Tag: BYU

Notre Dame Named 11th-Most Dominant Program of Past 50 Years

A story from The Athletic has sought to determine college football’s 25 most dominant programs over the past 50 years.

A story from The Athletic has sought to determine college football’s 25 most dominant programs over the past 50 years. Rankings in 23 categories were averaged together to construct the list. All 65 Power Five teams, plus BYU, were eligible for consideration. When the list was completed, Notre Dame made the cut at 11th with a dominance score of 7.26 (Alabama, which topped the list, had a dominance score of minus 6.22).

In the past half-century, Notre Dame has three national championships, a .689 winning percentage and an average national rank of 10.26. Over the previous 50 years, the Irish earned eight national titles and the country’s best winning percentage at .760. If this list had been constructed for the 1920-1969 era using the same criteria, it’s likely Notre Dame would be at the top.

Alas, the past quarter-century hasn’t seen many dominant Irish teams. The 2012 and 2018 teams came close to national titles, but they were anomalies among seasons that either disappointed or featured losses in big games that could have pushed the program over the top had they turned out differently. The Notre Dame entry on this list concludes by saying that the Irish remain prestigious and capable of being great, but the true glory days continue to become more distant over time.

It’s hard to disagree with the ranking. While we should be grateful that the Irish are as relevant as ever, they aren’t the intimidating force they were when our parents and grandparents were growing up. If we’re lucky, the next 50 years of college football will be kinder to Notre Dame.

Gonzaga at BYU college basketball odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Gonzaga Bulldogs at BYU Cougars sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and bets.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs (27-1, 13-0 WCC) head south to battle the BYU Cougars (22-7, 11-3 WCC) at Marriott Center in Provo, Utah at 10 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Gonzaga-BYU odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

The Bulldogs are ranked 2nd in the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll.

Gonzaga at BYU: Three things you need to know

1. Gonzaga stumbled to a season-low 71 points last time out, but the Bulldogs still topped San Francisco 71-54 while narrowly covering the 16.5-point number. The Bulldogs showed that even at their worst they can still get the victory.

2. The last time these teams met it was Gonzaga winning 92-69 to easily cover a 13-point spread back in Spokane Jan.18. The over (158) connected, as well.

3. The Cougars have registered seven straight wins since losing at San Francisco Jan. 25. BYU has also won 12 in a row at Marriott Center since their lone setback of the season back on Nov. 9 against San Diego State.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Gonzaga at BYU: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Gonzaga 88, BYU 76

Moneyline (ML)

Gonzaga (-189) will continue its winning streak, but expect the ‘Dogs to be tested early and often by BYU (+155) before pulling away. AVOID and look to the line for much better value.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The BULLDOGS (-4.5, -106) will give bettors a little heart failure early on, as the Cougars (+4.5, -115) will give them their best shot. While it might be a close game, with the Cougars perhaps even winning at the break, look for the Bulldogs to pull away in the final 10 minutes of this game for the victory and cover. Last season, Gonzaga won 93-63 at Provo on Jan. 31, 2019. Expect this one to be a little tighter.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 158.5 (-110) is the play, although it might be really close. The Over has cashed in six straight at home for BYU while going 5-0 in the past five on the road for Gonzaga. As mentioned, the Over also hit in the first meeting between these two earlier in the season.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Mountain West Conference’s All-Time Three-Point Leaders: Justinian Jessup Seeks Top Spot

A Record Will Be Set Tonight In Laramie. Justinian Jessup looks to become the conferences all-time three-point shooter with just one knocked down triple. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire A look back at some of the deadliest three-point …

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A Record Will Be Set Tonight In Laramie. 

Justinian Jessup looks to become the conferences all-time three-point shooter with just one knocked down triple. 

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

A look back at some of the deadliest three-point shooters in conference history.

As this week’s slate of conference games are set to kick off tonight, a bit of history is also set to be made by a certain Bronco in Laramie. Justinian Jessup is currently tied for first with former Mountain West star and BYU great Jimmer Fredette, for the all-time leader in three-point field goals made in Mountain West Conference history. It’s a big honor for any player, getting your name in the record books. But it has to feel a bit different seeing your name atop those record books in true dominant fashion.

As Jessup knocked down two threes in Boise State’s 73-64 win over Nevada over the weekend, he also stepped into the number one spot, tying Fredette with 296 made threes. He’s been able to do so in less games overall, with 120 games under his belt so far compared to Fredette’s 139.

With any knocked down three-point shots going forward, Jessup will become the Mountain West Conference’s sole all-time leader. While looking to be the only person to reach three hundred made three-point field goals in conference history with only four threes needed and at least a guaranteed eight games left to do it.

