****Listen to the postgame sound by clicking on the names at the bottom of the column***

 Sound, but not dominant.

 Well said, coach.

 In his typical clinical fashion, Bronco Mendenhall was succinct and accurate in his description of BYU’s 41-17 win over Northern Iowa before 64,108 on Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

 At times, particularly early in the game, the Cougars looked sharp. And there were blown defensive assignments and sloppiness with the ball, which resulted in four turnovers.

 “I do know that we have a very good football team,” Mendenhall said. “I saw signs of that.”

 Those signs were evident on BYU’s first possession, during which Max Hall completed 5 of 6 passes for 68 yards and ended with a 27-yard scoring streak to Michael Reed. They also included Hall’s 19-yard touchdown pass to Harvey Unga.

 But the ugliness also was displayed in the form of losing possession on two fumbles by Hall and one each by Wayne Latu and J.J. DiLuigi. The defense also pitched in  by allowing a trick play on a 76-yard pass and then a 69-yard run by quarterback Patrick Grace.

 The special teams also was a mixed bag, allowing a blocked extra point and a O’Neill Chambers poor decision to field a punt inside BYU’s 10-yard line. The good stuff was a great Chambers return on a kick-off and Justin Sorensen’s booming kickoffs.

 “Some mistakes, but still good enough to win,” Mendenhall said.

 Aside from the trick touchdown pass, which defensive coordinator Jaime Hill called seconds before it happened, and Grace’s long run, Mendenhall was pleased with BYU’s defense. He was pleased with several new players, singling out linebacker Coleby Clawson.

  Really, the only real concern was the four turnovers. Anything close to that number will lead to disaster next week at Washington.

 For the talk that Hall has learned from his mistakes of last year, he still fumbled the ball in BYU’s end zone. And just like last season, it cost the Cougars big-time when Mark Huygens smothered the ball for a Northern Iowa touchdown.

 In defense of Hall, who had to cut short postgame interviews when he became ill, he never saw the blindside hit that caused the fumble. His other fumble came on a bad exchange with center Dallas Reynolds.

 As he did last season, Hall showed his toughness. The junior didn’t even miss one play despite taking a hit that caused his helmet to pop off and left him flat on his back.

 With Northern Iowa’s defense determined to focus on Unga and the wide receivers, the middle of the field was open for the tight ends. Dennis Pitta took advantage with 11 receptions for 213 yards.

 “The offense took what the scheme made available,” Mendenhall said.

 The fumbles, along with the blown defensive assignments, will serve to give the coaches more credibility. Mendenhall said that all the media attention the team has been receiving may have led to a casual approach in some areas.

 “Trust is built as you prepare your team,” Mendenhall said.

 In other words, maybe now the players will listen better.

 “Our coaches know what they’re doing,” Unga said.

 All in all, BYU was good enough. In a game like this against an obvious inferior opponent, there’s no sense in getting nervous over the mistakes.

 No matter how much the coaches praised Northern Iowa, the Cougars still knew the facts. But at the same time, the facts are Saturday’s performance won’t cut next week in Seattle.

 “Maybe this was a good wake-up call,” said defensive end Jan Jorgensen.

 Click on the following names to hear the post game interviews:

Bronco Mendenhall

Jan Jorgensen

Harvey Unga

 

Utah v. Michigan In Game Thoughts

 

