Cougar Center Mailbag: Bronco’s TV Viewing, Andy Reid, BYU’s Ex, & More
By Mitch Harper
We love our fans here at the Cougar Center Podcast. So much so, we are now starting a weekly mailbag column on the site.
So if you have a question for the Cougar Center crew, send us an e-mail to cougarcenterpodcast@gmail.com. Or a tweet @Cougar_Center. And trust us it can be about anything.
We appreciate the questions and comments from our fans this week. Looking forward to more great questions in the future.
Read the questions after the jump.
Guys, love the podcast! But I’m not loving Bronco right now, how do you guys feel? If Bronco was to leave, who should replace him?
Dean – Pocatello, ID
BEAN- Personally I’ve always had my issues with the way Bronco operates. But lately, my distain for him has gone through the roof. I can’t stand the way he praises Riley’s inconsistent play while he preaches accountability in the program. Don’t get me wrong Dean, Bronco is a very good football coach and a great defensive mind, I feel we as BYU fans are very lucky to have him. I just think after this season he needs to take a step back an reevaluate the program and how he runs it.
MITCH- Bronco should not be fired. I want that to be known. As Bean mentioned, this undying allegiance to Riley is unacceptable. People forget, back in fall camp Bronco felt James Lark was “neck and neck” with Riley. Bronco also said in fall camp that Lark is a Quarterback he has 100% trust in if he was to take the field. Wouldn’t you think if Bronco has that much confidence in Lark, why not actually use him in a game where a infamous “spark” is needed? (Guess no one will truly forget the Spring Game)
As far as names to watch for as possible replacements after Bronco it is difficult to say. Bronco has stated it is a slim chance that he coaches another 100 games. With that in mind, the next coach at BYU will take over within five years in my opinion. Andy Reid is an obvious choice right now. Facing heat from the Philadelphia Eagles organization, he’s LDS, and a former BYU Football player. And he’s a coach that knows how to develop Quarterbacks. Something that has been lacking in this program since Max Hall graduated.
There is no one on this current coaching staff that would appear to be a “coach-in-waiting”. The coaching search pool is limited when the head coach must be active LDS. BYU needs to be doing their homework right now on who the replacement will be. BYU has been very fortunate in both football and men’s hoops that they found solid replacements off their own bench. Won’t be as lucky when the times come to find the next heir to the BYU Football throne.
Thoughts on BYU potentially getting back with its Ex?
-@clbernal – Up in the Air somewhere
BEAN- HELL NO! I want no part of the Mountain West. Could you imagine how pathetic BYU looks if they go crawling back to that joke of a conference. The only way I would be okay with that move is for all sports but football. The MWC has a solid group of men’s hoops programs, especially if San Diego State rejoins. A move to the MWC would be a step back for sports like women’s soccer and baseball, the WCC is solid in both those sports.
MITCH- I don’t like it. Unless, the MWC and BYU form a scheduling agreement similar to what Notre Dame is going to do with the ACC. Have four to five guaranteed games scheduled a year. It really comes down to what BYU truly wants. Do they want a national schedule that allows all their fans to watch? Or do they want playoff access? And keep in mind BYU hasn’t went undefeated since 1984. Give me the national schedule each year against College Football’s best.
If you guys aren’t tailgating, what is your favorite place to eat at before a BYU game in Provo?
-Toco, Herriman, UT
BEAN- Well Toco, I can’t speak for Mr. Harper but I am a huge fan of Diego’s Taco Shop. Its a classy little joint we were referred to by former Mtn. talent, James Bates. When Batesy gives you a suggestion, you take it. This man knows his stuff, Diego’s does not disappoint with its great Mexican food. However, If it’s a late night in Happy Valley and I’m feelin a little frisky, you can find me dodging punches at Rancheritos. The classiest of all Provo restaurants/wrestling rings.
MITCH- Well said Bean. Can’t argue with Diego’s. One thing many people don’t know about Diego’s is that they have HD tv’s playing sporting events all day. Nice touch Diego!
Will BYU ever be a participant in the BCS’ new playoff system? Keep up the great work lawless republic!
-Lance, Sweet Home, OR
BEAN- That’s a tough question. As a fan you’ve got to believe that BYU has a shot to break into the new playoff format. Taking a step back from the blue-goggled perspective, I’d say its going to be incredibly hard for the Cougs to get into the playoff picture. First off, if BYU remains independent they are going to have a tough time, joining the right conference would increase the chance for a playoff run. Secondly, BYU would need some help from other teams to get to that point. They would need to be undefeated and need only one other undefeated team to be left at seasons end. BYU will also need a tough schedule to factor into their chances. Hopefully the playoff format expands to eight teams, which would increase the chances for the Cougars.
