Vanquish The Foe: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
New Blog: Anonymous Eagle covering Marquette!

More great SB Nation Blogs

Baseball

Football

Basketball

College

Hockey

Soccer

Combat Sports

Golf

General

Links

Official Welcome and User Guide to VTF

Official BYU Sites:

Main Athletics Page
Baseball
Basketball
Football
BYU.edu

Related Blogs/Sites:

BYU Sports Guy
Cougar Blue Blog (Dickson)
Cougar Blue Forums (DH)
Cougar Board
Cougar Digest
Cougar Fan
Cougar Guard
Cougar Legion
Cougar Sportsline (Arnett)
Cougar Stats
Cougar Tracks (Wrubell)
Cougar Update
Deep Shades of Blue
Deseret News Blog (Call)
Eye On BYU
The Holy War
Total Blue Sports (Scout.com)
Salt Lake Tribune (Drew)
4th and 18

Media:

CBS Sportsline - BYU
CNN SI - BYU
CSTV
Daily Herald - BYU
Deseret News - BYU
ESPN - BYU
Fox Sports - BYU
KALL 700 AM
KFAN 1320 AM
The Mountain (Network) - BYU 
Rivals - Cougar Nation
Salt Lake Tribune - BYU

Other:

General / MWC - 
AFA Falcons (AFA)
AztecTalk (SDSU)
Block U (UU) (SBN)
Coach Fairchild (CSU)
Coach Tark's Towel (UNLV)
Go Wyo Go (UW)
Killer Frogs (TCU)
The Lobo Lair (UNM)
Max Preps
Mountain West Conference
MWC Connection (SBN)
NCAA - Official Site
Purple Menace (TCU)
Ram Nation (CSU)
Rebel Nation (UNLV)
ScoutUState (USU)

Basketball - 
'09-'10 BYU Hoops Prospectus
Ballin' Is A Habit
Basketball Prospectus
Basketball State
The Bracket Busters
Draft Express
Ken Pomeroy Ratings
March Madness All Season
NCAA Rulebook (PDF)
Real Time RPI
The Refraction (USU)
Rush the Court
Storming the Floor
Wikipedia - BYU Basketball
Yet Another Basketball Blog
Yoco Hoops

Football - 
Animated Drive Charts (via RTT)
The Band is On the Field
Bleacher Report - NCAA FB
College Football Resource
College Football Statistics
Dr. Saturday
ESPN College Football Blogs
Every Day Should Be Saturday
Heisman Pundit
In The Bleachers
Mr. College Football
NCAA Rulebook (PDF)
Over the Pylon
Saturday Sound Off's
Smart Football
Stewart Mandel
The Upset
Wikipedia - BYU Football

Twitter:

Vanquish the Foe

BYU -

BYU Alumni
BYU Athletics
BYU Calendar
BYU Communications
BYU Volleyball
Cougar Blue - Daily Herald
Salt Lake Tribune - BYU

Other -

Air Force Athletics
CBS College Sports

Daily Herald Sports
David Locke (1320AM)
Deseret News Sports
Dick Harmon (Deseret News)
ESPN - News
ESPN - Sportscenter
Jay Drew (SL Tribune)
Kevin Graham (1280AM)
KSL Sports
The Mountain
Mountain West Conference
New Mexico Athletics
San Diego State Athletics
Talkin' Sports (KUTV)
TCU Athletics
UNLV Athletics
Utah Athletics
Utah State Athletics
Versus
Wyoming Athletics
1280 The Zone

BYU Cougars Football News


Cougars Seeded Seventh: Blessing or Curse?

Florida head coach Billy Donovan, right, talks with distraught freshman guard Kenny Boynton about what it will be like to guard Jimmer Fredette.  (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

More photos » Mark Humphrey - AP

Florida head coach Billy Donovan, right, talks with distraught freshman guard Kenny Boynton about what it will be like to guard Jimmer Fredette. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

The Cougars were revealed as a 7-seed on Sunday afternoon and will play the Florida Gators (21-12 overall, 9-7 conference) on Thursday, March 18th in Oklahoma City.  BYU was selected to the West Region, which they had hoped for, but fell a number of spots due to their most recent losses to New Mexico (in Provo) and UNLV in the MWC Tournament.  BYU had been projected as high as a 3 seed during regular season conference play but that was out of the question after losing to the Lobos for a second time in late February.

Still, BYU had hoped to secure at least a 4-seed in the MWC Tournament but had that hope taken away in the final minute on Friday night in Las Vegas.  Of course, the Rebels' lackluster performance on Saturday may not have helped the Cougars much either - though it did help the MWC by making San Diego State a Tournament lock.

But on Saturday and even Sunday morning, BYU fans held out hope for a 5-seed or even a 6.  Yet, after three consecutive seasons of attaining an 8-seed for the Big Dance, the Cougars still only managed to improve one spot. 

