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Get six decades worth of perspective on BYU sports with the Cougar Insiders podcast.

Deseret News


    • Mar 3, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 20m AVG DURATION
    • 61 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Cougar Insiders

    Why opponents must pick their poison when defending this BYU basketball team

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2020 18:05


    The Cougars took care of business in their regular-season finale at Pepperdine Saturday, earning the No. 2 seed in the WCC Tournament and the three-game bye that accompanies it. Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon, Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney examine this team heading into postseason play and discuss what will be needed for it to make a run. They also address the Cougars’ mastery of the pick and roll and how BYU’s many offensive weapons create nightmares for opposing coaches. From there, the trio talks BYU basketball recruiting and looks ahead to spring football, which began Monday. What are the most interesting storylines to follow? That and more on this week’s episode.

    Revisiting BYU’s big upset win over No. 2 Gonzaga. What it means to the program moving forward

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2020 18:58


    In this edition of the Cougar Insiders podcast, Dick Harmon joins Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney in recapping the huge BYU upset over No. 2 Gonzaga last Saturday, and break down what bracketologists and matrix numbers mean for BYU’s NCAA Tournament hopes. The trio look at the standout memories of the win over the Zags, the setting, individual performances and what that win has done for the legacy of head coach Mark Pope. What might this game mean for recruits? They also set the stage for BYU football’s spring football. That and more on this week’s episode.

    Why the Cougars have a puncher’s chance against the Zags

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2020 16:53


    A big-time play at the end of the BYU-San Diego game Saturday preserved the Cougars’ six-game winning streak, and two days later BYU found itself in the AP Top 25 for the first time in nine years — checking in at No. 23. Cougar Insiders Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney break down last week’s road sweep and look ahead to this week’s games against Santa Clara (Thursday) and No. 2 Gonzaga (Saturday). Drew and Gurney discuss what will be needed for the Cougars to pull off an upset over the Zags. They also look ahead to BYU spring football, which BYU coaches say will include a “wide-open battle” at QB. That and more on this week’s episode.

    Would Mark Pope be wise to borrow page from Rick Majerus’ playbook?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2020 14:24


    BYU basketball coach Mark Pope called his team “dangerous” following last week’s victories over Portland and San Francisco. Whether the Cougars are or not, is there wisdom in underpromising and overdelivering? Cougar Insiders Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney also talk about Gavin Baxter’s return to the lineup (how big of lift will that be?), the strength of the WCC (is this more than a two-bid league?) and BYU football (why are the Cougars slipping when it comes to attracting the top local talent?) That and more on this week’s episode.

    Bracketology, ‘Super’ Cougars and how a former Ute running back could help the BYU football team

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2020 14:24


    It was a big weekend for BYU basketball guard TJ Haws — first taking the game-deciding shot against Saint Mary’s then welcoming his first child into the world. Needless to say, both deliveries were a success. Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon and Jay Drew break down last week’s two BYU victories and discuss how the Cougars are trending in the right direction just past the midpoint of the WCC season. They also talk about former Utah running back Devonta’e Henry-Cole’s decision to trade in his red uniform for a blue one and how a pair of former Cougars — Andy Reid and Daniel Sorensen — earned Super Bowl rings on Sunday. That and more on this week’s episode.

    Three losses that could come back to haunt BYU basketball team

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2020 16:10


    Last week was a puzzling one for the BYU basketball team, with an impressive victory at Pacific followed by a disappointing loss at San Francisco. Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon, Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney look back at the Cougars’ split and debate how damaging the loss to the Dons was. They also talk about two other setbacks — games the Cougars were in position to win that slipped away — that could hurt the Cougars come NCAA tourney selection time. Other topics include BYU basketball commit Richie Saunders (the kid is special), Super Bowl participants Daniel Sorensen, Fred Warner and Andy Reid, and how the Cougars are faring heading into next week’s national signing day. That and more on this week’s episode. 