Now with the rest of the season to take sole ownership of first place, hit the 300 mark and create a gap between him and any other challenges on the list. Let’s revisit the career 3-Point field goal leaders top-10 list, which does feature another active player possibly capable of catching up to Jessup with his remaining eligibility.

The Top 10

T-1. Jimmer Fredette, BYU 2008-2011

3-Point Field Goals: 296

Career Stats: 18.7 PPG 3.7 APG 2.6 RPG 1.2 SPG & .394 3P%

Best Shooting Season: 2010-2011, Made 124 of his 313 three-pointer field goal attempts compared to 172 in the first three years of his career.

Jimmer mania was huge in 2011, a small list of accolades garnered in that season include; nation’s leading scorer, conference POY, National POY, 1st-team All-American and lottery pick (yeah, I know). Fredette made it rain from beyond the arc, sometimes closer to the half-court mark than the three-point line. Even with BYU’s exit from the Mountain West and Fredette’s lest than a stellar professional career, I think he is still a key component in the conference’s aim for national recognition and an all-time great.

Justinian Jessup, Boise State 2017-Current

3-Point Field Goals: 296

Career Stats: 11.9 PPG 4.1 RPG 2.0 APG & .407 3P%

Best Shooting Season: 2017-2018, Made a career-high 90 of his 197 three-point field goal attempts, good enough for 45% from deep that year.

Jessup should see his name atop the list by season’s end, but how far above everyone else is completely up to him. He has had a pretty impactful career in Boise, starting 111 of his 120 career games and cementing a legacy as a Bronco on the court as one of the best shooters in conference history.

2. Nick Jacobson, Utah 2001-2004 

3-Point Field Goals: 287

Career Stats: 12.7 PPG 2.1 RPG 1.2 APG & 42.6 3P%

Best Shooting Season: 2003-2004, Made a career-high 99 of his 227 three-point field goal attempts, good enough for 43% from deep that year.

Jacobson was lights out from beyond the arc during his time in Salt Lake City. Jacobson grew as a player in every season as a Ute and as a senior led Utah to a 3rd place finish in the Mountain West, a conference tournament championship and an NCAA tournament berth before falling 51-58 to Boston College in the first round. Jacobson never made his way onto an NBA roster but did have several summer league appearances and played a bit overseas in the Euro Cup.

3. Sam Merrill, Utah State 2017-Current

3-Point Field Goals: 285

Career Stats: 16.1 PPG 3.6 ROG 3.6 APG & 42.0 3P%

Best Shooting Season: 2017-2018, Made a career-high 98 of his 211 three-point field goal attempts, good enough for 46% from deep that year.

Merrill is the only player aside from Jessup with any college eligibility left on this list. Both seniors, Merrill only has eight guaranteed games to catch up to Jessup but would need a near-flawless performance the rest of the way and a heck of a lot of threes to surpass him. Anything is possible but Merrill is having a bit of a down year in the shooting department, nevertheless, he will still go down as one of the more lethal players from deep in conference history.

4. Brandon Heath, San Diego State 2004-2007 

3-Point Field Goals: 281

Career Stats: 17.5 PPG 3.4 RPG 3.2 APG & 35.2 FG3%

Best Shooting Season: 2005-2006, Made 98 of his 240 three-point field goal attempts, good enough for 41% from deep that year.

Everyone knows what state the San Diego State Aztecs program was in when Steve Fisher took over in 1999. Consistent years hovering just above .500 or well below, it was players like Brandon Heath who helped take the San Diego State program from the cellar of the Mountain West and molded it into the premier program we know today. Heath is still the Aztec’s all-time leading scorer and his scoring prowess has given him a successful career in Europe with a couple of stints in the NBA’s G-League.

5. Anthony Drmic, Boise State 2014-2017 

3-Point Field Goals: 275

Career Stats: 14.8 PPG 4.6 RPG 1.9 APG & 35.0 FG3%

Best Shooting Season: 2012-2013, Made 80 of his 204 three-point field goal attempts, good enough for 39% from deep that year.

Drmic is one of three Boise State Broncos on the list and one of two Australians. He was a scoring force during his time at Taco Bell Arena (yes that felt good to type). Drmic did receive a fifth year of eligibility due to the 2014-2015 season cut short due to injury but was a consistent threat from deep and is still knocking them down from deep in Australia’s NBL with the Adelaide 36ers.

6. Chad Toppert, New Mexico 2006-2009

3-Point Field Goals: 266

Career Stats: 8.4 PPG 2.5 RPG 0.9 APG & 43.9 FG3%

Best Shooting Season: 2007-2008, Made 85 of his 177 three-point field goal attempts, good enough for 48% from deep that year.

