This was posted on ESPN a few minutes ago, and Andre Smith who was a first team All American and the Outland trophy winner is suspended for at least the Sugar Bowl for violating team rules.
This is a huge blow for Alabama, because Smith has only allowed one sack all season and seven total in his 38 game career, and is projected as a top pick if he elects to go to the NFL. This really hurts Alabama because Smith was to match up against Utah’s own potential first round pick in defensive end Paul Kruger
Alabama has the athletes to put in Smith’s place, but none are as good as Smith has been in his career.
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In shocking news on Wednesday Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig is leaving Utah to take the same position at Kansas State, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.This is a shocking development somewhat, becasue Ludwig has had some success the team did average nearly 40 points per game this year and the school has won four straight bowl game wins in his tenure.
I think Ludwig out thought himself or the other coach when calling the plays, such as the fumbleruski against TCU this year. There were times when he was stale and would not adjust the offense when either Brett Ratliff or Tommy Grady played.
The only real beef with Ludwig is that he brought in Grady, who was at Oklahoma and transfered because of playing time. Grady was the worst fit for the Utes, he was a drop back passer with very little if any mobility. In my opinion Ludwig went after Grady because he was at Oklahoma and thought he would be fine for Utah.
The decision for Ludwig to leave stems from not being appreciated from most fans who despised him, or that after last season he was the only coach on the Utah staff to not receive a pay raise.
There is no doubt that the move to Kansas State to take the same position will result in a pay raise, and potentially a better head coaching job if he is able to help put Kansas State back near the top of the Big XII.
He most likely will have the same success at Oregon and Utah where he will be fairly successful but inconsistent and frustrating to understand his play calling. Ludwig will stay on to coach in the Sugar Bowl which is a plus, because keeping the same coaches in place will keep the team in the same groove they have been in all season.
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WhatifSports posted their bowl projections for all 34 bowls. For those that do not know about What if Sports it is basically a simulation sight where you can take control of teams and one can get very lost in their site by playing historical matchups and seeing complete play by play in their sim matchups.
WhatIfSports.com’s Beyond the Box score predictions have been on roll in 2008. Using the same methodology the last two bowl seasons, we accurately predicted the winner of 78 percent of the bowls straight-up (and 64 percent of them against-the-spread).
Here are their predictions:
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl Boise State 23 - TCU 18 (Click for Boxscore) Highlight: Ian Johnson fumbles the ball away, but the Broncos still recover in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown to win the game late in the fourth quarter. Player of the Game: Jeremy Childs, WR, Boise State (72 receiving yards, 2 TDs)
New Mexico Bowl Fresno State 44 - Colorado State 28 (Click for Boxscore) Highlight: Ryan Mathews who? Two Bulldogs rush for 140+ yards and Fresno State totals 380 yards on the ground in total versus a porous Colorado State defense (106th in FBS). Player of the Game: Lonyae Miller, RB, Fresno State (153 rushing yards, 2 TDs)
Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl BYU 25 - Arizona 24 (Click for Boxscore) Highlight: Mitch Payne’s 35-yard field goal with 19 seconds left, his fourth made field goal of the day, edges BYU ahead of Arizona in a classic. Player of the Game: Harvey Unga, RB, BYU (111 total yards, 3 TDs)
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl Houston 33 - Air Force 24 (Click for Boxscore) Highlight:Case Keenum’s almost perfect day (just four incompletions and no interceptions) lights up Air Force. Player of the Game: Case Keenum, QB, Houston (315 passing yards, 3 TDs)
Allstate Sugar Bowl Utah 19 - Alabama 17 (Click for Boxscore) Highlight: Utah kicker/punter Louie Sakoda hits his fourth field goal of the game, a 51-yarder, as time expires to keep the Utes undefeated. Player of the Game: Matt Asiata, RB, Utah (132 rushing yards, 1 TD)
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I doubt that is the case, but today at 10 AM mountain time the Utah ticket office was selling Sugar Bowl tickets online, over the phone, and at the box office. However, early in the process the website crashed and a message was released that all tickets had to go through the box office in person or over the phone. Extra staff was added to cover the flood of calls or those who went to the box office in person.