    What was learned about Cougars vs. No. 1-ranked Gonzaga

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2020 17:48


    Key lessons were learned in BYU’s loss at No. 1 Gonzaga, but how will the Cougars fare during a five-game stretch in which they should be favored in each contest? In this edition of the Cougar Insiders podcast, Dick Harmon, Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney discuss those topics as well as the possible return of injured Yoeli Childs. They also talk basketball and football recruiting and break down BYU’s connections in the upcoming Super Bowl.

    Yoeli Childs’ hard-luck year continues

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2020 15:17


    After missing the first nine games of the BYU basketball season due to an NCAA rules infraction, Yoeli Childs was back in street clothes on the BYU bench last week, this time due to a dislocated finger. Despite his absence, the Cougars fought hard at Saint Mary’s before losing in overtime, then made quick work of Portland on Saturday at the Marriott Center. Childs’ status for this week’s games against San Diego (Thursday) and at No. 1 Gonzaga (Saturday) is unknown, but beating the Zags sans Childs would be a tall order. Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon, Jeff Call and Jay Drew look ahead to this week’s matchups and what to expect. They also talk BYU football (recruiting) and the high level of trust between BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe and Utah AD Mark Harlan. That and more on this week’s episode.

    BYU basketball, independence and Taysom Hill’s wild ride

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2020 17:06


    The BYU basketball team, which endured its share of adversity during the offseason, is off to a surprising 12-4 start and is gaining traction as a possible NCAA tourney team — maybe one, should things go right, that could even make some noise. Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon, Jeff Call, Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney discuss the upstart Cougars and the “character” factor that first-year coach Mark Pope has instilled. They also look back at the first decade of independence for the BYU football team (the good and the bad), the BYU men’s volleyball team (could this squad vie for a national title?), and Taysom Hill’s wild ride in New Orleans. That and more on this week’s episode. 

    Why BYU’s trip to paradise will be all business

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2019 10:53


    How important is the outcome of the Sofi Hawaii Bowl to BYU coach Kalani Sitake, his staff and the Cougar players? According to BYU Insiders Jay Drew and Dick Harmon, very important. This will be a business trip, not a vacation, to be sure — especially in the aftermath of the Cougars’ disappointing season-ending loss to San Diego State. So where are the key matchups and how critical will the play of quarterback Zach Wilson be? What could be the X-factor? One thing both Harmon and Drew feel could be a factor is special teams play; it often is in close games. Find out how the Insiders see this game playing out and what the most interesting storylines will be on this special Hawaii Bowl Cougar Insiders podcast.

    Early signing period rumblings, Matt Bushman’s big decision and a quality basketball victory over Utah State

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2019 19:28


    BYU Insiders Dick Harmon and Jay Drew take a look at the upcoming early signing period, which begins Wednesday and runs through Friday. How is the BYU football team positioned, and who are some of the prizes still out there for the taking? They also talk about the big decision awaiting tight end Matt Bushman. Will he stay (in Provo) or will he go (to the NFL)? Lastly, they talk BYU basketball, which is coming off a nice win over Utah State in the Beehive Classic. What kind of dividends might that victory yield come March? That and more on this week’s episode.

    Why BYU feels such a sense of urgency as it prepares for the Hawaii Bowl

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2019 16:42


    Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon, Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney look ahead to BYU’s bowl game against Hawaii, the challenges the Rainbow Warriors present, and, more importantly, the sense of urgency the team feels. They discuss the success Kalani Sitake’s team enjoyed at the quarterback position this year, where the next men up — Jaren Hall and Baylor Romney — came through in flying colors after starter Zach Wilson was sidelined with a thumb injury. They also talk BYU basketball, a team that has exceeded expectations despite its setback to Utah, and recruiting as the early signing period nears. That and more on this week’s episode.

    Would one more win signal successful season for the Cougars?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2019 17:20


    After a pair of simple victories for the BYU Cougars, things will get more complicated Saturday at San Diego State. The Aztecs’ defense is formidable (maybe second only to the Utes’ defense on BYU’s schedule) and will provide a good measuring stick. Cougar Insiders Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney weigh in on the matchup and debate what is needed for the Cougars’ season to be considered a success. They also talk BYU basketball (the Cougars are in Hawaii this week at the prestigious Maui Invitational), BYU women’s soccer (it plays Stanford Friday in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tourney), and cross-country (the men won an NCAA championship last weekend while the women placed second). That and more on this week’s episode. 