Toppert made a living on the three-point line in the Pit, especially in the corners and off of ball screens freeing him and his jump shot up to rain threes. The Albuquerque native was a part of a golden era for native New Mexicans taking the court in cherry and silver and he went on to enjoy a career in Europe and in the NBA’s G-League.

7. Jonathan Tavernari, BYU 2007-2010 

3-Point Field Goals: 265

Career Stats: 11.5 PPG 5.0 RPG 1.4 APG & 38.0 FG3%

Best Shooting Season: 2008-2009, Made 85 of his 223 three-point field goal attempts, good enough for 38% from deep that year.

The Brazilian forward was a scoring threat and mismatch nightmare for the Cougars back in the Mountain West. Tavernari saw his role as a scorer diminish as Jimmer Fredette’s game began to grow. He is still one of the best Cougars to play in the conference’s first decade of existence and went on to enjoy a professional career in Europe and Latin America while also representing his native Brazil in FIBA competition in 2009 and 2010 winning gold medals in both.

8. Nick Duncan, Boise State 2014-2017 

3-Point Field Goals: 250

Career Stats: 8.8 PPG 3.5 RPG 1.2 APG & 36.6 FG3%

Best Shooting Season: 2014-2015, Made 76 of 198 three-point field goal attempts, good enough for 38% from deep that year.

Ah yes, the famed Australian forward built like an offensive tackle Nick Duncan. Duncan was a fan favorite across the Mountain West (depending on which team you were rooting for). And will always go down as the big man who could knock down threes, and the guy who flipped off Utah State fans making fun of his weight (265 pounds during at the time of the incident).

9. Johnnie Bryant, Utah 2006-2008

3-Point Field Goals: 245

Career Stats: 14.1 PPG 2.6 RPG 2.1 APG & 44.0 FG3%

Best Shooting Season: 2007-2008, Made 89 of his 201 three-point field goal attempts, good enough for 44% from deep that year.

Scary to think of what Bryant could have done with just one more season in Salt Lake City after spending his freshman year of college in juco at San Francisco City College. If he would have had a similar fourth year of production at the division-I level, he could have ended his career atop this list with a healthy buffer between him and 2nd place.Still attached to the game Bryant currently enjoys a career on the sidelines still, as an assistant coach with the Utah Jazz.

T-10. Andy Birley, Colorado State 2000-2003 

3-Point Field Goals: 235

Career Stats: 8.6 PPG 1.8 RPG 2.7 APG & 42.3 FG3%

Best Shooting Season: 2002-2003, Made 90 of his 213 three-point field goal attempts, good enough for 42% from deep that year.

Birley and his teammates back in 2003 were apart of a Cinderella-like run that led the Rams to an NCAA tournament berth and still holds the record for lowest Mountain West tournament seed to ever win the tournament to this day.

Shaun Green, Utah 2006-2009 

3-Point Field Goals: 235

Career Stats: 8.9 PPG 5.0 RPG 2.2 APG & 41.2 FG3%

Best Shooting Season: 2006-2007, Made 64 of his 125 three-point field goal attempts, good enough for 51% from deep that year.

Green is the second player mentioned on the list standing above 6-7, and was a hometown kid from near by Olympus High School. Big men with a touch from beyond the arc are always in demand, and his shooting ability took Green to Europe and Latin America to enjoy a nice professional career after his time in the Mountain West.

This list has some fan favorites and some of the best shooters in the Mountain West’s relatively short existence. It’s hard to tell when someone else will climb these ranks in the near future, with some names on the list whose eligibility ran out years ago and a few down the list with the chance to make a climb in seasons to come. Record-setting is always exciting and we should all tune in to the game in Laramie tonight to see it happen.

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Notre Dame Football: Future BYU Matchup

Much has been made recently of Notre Dame’s future schedule as we learned last week they’d be paying Cal 1.9 million dollars for a contest at Notre Dame Stadium in 2022. On that same note we received a bit of information about another future …

Much has been made recently of Notre Dame’s future schedule as we learned last week they’d be paying Cal 1.9 million dollars for a contest at Notre Dame Stadium in 2022.

On that same note we received a bit of information about another future opponent for the Fighting Irish, as BYU’s athletic director made it known that Notre Dame still owes BYU a home game (at BYU).

Or at least a game where BYU wears the home uniforms.

Notre Dame hasn’t played BYU since the 2012 and 2013 seasons as both games were played in South Bend. That was originally set to be a six game series that was cut down to three after Notre Dame announced its sweetheart deal with the ACC.

However, that third game in which BYU is to be the home team still hasn’t been scheduled.

Because of the proximity to Las Vegas and the brand new Raiders stadium being completed there a lot of belief is that the game could and should be played there. Obviously Notre Dame enjoys NFL venues, if you don’t believe just look at their schedule this coming season.

