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It’s a combination of two TV stations and two radio stations that will bring more sports coverage into Utah homes than ever before. You’ll see live high-school football games, NFL preseason games of the Broncos and Raiders; Salt Lake Bees baseball, and Utah State football and more, all this month! This fall, your Utah Jazz return with 80 games on both TV and Radio. Prepare to be amazed.
Email The Hosts PK : : DJ : : Alema Harrington : : David Locke : : Ben Bagley : : Scott Garrard
John Kitna and his wife at a Halloween Party.
Listen to the Jazz and their excellent performance on Tuesday night by clicking right here!!! Hot Rod Hundley calls all the action as Deron Williams slashes through the Warrior defense, Boozer dominates on the inside and Brewer/Millsap show their progress made over the summer during a sound 117-96 victory in Oakland. All Jazz games can be heard on 1320 KFAN, the sports leader with the replay of the game immediately following the post game show with interviews, analysis and your phone calls. The most intense Jazz coverage can only be experienced on 1320 KFAN and the FAN SPORTS NETWORK!!!!
Note: This list is a work in progress. As I publish it and get thoughts from people in the NBA and your thoughts I will make the adjustments that are necessary.
Every year at the beginning of an NBA season I rank the Top 100 players in the NBA. We re-rank them at the all-star break. The rankings are based on the performance of the player to this exact moment. Potential is not a part of the equation. Therefore, no rookies are ranked. Everyone will look at it in their own manner. I look at it who would I like to have on my team, who is going to help me win.
Some interesting questions came up during the creation of the list.
1) Who is the best player? A year ago it was Kobe, at the all-star break last year I went Nash. Every time I have done this I have regretted not taking Duncan as #1. Today Duncan is my number 1.
2) Who had the biggest drops from one year ago? Sam Cassell went from #33 to off the list until he can prove he can stay healthy. Pau Gasol slipped from #14 to #28 due to his injury plagued and lack luster year. Both teams Iverson played for were better without him than with him so he went from #19 to #44. Yes, AK-47 went from #16 at the start of last season to #78. Somewhere in the middle is probably the correct spot. Former Ute Andrew Bogut went from #62 to near the bottom of the 100.
3) Some of the toughest decisions happen when grouping. In what order would you rank Carlos Boozer, Pau Gasol, Elton Brand, Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard? Or how do you place Josh Howard, Luol Deng, Andre Igudola, and Joe Johnson. Finally what about Baron Davis, Chris Paul, Kirk Hinrich and Deron Williams.
4) How do you do the bottom of your list? Since potential is not a part of the equation. I look for players who help you win. This is usually veteran bench players that now how the game is played.
5) Who took the biggest step forward? Deron Williams is high on the list as is Carlos Boozer. At the start of last season Deron was #100 which I reserve for my one potential pick, (check out this years) and Boozer was #77. Both are much higher. Barbosa of Phoenix skyrocketed from #93 as did Devin Harris from #84,
CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTIRE LIST IN A PDF FORM.
NOTE == I have included both LHM's Batting Average Stat (the league average is .299) and my Locke Offensive Rating (league average is 10)
PLEASE PLACE YOUR THOUGHTS AND YOUR COMMENTS IN THE COMMENT SECTION. WHERE DO YOU THINK I AM NUTS, WHERE DO YOU THINK I AM ON, ETC
Fort Collins, Colorado - Utah 27 CSU 3
Are the Utes the best team in the Mountain West Conference, right now? The way that this team has been playing the last couple of weeks this is a legit question. With the win over Colorado State the Utes move to 6 - 3 on the season, 3 - 2 in conference play. They are on a 5 game win streak and are playing better football than BYU, Wyoming, New Mexico, and the Air Force Academy.
After the game, I asked Stevenson Sylvester how good this team was, he responded "We're dangerous, real dangerous."
Why are the Utes dangerous? I just mentioned that they may be playing the best football of any conference team, and they are doing so while people have already written them out of the conference race. They are somewhat under the radar, The Utes have as many conference wins as any other team in the conference outside of Air Force.
Although the Utes do not control their own destiny in the conference race, players and coaches now realize that the championship is no longer as much of a forgoten goal as it once was.
Enter the bye week, where the Utes will take the week in getting healthy. And everybody that I talked to after the game was confident that this team could continue the momentum into the final three games of the season.
Game Notes;
The Utes rushed for 322 yards, as both Darrell Mack (151) and Ray Stowers (123) eclipsed the century mark. Stowers gives the Utes a nice change of pace as he allows Mack to the oppurtunity to rest and is more of a shifty back than Mack.
