Tulsa Football

2009 Ball State Cardinals Predictions
2008 Record: (12-2, 8-0)
Coach: Stan Parrish, 1st year (0-1 at Ball State, 57-42-3 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Eddie Faulkner (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Doug Graber (1st year)
Returning Starters: 12 (4 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Need winning college football predictions each week? Visit ATS Consultants and sign-up for the free sports picks newsletter for college football betting information and free college football picks

Offense: The Cardinals are coming off a dream season, but going undefeated in the MAC means you usually lose your coach. Brady Hoke left after the MAC Championship game (42-24 loss to Buffalo) to take over at San Diego State. Offensive coordinator Stan Parrish took over for the GMAC Bowl (45-13 loss to Tulsa) and returns as the new head coach in the first full season. This year, Parrish has to replace star QB Nate Davis, who left early for the NFL. Freshman Kelly Page (6-3, 206) appears to have the edge after winning the job in the spring. At running back, they do return junior MiQuale Lewis (5-6, 184), who led the team with 1,736 ayrds and 22 TDs. They also return sophomore WR Briggs Orsbon (6-0, 189), who caught 68 passes for 813 yards last season. The key will be find four new starters on te line as the Cardinals return just one starter in junior LG Michael Switzer (6-5, 278).

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 20.5ppg (29th in the nation) and 368.2 yards per game (69th in the nation). With a new coach comes a new coordinator as Parrish hired Doug Graber to coach the defense. Graber will lean on his front line, which returns all four starters. Junior DE Robert Eddins (6-3, 224) leads the way with 45 tackles, 6.5 for loss and four sacks in 2008. The lineabckers return just one starter and that’s junior Davyd Jones (6-1, 210), who recorded 85 tackles and 12 for loss last year. In the secondary, they lose both corners and return both safeties. Senior FS Alex Knipp (6-0, 194) is back after leading the team with 96 tackles and 3.5 for loss. Sophomore SS Sean Baker (6-1, 204) added 94 tackles and six picks.

Outlook: The Cardinals face North Texas and New Hampshire to start the season at home. After that they face Army and Auburn on the road, so it’s not inconceivable that they could start 3-1. They also host Central Michigan and Bowling Green (they skip Buffalo) and face Western Michigan on the road to end the season. This is a team that should take a few steps back after losing Nate Davis, one of the best players in the MAC. This means they will have to rely on their running game.

This MAC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

2009 Auburn Tigers Predictions
2008 Record: (5-7, 2-6)
Coach: Gene Chizik, 1st year (first year at Alabama, 5-19 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Gus Malzahn (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Ted Roof (1st year)
Returning Starters: 16 (7 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Kodi Burns)

Need winning college football predictions each week? Visit ATS Consultants and sign-up for the free sports picks newsletter for college football betting information and free college football picks

Offense: Gene Chizik takes over the program from Tommy Tuberville after two not-so-impressive seasons at Iowa State. The cupboard is not bare as they bring back junior Kodi Burns (6-2, 209) at quarterback. He threw for 1,050 yards last season for a unit that finished 99th in the nation in passing offense. He’ll be guided by offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who runs a fast-paced offense, similar to the one he ran at Tulsa, who led the nation in total offense the past two seasons. Burns will have competition from junior Neil Caudle, who has been hampered by injuries during his career. At running back, they return senior Ben Tate (5-11, 217), who ran for 664 yards last season, who shared time with junior Mario Fannin (5-11, 226). At receiver, they have some experience but very little production. Up front, they return three of five starters including junior center Ryan Pugh (6-4, 280), one of the best in the SEC.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed just 18ppg (14th in the nation) and 317.8 yards per game (29th in the nation). Senior DE Antonio Coleman (6-3, 257) is one of the nation’s best pass rushers (six sacks) last year). They are strong at end and a bit questionable at tackle with two starters gone. At linebacker, they are thin but athletic. Junior Craig Stevens (6-3, 227) returns on the strong side, while athletic junior Josh Bynes (6-2, 233), who had three picks last year, is back as well. The secondary has great potential if they can keep everybody healthy. Junior S Mike McNeil (6-2, 205) and junior Zac Etheridge (6-0, 204), who had 75 tackles last year, are very solid.