• No blitzes on the first possession by Utah
• Special Teams turnover by Brooks on the punt return
• Really suspect call on Sylvester that negates the Robert Johnson interception.
• 3^rd and 20 conversion was a big time pass by BJ.
• Louie misses extra points – Utah has given Michigan 8 points so far
• Utah better be a lot better than Michigan to give them this many freebies
• Another gimme by Utah – 15 yard personal foul on kickoff – tough call but no need to make it close, #21 – he had been out for 10 yards.
• Back to back kickoffs and Michigan started at the 50 and Utah started at the 23.  This is a tough way to play.
• Johnson is playing great – he has hit 7 straight for 133 yards – big time.  
• These penalities are consistent what Utah has done on the road to start the year under Kyle at both Oregon State, UCLA and UNC.  They have averaged 9 penalities for 90 yards
• The Utes are dominating and down 1 – that can go either way
• Yesterday I mentioned Johnson making 4 or 5 plays that weren’t naturally there and I wanted them to be with his head as much as his feet, the flair pass to Asiata was one of those.
• Utes have run 34 plays to Michigan’s 19 – fatigue will be a factor late because it is the first game of the year and this is a way to make it the Utes advantage
• With 6:00 left in the 2^nd Michigan has only had 4 defensive plays where they brought more than 4 men rushing.  The line is doing a great job for Utah.
• Utah has now run 42 plays to Michigan’s 26.  That is big.
• Utah is dominating this game.  They need to finish drives. They are up 5 and gave the Wolverines 8 points.
• The TV guys are giving Sheridan love but since Utah took the lead he is 4 of 7 for 48 yards and 36 of them came on one play.
• Punt by Sukoda might have saved three points at least.
• Sheridan is 0 for his last 5 with a pick – Utes rushed only 2 on the interception.
• At halftime the Utes have had 6 drives, 2 touchdowns, 3 field goals and a punt.  That is awesome.   Michigan didn’t allow more than 17 points very often last year and the Utes have 22 at the half.
• I guess we may have learned why the coaching staff keeps bringing Matt Asiata back.
• 3^rd down offense has been unreal.  That is unlikely to last throughout a whole game
• 3 of the first 4 plays of the second half the Utes go to a 5 wide set, they only used that once in the first half.  Why are you changing anything.
• The Utes should be able to end the game right here with a touchdown to go up 19.
• Interception in the red zone.  How many points can the Utes give away in a game and not have it come back to get them.
• Wolverines have run the ball 10 times, only once have they got more than 3 yards on the carry and 8 of the 10 runs they have 2 or less yards
• Last 9 Michigan pass plays have been 7 incompletions, 1 sack and an interception.  The offensive line is getting killed, the quarterbacks don’t have a clue and it is getting worse.  Utes dominating all aspects.
• Make it 10 plays and 7 incompletions, 2 sacks and INT.  The last sack came when the Utes only rushed 2 men.  They rushed 2 and still got to the QB.
• Utes have run 12 straight plays in Michigan territory but have just 3 points.  Not sure Michigan can take advantage but that is not good.   They also have run 18 of the last 21 in Michigan territory.
• 4 of the last 8 pass plays from the Utes have been sacks. That is brutal.   Now it is 5 of the last 9 pass plays are sacks.  What is going on.
• This is what happens when you leave a team in the game.  The Utes offense is so out of whack I will be shocked if they can turn it back on.  The question is if the Utes can hold off the clock before Michigan makes another play. 
• Zane Beadles is supposed to be a leader?
• Another sack – 6^th of the second half and this time it is a turnover.  Brain Johnson two turnovers today.
• Is there a penalty the Utes haven’t committed.  This is absurd but this is what they have done on the road under Kyle in the last three years.
• A win. That is all that matters.  Utah was a far better team than Michigan but they kept them in the game. This could have been a blowout.  This is a great win, but what kind of statement would have been a 20 point win because that is how much better Utah is than Michigan.

The Utah Utes went into the Big House on Saturday afternoon and held on for a 25-23 win.  Take a listen to what head coach Kyle Whittingham and his players had to say after the victory.

Kyle Whittingham

Louis Sakoda

Koa Misi

Paul Krueger

Jeremy Brooks

Brian Johnson

I can't believe I can type with all the screaming around here.  Utes and Cougars fans are obssessing about their teams... and their rivals... on the first Saturday of the college football season.   Here are few random observations as the Utes and Wolverines go back and forth.

THIS IS A LIVE GAME BLOG...HIT REFRESH AND MOST RECENT POST WILL APPEAR AT TOP OF PAGE.

Tune into 1320 KFAN for the Post Game Show.

Final Score UU 25 UM 23
    After watching the second half offensive output by the Utes, I think it was planned.  I'm pretty sure up 25 - 10, Andy Ludwig implemented his prevent offense.
    Even with the awful 2nd half, the Utes will walk away with a big win to start the year.  And especially because the poor second half it is almost perfect for the Utes.  Now you get the big win, but you don't get the big heads.  The coaching staff will have plenty of ammo to use to humble the players in film sessions and at practice. 
    Now going into a week where revenge could be a motivator against UNLV, there is some work to do.

6:19 4th Quarter UU 25 UM 23
    Penalties, lack of adjustments, and lack of urgency on the offensive end may come back to haunt the Utes.  Four second half sacks of Brian Johnson has effectively stalled the offensive output.  Michigan now has all the momentum at home, and the Utes HAVE to do something on this drive.

