Hitler Reacts to BYU's 26-23 Win Over Utah; And Max Hall's Comments After the Game

Hitler Reacts to BYU's win, and Apologizes to Max Hall.

(These videos are satires and responses to the video from last season,"Hitler Reacts to BYU Loss." )



Hitler Reacts to Max Hall's Comments.

Read More >>>

What Will it Take for BYU and Utah State to Win this Weekend?

Both BYU and Utah State are trying to prove everyone wrong this week...

21

The number 21 is the connection that both the BYU vs Oklahoma and the Utah State vs Utah games share. 21 is the betting line for both games, with Utah State and BYU being the underdogs in each. Yet, it is hard to think that BYU is as far away from Oklahoma as Utah State is from Utah.

Utah State probably has a much better chance of beating Utah than BYU has beating Oklahoma. Look back at the Aggies season a year ago, and you will notice that they weren't that far away from a 5-7 season. While you might be saying, "What is the big deal? 3-9 or 5-7, both are pretty bad." Yes, both are poor records to have as a team, but there is a big difference between barely 3-9 and a disappointing 3-9. The Aggies had the talent last season to be a 5-7 team, and try to push to find a way to get a sixth all important win.

The majority of the contributing players that the Aggies had last season are back this season. They have a solid running back in Robert Turbin, and a proven play maker in Diondre Borel. The defense should be better, although the defensive line could still use some serious work. The other difference that the Aggies have, which will make a difference, is a change in attitude. It is clear to anyone watching the Aggies practice that there is a different mentality among the team. Gary Anderson has brought in a culture of accountability, discipline, and hope.

In regards to the Utah game, Utah State has the competitive advantage in that Utah has no idea what to expect from the Aggies. While at the same time Gary Anderson knows Utah's defense inside and out. Anderson has done everything that he can to keep a tight lid on the changes he is implementing in Logan. He is restricting the media's access to his players, practices, and even limiting what he showed to fans at the final fall scrimmage. Gary Anderson could have some surprises in store for his old team, when he makes his return to Rice-Eccles stadium.

Utah State is improved this season, but Utah might be a little overrated from last season. Utah is still a very good football team; however, they have lost some key skill players. Brian Johnson really made the offense work last season, and his loss along with Darrell Mack will hurt the productivity of the offense. Yet, the biggest loss for Utah is Paul Kruger. The most influential position on defense in college football is defensive end. A good defensive end will change a college football game. If you think otherwise, just look back at last year's BYU vs Utah game. Kruger almost single handily shut down Max Hall in that game. Kruger was a player that other teams had to game plan for, and always know where he was on the field. Utah has some good talent on defense, but they don't have another Paul Kruger.

Utah is trying to retool their offense on the run, and rely on their defense to carry them in their first few games. This is the biggest advantage, and chance that Utah State has in their opening game. If Gary Anderson's knowledge of Utah's defense can establish a weakness that the Aggies could exploit, then Utah State could get into a higher scoring game which would give them a chance to outscore a newly tooled Utah offense.

While Utah is good, but rebuilding; Oklahoma is great,they are coming back from a National Title Game loss, and the majority of their skill players are coming back. They have a Heisman Trophy winner, arguably the best front seven on defense ever in college football, and a stable full of tall athletic wide receivers. Oklahoma has little to no question marks going into the season, they are only worried about a possible injury derailing their chances of beating Texas and returning to the National Championship game.

BYU on the other hand ended last season on a huge low note. Max Hall turned into an interception/fumbling machine. Unga disappeared from the offense. The secondary was a complete joke. Plus, the four out of five offensive linemen graduated from school. The offensive line and secondary were the major concerns coming into the new season for BYU, and surprisingly enough there are more questions and concerns about the offensive line and secondary today than at the beginning of camp.

Three offensive linemen who were thought to contribute this season are injured: Matt Reynolds, Houston Reynolds, and Jason Speredon, although Matt Reynolds may return for the Oklahoma game.

The secondary is a pure mystery. The athletes in the secondary are better this season, than last year's secondary. Yet, the top four secondary guys are all fighting injuries, and another member of the secondary, Garett Nicholson, didn't qualify for school.

BYU has their work cut out for them against the Sooners. The only real chance that BYU has in their opening game is to control the clock. BYU would have to turn to their ground attack to keep the ball out of Sam Bradford's hands. Even if BYU were to make the game low scoring, and control the time of possession, it is very unlikely that they will win.

