Bill Riley Blog
Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 @ 7:07PM
Wednesday Wrap Up
Just finishing up for the day today and I’ll post today’s interviews that include: Jim Peterson of the T-Wolves TV Team, Garth Lagerwey of RSL Fame and Utah AD Dr. Chris Hill, who had some good stuff on the NCAA Selection process....
I also stumbled upon something funny and interesting regarding music and the 50 Gayest Songs of All Time, so I’ll post it for your discussing purposes....If you are like me there are several on your Ipod…
http://www.samesame.com.au/news/local/2060/And-the-Gayest-Songs-Of-All-Time-Are.htm
Jim Petersen with Bill 3-5-08.mp3
Bill Riley Blog
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008 @ 6:49PM
Wednesday Stuff
Short Show but good stuff from today...RSL GM Garth Lagerwey and CBS Sports College Hoops Guru Clark Kellogg…
Bill Riley Blog
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008 @ 11:22AM
Wedensday Quick Hits
I want to apologize for my failure to put yesterday’s interviews up here on the site last night. I got off the air and was just simply drained!! So here are yesterday’s interviews that include RSL’s newest addition Kenny Deuchar and Head Coach Jason Kreis…
Kenny Deuchar with Bill 2-26-08.mp3
Jason Kreis with Bill 2-26-08.mp3
I’ve got a short show, but busy one today. The show will be short because Utah Basketball pre game begins at 5p from Ft. Worth. We will chat with Clark Kellogg, of CBS Sports, about March Madness, Joe Cravens will join us from Ft. Worth to preview Utah vs. TCU, we’ll also get a look at tonight Jazz v. Pistons match up....
Bill Riley Blog
Monday, February 25th, 2008 @ 7:09PM
A Monday Look Back
As usual a busy Monday Show....Studs and Duds, Tiger Talk, Oscar thoughts, and some guests too…
My best of the weekend: Bruce Pearl and his Volunteers with a tremendous win over in state rival and #1 Memphis on the road Saturday night. They are now #1, though it’s hard to believe that they aren’t a unanimous #1. They got 69 of 72 1st place votes, UNC got 2 and UCLA 1, what more do you have to do if you are Tennessee????
My worst of the weekend: Kelvin Sampson and his inability to let go at Indiana, even after being fired. He left several text messages for his former players on their phones, during and after their win over Northwestern on Saturday night. Someone just needs to take his phone away for a couple of weeks. He’s got his $750K and no one will be calling him with a job offer anytime soon, so just turn off the phone....
Here’s my AP ballot for the week....
1. Tennessee
2. North Carolina
3. UCLA
4. Memphis
5. Texas
6. Kansas
7. Duke
8. Stanford
9. Xavier
10. Wisconsin
11. Georgetown
12. Indiana
13. Louisville
14. Notre Dame
15. Butler
16. Connecticut
17. Vanderbilt
18. Michigan State
19. Purdue
20. Drake
21. Marquette
22. Miami
23. Washington State
24. Virginia Commonwealth
25. New Mexico
Here are my interviews from today’s show....
Jim Boylen Presser 2-25-08.mp3
Bill Riley Blog
Friday, February 22nd, 2008 @ 7:15PM
Wrapping up the week with a busy Friday
Wow! Taking a breath right now after an extremely busy Friday show...As we told you first yesterday afternoon the Mtn TV Network will be on satellite tv by the time football season rolls around a couple of guests talking about that on the show today, MWC Commish Craig Thompson and Mtn GM Kim Carver....Good news all around for MWC fans around the nation...Also on today’s show, RSL Foward Robbie Findley. Utah Head Coach Jim Boylen in studio today for a couple of segments and new Utah Safeties Coach Morgan Scalley…
Craig Thompson with Bill 2-22-08.mp3
Jim Boylen with Bill Segment #1 2-22-08.mp3
Jim Boylen with Bill Segment #2 2-22-08.mp3
Kim Carver with Bill 2-22-08.mp3
Bill Riley Blog
Wednesday, February 20th, 2008 @ 7:16PM
Holy War Wednesday
Well it’s just about 45 minutes until the “Rivalry Game” is renewed again on the Hardwoods between Utah and BYU...This series is close folks and I mean close. All time Utah leads (124-122), I wasn’t lying was I? I expect tonight’s game to be nearly as close as the series history....BYU wins if they get off to a good start and are able to dictate tempo and knock down perimeter shots. Utah wins tonight if they can keep the game close early into the 2nd half, guard Jonathan Tavernari and make the game “ugly”....They snapped a similar homecourt streak in Provo back in 2002, but tonight I think the Utes are better, bt not there yet and BYU too good....BYU (68-63)....
Here are some of the interviews from today’s show: Garth Lagerwey, Dr. Chris Hill, Mark Durrant and Mark Rydalch…
Garth Lagerwey with Bill 2-20-08.mp3
Chris Hill with Bill 2-20-08.mp3
Bill Riley Blog
Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 @ 7:27PM
Tuesday feeling like a Monday
Welcome back from the long weekend....I spent mine in SLC and Bozeman, MT....Here are a couple of interviews from today’s show...Shaun Green and Kyle Whittingham...Back later with my thoughts on tomorrow night’s rivalry game…
Bill Riley Blog
Wednesday, February 13th, 2008 @ 10:11PM
Good Stuff from Wednesday
A good collection of Wednesday interviews...Spencer and Frank interviewed Boston Celtics President Danny Ainge. While I caught up with Utah AD Chris Hill and fomer Ute Danny Vranes, plus Sean Devaney of Sporting News Baseball Insider on the Clemens appearance on Capitol Hill…
Danny Ainge with Reality Check 2-13-08.mp3
Bill Riley Blog
Tuesday, February 12th, 2008 @ 9:15PM
Monday/Tuesday Recaps
My apologies for missing my posts last night, just some issues I was dealing with...A couple of quick thoughts from today and then the interviews from the last two of my shows…
1. The University of Utah announced it’s All Century Men’s Basketball team today. 16 members on the team(http://utahutes.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/021208aaa.html) It’s really hard to argue many if any of the choices on the team. Most of the reaction I took today centered around the exclusion of Ken Gardner or Merv Jackson. And perhaps the inclusion of Alex Jensen on the team. I spoke with Alex on my show today and he was surprised himself. You can hear the interview below....12 of the 16 members will be at the Utah game against San Diego State on Saturday. I’m looking foward to meeting many in the group with our special pre game show Saturday at Noon from right next door to the JMHC…
2. Have you ever heard of anything so desparate as wanting Jose Canseco as a character witness? Well that’s exactly what Roger Clemens and his staff of attorneys are now going for....http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3243096
Jimmy Soto with Bill 2-11-08.mp3
Ronnie Price with Bill 2-11-08.mp3
Bill Riley Blog
Friday, February 8th, 2008 @ 7:26PM
Happy Hour Edition Interviews
Billy McGill with Bill 2-8-08.mp3
Bill Riley Blog
Thursday, February 7th, 2008 @ 7:18PM
Thursday Tidbits...
