SB Nation - New Mexico St. Aggies

Boise State finishes regular season undefeated, breezes by New Mexico State, 42-7

Kevan Lee — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:07:41 -0000

15 days ago: Boise State's Titus Young, left, makes a reception against the defense of New Mexico State's Davon House during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Matt Cilley)

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Boise State sailed to an easy win over New Mexico State on Saturday, beating the Aggies 42-7 and wrapping up an undefeated regular season. Was it enough for a BCS bid? Tonight's Texas-Nebraska game might have something to say about it, and you can comment along throughout that game in Saturday's comment thread.

For a full recap and analysis of the Boise State win, continue reading after the jump. Who stepped up in Austin Pettis's absence? What new star enjoyed a breakout game? Who looked better: Martin or Avery? Analysis ~~coming soon~~ now posted, and feel free to add your own reaction in the comments.

Broncos have done everything asked of them; now the waiting game begins

Boise State wrapped up its third undefeated regular season in four years with the win over New Mexico State - one of the best streaks in college football. Will Boise State be rewarded with a BCS bowl?

Who knows? Tonight's Texas-Nebraska game will play a big role (comment on that game in today's Comment Thread, if you'd like), and the final answer will come tomorrow (there will be a BCS comment thread for that, too). In the meantime, let's take a step back and just appreciate what the Broncos have been able to accomplish this year.

So few college football teams can maintain consistent success anymore. For Boise State to be able to do it, with two seniors on the depth chart and with a huge target on their back every week, is really remarkable. Congratulations to Coach Pete and the Bronco players.

Kyle Efaw is the new Austin Pettis

After two shaky three-and-outs to start the game, the Bronco offense picked up steam and scored TDs on six of their next seven drives. Did they miss Austin Pettis? Yes and no. The two three-and-outs could have used Pettis's sure hands on a 3rd down call, but the rest of the Bronco possessions seemed just as smooth and efficient as always.

With Pettis's production missing, there was rampant speculation all week long on who would fill his shoes. Here are stats on the most notable replacements.

Titus Young 7 catches, 92 yards, 1 touchdown
Kyle Efaw 5 catches, 68 yards
Jeremy Avery 3 catches, 50 yards
Mitch Burroughs 1 catch, 32 yards
Chris Potter 3 catches, 31 yards

Kirby Moore 3 catches, 18 yards

The winner? Kyle Efaw. The TE's five catches and 68 yards were nearly season highs in both categories (he had 70 yards versus LaTech). Efaw was a part of the offense from the get-go, and his 19-yard catch on the first scoring drive really sparked the offense.

How do you think Titus Young performed? He definitely had his ups and downs, dropping a few balls and going offside but also coming up with a big TD grab and leading the team in receiving. He was open on all four of his deep routes, but he and Kellen Moore couldn't connect. At least we're not questioning Moore's arm strength anymore, right?

What do you think about Burroughs and Potter? Their final numbers appear pretty insignificant, and they were not a big part of the offense like it seemed they might be. The Broncos predominantly moved the ball on the ground and through Young, Efaw, and Avery through the air. It worked fine against NMSU, but will it work so well in a bowl game?

Best news of the day? Michael Atkinson is as good as we thought he was

The giant Bronco DT who had been plagued by injuries and suspension for much of the year finally looks healthy, and he seems to have grown into the No. 3 DT spot behind Chase Baker and Billy Winn. Atkinson was a big part of the defensive gameplan on Saturday with New Mexico State's running focus. Though he's not a polished player by any stretch, his size and strength in the middle of the Bronco defense is different than what any other BSU player brings to the table. He gets better and better every week, and he could end up playing a big role in the Broncos' bowl game.

Also, did you see his block on Doug Martin's TD run? Atkinson lined up at fullback and completely collapsed his man as well as an entire side of the Aggie defense. It was one of the most dominating blocks I have seen a Boise State player make.

From the department of new Bronco defenses: The 2-4 and the 5-2

Justin Wilcox is really just making stuff up at this point. Against the Aggies, Boise State unveiled two new looks on defense, and with the Aggies being the Aggies, both formations worked like a charm.

The first was a 5-2 defense with three defensive tackles along the line: Baker, Winn, and Atkinson. The Broncos went to this defense to match up against NMSU's big running sets.