BYU needs to hope that they will at least be in striking distance at the end of the game, and hope that one of the new players can step up and have a breakout game. The one weakness that the Sooners do have, is they are trying to replace members of their secondary. If BYU can stay close, they could take advantage of the Sooners' secondary in the end.

Is it a long shot for both BYU and Utah State? Yes. Can both teams still have successful seasons even if they lose their opening game? Yes. Could both teams win their openers? It would shock some people, but it isn't impossible. There is a reason that teams actually play the game on the field and not on paper.

Read More >>>

The Big Podcast Episode 15 - Playoff Run Edition

A breakdown of the rest of the Jazz season...

In episode 15 we discuss:

• WWF/WCW/WWE Wrestling
• Utah teams failing in the NCAA tournament
• A Look at the remainder of the Jazz schedule
• A continuation of America's Newest Favorite Segment "Where do you get off...Canada Edition" (Plus, Jake and Mark listing all the Canadians they know.)

Download here (Right click and save as...) or listen with the player below...

Read More >>>

BYU Loses Again to Texas A&M: Another Early Exit

BYU loses again, nothing new...


Texas A&M 79 BYU 66, no big surprise.

It seems to be like day light savings. Set your clock ahead, watch BYU choke in the conference tournament, and then watch them exit in the first round of the NCAA tournament. BYU hasn't gotten a "good" draw for many years; however, that isn't an excuse. Other teams are able to overcome a bad seed, poor play location, or even hostile crowds. Yet, BYU isn't able to overcome. The brighter the lights the quicker that BYU falters.

This year, BYU never got their game going. BYU went down early, and didn't seem to fight back. Sure Texas A&M were hitting big shots, but BYU wasn't doing anything to disrupt the streak of Texas A&M's shotting. How many free throws did A&M shot in the first half? Four, with two of those in the first nineteen minutes. That is it. If a team is on fire, "let see how many shots they can make on their back?" In a tournament teams just can't play soft, but that is BYU's M.O.

It wouldn't be a big deal for BYU if this year was something out of the ordinary. Nope, BYU has played the same type of game every year. Texas A&M came out of the gate last year and went up 11, and BYU couldn't overcome. Xavier couldn't miss from the outside, and BYU didn't do anything to slow them down. BYU actually got off to a big lead against Syracuse before Gerry McNamara caught fire and lead his team to a victory.

From the start of the season it was obvious that the BYU system of basketball is a hit or miss business. If BYU's outside shot is falling they can hang with anyone in the country. This can be seen in both the Arizona State and Wake Forest games this season. BYU had a lead, but couldn't maintain the lead once the shots stopped falling.

BYU system of offense seems to be almost at the level of a gimmick. The gimmick that is used by BYU ensures that they can compete year in year out in the Mountain West Conference. BYU can plug in your standard BYU player and succeed, but have trouble when it comes to any tournament.

1993, 1993 looms large in BYU's basketball fans minds. 1993 was the last time that BYU won a tournament game. That date will have to be burned into the mind of every BYU fan for another year at least for BYU to get another shot at erasing the date.

Read More >>>

NCAA Tournament Seeding for Utah Teams

A look at Utah teams and their tournament hopes...

Utah State - If you are a fan of the Aggies it was a shot to the gut to see USU get an 11 seed. Yet, another example of how few teams outside of the "Major Conferences" got any respect. It also meant that if the Aggies didn't win their conference tournament they would have been on the outside looking into the tournament. With that in mind, the Aggies need to be smiling when they view where and who they are playing. The Aggies drew an injured Marquette team that didn't finish the season well, and they are playing at Boise. The closest that the Aggies could get to playing a home game. Then to look out a little further on the bracket, the Aggies potential second round opponent would be Missouri. The weakest of all the three seeds in the tournament. The Aggies might have drawn a low seed, but the table is set for them to march into the sweet sixteen and prove that they were underrated.