I wonder if Utah delibrately shut down the website so that Alabama fans would have a tougher time getting the tickets allocated to the Utah fans. Anyone could call in for tickets, but unless you were a resourceful Alabama fan finding news could have been difficult. Now, I would hope that Utah would not pull a stunt like that to make harder for Alabama fans to get tickets, but I would not put it pass any fanbase to do so.
A few years ago in one of the NBA Western conference play off series between San Antonio and Dallas were playing, and the two cities are only a two to three hour car drive. When the games were in Dallas anyone who called or went online to buy tickets were unable to buy if their zipcode was in the greater San Antonio area, so there is precedent in trying to get the tickets for a certain team within the fan base.
Just a thought, but an interesting one.
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Alabama has came out in full force feeling they have been disrespected for matching up with Utah, hey would you rather be playing Cincinatti? In less then 24 hours Utah is getting slammed by EVERYONE, why because they play in the Mountain West. This is not the 2004 team who is much better and would have given any team in the country a game and yes I include that USC team.
In my opinion, which is biased even though I try not too be, is that Utah can play with anyone in the country with the exception of Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida. Those three schools would beat Utah by two touchdowns if both teams played well. As for USC, Alabama, and Penn State the game would by no means favor Utah but they are on equal footing in regards to this years talent.
Back to the Sugar Bowl, Brian Johnson the Utah quarterback put it the best. His first question was asked by some reporter about the history of Alabama football and not the 2008 Alabama team, but then Brian Johnson cut him off mid sentence to say we are not playing history we are playing their eleven guys on the 2008 team, and we will not see Bart Starr or Joe Namath coming out of the tunnel along side Bear Bryant.
Here is the video about the comment it is in the first 30 seconds:
Here is ESPN'scommentary on the Sugar Bowl matchup. The best thing they mention is that Utah can hope to hang with Alabama.
This game is not about Bear Bryant, 12 national title, 13 Sugar bowl apperances, but rather the 2008 Utah Utes against the 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide. A memo to all of those Alabama fans who at any time they read a comment, blog post, news article, or anything that does not say Alabama is God's gift to the world in football do not need to start rambling off the numbers I just did or many more that I am not aware of. Good smack is fun but no need to bash the other school or just pound your chest and say the SEC is king, Utah is a good team and so is Alabama they are both in the top 10.
For ammusment purposes and what will be considered bulletin board material for the Ute players, I will start a post a day until Januaray 2nd and postcomments from fans and media outlets that could be used as bulletin material for Utah. Alabama fans may find this like a slight against them, but some Alabama fans and media are giving the Utes no respect. Again this is all fun.
This first one comes from an ESPN.com chat near the end of the chat
Derek, Atlanta: Why does Bama get the short end of the stick and play Utah? I would think they would prefer a match up like Bama and Texas.
Derek would you rather be playing a 9-4 Virginia Tech or 11-2 C incy who lost to U Conn? Brad Edwards puts it best:
"The selection order often dictates the matchups, and that's what happened here. The first pick went to the Fiesta, which chose Texas. The second pick went to the Sugar, which chose Alabama, so there was never a chance to match those teams."
I came across the blog, The Rap Sheet, by The Birmingham News writer Ian R. Rapoport and I am not sure if he is writing a tease to get readers to check the blog tomorrow or he really does not know why Utah is matched up against Alabama, and it does not help when CEO Paul Hoolahan said:
For those Alabama fans who did not know how the selection work it goes as follows:
Bowl that loses team to BCS title
Bowl that loses team to BCS title
Fiesta Bowl
Sugar Bowl
Orange Bowl
The first two selections went with Fiesta taking Texas and then Sugar taking Alabama, both choose to keep their conference affiliation in line. Then the pick went back to the Fiesta and they had teams like Ohio State, Boise State, TCU, Utah, and Cincinnati. Fiesta took Ohio State for a bigger named matchup and the Sugar felt Utah was the next best selection, in their minds.
