once (BYU could be looking for its first win) and will be that much more anxious not to be below .500 three games in.

Isn't there some stat out there about how Bronco has never won his third game of the season. Minus 2008, of course.

[doctorcoug]

I imagine it will be the same for BYU since it won't any longer effect their chances for a conference title and since if they look great for the rest of the season will still get a decent bowl game (which I think is what BYU is basically now playing for and will be the focus of fan talk).

What are BYU's bowl options next year, outside of the long shot BCS?