Lots of talk of the NBA and College Basketball today on the show today...3 big wins for the instate teams last night...The biggest and most surprising was Utah’s win over UNLV at the Huntsman Center. Probably the biggest and most complete win of the Jim Boylen era…
Here’s my chat with the Coach today…
Jim Boylen with Bill 2-7-08.mp3
Took a stroll down memory lane with Ken Gardner the former Ute....
Ken Gardner with Bill 2-7-08.mp3
Also had a chance to catch up with RSL GM Garth Lagerwey today from training in California…
Bill Riley Blog
Wednesday, February 6th, 2008 @ 6:34PM
National Signing Day
Had an excellent show today on recruiting/signing day...Overall not a big fan of recruiting or recruiting talk, because who the hell knows especially in football...But today talked people who know much more than me about recruiting...Here are some of the interviews from today...Utah Recruits: Sausan Shakerin, Devonte Christopher and David Kruger. Also Manny Hendrix
Sausan Skakerin with Bill 2-6-08.mp3
Devonte Christopher with Bill 2-6-08.mp3
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Tuesday, February 5th, 2008 @ 7:51PM
Tuesday Thoughts
A couple of great interviews from Tuesday....One of Utah’s All Time Great Basketball Stars, Josh Grant. Then during the NBA Insider former NBA Head Coach Eric Musselman…
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Monday, February 4th, 2008 @ 7:30PM
Does someone have a case of the Monday's...
Really good show today and covered a ton of topics...Studs and Duds, Super Bowl, Jazz v. Hornets, Williams v. Paul and Utah Hoops History,,,,
At the bottom of the page are the interviews from today. They include Jim Boylen’s weekly press conference and my interview with Utah Great Mike Newlin who will be back in SLC for the 100 year celebration of Utah Hoops…
My best and worst from the weekend included: Stud-Giants Defensive Front 4 Dud-Bill Belicheck and his post-loss demeanor
I’m not really a huge fan of NBA regular season basketball, but tonight’s Jazz and Hornets game has me intrigued for individual and team match up’s...Can’t wait to see Paul vs. Williams and Boozer vs. West. Plus I think this may be the best test of the season for the Jazz because they are playing well (8 straight wins) and playing at home (17-3) against the team with the best record in the West.
Here’s my AP Top 25 Ballot from this past weekend, not many changes in my poll, but with the Kansas loss. Memphis moves up to #1…
1. Memphis
2. Kansas
3. Duke
4. North Carolina
5. UCLA
6. Tennessee
7. Georgetown
8. Wisconsin
9. Stanford
10. Butler
11. Drake
12. Xavier
13. Michigan State
14. Texas
15. Indiana
16. Washington State
17. Marquette
18. Texas A&M
19. Kansas State
20. Notre Dame
21. Connecticut
22. Purdue
23.Gonzaga
24. Arkansas
25. Pittsburgh
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Friday, February 1st, 2008 @ 7:20PM
Stuff from Friday's Show
Great Friday Show here are a sample of who joined me...Some NBA, College Basketball, NFL and even a feel good college hoops story…
Tony Mejia with Bill 2-1-08.mp3
Joe Cravens with Bill 2-1-08.mp3
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, January 31st, 2008 @ 7:24PM
Thursday Interviews
A couple of items from today’s show…
1st Utah Recruiting Insider Tom Cella, with the latest on Utah football recruiting into the final week....
Tom Cella with Bill 1-31-08.mp3
I caught up with Utah Head Coach Jim Boylen, who was in a surprisingly good mood following last night’s disappointing loss…
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 @ 9:26PM
Wednesday Blogging
It’s midweek and I am finally getting tired of snowfall. The other thing I’m getting sick of is Super Bowl coverage. It’s gotten to the point that I can’t watch anything Super Bowl related on TV. Two weeks between games is just too much. It’s to the point now that anytime I see Emmitt Smith, Sean Salisbury, Chris Berman or especially Stuya Scott, I want to poke my eyes out with knitting needles. My show today featured a couple of interviews. The first was one of my favorite play by play guys, Gus Johnson is in town to do the Jazz/Knicks game tonight for New York radio. Johnson is the perfect blend of preparation, professionalism and energy to do play by play of any kind. On top of it all, he was a great guy too....
Gus Johnson with Bill 1-30-08.mp3
I also had my weekly chat with Real Salt Lake GM Garth Lagerwey. Nothing earth shattering, but some interesting tidbits on the team and training in California....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Monday, January 28th, 2008 @ 7:13PM
Monday Looking Back Blog
Well Monday is done and now we are on to the week at hand...First, the interviews from my show today: RSL MF Kyle Beckerman, Utah Head Coach Jim Boylen’s Presser and MWC Player of the Week Johnnie Bryant
Kyle Beckerman with Bill 1-28-08.mp3
Johnny Bryant with Bill 1-28-08.mp3
As you may or may not know I am a voter in the AP Top 25 Weekly Men’s College Basketball Poll. For the 2nd straight week I voted Kansas #1 ahead of the other undefeated team, who carries the overall #1 vote, Memphis. My belief is that Kansas gets the edge on depth and quality of league play. Both teams are excellent, but a slight edge to the Jayhawks right now...Here is the rest of my ballot:
1. Kansas
2. Memphis
3. Duke
4. North Carolina
5. UCLA
6. Michigan State
7. Tennessee
8. Washington State
9. Georgetown
10. Texas
11. Butler
12. Indiana
13. Drake
14. Stanford
15. Xavier
16. Kansas State
17. Notre Dame
18. Wisconsin
19. Mississippi State
20. Marquette
21. Vanderbilt
22. Pittsburgh
23. Oklahoma
24. Arizona
25. USC
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Friday, January 25th, 2008 @ 7:21PM
Friday Interviews and tidbits
I had a couple of interviews on Friday’s Show: RSL Head Coach Jason Kreis, who embarks on his first full season and first training camp this weekend
Jason Kreis with Bill 1-25-08.mp3
The 2nd was a game preview of Utah and TCU with the voice of the Frogs Brian Estridge…
Brian Estridge with Bill 1-25-08.mp3
The other thing I will post here is the Ophra video of Daniel Day Lewis from yesterday...It is so bizarre you have to see it…
http://www.tmz.com/2008/01/24/sorry-oprah-i-want-to-talk-about-heath/
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, January 24th, 2008 @ 7:22PM
Interviews from the Show
I’ve been loaded on my show the last two days with interviews: Garth Lagerwey is finally ready from yesterday. From Today’s Show: Scott Layden, Tom Cella and Jarron Collins
Garth Lagerwey with Bill 1-23-08.mp3
Scott Layden with Bill 1-24-08.mp3
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008 @ 7:32PM
Some Interviews from Wednesday's Show
Good Guest list from Wednesday’s Show if you missed them they will be below:, Dr. Chris Hill, Jim Boylen, Chris Alpert
Chris Hill with Bill 1-23-08.mp3
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008 @ 11:00AM
Monday Interviews
Ian Joy of Real Salt Lake from Monday’s Show
Dennis Scott from Monday’s Show
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Monday, January 21st, 2008 @ 8:47PM
Monday Blogging
It’s Monday night and the first day of the week is complete...Our Super Bowl match up is set and we are just 12 days away (the longest 12 days of the Sports Year), seriously do we need two weeks in between Championship Weekend and Super Bowl Sunday?