In the same blog post there is a comment, by delahayaputs things in perspective and does not whine or complain about playing Utah.
Guys, Utah ain't chopped liver. They are undefeated and will be motivated to beat an SEC team. Don't take a win for granted.
Alabama has had a great year and has the opportunity the cap it off with a Sugar Bowl win. The players should be proud of what they've done.
Also, one last thing Alabama fans, as Utah fans, should be excited because last year Alabama lost to Louisana-Monroe and played in the Independence Bowl, while Utah was in the Poinsettia Bowl.
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New Mexico made their hire today and they picked up Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Locksley.
A 17-year coaching veteran, Locksley previously was running backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Florida under Ron Zook, with whom he works at Illinois.
This guy has the experience of a big time school, and it looks as if New Mexico will be changing their offense to what he did at Illinois with a spread option by using a dual threat quarterback.
The Locksley File
2006-
University of Illinois (offensive coordinator, quarterbacks)
2005
University of Illinois (offensive coordinator, tight ends)
2003-04
University of Florida (running backs/recruiting coordinator)
1998-2002
University of Maryland (running backs/recruiting coordinator)
1997
University of Maryland (running backs)
1996
Army (receivers/tight ends)
1995
University of the Pacific (outside linebackers)
1994
U.S. Naval Prep School (defensive coordinator/defensive line)
1993
U.S. Naval Prep School (defensive coordinator/defensive backs)
1992
Towson University (defensive backs/special teams)
Home Town: Washington, D.C.
Birthdate: Dec. 25, 1969
Family: Wife, Kia; Sons, Mike, Jr. (19), Meiko (15), Kai (10); Daughter, Kori (8)
Education: B.S. Business Administration and Marketing — Towson, 1992
Honors & Awards: 2007, Recruiter of the Year Finalist (Rivals); 2007, Hot Young Assistant Coach (Lindy’s); 2006, Top-20 National Recruiter (Sports Illustrated); 2006, Top-10 Big Ten Recruiter (Rivals); 2005, Top-25 National Recruiter (Rivals); 2003, Top-25 National Recruiter (Rivals)
Other news is that Kalani Sitake will be promoted to the University of Utah’s new defensive coordinator. Also, Gary Andersen who recently left Utah to become Utah State’s head coach will stay on the staff and help with bowl preparation.
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The big surprise for me is that Boise was allowed to leave the Humanitarian Bowl and now the Poinsettia Bowl is a must see against TCU.
New Mexico Colorado State vs. Fresno State
Albuquerque University Stadium
Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m
ESPN
Pioneer Las Vegas BYU vs. Arizona
Las Vegas Sam Boyd Stadium
Dec. 20, 8 p.m.
ESPN
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Boise State vs. TCU
San Diego Qualcomm Stadium
Dec. 23, 8 p.m.
ESPN
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Houston vs. Air Force
Fort Worth, Texas Amon G. Carter Stadium
Dec. 31, Noon
ESPN
Allstate Sugar Utah vs. Alabama
New Orleans Superdome
Jan. 2, 2009, 8 p.m.
FOX
The comments of how Utah are all ready here and it started with Nick Saban “his team was the only one that plays in a real BCS conference that went 12-0.” He also said “Our players are certainly disappointed.” Coach come on the SEC was down this year and really not that good, the best win that Alabama has was not as good as Utah’s win over TCU.
Alabama’s biggest win was over Georgia who finished 9-3. The Crimson Tide have a great defense, but Utah will hang and their defense is just as good as Alabama. On offense Utah’s offense is better then ‘B ama yes they have Glenn Coffee at runnign back and Julio Jones at wide out but thats it, their quarterback play is marginal. The Tide will play tough and might wear down Utah but my early prediction is that the Sugar Bowl be like the TCU game, well I think TCU has a better offense then Alabama.