Brian Johnson had another lack luster day, stats wise (14-21 130 yds, 2 TD), but did a fantastic job managing the offense and moving the ball.
Seven sacks by the Utes, while the offense game up none. The Ues also had 13 tackles for losses.
This is a live game blog. The most recent post will appear at the top.
4th Quarter Utah 20 CSU 3
Nothing happening. CSU struggles offensively, the Utes milk the clock. Check back after the game for a post game wrap as well as interviews. Tune into 1320 KFAN for the University of Utah Post Game Show.
9: 39 4th Quarter Utah 20 CSU 3
The Utes just had their first 3rd down conversion since the first quarter. At that time they were 4 of 4, they are now 5 of 9.
12:12 4th Quater Utah 20 CSU 3
Robert Johnson comes back into the game, and hesitates on a tackle that would have stopped Kyle Bell in the backfield. He hesitated because of his shoulder, and bell breaks of a 24 yard run. Bell by the way has 4 carries for 45 yards. Still work to be done on the run defense.
We are down to the CSU Marching Band, and Ute fans left in the stands.
End of 3rd Quarter
Back to the previous thought. This is beginning to become a trend for the Utes, resting on their halftime perfomance. They have gotten away with it thus far with victories against Louisville, TCU. And against USU and SDSU they floated through the 4th quarter. It's not a trend that you want to see out of a team. You'd like them to have that "killer" instinct, and be able to play all 4 quarters. No it hasn't hurt them yet, but it's a bad habit to fall into.
1:14 3rd Quarter Utah 20 CSU 3
After Ray Stowers enters the game and moves the ball down the field on 3 carries for 59 yards (giving Mack a nice rest), the Utes drive stalls. This is much like last week at TCU where the Utes nursed a halftime lead to a win. They've taken the foot off the throat of the Rams, it might work against TCU, and CSU, but if you don't learn to put a team away, it'll come back and bite you eventually.
Louie Sakoda doinks a 48 yard field goal breaking a streak of 15 straight field goal makes.
Kyle Bell comes into the game for CSU, and promptly breaks off a 13 yard run. Maybe those adjustments were that CSU is getting tired and beat down. The Ute defense continues to come up with big plays on 3rd and now 4th downs, as Gabe Long breaks through the line to pressure Faris.
6:27 3rd Quarter Utah 20 CSU 3
We just saw why Robert Johnson is such a talented player at the saftey position, as he save a TD reception after Sean Smith had been beat. Johnson came across the field and hit the receiver before he brought the ball in, dislodging it. He did reagravate his shoulder on the play however, and by the way it was hanging as he came of the field, I don't think we'll be seeing him again today. But it was a fantastic play.
The Utes defense has made the adjustment at the half as they are doing a good job of not allowing Gartrell Johnson any yards thus far in the half.
10:03 3rd Quarter Utah 20 CSU 3
That would be the first three and out for the Utes of the game. And if it wasn't for Sakoda's 54 yard boot, field position would have changed. The Utes were guilty of 3 penalties on the drive which killed it. They were the first penalties of the game, and they keep the Rams breathing.
12:20 3rd Quarter Utah 20 CSU 3
CSU makes a QB change at half time as Billy Faris comes in, in place of Caleb Hanie and takes two nice shots from Paul Kruger as he rolled out to Paul's side (nice job on contain).
Mike Wright comes untouched through the middle to hammer Faris. Utes brought the house. Nice call with a new QB in, put the pressure on him on 3rd down. CSU is 1 of 7 on 3rd down coversions.
Halftime Stats of Note
Rushing - Utes 150, Rams 95. Mack is averaging 7.1 yards per carry.
Total Offense - Utes 256, Rams 174. Utes are 4 of 6 on 3rd downs.
Steve Tate has his second int in as many weeks.
And it looks like a lot of CSU fans either have World Series tix, or have no faith in their team as a lot of cars are leaving.
Halftime Utah 20 CSU 3
A couple of defensive stand outs for the Utes thus far. Mike Wright, Stevenson Sylvester and Martail Burnett have all come up with multiple big plays. Wright is solid as a backup linebacker. He is the backup linebacker for inside and out, and with Brady done for the year, and Jiannoni ailing, he is getting to see a lot of time and hasn't disapointed.
Offensively, the Utes have scored on 4 of 5 drives. The only drive they didn't score on was the one play drive that Brian Johnson threw a interception on. (BTW, it wasn't an interception). Other than that one hiccup, the offense has been flawles. Six different Utes have ran the ball (Mack leading the way with 9 yards), and 4 different Utes have caught receptions (Wilson 59 yards leads the way).