The Jazz got their first road win in a month today against the pitiful Clippers. Utah still can’t guard a soul, but offensively they were superb today, with 7 players in double figures. Now the key is to beat a good team on the road.
Utes are off to New Mexico tonight, they’ll face a much improved Lobo team tomorrow night at The Pit. I had junior forward Shaun Green on my show today and the interview is below, give it a listen....
Shaun_Green_with_Bill_1-21-08.mp3
We’ll preview the game tomorrow on my show, plus talk some Jazz and maybe mix in a little soccer....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Friday, January 18th, 2008 @ 3:55PM
TGIF Blogging
The MLS Superdraft is done for the day and RSL has made three selections:
#3 Overall Pick Tony Beltran, D/MF out of UCLA. A member of the US U-20 National Team. He will likely play and perhaps start at right back for RSL. Beltran appeared on my show this afternoon with Spencer Checketts and Frank Dolce...Below is the interview
Tony_Beltran_with_Spence_and_Frank_1-18-08.mp3
#14 David Horst, D, out of Old Dominion. Huge player in the back for RSL. 6-4 200 lbs. Not likely to be an immediate starter but someone that could develop.
#17 Alex Nimo, M/F, U-17 National Team Pool Player. Small guy at 5-5 140 lbs. Native of Portland, Oregon.
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Friday, January 18th, 2008 @ 10:37AM
Friday Blogging
It’s a busy Friday around these parts....
Soccer fans in SLC today is a somewhat big day...MLS Superdraft 2008. While an important day for MLS franchises, it’s certainly not a day that many soccer fans have circled on their calandars. The reason is simple: The level of play in US Collegiate Soccer just simply isn’t good enough to directly impact teams immediately. Every now and again a team will find an impact player (see Chivas 2 years ago with Kljestan and Bornstein), but it’s more likely that RSL and other clubs will find “developmental talent”. That said check back here later today for my thoughts and listen to the Bill Riley Show this afternoon to hear from RSL’s Top Pick and Head Coach Jason Kreis.
Utah and BYU are roughly 24 hours away from their first meeting this season. The Utes are coming off their disappointing loss at SDSU on Wedneday. A game they had in had at halftime. BYU is a bigger mystery right now. What has happened to Dave Rose’s team that looked so good in November and December, but can’t shoot straight in January. Both teams need this one, but I think it’s a much bigger game for BYU, who can’t afford a 4 loss in 6 games. We’ll have that game for you tomorrow on KALL 700 Sports!
Back a bit later on…
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Tuesday, January 15th, 2008 @ 3:16PM
Blogging In the New Year
Sorry it’s been a while...How about some quick thoughts on a couple of topics:
1. Utah Basketball-I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen on the effort front from the Utes through their first 13 games. Competition and a good test of where they are in conference play comes tomorrow night at San Diego State. The Utes aren’t very athletic and San Diego State is. Last season at Cox Arena Utah stuck with SDSU until the athleticism took over. Utah’s back court is better, both Bryant and Kepkay have learned to play together well. Kim Tillie will not play tomorrow, but might be back for BYU on Saturday. Stepehen Weigh has had a nightmarish season so far and won’t likely see the court until mid to late February due to injury. The X factor for the Utes is Luke Nevill. Great one night, then non-existent the next won’t get it done for Utah or Jim Boylen. There is no reason that Nevill shouldn’t average a double double in MWC play, with the exception of Trent Plaistead, there isn’t a player/big man that Luke can’t dominate, the question is will he. Right now Utah has the look of a 4th or 5th place team to me, if Nevill becomes a consistent factor there isn’t any reason they couldn’t finish anywhere in the Top 3.
2. The MWC-Before the season began I would have told you that the MWC was a 2-3 bid league for the NCAA tourney. Well we have now come through the non-conference season and if the tourament began today the league would likely get just a single bid, going to the conference tournament champion. Joe Lunardi (ESPN’s Bracket Guru) has the MWC with just one team in today, San Diego State. Here is a look at his latest bracketology…
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology
3. MLS Superdraft-Real Salt Lake will attempt to upgrade its’ talent base this Friday at the Super Draft in Baltimore, Maryland. This will be the first draft for the Jason Kreis/Garth Lagerwey tandem and it’s a big one. RSL has 3 big picks including the #3 overall selection. Lagerwey has been on my show and on record stating that RSL needs to upgrade talent everywhere, this is true! Well now it’s time to show what you are made of...RSL must find someone who can make the roster and contribute with the #3 pick. From all I’ve read the Midfield position appears to be the deepest. We’ll see what RSL decides to do, but whatever direction it is, it must be one that leads RSL in the Playoff direction. I will have Lagerwey, Kreis and the top pick of RSL on my radio show on Friday afternoon.
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 27th, 2007 @ 8:04PM
Post Christmas Blogging From Home
It’s been exactly a week since I’ve checked in with you all from San Diego and the Utes win against Navy at the Poinsettia Bowl. Well 7 days later I’m sitting and relaxing in my living room watching another bowl game from San Diego with 2 slightly higher profile schools playing. It’s the Holiday Bowl with Texas and Arizona State. The one similarity so far between the two games is that both have been exceedingly boring first halves. Let’s hope thed 2nd half of this game is as good as the game a week ago was…
I haven’t been on air this week, I’ve taken a several vacation days. I didn’t take more than 2 days off in a row this year, so I thought I would treat myself to a few off in a row. I will be back on air next week after the New Year....
A few random thoughts on the Sports World over the last week or so…
1. There hasn’t been a more fortunate football program in their last 2 games than the BYU Cougars and Bronco Mendenhall. First it was “4th and 18” and the 2 timely calls down the stretch against Utah. Then after being mostly outplayed by UCLA last Saturday night in Las Vegas, they somehow manage to block a field goal to hold on for an 11th win on the season. It might be said that BYU won the battle (winning the game), but lost the war (gaining National recognition in the bowl game). Sure the Cougars will finish in the Top 25, but the thought of gaining any real measure of National respect with the win goes out the window. They simply weren’t impressive against a middle of the pack PAC 10 team playing a 4th String QB.