8:42 4th Quarter UU 25 UM 17
    Something dramatic has happened.   The Utes ho hum approach to the second half has caught up to them.  After another sack on Brian Johnson, and a blocked punt, Michigan promptly throws a touchdown pass.  Now the Utes are forced to do something.

11:00 4th Quarter UU 25 UM 10
     Barring some dramatic change of events, this game is over.  Utah has stalled in the second half, but they haven't even really tried.  It's been a very vanilla offense and effort in the second half for the Utes.  And a lot of the same from Michigan, nothing.
    So what have we learned from this game? 
    The Ute offense is for real.  Brian Johnson looked like a world beater in the first half picking apart the defense. 
    Matt Asiata may just be worth the wait.  He looked very good running the ball with a mix of power and a little bit of speed.
    I'm not sure you can make a judgment on the defense.  They really were not tested

End of 3rd UU 25 UM 10
    Mark it down!  At the 2:47 mark of the 3rd quarter, the Wolverines finally rushed the ball up the middle.  Result, a 21 yard gain.  And guess what, they didn't go back to it.  In fact, they end up fumbling the ball as Stevenson Sylvester stripped the ball and the Utes recovers.

8:00 3rd Quarter UU 25 UM 10
    Could it still be that with all the talent that Utah has, Louie "The Weapon" Sakoda is still the best player?  Just a thought after a 53 yard field goal (his 4th FG today). 
    Can someone tell me why Michigan hasn't even tried the middle of the Ute defensive line? 
    Michigan still looks terrible, but their half time adjustment have been better than the Utes.  They have been able to get to and shut down Brian Johnson in the second half.  I still worry about the ability of the Utes coaching staff in making in game adjustments.

Halftime - UU 22 UM 10
     So much for the hyped up Michigan defense.  Brian Johnson 15 of 23 for 253 and a touchdown.  Matt Asiata has 48 yards rushing. And Bradon Godfrey has 5 catches for 65 yards and a touchdown.  A huge half for the Utes offense, and it would be bigger if not for 6 penalties.
     On the other side of the ball, the defense allowed Michigan's only touchdown on a short field situation after Jereme Brooks fumbled a punt.  Other than that, the Ute defense has shut Michigan down.
     Surprisingly, with a young inexperienced QB, Michigan is not staying conservative.  We've seen a full spread to this point.  And it's playing right into the Utes hands.  The Wolverines have only 4 yards rushing.  And the Utes are dominating the stats across the board.  Not even the most optimistic Ute fan saw this good of a start. 
    Down note.  Penalties.  The Ute offensive line has cost the team 10 points on motion penalties.

2:53 2nd Quarter UU 15 UM 10
     Although the offense seems to bog down after getting inside the 30 yard line, it continues to dominate the Michigan defense.  We now know why, Coach Whittingham has been willing to give Asiata chances despite troubles remaining healthy.  Asiata took 3 straight direct snaps and gained 21 yards on the plays.

9:00 2nd Quarter UU 12 UM 10
    Three Drives...Three scores for the Utes.  The only thing holding the Utes back, is the penalties from the offensive line (6 pen 60 yds).  Brian Johnson seems to be able to get what he wants thus far.  Matt Asiata get his first big play (2nd big offensive play so far...see keys) on a 38 yard catch out of the flat.

End of 1st Quarter UM 10 UU 9
    A 16 play drive full of big plays, and big mistakes is capped by a Sakoda FG.  The Utes have had big penalties, one in this drive wiping away a Casteel TD.  To this point the penalties have not killed the team ( 5 for 55 yds), but if it keeps up, it will.


6:00 1st Quarter UM 7 UU 6
    With what has been a comedy of errors for the Utes thus far, isn't actually turning out that bad.  A punt return  fumble by Jereme Brooks, a PI penalty that wiped away a interception, a late hit, and a blocked PAT.  And after all that, the Utes are only down 1.
    Brian Johnson looks good, as does Casteel.  Defensively, the Utes have been solid as well.  Paul Kruger already has 2 tackles.
    Jereme Brooks made amends for the fumble with a big run after a short pass, setting up a Corbin Louks 8 yard TD.

Pre-Game Thoughts
     Having watched this Ute team through all of fall camp, this team is ready.  I'm not saying that they will go into the "Big House" and blow Michigan out, just that they are ready.  This team has a lot of talent, leadership and potential.  So if they stay healthy through this game (and the season) they'll be a very good team.  (On the other hand if they do not, depth is not a strong point and this team will struggle.)