Later on in the first half, Boise State showed a 2-4 with only two down linemen and defensive linemen Byron Hout and J.P. Nisby as stand-up linebackers. Similar to the 3-3-5, the 2-4 allowed Boise State to blitz and get some quick pressure on the Aggies.

For the bowl game, who knows what we'll see? The 1-6? The 10-Wilson? I think anything's fair game at this point.

How many WAC teams could Tommy Smith start on?

Bronco linebacker depth was called into question this week with the injuries to Daron Mackey and Derrell Acrey, but the performances of Hunter White, Aaron Tevis, J.C. Percy, and especially Tommy Smith provided a pretty good answer. Smith received his most playing time all season, and he made the most of it, running down players on defense and special teams.

New Mexico State rushed for 142 yards, 114 coming from RB Seth Smith. Considering that the running game was all the Aggies had on Saturday (they completed 4 passes for 49 yards all game long), the play of the Bronco front seven had to be solid, and it was.

Dan Paul continues transmogrification into Richie Brockel

Is Dan Paul as good at blocking from the fullback position as Richie Brockel was? I might not go that far just yet, but the Paul-Brockel comparison is getting easier and easier to make every week. Paul excelled once again, replacing the injured Brockel. His contribution to the running game in recent weeks is a big reason why Boise State has been so successful on the ground. Looking at him, he honestly looks like the next generation Brockel. Hard to believe he was playing linebacker just a year ago. He seems born to be a fullback.

Avery and Martin: It's just not fair anymore

Both Bronco running backs had big games on Saturday, Avery with 86 yards and a score and Martin with 83 yards and 4 TDs. Martin got things going on the Broncos' third drive of the game with some hard running that softened the Aggie defense. Avery picked up where Martin left off, making plays outside the tackle and using his speed to chew up yardage.

Best run of the day? It had to be Martin's 56-yard burst to the end zone where he stiff-armed a defender at the line of scrimmage and showcased some pull-away speed to the end zone. On Saturday, I think the Bronco running game was more dangerous than the passing game, and I cannot remember the last time I thought that.

Other observations:

It is rare that a defender can get back to the punter so fast, which might be why George Iloka didn't get the full block on the Kyle Hughes punt.
There are easier ways to throw 16-yard outs to Kyle Efaw than sweep throwbacks.
Is Chris Potter more of a blocking threat than a receiving threat? Potter's best plays this season have featured his blocking skills, including a wipeout of an NMSU defender on Jeremy Avery's TD run. To run successfully, you have to have receivers who block downfield. In that sense, Potter's value is better than it seems.
The New Mexico State offense looked like this was its opening game of the season. Apart from Seth Smith, that offense has to be one of the worst in WAC history.
Did his stats in this game officially remove Kellen Moore from Heisman consideration? He was still his usual flawless self, but I have to think that Heisman voters want to see TDs.
According to Mark Johnson, we should all be pulling for the Broncos to make the Tostitos Doritos Bowl.
Speaking of Johnson, he made an ominous reference at the end of the game that this could be his last broadcast considering that Boise State's media contracts change next year. Hmm ...

Poll

Who was Boise State's player of the game against New Mexico State?

Jeremy Avery

10 votes

Doug Martin

122 votes

Brandyn Thompson

8 votes

Billy Winn

27 votes

167 votes | Poll has closed

Opponent preview: Does Boise State need to make a statement against New Mexico State?

Kevan Lee — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:31:08 -0000

The last game on the Broncos' regular season schedule is being treated like a scrimmage by Boise State fans. New Mexico State is not expected to put up much of a fight against the Bronco juggernaut, so does that mean a BSU blowout is expected?

With Boise State on the mend, what kind of outcome do you think we'll see on Saturday? Are there any voters left to impress? Will another UC Davis performance be considered a letdown? Join me after the jump for an NMSU preview and an attempt to answer some of these questions.

3-9, (1-6)

New Mexico State at No. 6 Boise State

Kickoff: Saturday, 1:00pm, TV: KTVB, ESPN360

Weather forecast: partly cloudy, high of 43

Spread: Boise State by 48

12-0, (7-0)

New Mexico State's season-to-date

After the end of a Percocet-induced Hal Mumme tenure, the New Mexico State Aggies started afresh this season and managed to prove that the more things change, the more they stay the same.. In lieu of showing New Mexico State highlights, I think it best to include a Pop Warner football video instead. See if you can figure out which player is a metaphor for the Aggie season.