But as Jude from over at One Foot Down points out, the game potentially being played in Vegas makes sense for another reason.

I’m not as worried about Notre Dame crossing off the 50 states checklist but the amount of passionate Catholics or Mormons in the area doesn’t hurt the cause.

I’m all for it being in Vegas for two reasons:

1) How many NFL venues or trips does Notre Dame play in that feel unique or special? Their first time playing in Las Vegas would absolutely accomplish that.

2) I’m team “Avoid Provo, Utah at all costs.”

Nothing against the fine folks who live there but it given the choice of playing there, where strange things just tend to happen (see 2004 opener or ask USC & Boise State about last year) or in Las Vegas, it’s an easy answer for me, 21 times out of 21.

Notre Dame and BYU have met eight times on the gridiron with the first in the series being played in 1992. The Irish lead the all-time series 6-2. Six of the games have been played in Notre Dame Stadium while the Irish have twice made the trip west to Provo, splitting those two contests (1993 and 2004).

Air Force Football: Top Five Moments from 2019

Moment #2 from 2019 Two Years is Two Too Many Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Were still counting down the five most memorable moments of the Falcon’s 2019 football season. In case you missed our first three installments of this five part series, …

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Moment #2 from 2019

Two Years is Two Too Many

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

Were still counting down the five most memorable moments of the Falcon’s 2019 football season. In case you missed our first three installments of this five part series, check them out here  Part 1 , Part 2 and Part 3 .

COMING IN AT #2

November 2, 2019 Air Force 17 vs. Army 13

For any leg of the Military Academies Battle for the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy, it can be expected to be hotly contested, regardless of team records. Coming into their 2019 clash with Army, Air Force had already lost to Navy earlier in the year, making the teams number one goal each season, a trip to the White House, already out of reach.

Army consequently was still searching for their footing when they traveled to Colorado Springs. They were one loss away from being eliminated from Bowl Consideration, but the ultimate prize was still within reach for Cadets from West Point; The Commander-In-Chief’s trophy. Army finishes the season against Navy, therefore a win at Air Force not only would have kept their Bowl aspirations alive, but a third consecutive trip to meet the President.

When you lay all that was at stake for Army out there, you could easily be fooled into attributing the motivation factor to their sideline. To borrow a phrase from Lee Corso “not so fast, my friend”. The Falcons had endured two consecutive losses to the Black Knights, and the Army team and fan base has been spewing reminders of it for the full 24 months.

Its almost as if the Army contingent had forgotten that Air Force had won 18 of their 20 meetings prior. Perhaps that’s more palatable than a friendly reminder of how Air Force has also captured the CIC Trophy 18 times, as compared to their eight. But who’s counting?

The beauty of this rivalry is that none of the aforementioned matters when Military Academies play. These are bitter rivalry games, and the play on the field reflects that. But there is something beautiful about these games, and as a football fan you have to appreciate that individuals that are ready and willing to die for one another can flip a switch to punish one another for a full four quarters, without batting an eye.

The 2019 meeting between Army and Air Force was certainly of that bruising variety, which it was apparent that neither team would leave an ounce of breath on the field.

Coming into the game, you would have thought that a slight offensive edge belonged to Air Force because of D.J. Hammond’s ability to throw the ball. That was not the case at all this day, as Hammond’s most critical contributions came in his decision making, and modest yet grueling rush yards, which the Falcon’s needed every one of.

Jabari Laws on the other hand came out slinging and had a career day throwing the ball for over 200 yards. So while the Falcon defense kept the Army run game well below its average, the passing game became the real wild card.

In the end, multiple fourth down stops by the Air Force defense were the difference. A theme as the season went on, as we saw. This was a showing of fortitude by both teams, but in the end, the Falcons did what they have done more often than not against Army; Air Force Sang Second.

Next Time We Reveal Air Force’s Top Moment from 2019!

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Air Force Football: Top Five Moments from 2019 (Part 3)

Moment #3 from 2019 The Kings of Colorado Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Were still counting down the five most memorable moments of the Falcon’s 2019 football season. In case you missed our first two installments of this five part series, check …

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Moment #3 from 2019

The Kings of Colorado

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

Were still counting down the five most memorable moments of the Falcon’s 2019 football season. In case you missed our first two installments of this five part series, check them out here  Part 1 or Part 2 .

COMING IN AT #3

The Claim to Colorado: Air Force 30 at Colorado 23 | Air Force 38 at Colorado State 21

During the off-season if you looked ahead at the Air Force schedule, it appeared a daunting one. On top of the Mountain Division regulars, which includes rival Colorado State and the Commander-In-Chief series opponents, the Falcons landed in state foes, in the Colorado Buffaloes for 2019.

