Holy War 2017: BYU vs Utah

[Omaha 680]

I'm much more bothered by the loss right now than I was right after the game ended. I should have avoided social today...too many smug Ute posts.

[Goatnapper'96]

BYU vs the U just isn't a fair competition anymore. There are things I think BYU could do to give their football program a chance to close that gap such as pay their coaches more money and continue to make the HC less an impediment to success. I think there have been commitments on the HC front but I just don't think BYU will ever be willing to pay what it will take to attract the caliber of coaching they will need across the board. This is unfortunate because I think this is the one thing that BYU can control that would have the biggest impact. However, even if BYU does these types of things I am not convinced it will change their trajectory significantly. Without BCS or P5 inclusion I think conference affiliation vs independence and all of these other issues are window dressing. It would be nice for the fanbase for their to be more faith/trust in the administration that convinces the masses of BYU's commitment to competing at the highest levels but the reality is BYU is not willing to do that. The reconciliation process that the fanbase must go through between the expectations of highest levels and the performance is ebbing enthusiasm little by little. The only thing that BYU has in its favor is the hope that perhaps the current revenue structures are unsustainable over the long term and that enough other programs will return to BYU's level and thus make the playing field more even.

[creekster]

BYU vs the U just isn't a fair competition anymore. There are things I think BYU could do to give their football program a chance to close that gap such as pay their coaches more money and continue to make the HC less an impediment to success. I think there have been commitments on the HC front but I just don't think BYU will ever be willing to pay what it will take to attract the caliber of coaching they will need across the board. This is unfortunate because I think this is the one thing that BYU can control that would have the biggest impact. However, even if BYU does these types of things I am not convinced it will change their trajectory significantly. Without BCS or P5 inclusion I think conference affiliation vs independence and all of these other issues are window dressing. It would be nice for the fanbase for their to be more faith/trust in the administration that convinces the masses of BYU's commitment to competing at the highest levels but the reality is BYU is not willing to do that. The reconciliation process that the fanbase must go through between the expectations of highest levels and the performance is ebbing enthusiasm little by little. The only thing that BYU has in its favor is the hope that perhaps the current revenue structures are unsustainable over the long term and that enough other programs will return to BYU's level and thus make the playing field more even.

Well thanks for that, Mr. Sunshine.

[Goatnapper'96]

Well thanks for that, Mr. Sunshine.

I am only here to help.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Well thanks for that, Mr. Sunshine.

I am only here to help.

I miss the old goatnapper. The one that appears to have been neutered when BYU pooped their pants on Jimmy Mac night. The old goatnapper would never have posted a self-flagellating post like that. He would have responded to something like that with "Pull the string!".

[creekster]

I am only here to help.

Thank goodness someone is, since SU has abandoned us.

[Omaha 680]

That GN post was Topper-esque in its wallowing but at least there was some substance behind it.

[byu71]

BYU vs the U just isn't a fair competition anymore. There are things I think BYU could do to give their football program a chance to close that gap such as pay their coaches more money and continue to make the HC less an impediment to success. I think there have been commitments on the HC front but I just don't think BYU will ever be willing to pay what it will take to attract the caliber of coaching they will need across the board. This is unfortunate because I think this is the one thing that BYU can control that would have the biggest impact. However, even if BYU does these types of things I am not convinced it will change their trajectory significantly. Without BCS or P5 inclusion I think conference affiliation vs independence and all of these other issues are window dressing. It would be nice for the fanbase for their to be more faith/trust in the administration that convinces the masses of BYU's commitment to competing at the highest levels but the reality is BYU is not willing to do that. The reconciliation process that the fanbase must go through between the expectations of highest levels and the performance is ebbing enthusiasm little by little. The only thing that BYU has in its favor is the hope that perhaps the current revenue structures are unsustainable over the long term and that enough other programs will return to BYU's level and thus make the playing field more even.

Accurate description of current state of affairs, especially "BYU adminis ration not willing........" I am OK with the church running BYU as they see it should be. However, with that one has to accept FB and basketball will not compete over time with Utah, let alone top 15 programs

[Eddie]

Dumb game. Seemed to follow the narrative of the last few years. Close, but no cigar. (Darn honor code!)

The defense is good - and I think will get better as the D-Line continues to improve. Seems to me that there are a LOT of new guys and young guys on the DL. I'm trying to be an optimist and believe that as a group they are just going to get better and better over the next 2-3 years instead of being frustrated that as the others get better, guys like Takitaki will move on.

Tanner showed something in the 2nd have that gave me hope for him. I'm probably just imagining this - but it seemed to be around the time they began more of a hurry up offense. And I find myself wondering if the hurry up gave him less time to think about things and just play.

Until the last drive, I decided that the WR issues were mostly about young an inexperienced guys who needed time. I figured that there isn't really a standout among them, but they could have some solid contributors who are going to get better and potentially be OK as the filler - assuming you bring in a couple of studs. Then those drops during the last drive had me question that belief. Hopefully they get better fast and become consistent if not good or great. Can't have guys dropping passes that hit them in the hands around their torso. That's just bad.

Finally - looks like BYU found their next RB. I'm disappointed that Canada seems to struggle so much - I really wanted him to do well. I'm also disappointed that Burt is apparently so bad that coaches decided to change his position in spite of an apparent lack of RB's. Ula stepping up was nice. But as others have indicated - I'm not sure he's going to be an every down back this year. I think he's going to need some time to get in shape.

