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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....