Would You Rather...

[snoscythe]

Well I challenge you to find where I said that BYU would beat BSU.

Again, slow down, read and digest.....I never said you thought BYU would beat BSU. My remarks were directed to your quoted post, and your indignation at an earlier suggestion that BSU would "kill" the Cougars. It's debate here, not argument--that's why this forum was started.

As far as there being nothing to suggest that either team would have the upper hand, let me repeat:

Boise State is 4-0 against FBS teams with winning records, winning by an average of 25.25 points per game.
BYU is 1-2 against teams with winning records, winning the one by one point, and losing the others at home by an average of 23.5 points.

That suggests to me that the Cougs would get rolled, especially at home.

[Italics]

Well I challenge you to find where I said that BYU would beat BSU.

Again, slow down, read and digest.....I never said you thought BYU would beat BSU. My remarks were directed to your quoted post, and your indignation at an earlier suggestion that BSU would "kill" the Cougars. It's debate here, not argument--that's why this forum was started.

As far as there being nothing to suggest that either team would have the upper hand, let me repeat:

Boise State is 4-0 against FBS teams with winning records, winning by an average of 25.25 points per game.
BYU is 1-2 against teams with winning records, winning the one by one point, and losing the others at home by an average of 23.5 points.

That suggests to me that the Cougs would get rolled, especially at home.

I'm not sure where you keep getting this idea of indignation here... or an idea of argument. I'm explaining my reasoning just as well as you are, no need to jump to hasty conclusions.

Again, you can't base things solely on the past. So Boise went to a BCS bowl game and beat OU... and do you recall what season? How many starters from that year does Boise still have on their team? Exactly, none. They are, literally, a different team now than they were before.
BYU's poor history against top 25, yes, sucks (especially as fans), and yes, it often times make it difficult to be optimistic about how the team will perform going into a big game... but that is the same case... past teams contain past players. This season I have watched a LOT of both of these teams, and I am telling you now, Boise State - as far as I can see - is NOT an elite team. They are good, and they are CONSISTENTLY good (consistency being something that BYU greatly lacks), but not nearly good enough to make me think they'd kill us hands down. And no matter how many times you point out their record in past years over top teams to our own, it really doesn't mean anything.

[Mars]

BYU is #30 in Sagarin's predictor rankings. Boise State is #11.

IMO, BSU would beat BYU, Utah, and FSU by 14-21, and lose to TCU by 7-14. My opinion.

I agree that with them on the schedule 4 times in upcoming years, I wouldn't want to face them in a bowl game. Besides, if they are going to be added to the MWC, facing them in a bowl game is a lose-lose situation.

USC would be very exciting, but IMO we wouldn't win that game. Or Oregon, Stanford, or Arizona. I would love to face Cal or Oregon State- very beatable teams. If eligible- Yes to Arizona State, NO to UCLA.

[snoscythe]

No matter how many times you point out their record in past years over top teams to our own, it really doesn't mean anything.

Again, read carefully. Those records are from THIS season. Based on your reasoning (only this season matters), those records are extremely relevant. I know people like to mock BSU's SOS, so it might be hard for you to believe that they have actually played five teams above .500 this season while BYU has only played three, but the simple fact is that we have had an easier schedule to this point, and come out worse for the wear.

Strength of Schedule (this season, lest anyone mistakenly presume I am referencing 1982):
BSU -- 84
BYU -- 103

Granted, BYU might jump BSU by the end of the season as we close out playing teams with a combined record of 15-6 and BSU's future opponents are 10-10, but it might be too little too late. Plus, the future has even less relevance than the past.

[BroncoBot]

While we are talking about BSU, and I hate to say this, but they would not have lost in Boise to FSU by 3+ touchdowns. I'm actually pretty sure that BSU would walk all over a team like FSU, especially at home.

I would rather play USC. I'm willing to admit that I question the Cougars current ranking. Doesn't mean I like them less. I just don't think they are as good as the number next to their name. I guess I'm looking at this in a "which loss is going to be less painful?" kind of way. Not to optimistic against either BSU or USC at this point. I'd love a win against both though.

[ByuIcoug]

No question USC.I think it would be good for recruiting,since we lost a few recruiting battles agasint them. I think its funny nobody gave us a shot against OU and now the same thing if we play USC. I know the argument they are 5-4, but if Bradford stays healthy no way they lose 4 games. BSU's D is soft as we saw last night versus USU but, Moore can score points so they can beat average teams.

[Italics]

Oh ye wavering BYU fans which wavereth
After today's game... and if we play that well again against the and beat them - I'll bet you'd all change your minds about how we might play BSU or USC
But let's see which team shows up next saturday first.

[BroncoBot]

Oh ye wavering BYU fans which wavereth
After today's game... and if we play that well again against the and beat them - I'll bet you'd all change your minds about how we might play BSU or USC
But let's see which team shows up next saturday first.

We had enough trouble with AF that I'd still be worried about a USC or BSU matchup.

Reasons for concern:
1. AF gained 3-4 yards (3.8 average) on most of their runs, with their best rushes going right up the middle.
2. Hall displayed some of his same tendencies, but overcame them to put together a nice drive at the end.
3. If AF hadn't shot themselves with turnovers so many times, they would have been right on BYU's heels the entire game
4. BYU was looking to put together a dominant game and should have been playing scrubs the entire fourth quarter. Instead they let AF control the 3rd quarter and had to fight off a comeback.

BUT, you make a good point. If BYU comes out and plays well against and keeps them in check the entire game, I'll be much more optimistic about the bowl situation.

[SpiffCoug]

3. If AF hadn't shot themselves with turnovers so many times, they would have been right on BYU's heels the entire game

If BYU doesn't shoot themselves in the foot with turnovers and the refs call a consistent game then the game isn't even close and BYU is up 38-7 at the half.

[a1247]

USC!