Tag: BYU

Notre Dame part of tough nonconference schedules for Power Five teams

The Irish will be part of tough schedules for some teams this year.

Any team that has Notre Dame on its nonconference schedule automatically receives a bump in the strength of that schedule. Even during seasons in which the Irish struggle, there at least is a bump interest for that game. Either way, any matchup with the Irish is serious business.

Jerry Palm of CBS Sports has released a piece comparing nonconference schedules for the entire Football Bowl Subdivision. For the Power Five conferences and the AAC, he lists the nonconference schedules for the teams he believes have the toughest and weakest in those conferences. Notre Dame pops up in the toughest nonconference schedule for Georgia Tech in the ACC, USC in the Pac-12, and Cincinnati in the AAC. In fact, Palm ranks the Yellow Jackets as having the fifth toughest nonconference schedule in all of the FBS.

Here are the other nonconference opponents for all the teams that have the Irish on their schedules:

  • Georgia Tech: Georgia, Northern Illinois, Kennesaw State
  • USC: BYU, San Jose State
  • Cincinnati: Indiana, Miami (Ohio), Murray State

Could BYU’s NIL arrangement for football walk-ons lead to something similar for college golf programs?

BYU’s 36 walk-ons all got NIL deals in a way that will could change college athletics forever, and that includes college golf.

Why does BYU football matter in college golf? Because the Cougar program might have just devised an NIL (name, image, likeness) strategy that could play out down the road on college golf teams.

In men’s college golf the NCAA allots 4.5 scholarships for a Division I men’s golf program. Could this model be applied to a college golf team to allow an entire roster to not have to have to pay for tuition?

The waters of the NCAA’s name, image and likeness rules just continue to be really murky.

There aren’t really set guidelines on what deals players are allowed to participate in outside of a few distinct categories. It also is largely left up to schools to legislate players in their own ways.

So, of course with so many grey areas in play, boundaries are bound to be pushed. And that seems to be what’s happening with BYU’s new NIL deal for its players involving one of its partners, Built Brands, LLC.

Built Brands produces Built Bar energy products, which are essentially protein bars. On Thursday, BYU posted a video on social media with founder, Nick Greer, handing out deals to the walk-ons on the team.

As part of the deal, Built is paying the full tuition for the year for the 36 walk-ons on BYU’s roster, per the Deseret News. They’re also compensating the entire roster of 123 players, though the figures weren’t made clear.

In return for paying the player’s tuition, the team will wear Built Brands branded helmets in practice and participate in Built Brands events. They’ll also include Built “fueling areas” in the two football locker rooms.

Look, this is pretty good news. Anything that pays for the education of these student-athletes and properly compensates them for their work on the field is a pretty great thing. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most.

But this feels like a pretty huge loophole that could change the shape of college football as we know it.

BYU just got one of its partners to not only compensate its players but also pay the entire tuition for a year for their walk-ons. These players are no longer walk-ons — the entire “walk-on” concept disappeared when this deal was inked.

And that’s not a bad thing at all. The players should be paid. But BYU could easily use this as a recruiting pitch for future athletes. It’s not a scholarship, but it feels almost if it’s presented as one.

That last point is very important. This is not a scholarship. It’s a business deal. And as a business deal, this will be taxed. So does that mean the players will have to pay money on their tuition anyway? That’s an important question that needs to be answered.

Now, that doesn’t mean this is a bad deal or this is something the players shouldn’t do. By all means, when money is presented to you and the deal is right you should take it. But there’s reason to be skeptical about BYU’s intentions with all of this.

They’re just the first to do this. Other teams will almost certainly follow suit and offer these sorts of deals as perks to student-athletes.

And as they do, protections for these students will be more essential than ever on the back end.

This story originally appeared on ftw.usatoday.com.

BYU’s 36 walk-ons all got NIL deals in a way that will likely change college athletics forever

This is cool! But be skeptical of it.

The waters of the NCAA’s name, image and likeness rules just continue to be really murky.

There aren’t really set guidelines on what deals players are allowed to participate in outside of a few distinct categories. It also is largely left up to schools to legislate players in their own ways.

So, of course with so many grey areas in play, boundaries are bound to be pushed. And that seems to be what’s happening with BYU’s new NIL deal for its players involving one of its partners, Built Brands, LLC.

Built Brands produces Built Bar energy products, which are essentially protein bars. On Thursday, BYU posted a video on social media with founder, Nick Greer, handing out deals to the walk-ons on the team.