Utah - A five seed! I still can't get over the surprise of when I heard that the Utes gained a five seed in the tournament. Utah didn't finish the season well. They were in the driver seat for the conference and ended up with a three way tie for the regular season title. The Utes then barely got by TCU, and played San Diego State to the buzzer to win the conference tournament (Which also makes San Diego State's omission from the field that much more insulting to the "Mid-Major" Conferences). Yet, the committee thought that the play of the Utes earned them merit, and they ended up with a five seed. Or in other words the committee believes that Utah is one of the twenty best teams in all of college basketball...huh? The Utes did have a high RPI, but I think what helped them most was having their AD on the selection committee. It helps to have friends in high places. The location of the play for Utah is not good. The Utes must travel to Miami to play their games. An insult to any five seed that they must travel across the country. Especially when a higher seed normally means that they get a location closer to their university to play. Utah is a two point underdog to Arizona, another slap in the face of a five seed. The Utes should beat 'Zons, but face a stiff second round challenge playing Wake Forest back east in the second round.

BYU - Another year, another terrible draw for BYU. Once again BYU is playing on the East Coast. They are playing in the early contests, meaning that BYU will be playing at 10:30am local time. BYU is also in a rematch with last year's opponent Texas A&M. A&M's seeding is interesting, and would be hard to explain (as many of the selection committee's decisions are equally perplexing). The Aggies were the fourth best team in the Big 12, but they are seed lower than both Texas and Oklahoma State, both teams that finished below them in the regular season. The Aggies have quick guards that give have given BYU trouble guarding in the past. Also even if the Cougars were to win their first tournament game of the new millennium, BYU would have to face UConn in UConn's backyard. If BYU's shots are falling they can beat anyone, and they will need those shots to fall if they want to win any tournament games this season.

Read More >>>

A Late Edition of The Weekend Links and Videos

A Link heavy edition of the links/videos...

An article from the Houston Chronicle that describes the atmosphere in Utah for a Jazz game. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=3391439&sportCat=nba

Lee Cummard declared for the draft, and I thought it was a bad idea; however, Rivals.com disagrees. Here is an article rating the top 5/bottom 5 underclassmen that are declaring for the NBA draft. http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=804790

With officiating being questionable during the Jazz/Lakers series I thought this blog entry was very interesting listening the Jazz record when certain officials are doing the games. http://blogs.sltrib.com/jazz/2008/04/jazz-77-hornets-66.htm

If you are complaining about the officiating in the Lakers/Jazz series you aren't the only one. Here is an article from T.J. Simers, of the LA Times, voicing his shock about the officiating. http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers8-2008may08,0,3590542.column

I have really liked reading Bill Plaschke of the LA Times as well during this series (and I think I will be following his writings more closely in the future). Here is an article about 'The Machine' Sasha Vujacic http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke11-2008may11,0,4824274.column (His article about Kobe's game four performance, and about the Derek Fisher situation are also worth looking at. Looks like he is really more than a windbag on parade...sorry Al Michaels)

Here is a late addition, a good article by Gene Wojciechowski of ESPN.com about Larry H. Miller's day yesterday. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=3391439&sportCat=nba

Here is a video I have been saving. Check out this ping pong rally.

Read More >>>

Quick Hits: BYU, Utah and Utah State's Tournament Births

Thoughts on tournament selections...

BYU - Once again the failure of the Cougars to win the conference tournament kills the seed they could have received in the NCAA tournament. An eight seed (or a nine seed) is the kiss of death in the tournament. The committee matches up two teams that they think are even, and the winner has to play a rested one seed in the next round. Texas A&M is arguably the best nine seed in the tournament this year. The only thing working for the Cougars in the first round is the location, Anaheim is a much better location for the Cougars than going back East; however, if they do get by A&M the location turns against them when they will have to face UCLA in the second round. The Cougars still have to play the games, but the outlook doesn't look good for their first tournament win in fifteen years.

Utah - CBI. Before yesterday not many people in Utah knew what it stood for, but the Utes are headed for the inaugural College Basketball Invitational. Yes, there is yet another post season tournament. A chance to play for the right to be called the 97th best team in all of college basketball. The tournament will be held on the home courts of the teams. The significant change from the NIT and NCAA tournaments is the addition of the best of three format in the finals. While that is a progressive and interesting idea for college basketball, isn't the addition of another tournament watering down the basketball postseason in the same way the excess of bowl games waters down the football season? The post season should be something earned, the CBI rewards mediocrity. The Utes open the tournament Wednesday at UTEP.

USU - Jaycee Carroll won't get to showcase his talents in the NCAA tournament in his senior year. Carroll has carried the Aggies this entire season, to a share of the WAC regular season crown. The Aggies didn't have enough to beat the Boise St. Broncos in the Wac tournament. Carroll does have the chance to try and lead the Aggies to New York in the NIT. Making a run in the NIT would cap a great finish to a season that the Aggies began 3-4, and the college career of Carroll. Illinois State 24-9 will be a tough opening round game. The Redbirds only loss at home this season was #18 Drake, by just three points. Carroll really has his work cut out for him to make some noise in the NIT.