Things could be worse for New Mexico State, and in recent years they have been. The Aggies at least have three victories, albeit over teams with a combined four FBS wins. Their new coach, DeWayne Walker, seems to be the right man for the rebuilding project because he is 1) willing, 2) able, and 3) not currently fielding any other offers. Will New Mexico State be good in two years? Perhaps. Will they be good on Saturday? No.

New Mexico State on offense

OT Dwayne Barton
OG Joseph Palmer
C Mike Grady
OG Sioeli Fakalata
OT David Norman
TE Ronny Torres
QB Jeff Fleming
RB Seth Smith
RB Victor Johnson
WR Todd Lee
WR Marcus Anderson

Gone is Mumme's spectacularly odd Air Raid offense. In its place is no offense at all. With a combination of QBs Jeff Fleming and Trevor Walls, the Aggies have managed to pass for an average of 91 yards per game. Give that passing offense a facepalm!

via cdn1.knowyourmeme.com

Let's move on to statistical categories where NMSU's offense is not dead last. How about rushing? The Aggies are 7th in the WAC in rushing yards and would have a 1,000-yard rusher in Seth Smith if he can bribe his way into 98 yards on the ground this week.

And there is hope for the future. Smith is only a junior, and at least two Aggie linemen will return next fall. Hopefully, they're the good ones.

New Mexico State on defense

DE Donte Savage
DT EJ Cannon
DT John Finua
DE Pierre Fils
LB Ross Conner
LB Jason Scott
CB Jonte Green
CB Chris Buckner
CB Davon House
S Stephon Hatchett
S Alphonso Powell

The defense has been a much more pleasant surprise for New Mexico State, as there have been a few bright individual performances among the group. Linebackers Ross Conner and Jason Scott are both top-five in the WAC in tackles, due to opportunity and, I trust, skill. Defensive end Pierre Fils is behind only Ryan Winterswyk and Nevada's Basped and Moch on the conference's sack chart. Is New Mexico State's defense good enough to cause the Broncos problems on Saturday? Not if the Broncos come out focused and determined. Otherwise, the Aggies might surprise a few people.

New Mexico State on special teams

P Kyle Hughes
K Kyle Hughes
KR Marcus Allen
PR Marcus Anderson

Anderson leads the WAC in punt return average, about a yard ahead of Kyle Wilson. Hughes leads the WAC in punting, but he is only 9-for-14 on field goals.

Why Boise State needs to make a statement against the Aggies

Ask anyone and they will tell you that NMSU is bad. By default, the Broncos should make a statement against them ... and then put Mike Coughlin in.

Some people would argue that the Broncos need to make a statement against New Mexico State, considering the large disparity between the teams. Here are some reasons why:

Because bowl bids are at stake. Though it looks like a BCS game is imminent for the Broncos, nothing is written in stone just yet. A blowout against the Aggies would prove Boise State's superiority to lesser FBS teams, and it would remove an excuse for the BCS committee to pass the Broncos by.
Because the Broncos need momentum heading into bowl season. The morose after the UC Davis win hung around the team all week until they took the field again. A similar result against New Mexico State could last as long as a month, depending on which bowl the Broncos get. A statement win against the Aggies would give the Broncos confidence over the next few weeks and give their opponent another reason to worry.
Because the Broncos need to prove they can win big without their injured stars. The Boise State offense and defense can prove a lot to themselves this week by destroying New Mexico State without key players like Austin Pettis and Daron Mackey. Pettis's bowl return is in question, and Mackey for sure will be gone. A big game on Saturday will go a long way toward quieting any dissension that this team is in trouble without those players.

Are there other reasons you can think of? Let me know in the comments.

Why Boise State does not need to make a statement against the Aggies

For sure, there are lots of things the Broncos could be doing on Saturday that would help out their team in the long-term. For example, resting players, playing things close to the vest, napping. Here are a few reasons why doing so and skipping the statement win might not be such a bad thing.