    Why extending Kalani Sitake’s contract was so important for BYU football — especially right now

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2019 13:43


    After T-shirts spotted Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium hinted it was in the offing, BYU made it official Monday morning: Cougars football coach Kalani Sitake is getting a contract extension, one that will extend his stay in Provo through the 2023 season. Cougar Insiders Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney discuss why the extension made sense and why the timing of the news is so important. They also look back at the Cougars’ win over Idaho State (it wasn’t as flawless as the 42-10 score might indicate) and ahead to this week’s tilt at lowly UMass. They also revisit the men’s basketball team’s thrilling win at Houston last week. That and more on this week’s episode. 

    Zach Wilson, trick plays and early observations on BYU basketball

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2019 16:15


    The BYU Cougars made it three in a row Saturday against fellow independent Liberty at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Even though the victory may have lacked the “wow” factor, BYU got the job done. Now, with games against Idaho State, UMass and San Diego State remaining, Cougar Insiders Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney take a look at the home stretch. Will Zach Wilson be back in the lineup Saturday? They also discuss the men’s basketball team — the good and bad from its loss to SDSU — and why SUU should not be taken lightly Wednesday. Lastly, they discuss the undefeated women’s soccer team as it prepares for its NCAA tourney run. That and more on this week’s episode.

    How the upstart Cougars found their groove

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2019 14:43


    Riding a two-game winning streak — both of which came against rivalry teams — the BYU Cougars appear to have righted the ship. Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon and Jay Drew take a look at BYU’s victory over Utah State and address the revolving quarterback situation. Starter Jaren Hall, who was knocked out of Saturday’s game at the end of the first half, and Baylor Romney, who took over in the second half, both turned in solid performances. Hall and Romney, as a reminder, have come on in relief of season starter Zach Wilson, whose broken thumb is still on the mend. Such depth at the position has been critical for this year’s team. Harmon and Drew also weigh in coach Kalani Sitake’s contract situation. That and more on this week’s episode.

    Baylor Romney or Jaren Hall? Who will get the nod for BYU vs. Aggies?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2019 16:45


    Coming off a bye week and heading into Saturday’s game at Utah State, Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon, Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney break down this week’s contest — and discuss who will be starting under center come Saturday night in Logan, Baylor Romney or Jaren Hall? They’ll also discuss why stopping the run and maintaining the aggressive approach BYU showed in its victory over Boise State will be so important. Joining the Deseret News trio is Alema Harrington, who offers his unique insight on this week’s game. That and more on this week’s episode.

    When it comes to BYU football, predict the unpredictable

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2019 19:40


    The BYU football team and head coach Kalani Sitake received a shot in the arm Saturday night when the Cougars defeated No. 14 Boise State, snapping a three-game losing streak. Still a work in progress and still sans starting quarterback Zach Wilson, who is nursing an injured thumb on his throwing hand, the Cougars now have two weeks to prepare for instate foe Utah State, which is always a tough out. Cougar Insiders Jay Drew, Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney break down the BYU victory and what it means. They also talk BYU hoops and Jake Toolson’s unique basketball journey. That and more on this week’s episode. 

    Is Jaren Hall ready, can run defense finds its groove, and will South Florida game be a dogfight?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2019 17:32


    Fresh off a bye week, BYU will look to rebound from its setback to Toledo when it squares off against South Florida Saturday. The Cougars will face the 2-3 Bulls with a new starting quarterback in Jaren Hall, who will make his first career start, and a renewed commitment to stopping the run, something that hasn’t come easy for BYU this season. Cougar Insiders Jay Drew, Brandon Gurney and Jeff Call break down the game against the Bulls and talk WCC basketball — both men’s team and women’s — on this week’s episode. 