Read More >>>

Mountain West Basketball Tournament In Need of Change

While the basketball was good the site was far from...

Considering only the basketball that was played, the 2008 Men's Mountain West Conference Tournament was a success. All games were exciting, and hard fought. The opening round included two games that were instant classics. (UNLV v TCU and New Mexico v Utah) Yet people aren't talking about the basketball that was played during the tournament, but what happened off the court. The brawl after the championship game marred a good weekend of basketball, and questions the logic of holding the event in Las Vegas.

Why is there a problem with holding the event in Vegas? Fairness to all of the teams in the conference is a major issuse with holding the tournament in Las Vegas. Taking down the banners and changing the logo at mid-court doesn't change the fact that UNLV is playing on their home court. At home over the last two years UNLV is 38-3. That is a huge advantage for the Rebels. Would it be fair for the tournament to be held in The Pit, The Marriott Center, The Huntsman Center, or any other teams' home court? No, if the tournament was held in Provo every year there would be an outcry in the conference. Playing on your home court is a home game regardless of changes made to the aesthetics, and it is an unfair advantage.

Security is also an issue. Last year UNLV rushing the court was viewed as harmful for the players, the coaches and the media. (The media not liking it was one of the reasons that this problem was such a big deal this year.) The conference tried to address this problem by using the public address announcer and a barrier constructed in front of the seats to prevent fans from storming the court. The problem with the crowd control was the event centers laissez-faire attitude in enforcing these standards. They didn't have security preventing people from rushing the court, but ushers, most of who were upwards for sixty years old.

The Thomas and Mack Center's belief that it is easier to control fans when they rush the court does make a lot of sense. The fans want to celebrate, and it is just a manner of getting the opposing team off the court in a speedy manner. The problem with this philosophy, by the Thomas and Mack Center, is they aren't the ones in charge of the event. They are being contracted by the Mountain West Conference, and it is their responsibility to uphold the standards of the conference. The conference decided they didn't want fans rushing the court, and there should have been a better plan in place to prevent the fans from doing so. This attitude by the Thomas and Mack Center shows they aren't good to work with and a new home should be sought.

There are two simple solutions that the Mountain West Conference should adopt for their tournament.

Plan A - Rotate the tournament to a different school each year. If the conference insists on playing the conference tournament in arenas affiliated with conference schools they should at least rotate it and give each school the opportunity to host. There would still be the bias of the home court advantage for one school each year; however, it wouldn't be the same school each year, making the advantage more even for the schools. The problem with this is it makes the tournament less fan friendly. Who wants to drive to Laramie and spend a long weekend?

Plan B - Hold the tournament in a neutral city. This is the best solution. Holding the tournament in Denver was the right idea, but it was the wrong location. The Pepsi Center wasn't fan friendly at all, they had to schedule around the Nuggets, and it was still a cold weather location. The conference needs to go south. Phoenix would be a great city to hold the tournament. It is a neutral site that is warm in March, and has a NBA arena to play in. It is centrally located for those who want to drive or fly down. It would also be good for recruiting in PAC-10 territory. Picking a city like Phoenix would solve the majority of problems that the tournament currently has.

Las Vegas has the contract for the Mountain West Tournament until 2010. (Wow! How many bad contracts can one conference sign?) They will also be competing starting next year with the West Coast Conference who will be playing their games in the New Orleans Arena, located on the strip. It is time for the conference to be proactive and make changes in the tournament that will benefit the conference, because the current situation isn't working.

Read More >>>

2008 Mens Mountain West Conference Tournament Predictions

Predictions for every game in the Mountain West Men's Tournament...

Here is a link to the updated bracket:http://themwc.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/mwc/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2008-mbb-tourney-bracket

Here are the predictions for every game in the Mountain West Men's Tournament. Plus, my reasoning behind the picks.

Play-in-Game


Wednesday March 12, 2008
#8 Wyoming Cowboys vs. #9 Colorado State Rams
12PM MT



Why to watch? Colorado State is still looking for their first conference win of the season.



Prediction - Wyoming runs away with this game. Colorado State is lacking any size on the interior, and Wyoming has a better guard line than the Cowboys.