Of course, there are still some positives to be seen from BYU's perspective so let's break some of them down:

The Pros:

- Should the Cougars beat the Gators and (assuming) the Wildcats, they'd come to Salt Lake City for the Sweet 16.
- Had they been a 6 seed in the West, rather than a 7, they'd be playing an excellent Minnesota (11-seed) team - in relatively close Milwaukee.
- They could have drawn Georgia Tech (10-seed in the Midwest), who would have abused the Cougars inside.  Florida, whose two leading scorers are both under 6'2", is a much better match-up for BYU.
- Florida has only won two of their last five games, with their wins coming against Georgia and Auburn, both of whom finished at the bottom of the SEC.
- Like the Cougars, Florida is an average rebounding team, averaging 37 rebounds per game.  The Gators also block fewer shots than the Cougars (3.6 to 2.7).
- The Gators aren't nearly as skilled offensively as the Cougars according to basic stats, with a true shooting percentage of 52.8% (163rd in the nation) compared to BYU's 59.7% (2nd in the country), and an inferior assist/turnover ration (48th overall to the Cougars' 14th overall).

The Cons:

- Should the Cougars beat the Gators, they'd play Kansas State in Oklahoma City.  That's a mere 5 hour drive for Wildcat fans making it nearly a non-neutral site.
- From Alligator Army:

"I am very excited to see what Chandler Parsons and Kenny Boynton do in NCAA play. Also, take a look at the heights of the Cougars. Their two big guys are not contributors, and their top four scorers are all under 6-foot-6. Florida is at their best playing smaller teams. As a Gator fan, you have to hope Vernon Macklin and Alex Tyus can nut up and play like true big men inside."

Links:

BYU gets seven seed... - Salt Lake Tribune
BYU will play SEC power - Daily Herald
Cougars to face Florida
- Deseret News
Gators grateful for bid - Orlando Sentinel

More significant tournament match-ups highlighted after the jump...

Continue reading this post »

4 comments  |  0 recs |

BYU Bracketology - **Updated**

Photo

More photos » Kenny Crookston - AP

As we discussed before, BYU needed a win Friday to secure (or at least make a strong case for) a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament.  However, despite that now being highly unlikely, the Cougars are still being projected as a No. 5 seed by at least one prognosticator.  Take a look:

SourceSeedRegion*Opponent
Blogging the Bracket 5 East Siena
ESPN (Lundardi) 6 East Washington
CNNSI (Glockner) 6 East Georgia Tech
Bracketology 101 6 East Virginia Tech
Bracketville 6 East Old Dominion

* All opening games projected in San Jose, CA or New Orleans, LA.

Saturday, at least two sources were projecting the Cougars as a No. 5 seed - SB Nation's "Blogging the Bracket" and ESPN's Joe Lunardi apparently recognized BYU as a Top 20 team - as each of the Cougars' five losses have all come to teams now apparent locks in the NCAA Tournament.  Layton also mentioned, "Lunardi's (5-seed projection of) BYU has more to do with New Mexico losing to the Aztecs (a true bubble team) on a neutral site than anything else. He gave lenience to BYU because they lost a very close game to the Rebels who were already in the tournament, in what was without question a home game."

So while the selection committee will certainly see BYU's losses - they will also consider that the Cougars have beaten Arizona State (22 win "bubble" team), San Diego State twice (24/25 win "bubble" team), UNLV (25/26 win team and tourney lock), UTEP (26 win team and tourney lock) and (even) Weber St. (20 win team and tourney lock).  The wins against Arizona, Nebraska and Nevada also can't hurt because they are "name" schools.

And if you're still upset about losing out on a potential 3 or 4 seeding this season, look at it this way:  BYU had won three MWC regular season championships but they still couldn't get this high of a seeding and still never won a NCAA Tournament game.  The odds will be in the Cougars' favor more so this year than any during the Rose-era. 

Furthermore, you shouldn't have to worry about playing Georgia Tech in a 5/12 or even a 6/11 game anymore (as was projected by some earlier in the week) - the Yellow Jackets are now in the ACC Tournament Championship game and should be at least a 10 seed.  I'd much rather see Siena (27-6 with losses to Niagara and Northern Iowa) or Florida (21-12 and losses to South Alabama and South Carolina) in the First Round.

Poll
What will the Cougars be seeded in the NCAA Tournament?

  44 votes | Results

7 comments  |  0 recs |

Cougars fall to Rebels, 70-66


Post-game Coverage

I still believe.  Hard to put the blame on Dave Rose. He made the necessary switch to Brandon Davies. He made the right defensive adjustments (i.e. zone alterations in the 2nd half). He lost his third leading scorer and one of the most efficient offensive players in the country the night before. His team forced more turnovers than they lost. His team made their free throws.