Outlook: The Tigers face Louisiana Tech at home to start the season and also take on Mississippi State, West Virginia, Furman and Ball State at home. That’s the good news. The bad news is that they face LSU and Georgia on the road, along with Ole Miss at home. With a new coach and system, expect the Tigers to struggle some early on offense. Their defense should be good enough to keep them competitive.

This SEC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

2009 Mountain West College Football Predictions

TCU: TCU won 11 games last season and doesn’t seem to get the national respect. They face Virginia and Clemson on the road along with home games against Texas State and SMU. They take on BYU on the road and Utah at home. The big issue will be replacing six starters on defense, including two of the three safeties. 2009 TCU College Football Predictions

Utah: Utah hosts Utah State, then takes on San Jose State, Oregon on the road and Louisville at home. They beefed up their schedule somewhat from last season, though they couldn’t help that a road win against Michigan last season, meant a lot less than it used. Taking on BYU and TCU on the road will be very difficult. 2009 Utah College Football Predictions

BYU: The Cougars usually put up points on the board, but it will be difficult to match last year’s total of 34.2 with just four starters returning. They open with Oklahoma in Arlington, Texas, and then face Tulane on the road and Florida State as well as Utah State at home. It doesn’t get much tougher than that schedule and their biggest advantage is that they host Utah in the season finale. With Hall at the helm, the Cougars do have a legit shot at the MWC title. 2009 BYU College Football Predictions

Air Force: The schedule is pretty pedestrian, as they take on rivals Army at home and Navy on the road, along with Nicholls State at home and Minnesota on the road. Unfortunately, they also have to face BYU and Utah on the road. While they doesn’t look a top-three team, they could certainly make a minor bowl game and this might finally be the year they beat Navy on the road. 2009 Air Force College Football Predictions

Colorado State: CSU takes on their rival Colorado on the road to open, and then faces Weber State and Nevada at home. They face BYU and TCU on the road along with Utah at home. Unless they can find a quarterback, this will be a tough season though games against Idaho, Weber State, Nevada, Air Force, San Diego State and Wyoming at home, are certainly winnable and could be enough to put them over the top. 2009 Colorado State College Football Predictions

UNLV: Sanford is beginning to turn this thing around and a soft schedule doesn’t hurt. They open with Sacramento State at home, then face Oregon State and Hawaii at home. They also face rival Nevada on the road, along with TCU on the road and BYU and Utah, at home. This is a team that appears to be a year or two away from competing for a title. They could sneak in to get a minor bowl based on their soft schedule. 2009 UNLV College Football Predictions

New Mexico: The Lobos will be rebuilding this season, playing for a new coaching staff with a new system. They could have used an easier schedule, but instead, they have to face Texas A&M on the road to start the season. They also host Tulsa, New Mexico State and face Texas Tech on the road. Porterie should make this team very competitive, but give Locksley another year or two to get his recruits in and they will be a bowl team. 2009 New Mexico College Football Predictions

San Diego State: The Aztecs open at UCLA, but it gets easier after facing Southern Utah at home and Idaho on the road. They also have to face BYU and TCU at home, along with Utah on the road. It won’t matter as there are not many winnable games on the schedule unless they completely turn the defense around in one season, which is not realistic. 2009 San Diego State College Football Predictions

Wyoming: The Cowboys face Weber State at home, but then it gets rough after facing Texas at home and Colorado on the road. A road game against Florida Atlanta is winnable, but after that, they also face TCU and BYU at home, along with Utah on the road. This will be a learning curve for the Cowboys, who have to find the right players for the new system. 2009 Wyoming College Football Predictions

2009 Odds to Win Mountain West
(Odds Subject to Change - Estimated Payout for $100 Wager)
Click Here for Current College Football Odds
Note: The odds listed below are to win the National Championship. Stay tuned for updates on conference odds……

TCU +10000
Utah +12500
BYU +15000

Betting on college football this season and need winning college football predictions? Visit Touthouse.com for winning college football betting information as well as free picks w/analysis each weekend.

All previews above are courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. ATS Consultants is a featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com and provides our readers with football betting information that is second to none. Be sure to sign-up for the ATS free picks newsletter today and get on the winning side of the game.