Chances for victory: Wyoming 95% Colorado St. 5% (and that is being generous)

Opening Round


Thursday March 13, 2008
#1 BYU Cougars vs Wyoming Cowboys #8
1PM MT


Why to watch? BYU is historically bad come tournament time. Do the Cougars look ready to make a splash.



Prediction - BYU should dominate this game. Wyoming played the night before, and they have no answer for Plaisted or Cummard.

Chances for victory: BYU 95% Wyoming 5%


#4 San Diego State Aztecs vs #5 Air Force Falcons
2:30PM MT



Why to watch? To see how SDSU will respond without Spain. See if Air Force continues to run out of gas come March.



Prediction - This is a rematch of the final game for both teams. They split the season series with the Falcons winning at home to end the season. SDSU hasn't been playing well since the loss of Kyle Spain, but should have enough in the tank to beat Air Force. The Falcons historically are terrible during tournament time.

Chances for victory: SDSU 65% Air Force 35%


#2 UNLV Rebels vs #7 TCU Horned Frogs
7PM MT



Why to watch? There really is no reason, this one should be the biggest blowout of the tournament.

Prediction - UNLV gets the huge advantage of playing on their home court. TCU's only conference road victory came at Colorado St. this year. The Rebel's already beat down the Horned Frogs on their home court this month. This game should be over early.

Chances for victory: UNLV 99% TCU 1%


#3 New Mexico Lobos vs #6 Utah Running Utes
9:30PM MT



Why to watch? This could be the best game of the tournament. It is too bad that they aren't getting the prime time television time that UNLV is receiving.

Prediction - The first game in their regular season series went to overtime, and the second a single point victory by the Lobos. It is a very interesting match up. The Lobos have no answer for Luke Nevill, but the Utes have no answer for J.R. Giddens. Both teams are playing for something; the Utes playing to save the season trying to get some kind of post season birth, and the Lobos playing to get into the NCAA tournament. This one is a toss up, but I give New Mexico a slight edge due to the momentum that they have coming into the tournament.

Chances for victory: New Mexico 52% Utah 48%

Second Round


March 14, 2008
#1 BYU Cougars vs #4 San Diego State Aztecs
7:30PM MT

Why to watch? BYU has won 13 of 14 games going into the conference tournament. The lone loss came at the hands of the Aztecs.

Prediction - BYU's last loss came at the hands of the Aztecs. It was a hard fought four point loss. The key stat to that game? FT attempts. BYU -6 SDSU 30. That is a huge differential! Playing on a neutral court should negate any home cooking. BYU should over power the Aztecs.

Chances for victory: BYU 70% SDSU 30%

#2 UNLV Rebels vs. #3 New Mexico Lobos
10:00PM MT



Why to watch? Two teams looking to punch their ticket to the big dance. If UNLV makes it to the finals they are a lock. The Lobos would need to either win the tournament or at least come close to get in. A loss here might prove to be what keeps the team out of the tournament.



Prediction - UNLV has home court. They have momentum. They have an easier game with TCU in the opening round. Yet, this is the first upset of the tournament. Giddens has been unstoppable in the two games these teams have played. UNLV has no answer for Giddens; however, the Lobos defense has been cranked up and can contain the attack of Adams and Darger.

Chances for victory: UNLV 50% New Mexico 50%

Championship

March 15, 2008
#1 BYU Cougars vs. #3 New Mexico Lobos
5PM MT

Why to watch? These are the two hottest teams in the conference. They would be playing on a neutral court. I would also match up the conference co-players of the year.

Prediction - The last time these two teams meet it took overtime to decide the winner. This would be a great game. New Mexico would have a hard time containing Plaisted. They do have the bodies to play a hack-a-Plaisted approach, making Trent hit free throws to win. Cummard got the better of Giddens in the first match up and Giddens the better of Cummard in the second. BYU is much better with the perimeter defense than New Mexico, and that might be the edge to the game. Both teams get a large portion of their scoring from behind the arch. BYU in a close victory.

Chances for victory: BYU 51% New Mexico 49%

Read More >>>

Weekend Links and Videos

Videos and Links for the Weekend...


A story about Scott Thornley winning Men's College Official of the year. (If the officiating in the Mountain West Conference is good, how terrible it is in other conferences.)
http://themwc.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030508aab.html

Two interesting write ups about the New York Knicks' 2010 draft pick which the Utah Jazz own the rights to.
http://blogs.sltrib.com/jazz/2008/01/tuesday-report.htm
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/knicks/2008/01/knicks-could-lose-lottery-pick.html

Now some good videos for the weekend, including some classics.

