GoCougarPokes wrote:

I am always perplexed by the terrible programs at both SDSU and UNLV. Both have definate draws to their respective schools. Vegas has gambling, the strip, and nice weather. San Diego has a history of NFL talent, is beautiful, and is in California (recruiting should be easy). How is it that both of these schools stink year in and year out? They should have good athletes...it has never made sense to me. I would applaud a coach who could make either one of these programs consistant. Speaking of consistancy, the MWC has many teams that are very inconsistant in terms of winning. BYU was a staple for many years, but we have had a few down years. Why is it that the lower tier teams in the conference cannot be good? CSU had a few good years, but sunk. I don't get why the MWC has those types of teams? And if so, does that mean BYU should leave for greener pastures? or is it better to be a small fish in a big pond?

That is the big question. Since most years there are only 2-4 decent teams, that means you can pencil in 4-6 automatic wins at the start of every year, so if you are simply not a bad team, you will be bowl eligible. Exhibit A: Yewtah. Would you rather play in the SEC where every game is a firefight and even if you are pretty good, 4-8 may be all you can put together? Would we have gone 11-2 last year in a BCS conference? I don't know the answer, but there would have been a lot fewer 30 point wins.

I would rather be the big fish in the little pond...I remember for years the PAC-8 was refered to as snow white and the 7 dwarf bucause the USC coach had white hair and everyone else in the conference stunk. Then you look at a team like Vanderbuilt which actually has had some pretty decient teams the last few years that pull off an upset or two but end up getting pounded by the rest of the SEC. I do agree though the rest of the MWC should pony up and get fully invested in making the MWC better. You're right there is no reason SDSU, CSU and UNLV couldn't have top level teams. We can only hope I guess.

Go Cougs!
L Hatton
Louisville KY

Until we can beat mediocre teams like tulsa and UCla with consistency, I think the best place for BYU is a conference like the MWC. On the other hand I wonder if the constant increased competition in a conference like the SEC would make BYU a better team and make BYU learn how to beat top tier teams with consistency.

It's really too bad when it feels like your team may have more of a handful with a DII school than their conference DI piers.

GoCougarPokes wrote:

I am always perplexed by the terrible programs at both SDSU and UNLV.

Me too. I asked an SDSU grad that I work with about that and he said the big problem is the stadium they play in. It's too big and too far from campus. He said freshmen go to the first couple of games and then they're "over it".

It seems like the best programs in the country (with a few exceptions) have great on campus facilities especially the stadium. Both SDSU and UNLV fall short in that category and fill probably continue to fall short in the MWC until that gets rectified.

mormonrasta wrote:

GoCougarPokes wrote:

I am always perplexed by the terrible programs at both SDSU and UNLV.

Me too. I asked an SDSU grad that I work with about that and he said the big problem is the stadium they play in. It's too big and too far from campus. He said freshmen go to the first couple of games and then they're "over it".

It seems like the best programs in the country (with a few exceptions) have great on campus facilities especially the stadium. Both SDSU and UNLV fall short in that category and fill probably continue to fall short in the MWC until that gets rectified.

Other than $ (obviously), are there "space" limitations for 'on-campus' facilites?

Me too. I asked an SDSU grad that I work with about that and he said the big problem is the stadium they play in. It's too big and too far from campus. He said freshmen go to the first couple of games and then they're "over it".

So, the stadium is to blame for their inconsistency? hmmmm...