    Questions aplenty as Cougars head into bye week after loss to Toledo

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2019 15:40


    The BYU football team heads into a bye week still hurting from a disappointing defeat to Toledo last Saturday — and the loss of sophomore quarterback Zach Wilson, who left the game late in the contest with an injury to his throwing hand. So where do the Cougars, who fell to 2-3, go from here? And who would replace next-man-up Jaren Hall at quarterback should the need arise? But there is good news at BYU as well, as the women’s volleyball team, soccer team, cross-country teams and golf teams are all enjoying stellar falls. Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon, Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney break it down — good and bad — on this week’s episode.

    Takeaways and observations from BYU's 2-2 start

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2019 15:38


    A 2-2 record, based on the competition, may be nothing to sneeze at for the BYU football team, but what are the takeaways — good and bad — from the first four games of the season? BYU Insiders Jay Drew, Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney take a closer look at the first month of the season, as well as how the loss of Ty’Son Williams will impact the team. That and more on this week’s episode.

    When will we know just how good this BYU football team is?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2019 14:32


    After two dramatic overtime victories over Power Five teams, the Cougars and their fans are riding high. But do we know how good this team really is? Cougar Insiders Jay Drew, Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney examine the topic, and others too — like how big the two wins are to coach Kalani Sitake’s future and who (or what) has been most surprising about this year’s team. That and more on this week’s episode.

    What will the BYU-USC game come down to — and who will prevail?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2019 14:20


    In this edition of the Cougar Insiders podcast, Dick Harmon, Brandon Gurney and Jay Drew weigh in on the outcome of the BYU-USC game. Who likes the Cougars and who likes the Trojans? The crew wraps up the significance of the miracle comeback double-overtime win at Tennessee, and examines the key aspects of BYU’s challenge in taking on the ranked Trojans in Provo.

    What is the short- and long-term impact of losing to Utah — and will BYU rebound this week at Tennessee?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2019 17:27


    In this edition of the Cougar Insiders podcast, we break down the short- and long-term impact of BYU losing to Utah. We also examine Tennessee’s loss to Georgia State in its season opener, and discuss how that might factor into the Vols’ game against BYU this Saturday? And of course, we give you our predictions. Lastly, Jeff Call provides a firsthand report from head basketball coach Mark Pope on the team’s tour of Europe. That and more on this week’s episode.

    Matchups, storylines and predictions heading into Rivalry Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2019 16:35


    In this edition of the Cougar Insiders podcast, Dick Harmon joins Jay Drew and Brandon Gurney in breaking down the key matchups heading into Thursday’s BYU-Utah Rivalry Game. They also discuss what a loss would mean to each team — and place where this rivalry game ranks among others on the national landscape. That and more on this week’s Rivalry Week edition.

    Takeaways and surprises from BYU fall camp

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2019 13:28


    The Cougar Insiders welcome veteran sports writer Jay Drew to the Deseret News sports staff. Drew and his fellow Insiders break down the big takeaways from BYU’s fall football camp. From X-factors to an amped-up intensity to unexpected surprises, we cover the bases. These topics and much more on this week’s episode of the Cougar Insiders podcast. Find and subscribe to this and other podcasts from the Deseret News at DeseretNews.com/Podcasts. Or find us on iTunes, Google Play or wherever you listen to podcasts.  

    X-factors, concerns and why the opener against Utah is oh-so important

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2019 26:07


    With fall camp opening Wednesday for the BYU football team, Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon, Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney break down a few of the more intriguing storylines surrounding this year’s squad. What X-factors could elevate the team? What are the greatest areas of concern? And what about that opener against the Utes? How big is that game — for both teams? That and more on this special fall camp preview episode. Find and subscribe to this and other podcasts from the Deseret News at DeseretNews.com/Podcasts. Or find us on iTunes, Google Play or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Is BYU’s optimism to be believed? ESPN contract, Wilson’s shoulder, grad transfer running backs and other takeaways from BYU media day