A Funny Penalty Kick



An Official Celebration to the Midsection


PTI Trampoline Bear (In honor of Warren Sapp's retirement)


Dramatic Hamster (This one kills me every time)

Read More >>>

2008 Mountain West Conference Basketball Tournament Preview

Everything you need to know to be ready to watch the MWC tournament...

March is here and the NCAA tournament is about to begin. Before the start of the ultimate sports tournament comes the conference tournaments. The warm-ups to the bug dance. The Mountain West Conference tournament will take place March 11-15th in Las Vegas. With the regular season winding down there is some clarity of how the seeding for the tournament will shake out. (Here is a link to the tournament bracket showing the television coverage: http://themwc.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/mwc/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2008-mbb-tourney-bracket ) To get everyone up to speed here is a quick crash course guide to Mountain West Conference men's basketball.

Waiting to Die - Teams not sorry the season is coming to an end

Colorado St Rams

Projected #9 (Games Left 3/8 UNM)

Best Players - Marcus Walker G (17.6 pts 3.0 rebs 2.6 asts 1.1 stl) Stuart Creason C (12.4pts 5.7 rebs 1.1 ast 1.6 blks)

Story Lines Going Into Tournament - Stuart Creason is questionable for his final game against New Mexico, and for the Tournament. Without Creason and Ronnie Aguilar (Creason's 7-ft backup) the Rams tallest starter is 6-6. The Rams have yet to win a game in conference play. They are looking to learn from the last two games of the season and start work for next year.

The Tournament is Successful if...the rams win a game. (Not only would that be an uplifting tournament, but a good building block for next year.)

The Tournament is a Disappointment if... somehow the season is extended and they are forced to keep playing after they lose in the first round.

Opening Round Dangers - Teams that could put together one good game, but aren't built to make a run in the tournament

Wyoming Cowboys

Projected #8 (Games Left 3/5 @BYU)

Best Players - Brandon Ewing G (16.7 pts 3.5 rebs 4.3 ast 1.4 stl) Brad Jones G (12.4 pts 5.4 rebs 3.7 ast)

Story Lines Going Into Tournament - The Cowboys have had an up and down season all year. They have a solid back court with Ewing and Jones. They have also gotten solid play from their forwards Joseph Taylor, and Ryan Dermody. Taylor is a very athletic high flying post performer (If he is on a breakaway get the popcorn ready), and Dermody is a quality defensive stopper. If they could carry this momentum into the tournament they could knock of a top seed in the early rounds.

The Tournament is Successful if... the Cowboys knock off a top seed in the opening rounds.

The Tournament is a Disappointment if... they lose the play-in game to rival Colorado St. That would be a terrible low to end the season on.

TCU Horned Frogs

Projected #7 (Games Left 3/5 @AFA 3/8 BYU)

Best Players - Kevin Langford F (13.5 pts 5.1 rebs 1.4 ast) Henry Salter G (13.3 pts 5.0 rebs)

Story Lines Going Into Tournament - TCU is looking to finish with a winning record for only the second time this decade. The downfall this season for TCU has been not being able to win on the road. They have one road win on the season, and that came against Colorado St. Also, one of their top players, Henry Salter, is currently suspended. He will be back for the final home game of the season against BYU, and the tournament. Salter leads the nation in three point percentage. A hot streak from outside the arch could lead to an early round win.

The Tournament is Successful if... TCU gets an early round upset.

The Tournament is a Disappointment if... TCU continues to prove they can't win away from Fort Worth.

Air Force Falcons
Projected #5 (Games Left 3/5 TCU 3/8 SDSU)

Best Players - Tim Anderson G (14.1 pts 2.8 rebs 2.7 ast 2.0 stl) Andrew Kenke G/F (11.0 pts 4.6 rebs 1.6 ast)

Story Lines Going Into Tournament - This has been a very successful rebuilding year for the Cadets. Falcon basketball, just like Air Force football, runs a unique offense. It is an offense that can cause problems for opponents. Air Force can also light it up behind the three point line. They are not a great rebounding team, but if their shots are falling they don't have to worry about that.

The Tournament is Successful if... Air Force gets an early round win, and build momentum for next season.

The Tournament is a Disappointment if... they lose and continue the late season fade that has haunted them for the past three years.