In summary, Dave Rose is an excellent coach. UNLV is a tourney-worthy team and any team worthy of the NCAA tournament and fighting to verify such is going to be a very, very hard out — especially on their home floor. 

Now then, let's pray for a 5 seed.



19 comments  |  0 recs

Open GameThread: MWC Tourney Semis - UNLV vs. BYU

UNLV's Matt Shaw, right, realizes his scroll tattoo isn't nearly as cool Mike Loyd's Rayhawk.  (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Denis Poroy - AP

UNLV's Matt Shaw, right, realizes his scroll tattoo isn't nearly as cool Mike Loyd's Rayhawk. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)


Next Game

UNLV Runnin Rebels
@ BYU Cougars

Friday, Mar 12, 2010, 8:30 PM PST
Mountain West Tournament - Semifinals - Thomas & Mack Center - Las Vegas, NV

Complete Coverage >



Fredette tops 40 again as BYU advances - BYU Athletics
Rose a finalist for Skip Prosser award - BYU Athletics

BYU must shoot better tonight than the last time they played UNLV.  In their 88-74 loss, the Cougars shot 38% overall - but the starters were a dismal 29%.  Part of that can be attributed to forcing lots of perimeter jumpers in an attempt to catch up to the Rebels' hot start.  Obviously, BYU can get away with a mediocre first half against a team like TCU, but not UNLV. 

Another note in review of the Cougars' loss to the Rebels is how Tyler Haws had a below-average performance offensively that game but may not play tonight.  From Greg Wrubell:

"Tyler Haws (eye) was visiting a local doctor this afternoon and did not participate in the team's shoot-around at Cox Pavilion. Word is the eye was still very swollen today.  Haws' status for tonight would have to be considered questionable at best; if he can't play, it's likely Mike Loyd would take Haws' place in the starting lineup."

If that's the case, here's how the starting match-ups will likely look tonight:

Fredette - Anthony Marshall
Emery - Tre'Von Willis
Loyd - Oscar Bellfield
Hartsock - Chase Stanback
Miles - Brice Massamba

You also figure Abouo's minutes will increase due to Haws' absence - which is a good thing because of 1) they way Charles has been terrific offensively over the past few weeks, and 2) Abouo's athleticism is much needed against the Rebels and a nice counter to Matt Shaw off of Lon Kruger's bench.

Kruger has substituted Marshall into his starting lineup in place of Kendall Wallace and the freshman responded last night with 13 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists against the Utes.  Just another weapon the Cougars, and likely Fredette (since Emery will probably guard Willis again), will have to account for tonight.  It should be a thriller...

GO COUGARS!!!

198 comments  |  0 recs

Fredette goes for 45 as Cougars beat TCU and advance

2 of 10 from deep for Jimmer.  So disappointing...

Next Up: Winner of Utah vs. UNLV

Post-game Coverage




5 comments  |  0 recs

San Diego State's D.J. Gay made two free throws with 23 seconds remaining to tie and then take the lead, 72-71. Adam Nigon led the Rams with 18 points but they came up just short in fulfilling Layton's prediction.

AFA also gave New Mexico a fight in the second half of their matchup, but Darington Hobson went ballistic and led the Lobos to a 75-69 win.

The Aztecs and Lobos will meet each other in tomorrow night's semifinal game at 6 PM. SDSU beat New Mexico in San Diego and lost in OT at The Pit last month.

3 days ago Spaceshaolinninja_tiny sroufe 3 comments 0 recs

Open GameThread: MWC Tourney - TCU vs. BYU

BYU guard Tyler Haws, left rear, and guard Jimmer Fredette, right, combine to make a steal from TCU forward Nikola Cerina, of Serbia, in the first half of an NCAA basketball game, Saturday, March 6, 2010, in Fort Worth. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Tony Gutierrez - AP

8 days ago: BYU guard Tyler Haws, left rear, and guard Jimmer Fredette, right, combine to make a steal from TCU forward Nikola Cerina, of Serbia, in the first half of an NCAA basketball game, Saturday, March 6, 2010, in Fort Worth. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

 


Next Game

TCU Horned Frogs
@ BYU Cougars

Thursday, Mar 11, 2010, 6:00 PM PST
Mountain West Tournament - Quarterfinals - Thomas & Mack Center - Las Vegas, NV

Complete Coverage >



Game Preview - BYU Athletics

'Big' Question - Miles or Davies - Deseret News
BYU-New Mexico III: a sure showdown bet in Las Vegas - Deseret News
Déjà vu for Cougars in round one of MWC tournament - KSL
Gods willing, conference tournament belongs to BYU, UNM - SLTribune
Miles still starter, but Davies gaining ground - SLTribune
NCAA seed on line at MWC Tournament - Daily Universe

GO COUGARS!!!