During the Mountain West’s media days, Troy Calhoun was as quick to remark on just how difficult their schedule looked. Going as far as to say its the toughest he’s seen at the Academy.

Hyperbole? Not necessarily.

The Falcons already had difficult games against Boise State, Wyoming and Utah State built into the calendar, along with the Rams at CSU. You can always count on two prize-fights against Army and Navy each year as well. Pair all of that up with a trip to Boulder to face an NFL potential talent at quarterback, defensive line, linebacker and an elite receiver, and the schedule quickly becomes legit.

The caveat of interest built into this schedule was the Battle for Colorado though. Air Force plays Colorado State every year. The Rams play the Buffaloes each season. But with the odds of Haley’s comet, the stars aligned, and the Falcons completed the Colorado trinity by facing the Buff’s for the first time since Nixon was in office.

The Falcons season couldn’t have gotten off to a more thrilling start, trading blows with an opponent from the PAC12. They could have viewed this game as a confidence builder to stay within a score, coming off of back to back 5-7 seasons. But instead, Air Force began their validation process to show just how special this team was in 2019.

After four quarters of back and forth lead changes, the Buff’s wrestled away a 10 point lead late in the game to send it into overtime. From there, the defense did their part, fending off a talented Colorado offense, and the offense did what they did a lot of this season; score touchdowns. Like a dagger to the heart, Kade Remsberg projects across the goal line, securing victory in the first leg of the battle for Colorado.

It wasn’t until mid November that Air Force would have the opportunity to complete their sweep of the state. Between their games in Boulder and Fort Collins, the Falcons stacked up another 5  wins before lining up against the Rams. As fate would have it, that would exceed the win total for the Rams for the entire 2019 season.

Air Force entered the contest with Colorado State full of confidence, and the end result reflected it. After going down 14-0 in the first quarter, the Falcons didn’t flinch. Completely dominating the balance of the game, and outscoring the Rams 38-7 from that point on.

Make no mistake, this was not the Commander-In-Chief’s trophy. However, these are in state rivals, and all three of these teams wanted this series. Its a shame this can’t be a more regularly played trilogy, but maybe it will find a way to land on the schedule more frequently in the future.

Reflective of the season that was for Air Force, the battle for Colorado went to the best team. And in nearly every game they played this year, a similar result would yield. All Hail the Kings of Colorado, the United States Air Force Academy!

Next We Will the second most epic moment of the 2019 season

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Air Force Football: Top Five Moments from 2019

Moment #4 from 2019 Bugg says Aloha for 92 yards and the score Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Were counting down the top five moments of the Falcon’s 2019 football season. If you missed our initial post on the 5th ranked moment, you can check it …

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Moment #4 from 2019

Bugg says Aloha for 92 yards and the score

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

Were counting down the top five moments of the Falcon’s 2019 football season. If you missed our initial post on the 5th ranked moment, you can check it out here.

COMING IN AT #4

October 19, 2019: Air Force 56 at Hawai’i 26

Before Nick Rolovich’s Warriors from Hawai’i cemented themselves as the darlings of the West Division, they had a less than memorable meeting with the Cadets from Colorado Springs.

Prior to playing either of the Mountain Division powers, Hawai’i had begun to string together a nice season. They started the year off by knocking off two of their three power five opponents from the PAC 12. They then proceeded to dismantle their division rivals, Nevada by 51 points, all before the calendar turned to October.

After a 22 point loss on the Blue Turf to Boise, Hawai’i headed back to the island to prepare for Air Force. Things did not get any easier.

A prolific run-and-shoot passing offense that the Bows’ deployed, looked poise to feast on a Falcon defense that was coming off of a lackluster 2018, by their own admission. To make things even bleaker, the Falcons lost their starting quarterback, D.J. Hammond early in this game, and backup Isaiah Sanders was unavailable due to injury.

Enter, super senior Michael Schmidt. Under Schmidt, the offense didn’t miss a beat. In fact, the Air Force attack thrived under his control. Not only did the Falcons ground game have its way with Hawai’i, seeing Timothy Jackson and Schmidt clear 100 yards, with Kadin Remsberg not far behind, but the passing attack was humming as well.

The Air Force offense was operating at such a high level, it wouldn’t of mattered really how effective the Cole McDonald led pass attack was this day. The Falcons seemingly scored at will, but to make things worse for Hawai’i fans, we learned this day that the Air Force defense had completely turned the page from last year. Not only had they improved, but the defense was a force as we learned by seasons end.

