...and getting worked up in a caffeine induced frenzy over the mere prospects that BYU has a shot at beating the Utes on the road because Hanno may or may not play, please take the following to heart: Please don't do it.
Is it worth getting geeked up over this very, very remote chance that somehow the Cougars are going to miraculously steal one at the HC? You're best chance at a Y victory in hoops in a long, long time happened 3 weeks ago at the MC, and it didn't happen. Boo,___ hoo!
Whether Hanno suits up or not tomorrow night isn't and shouldn't be a concern of yours. It's simply a matter of these following items that will determine whether you pull off a "W":
a) The Huntsman Center isn't a fun place to play in for visitors, especially the arch rivals. This very fact alone will probably be enough for Utah to seal the victory regardless of the following other reasons.
b) X's and O's. While Steve Cleveland has shown that he can bring improvements to a program that was so low that anything but improving was the only option, he's still no match for the "X & O Buddah". Even with Juddy, there's no way in competing with the master. Remember, Majerus has now seen BYU once this year head to head. He will exploit EVERY weakness of the Couagars from that prior game.
c) Matchups. While Utah doesn't have a bona-fide answer for Weseley, this shouldn't be a cause for alarm. We all know that Mikeli is a headcase and we've seen him come unraveled in big road games. For crying out loud, even Cleve' criticized him in the papers, saying that he needs to grow up on the floor. I expect Majerus to use some ploys tomorrow night to get into Mikeli's head and make him whack out. Foul trouble for him will also play a factor.
d) Alex Jensen. Does anyone really believe that Alex will allow the Y to get a "W" in his last game against the Cougars, let alone in the HC? I didn't think so.
e) The AYSO factor. We have seen it several time this year, especially when Hanno's been out when the entire team rally's around each other and everyone contributes in their own significant way. Whether it be J. Johnsen putting preassure on Lyday on the perimeter or Cullen hitting a crucial trey or Harvey playing like the best PG in the conference, everyone will chip in to get the victory. I just don't see that kind of broad committment out of the Y. Mikeli might go off on a 20+ point night, but little else will happen around him. Just a hunch though. Lyday was how much of a factor in the last meeting?
These are the VERY REAL reasons why Cougar fans will need to wait at least another year for a shot at the Utes.
If I don't talk to you again Coug fan, have a nice off-season pondering and planning how you'll get a win from the Utes in football and basketball.
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