23 comments  |  0 recs

The Falcons will play New Mexico tomorrow at Noon PST. The last time the two teams played, Air Force held the Lobos to 40% shooting and nearly pulled off an upset (59-56). Of course, New Mexico also won by 23 in Colorado Springs back in January. Still, you have to hope the Falcons can at least make a game of it.

4 days ago Spaceshaolinninja_tiny sroufe 0 comments 0 recs

More Posts from Vanquish The Foe

Explore Full Archive Next Page


User Tools

Welcome to Vanquish the Foe, a Brigham Young University athletics blog at SB Nation. Get VTF updates via Twitter and Facebook.
Start posting about the Cougars »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

300_small
Boiler Boylen goes off on Tribune's Monson
Small
Alford-Tavernari Altercation
Murph_jerset_small
A Pac-10 expansion look at attendance
Small
NCAA Tournament Seeding Situation
9_-_metal_man_small
BYU Basketball under the radar, right where I like it
Byu_logo_1969-1998_small
Pomeroy ranks BYU #4
300_small
VTF Member Se7en: Huge Games Soon
Byu_logo_1969-1998_small
BYU recruiting makes the cut!
Byu_logo_1969-1998_small
Max Hall in the East/West Shrine Bowl
Byu_logo_-_oval_y_-_all_blue_small
Jimmer Jammer Human Highlight Reel

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recent FanShots

Utah recruit charged with battering coach
SB Nation: WAC Tourney Preview
MWC Tournament Preview: Four Team Battle
Local HD Listings - MWC Tournament
Don't sleep on BYU's Jimmer Fredette as a potential draft candidate this...
Dawg Sports: Why the Justice Dept.'s letter to Senator Hatch is ultimately inconsequential
Glockner (CNNSI) - Bracketology Update
Blogging the Bracket: Bracketology Update
Joe Lunardi (ESPN) - Bracketology Update
Having now been swept by New Mexico, I'd say this [a No. 4 seed] is as...

+ New FanShot All FanShots >

VTF on Facebook

Vanquish the Foe on Facebook

Cougars Football Schedule

Mountain West Conference Standings

(updated 1.4.2010 at 10:13 PM PST)

Conf Overall
W L W L
TCU Horned Frogs 8 0 12 1
BYU Cougars 7 1 11 2
Utah Utes 6 2 10 3
Air Force Falcons 5 3 8 5
Wyoming Cowboys 4 4 7 6
UNLV Rebels 3 5 5 7
San Diego St. Aztecs 2 6 4 8
New Mexico Lobos 1 7 1 11
Colorado St. Rams 0 8 3 9

Football Rankings

Cougars Basketball Schedule

Last 5 Games

UNLV Fri 03/12 L 66 - 70
UNLV Fri 03/12 L 66 - 70
TCU Thu 03/11 W 95 - 85
TCU Thu 03/11 W 95 - 85
@ TCU Sat 03/06 W 107 - 77

Mountain West Conference Standings

(updated 3.13.2010 at 11:26 PM PST)

Conf Overall
W L W L
New Mexico Lobos 14 2 29 4
BYU Cougars 13 3 29 5
San Diego St. Aztecs 11 5 25 8
UNLV Runnin Rebels 11 5 25 8
Colorado St. Rams 7 9 16 15
Utah Utes 7 9 14 17
TCU Horned Frogs 5 11 13 19
Wyoming Cowboys 3 13 10 21
Air Force Falcons 1 15 10 21

SBNation.com Recent Stories

The offensive line is reflected in the visor of Wisconsin running back John Clay during the second half of an NCAA football game against Michigan, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) link

Wisconsin RB John Clay Will Miss Entire Spring Season

South Florida's Mike Ford carries the ball against Northern Illinois University Huskies during the International Bowl NCAA college football game in Toronto on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010. Ford ran for a career-high 207 yards and scored one touchdown in their 27-3 win. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young) link

USF Dismisses RB Mike Ford

In this photo made Oct. 3, 2009, Notre Dame wide receiver Golden Tate celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown against Washington in an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. Notre Dame defeated Washington 37-30 in overtime. Tate struggled last season when Michael Floyd was injured but this season has looked comfortable just about anywhere on the field where he can get hands on the football. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

NFL Draft 2010 Player Profile: Golden Tate, Notre Dame Wide Receiver

More from SBNation.com >


Managers

300_small Layton

Editors

Spaceshaolinninja_small sroufe

Authors

Byu_logo_1969-1998_small vaughnzipper

Harvey-unga_small danbyu1

16753_211188569455_509044455_2928379_4732299_n_small BYUmitch

Official Partner of CBS Sports