    One of the key positions that I'll be watching is Mike Wright at middle linebacker.  Wright has some experience, but not tons.  He's also going to be the guy who will have to help or will be helped by the two defensive tackles (who many call the weak spot of the defense).  If Greg Newman and Kenape Eliapo can do their job, Wright will be free to make plays.  If not, Wright will see the Wolverine lineman in his face all game long.  They will be tested early and often, as Michigan has a inexperience quarterback, and will be looking to run the ball.

     Key Utes to watch who I think will jump out.  Watch for Jereme Brook and David Reed to impress in both the passing game, and in returning kicks.  Also watch Nai Fotu.  He has so much talent, and now has experience to go with it.

    So how does the game turn out?  If Michigan can wear down the Ute starters and get to the 2's and 3's the Utes will not win this game.  The Utes need to stop the run game, and be able to make 3 big plays offensivly.  They do this, they win.  Prediction.  Utah 23 Michigan 17.

BYU versus Northern Iowa preview from Locked on Sports crew.

Alema and Dave talk about the key non-conference games coming up for Mountain West Conference teams. What are the expectations for the BYU and Utah season?  After the first impression, who should be the favorite to go on and win the high school state championship?  Catch the Best of Powerhouse right here!!! 

 

 TGIF (time)

 Yes, thank goodness it’s football time. Finally - here at last, here at last.

 Without question, this season is the most important in the 10-year existence of Mountain West football. One way or the other, disaster or deserved respect is coming.

 As Kyle Whittingham profoundly said on DJ and PK during the 7 a.m. hour Thursday, respect is earned and not given. Considering that Utah, TCU and BYU each has a decent non-conference schedule, it’s now or never for the MWC to increase its stock nationally.

 All the second-tier bowl wins are nice, but they are not good enough to garner respect beyond MWC borders. For the conference to grow, and maybe gain an automatic BCS berth, the better teams need to beat name non-conference opponents.

 If the big three fail to win big games, all the Las Vegas Bowl championships in the world won’t change a thing.

 It’s all in place this year. Now go do it.

 

Northern Iowa at BYU

 First off, I’ve got no problem with the Cougars playing a 1-AA opponent – this time. A steady diet, given an already easy conference slate, won’t work.

 Like the entire world, I expect BYU to win comfortably. Thanks to Applachian State’s stunner over Michigan last season, no I-A team will ever take the smaller schools lightly.

 With Washington and UCLA ahead the following two weeks, I expect BYU to keep it simple Saturday. Unless the game is close, there’s no need unveil a halfback pass or fancy blitzing packages.

 But I do anticipate seeing Austin Collie at quarterback for at least a series worth of plays. I believe coach Bronco Mendenhall is intent on putting the star receiver in the backfield.

 The other two things to watch for are the running backs and defensive backs.

 BYU has got to fine another runner to go along with Harvey Unga and Fui Vakapuna. Look for J.J. DiLuigi and Wayne Latu to get several reps.

 As long as the two starters stay healthy, BYU’s ground attack should succeed. I also think it’s time for Latu to make a splash.

  I’m eager to see cornerbacks Scott Johnson and Brandon Howard play, along with reserves G Pittman and Brandon Bradley. We’ve heard that Northern Iowa quarterback Patrick Grace has a strong arm.

 I’ve got no concerns about BYU’s defensive line and linebackers.

 BYU 42, Northern Iowa 17

 Utah at Michigan

  Congratulations, coach Whittingham. Anybody who agrees to play at Michigan without a return game deserves my respect.

 As we’ve said all week long on 1320 KFAN, Michigan is ripe to lose. History shows that Rich Rodriguez needs a season to get his system in place before his programs take off.

 One thing that scares me is Whittingham’s teams usually play better as big underdogs. The last thing the Utes need to hear is Michigan isn’t ready.

 Rating both sides of the ball, I’d give Utah a strong edge on offense and Michigan the nod on defense. To take the heat off Brian Johnson, the Utes must be able to run the ball against Michigan’s powerful front seven.

 The match-up of Utah’s defense against Michigan’s offense is advantage Utes. I’d be disappointed if the Utes allow more than two touchdowns on defense.