Because the Broncos can't do anything to change their BCS position. A win is a win at this point in the season for the Broncos. There is virtually nothing in their control that could move them from No. 6 in the BCS standings. They are the lowest-ranked unbeaten team. There are no other one-loss teams in the country. The only way they could go is up, depending on what happens in front of them.
Because the voters can't do anything about it. So what if the Broncos beat NMSU by 10? What are voters going to do? Put them behind a two-loss Oregon? I suppose you could argue that if Cincinnati loses and Boise State barely wins, the voters could keep their polls the same and not swap the two schools, but I have to think that the Bearcats would fall further than No. 6 if they lose.
Because the game is not on national television. There is no national audience to impress, only us locals who live and die with the team.

Anything I missed? Let me know if there are other reasons.

What do you think will happen?

Does Boise State need to have a statement win this week against New Mexico State? I'm on the fence about it. Certainly, I would love for the Broncos to really hand it to New Mexico State, but I'm not convinced that it needs to happen. The consequences of a narrow win are not nearly as great as they were at the start of the season.

I guess another question to ask is: What constitutes a statement win? Would it need to be a shutout? Covering the 48-point spread? A general feeling of superiority?

What are your thoughts? Feel free to share your answers in the comments, as well as any other New Mexico State thoughts you have.

It's true - I don't know jack about San Diego State

JazzyUte — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:15:41 -0000

More photos » by Denis Poroy - AP

Wait...we still suck? Damn.

Browse more photos »

I want to know. That isn't the problem. It's just that they haven't made enough noise this season to warrant me caring. They're not especially bad like New Mexico. They didn't start the season 3-0 and then collapse into a seven-game losing streak like CSU. They're not laughably and historically bad like UNLV and they're not quite on the cusp like Wyoming.

They are the quintessential mediocre team. The one no one really gives a damn about. And I'm not trying to disrespect their program, but it generally seems they've done just about as much as was expected and nothing more.

Which means I don't exactly know if I should be concerned about Saturday or indifferent to Utah's next opponent. But I'll concede that isn't entirely the Aztecs' fault. They just happen to be sandwiched between an extremely tough loss and the Holy War - not the type of game that revs up the excitement level. At least for me. Though maybe you're finding it a bit easier to get pumped for Saturday.

So, let's get to know these San Diego State Aztecs.

Are they good?

No. The Aztecs aren't good. They haven't been good or relevant in football since the Mountain West formed. It's the most head-scratchingly bad program in college football because it's freaking SAN DIEGO.

via www.airportcommuter.com

That's San Diego, folks. WHAT IS THERE NOT TO LOVE? Seriously! It's got beaches, women and it's a short drive to Mexico. Granted, we're talking about the scuzzy scary Mexico where people end up missing after a night of drinking and debauchery - surely sold into the drug trade for 50-cents worth of gum. But still. It's Mexico. Who hasn't wanted to venture off the beaten path? Especially if you're in college.

And that's what San Diego State is, right? A place for students to get educated. Plus, it isn't like it's that hard to get into, anyway. At least that's what the Simpsons tell me and God knows I get all my worldly knowledge from that show.

Lisa, you made this school even worse. And it wasn't exactly San Diego State to begin with

You know you've made it when The Simpsons actually mentions your school in an episode. I mean, who cares if it isn't entirely in good light. It's the freakin' Simpsons!

Of course, we're still trying to figure out why the Aztecs aren't very good. I'm not going to suggest they should be better this year than they are because they've gone under a complete overhaul with the firing of Chuck Long and the hiring of Brady Hoke. But you kind of get the feeling even Brady Hoke isn't going to turn that program into the winner most expect and again, those struggles might be the most baffling thing this side of realizing Sarah Palin can actually write.

What have they done this season?

Not much. In fact, there hasn't been one impressive victory yet. Sure, they've won four games - but look at who they've defeated: Southern Utah, New Mexico State, Colorado State and New Mexico. Not exactly Murderers' Row, right? I think the Hardy Boys faced tougher obstacles in their books than the Aztecs in every one of their four wins.

In each game that actually meant something - you know, like last week's showdown at home with Wyoming - they've lost. There was that 33-14 setback to a pretty bad UCLA team and a 34-20 blowout to Idaho (c'mon, I still can't take the Vandals seriously). They did give Air Force and BYU a scare, but that was earlier in the season when the games actually seemed fairly important. Since barely knocking off the 0-10 Lobos (haha, BYU almost lost to them), they were slaughtered by TCU (no comment there...we all know what that feels like) and then lost a must-win against the Cowboys (it isn't like Wyoming is all that great, either).