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There were no major upsets, well technically if you count Florida because they were behind in the rankings, but a 10 point favorite. There has been steam gaining that since Florida is ranked sixth by the computers and fourth in the coaches poll. I crunched some numbers and if Florida moves up to number three in the computer rankings which is where Alabama was, then if Florida jumps Texas, only 9 poll votes, and takes the second spot and gets the same votes as Oklahoma did at number two, and finally in the Harris poll if they stay true to their rankings Florida would be number one and just for this purpose get the same votes Alabama did at that spot.
Here is a small chart below to point out how close it would be. This is my estimation, but Texas could get a strength of schedule boost for beating Oklahoma earlier and perhaps get a big bump ahead of Florida in the computer, but who knows.
This is the best possible matchup for Utah because Alabama’s offense is not that great and the only great player is running back Glenn Coffee and freshman Julio Jones is pretty good.
BYU Vs. Arizona
This is a financial decision for the bowl to sell out the crowd and hotel sponsors. BYU gets the reward by playing a 7-6 Arizona team.
Colorado State vs. Fresno State
Fresno has all ready accepted this bowl invite and almost a certainty to be playing Colorado State, because the New Mexico bowl gets the last selection of MWC teams.
Air Force vs. Nevada
This is a good fit, because San Diego has a presecence in the armed services, and this spot is an at large Nevada gets the cut because they are 7-5 and close to the area. There is speculation that TCU and Boise State would play here, but I can not see the bowls releasing either since they both have the chance to play at home. A Boise State versus TCU would be a great matchup and possible one of the highest ranked teams in a non-BCS bowl game.
TCU vs. Houston
This would be another old Southwest Conference matchup. A good matchup between a great offense and a great defense.
Once the official bowl announcements are out I will post on that.
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The two big championship games with the Big XII and SEC have direct implications of where Utah plays their BCS game. Big XII game is Missouir against Oklahoma and the Sooners are a huge favorite and if they win will go to the BCS title game, which would give the Fiesta Bowl first pick since they lost the Big XII who goes to that Bowl.
That means Texas would go to the Fiesta Bowl and then then the next pick in the BCS order goes to the bowl who lost their pick and most likely that would be the loser of the SEC title game between Florida and Alabama. Then Fiesta gets the third pick and by most accounts it is between Ohio State, Utah, and yes Cincinnati but really the first two schools.
The Fiesta has all ready hosted two schools who do not come from automatic bid conferences, Utah in 2004 and Boise State in 2006, and may want a bigger draw for television. Ohio State has been to the Fiesta Bowl or in that venue for the title game in 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007 but the Fiesta has no problem bringing back because the tv eye balls are greater for an Ohio State verse Texas matchup.
Utah could go there because the Utes drew big in 2004, but the Fiesta may feel that they have done their duty by all ready hosting the two non-BCS schools. Ohio State is not the most qualified team, in my opinion, TCU or Boise State are more deserving because TCU lost to Oklahoma and Utah who are currently second and sixth in the BCS, and Boise is undefeated. The BCS is not fair that is why Ohio State will be in a BCS game unless Missouri wins the Big XII title game.
In the SEC title game the winner should make the title game, there is talk that Florida, who has low computer rankings may not jump Texas in the computer polls, which could have a rematch of Texas and Oklahoma in the title game. That is unlikely but possible, but when the Sugar Bowl picks who will take the loser of the SEC title game as their at large and will want the loser to keep the SEC tradition in their bowl.
It looks as if Utah will face the SEC loser in the Sugar Bowl. Later today or early tomorrow I will have the final bowl projections for the MWC.
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The Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that Utah defensive coordinator is taking over the head coaching job at Utah State. A contract has yet to be signed, but a press conference is expected to take place Thursday.