 If the Utes have two or more turnovers, they are doomed. It the miscues are one or none, I’m going with the visitors. Utah 17, Michigan 10

 

Utah State at UNLV

 I just don’t see it for the Aggies, who simply have too many question marks on offense. No proven runners or quarterbacks doesn’t bode well for success.

 Like Brent Guy, UNLV’s Mike Sanford is in survival mode. I’ve seen nothing out of the Rebels to indicate Sanford returns next season.

 But at least the Rebels have something to work with at quarterback and running back. I don’t see one of the MWC’s two biggest underachieving programs – along with San Diego State – losing to the Aggies at home.

 Before a crowd of maybe 17,000, I say: UNLV 20, USU 10

 

1. Brian Johnson has to prove that he is the senior leader everyone expects.  This means not only a mistake free game, but making three to five plays that weren’t naturally available.  These can be with his feet or maybe more importantly with his head by reading what the defense is bringing.   Johnson can’t commit any turnovers.  Three seasons ago Johnson had an amazing year as an athlete racking up huge total yards numbers.   Last year, with the shoulder injury he learned how to play the game differently.  He managed games, he made reads and he tried to limit errors.   He became a strong game manager.  Can he do the same this year while adding some of the elements of his game from years bygone.

 

2. The defensive coordinator of Michigan was at Stanford last year and he had the Cardinal second in the Pac-10 with sacks.  With 8 returning starters look for the Wolverines to be high risk high reward defense on Saturday.  The Utes have to avoid negative plays.   It is unclear to me if the Utes have enough athletes on the edges to be able to keep the Wolverines honest.  If it is possible to make the Wolverines pay for linebackers or secondary guys when they blitz the Utes will have success if not it could get long.

 

3. The defensive story of the day maybe told in the first 8 to 10 plays.  The Utes lost the key to their defensive player in defensive tackle Gabe Long.  The middle of the Utes defensive line is a huge question mark.  The Wolverines have a young QB, inexperienced skill players and only one offensive lineman who has started more than one game.  When you are that young you get it really simple and you run plays that everyone is comfortable with.  Therefore, the Wolverines are going to open this game in the no-huddle spread shotgun and run a lot of simple inside handoff straight ahead runs.  If Michigan has superior talent it will be able to manifest itself right away.  If Utah can stop the basic run then they can start to blitz and stunt and make the Michigan youngsters think.  That is becomes a very good script for the Utes.

Are you ready for some football.   BYU should be in total control of the game this Saturday.  In the early portions of the game these are things I will be watching closely. 

1. I want to see them overpower Northern Iowa in the run game. The BYU offensive line is fantastic, with three guys making 30 plus starts.  Northen Iowa is not awful up front defensively, but BYU has to dominate this area of the game. With power and relentlessness because that is where Washington and UCLA are going to test them.       
   
2. Strong passing game to the wide outs.  Last year when the offense struggled it was because teams took away Unga and Tonga out of the backfield and forced BYU to get the ball down field.  I want to see the quarterback to wide receiver passing game.    
   
3. Defensively to me the key to the whole season is the tackling ability of the linebackers.  The Bryan Kehl lead group not only made a ton of plays but they didn’t miss plays.  They were great tacklers.  If BYU starts to have tackling issues then the secondary will get exposed in a way that has been avoided

What do you want to see  -- Place your thoughts in the comment section.  Come back to the www.thefansports.com all weekend for more thoughts and breakdowns of the Cougars v. Northern Iowa (what is there mascot anyway)

DJ and PK talk to Gary Rima from the Northern Iowa play by play team. He gives a solid break down of the Panthers and says that the defence with 9 returning starters will be their strength and the newly formed O-line will be the big question heading in to Provo.

DJ and PK preview the Utes and the Wolverines. DJ say who ever gets the early lead will have the best shot at a win. PK talks about Kyle Whittingham's philosophy that establishing a run game is the best way to win.

DJ adn PK preview the BYU season opener against Northern Iowa. They discuss whether the Pathers have the size or talent to beat BYU. Both agree that it would be tough because of BYU's size and talent but NIU could make a game of it. DJ say 41 - 14 BYU and PK predictes 42-17 BYU just to show DJ up.

Jay Drew joined the show and thinks that Austin Collie will see time at QB. Drew says that the game will be close in the first half but BYU will take over in the second. He also agreed with PK that Bronco could keep the playbook very simplistic as not to give Washington any ideas about what they are doing.