That means their best win might be their 34-17 victory over the 3-7 New Mexico State Aggies. When your best win is against a team that is the tops in its state only by default because the other decided to see how going winless would feel, you've got problems.

That isn't to say four wins isn't an improvement on last year's two. It is. But really, are they that much better? Baby steps, I guess.

Can they beat the Utes?

I guess it's possible. Last week proved anything was possible with how close New Mexico came to knocking off BYU (haha) before they reverted to their pathetic selves in the final minute and pissed the game away. But I guess the better question should be: will they beat the Utes and I think that's easily answered with a NO.

That's not me being cocky, I mean hell, I was pretty humbled after having the audacity to suggest Utah could give TCU a game (foolish me), but yeesh! It's San Diego State! This team is done. They've emotionally checked out. Yeah, they might have a mathematical possibility of receiving a bowl berth, but that's like saying the Utes aren't mathematically eliminated from the the conference title race. We all know, in the end, it just ain't going to happen.

If it was going to happen, they would've knocked off Wyoming last week for their fifth win and now they must win out and with their final two games coming on the road, it's likely they finish the year 4-8. Though I guess you could give them their final game (it comes against the equally bad Rebels, who, like SDSU, has sucked since the Mountain West's inception). But even that might be a bit generous.

Ultimately, after writing this article, I still don't have a clue who the Aztecs are. I mean, I know them. But I don't know them. You feel me?

Whoever they are, let's just hope it's not a team capable of pulling off a stunner this weekend. I don't know what I'd due if the Utes failed to beat a team that owns zero wins over any program sniffing .500 football.

The Sad Truth: 2009 Will Go Down As the Year the Colorado Buffaloes Blew It

irish1611 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:02:02 -0000

As news came down today that Oklahoma State QB Zac Robinson potentially might not playing tonight, I got to thinking about how the Colorado Buffaloes blew a great chance to make a mark this season. It is truly amazing how the schedule and the weakness of the Big 12 North set the Buffs up perfectly to return to the spotlight in '09 but using part of a quote from head coach Dan Hawkins, the Buffs did not "sieze the day." Look at the schedule below. Doesn't that make you sick? Granted, we now know the Buffs are less than stellar themselves but think if the Buffs' offensive line performed up to expectations, WR Markques Simas was coached and prepared to play like he was now from game one (not suspended), if Tyler Hansen started the year at quarterback, if the Buffs weren't at the bottom of the nation in turnovers & penalties, and the defense started the season like they have been playing the past few weeks. Yes, I know the saying about using "ifs" and "buts". I know. But Colorado blew it this year, no "ifs" or "buts" about it:

Going into the preseason, there were four teams the Buffs could lose to and you wouldn't be totally surprised - at West Virginia, at Texas, Kansas and at Oklahoma State. West Virginia because it was a road game and we knew that would be a tough environment. We thought Kansas and Todd Reesing would be back to their normal abuse of the Buffs like the previous three years. Games at Texas and Oklahoma State were the hardest two on the schedule and were considered the two contests the Buffs would most likely lose preseason. But Kansas isn't who we thought they were as the Buffs' beat them sending the Jayhawks into a downfall. Tonight, Oklahoma State might be playing without two preseason All Big 12 players and their All American candidate runnining back Kendall Hunter has been hurt six games in 2009.

- Colorado St. Rams - no reason to lose to them considering the year they are having. AT FOLSOM FIELD! (L)
-@ Toledo Rockets - no reason to lose to them considering the year they are having. (L)
- Wyoming Cowboys - Buffs won (W)
-@ West Virginia Mountaineers- would accept a loss preseason and now. Tough place to play on the road (L)
-@ Texas Longhorns - would accept a loss preseason and now. Game on the road. (L)
- Kansas Jayhawks - Buffs won, was expected to be a preseason loss (W)
-@ Kansas St. Wildcats - very winnable game against a mediocre Big 12 North opponent (L)
- Missouri Tigers - very winnable game against a mediocre Big 12 North opponent at home. (L)
- Texas A&M Aggies - Buffs won (W)
-@ Iowa St. Cyclones - very winnable game against a mediocre Big 12 North opponent (L)
-@ Oklahoma St. Cowboys - Kendall Hunter returned two weeks ago and may not be 100% but think about this. Oklahoma State tonight will be playing without Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant and a less than 100% Kendall Hunter...unbelievable the luck if we had a mentally tough team.
- Nebraska Cornhuskers - very winnable game against a mediocre Big 12 North opponent at home.