As part of the deal, Built is paying the full tuition for the year for the 36 walk-ons on BYU’s roster, per the Deseret News. They’re also compensating the entire roster of 123 players, though the figures weren’t made clear.

In return for paying the player’s tuition, the team will wear Built Brands branded helmets in practice and participate in Built Brands events. They’ll also include Built “fueling areas” in the two football locker rooms.

Look, this is pretty good news. Anything that pays for the education of these student-athletes and properly compensates them for their work on the field is a pretty great thing. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most.

But this feels like a pretty huge loophole that could change the shape of college football as we know it.

BYU just got one of its partners to, not only compensate its players but also pay the entire tuition for a year for their walk-ons. These players are no longer walk-ons — the entire “walk-on” concept was disappeared when this deal was inked.

And that’s not a bad thing at all! The players should be paid. But BYU could easily use this as a recruiting pitch for future athletes. It’s not a scholarship, but it feels almost if it’s presented as one.

That last point is very important. This is not a scholarship. It’s a business deal. And as a business deal, this will be taxed. So does that mean the players will have to pay money on their tuition anyway? That’s an important question that needs to be answered.

Now, that doesn’t mean this is a bad deal or this is something the players shouldn’t do. By all means, when money is presented to you and the deal is right you should take it. But there’s reason to be skeptical about BYU’s intentions with all of this.

They’re just the first to do this. Other teams will almost certainly follow suit and offer these sorts of deals as perks to student-athletes.

And as they do, protections for these students will be more essential than ever on the back end.

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Two Bradys argue over Notre Dame-BYU from 17 years ago

What else says college football quite like arguing over a game from 17 years ago?

Nothing says college football quite like arguing over a game that was played nearly 17 years ago.

With Notre Dame and BYU having recent “good conversations” about resuming the series, some of the college football world has taken an interest in another meeting.

Two people who wound up discussing exactly that are a couple of men who share the first name Brady, and who both played in the 2004 and 2005 contests between Notre Dame and BYU.

It started with former BYU linebacker Brady Poppinga:

Related:  Brutal Notre Dame losses – 2004 BYU

BYU AD: ‘Good discussions’ with Notre Dame about resuming series

Will these two independents get to play again soon?

In 2010, Notre Dame and BYU agreed to a six-game series that would run through 2020. Since then, the schools only have met in 2012 and 2013, both Irish victories. The series had to be de-emphasized after the Irish became tied to five ACC opponents a year, a deal which currently runs through 2037. Considering how long it’s been since these two independents have met, many have wondered if the deal still was in place.

However, Cougars athletic director Tom Holmoe recently addressed the situation, saying there have been “good discussions: for a game ‘that would benefit both of our schools.”

In early 2020, there was speculation that the programs eventually could play at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders. When COVID-19 put the 2020 season in flux, some thought it finally would be the year the series could resume. In the end, USF was the only program outside the ACC the Irish played during the regular season.

Both programs have 11 opponents scheduled for 2022. The Irish have at least 10 through 2026. Perhaps we’ll finally see this rivalry return sooner rather than later. Eventually, the agreed-to series will continue, but we don’t know how long it will take.

Why Joe Douglas compared Zach Wilson to Steve McNair

The Jets weren’t scared off by Zach Wilson’s easy college schedule at BYU, no more than the Oilers were of Steve McNair’s out of Alcorn State.

Zach Wilson’s easy schedule at BYU was one of the biggest knocks against him heading into the 2021 NFL draft. But Joe Douglas didn’t consider Wilson’s competition in college a major concern.

“That’s not his fault,” the Jets GM said Thursday night, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, “no more than it was Steve McNair’s fault about Alcorn State’s schedule when he was coming out.”

Wilson had a spectacular junior season in 2020, throwing for 3,692 yards, 33 touchdowns and just three interceptions while completing 73.5 percent of his passes. The Cougars, however, only played two top-25 teams last season, Boise State and Coastal Carolina. Wilson threw for 360 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions against the Broncos in a win, but struggled against the Chanticleers with just 260 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. Wilson went 2-4 against top-25 teams with eight touchdowns and five interceptions during his college career. 

This didn’t scare Douglas and the Jets away, though. He went as far as to compare Wilson to McNair. The Houston Oilers still picked McNair third overall in 1995 out of Alcorn State, an FCS school. McNair went on to have a successful 13-year NFL career before retiring in 2008. He tragically died in 2009 from multiple gunshot wounds.