Dj and PK talk about Michael Jackson because it is his birthday. They talk about what it would take for  the Utes will win at Michigan.

Ranking every Utes opponent 1-12.  Which games are a breeze and which game is the toughest on the schedule.  Read on...

You can here the entire interview here.

Utah Defensive End Paul Kruger joined Scott Garrard last night on KFAN Game Night. If you missed it you can catch the interview here.

DJ and PK talk about Utah's chances at Michigan Saturday. PK informes DJ that he needs to pump up McCain and ignore Obama to get in good with the average SLC listener. They discuss how going undefeated for any team is almost impossible.

Michigan Linebacker Obi Ezeh joined DJ and PK. He says that the team is excited and the offence has progressed in fall camp. He says that the defence should be ready for Utah because they pratice against a spread offence everyday.

Drew Sharp from the Detroit Free Press joined the show and said tha Utah has a good oppertunity to win if the Michigan Wolverines are not in sync on offense.

DJ and PJ talked to Kyle Whittingham about the Michigan game on Saturday. Coach Whitt says the game will be won or lossed depending on how the offencive line plays against the Michigan defencive front.

Rank all 12 opponents.  Which team has a chance to beat BYU and which team is just going to get a beating... read on

The Salt Lake Bees pitching staff picked up their first shutout win since May 1'st and clinched their 3rd consecutive division championship with a win over the Portland Beavers 4-0.  Here is the playoff schedule coming up:

Game 1    Wednesday September 3rd:  Bees @ Sacramento  8:05    1230 ESPN

Game 2    Thursday September 4th:       Bees @ Sacramento  8:05    1230 ESPN

Game 3    Friday September 5th:             Sacramento @ Bees  7:05    1230 ESPN

Game 4*    Saturday September 6th:      Sacramento @ Bees  7:05    1230 ESPN

Game 5*    Sunday September 7th:         Sacramento @ Bees  2:05    1230 ESPN

*If Necessary

Tickets are on sale now!!!

Join Steve Klauke on ESPN 1230 for all of the PCL playoff action

Locke spoke with a Gold Medalist who is also the PG for the Utah Jazz (Deron Williams) , Dan Sheldon form Channel 2 and our fantasy football guy plays a game of bargain or bust for your upcoming draft. Here is BOLOS!

    Today was the final day for practicing with pads, and the final day that media can talk to players and coaches.  It was also a day that it was very obvious that both coaches and players were ready to get the season under way.
    The defense struggled today against the scout team, prompting a frustrated coaches to boil over at times.  Offensively, Brian Johnson continues to look good, as does Brent Casteel, who will be playing his first game in almost two years.
    Coach Kyle Whittingham talked earlier this week that two years ago, when the Utes opened up against UCLA in the Rose Bowl, that his team was ill prepared to deal with the "big time" college atmosphere that the Rose Bowl holds.  Whittingham says this year will be different.  He talked about the experience factor that this team holds over the '05 team, and that the coaching staff has downplayed the whole playing the "Big House".

RANDOM NOTES -

- The Utes practiced partially inside today using not just crowd noise, but "Hail To The Victors" (Michigan fight song) blaring over the loud  speakers.

-  The Utes will hold a walk through at Michigan immediatley after getting off the plane, instead of later that night as originally planned.

INTERVIEWS -

Kyle Whittingham

Brent Casteel

PK wnt down to BYU pratice on Tuesday and talked to Bronco Mendenhall about Austin Collie playing QB. Bronco said that Collie has "Mobility Elements". The guys discuss what that could possibly  mean.

Bronco Mendenhall and Austin Collie talk to PK about how and when Collie will be used at quarteback.

 Bronco

 Collie

Locke talks about the Cougars and the Utes weakest links, the LPGA makes a huge mistake, and who are the defensive players in the NFL that you must gameplan for, Here is BOLOS.

 

 

 

ts

David Locke will simulate the Utes and Cougars 2008 Football Season live on his show with kickoffs at 3:10 pm. Tune in as Locke will include scoring summaries, box stores and story lines.

HERE IS THE SCHEDULE OF THE GAMES

The Utes won their opener with Michigan 41 - 30 led by a defense that forced 13 turnovers and score 2 TD's of their own.

BYU breezed by Northern Iowa today 68-7. The running game will need to improve for the Cougs to bust the BCS. 35 carries for 71 yards will not get it done.