A relatively easy out of conference schedule, a mediocre Big 12 North schedule with winnable road games against Kansas State and Iowa State, a down Kansas team, and an Oklahoma State squad that is missing a lot of offensive fire power with Robinson and Bryant out...

But once again, you have to look back at the slow start to begin the year and not getting these guys ready to play. Not having momentum and excitement on the road and "overlooking" Colorado State as Riar Geer said defines this team and the opportunity they left on the table.

If there is any reason for a change in Boulder, look at 2009, how the chips fell in place and the way the Buffs responded. "10 wins no excuses" was supposed to motivate the players, a change at offensive coordinator and a return to a pro-style offense was supposed to put players in a better position to be successful. A deep linebacker corp was supposed to bolster the defense with the emergence of CB Jimmy Smith. Of course, the defensive line was a preseason concern but they have certainly outperformed expectations.

Instead, the Buffs can't run the ball with any consistency and they can't keep a mobile quarterback from getting sacked eight times a game. A quarterback change was made too late, Colorado continues to suffer on the mental side of the game with turnovers and penalties, the defensive scheme was too complicated at the beginning of the year which cost the Buffs' games and Colorado continues to play unmovitated football especially on the road, something the players have admitted multiple times this year.

I think this is the only case you need to make. In a year that any improvement over the previous three years should have at least netted the Buffs a low level Bowl birth, Colorado has three wins.

FIRE UP, IT'S SATURDAY!!! Noon Kicks Open Thread

SCM — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:59:19 -0000

via 1.bp.blogspot.com

On the noon slate here in the Midwest...

ESPN2 - Purdue @ Wisconsin

ESPN - Indiana @ Iowa

BTN - New Mexico State @ Ohio State

I admit, not much of an appetizer, but Pumpkin Deathstar says watch anyway...

That's no pumpkin.... via img146.imageshack.us

Week 9 in the Non-Con: What I Want

Bama Hawkeye — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:00:30 -0000

We have favorites and we have loyalties, but if the Big Ten is going to climb out the national perception doldrums, we're going to have to do it together. That means that we have to all be pulling in the same direction. Here's what I want to see from each Big Ten team in their non-conference battles this week. These columns are really short this time of year...

Ohio State (vs. New Mexico State)

I want to see Terrelle Pryor continue to demonstrate progress. I want to see a shutout (or damn near it). New Mexico is bad, but not as horrible as they have been over the past couple of years. This should be a five touchdown win.

Make sure to go back and submit your picks for Week 9 of the Obligatory Predictions Contest. Weekly winners get a chance to write 500 words on the site. NEW this year is our season long competition - win the whole damn thing and we send you something amazing.

What I Want

I want Ohio State to ramp up and be ready for the most demanding three game close of any schedule in America.

What I Expect

A victory by more than the spread.

What We've Got So Far

The Big Ten is 28-10 (.737) out of conference. The league is 5-8 against BCS Conference teams (plus Notre Dame). Indiana's loss to Virginia guarantees that the Big Ten can finish with no better than a .500 record against the other BCS schools. The league has two losses to non-BCS teams (Northern Illinois over Purdue and Central Michigan over Michigan State).

Game Day Buff Bites - Colorado Buffaloes vs. Kansas State Wildcats

irish1611 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:42:16 -0000

Buffs aim for road reversal - The Denver Post

CU is 2-16 on the road under coach Dan Hawkins, including last year's game against Florida State at Jacksonville, a contest that was technically a "neutral site" game although it was played in Florida and more than 1,700 miles from Boulder. The Buffs have lost their past nine road games — including Florida State — and have not won a Big 12 road contest since Oct. 27, 2007, when they beat Texas Tech 31-26. That year, CU also beat Baylor in Waco. Those are the two road wins in the Hawkins era.