The only thing the Utes need to adjust at half is their defense between the 20's. They gave up some big plays and allowed CSU to move the ball. The 'ol bend but not break theory. And the run defense (although with the lead, they shouldn't be tested too much in the second half) needs to be more solid. Gartrell Johnson has 95 yards on 14 carries and is having his way with the Ute defense.
In reference to the "Cowboy" defense, it's fun to watch, but hasn't been that succesful the couple of times they have run it.
4:06 2nd Quarter Utah 20 CSU 3
The Utes have unleashed their new "Cowboy" defense. On a 3 and 6 the defense line and backers were all jumping around at the line. Then at the snap the offense didn't know who was rushing and dropping into coverage. The Utes unvieled this defense first at BYU 2 years ago (then it was the circus defense). They have been working on this defense in practice all week.
I'm on track for my 30 - 17 prediction with 3 td's and 3 Sakoda field goals. Louie is on track for his 4th straight MWC Special teams player of the week award.
10:00 2nd Quarter Utah 17 CSU 3
The Utes have found a weakness in the Rams zone. Six of Brian Johnsons 9 completions have been to recievers over the middle of the field. And each time they have been wide open. I call it the "Donut Zone". Marquis Wilson has been the receipiant of 3 of those passes for 59 yards. Continue to watch this throughout the game, will the Rams make the adjustment and fill the hole in the middle of the zone. If they don't, BJ might throw for 200 yards over the middle.
Also, a quick note. The offensive line is doing a fantastic job in opening up holes for Mack.
1:43 1st Quarter Utah 14 CSU 2
The Ute offense is working as a machine right now. Mack 9 carries 72 yards. Brian Johnson 6 for 8 for 76 yards and a TD (not to mention some great decisions). And two great drives down the field. The Utes are perfect in 4 third down attempts, and have 10 first downs.
All those who were calling for Andy Ludwig's head earlier this year, should (to be far) begin a letter writting campaign to Chris Hill to extend his contract. Since the UNLV game, his game plans have been flawless, and the team is executing them well.
6:09 1st Quarter Utah 7 CSU 3
Looks like we'll get to see the Utes run defense tested after all. Gartrell Johnson ran the ball right at the Utes. Johnson has 6 carries for 60, and one for 47 yards where the entire interior of the Utes defense was desimated by blockers. Time to tighten the screws on the improved Ute run "D".
Great Goal line stand by the Utes. Gabe Long with a good tackle at the line, and Mike Wright with a great read, and pass break up on the half back option pass. Wright was the one Ute who wasn't fooled by the play.
So after allowing the Rams to drive the ball down the field, the defense doesn't break. Stil they need to do a better job between the 20's as a defense.
10:15 1st Quarter Utah 7 CSU 0
Nice opening drive. Mack 4 carries for 33, but also used as a decoy as the Utes used a little more of the spread option with Brian Johnson and Corbin Loukes both having carries as well. Brian Johnson was perfect on the drive 3 - 3 for 40 yards and a 15 yard TD to Ray Stowers (his first catch as a Ute).
Couln't of been scripted any better by Andy Ludwig. A nice mixture of power running (great blocking by Robert Conley and Dustin Hensel on the right side of the line opening big holes on two different plays), misdirection, and pass. CSU was back on their heels.
Go figure. Joe Jiannoni found his way onto the field after all.
Pre-game Notes
Welcome to Fort Collins, Colorado. It is about 45 degrees and overcast. All in all a good day for football (I do feel bad for those who plan on playing baseball tonight).
The Utes come into this game riding the first four game winning streak of the Kyle Whittingham era. They are confident, optimistic, but careful. They have not allowed themselves to get too high. You've heard it all week from the Ute camp, "CSU is the best 1 - 6 team in the country!" The team does believe this.
It is going to be important for the Utes to jump out on top of the Rams early and make them play from behind all afternoon long. Why? The Utes continue to say that the defense is new and improved in the run defense, but they still haven't been tested. If they allow the Rams to stay close or get ahead they will be. Gartrell Johnson and Kyle Bell are two of the better backs in the Utes will see this year. Also, getting ahead allows the Utes to go to their bread and butter, Darrell Mack running the ball.
The Utes do come into the game fairly healthy though. Robert Johnson will play sparingly as pain in his shoulder allows. Brian Johnson says his shoulder is feeling good. Kyle Whittingham said Joe Jiannoni would be a game time decision Thursday. He is dressed and was on the field during warm ups, but didn't participate in any drills. Mike Wright was working out in his place.