2009 New Mexico Lobos Predictions
2008 Record: (4-8, 2-6)
Coach: Mike Locksley, 1st year (0-0 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Darrell Dickey (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Doug Mallory (1st year)
Returning Starters: 11 (6 offense, 3 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Brad Gruner, Donovan Porterie)

Need winning college football predictions each week? Visit ATS Consultants and sign-up for the free sports picks newsletter for college football betting information and free college football picks

Offense: Mike Locksley takes over a program that was basically going nowhere under Rocky Long. The former Ron Zook assistant at Florida and Illinois returns two potential starting quarterbacks in senior Donovan Porterie (6-3, 206) and sophomore Brad Gruner (6-2, 217). Gruner threw for 1,007 yards last season in eight starters, but Porterie, who missed the 2008 season with an ACL injury, is the odds-on favorite to start. That’s because he threw for 3,006 yards in 2007 and should be perfect to run the no-huddle, spread- option system if he’s healthy. Senior James Wright (5-11, 235) is a big back who ran for 348 yards last season and could handle the rushing attack, if he’s named starter. At receiver, all three top starters return, though nobody put up big numbers to the lack of effectiveness at quarterback. The offensive line is led by twoyear starting center Erik Cook (6-6, 312) and returns three starters.

Defense: The defense will be the biggest challenge for a former college safety (Towson), who has coached the offensive side of the ball most of his career. They return just three starters from a unit that allowed a respectable 22.8ppg (46th in the nation) and 335.8 yards per game (45th in the nation). They’ll have a new look in a 4-3 scheme replacing the old Lobo signature 3-3-5 defense. (Long has actually taken that defense to San Diego State, where’s he’s the defensive coordinator). They’ll blitz and attack more often, hoping to improve upon the 21 sacks they had last year. Senior Clint McPeek (6-1, 227) moves from the old “Lobo” position (linebacker-safety hybrid) to linebacker, after making 103 tackles and breaking up nine passes. The secondary has to replace both corners, but returns senior safeties Ian Clark and Frankie Soloman.

Outlook: The Lobos will be rebuilding this season, playing for a new coaching staff with a new system. They could have used an easier schedule, but instead, they have to face Texas A&M on the road to start the season. They also host Tulsa, New Mexico State and face Texas Tech on the road. Porterie should make this team very competitive, but give Locksley another year or two to get his recruits in and they will be a bowl team.

This Mountain West conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

2009 Conference USA College Football Predictions

Southern Mississippi: The schedule is pretty tough as they open with Alcorn State, UCF and Virginia at home and then takes on Kansas on the road. They also face Louisville on the road in mid-October. The East divsion may be decided when they take on East Carolina on the road at the end of the season. This team is loaded, not just on offense, but the defense is also strong enough to make them a contender. They are a certain bowl team this year. 2009 Southern Mississippi College Football Predictions

East Carolina: The Pirates open with a very tough FCS (1-AA) opponent in Appalachian State at home, and then face West Virginia and North Carolina on the road. They also host rival Virginia Tech at home in November. This is one tough schedule that features Southern Miss at home in the season finale. 2009 East Carolina College Football Predictions

Memphis: The Tigers face Ole Miss at home, followed by Middle Tennesse State on the road, Tennessee-Martin at home and Tennessee on the road in their non-conference schedule. In conference, games at Houston and a home game against East Carolina will be key. If they can find a consistent running back, they have a legitimate shot to make a bowl game. 2009 Memphis College Football Predictions

Central Florida: UCF should be improved this season with 10 starters back and a new offense. The offense can’t be much worse than last year’s abysmal unit-even with the same players. They’ll open with Samford and then go right into conference play against a very tough Southern Miss team. They also host Buffalo, Miami (FL) and travel to Texas. Brutal schedule other than 1-AA Samford. They should be better than last year, but the record might not show it. 2009 Central Florida College Football Predictions

Marshall: Marshall opens with Southern Illinois at home, but then faces Virginia Tech. They also take on Bowling Green at home and rival West Virginia on the road. This is a pretty tough schedule for a team that has issues at quarterback and a defense that should be better but is still far off the rest of the league. 2009 Marshall College Football Predictions