2. Piggy-backing on the previous thought...I find it comical all this talk of threatening the BCS next year. Perhaps BYU should tally a noteable non-conference win before worrying about playing in the BCS. The world that MWC teams live in requires a perfect regular season, that is just how it is. And while BYU has finished on an extremely high note the last 2 seasons, they have struggled in the early going. This is not to say that it can’t be done, it’s just a bit absurd to be talking about after barely beating a bad UCLA team in the Las Vegas bowl. The craziest part of all of this is my fellow SLC media members falling right in line with this ridiculous line of talk following one BYU most medicore performances of the season. With that said, Mendenhall and his staff should be applauded for their efforts, they are now the team to beat in the MWC and show no sign of relinquishing that title anytime soon!
3. Despite the fact the Jazz and Gordan Giracek have kissed and made up, it’s time to go their separate ways. Giracek has added absolutely nothing to the team this season. I was adament before the season that the Jazz had far too big a logjam at the 2 Guard and that someone needed to go. Well the actions of the last week and the results of most the the season tell me that guy has to be Gordan Giracek. Between Ronnie Brewer and CJ Miles the Jazz have enough talent at the 2 Guard that they simply don’t need a locker room cancer right now. Trade him if possible, if not simply dump the 4 million and chalk it up to a relationship that simply lasted too long. Memo to Kevin O’Connor, “End it NOW”!!
That’s all for now...Check back tomorrow and I will grade Utah and BYU’s 2007 in Football and Basketball, with an outlook toward 2008....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 11:49PM
Final Blog from the Bowl
So I just returned from the field and the locker rooms after the Utah win. Utah was the better team tonight, but not by much...Utah caught a couple of late breaks in this one, starting with the Jeremy Brooks fumble that should have been a touchback and was ruled out of bounds by the replay offical and the MAC Crew. The replay offical later admitted to ESPN that he thought the pylon with out of bounds, so he DIDN’T know the rule...WOW! How does this happen???? But even after that Utah still couldn’t get the ball in from a half yard out (sound familiar Utes fans?) After stopping Navy deep in their territory, Utah scores and goes up 10 points, but proceeds to give up a 58 yard TD pass with just under a minute to play...Then Stevenson Slyvester couldn’t hold on to the onside kick and Navy gets the ball back...That’s when the next big break comes, as Reggie Campbell slips on a comeback route and Joe Dale picks off the pass to ice the game for the Utes.
So Utah wins it’s 7th straight bowl game and finishes the season with 9 wins. A good way to head into the offseason for Utah, especially considering how disasterous the season could have been after a 1-3 start...In the coming days, I’ll do my season report card and overall evaluation on the state of Utah Football....
My favorite quote that came out of the post game came from Navy Linebacker Irv Spencer. He was talking about his time at Navy and what the program is all about...."Tradition don’t graduate at Navy....”
Heading back to SLC and the snow in the morning. See you on the radio at 3p....
Peace
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 11:49PM
Final Blog from the Bowl
So I just returned from the field and the locker rooms after the Utah win. Utah was the better team tonight, but not by much...Utah caught a couple of late breaks in this one, starting with the Jeremy Brooks fumble that should have been a touchback and was ruled out of bounds by the replay offical and the MAC Crew. The replay offical later admitted to ESPN that he thought the pylon with out of bounds, so he DIDN’T know the rule...WOW! How does this happen???? But even after that Utah still couldn’t get the ball in from a half yard out (sound familiar Utes fans?) After stopping Navy deep in their territory, Utah scores and goes up 10 points, but proceeds to give up a 58 yard TD pass with just under a minute to play...Then Stevenson Slyvester couldn’t hold on to the onside kick and Navy gets the ball back...That’s when the next big break comes, as Reggie Campbell slips on a comeback route and Joe Dale picks off the pass to ice the game for the Utes.
So Utah wins it’s 7th straight bowl game and finishes the season with 9 wins. A good way to head into the offseason for Utah, especially considering how disasterous the season could have been after a 1-3 start...In the coming days, I’ll do my season report card and overall evaluation on the state of Utah Football....
My favorite quote that came out of the post game came from Navy Linebacker Irv Spencer. He was talking about his time at Navy and what the program is all about...."Tradition don’t graduate at Navy....”
Heading back to SLC and the snow in the morning. See you on the radio at 3p....
Peace
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 11:49PM
Final Blog from the Bowl
So I just returned from the field and the locker rooms after the Utah win. Utah was the better team tonight, but not by much...Utah caught a couple of late breaks in this one, starting with the Jeremy Brooks fumble that should have been a touchback and was ruled out of bounds by the replay offical and the MAC Crew. The replay offical later admitted to ESPN that he thought the pylon with out of bounds, so he DIDN’T know the rule...WOW! How does this happen???? But even after that Utah still couldn’t get the ball in from a half yard out (sound familiar Utes fans?) After stopping Navy deep in their territory, Utah scores and goes up 10 points, but proceeds to give up a 58 yard TD pass with just under a minute to play...Then Stevenson Slyvester couldn’t hold on to the onside kick and Navy gets the ball back...That’s when the next big break comes, as Reggie Campbell slips on a comeback route and Joe Dale picks off the pass to ice the game for the Utes.
So Utah wins it’s 7th straight bowl game and finishes the season with 9 wins. A good way to head into the offseason for Utah, especially considering how disasterous the season could have been after a 1-3 start...In the coming days, I’ll do my season report card and overall evaluation on the state of Utah Football....
My favorite quote that came out of the post game came from Navy Linebacker Irv Spencer. He was talking about his time at Navy and what the program is all about...."Tradition don’t graduate at Navy....”
Heading back to SLC and the snow in the morning. See you on the radio at 3p....