KSU ready for Hansen this year - Boulder Daily Camera

It makes sense for CU to do all it can to force that passing game to produce today. If the Buffs allow running back Daniel Thomas, the Big 12's third leading rusher, to have his way, it might be a long day for the defense.

CU wants to stuff the run and make the Wildcats pass. It has been a winning formula for CU twice this season and led to some near-misses as well. Defensive coordinator Ron Collins has the Buffs playing well after a slow start this season. The most dramatic improvement has come in stopping the run. CU has held Kansas and Texas -- both nationally ranked programs -- to a combined total of 38 rushing yards the past two weeks once sack yardage is deducted.

Buffs seek way to win when they leave the state - The Longmont Times-Call

Colorado-Kansas State matchups - Boulder Daily Camera

Ringo picks the Buffs 24 - 21, even suggesting that Colorado matches up even or better against Kansas State in every phase of the game except special teams. Yes, coaching was included in the head to head matchups where the Buffs were considered even with Kansas State.

Big 12 midseason awards, from the haves to the have-nots

Here is a stat I didn't know about Jimmy Smith...who knows if its accurate, I am almost positive it isn't because I know both Shipely and Briscoe caught a ball against him in man coverage but still like the recognition for Smith:

Biggest surprises: In order, the candidates are Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith, who has allowed one completion in man coverage; Texas Tech running back Harrison Jeffers; Texas defensive tackles Kheeston Randall and Ben Alexander; and OSU receiver Hubert Anyiam.

Uncoach of the Year: Colorado's Dan Hawkins wins top — rather, bottom — honors in falling way short of his bid for 10 wins and waiting too long to switch to quarterback Tyler Hansen. However, Sherman could edge out Hawkins if the Aggies win fewer than six games, which is likely.

Big 12 commissioner Beebe preaches patience over realignment - Kansas City Star

"I don’t think it’s healthy to have one division that’s just clearly dominant," he said. Beebe preaches a mixture of creativity and patience. "At the beginning of the conference (1996), you had Kansas State, Nebraska and Colorado were the dominant teams," he said. "Texas and Oklahoma weren’t as good. I think it could be cyclical and that we could be in the situation where that might turn around someday."

Buffs out to earn respect this year - Boulder Daily Camera

"I feel a little bit of anger," Cory Higgins said as he looked around the room at his more popular and appreciated peers. "I just want to earn respect I guess. It`s about that time. I`ll use this as motivation." Higgins, selected All-Big 12 third team as a sophomore, has earned individual accolades. The 6-foot-5 junior guard led the conference in steals (59), was fifth in the conference in scoring (17.5 ppg) and also led CU in rebounding (5.4 rpg) last season.

Friday football roundup | After School
Colorado Buffaloes commit Nick Hirschman is piling up the stats right now. Last night, he completed 12 passes for 413 yards and five scores. His Los Gatos team won 47 - 0.

Seniors Nick Hirschman and Andrew Berg put on a show, hooking up for four touchdowns, including back-to-back strikes of 70 and 69 yards. Hirschman finished 12-of-17 for 413 yards and five touchdowns; Berg had 247 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Jake Hackman-Salazar added 166 receiving yards and a TD. Joey Visuzzi had 19 tackles, Alec Gletzer added 14 tackles and Charlie Zweng had two fumble recoveries for Los Gatos.

Mountain West Conference week five power rankings

JazzyUte — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:56:18 -0000

Week five wasn't really a good week for the Mountain West. I mean, it wasn't entirely bad, but I don't think any team looked really good. I don't know if that means the conference is down as a whole or if it was just typical pre-struggles before conference play starts. Whatever it is, a few teams will need to step it up this week if they want to make an impact.

Team of the Week: BYU. They're here by default. The Cougars really didn't play all that well against the Aggies, but handily beat them anyway.

Team of the Weak: UNLV. Bye-bye Mike Sanford. They surrendered 63-points and 773 total yards to rival Nevada. Ridiculous.