UAB: UAB faces Rice and SMU at home to start the season, so they jump right into conference play. Their non-conference schedule features Troy, Texas A&M Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss. They do take on Southern Miss at home and ECU on the road. Pretty tough schedule for a team that needs to rebuild their defense and find a consistent running game on offense. 2009 UAB College Football Predictions

Houston: The Cougars open with Northwestern State, but that’s followed by two tough Big 12 games against Oklahoma State on the road and Texas Tech at home. The key conference game will be at Tulsa on November 7th. The Cougars have such a powerful offense, even with a mediocre defense (at best), they can go back to a minor bowl game or even move higher, if they can finish with just a couple of losses. 2009 Houston College Football Predictions

Tulsa: Tulsa faces Sam Houston State and Boise State at home with Oklahoma and New Mexico on the road in their non-conference schedule. That’s not easy, though they do face elite conference teams Houston, East Carolina and Memphis at home with Southern Miss on the road. This is a quality team that will rely on a consistent quarterback and an improved defense to put them over the top. The quarterback is the main thing that separates them from Houston. 2009 Tulsa College Football Predictions

UTEP: The Miners open with Buffalo and Kansas at home. They follow that with roadies against New Mexico State and Texas. The conference schedule features Tulsa and Houston at home, so if they find a defensive rotation that works, they could surprise. 2009 UTEP College Football Predictions

Rice: The Owls open with UAB on the road and then face non-conference opponents Texas Tech and Oklahoma State on the road, along with Vanderbilt at home. That’s a tough task for a team looking to find a suitable replacement at quarterback. They also face East Carolina and Houston on the road, not great luck for a team trying to win the C-USA West. The schedule is extremely challenging for a team that lost so much offensively. 2009 Rice College Football Predictions

Tulane: The Green Wave opens with Tulsa, before facing BYU, McNeese State and Army in their non-conference schedule. They also face state rival LSU in Baton Rouge on Oct. 31. In conference, they end the season with three straight on the road against Rice, UCF and SMU. A road game against Southern Miss is tough. The whole slate is tough for a squad that needs to find its identity on both sides of the ball. 2009 Tulane College Football Predictions

SMU: The Mustangs aren’t really shying away from competition, despite winning just one game last year. They do open with Stephen F. Austin, but after that, they take on Washington State on the road, are at TCU and host Navy. They aren’t gimmes, but will at least be winnable games. This will be a tough season for the Mustangs, but expect some improvement as they are still adjusting to the run-and-shoot and 3-4 schemes. 2009 SMU College Football Predictions

2009 Odds to Win Conference USA (CUSA)
(Odds Subject to Change - Estimated Payout for $100 Wager)
Click Here for Current College Football Odds
Note: The odds listed below are to win the National Championship. Stay tuned for updates on conference odds……

East Carolina +12500
Tulsa +20000

Betting on college football this season and need winning college football predictions? Visit Touthouse.com for winning college football betting information as well as free picks w/analysis each weekend.

All previews above are courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. ATS Consultants is a featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com and provides our readers with football betting information that is second to none. Be sure to sign-up for the ATS free picks newsletter today and get on the winning side of the game.

2009 UTEP Miners Predictions
2008 Record: (5-7, 4-4)
Coach: Mike Price, 5th year (30-30 at UTEP, 159-152 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Bob Connelly (2nd year) and Aaron Price (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Osia Lewis (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 15 (8 offense, 6 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Trevor Vittatoe)

Need winning college football predictions each week? Visit ATS Consultants and sign-up for the free sports picks newsletter for college football betting information and free college football picks

Offense: The Miners produced 32.9ppg and 406.5ypg last season and with eight starters returning, the offense should be stacked again. That’s usually not the issue for a Mike Price team. Junior QB Trevor Vittatoe (6-2, 230) returns after throwing for 3,274 yards and 33 touchdowns last year with just nine picks. He also played most of the season with a torn ankle ligament. With four starters returning on the line and his top two receivers back, Vittatoe should have a huge season. Senior Jeff Moturi and junior Kris Adams combined for 101 receptions and 23 touchdowns. At running back, the Miners need an impact player to emerge. Sophomore Vernon Frazier (5-7, 165) was electric in the spring, while junior Donald Bucrkam (5-10, 10) sat out the spring with a minor injury after being listed as the projected starter.

