KEYS FOR BYU @ WASH:
-Start strong…The Huskies are down after their loss to Oregon.  Plus this team is very young so the worst thing you could do is start slow letting the team rebuild confidence with 65,000 plus fans cheering them on.
-Contain Jake Locker…Oregon stacked up to nine defenders in the box and played man on the outside.  That’s not BYU’s style so they’ll have to put a spy on him, keep him in the pocket and try to force him to throw the ball.
-Hold onto the football…If BYU fumbles four times in this game there is a pretty good chance their road losing streak to non-MWC teams will go to 10.
-PREDICTION:  BYU 31 WASH 17…It won’t be as easy as I think it should be, but the Cougars should pass their first real test.

KEYS FOR UTAH VS. UNLV:
-Tackle Sanders…After what Frank “The Tank” did to them a year ago I have a feeling the defense will be up to the task.  The interior D-line will surely be tested unlike like last week at Michigan.
-Offensive consistency…Establish a balanced attack starting with a run game with Mack/Asiata.  In the end though, it’s up to Andy Ludwig to have a consistent flow to his playcalling.
-Limit mistakes and penalties…Obvious key after the struggles with this a week ago.
-PREDICTION:  UTAH 48 UNLV 10…This time only Utah players and fans will be laughing after this one.

Last week’s predictions:  (1-1)

FANTASY FOOTBALL THROWDOWN:
Every Friday at 2:30pm right after the NFL Rush we will pit 10 P1’s against each other in the Monson and Graham Fantasy Football Throwdown.  It’s pretty easy to play.  When we tell you to call in (470/570/670-1280 or 866-233-1280) dial in as fast as you can to get the best draft pick position.  Each P1 will get to pick one player (QB, RB, WR, or TE only; No kickers or defenses allowed).  If your player scores the most points after the week is done you win.  Below is the scoring system we are using in the 1280 The Zone staff league so we’ll use this.  If you have any questions feel free to email me at .  Good luck!

Rules for QB, RB, WR, TE:
Passing TDs 4 points each
Passing Yards 0.05 points per yard
Passing 2 Pointers 2 points each
Rushing TDs 6 points each
Rushing 2 Pointers 2 points each
Receiving TDs 6 points each
Receptions 1 point each
Receiving 2 Pointers 2 points each
Rush + Rec Yards 0.1 points per yard

Hans tells Dennis Pitta about his 200-yard day and he gives Fui advice on staying eligible........





Hans loves to talk O-line so he found offenisve tackle Matt Reynolds and they bond over line-talk........





Hans tells Jan Jorgensen to work on his sack dance against Jake Locker...........

MONSON & GRAHAM MWC POWER POLL (Last Wk Ranking; Upcoming opponent):
9) SDSU (#8; @ND):  When you lose to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo you stink.
8) CSU (#9; vs. Sac St):  Steve Fairchild era begins with loss at Colorado.
7) UNLV (#7; @Utah):  They showed they can beat USU. Can they beat the Utes again? No.
6) NM (#3; vs. Tex A&M): Porterie goes down as their manhandled once again by Frogs.
5) WYO (#5; vs. AF):  Struggles to 21-20 win at home over Ohio.
4) AF (#6; @WYO):  Team rolls in easy win over Southern Utah.
3) TCU (#5; vs. Stephe F. Austin):  Andy Dalton looked good in dominate win at NM.
2) BYU (#1; @Wash):  Moves up in polls but now has to prove they can beat mediocre Pac 10 team on the road. 
1) UTAH (#2; vs. UNLV): Just like USC getting the #1 spot for beating a D-I team, Utah gets the nod over BYU for the same reason.

ESPN has their various polls/predictions which are favorable to both BYU & Utah:
-Click here for their power ranking which is similar to the Coaches/AP Polls.
-Click here for the Conference by Conference ranking. BYU/Utah are both lumped into overall non-bcs conference at the bottom of the page.  (Btw check out where my Chippewas fall in!)
-Click here for their latest bowl projections. I think Ute fans will be happy.  BYU fans not so much.

Each week we will post the Coach Bronco and Coach Whitt weekly press conferences..........


Coach Whitt talks about the Michigan win and looks ahead to a redemption game vs. UNLV..............





Coach Bronco talks UW Huskies and the talented Mr. Locker.........

Defensive Player of the week (Coleby Clawson)

A young kid that wasn’t expected to be a play maker and ended up the biggest surprise of the game. He put two big hits on Grace, the UNI QB, and knocked him out of the game for a few plays. Clawson has a great motor, and that gear that gives a LB an unpredictable hitting speed much like Rob Morris. Look for him to take that starting spot from So’oto. Plus check him out, he could pull some serious arssss with those looks, that gives him a distinct advantage over the other guys.