Peace
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 10:13PM
Blogging from the Bowl
Utes driving inside the 5...I gotta head downstairs...Back with postgame thoughts
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 10:00PM
Blogging from the Bowl
Not so fast my friends...Here comes Navy!! A touchdown run and a two point conversion make this a 3 point game....Navy is now 5-5 on their 2pt conversions this year.....Utah can’t stop the fullback Eric Kettani ran for a 43 yard TD in the 1st Half and on the scoring drive ran 35 yards to the Utah 12 yard line setting up the TD pass/run by Shaun White. But replays make it look like the Navy QB’s knee was down on the conversion, but nothing has been done so it stands and we have a ballgame with 8:43 remaining....28-25 Utah
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 9:50PM
Blogging from the Bowl
This one might be over now...Brian Johnson just ran 19 yards across the field for a touchdown on what was supposed to be a pass play. He broke 2 tackles over the last 3 yards into the end zone. Utah now leads 28-17 with 12:47 to play in the game. For whatever reason, the offense came to life in the 3rd Quarter and has scored on 3 consecutive drives...This Navy team is not set up to be a come from behind team, especially down 2 scores....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 9:45PM
Blogging from the Bowl
End of the 3rd Quarter, Utah leads Navy 21-17. Utah’s defense appears to have figured out this Navy option game (it only took 2 1/2 quarters) and are flying around the football. Navy has the ball on their on 36 yard line and 3rd and 6 as the 4th Quarter begins.....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 9:41PM
Blogging from the Bowl
Hello Utah Offense it’s nice that you showed up for the game tonight....Brian Johnson hits Derek Richards up the right sideline for 40 yards and a touchdown....Johnson is now 13-16 for 159 yards 1 TD and 1 Int. Richards has 4 catches for 61 yards and a TD. This is more of what I expected from the Utah offense in the game. Their athletes are simply better than Navy’s and they are finally spreading the field, throwing the ball and exploiting the Midshipmen....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 9:36PM
Blogging from the Bowl
Looks like the TD drive by the offense has inspired the defense. Utah just forced a 3 and out...I mentioned what a stud Robert Johnson was in the first half, well Martell Burnett is playing his ass off in his final game as a Ute tonight...He is all over the field sniffing out screens and pitches on the option…
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 9:26PM
Blogging from the Bowl
Well at long last the Utes hit for a big play against the pourous Navy defense...Jeremy Brooks just took a ball around the right end and ran it in untouched 23 yards for the TD...Utes back within 3 pts...Bad news, Elijah Wesson has been taken to the locker room, looks like he might have broken his ankle...It was a nasty looking play at the end of a 10 yard run…
4:34 to play in the 3rd....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 9:06PM
Blogging from the Bowl
YIKES! Don’t look now Ute fans, but you are in trouble...The fullback for Navy, Eric Kettani, just rumbled 43 yards for a touchdown. It’s 17-7 Navy with 11:52 to play in the 3rd Quarter. Utah looks just as flat in the 2nd half as they did in the first. More bad news, it’s been more than 4 seasons since Utah has won a game that they trailed at the half....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 9:01PM
Blogging from the Bowl
So much for making a statement coming out of the locker room...Utah goes three and out after a great kick return by Jeremy Brooks....And to top it off, Sakoda hits another duck that goes out of bounds at the Navy 31 yard line...This is as bad as the Utah offense has looked since the UNLV debacle....Especially considering their opponent is TERRIBLE defensively…
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 8:15PM
Blogging from the Bowl
Navy now leads...a 39 yard FG with 28 seconds to play in the half gives the Middies their first lead of the game. The drive was 11 plays and 31 yards and took just over 2 minutes of clock time. Utah’s Joe Dale is struggling in coverage tonight, he’s been beaten twice and called for pass interference once....Utah gets the ball at their own 30 and runs out the clock with Darrell Mack...so at Halftime it’s 10-7 Navy...Where is all the scoring?? I thought the Navy defense was supposed to be subpar??? I would say tonight the Utah offense, playcalling and execution have been subpar....
Random 1st Half thoughts....
1. Robert Johnson is probably the best player on the field for either team...He will be Utah’s best defensive player next season for certain.....
2. Utah’s offensive line is winning the battle upfront, but much like the BYU game, the Utes are choosing to run side to side rather than between the tackles...WHY??
3. Utah Looks life-less in the game. No energy or enthusiasm....
4. The media in the press box looks almost as disinterested in the game as Utah does....
The Utes will have the ball to begin the second half...I need to go get some caffine to stay awake....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 8:06PM
Blogging from the Bowl
It didn’t take Navy long to answer the Utah score...The Midshipmen just marched down the field (aided by a questionable pass interference call on Joe Dale) and capped a 8 play 70 drive with a quarterback keeper TD run on 1 yard. The Utes are struggling to tackle tonight and have allowed Navy to stay in this game....Just 5:14 to play here in the half, not nearly the score-fest many thought it would be....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 8:02PM
Blogging from the Bowl
Nothing fancy right there, just gave it to Darrell Mack straight ahead for 6 yards and a touchdown, our first points of the night. Sakoda does his thing and it’s 7-0 Utah with 8:42 to play in the 1st half. It’s just that simple, the Utes outweigh Navy upfront by about 45 pounds across the line, just beat them up....It was the first TD that the Navy defense had given up in the last 6 + quarters, but remember their last 2 opponents were Northern Illinois and Army....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 7:53PM
Blogging from the Bowl
Well the Utes have managed to move the ball to the Navy 15 yard line...Mostly again to due D Mack who now has 11 carries for 59 yards, but for some reason the offensive play calling appears to be getting the better of Utah. TOO DAMN FANCY!! Just run the ball...Yet another hook and ladder or lateral play and a 2 yard loss..By the way, can we get an offical ruling on that...Is it the hook and ladder or hook and lateral? I need to know these things....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 7:51PM
Blogging from the Bowl
I thought we might have had our first points of the night, but alas the 50 yard field goal attempt by Navy just sailed wide to the left...Utah ball on their own 35 yard line
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 7:46PM
Blogging from the Bowl
Reggie Campbell just broke a 44 yard run to the Utah 36 yard line on 1st down....That’s 3 big plays tonight for Campbell this evening...And we’ve reached the end of the 1st Quarter with no score on the board…
1st Quarter thoughts....Utah’s passing game has regressed big time this season and tonight is no exception. Navy looks more poised and comfortable tonight so far under their new Head Coach. This stadium is probably 2/3 full tonight. Navy’s cheerleading squad will not be winning any beauty contests....
2nd Quarter coming up…
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 7:41PM
Blogging from the Bowl
After successfully moving the ball out from their own 2 yard line, primarily on the legs of Darrell Mack, the Utes stall their drive at midfield and Louie Sakoda punts the ball into the end zone. With 1:07 to play in the first quarter it’s still scoreless here in SD. Why Utah got away from the running game on that drive is beyond me. Mack and Stowers were gashing the Navy defense for 4 and 5 yards per carry. Brian Johnson had Freddie Brown open for a TD at the Goal line, but the problem is that Brown quit running his route and the ball sailed just out of his reach....We saw Corbin Louks a couple of times on that drive, all runs. At some point Ludwig is going to have to let Louks throw the ball....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 7:28PM
Blogging From the Bowl
The Utes just caught a huge break on 3rd and Goal from the Utah 3 yard line, Navy running back Reggie Campbell fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Robert Johnson at the 2. Paul Kruger forced the fumble coming in from Campbell’s back side....It was a HUGE break for Utah’s defense, who was victimized by a big pass play and a dropped potential TD by Reggie Campbell just moments before...Rough start for Navy’s big play guy....