MITCH- BYU is always going to be a competitive program. A Top-25 caliber team each and every year in my opinion. But is BYU going to crack the playoff? I say no. A couple reasons. 1) BYU’s schedules are getting tougher. 2) BYU always gets the shaft. I know the second reason might sound like a martyr but BYU is always on the short-end when it comes to rankings, seeding in tournaments, and on and on and on. So I’m very skeptical to say they could.
This question is for Bean (sorry Mitch), what is your favorite tattoo and why?
-Carl, Provo, UT
BEAN- This is a question I get all the time, so I have given this question great thought. Initially I would say that my Where The Wild Things sleeve is my favorite, but its a bunch of tattoos gathered together so that can’t count. Then I thought, “If I had a back piece memorial of the Beck to Harline play, that would be my favorite tattoo.” Since I don’t actually have that magisterial piece of work I had to rule that one out as well. Finally I would have to say that my tattoo I got for my grandma would have to be my favorite tattoo. Cheesy, right? Yes, even the foul-mouthed, tattoo covered Bean Mace has a heart.
MITCH- Bean has a heart. I’ve seen it all. Anyways, I know this question isn’t for me, but I have to give Bean props on his 1920’s BYU logo tat on his lower leg. Classy stuff from a classy foul-mouthed, tattoo covered man.
McRib > Riley Nelson’s injured ribs
@JSJ35
BEAN- Well according to the wikipedia page for the McRib, The McRib consists of a pork patty, barbecue sauce, onions, and pickles served on a 5.5 inch (14 cm) roll. Despite its name, it is primarily composed of pork shoulder meat. Riley consists of grit, determination, and a noodle arm served on a disappointing season. Despite his position, he is primarily composed of false confidence provided by his head coach.
MITCH- My god I want a McRib now. When is it coming back? Anyone know? I’ve always wondered, what other food item can you get two of in a combo?
When Riley was grimmacing on the sideline during that San Jose State game, I was disgusted. Not because I missed the McRib, but because he wouldn’t pull a Brenden Gaskins and let Lark go in. The grit and leadership is not on display when you are injured.
What do you guys think is Bronco Mendenhall’s favorite television station? The reason I ask is because Mendenhall has said he isn’t fond of TV. So if he ever does sit down and pick up a remote, what is he tuning into?
James, Denton, TX
BEAN- HA! I truly have never once wondered what our great and glorious leader likes in his television programing. I guess if would have to say that Bronco is a big fan of The Sundance Channel. They play plenty of independent films and seem to not care what any other channels are doing. That seems to jive well with the way Bronco manages his program. His second favorite channel is Oxygen, Bronco Mendenhall LOVES the Bad Girls Club, google it.
MITCH- We all know Holly is watching ESPN. That’s a given. Bronco though, it is tough to say. I’m sure he is fascinated with National Geographic channel. Or as the kids on the street call it, Nat Geo. I could see Bronco late at night, winding down from a victorious fireside to see some pandas in the wild eating leaves and hunting food. Yeah, Nat Geo for Bronco.
Does BYU have any prayer of getting Jabari Parker? Be honest! Would love to see him in Cougar blue.
Billy, Salt Lake City, UT
BEAN- We’d all love to see “The Next LeBron” come to Provo and destroy the WCC, MWC, Big 12, or whoever BYU plays. But in my opinion, no, BYU does not have a real chance to land Jabari Parker. Yes they have a “chance” with Jabari visiting Provo and listing BYU as one of his top school choices. I just don’t think BYU can compete with the elite programs they are going up against in the Jabari sweepstakes. Most likely he will be a one and done player, heading to the NBA as soon as possible, that may help lessen the sting of Jabari going elsewhere. Hopefully I am wrong on this one.
MITCH- I know this isn’t the tattoo question, but look at Bean’s arms. “Livin’ On a Prayer”. Yeah BYU is living on a prayer right now. But guess what? They are half way there, in fact they are more than half way there! BYU is going to make it with Jabari….I swear.
Okay enough of my Bon Jovi lyricas. Jabari Parker is different than your typical Sonny Viccaro Adidas endorsing recruit. He’s humble, down to earth, and sounds to be a very religious kid. Duke, North Carolina, Michigan State have had elite recruits like Jabari time after time. This kid is going to do something different. He is going to sign with BYU.