Douglas saw McNair’s ability firsthand in Baltimore from 2006-2007. The GM also wasn’t scared off by Joe Flacco’s competition at Delaware before lobbying the Ravens to pick him 18th overall in 2008.

The Jets have a lot riding on Wilson to be their franchise quarterback. He’s the third one they’ve taken in the top-five of the draft since 2009 and will play in one of the most heavily scrutinized sports markets in the country. Douglas believes in Wilson, though, despite what he faced in college.

“Love the confidence, love the energy, love the passion,” Douglas said. “One of the things that really stood out was just his intensity. He sat on the edge of his seat. He was close to the camera. You could tell how intense and focused he was. The mental horsepower… was just really impressive.”

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Steve Young: Jets are a good place for Zach Wilson to land

Young thinks Wilson is talented enough to end the pattern of poor quarterback play in New York with help from Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh.

Another former BYU quarterback thinks Zach Wilson to the Jets is a lock at No. 2.

Hall of Famer Steve Young told ESPN’s Rich Cimini on the “Flight Deck” podcast that he believes Wilson will become a Jet on Thursday night. That part isn’t that shocking. People have connected Wilson to the Jets for weeks. What was surprising, though, is that Young said the Jets have turned the corner as an organization and actually insinuated New York would be a good place for Wilson to play.

“Look, I mean, if you asked me a year ago the bottom five places for a quarterback in the NFL, I would’ve picked the Jets as one of them,” Young said. “But there have been significant changes.”

A lot of that has to do with Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh, who Young credited with revamping the reputation of a franchise not known for developing quarterbacks. The Jets effectively squandered three young quarterbacks in the last decade – including two top-five picks – but Young thinks that pattern will end with Wilson.

“Every generation has a handful of guys that define the position,” Young said. “[Wilson]’s set up to be one of those. Now, can he go get it? Can he go do it? There are a lot of filters and a lot of hurdles and a lot of things you have to go through to get there, but I think he’s the No. 2 pick for the Jets because of what that looks like, because of his potential.”

Young already said the Jets “committed” to drafting Wilson earlier this month – Douglas avoided questions about the comments – and effectively doubled down on that assessment just 24 hours before the pick needs to be made.

“In the NFL draft, nothing is truly set until you put the name in,” Young said, “but short of some terrible review or something that comes out that changes the nature of what they’ve underwritten for Zach, it feels like there’s no question he’s their guy. They’ve had him locked in for quite a while.”

Young also praised Douglas for his preparation with this pick. From Young’s perspective, Douglas and the Jets did a lot of due diligence with Wilson before settling on him.

“Joe Douglas doesn’t play the fool. The man is very intent. He’s got rings on his fingers. He knows what he’s looking for,” Young said. “He knows this is kind of a defining moment for him. I think he’s done whatever he possibly can to vet this situation and it became pretty obvious to me that they’ve locked in on him.”

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Rookie Rundown: QB Zach Wilson, BYU

Zach Wilson poised to be a top-3 draft pick

Start spreading the news.

Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson may or may not be as good as Trevor Lawrence, but the consensus is that he’s a better draft pick than any other rookie this year. That means falling to the 1.02 pick by the New York Jets. That No. 3 spot varies greatly in projections and draft guesses but Wilson will be a Jet or the draft kicks off with a surprise.

As a true freshman, he started seven games and ended with a season-best 317 yards and four touchdowns against Western Michigan in the 2018 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl where he was named as the game MVP.

As a sophomore, he started nine games and ended up in the 2019 Hawaii Bowl where he was against the game MVP.

As a junior, he enjoyed a stellar year when he passed for 3,692 yards and 33 touchdowns and ran in ten more scores on his 70 rushes for 254 yards.  He ended as the MVP if the 2020 Boca Raton Bowl. He also beat BYU alum Steve Young’s school record with a 73.5% completion rate.

Wilson recorded 15 touchdowns as a rusher at BYU, but they were almost all short scores and he only averaged 3.0 yards per rush. He’s not a running quarterback per se but can certainly rush in touchdowns in addition to throwing them.

Height: 6-3
Weight: 210 pounds
40 time: 4.84 seconds

His star was rising after his sophomore season, but his strong junior campaign rocketed him up the draft boards. He had been hampered by a torn labrum that was repaired between his first two seasons. A right-hand injury impacted his second year and it too required surgery. But his junior season was all healthy and served up what Wilson was capable of doing.