I'm not down on Detmer yet. I think his offense can still work, and I've seen enough light to think he needs more time. So call be a patient optimist.

But it is frustrating to see other teams grab new offensive coordinators and/or new players and seemingly take off right from the start. Then I remind myself that BYU saw that with Crowton too - and maybe the slow build up is preferred to an offense that jumps onto the scene with a big splash.

[Flystripper]

Our Defense is OK but it is a bit of fools gold. Whit is just a dummy to not take the points. His decisions kept us in the game when it shouldn't have even been close.

[USUC]

BYU vs the U just isn't a fair competition anymore. There are things I think BYU could do to give their football program a chance to close that gap such as pay their coaches more money and continue to make the HC less an impediment to success. I think there have been commitments on the HC front but I just don't think BYU will ever be willing to pay what it will take to attract the caliber of coaching they will need across the board. This is unfortunate because I think this is the one thing that BYU can control that would have the biggest impact. However, even if BYU does these types of things I am not convinced it will change their trajectory significantly. Without BCS or P5 inclusion I think conference affiliation vs independence and all of these other issues are window dressing. It would be nice for the fanbase for their to be more faith/trust in the administration that convinces the masses of BYU's commitment to competing at the highest levels but the reality is BYU is not willing to do that. The reconciliation process that the fanbase must go through between the expectations of highest levels and the performance is ebbing enthusiasm little by little. The only thing that BYU has in its favor is the hope that perhaps the current revenue structures are unsustainable over the long term and that enough other programs will return to BYU's level and thus make the playing field more even.

How does BYU pay their coaches relative to other non-P5 conferences? Clearly, if BYU was making P5 money that would go up. It won't be SEC money, but I think it would comparable to the P5 average. But maybe I'm wrong.

And, if they are really underpaying their coaches based on the revenue they bring in, how would the fan base put pressure on the administration?

[originalsocal]

Our Defense is OK but it is a bit of fools gold. Whit is just a dummy to not take the points. His decisions kept us in the game when it shouldn't have even been close.

I don't think Kyle wants to embarrass his buddy. With Bronco at the helm there might have been more motivation to sweep the leg.

[originalsocal]

Dumb game. Seemed to follow the narrative of the last few years. Close, but no cigar. (Darn honor code!)

The defense is good - and I think will get better as the D-Line continues to improve. Seems to me that there are a LOT of new guys and young guys on the DL. I'm trying to be an optimist and believe that as a group they are just going to get better and better over the next 2-3 years instead of being frustrated that as the others get better, guys like Takitaki will move on.

Tanner showed something in the 2nd have that gave me hope for him. I'm probably just imagining this - but it seemed to be around the time they began more of a hurry up offense. And I find myself wondering if the hurry up gave him less time to think about things and just play.

Until the last drive, I decided that the WR issues were mostly about young an inexperienced guys who needed time. I figured that there isn't really a standout among them, but they could have some solid contributors who are going to get better and potentially be OK as the filler - assuming you bring in a couple of studs. Then those drops during the last drive had me question that belief. Hopefully they get better fast and become consistent if not good or great. Can't have guys dropping passes that hit them in the hands around their torso. That's just bad.

Finally - looks like BYU found their next RB. I'm disappointed that Canada seems to struggle so much - I really wanted him to do well. I'm also disappointed that Burt is apparently so bad that coaches decided to change his position in spite of an apparent lack of RB's. Ula stepping up was nice. But as others have indicated - I'm not sure he's going to be an every down back this year. I think he's going to need some time to get in shape.

I'm not down on Detmer yet. I think his offense can still work, and I've seen enough light to think he needs more time. So call be a patient optimist.

But it is frustrating to see other teams grab new offensive coordinators and/or new players and seemingly take off right from the start. Then I remind myself that BYU saw that with Crowton too - and maybe the slow build up is preferred to an offense that jumps onto the scene with a big splash.

What the hell was Corbin Kaufusi doing wasting his time playing basketball?

[Goatnapper'96]

How does BYU pay their coaches relative to other non-P5 conferences? Clearly, if BYU was making P5 money that would go up. It won't be SEC money, but I think it would comparable to the P5 average. But maybe I'm wrong.

And, if they are really underpaying their coaches based on the revenue they bring in, how would the fan base put pressure on the administration?

I don't think we picked up Empey and Cahoon because there were the top options. They may end up really good coaches and a great bargain but my instinct is there were financial limits in place that led to BYU picking up guys out of coaching for a few years and not in real high demand.

But to answer your questions I don't know what BYU pays I just think that in BYU's unique circumstances one of the only things they could do for the benefit of their football program is to jump feet first into the assistant coaches salary arms race. I don't believe they are doing that not only because of the anecdotal evidence of Empey and Cahoon but because I just tend to believe that paying an assistant FB coach unseemly amounts of money is something that I believe would be offensive to a great many people involved in the decision making process. My point is not that BYU is behind or unfair just that if BYU wants to compete with Utah, a program that is becoming a solid mid tier PAC 12 program, overpaying assistants is one thing that is under their control. If the old OL Coach is making a million at Auburn or wherever he is, then offer him more is my point. Perhaps BYU is doing the best it can with its financial resources available.

[SCcoug]

Our Defense is OK but it is a bit of fools gold. Whit is just a dummy to not take the points. His decisions kept us in the game when it shouldn't have even been close.

The D is a bit too bend don't break for my tastes but their redzone defense has been awesome this year. Was there another dumb decision by Whit other than not kicking the FG late in the 4th to go up 22-6 that I'm not remembering?