In what should be a week of anticipation before the two biggest basketball games of the 2011-12 season, the week has been absorbed, at least partially, by conference expansion. It's the story that may never die -- as long as BYU is a football independent.

Adding fuel to the fire, as usual, is Brad Rock of the Deseret News. He argues that it's time for BYU to reveal its plans for the future to fans (and to him).

Continue reading this post »

We love Noah Hartsock, don't we? He's just a big lovable oaf who rocks the Friar Tuck hair style and doesn't mind running like a guy in a duck mascot suit.

But that's not why we love him. We love him because he's a reliable, consistent and downright destructive force on the basketball court. When we need a bucket, we turn to The Bald Spot. When we need a big play, Noah's the man.

He's the best player on our team. But can Noah play at the next level?

Continue reading this post »

National signing day is just a few days away. Today we will begin individual player spotlights of BYU's 2012 football signing class. First up? A post-mission commit, quarterback Taysom Hill.

Continue reading this post »

A source close to the BYU athletic department has informed Vanquish the Foe that talks with the Big 12 are heating up. BYU admins have promised Big 12 Commish Chuck Neinas that they will refrain from submitting his name, or the names of his athletic directors, coaches, or players to the local LDS missionaries. This pledge is seen as a key cog in BYU's negotiation with the Big 12, as the LDS-run university refused to grant this promise to either the Big 12 or Big East during prior deliberations. A Mountain West Conference source located in San Diego noted that members of the MWC were attuned to not answering the door when the missionaries visited, even when they were home. More to follow.

After BYU's triumphant road win over Virginia Tech last night (the dance party is ongoing in the comments section, if you want to join it), the rest of the West Coast Conference is in action tonight. Here's what's on tap:

Continue reading this post »

In Episode 54, Adam chats with Brandon Gurney, the recruiting maven of the Deseret News. Adam and Brandon talk about the football class of 2012, what Tanner Mangum brings to the table, and who might immediately impact the team as a freshman. Brandon also dissects the QB situation for 2012 and 2013, and Adam tries to pin him down on the chances Jabari Parker joins BYU to play hoops. Matt then joins Adam to talk hoops, including what the win over Virginia Tech means, and they preview the St. Mary's game. They also discuss the major 2012 offseason football story lines. Finally, Adam talks with Rise & Shout superfan Justin Sweeney, mainly about hoops and his distaste for diet sodas. As always, the podcast can be accessed here (below the jump) or on iTunes (subscribe there!). Follow the podcast on twitter: @byu_riseshout.

Continue reading this post »

In a terribly ugly game, BYU did just enough to win. The Cougars made just 33% from the field, but when it counted, Noah Hartsock and Brock Zylstra delivered, giving BYU the 70-68 win over Virginia Tech on Wednesday night.

Continue reading this post »

BYU's task of resume building starts tonight in Blacksburg. It looks like Stephen Rogers will still be out. With VT's athletic guard line, we may see a lot more DeMarcus Harrison than we have in a while. Join Cougar fans in the comments below in tonight's game thread.

Continue reading this post »