Haven't Done Anything Yet But Have the Pieces - Teams having disappointing seasons, but have the talent to make a tournament run

Utah Utes

Projected #6 (Games Left 3/8 @UNLV)

Best Players - Luke Nevill C (14.7 pts 6.5 rebs 1.2 ast 1.6 blk) Johnnie Bryant G (14.3 pts 2.2 rebs 1.4 ast)

Story Lines Going Into Tournament - Utah has lost 4 out of their last 5 games. They did pick up the lone win in the final home game of the season. They also weren't getting blow away in any of the loses. They also have an opportunity to gain some momentum going into the tournament, playing their final home game at UNLV. They have the pieces to put together a strong run in the tournament, but need big play from Nevill to make it happen.

The Tournament is Successful if... the Utes reach the conference finals. A making that deep would ensure at least a NIT bid.

The Tournament is a Disappointment if... the Utes lose in the first round, regardless of how they play in the game.

San Diego State Aztecs

Projected #4 (Games Left 3/8 @AFA)

Best Players - Lorrenzo Wade F (15.4 pts 4.7 rebs 3.3 ast 1.0 stl) Kyle Spain F (13.2 pts 5.4 rebs 1.2 ast 1.1 stl)

Story Lines Going Into Tournament - Kyle Spain one of the Aztecs top players was suspended for the year mid -season. The suspension of Kyle Spain has really hurt the Aztecs this season. The only quality win since the suspense was a home victory against BYU. The Aztecs do have the right talent to make a run in the tournament, but they would need a little luck to win it all.

The Tournament is Successful if... they make it to the finals and compete for the crown.

The Tournament is a Disappointment if... they lose in the first round, and don't get a NIT invite.

The Favorites - These teams should fight it to be conference tournament champions

New Mexico Lobos

Projected #3 (Games Left 3/08 @CSU)

Best Players - J.R. Giddens G (15.7 pts 8.6 rebs 3.0 ast 1.4 stl 1.2 blk) Chad Toppert G (10.5 pts 3.3 rebs 1.5 ast)

Story Lines Going Into Tournament - The Lobos have won 7 of their last 8 games, and are a lucky bounce in overtime against BYU from being on an eight game winning streak. While they lost to BYU, that game might have cemented J.R. Giddens as the conference player of the year. The Lobos are the hottest team in the Mountain West Conference, and are looking to keep things going in the tournament.

The Tournament is Successful if... they win the tournament and get an automatic bid into the tournament.

The Tournament is a Disappointment if... they suffer a terrible opening round lose. Making their hopes of getting into the NCAA tournament as a bubble team very slim.

BYU Cougars

Projected #1 (Games Left 3/5 WYO 3/8 @TCU)

Best Players - Tren Plaisted F/C (15.9 pts 8.0 rebs 1.6 ast) Lee Cummard G/F (15.9 pts 6.5 reb 3.4 ast 1.0 stl) Jonathan Tavernari G/F (13.0 pts 5.4 rebs 1.5 ast 1.3 stl)

Story Lines Going Into Tournament - Unless the Cougars fall apart in the last two games they will repeat as Mountain West regular season champions. The Cougars are loaded going into the tournament and are looking to avenge an early season melt down on the Rebels home court.

The Tournament is Successful if... they win the tournament or at least lose a close game in the championship. That should help the Cougars get a quality seed for the NCAA tournament.

The Tournament is a Disappointment if... BYU loses big in the opening round. Making them a bubble team that will either get a terrible seed or a snub from the tournament.

UNLV Rebels

Projected #2 (Games Left 3/8 UTAH)

Best Players - Wink Adams G (16.1 pts 4.0 rebs 3.3 ast 1.6 stl) Joe Darger F (11.8 pts 4.8 rebs 1.0 ast) Curtis Terry G/F (10.3 pts 3.3 rebs 4.9 ast 1.0 stl)

Story Lines Going Into Tournament - The Rebels were in the hunt for the Mountain West Conference regular season title, until they lost at New Mexico. The Rebels now have the opportunity to come back home and claim the tournament championship. Adams and Darger are hard to stop on their home court. The beat down they put on BYU proves that point.

The Tournament is Successful if... and only if they win the tournament. With the huge advantage the Rebels have from playing at home, anything less than the tournament victory would be a let done.

The Tournament is a Disappointment if... the Rebels lose in the opening round on their home court.

Read More >>>