BYU looked very impressive thumping Washington 42 - 10. Max Hall passed for 502 yards as the passing offense moved with ease. The running game may still be a concern.

Utah was shaken by the news that backup QB #19 for Utah was suspended 3 games for inappropriate benefits received at a local department store. The game did not go much better. Utah dropped the decision to UNLV 37 - 13. Brian Johnson was pulled at the end of the game for freshman DeVonte Christopher. We have a simulated QB controversy.

BYU came out strong early and owned the game from the opening minutes. An easy 47 - 35 victory was the result. Max Hall continues to throw the ball for big numbers (440 yds) but the running game was non existent for the third consecutive week.

The Beehive Boot belongs to... Utah. 79-7 was the final, everything worked for Utah, nothing worked for the Aggies.

The "Quest for Perfection" gets Cowboy Upped. Wyoming beat BYU in LES 35 -21. Max Hall struggled and was benched for Gaskens in the 3rd qtr.

Utah survives a first half scare but eased to a 41-27 win over Air Force. Robert Johnson had a game changing interception return for a TD and the Utes rolled form there.

Thursday's double header began with a win on the scoreboard and a loss on the roster. Utes creuise 56-6 past Weber St but lost their starting QB for up to 7 weeks with an arm injury.

BYU took care of business against Utah State 45 - 23, but the offense did struggle for 3 1/2 quarters in this game.

Utah looked strong early against Oregon State opening up a 24 - 10 lead in the 2nd quarter. It was a struggle form there on out. Oregon State scored 21 unanswered points in the 3rd quarter on their way to a 62 - 38 win over the Utes. QB #19 for the Utes looked strong early but struggled late with 5 int's thrown in the game.

Max Hall was hurt early and that was thwe key ingredient for an upset as New Mexico went on to beat the leaderless Cougs.

Utah was able to win their matchup with Wyoming as Utah wins another game without Brian Johnson.

BYU cruised to a surprisingly easy win in Fort Worth. Max Hall returned for the game and was effective enough in a 31-13 win.

Utah's matchup with Colorado State was an entertaining one as the Rams put up 23 unanswered 3rd qtr ponts to pull ahead by 1, only to have the Utes put up 23 of there own unanswered in the 4th qtr for a 64-42 final.

BYU played their worst game of the year and Ma hall was benched in the second half due to ineffectiveness. Coloradoco State drummed BYU 86-21.

So the simulation has completely disappointed. I am not going to bore you with the details. Austin Collie is second in the nation in receptions and leads the nation in receivig yards.

Remember the BYU and Utah game will be simulated Thursday.

* He said that Max Hall is being compared most to Ty Detmer and Jimmy Mac becasue of his firey nature.

*  He meet with the team yesterday because he is concerned that outside distractions and influences are negatively influencing the team.   He said that he is seeing more and more signs of the team losing its focus.  He said he likes the terms we, us, etc but is being made aware of more, me, I then he wants to hear.

* He will not blitz the inexperienced Northern Iowa quarterback because it doesn't match what the Cougars do well.

* He thinks it is natural for his team to think that this team will be as easy as Eastern Washington last year since it is a recent memory.

I just finsihed talking to Bronco about his defensive systems.  You can hear that conversation with all 9 Mountain West Coaches today at 4pm on 1320, K-Fan's Locked on Sports.  He told me that last year the Cougars played man to man on just 4% of the plays.  That is amazing.  I asked him how staying in the same system the whole time doesn't allow the opponents to take advantage.   Catch his answer today at 4pm.

Locke discusses USA Olympic basketball, the Utes maybe getting over confident, and who is the favorite in the NFC? Here isBOLOS.

How good is Northern Iowa?  Or how bad is the Mountain West Conference?  Is there a more notorious venue for college football than the big house?  All of those questions become answers and Brian Johnson joined the program as well on the Best of Powerhouse!!!

    The Utes held the weekly Monday press conference today getting ready for the opener on Saturday against Michigan.  Click Below to hear the interviews.

RANDOM NOTES -

- Coach Whittingham declared his team healthy with only a few bumps and bruises to worry about.

-Both Darrell Mack and Matt Asiata will play on Saturday.  Coach Whittingham went as far as to say Asiata should get 50% of the snaps.

- Aaron Tonga will be available to practice today, and the coaching staff will evaluate how he is doing getting ready for the game.

-Coach Whittingham...and players all refered to the Michigan game as a "buisness tri