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2019 16:44


    What would a media day — any media day — be without unbridled optimism? Such was the case Tuesday in Provo, where BYU players and coaches met with the media to address all things BYU football. And there was no shortage of optimism. Cougar Insiders Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney discuss the news of the day, and weigh in on whether such optimism is justified. They also talk BYU’s TV contract situation with ESPN, Zach Wilson’s shoulder and a pair of grad transfer running backs who will add depth to the Cougars’ backfield. That and more on this special media day podcast. Find and subscribe to this and other podcasts from the Deseret News at DeseretNews.com/Podcasts. Or find us on iTunes, Google Play or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Why Mark Pope was the right choice to lead BYU men’s basketball program

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2019 20:25


    Now that the dust has settled and the Mark Pope era has begun, Insiders Dick Harmon, Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney examine the hire, and why, in their opinion, he was the right choice to lead the program moving forward. Boasting a strong NCAA and NBA pedigree, Pope looks to breathe new life into a basketball program that had grown stagnant. They also talk BYU football, which recently received commitments from two graduate transfer running backs, but also news that a potential star is calling it quits due to health reasons. That and more on this week’s episode.

    Making sense of contenders, pretenders in search for new BYU basketball coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2019 20:01


    With the search for a new men’s basketball coach in full swing, Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon and Brandon Gurney take a hard look at the leading candidates. From Mark Pope (considered the front-runner and most obvious choice), to Alex Jensen, Mark Madsen, Quincy Lewis, Barret Peery and beyond, Harmon and Gurney aim to separate the contenders from the pretenders. They also examine the challenges of the job and the legacy that coach Dave Rose leaves behind. Lastly, they offer their final takeaways on spring football camp, which folded up the tent last week. That and more on this week's episode.

    Taking inventory of BYU basketball program after another NCAA tourney-less season

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2019 18:59


    On the outside of the NCAA Tournament looking in — for the fourth year in a row — the BYU basketball program and its fans are left to wonder what went wrong. Cougar Insiders Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney discuss what may be ailing the program — and in particular what went wrong against San Diego at the West Coast Conference Tournament. They also talk spring football ahead of Saturday’s annual spring scrimmage, and discuss the BYU women's basketball team that is enjoying an outstanding season — one that continues Saturday against Auburn in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Tournament.

    Will Yoeli Childs become the next BYU basketball player to leave early?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2019 17:33


    With the BYU basketball team nearing the end of its regular season, eyes are already turning to the future. Last year, BYU star Elijah Bryant left the program after his junior season to pursue a professional career, as did Eric Mika before him. Now, much of Cougar Nation is wondering if junior Yoeli Childs will do likewise. Insiders Jeff Call, Dick Harmon and Brandon Gurney debate the possibility. They also look back at last week’s setbacks to San Francisco and Gonzaga and ahead to the WCC tourney, which begins next week. Finally, they weigh in on the football team’s spring camp, which, if you can believe it, gets going Monday. What are the big storylines? That and more on this week’s episode.

    Why gauging BYU’s recruiting class is complicated

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2019 23:42


    With prior recruits returning from church missions and 2019 commits preparing to embark on them, sizing up BYU’s recruiting classes can be a challenge. Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon, Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney take a look at the issue and weigh in on what they know regarding the latest batch of BYU commits. They also examine why so many of the state’s top high school players opt to play out of state. Finally, they look ahead to BYU men’s basketball games this week at San Diego (Thursday) and Loyola Marymount (Saturday). Can the Cougars, winners of seven of their last nine games, maintain their momentum? That and more on this week’s episode.

    BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe addresses variety of issues in annual media roundtable event

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2019 51:39


    Last week, BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe held his annual roundtable Q&A session with members of the local media. Since you didn't have a seat at the table, here is what Holmoe had to say.

    Why New England was the perfect landing spot for former BYU star Kyle Van Noy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2019 20:21


    With Super Bowl Sunday fast approaching, Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon, Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney discuss why New England, and its defensive scheme, is so well-suited for Kyle Van Noy’s skillset. They also debate what it would take for BYU to pull a rabbit from its hat when the Cougars host No. 4-ranked Gonzaga Thursday night. Lastly, with National Letter of Intent Day nearing, they question why such the buzz over preferred walk-ons. That and more on this week’s Cougar Insiders podcast.

