TopFrog
Lifelong Frog
http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/04/21/21...ld-come-in.html
[SIZE=14pt]Automatic BCS bid could come in 2012 for TCU's conference[/SIZE]
By STEFAN STEVENSON
sstevenson@star-telegram.com
It has taken a few blockbuster seasons by two of its member teams, but the Mountain West Conference may finally be getting some respect.
BCS executive director Bill Hancock said the MWC has performed so well the last two seasons that it could become the seventh conference to gain automatic bid status in two years. Currently six conferences -- the Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10 and Southeastern -- earn automatic BCS bids.
The Associated Press reported that Hancock told a gathering of conference commissioners and athletic directors in Scottsdale, Ariz., that they should be aware of the strides the MWC has made toward earning an automatic bid by 2012.
"The Mountain West knows the BCS formula and understands the criteria it must meet to obtain automatic qualification," MWC commissioner Craig Thompson said in a released statement. "We've had two strong seasons under the current four-year evaluation period, with three top 25 BCS teams, and know we must continue the high level of play over the next two years."
TCU and Utah have earned trips to BCS bowls the last two seasons, and the MWC had three top-20 teams last year: TCU (No. 6), BYU (12) and Utah (18).
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, whose Utes finished No.2 in 2008 after a 13-0 season and win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, says the league must maintain its momentum.
"I think you have to keep proving it," Whittingham said. "This is a what-have-you-done lately business. Even though we've had success the last few years all you can be concerned about, really, is this year."
Head games?
Gary Patterson doesn't want to hear it.
During a conference call of MWC football coaches Wednesday, Utah's Kyle Whittingham proclaimed TCU the MWC's "team to beat."
"They're going to be good, I can guarantee you that," Whittingham said. "...They lose some outstanding guys on defense, but I know the majority of their players are coming back."
Patterson wanted none of it.
"He said that last year," Patterson said. "He needs a new line."
Gamesmanship by Whittingham? Perhaps, but TCU will likely be the media darling when the MWC preseason polls are released in late July. The Frogs will also likely be ranked in the top 10 nationally in preseason polls.
Smith has surgery
Gary Patterson said that freshman running back Dwight Smith had surgery Wednesday on a knee injured during the Horned Frogs' spring game April 10. Patterson has not disclosed the exact nature of the injury, but said Wednesday that "it was significant" but "he should be back sometime during two-a-days" in August.
"We'll see how [Smith] progresses," Patterson said. "It's one of those injuries where the harder you work the greater chance you have getting back early. So it's really up to him."
Unga in doubt
All-time leading BYU rusher Harvey Unga, who withdrew from the school last week after an unspecified honor code violation, hopes to be readmitted, coach Bronco Mendenhall said.
"The process is still ongoing and I don't really have a time frame on when a decision will be reached" Mendenhall said of Unga, who has rushed for 3,455 yards in three seasons.
Stefan Stevenson, 817-390-7760
[SIZE=14pt]Automatic BCS bid could come in 2012 for TCU's conference[/SIZE]
By STEFAN STEVENSON
sstevenson@star-telegram.com
It has taken a few blockbuster seasons by two of its member teams, but the Mountain West Conference may finally be getting some respect.
BCS executive director Bill Hancock said the MWC has performed so well the last two seasons that it could become the seventh conference to gain automatic bid status in two years. Currently six conferences -- the Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10 and Southeastern -- earn automatic BCS bids.
The Associated Press reported that Hancock told a gathering of conference commissioners and athletic directors in Scottsdale, Ariz., that they should be aware of the strides the MWC has made toward earning an automatic bid by 2012.
"The Mountain West knows the BCS formula and understands the criteria it must meet to obtain automatic qualification," MWC commissioner Craig Thompson said in a released statement. "We've had two strong seasons under the current four-year evaluation period, with three top 25 BCS teams, and know we must continue the high level of play over the next two years."
TCU and Utah have earned trips to BCS bowls the last two seasons, and the MWC had three top-20 teams last year: TCU (No. 6), BYU (12) and Utah (18).
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, whose Utes finished No.2 in 2008 after a 13-0 season and win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, says the league must maintain its momentum.
"I think you have to keep proving it," Whittingham said. "This is a what-have-you-done lately business. Even though we've had success the last few years all you can be concerned about, really, is this year."
Head games?
Gary Patterson doesn't want to hear it.
During a conference call of MWC football coaches Wednesday, Utah's Kyle Whittingham proclaimed TCU the MWC's "team to beat."
"They're going to be good, I can guarantee you that," Whittingham said. "...They lose some outstanding guys on defense, but I know the majority of their players are coming back."
Patterson wanted none of it.
"He said that last year," Patterson said. "He needs a new line."
Gamesmanship by Whittingham? Perhaps, but TCU will likely be the media darling when the MWC preseason polls are released in late July. The Frogs will also likely be ranked in the top 10 nationally in preseason polls.
Smith has surgery
Gary Patterson said that freshman running back Dwight Smith had surgery Wednesday on a knee injured during the Horned Frogs' spring game April 10. Patterson has not disclosed the exact nature of the injury, but said Wednesday that "it was significant" but "he should be back sometime during two-a-days" in August.
"We'll see how [Smith] progresses," Patterson said. "It's one of those injuries where the harder you work the greater chance you have getting back early. So it's really up to him."
Unga in doubt
All-time leading BYU rusher Harvey Unga, who withdrew from the school last week after an unspecified honor code violation, hopes to be readmitted, coach Bronco Mendenhall said.
"The process is still ongoing and I don't really have a time frame on when a decision will be reached" Mendenhall said of Unga, who has rushed for 3,455 yards in three seasons.
Stefan Stevenson, 817-390-7760