Defense: The defense struggled in the new 3-3-5 scheme last season and they return just six starters. The key will be the healthy return of “Miner” safety Braxton Any (6-0, 210), who missed last season due to a torn ACL. In 2007, he led the team with 112 tackles. Up front, they return two of three starters, but they lack depth on the line. Linebackers Roddray Walker (6-1, 215) and Royzell Smith (6-1, 215) are solid. The secondary returns three of five starters, but that’s not necessarily a good thing for a secondary that was torched last year.

Outlook: The Miners open with Buffalo and Kansas at home. They follow that with roadies against New Mexico State and Texas. The conference schedule features Tulsa and Houston at home, so if they find a defensive rotation that works, they could surprise.

This CUSA prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

2009 Tulsa Golden Hurricane Predictions
2008 Record: (11-3, 7-1)
Coach: Todd Graham, 3rd year (21-7 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Herb Hand (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Keith Patterson (4th year) and Ron West (1st year)
Returning Starters: 14 (6 offense, 7 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Need winning college football predictions each week? Visit ATS Consultants and sign-up for the free sports picks newsletter for college football betting information and free college football picks

Offense: Tulsa returns six starters on an explosive offense that averaged 47.2ppg (2nd in the nation) and 569.9 yards per game (1st in the nation). They set a school record with 7,978 yards, but the bad news is that they’ll have to find a new quarterback to replace David Johnson. Junior QB Jacob Bower (6-3, 242) will be trying to fill his shoes, though he attempted just 15 passes last year. He’ll compete with G.J. Kinne and Shavodrick Beaver. At running back, junior Charles Clay (6-3, 230) returns as a top-notch receiver, who has 1,488 receiving yards and 449 rushing yards. The no-huddle spread attack is designed for a balanced offense. Receivers Damaris Johnson, Trae Johnson and Slick Shelley are all-top notch. Damaris Johnson led the club with 53 receptions for 743 yards and 10 TDs, while Trae Johnson set the school record for freshman with 1,088 receiving yards and 13 scores. The offensive line returns two starters and will have to replace the right side.

Defense: The defense brings back seven starters from a defense that allowed 27.9ppg (75th in the nation) and 379.1 yards per game (74th). The big problem for last year’s defense was the turnovers. The didn’t create any, recording just nine interceptions. They were 84th nationally in turnover ration at -5 and 97th in passing defense (249.6ypg). They return just one starter on the defensive line in the 3-3-5 scheme. Senior NG Wilson Garrison (6-4, 283) received honorable mention all-conference recognition. The defense gets most of its pass rush from the secondary. Senior S James Lockett (5-11, 203) was a second-team all-conference selection after leading the team with 16.5 tackles and also added 8.5 sacks. At linebacker, they return all three including senior Mike Bryan (6-3, 226), who led the team with 119 tackles. In the secondary, they return two of five including Lockett and CB Kenny Sims, who also received honorable mention All-C-USA selection.

Outlook: Tulsa faces Sam Houston State and Boise State at home with Oklahoma and New Mexico on the road in their non-conference schedule. That’s not easy, though they do face elite conference teams Houston, East Carolina and Memphis at home with Southern Miss on the road. This is a quality team that will rely on a consistent quarterback and an improved defense to put them over the top. The quarterback is the main thing that separates them from Houston.

This CUSA prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

2009 Penn State Nittany Lions Predictions
2008 Record: (11-2, 7-1)
Coach: Joe Paterno, 44th year, (381-129-3 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Galen Hall (6th year)
Def. Coordinator: Tom Bradley (10th year)
Returning Starters:10 (5 offense, 4 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Daryll Clark)

Need winning college football predictions each week? Visit ATS Consultants and sign-up for the free sports picks newsletter for college football betting information and free college football picks

Offense: Joe Paterno returns for his 44th year and at 82, isn’t ready to give up yet. After compiling a 11-2 record last year before losing to USC in the Rose Bowl, he appears to have a few good years left. This Nittany Lions team may struggle some early because they lose six starters on offense, but they return senior QB Daryll Clark (6-2, 233). Clark ran the spread offense to near-perfection last year, throwing for 2,592 yards with 19TDs and ran for 10 scores. Running back Evan Royster returns after rushing for 1,236 yards last season (6.5ypc). Senior TE Andrew Quarles (6-5, 253) and junior TE Mickey Shuler (6-4, 249) are also productive players. At receiver, the Nitany Lions have a lot of size, but not a lot of experience. The ofensive line returns just two players including junior center Stefan Wisniewski (6-3, 302), who moves over from right guard.