Utah looks sluggish and a bit out of sync early on here....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 7:17PM
Blogging from the Bowl Game
Well we are underway here in SD…
After a 40 opening kick return by Navy’s Reggie Campbell to the Navy 45, the Middie’s managed one first down, then were shutdown by the Utah defense led by Martell Burnett. The Navy Punter then proceeds to drop the snap and the ball was recovered by Trevor Moss at the Navy 45. Brian Johnson just threw a pick right to a Navy linebacker, Ross Pospisil, his first career pick...A terrible throw by Johnson…
The One thing I said on the air today that Utah couldn’t do is TURN IT OVER, now they’ve allowed Navy to stay in it early with momentum....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 7:10PM
Blogging from the Bowl Game
One of the many great things about being at a game that involves either Navy or Air Force is the fact that you ALWAYS get a pre game flyover and tonight was no different. 2 Fighter’s just buzzed the Q and appearently the pattern was clear and they were definitely below the “hard deck”....In the midst of all the pre game excitement (or maybe I was just distracted by the NFL game going on tonight) I missed the coin toss, but I can tell you that the Utes are kicking off right now in what’s a pretty pro-Navy stadium right now....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 6:49PM
Blogging from the Bowl Game
We are about 20 minutes from kickoff and the Navy Corps of Cadets just left the field, IMPRESSIVE! A couple of thousand “Middies” in formation shouting and chanting N-A-V-Y over and over again. Here’s an interesting fact I learned this week while chatting with a few Naval Academy freshmen in the Gas Lamp District here in San Diego. There will be around 2500 Navy Cadets here this week. The Naval Academy pays for their airfare to get here to San Diego and the Grand Hyatt was offering $60 per night room rates for all Navy students who made the trip...If you ask me, they can’t do enough for these kids who will soon be serving our country.....
Now we have all sorts of Holiday ballons on the field with the Utah marching band, it looks like a poor man’s Macy’s Parade (a very very poor man’s).....
Back with the coins toss and the kickoff in a bit…
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 6:29PM
Blogging from the Bowl Game
We are about 40 minutes from kickoff here at Qualcomm tonight and the crowd is beginning to filter into the stadium now. There actually appears to be more Utah fans here than I thought there would be....The guess-timate was supposed to in the neighborhood of 3k to 4k at the game. Right now it appears that the number might go above the 5k plateau...It has gotten chilly here too, it’s an open air press box and the temp is probably in the mid 50’s right about now...Utah in their white jersey’s and red pants, Navy wearing blue jersey’s and gold pants this evening....More fashion insights in just a little while.....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 6:06PM
Blogging from San Diego
Just about an hour from kickoff here at the Poinsettia Bowl....
Happy to report that dinner was a solid effort tonight by the bowl folks..Chicken Fajitas, chips, salsa, rice and beans....
In one of the great heckling moves of all time....There is a plane circling Qualcomm Stadium towing a banner behind it that reads..."Harline is still open and Collie is too”...You’ve got to respect someone that would spend a more than $1000 to heckle their archrival at the rivals bowl game...Very Classy!! or in the words of San Diego Legend Ron Burgandy, “Stay Classy Cougar Fans, stay classy....”
Back with more in a bit....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 5:06PM
Blogging Live from San Diego
Welcome to beautiful San Diego and the “Q”, Qualcomm Stadium...I’m going to be blogging through out the game tonight, which will be a first for me. So just occasionally hit refresh and I will have frequent updates…
We are about 2 hours from kickoff right now...Chance of rain tonight during the game, which won’t likely be good for either team. Dinner here in the press box is Chicken Fajitas, so I hope they are edible, since I haven’t eaten since 11am....The latest line on the game has Utah as an 8 point favorite. I think the Utes cover that without much issue. I said on air this afternoon Utah wins 38-24. The only variable that could screw it up is WEATHER, if the rain begins to fall, then all bets are off on score.
Check back in a bit for more from the Press Box here at Qualcomm....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Thursday, December 13th, 2007 @ 12:11PM
A little Soccer Talk on a Thursday
It may be December but things are busy on the RSL Front. On Monday the team placed the final piece of steel in the stadium framing. Now it’s on to team roster issues. Monday afternoon MLS held it’s “Discovery Draft” for players who play abroad. RSL landed most of all of it’s desired personel in the draft. Negoications have begun with several players. Real Front Office staff spent a good deal of time in Argentina and Germany scouting both foreign and Americans playing abroad. I believe that RSL will look to fill at least 3 foreign spots on the roster and have looked hard at an American Player who is playing abroad. Now of course there is the question of timing. In speaking with GM Garth Lagerwey, he would simply say that talks have begun with several players. So stay tuned to this Blog and to my show daily for updates on the RSL roster and potential roster additions and subtractions!!
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Monday, December 10th, 2007 @ 8:24PM
Monday in the Cold of Sandy
Today I attended my first “Topping Out"Ceremony, as Real Salt Lake placed the final beam of steel on the new stadium in Sandy. I hosted a 2 hour talk show from the new stadium site along with Spencer Checketts. I’ve been able to be part of most all of the significant moments in RSL History and today’s ranks right up there. I was able to emcee the event in August of 2006 when David Beckham and Real Madrid shoveled dirt on the stadium site. That day was memorable but today felt much more real, because there was acutally a stadium structure in place. Fall of 2008 seems a long way away from right now, but if the early returns are any indication, the next 9 months will be worth the wait…
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Monday, December 10th, 2007 @ 8:20PM
My Associated Press College Hoops Ballot for the Week
This is how my weekly ballot looks not many changes from a week ago. I dropped BYU back from #20 to #25, two losses but two quality losses.
1. UNC
2. Memphis
3. Kansas
4. Texas
5. Duke
6. Washington State
7. Georgetown
8. Michigan State
9. UCLA
10. Clemson
11. Pittsburgh
12. Tennessee
13. Xavier
14. Indiana
15. Marquette
16. Texas A&M
17. Vanderbilt
18. Butler
19. Oregon
20. Villanova
21. St. Mary’s
22. Louisville
23. Gonzaga
24. Arizona
25. BYU
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Sunday, December 9th, 2007 @ 2:44PM
Sunday Afternoon Reflections
Just sitting here in my living room on a cold and wintery Sunday afternoon enjoying the wonders of the NFL Sunday Ticket (one of the great sports advances of our time). Now for some random thoughts from the Weekend In Sports....