Once the dust settled, Air Force handed Hawai’i a 30 point beat down. This was made possible by a relentless defensive effort that was topped off with a 92 yard interception return for a touchdown by Tre Bugg, sure to earn play of the year considerations this year.

And offensively, you couldn’t help but to appreciate what Mike Schmidt was able to do with his opportunity. Having less than a handful of snaps in his four years with the team prior, he cashed in with 120 yards on the ground and three touchdowns, to go along with 147 through the air and another score.

Next We Will Unveil Moment #3

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Air Force Football: Top Five Moments from 2019

Falcon Arial Assault Waters, Sanders and Hammond have Game for the Ages Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire When you put together a historical season as Air Force just did, the ride is usually composed of a lot of thrills. With the 2019 season in the …

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Falcon Arial Assault

Waters, Sanders and Hammond have Game for the Ages

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

When you put together a historical season as Air Force just did, the ride is usually composed of a lot of thrills. With the 2019 season in the books, lets take some time to reflect on some of the most memorable moments of the Falcons season.

COMING IN AT #5

November 23, 2019 Air Force 44 at New Mexico 22

Remember the Air Force game against New Mexico back in November, where D.J. Hammond missed that one pass? You know, the one where he literally threw a single incomplete pass!

If you missed this performance, or somehow forgot, allow me to reminisce. The Falcon ground game wasn’t their normal selves, chewing up a little more than 200 yards on the ground. Normally you might ask, what happened to their other 1/3 of rushing production?

The reality is, the firm of ‘Waters, Sanders and Hammond’ were so dominant, the normal workhorse backfield of Air Force was adjourned early. Even though Ben Waters and Geraud Sanders were the only players to catch passes this day, they tuned up the Lobo defense to the tune of 327 yards and four tuddies.

These guys along with quarterback, D.J. Hammond put up video game like numbers. Waters hauled in four passes that accounted for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Sanders on the other-hand was only able to grind out 156 yards on his five catches while matching his counterpart in touchdowns.

These two averaged 42 and 31 yards per catch respectively. If that number seems off-the-charts, it is. And much like the end of season stats supported, Sanders led the country in yards per catch. While Waters would have led the country if he had enough catches to qualify. In case your wondering, that was 700 yards and seven touchdowns on the season, which did not qualify.

Anytime you throw more touchdowns than incomplete passes, you have had a pretty special game. When you say that you threw three more touchdowns than incomplete passes, you are a liar.

Or, you were D.J. Hammond on this night. The Falcons trigger-man amassed 327 yards passing, while completing 9 out of 10 passes for four touchdowns. This was garnished well with another trip to paydirt on 41 rush yards, for a five total touchdown performance.

The numbers this offense compiled that night were impressive. But to truly appreciate this accomplishment, you have to understand that this is conventionally a run-heavy triple option offense. And even at that, the efficiency which these guys were able to surgically dismember their opponent was nothing short of spectacular.

Next We Revisit Moment #4

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Bowl Season: Mountain West Conference Simulated Results

A simulation run using updated rosters for the EA Sports NCAA 14 Football game was done to see how the Mountain West did this Bowl Year.

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How did the MWC fair this Bowl Season?

Thanks to the NCAA 14 Football Game- We have all the Bowl Insights!

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

Earlier this fall, we covered how the NCAA Football Game Dynasty by EA Sports was still alive and well, even after production of the game stopped in 2014. If you missed it, take a look here.

Using the newly updated rosters for every team on the game, we were able to create real simulation results based on these 2019 teams. We matched-up every team in the Mountain West with their 2019/2020 Bowl Opponent, using the actual locations and players. The games were completely simulated with no user interaction.

Let’s go Bowl by Bowl and see how things shook out!

FRISCO BOWL, DEC. 20: UTAH STATE VS. KENT STATE

If the simulation is any indicator, folks who take in the Frisco Bowl are in for a treat. Jordan Love pulls a George Costanza, and leaves the Aggies on a high note (both puns intended) racking up over 300 yards passing to edge Kent State by three, with a 31-28 victory.

The Utah State defense also came up big holding the Golden Flash to 40% in the Red Zone and forcing two turnovers.

NEW MEXICO BOWL, DEC. 21: SAN DIEGO STATE VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN

Next up is the New Mexico Bowl which every Aztec fan would be thrilled to have the simulated results. The folks from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan may take umbrage with the notion of San Diego State racking up 41 points though.

I don’t question the Aztecs ability to pound the ball on the ground like the results reflect, behind a strong performance from Juwan Washington. But I do have to wonder what happened to ignite a 41 – 10 drubbing.

LAS VEGAS BOWL, DEC. 21: BOISE STATE VS. WASHINGTON

The kings of the (Mountain) West got reacquainted with their old coach, in most inhospitable fashion. Despite featuring the games most highly rated player in the MWC, Curtis Weaver, it wasn’t enough to knock off the Huskies.