    Was Taysom Hill properly utilized at BYU?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2019 21:01


    With NFL conference championship games set for Sunday, these are heady times for BYU faithful. From Taysom Hill (Saints) to Kyle Van Noy (Patriots) to Andy Reid and Daniel Sorensen (Chiefs), there are storylines aplenty. Insiders Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney take a look at those participating this weekend with ties to the Cougar program, discussing, among other things, whether Hill was properly utilized at BYU. They’ll also address what Ryan Pugh’s departure means to the BYU football staff and break down the men’s basketball team’s games at Pepperdine (Thursday) and San Francisco (Saturday). That and more on this week’s episode.

    BYU basketball woes — is problem lack of talent or lack of development?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2019 26:13


    Sporting an 8-7 nonconference record, the BYU’s men’s basketball team has experienced a mixed bag of results heading into its league opener at Pacific on Thursday night. Victories over Utah and Utah State were offset by losses to Weber State, Illinois State and UNLV. So what’s the problem? Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon, Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney offer their opinions, which run the gamut. They also discuss whether now is the time to offer football coach Kalani Sitake an extension. What are the pros and cons? That and much more on this week’s episode.

    How did BYU football team fare during early signing period?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2018 21:43


    Recruiting specialists Brandon Gurney and Ryan McDonald take a look at how the BYU Cougars fared during December’s early signing period. Quarterback Jacob Conover was the prize catch, but what other players could be difference makers? What holes are left to fill? They’ll also explore who the Cougars’ FBS counterparts, the Utes and Aggies, locked up, and address what big-name players are still there for the signing.

    Tom Holmoe's puzzling comment, recruiting chatter and why BYU not only needs to win its bowl game, but dominate it

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2018 25:29


    Cougar Insiders Jeff Call, Dick Harmon and Brandon Gurney explore a variety of topics on this week’s Cougar Insiders podcast. From Tom Holmoe’s puzzling comments, to how this year’s recruiting class is shaping up, to why finishing 7-6 means so much more than 6-7, the crew offers its takes. That and more on this week’s episode.

    What's wrong with BYU basketball, right with BYU volleyball and new with Ty Detmer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2018 27:49


    Riding a three-game losing streak into Wednesday’s home game against Utah State, BYU faithful are growing restless. Cougars Insiders Dick Harmon, Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney weigh in on what’s weighing down the Cougars. They also size up BYU's bowl bid to Boise, talk BYU women’s volleyball, and discuss where you can find former Cougar offensive coordinator Ty Detmer these days. This and more on this week’s episode.

    If BYU football were a stock, would you be a buyer or a seller?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2018 23:05


    Still hurting from watching a third-quarter 20-point lead against Utah evaporate, BYU fans are left wondering what the future holds. Insiders Dick Harmon, Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney debate the question. Did BYU, winner of two more games in 2018 than 2017, take a meaningful step in the right direction? The trio also examines the critical December recruiting period, and explains why giving up on Kalani Sitake would be a big mistake.

    Detmer reminisces about emphatic victory over Utes in 1989

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2018 9:51


    One year after the Utes' blowout victory over BYU in 1988, the Ty Detmer-led Cougars bounced back with a 70-31 drubbing of the Utes, setting a record for most points scored by a winner in the rivalry game. In a salute to the days BYU dominated this rivalry, columnist Dick Harmon sat down with Detmer at his T14 Ranch in Texas while the Heisman winner recounted the memorable BYU victory.

    Back-to-back 34-31 games added to BYU-Utah rivaly lore

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2018 10:20


    Cougar Insiders Jeff Call, Dick Harmon and Brandon Gurney discuss the impact of the storied 34-31 rivalry games in the '90s, and how those games added spark to the rivalry lore and spotlighted the friendship between coaches LaVell Edwards and Ron McBride. Utah won both games in dramatic fashion, and perhaps signalled a turning point in the rivalry.