Both Utah and BYU found out Saturday that they have improved and are better than last year’s editions, but still have room to grow. The Cougars played an outstanding first half against #9 Michigan State at the Energy Solutions Arena, but weren’t able to match the Spartains physicality or offense in the 2nd half. Trent Plaistead has impressed me more than any other Cougar so far this season. His all around game has improved, no longer just a lefty. He still struggles at the line and that’s something that needs to change for BYU to take the next step in the NCAA tourney. Dave Rose’s team is clearly the class of the MWC so far this season.
The Utes traveled to Portland to play the #19 team in the land, the Oregon Ducks. Jim Boylen is in a rebuilding mode and is learning more and more about his team with each passing game. What did he learn in the Utes loss on Saturday? He learned that his team can score and run with one of the best running teams in the West. But they still lack the toughness to win close games against quality competition. Tyler Kepkey had his breakout game of the season, but Luke Nevill continues to be a mystery. Nevill has been challenged by Boylen both mentally and physically and appears to have regressed this season, which is a terrible sign for Ute fans.
Tim Tebow wins the Heisman Trophy Saturday night, beating out Darren McFadden of Arkansas. Though he wasn’t my choice for the award (I think McFadden is best player in college football), it’s hard not to feel good for a kid who is by all accounts an outstanding human being. Tebow does missionary work in 3rd World Countries in the offseason, is a model student and one hell of a football player.
Check back a bit later on for my AP Top 25 ballot for the week in college basketball....
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Monday, December 3rd, 2007 @ 9:36AM
Blogging on Monday
Can the College Football regular season really be over already? Who’s excited for a trip to San Diego or Las Vegas less than a week before Christmas? The Utes get Navy in a battle of 8-4 teams. I will be chatting with a Navy beatwriter on my show today. Here’s what you need to know about Navy, they run the ball like nobody’s business. In fact, they are the best running team in college football at more than 350 yards per game. The players to keep an eye on for the Midshipmen is QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada and WR/Returnman Reggie Campbell. Head Coach Paul Johnson has been outstanding in his tenure in Annapolis. It’s a match up on two 8-4 teams in the 1st Bowl of the Season on December 20th.
I can’t imagine that BYU fans are “fired up” about a rematch with a lousy UCLA team. BYU may have lost to the Bruins back in September, but these two teams have gone in opposite directiions since. BYU is the best non-BCS team out there, this side of Hawaii and UCLA may very well be the worst Big Conference team to be playing in a bowl game this season. In fact, they may not even have a Head Coach in Las Vegas…
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3138961
This game could be uglier than last year’s domination of the Ducks
On to the BCS...What an absolute debacle this has become. In years gone by at least we got the best 2 teams playing for the National Title,but this year we aren’t even sure we are getting that. Who can tell the best 2 teams in College Football are? LSU and The Ohio State??? Georgia and USC?? Missouri, oh wait they didn’t even get into the BCS...The system is a joke and the bigger joke are the defenders of said system!
Here is how the BCS Should have Played out in a perfect world…
Fiesta Bowl-Kansas (11-1) and Hawaii (12-0)
Orange Bowl-Virginia Tech (11-2) and Missouri (11-2)
Sugar Bowl-LSU (11-2) and West Virginia (10-2)
Rose Bowl- Georgia (10-2) and Ohio State (11-1)
BCS Title Game- USC (10-2) and Oklahoma (11-2)--These are the best 2 teams in College Football right now!
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Friday, November 30th, 2007 @ 11:03AM
Friday Morning Blogging
A good friend of mine wrote to tell me yesterday that since the return of my blog, Soccer and Real Salt Lake have been noticably absent. Well with heartfelt apologies to my friend and the many soccer fans out there, how about I dedicate this entry to the “Beautiful Game”!
Where to start...How about with my wrap up thoughts on the RSL season, which ended for a 3rd straight season with a trip to the postseason. I said back in late April when the coaching change was made and Jason Kreis was installed as the team’s 2nd Head Coach, that the season was instantly becoming an experiment. Leaving the field and learning to be an Head Coach “on the fly” had not and still has not ever been successfully done in Major League Soccer or any American Sports League for that matter. It was funny to me how so many fans loved the move and wanted change, but then when Kreis and his staff began to make changes (see Cunningham and Klein) people lost their minds. As I said at the time, you can’t have it both ways. There were plenty of mistakes made along the way (see the numerous fines for various and assorted missteps), but I think by the end of the season there emerged a core of talent to build around for RSL. I think that there are 4 core players that should be an outstanding foundation moving forward for RSL: Nick Rimando, Nathan Sturgis, Kyle Beckerman and Robbie Findley. There are other quality players on the squad (Seitz, Movsisyan, Espindola), but I believe those 4 provide a great foundation. That said the organization still has a ton of offseason work to do. Here are the 3 biggest issues facing RSL this offseason:
1. Finding a replacement in the Central Defense for Eddie Pope. I’m not convinced there is anyone on the roster today that can fill the role, much less Eddie’s huge boots.
2. Is Morales really the #10 for RSL. It was hard for me to get a read on the “Argie” due to injuries and inconsistent play in the latter half of 2007.
3. Who are the wide players that will provide service for Findley and Movsisyan? The leagues best teams (Houston, DC, New England) all have great wide midfielders to provide service, name me just one on RSL?
RSL made some personel moves on Thursday (at least offically Thursday) to free up some roster room. Christian Jimenez, Jack Stewart (gone for a long time), Chris Brown ( a real surprise to me), Steve Curfman, and Jean Kipre all were waived. Jamie Watson sent me a text last week to let me know he wasn’t going to return to RSL next season. That wasn’t really news, considering Jason Kreis didn’t put him on the 18 for the last 2 months of the season. Watson is currently training with FC Dallas in his hometown.
The RSL Coaching staff is out and on the road scouting right now. Head Coach Kreis in Argentina and assistant Coaches Fraser, Cassar and Johnson have been scouting college talent for the upcoming SuperDraft. Speaking of drafts, how telling was it last week when not a single RSL player was selected in the San Jose expansion draft....
Finally a quick thought on MLS and the rapid expansion of the League. San Jose rejoins the league next season and Seattle has been introduced as the 15th team beginning in 2009. There is talk of the league growing to 18 within the next 5 years. This in my mind would be a HUGE mistake by Don Garber and Major League Soccer. The talent pool in this country simply isn’t deep enough to sustain QUALITY if the league expands too quickly. Just simply look around at what has happened to both Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association, with expansion. The level of play has dropped markedly in both those leagues, which have a deep national and international talent pool, and play at the highest level in the World. Rapid expansion will absolutely kill the level of play in MLS.