I’m sure Jacob Eason of Washington would be very happy to showcase a near 400 yard passing performance in front of the scouts to increase his draft stock. Mountain West Wire’s resident Bronco, Raj may want to protest the results of this 13 point defeat.

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Future Hoops Foes: Week Five Recap of Week Six’s Opponents

Taking a Look At Week Six’s Mountain West Opponent’s Performances in Week Five Each Mountain West Teams Opponents for Week 6 Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Take a look at each team’s opponents for this week and how they did last week. …

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Taking a Look At Week Six’s Mountain West Opponent’s Performances in Week Five

Each Mountain West Teams Opponents for Week 6

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Take a look at each team’s opponents for this week and how they did last week.

Future Foes Week Five Recap:

Back to normal in the world of Future Hoops Foes going into the second week of December. 

Air Force Falcons (4-6, 1-1)

Sat, Dec. 14th

Denver Pioneers:

Rodney Billups‘ Pioneer squad is 4-6 on the year after a 19 point loss at UCLA this past Sunday. Not much was expected of this years Denver team as it was picked to finish last in the Summit League. They might surprise a few folks come conference play as they have wins against a Utah Valley team that went toe-to-toe with Kentucky in Rupp Arena this past month and Cal-St. Fullerton who was picked to finish fifth in a competitive Big West Conference this year.

Watch out for senior guard Ade Murkey, as the big guard out of Minneapolis is averaging a team high 12.8 PPG and has scored in double figures in four straight contests.

Boise State Broncos (5-3, 1-1)

Wed, Dec. 11th

Tulsa Golden Hurricanes:

The Golden Hurricanes are 7-2 and are receiving contributions from a little bit of everyone. Frank Haith’s squad was picked to finish tenth in the American this year and that may still be an accurate prediction, as Tulsa has yet to face a big ticket opponent aside from maybe Vanderbilt and the American will be scrappy come conference play. The true tests come in the month of December in road games at Arkansas and Kansas State, not to mention Boise State at home this week.

There are five players averaging eight points or better but the Hurricanes are led by Juco transfer Brandon Rachal averaging 15.9 PPG, which includes a 30 point performance in a win against Austin Peay.

Sat, Dec. 14th

Alabama State Hornets:

The Hornets are currently 1-6 on the season, and that lone win comes against Chicago State who just broke a 53-game losing streak on the road. Scoring is in short supply for an Alabama State team who is averaging 56.6 PPG as a team. But senior guard Tobi Ewuosho leading the team with 14.1 PPG and had a season high 23 points against a good Houston squad.

Colorado State Rams (6-5, 0-2)

Tues, Dec. 10th

South Dakota State Jackrabbits:

First year head coach Eric Henderson is 6-5 on the year but lacks a signature win going into Tuesday’s game in Fort Collins. A win against the Rams may be his best chance at giving his team momentum going into conference play as they are currently riding a two game losing streak. Look out for junior forward Doug Wilson as he is doing his best to replace the scoring prowess of David Jenkins Jr. and Mike Daum with a team high 16.5 PPG and 7.4 RPG.

Fri, Dec. 13th

Colorado Buffaloes:

Tad Boyle‘s squad is coming off of their first loss of the season on the road at Kansas, and need to knock down more shots after going just 18-60 from the field in Allen Field house on Saturday. The Buffaloes are led by Mckinley Wright IV and Tyler Bey who lead a deep team into Fort Collins looking for a second straight win against the Rams after a six point win at home last season. The Buffaloes are still a very dangerous team and should be looking to avoid creating a losing streak which would include their instate rival, but a win for the Rams at home would make for a great blemish on Colorado’s tournament resume.

Fresno State Bulldogs (2-6, 0-2)

Wed, Dec. 11th

California Golden Bears:

The Golden Bears are in a bit of a rebuilding year but have shown promise. Sophomore guard Matt Bradley is leading the charge with 17.0 PPG and has capable players around him, making CAL a be a bit better than their last place prediction in the PAC-12 may suggest. At least outside of the PAC-12 with an overtime win against UNLV under their belt. Mark Fox’s team is looking to break a two game losing streak heading to Fresno on Wednesday and if the Bulldogs aren’t careful, they could give CAL a 2-0 record against the Mountain West.

Sat, Dec. 14th

Cal Poly Mustangs:

The Mustangs are 2-7 on the season but are coming off of a four-point win over Siena on Saturday at home. It hasn’t been pretty for Cal Poly so far in the season and Saturday’s win was the first win over an NCAA division one opponent. But they will try and rally behind sophomore guard Junior Ballard (12.7 PPG) and former Boise State Bronco Malek Harwell (10.3 PPG) to get a win in Fresno this weekend.