Defense: The defense allowed just 14.4ppg last season (8th ranked in the nation) and 280.1 yards per game (8th ranked). However, they return just four starters and it will be difficult matching last year’s production. The secondary was the biggest concern though senior CB A.J. Wallace has always had the talent and at least has one career start. Up front, they lose their best pass rusher in DE Aaron Maybin. Senior DT Jared Odrick (6-5, 306) showed promised last year at tackle after recording 4.5 sacks. At linebacker, PSU always finds gems and this year should be no different. Senior Sean Lee (6-2, 236) returns after missing last season with a knee injury, so PSU really has three returning starters. He has All-American potential as does All-Big Ten pick Navorro Bowman (6-1, 230), who has had some off-the-field issues.

Outlook: The Nittany Lions have a ton of talent and a very soft schedule early on. They should easily be 7-0 heading into Ann Arbor on Oct. 24. They also face Ohio State at home, which is a big advantage. As long as Clark stays healthy, the Nittany Lions should be able to make a run at the Big 10 title. The tougher game might be the finale at Michigan State.

ATS Consultants is a featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year!!

So far in the last year we have talked about all aspects of what it means to be a BYU Football player, except the role the guys play as students at BYU and the challenges that presents. Being a Student Athlete is a unique experience. This should help to give you a little insight into what the players face on a daily basis in the classroom and answer the age old question, “Do athletes get special treatment from their teachers?”

Let’s start with registration. I would say that the special treatment of student athletes begins and ends here. Athletes get priority registration because of their unique schedules. For football you have to have all your classes done by 2pm and then you can start taking night classes at around 7pm. Other sports have different practice schedules, but the university gives you the opportunity to work your schedule around your athletic commitments.

How do the teachers treat the players? I only had three teachers at BYU that really even cared about BYU football. One of them was the Mens Volleyball coach. But I never had a teacher give me something I didn’t earn because I was a football player. In fact there were multiple times where being an athlete actually worked against me.

It has been interesting to talk with friends in the NFL about players and their school work. I have come to the conclusion that BYU is the only school playing by the rules. 90% of the guys in the schools represented in the NFL have guys who don’t do a lick of school work their entire college career. And then we as football fans wonder why the players are always in trouble and why so many college football players end up working at McDonalds. I am so glad that the academic standard at BYU is by the book and demands that the players get their own education while at the school.

When we play away games we usually leave BYU around noon the day before. So on Saturday games we rarely miss class. On the occasional Thursday game you could miss classes on Wed and Thur. Usually teachers are good about helping you out and working with you to turn in assignments that may be due. Football is the best sport to play when it comes to travel because 90% of the time we will miss only 1 hour of school if any (keep in mind we always finish by 2pm and most classes are either M-W or T-Th). The sports I feel bad for are basketball, baseball, etc where you go on road trips that last a week or more and you have to take your school work on the road with you. The closest football comes to this is Bowl Week. At the bowl games we have a room set up with computers and academic advisors to help the players wrap up their school work and finals.

Coach Mendenhall’s standard for the team is a 3.0 GPA. Any player who falls below that has to meet with academic advisors to ensure that they are going to class and turning in their assignments. In order to stay eligible you have to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA and pass 15 credit hours in between seasons. For someone to not be academically eligible is beyond me. There are enough easy elective classes you can take to boost your GPA and passing a class is all but guaranteed if you just show up to class.

In conclusion, I get tired of hearing that athletes get special treatment at BYU. The reality is that we really are put at a disadvantage. We are competing in the classroom with students who had near perfect GPAs coming out of the high school who set the bar high for teachers at BYU. Then we take 4-6 hours of study time a day to play a game.