Zach Wilson BYU stats (2018-20)

Year Games Runs Yards TD Pass Complete Yards Avg. TD Int QBR
2018 9 75 221 2 182 120 1578 13.2 12 3 157.2
2019 9 67 167 3 319 199 2382 12.0 11 9 130.8
2020 12 70 254 10 336 247 3692 14.9 33 3 196.4

Pros

  • Accurate passer
  • Big arm
  • Rarely makes an error
  • Can make any throw
  • Poised in pocket, almost fearless
  • Confident and very competitive
  • Big arm that can has touch on deep tosses
  • Throws very catchable ball
  • Smart player that excels reading defenses
  • Enough mobility to avoid rush and buy time
  • Burst as a runner helps notch short rushing scores
  • Expected to continue to improve
  • Athletic

Cons

  • Only had one big year
  • Did not face top competition
  • Could use more weight
  • Some character concerns as too confident
  • Needs work on anticipation
  • injuries in high school and in college

Fantasy outlook

There is a chance that the Jets surprise with their 1.02 pick and select Justin Fields, but odds are heavily leaning to Wilson ending up in New York where there has never been a 4,000-yard passer since the league went to 16 games in 1978. On the plus, he gets that extra 17th game this year to break the curse.

Sam Darnold never experienced the level of success expected when the Jets grabbed him in 2018 with their 1.03 pick. Or the 2009 1.05 pick they used on Mark Sanchez. The Jets history of underwhelming at the quarterback spot is lengthy and uncomfortable.

There’s a new coaching staff with HC Robert Saleh and OC Mike LaFleur, so the rebuild begins centered around Wilson. The talent of receivers remains below average, but they are expected to mine the draft for wideouts. The 2021 outlook is low given the installation of new schemes, new coaches, new players and just being Year 1 of a rebuild. His dynasty value is much higher, but even then the history of the position points to marginal fantasy position for the Jets and Wilson is just the newest young gun trying to turn the franchise around.

Watch: College highlights for newest Panthers WR Micah Simon

Here are some of Simon’s top highlights from his time in college.

The Panthers added another burner today, signing former BYU wide receiver Micah Simon. Simon (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) went undrafted last year but participated in his school’s recent pro day along with QB prospect Zach Wilson.

Simon turned some heads by running a 4.34 40-yard dash. At least it was enough to catch the attention of general manager Scott Fitterer.

Here are some of Simon’s top highlights from his time in college.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yivS9mqWqPk

Simon totaled 1,163 yards and seven touchdowns from scrimmage in 36 games with the Cougars.

It will be interesting to see where he lands Carolina’s depth chart. The exit of WR3 Curtis Samuel opens up a lot of opportunities for guys like him and former Seahawks wideout David Moore, who just signed a two-year deal.

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Lions’ Brad Holmes, Dan Campbell head to BYU’s pro day

Wilson was the feature attraction for several NFL teams picking in the top 10

It’s always notable when a team dispatches both the GM and the head coach to a single pro day. That’s what the Lions did on Friday, with general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell in prominent presence at BYU’s pro day.

The featured attraction and the presumptive reason for the heavy interest is quarterback Zach Wilson. The 6-2, 214-pounder is widely regarded as one of the top three QB prospects in this draft class. Campbell and Holmes have not shied away from saying the team is still in the quarterback market despite the presence of Jared Goff, even after his recent contract shuffling that strengthened the Lions’ financial commitment over the next two seasons.

Despite the considerable presence by the Lions, they were upstaged by the New York Jets. That team sent the GM, head coach and offensive coordinator to Provo to check out Wilson. And with the No. 2 pick in their possession, if the Jets contingency wants Wilson, they’ll get him before the Lions can even think about it at No. 7. Two other teams selecting before Detroit, the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles, also had both GM and head coach in person for Wilson’s workout.

Wilson is the obvious headliner, but he’s not the only Cougar prospect who could intrigue the Lions in next month’s draft. OT Brady Christensen is a middle-round talent who fits the Lions scheme and can play right tackle. Tight end Matt Bushman would be much more renowned if he didn’t miss 2020 with an injury; he’s a late-round option who was BYU’s top receiving talent in 2018-2019. Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga is a sturdy middle-round prospect as well.

Editor’s note–the Eagles traded out of the No. 6 pick during the process of writing this article. 

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