Nevada Wolf Pack (7-3, 1-0)

Tues, Dec. 10th

Brigham Young Cougars:

All eyes should be on the Cougars this week as star forward Yoeli Childs is two games into his senior season and ready to make an impact for first year head coach Mark Pope. BYU has been a bit of a mixed bag, and their 7-4 record when further examined might tell you that. A last minute buzzer beater against the other Cougars in Houston followed by an overtime loss in Boise then a win against UCLA followed by a loss to at the time No. 4 Kansas, it’s been a lot.

Most recently they started a three game stretch playing the Mountain West and are 1-0 with a 33 point neutral site win over UNLV this past weekend. The Cougars now have four players averaging double digits and have become the BYU team we all were anxious to see back in August. The Wolf Pack have an opportunity for a solid win on Tuesday and you can bet we will be watching.

New Mexico Lobos (9-2, 2-0)

Sat, Dec. 14th

New Mexico State Aggies:

Part Two of the Rio Grande Rivalry will take place in Albuquerque this weekend, and I think the story line has to be Paul Weir looking for just his second win ever against the Lobo’s in-state rivals. The Aggies have been given a slight bug from the injury bug himself and have been without senior leader A.J. Harris and wing Clayton Henry thus far. They combined for about fourteen points a game last season but brought a defensive presence and play making abilities that may be lacking on an Aggie team that is 5-5 on the season. Even though the time tables are close I don’t expect to see Harris or Clayton suit in Albuquerque on Saturday as of right now.

New Mexico State avenged an earlier season loss to UTEP this past week and could go .500 in rivalry games with a win on Saturday. Look out for senior wing Trevelin Queen who had a season high 23 Points against the Lobos in their first meeting this season. And don’t forget sophomore guard Jabari Rice who is having a great season doubling his playing time while quadrupling his scoring output.

No. 25 San Diego State Aztecs (10-0, 2-0)

None

San Jose State Spartans (3-7, 0-2)

Sat, Dec. 14th

Stanford Cardinals:

The Cardinals are 8-1 on the season with their only loss coming by 1 point against an undefeated top-25 ranked Butler squad. Stanford is led by German forward Oscar Da Silva who leads the team with 16.6 PPG and is coming off of his best game of the season against UNC-Wilmington. Backing him up is freshman guard Tyrell Terry with 15.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.2 APG and 2.1 SPG. He can do a bit of everything and compliments Da Silva and a rotation filled with youth and experience.

Nevada-Las Vegas Running Rebels (4-7, 1-0)

None

Utah State Aggies (9-1, 2-0)

Tues, Dec. 10th

St. Katherine Firebirds:

St. Katherine is an NAIA team out of San Marcos, CA and are currently 3-8 on the year so far. The Firebirds are led by junior guard Zethan Dumpson who is averaging 13.3 PPG and had a season high 20 points against NAIA No. 10 ranked Arizona Christian in early November. The Aggies are undefeated against NAIA opponents and should stay that way heading in the weekend against in-state rival BYU.

Sat, Dec. 14th

Brigham Young Cougars:

All eyes should be on the Cougars this week as star forward Yoeli Childs is two games into his senior season and ready to make an impact for first year head coach Mark Pope. BYU has been a bit of a mixed bag, and their 7-4 record when further examined might tell you that. A last minute buzzer beater against the other Cougars in Houston followed by an overtime loss in Boise then a win against UCLA followed by a loss to at the time No. 4 Kansas, it’s been a lot.

Most recently they started a three game stretch playing the Mountain West and are 1-0 with a 33 point neutral site win over UNLV this past weekend. The Cougars now have four players averaging double digits and have become the BYU team we all were anxious to see back in August. The Wolf Pack have an opportunity for a solid win on Tuesday and you can bet we will be watching.

Wyoming Cowboys (3-7, 0-2)

Sat, Dec. 14th

Northern Colorado Bears:

The Bears are 4-4 but are more dangerous than their record reflects. Northern Colorado was picked to finish in the top five of their conference in both the media and coaches preseason polls. This even after losing guard Jordan Davis who averaged 23.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG and 4.7 APG last season. They have some weapons, and it starts with sophomore guard Bodie Hume who is averaging 16.6 PPG and 4.3 RPG. Hume has help though, and senior guard Jonah Radebaugh is a go to player for the Bears. Radebaugh is a 6’3 guard but is second on the team in rebounding at 7.0 RPG and leads the team in assists with 4.4 a game.

Side Note:

Make sure to revisit our Head of the Class article to check up on the best players around the conference ranked based on class.

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