There you go, a little soccer chat in late November…
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007 @ 6:04PM
Wednesday Post Show Blog
If there is any doubt in anyone’s mind where Utah is going this postseason, Chris Hill erased those doubts on my show this afternoon. Hill told me they are expecting to get the invite from the Poinsetta Bowl sometime later this weekend after all of the BCS business has been decided. The Naval Academy has already accepted a bid to play in the game. That game will be the first of the bowl season, which means nobody in the country will watch or care. Hill and I see things differently on bowl games, he believes playing before or after Christmas doesn’t matter if you aren’t playing in a BCS Bowl game. My point on the issue is that the Bowl Games after Christmas mean more and are watched by far more eyeballs nationwide than anything played before Christmas.
I passed out my All MWC Football Awards today....I didn’t get a postseason ballot from the Conference to match my preseason ballot, who knows why, but the beauty of the Blog and Talk Show is that I can make my opinion heard regardless…
Players of the Year:
1. Offense-Max Hall, QB, BYU-Best Player on the Best Team. His Numbers were outstanding and he improved as the season went along. Not a great year in the conference, so Hall was the best of an okay class.
2. Defense-Beau Bell, LB, UNLV-The defensive player pool was deeper than the offensive this year. Bell is a BEAST who will play on Sunday. Close runner up Jan Jorgensen of BYU.
3. Special Teams-Louie Sakoda, K/P, Utah-Who’s better and more clutch than Sakoka. I value a guy that can kick and punt and no one was better in the MWC this season!
4. Coach of the Year-Troy Calhoun, Air Force--Took a team picked in the bottom third of the league and finished 2nd in his first season. Bronco Mendenhall was supposed to be in the Top 2, not Air Force
This weekend marks the 25th Anniversary of one of the Greatest Plays in College Football History-"The Play” in the Cal vs. Stanford game. In honor of this weekend I’ve come up with my 3 most memorable plays that I’ve watched....The Link give you my #1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4s8vdzYwFU&feature=related
2. Flutie to Phalen vs. Miami in 1984
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3ykWbu2Gl0
3. Kordell Stewart 70 yards vs. Michigan in the Big House in 1994
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQJWtgF60A4&feature=related
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Tuesday, November 27th, 2007 @ 12:40PM
Tuesday's Thoughts, Opinions and Rationalizations
Woke this morning to the news that Pro Bowl Safety Sean Taylor died from wounds inflicted by a gun shot at his Miami home late Sunday night. While it’s certainly sad that a 24 year old father died, the circumstances surrounding his death are certainly suspect right now. You’ll see in the stories that begin to come out of the next few days, that Taylor was certainly not associating with the “right” kind of people and this goes back to his days at the University of Miami.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3129406
I taped a show this morning for “The Mountain” called “Around the Mountain” it will air tonight. Lots of discussion about the Utah/BYU game and even some discussion of the calls or no calls by the officials late in the contest. I said it before and I’ll say it again, “The Officials were not the reason Utah was beaten on Saturday!” Utah controlled it’s own destiny on the 4th and 18 from the 12 yard line, END OF DISCUSSION! With that said Utah is still going bowling at San Diego’s Poinsetta Bowl is the likely destination, with BYU heading to Vegas, unless.....BCS!!!
One more thought from last night: Why is it that the Jazz can’t win at MSG? If you watched the game, is there a more disinterested looking guy at his job than Isiah Thomas? WOW!
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Monday, November 26th, 2007 @ 11:01AM
Finally More Content!
Alright, it’s time to Monday Morning (nearly afternoon) Quarterback on the Weekend that was…
1. Who saw a 17-10 game coming Saturday in Provo? Not me, I can tell you that much. My Friday afternoon pick was Utah 24-20. But once again, it’s expect the unexpected when it come to this series. The one thing we do know today is that BYU is the better team and a program that is BACK! I don’t want to hear about questionable calls from officials and everything else that filled up my email box over the weekend. The bottom line is that Utah could get BYU off the field on a 4th and 18 from their own 12 yard line. Everything else is window dressing. It will be a long offseason for Bryce McCain.
2. If not for the unexpected season out of Air Force, Bronco Mendenall is your MWC Coach of the Year. Barring a collapse in San Diego this weekend, it will be back to back undefeated seasons for the Cougars. As much as, Utah fans and the rest of the Conference don’t want to hear it, BYU is the team to beat again in the MWC.
3. My Alma Mater finally had the bill come due on Saturday night in Kansas City. Legendary “Camerohead” stadium wasn’t kind to my college or pro football team this weekend. And to lose to Missouri and Oakland, OUCH!! That said, Mizzou is outstanding and the best team in college football right now. As a Kansas fan, 11-1 will do for this season. Though I am torn on this weekend’s Big 12 title game. If Missouri wins, they will be in the National Championship Game and Kansas likely to a BCS bowl game. But do you ever want to root for your RIVAL? I kill people on my show when they bring that up, I guess karma is catching up!
4. It’s a good time to be a BYU Sports Fan. Cougar Football is the best in the MWC and it’s looking that way for BYU Hoops too. I have always admired and respected Dave Rose and his ability to coach, but watching the way his team is playing early, WOW! Beating #6 Louisville on Friday night, then pushing #1 North Carolina to the limit on Saturday, is a HUGE statement for this season’s team. I thought they may have a little bit of a transition time between the end of last season and the losses of key players and the beginning of this season. To know one’s surprise, I’m WRONG again...In fact, I’m an AP College Basketball Voter again this year and put the Cougs in my poll this week at #25. My Top 5 went this way, UNC, UCLA, Memphis, Kansas, Georgetown....
5. One more weekend thought...Is there anyone more electrifying in American Sports today, than Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears. About 2 months ago I called him an “IT” guy. He’s now the most game changing force in the NFL!!
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Monday, November 26th, 2007 @ 10:14AM
Jim Boylen Coaches Show Debuts Tonight!
Just an FYI for you all:
The Debut of the Jim Boylen Coaches Show is tonight from Famous Dave’s in Midvale, starting at 7:00
1166 East Fort Union Boulevard
Midvale, UT 84047
Bill’s Blah Blah Blog
Tuesday, November 6th, 2007 @ 9:29AM
Random thoughts, opinions and rationalizations from a Sports and Pop Culture Guru
Wow! How long has it been? I feel like I’ve been away from the blogosphere for a long time. My apologies to the 5 of you that actually read this thing. We have been extremely busy here at the radio station over the last several months. I have moved time slots from middays back to afternoon drive. Plus now I am the Program Director of KALL 700, which basically means I am the “boss” of me and that I have to attend way too many meetings! Bottom line I’m working and doing what I love and have to answer to myself and of course, YOU! I want your feedback on the station and my show--What you like, what you don’t like, what you would like to see KALL 700 Sports add or become! Please send those email to
I’ll be back with more Sports, Pop Culture and General Riley Rants very soon. Thanks for your patience and loyalty!
Riles