More after kickoff....
Brian Johnson joined A-Game on Monday afternoon to discuss the upcoming game with Colorado State, the feeling around the team now that they have won 4 straight and how good it feels to finally have the team on the right track.
Thursday's conversation focused on Derron Williams and John Stockton, you can catch a portion of that interview here.
To hear the entire conversation of David Locke with the Jazz owner, make sure you tune in every Thursday at 5pm for the Fab 5 at 5.
Craig Thompson joined David Locke yesterday on Locked on Sports. You've heard the two segements from the show yesterday, but here is the whole 30 minutes unedited. Click Here to Listen!!!!
Every Wednesday at 5 O'Clock Deron Williams will join David Locke for the Deron Williams Show. The show will consist of Deron talking with David and Jazz fans about the Utah Jazz, the NBA, and life as an NBA star. Deron is also planning to bring on some of his friends from the Jazz Team and around the NBA wih him.
Today Deron and Ronnie Brewer joined David and talked about the upcoming season, video games, and the routine of an NBA player.
Next week Deron is planning on bringing in Carlos Boozer and is going to take your questions.
Stay tuned as Locked on Sports continues to get bigger and better.
The Starters looked brilliant last night and as the Lakers came to freelance and Jazz came to play. The first crew has looked good the entire pre-season this was their sharpest outing. I love the way Deron Williams approached the pre-season. He shot very rarely. He moved the ball. He let the guys that needed the looks and the time get the looks and the time. That is impressive by a third year player. When he wanted to take over he was terrific.
Boozer had amazing touch last night. He could be on the verge of taking another step as well.
The real concern is that you are replacing both Fischer and Harpring as of right now. They were the reason this team won last year. It will have to change this year as the starters not the bench will need to win games. Veterans win in this league so you can’t rely on the bench with youth to win games.
It is clear Ronnie Brewer took advantage of the opening at the shooting guard position and has won that job. He only had one off night in 7 pre-season games. That is an acceptable ratio for a second year player.
The cancellation of the last game will have no impact on the season. If anything it is one less chance to have an injury.
A couple of notes from Tuesday's practice;
A little extra emphisis was put on kick off return blocking schemes. The Utes struggled with kick and punt coverages at TCU. They also struggled in the return game. It looks like the coaching staff is not willing to let the special teams slide. It has been a big advantage for the Utes this year. The have the best kicker/punter in the league in Sakoda (Vroman doing a bang up job on kick offs as well), and they've also been solid in returns this year. I look at last week as a one week let down, and the special teams returning to "special status" this week.
Following practice, Nai Fotu and Malaki Mokifisi spent a little extra time working with a couple of offensive linemen on their pass rush moves. Fotu is probaly the best pass rusher the Utes have (coming off the edge), and it looks as if he is willing to put in the work to be better.
Kyle Whittingham told me that the coaching staff was toying with ideas to use Robert Johnson on not only the defensive side of the ball, but on offense as well. That plan was side tracked with his shoulder injury, but the plans are still there to see him on the offensive side of the ball in the next couple of years.
Brice McCain is the best coverage corner the Utes have. In one on one drills with receivers he was the only corner that did not allow his receiver to get a catch. He stays right in the hip pocket of the receivers he covers then makes a move as the ball approaches. He doesn't have Sean Smith's size, but he is more experienced and crafty that Smith.
After moving their game against San Diego State to December 1st, Patrick Kinahan was at BYU getting the reaction of the players and the coaches. Click on the name to get their reaction to postponed game:
Locke and BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe talked today on 1320, K-Fan's Locked on Sports about what BYU is capable of achieving. What it would take to go independent. How does Holmoe maximize the Cougars potential. What does he think of Locke's theory to go independent and use BYU TV and broadband for distribution of the games.
Can they make the play offs? Its funny to go to the gym and have people ask that question. Of course they will and could go as far or farther than last year. Its just that the preseason has been weird, Boozer out with his son's health problem, Harprings knee not coming along as expected, Is AK with us or not, Fisher leaving problems at the back-up one, who get big minutes at 2. Can Jerry get this unusual situation unraveled and put together in the next week? Probably not! A couple of weeks? Sure! I think the Jazz has a good chance of beating anyone in the league and at least being in the final 4 as last year. BUT can't go into the season with the ? marks they finished last season with. Jerry does a great job in having his team prepared and ready to play and play hard.
The Lakers are a mess and we will get two chances to look at them this week. Kobe might be the best player in the league but wants out so we just have to play close attention this week. Another franchise that has let their star take over the club and now. has huge problems Lets watch this one.