Offensive Player of the week (Dallas Reynolds)

Yes, Pitta and Hall were obvious, but here is a guy that got it done in the trenches, and proved that he does belong in the middle of this line. Not only is he the vocal leader on this line, he was the leader in performance, sticking his guy on the line time after time. Good on the run blocking, great on the pass blocking, he is the offensive player of the game. Oh by the way, without his protection, Max Hall sucks and Dennis Pitta never catches a pass. And I have a soft spot for the line.


Special Teams Player of the week (Justin Sorensen)

WOW, out of the endzone, that was unheard of last year, nice to have you back old friend. I hate special teams, this will be the last HOPOG special team for ever.

For Utes sound from Monday’s practice with Brian Johnson, Brent Casteel and Kyle Whittingham, go to the 1280 The Zone sound section on the front page.............


Here is the release from the MWC naming Brian Johnson the offensive player of the week and Louie Sakoda the special teams player of the week:


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Brian Johnson (Utah), Jerry Hughes (TCU) and Louie Sakoda (Utah) are Mountain West Conference Players of the Week for games through Aug. 31.  Johnson earns the Offensive Player of the Week honor, while Hughes garners the Defensive Player award and Sakoda receives Special Teams recognition. Sakoda collects his eighth career player of the week honor, while Johnson and Hughes capture their second and first career weekly accolade, respectively.

OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

BRIAN JOHNSON, UTAH

Senior, Quarterback, Baytown, Texas/Robert E. Lee HS

Brian Johnson helped lead Utah to a 25-23 season-opening win on the road at No. 24 Michigan.  The senior quarterback threw for 305 yards and a touchdown, while completing 21-of-33 passes. In the first half, Johnson completed 15-of-23 passes for 253 yards to help Utah build a 22-10 lead at the break. He led the Utes to a score on the first offensive series, highlighted by a 55-yard pass to Jereme Brooks, after Michigan had scored to take the early lead. Johnson helped Utah keep Michigan’s offense off the field via a 35:54-24:06 advantage in time of possession.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

LOUIE SAKODA

Senior, Place Kicker/Punter, San Jose, Calif./Branham HS

Louie Sakoda accounted for 13 of Utah’s 25 points in the win at No. 24 Michigan. The senior place kicker/punter converted all four field goal attempts (28, 43, 41 and 53 yards) and tied his own school record for field goals in a game. His career-long 53-yard field goal in the third quarter proved to be the difference in the game.  With his efforts, Sakoda moved into second place in Utah’s record books for career made field goals (39). Sakoda also had an outstanding night punting, averaging 47 yards on six punts while placing three of those inside Michigan’s 15-yard line.  Three of his kicks went for 50 yards or more, including a long of 59 yards and a 52-yarder kicked from Utah’s end zone.


Here are some notes from the practice:

*Starting DT Kenape Eliapo is out 6-8 weeks with a foot injury. This is huge, considering that each practice through Fall, Coach Whitt adressed the lack of talent and especially depth along the inerior of the line. Whitt said that freshman DT Sealver Siliga, (6’3 325, Copper Hills HS) whom the Utes were going to redshirt, probably will have that removed and be in the rotation with Greg Newman, Lei Talamaivao, Dave Kruger and Aaron Tonga.

*S Robert Johnson did not practice due to a left hamstring injury suffered when he jumped up for the interception in the first quarter which was negated by Stevenson Sylvester’s questionable pass interference call. He says he’s day to day, but a source told me he is at best questionable and more likely doubtful for UNLV.

*James Brown’s “The Big Payback” was blarring through the speakers of the indoor facility when I arrived this afternoon. Also when the team broke the big team huddle at the end of practice they yelled “Big Payback”....Obviously the theme of the week after last year’s 27-0 loss in Vegas. I wouldn’t worry about letdown, like last year coming off the big UCLA win in this game. Coach Whitt has the theme going and has pasted quotes from UNLV RB Frank Summers and coach Mike Sanford saying the Utes didn’t play hard and didn’t want to hit or tackle at the end of last year’s game. Brian Johnson, who was no where near 100% when he entered the game in the 2nd half, said to me he is taking this game personally and wants to prove how good he is when healthy to the Rebels.

*In regards to penalties vs. Michigan, (15-137), Whitt said that many of the P.I. calls, (Sylvester, McCain 2,) were agressive man to man plays which the Utes teach. He said that Utah will continue to play that way. In regards to other calls, Whitt said it’s just a matter of cleaning up things and he isn’t overly concerned.

*Special teams play was emphasized heavily on Monday. Punt units worked overtime to prevent another block.

*Matt Asiata had 13 carries to Darrell Mack’s 8 Whitt said because although Mack played more snaps situations called for more run plays on Asiata’s turn in the game. He says it will be a game to game thing on who gets what carries.

VIDEO RECAP: Utes 25 Wolverines 23............





Click on the pics to enlarge em’.............