Week Five Rankings
Rank	Team	Comments
1		TCU did what they needed to against SMU. It wasn't a fantastic victory, but since it's a rivalry and the Mustangs have managed to derail a Horned Frogs perfect season in the past (2005), I guess you can't complain too much. This week is a bit more challenging, as they take on Air Force in Colorado Springs. In fact, this should be the Frogs' toughest game to date.
2		Utah had a bye-week, but now start conference play on the road against CSU. The weather could be an issue, but the Rams are coming off a humiliating loss to Idaho and this is a game the Utes should win. Actually, it's a game they must win if there is any hope of contending for a conference crown.
3		BYU's offense looks as impressive as ever. Unfortunately, Max Hall continues to throw interception after interception. He has ten on the season, which is tied for the most of any quarterback in the country. That is inexcusable and surely will cost the Cougars against better teams than Utah State. However, don't expect to see it be too big of an issue this week - as BYU takes on a lackluster UNLV squad.
4		Wyoming has moved to fourth - for now. I don't expect the Cowboys to stay here, but it's hard to keep them down after pretty much everyone left in the conference lost Saturday. Fortunately for Wyoming, they can continue their winning ways, since they host a terrible New Mexico team this week.
5		I still don't know what to make of the Falcons. They've lost two difficult road games against teams that aren't bad, but far from great. It's a slow start, but they have a chance to redeem themselves and officially become a player in the conference race (remember, they're 2-0 in MWC play) with a win Saturday against TCU.
6		Colorado State seems light years away from their 3-0 start. I expected them to struggle and that's exactly what they've done. However, I could not foresee a loss to Idaho, even if it was on the road. This week doesn't get much easier, either, as they host Utah.
7		The Aztecs did something New Mexico couldn't do, beat New Mexico State. It wasn't a great win, but for a team that struggled to win 2-games last year, I'm sure the Aztec faithful will take it. Especially since they've matched last year's win total. They have a bye-week before jumping back into conference play.
8		The Mike Sanford era is probably going to come to a close this season. It might happen this week after they lose to BYU. Though they have the offensive horses to stay with the Cougars, it's their defense that makes this game pretty much unwinnable. That was on full display Saturday against rival Nevada Reno. The fact is, UNLV sucks. They're just lucky New Mexico is winless, or they would have locked down the final spot.
9

What do you think?

San Diego State Gets first FBS win on the Year

Jeremy Mauss — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:45:47 -0000

More photos » by Reed Saxon - AP

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Final - 10.3.2009	1	2	3	4	Total
New Mexico St. Aggies	0	7	3	7	17
San Diego St. Aztecs	0	10	7	17	34

Complete Coverage >

In a game mentioned as the pillow fight of the week, the teams managed to score some points Saturday afternoon. The game started off slow start but that ended when the Aztecs (2-3) scored half of their points in final 7 minutes to break away from a 17-17 tie late in the game.

The Aztecs finally had their first 100 yard rusher on the year in freshman Walter Kazee who had 101 yards and a score. The QB situation for SDSU with the usual stable Ryan Lindley did struggle and only managed 7-23 and 123 yards. Even with that the Aztecs were able to get their first win over an FBS opponent.

The Aztec defense stepped up huge by creating four turnovers which helped SDSU have short fields. That possibly could contribute to why Lindley had a bad game in passing yards, but not in the completion category. The poor passing also ended Vincent Brown's 100 yards receiving streak at six which dates back to the final game in 2008, but he did have 84 yards and a score.

New Mexico State was not much better in any aspect of the game. The main reason the game was close was because of the opening drive where they drove down and scored, and then the punt returning of Tonny Glynn who averaged 20 yards per return on seven tries. Those returns set up the Aggies for good field position which helped with their offense which was struggling.

Normally the Aztecs in the past would laid over after giving up a ten point lead to any team, but Brady Hoke is making small movements forward this year in improving the team.

Late Games Open Thread

Jeremy Mauss — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:30:16 -0000

The evening games do have some intrigue with #11 TCU playing, San Diego State might get its first win, and two 3-1 teams in Colorado State travels to Idaho in the late game.

SMU @ #11 TCU 6:00pm MST TV: The Mtn (sorry no HD till November)

New Mexico State @ San Diego State 6:00pm MST TV: none (and with good reason)

Colorado State @ Idaho 8:30pm MST TV: ESPNU (Two 3-1 teams square off)

Let's hear what you think. Register for a free account here on the site and leave your comments, predictions and other game day chatter below in the comments section.