BCS Buster Watch - Week Ten

1. Utah Utes (1)
Record: 9-0 (5-0)
Coaches Poll: 9
Associated Press: 10
Last Week: Won @ New Mexico 13-10
Having lost four of their last six games against New Mexico, headman Kyle Whittingham was more than happy to leave Albuquerque with a 13-10 victory—style points be damned.
Up Next: 11/6: vs. TCU; 11/15: @ San Diego St.

2. TCU Horned Frogs (2)
Record: 9-1 (6-0)
Coaches Poll: 11
Associated Press: 11
Last Week: Won @ UNLV 44-14
Quarterback Andy Dalton has come on strong since returning, throwing nine touchdown passes and no interceptions. On the ground, the Horned Frogs rumbled for 259 yards at UNLV.
Next: 11/6: @ Utah; 11/15: BYE

3. Boise St. Broncos (3)
Record: 8-0 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 10
Associated Press: 9
Last Week: Won @ New Mexico St. 49-0
The Broncos continue to mix in the run (33 carries, 216 yards, three touchdowns) and the pass (19-of-29 passing 246 yards, three touchdowns) making it tough on the opposition.
Next: 11/8: Utah St.; 11/15: @ Idaho

4. BYU Cougars (5)
Record: 8-1 (4-1)
Coaches Poll: 16
Associated Press: 17
Last Week: Won @ Colorado St. 45-42
What happened to the defense? After allowing 10 points per game through their first six contests, they have gotten progressively worse.
Up Next: 11/8: San Diego St.; 11/15: @ Air Force

5. Ball St. Cardinals (NR)
Record: 8-0 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 18
Associated Press: 16
Last Week: BYE
The Cardinals play weekday games throughout November—with three national television dates.
Next: 11/5: Northern Illinois; 11/11: @ Miami

CFI Radio: BCS Busters

Want more than just SEC and Big 12 talk? Join CFI Co-Founder Daniel Mogollon for the first BCS Buster Show.

Guests:

Mountain West:
No. 8 Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham
No. 15 BYU Quarterback Max Hall
(Davey O-Brien Semifinalist)
Wyoming Running Back Devin Moore

Western Athletic Conference:
No. 10 Boise St. Running Back Ian Johnson
Louisiana Tech Running Back Daniel Porter

Mid-American Conference:
Central Michigan Quarterback Brian Brunner
Western Michigan Safety Louis Delmas

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Utah)

BCS Busters - Players of the Week

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

WR Jimmy Young, TCU
The sophomore wide out broke out for the Horned Frogs last Saturday with five receptions for 226 yards and three touchdowns. All three touchdowns went for at least 39 yards, with his longest reception of the day (65 yards) setting up yet another score. Young’s 226 yards set a school record and is the best receiving performance by a Mountain West player this season.

Honorable Mention: Levi Brown, QB, Troy:
40-of-50 passing, 391 yards, two touchdowns

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

S James Lockett, Tulsa
Whether he was blitzing or dropping back in coverage, Lockett was making plays in Tulsa’s 49-19 win over Central Florida. The junior recorded three of the Golden Hurricane’s nine sacks and a pair of forced fumbles, each of which led to a Tulsa touchdown.

Honorable Mention: Jorrick Calvin, DB, Troy: nine tackles, two TFLs, interception in end zone

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

K Kevin Goessling, Fresno St.
Goessling’s 58-yard field goal as time expired won the game for the Bulldogs 30-28 over Utah St. It was the freshman’s third field goal of the day.

Honorable Mention: Mike Salerno, K, Northern Illinois: game-tying & game-winning FGs

Photo Credit: TCU Athletics Media Relations

BCS Buster Watch - Week Nine

1. Utah Utes (1)
Record: 8-0 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 9
Associated Press: 10
Last Week: BYE
The Utes begin a difficult November stretch that includes visits from TCU and BYU, a pair of ranked, one-loss Mountain West foes.
Up Next: 11/1: @ New Mexico; 11/6: vs. TCU

2. TCU Horned Frogs (4)
Record: 7-1 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 12
Associated Press: 12
Last Week: Won vs. Wyoming 54-7
What separates TCU from the rest of the BCS Busters is their ability to play defense, led by linebacker Jason Phillips (9.5 tackles for a loss) and defensive end Jerry Hughes (12 sacks).
Next: 11/1: @ UNLV; 11/6: @ Utah

3. Boise St. Broncos (2)
Record: 7-0 (3-0)
Coaches Poll: 11
Associated Press: 11
Last Week: Won @ San Jose St. 33-16
In freshman quarterback Kellen Moore, senior tailback Ian Johnson and sophomore tailback Jeremy Avery, the Broncos possess one of the most balanced offenses, regardless of conference.
Next: 11/1: @ New Mexico St.; 11/8: Utah St.

4. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3)
Record: 8-0 (5-0)
Coaches Poll: 18
Associated Press: 19
Last Week: Won vs. UCF 49-19
The defense stepped up after giving up 19 second quarter points, pitching a shutout after halftime (held UCF to 38 total yards in the second half).
Next: 11/1: @ Arkansas; 11/8: BYE

5. BYU Cougars (2)
Record: 7-1 (3-1)
Coaches Poll: 17
Associated Press: 17
Last Week: Won vs. UNLV 42-35
After allowing just 61 points through six games, the BYU defense has given up 67 points in the last two games. They need to buckle down.
Up Next: 11/1: @ Colorado St.; 11/8: San Diego St.

Photo Credit: TCU Athletics Media Relations

BCS Buster Watch - Week Eight

1. Utah Utes (1)
Record: 8-0 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 12
Associated Press: 12
Last Week: Won vs. Colorado St. 49-16
Brian Johnson tossed two first half touchdowns, while his backup Corbin Louks put his ability to run the ball on display (five carries, 109 yards).
Up Next: 10/25: BYE; 11/1: @ New Mexico

2. Boise St. Broncos (3)
Record: 6-0 (2-0)
Coaches Poll: 13
Associated Press: 13
Last Week: Won vs. Hawaii 27-7
The Broncos intercepted five Hawaii passes on the day, led by sophomore cornerback Brandyn Thompson who had three of them. It couldn’t just be the blue turf at Bronco Stadium, could it?
Next: 10/24: @ San Jose St.; 11/1: @ NM St.

3. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (4)
Record: 7-0 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 19
Associated Press: 22
Last Week: Won vs. UTEP 77-35
The combination of David Johnson (434 yards, five touchdowns) to Brennan Marion (233 yards, three touchdowns) is the best you’ve never seen.
Next: 10/26: vs. UCF; 11/1: @ Arkansas

4. TCU Horned Frogs (NR)
Record: 7-1 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 15
Associated Press: 15
Last Week: Won @ BYU 32-7
The Horned Frogs defense was nothing short of brilliant, stifling the BYU attack (297 yards of total offense). For the first time all year BYU’s Max Hall did not throw a touchdown pass.
Next: 10/25: vs. Wyoming; 11/1: @ UNLV

5. BYU Cougars (2)
Record: 6-1 (2-1)
Coaches Poll: 17
Associated Press: 18
Last Week: Lost @ TCU 32-7
The Cougars gained just 28 yards on 23 carries (0.8 yards per carry), while their defense couldn’t slow down TCU’s attack (240 yards, 4.7 YPC).
Up Next: 10/25: vs. UNLV; 11/1: @ Colorado St.

Photo Credit: Walt Beazley, The University of Tulsa

No. 11 Hawaii enjoying being the nation's only unbeaten team

By JAYMES SONG
AP Sports Writer

HONOLULU (AP) - Solomon Elimimian is savoring Hawaii's success - and it shows.

The leading tackler for the unbeaten and 11th-ranked Warriors is already wearing out his T-shirt that says, ``2007 Western Athletic Conference champions.''

When asked how long he had worn the green, wrinkled shirt, Elimimian said, ``like two days.'' It looked closer to two weeks, but Elimimian wasn't taking it off.

``It feels good to be WAC champs outright for the first time ever,'' said Elimimian, who was the WAC defensive player of the week Monday after making 14 tackles in Hawaii's 39-27 win over Boise State on Friday night.

With the victory, the Warriors (11-0, 8-0) denied the Broncos (10-2, 7-1) a sixth straight conference championship and remained the nation's only unbeaten team. Hawaii needs a victory over Washington (4-8) on Saturday to finish 12-0 and earn a BCS berth.

``It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders and now there's all this energy and new life,'' said quarterback Colt Brennan, who threw for 495 yards and five touchdown passes and received offensive player of the week honors.

If the Warriors can get past the Huskies, the Sugar Bowl is their most likely postseason destination.

``What Boise State was able to do last year, Hawaii is on the cusp of doing that this year,'' WAC commissioner Karl Benson said. ``It demonstrates the strength at the top of the WAC.''

The Warriors moved up three spots to 12th in the latest Bowl Championship Series standings. That's where they'll need to finish, at minimum, on Sunday to secure an automatic bid to the BCS.

Benson said he's ``confident and convinced'' Hawaii would get an invitation to college football's biggest stage if it finishes undefeated. He said the Warriors were ``undervalued,'' in the polls earlier in the season when they faced several lackluster opponents, including two Division I-AA teams and the bottom of the WAC.

But last week's win, ``really validated how good Hawaii is,'' he said.