It is unkown at this time if Andersen will stay with the Utes and coach the team in their BCS bowl. In 2004 Urban Meyer stayed and coached the team, even though Kyle Whittingham was technically the head coach. Also, in 2004 the Utah offensive coordinator MIke Sanford left to get started on the UNLV head coaching job.
Andersen is likely to take wide receivers coach Aaron Roderick as his offensive coordinator, a position Roderick held when Andersen was SUU’s head coach in 2003. There is a possibility Andersen could take inside linebackers coach Kalani Sitake as his defensive coordinator as well. If Sitake doesn’t follow Andersen to Utah State he would be a logical candidate to be Utah’s next defensive coordinator.
The Deseret News is reporting that negotiations have begun to hammer out details of a contract offer with the current Utah defensive coordinator. This by no means that Andersen is gone, because the Aggies are merely putting together an offer to Andersen. At, the University of Utah they will be looking to upgrade his current contract if Andersen is offered any job, even beyond the Utah State coaching job.
Andersen has also been contacted by fellow Mountain West schools, San Diego State and New Mexico.
SDSU officials have not responded to requests for the name and fee of the search firm they are using. But sources said it’s Parker, whose fee for coaching searches in the past have ranged from $50,000 to $90,000.
Former San Diego State star Marshall Faulk also has been retained by the school to assist in the search.
Andy Dalton, So., QB; Jimmy Young, So., WR; Marcus Cannon, So., OL; Aaron Brown; Sr., KR; James Vess, Sr., NT; Nick Sanders; Jr., CB; Anson Kelton, Fr., P.
UNLV:
Casey Flair, Sr., WR, Frank Summers, Sr., RB; Johan Asiata, Sr., OL; Malo Tuamua; So., DL.
Utah:
Zane Taylor, So., OL; David Reed, Jr., KR; Greg Newman, Sr., DL; Mike Wright; Jr., LB.
Wyoming:
Kyle Howard, Sr., OL; Mitch Unrein, Jr., DL; Tim Bond; Sr., C; Chris Prosinski, So., DB.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Brian Johnson, Sr., QB, Utah
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jerry Hughes, Jr., DE, TCU
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR Louie Sakoda, Sr., PK/P, Utah
Utah defensive coordinator, Gary Andersen was in Logan today to have his second interview with the vacant Utah State job. There looks to be one other finalist, at leas publically mentioned, is former Utah State player and current University of South Florida passing game coordinator Michael “Chico” Canales.
The question is wheter Utah State wants to go after another defensive coach, since former coach Brent Guy was a defensive coordinator prior to taking the Aggie job. Anderesen is known for his recruiting and being able to bring players in Salt Lake and Logan, Utah will be a much tougher since it is isolated and about two hours from Salt Lake City,
Andersen also knows how to recruit the Utah players, where a lot of the players are of the Mormon faith abd some of those athletes go on two year missions. Andersen has experience with those types of players and understands their positions.
Most people say that you should take your first head coaching job, but the Utah State job is not good, and routinely finishes in the bottom of the WAC each year. A decision should be looming soon.
A side note that may worry Utah fans is that say Andersen takes the Utah State job, or any other, and then Kyle Whittingham leaves at the end of the year the front runner would be…. current offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig.
99 percent of Utah fans would hate that choice, and most would assume that athletice director Dr. Chris Hill would perform a search rather then promote withn.
Andersen’s coaching experience 2004-current - Utah - Defensive coordinator, assistant head coach, defensive line coach 2003 - SUU - Head coach 1997-2002 - Utah - Started as defensive tackle and strong side ends coach, promoted to assistant head coach in 2001 while also coaching defensive tackles, strong side ends and serving as special teams coordinator 1995-96 - Northern Arizona - Assistant head coach, defensive line and special teams 1992-94 - Idaho State - Defensive line 1989-92 - Ricks College - Offensive line 1988 - Southeastern Louisiana - Assistant head coach, offensive coordinator