THE GOOD:
-Utah going to the Big House in front of 108,000 plus, making mistakes, overcoming their mistakes, letting Michigan back in the game but making the plays necessary to close the game out to take the win.  Past Whittingham teams would have lost that game.
-Utah Defense.  They are good, really good.  They’re fast, loaded with playmakers including Paul Kruger, Koa Misi, Nai Fotu.  They are good enough to carry this team to a BCS Bowl.
-Brian Johnson’s first half had to be a big boost of confidence to the team and Ute fans.  The arm was strong and accurate and he was in complete control of the offense.
-Matt Asiata barreling over defenders and a ref.
-Louie Sakoda continues to support my belief he’s the best player on this team and I typically don’t like kickers.
-BYU’s first half was exactly how everyone expected them to start against an FCS team.
-Max Hall picked up where he left off just absolutely shredding that defense.
-Dennis Pitta is an absolute stud who will be playing football on Sunday’s.
-Harvey Unga is a major weapon running the football and catching it out of the backfield.  If he can stay healthy he should have another monster season.
-UNI QB Pat Grace will have nightmares about Coleby Clawson.  Clawson knocked him out of the game twice with two vicious hits one causing a 4th quarter fumble to help clinch the game.
-Justin Sorensen’s leg.  I don’t see too many teams getting a chance to return kicks this season.

THE BAD:
-Utah’s second half.  We’ve seen this before.  Utah gets a lead and Andy Ludwig’s play calling gets erratic and the offense goes stagnant. 
-I think we all knew Michigan was down but I’m not sure any of us thought they would be that bad.  It amazes me a school that is traditionally a national power can’t find a decent QB to run the spread.
-Max Hall took two big hits, one resulting in a fumble recovered for a touchdown.  He’s a tough kid but these have to stop.  It’s a matter of percentages because eventually he won’t be able to get up and there goes your season.
-While BYU’s defense was solid, it did give up a couple of big plays including a 69yd run on a QB option and the long TD pass off a trick play.  If UNI QB Pat Grace can break one what can the more athletic Jake Locker do to this defense next week at Washington?
-Fui Vakapuna suspended for the game because he missed practices for not getting an academic assignment done until Friday to be eligible.  Inexcusable.
-O’Neil Chambers…don’t fair catch a punt inside the five yard line.
-Washington.  I watched the 4th quarter and either they are really bad or Oregon is just really good.  All I know is I wasn’t impressed and BYU should win.
-Utah State.  It’s going to be another long year for the Aggies falling at UNLV.

THE UGLY:
-Utah’s 15 penalties (many of which untimely), three turnovers with an extra point and punt blocked.  If you would have told me these stats before the game I would have told you Michigan would have won easily.  If this continues though, Utah will lose somewhere down the line.
-BYU’s third quarter was flat out awful.  When you’re on a “Quest of Perfection” and a projected BCS busting team you should not be going into the 4th quarter with a 10-point lead against an FCS team. 
-San Diego State.  How does one lose to a team called Cal Poly San Luis Obispo?
-Hans’ eating.  John warned me about this and it’s even worse than I could imagine.  It’s like a pig after they dump some scraps in the pen.  It could be one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever witnessed.  If you don’t believe me just come out to the Wingers Provo Towne Center for BYU home games. 

UTAH KEYS VS. MICHIGAN:
-Win the turnover battle...Michigan has very good athletes at their skill positions but they are young and could put the ball on the turf.  Utah has to capitalize and hold onto the ball themselves.
-Stop the run...The Rich Rodriguez spread highlights the run so the Utes have to be strong particularly inside.  Don’t be surprised if Michigan even direct snaps to their RB’s on occasion.
-Confuse the QB...Pressure, pressure and more pressure needs to be applied to
-PREDICTION: MICHIGAN 17 UTAH 14...If you believe what you hear out of Michigan the Utes should roll.  I just think Michigan will be better than advertised but I will not be shocked if Utah wins.

BYU KEYS VS. N. IOWA:
-Pummel them early...Don’t let this team gain confidence and think they can pull off another App State.
-Stop Corey Lewis...He’s their number one playmaker and if you believe David Nixon he’s the best RB they’ll play all year.
-Look sharp and put on a show...When you’re ranked and the hot pick for the BCS don’t give the voters any ammo to bring you down.
-PREDICTION: BYU 45 N. IOWA 10…

SEASON PREDICTIONS:
BYU (11-1; 7-1): Unlike past seasons the one loss comes in conference against either TCU or Utah.
UTAH (10-2; 7-1): I see a close loss to Michigan and a stumble to either NM or BYU in the MWC.
BYU OFF MVP: Max Hall
BYU DEF MVP: Jan Jorgensen
UTAH OFF MVP: Brian Johnson
UTAH DEF MVP: Robert Johnson

BOWL PREDICTION:
BYU: Even though they have the one loss BYU gets into a BCS game barely.
UTAH:  Share of conference title gets them to the Vegas Bowl.