Warriors coach June Jones said it's difficult to go undefeated on any level and noted the success of his team over the past two years. Hawaii finished 11-3 last year and has won 21 of 22.

``The three losses last year were by 18 points. That says a lot. The kids are believing in each other,'' he said.

The No. 12 ranking is the best in school history for Hawaii. The Warriors' 12-game winning streak is the longest in the nation and goes back to their victory over Arizona State in the Hawaii Bowl.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

Brennan-Led Hawaii Wins WAC Title

By JAYMES SONG
AP Sports Writer

HONOLULU (AP) - Unbeaten. Record-breaking. Western Athletic Conference champion. Maybe BCS bound. All apply to Colt Brennan and Hawaii. The Warriors' prolific passer threw five touchdowns to break the major college career record as No. 14 Hawaii beat No. 17 Boise State 39-27 Friday night to win its first outright WAC title.

Brennan finished 40-of-53 for 495 yards for the Warriors (11-0, 8-0), who set a school record with 12 straight wins and denied the Broncos (10-2, 7-1) a sixth straight conference championship.

``He was the best college football player in America last year and he still is this year,'' Warriors coach June Jones said. ``If he plays good next week and we win it, he should win the Heisman Trophy.''

The WAC heavyweights traded scores and the lead until Brennan erupted for three TD tosses in the third quarter to give the Warriors their largest lead, 39-27, heading into the final quarter.

``When your rolling like that against a Boise State team, you know things are good,'' Brennan said. ``We knew right then and there, we were in good shape.''

The quick-striking Warriors, who have won 21 of its last 22 games and lead the nation in scoring, ran out the clock with their rare running game to seal the win as the crowd chanted, ``BCS! BCS!''

Hawaii entered 15th in the Bowl Championship Series standings, needing to finish 12th or higher to secure an automatic bid to the BCS. A weak schedule has kept the Warriors from moving up the rankings, but a convincing win over last season's BCS busters should help them make a final push. A Sugar Bowl bid could be in the Warriors' future if they can complete a perfect season next week at home against Washington.

With the final seconds ticking off the clock, players and thousands of fans spilled onto the field and celebrated the Warriors' biggest win in school history.

Hawaii's Davone Bess had a school-record 14 catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Jason Rivers had 12 catches for 123 yards and a touchdown while C.J. Hawthorne added five receptions for 111 yards and a TD.

But it was Brennan's night.

``It's the best feeling I've ever had. I'm speechless,'' said Brennan, who withdrew from the NFL draft to return for one more season.

Brennan has passed for 126 TDs in his three-year career at Hawaii, which beat Boise State for the first time in seven tries. Brennan broke the record, throwing his 122nd, in the first quarter.

His 6-yard TD pass to Grice-Mullen surpassed the mark set by former Brigham Young Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer in 1991. With the pass, Brennan also broke Detmer's record for most touchdowns responsible for with 136.

The sellout, green-clad, ti-leaf waving crowd at Aloha Stadium roared as Brennan was congratulated by teammates and officials removed the record-breaking ball. The touchdown pass tied the game at 7.

Brennan quickly added to his new record. His 123rd TD pass came on a 23-yard toss to Bess in the second quarter to give the Warriors a 19-13 lead. Brennan also had 1-yard scoring run.

Bess and Brennan also connected on a 22-yard scoring play early in the third quarter. It was their 39th scoring hookup, tying the NCAA record held by Louisiana Tech's Tim Rattay and Troy Edwards.

Brennan's fourth TD toss of the game, and 125th in his career, was a 7-yarder to Rivers that gave the Warriors a 32-27 lead. No. 5 was a 38-yarder to C.J. Hawthorne with 26 seconds left in the third quarter.

Brennan entered the game holding 24 other NCAA records, including the single-season record for TD passes of 58, which he set last year.

The Warriors took a 19-17 lead into the locker room. Brennan was 20-of-27 for 241 yards and two TDs in the half.

The Broncos' Ian Johnson also had a big first half, rushing for 75 yards and two TDs, including a 50-yarder that gave the Broncos a 7-0 lead. However, Johnson was held to just 11 yards and no scores in the second half.

Taylor Tharp was 22-of-36 for 231 yards for Boise State, which is now 52-4 in the WAC since joining the conference in 2001. They had won 17 straight WAC games, with their last loss coming in 2005 at Fresno State.

Boise State was 19th in the BCS standings and hoping to break into the big games for a second straight year. The team that wowed the college football world with its dramatic Fiesta Bowl victory last season will go back to playing in second-tier bowl games this year.

Boise State took a 27-26 lead midway through the third quarter on a 36-yard field goal by Kyle Brotzman, setup by Dallas Dobbs' interception.

The Broncos cut the Warriors lead to 26-24, on a 6-yard play-action pass from Tharp to Richie Brockel on fourth-and-1.