    Top individual BYU performances in rivalry history

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2018 13:48


    When it comes to outstanding individual performances in BYU-Utah football games, the Cougar Insiders load up on quarterbacks like Steve Young, Jim McMahon, Ty Detmer, John Beck and Max Hall. Toss in a couple of tight ends like Clay Brown and Jonny Harline and standout running backs like Ronney Jenkins, Harvey Unga and Luke Staley and enjoy the trip down memory lane.

    Does BYU have ANY advantage over Utah?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2018 33:44


    Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon and Jeff Call join Ute Insiders Dirk Facer and Amy Donaldson to talk shop heading into this week’s Big Game at Rice-Eccles Stadium. What do the Utes and Cougars need to do to prevail? What are the most intriguing storylines? How do the two teams measure up on offense, defense, special teams? What are the X-factors? And finally, does the rivalry game possess the same luster as in years gone by? This and more on this special Rivalry Week Insiders edition.

    Many of the greatest games in BYU-Utah history went down to the wire

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2018 14:20


    From last-second touchdown passes in the end zone, to missed field goals with the game in the balance, to sending legendary BYU coach LaVell Edwards out in style, Cougar Insiders Jeff Call, Dick Harmon and Brandon Gurney debate their picks as the best five games in BYU-Utah rivalry history. After they weigh in, see if you agree with their choices — from a BYU perspective — in the history of the rivalry, which writes a new chapter Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

    Why NCAA sanctions against BYU basketball don't fit the crime

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2018 25:52


    Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon and Jeff Call take a look at the NCAA sanctions issued to the BYU basketball program last week, and discuss why the vacating of victories is an excessive and inconsistent punishment. They also explore Matt Hadley’s emerging role on this year’s football team and, along with special guest Ben Criddle, talk about what the Cougars have to gain from this week’s Senior Day matchup with New Mexico State.

    Trying to make sense of futile final series against the Broncos

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2018 29:00


    With the Cougars and their fans still smarting from the way things ended against Boise State, Cougar Insiders Jeff Call, Dick Harmon and Brandon Gurney break down the game’s final series — in particular the final play — and hear from offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes about where things went awry. They’ll also look ahead to this week’s game against UMass, talk BYU basketball and the Cougars’ opener against No. 7 Nevada, and discuss what hot BYU recruits to have on the radar during this week’s high school football semifinals at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Find and subscribe to this and other podcasts from the Deseret News at DeseretNews.com/Podcasts. Or find us on iTunes, Google Play or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Is there a disconnect between Kalani Sitake and Jeff Grimes?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2018 21:31


    After BYU’s disappointing 7-6 loss to Northern Illinois, head coach Kalani Sitake said he wants to see quarterback Zach Wilson “let it fly.” Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon, Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney examine what that statement suggests. They also address the Cougars’ lack of consistency in their loss to the Huskies, make their predictions for this week’s BYU-Boise State contest, and revisit the topic of independence. Where does this path lead the Cougars? Find and subscribe to this and other podcasts from the Deseret News at DeseretNews.com/Podcasts. Or find us on iTunes, Google Play or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    What can BYU fans expect in Zach Wilson's encore as a starter?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2018 20:00


    It's been 10 days since BYU's Zach Wilson led the Cougars over Hawaii in his debut as a starting quarterback, so what can we expect in career start No. 2? How will he respond to a stout Northern Illinois defense, one that sacked Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley seven times earlier this season? Dick Harmon, Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney explore the challenges the Huskies present. They'll also discuss rising star Isaiah Kaufusi, what's making the rounds on the college sports message boards (Utah's big win over USC and quarterback Jack Tuttle's abrupt departure from the U.), and the Virginia Cavaliers, who are enjoying a solid season under third-year coach Bronco Mendenhall. Find and subscribe to this and other podcasts from the Deseret News at DeseretNews.com/Podcasts. Or find us on iTunes, Google Play or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

    Move over Tanner Mangum, it's Wilson time

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2018 23:54


    The much-anticipated debut of Zach Wilson as BYU’s starting quarterback went as scripted during the Cougars’ 49-23 beatdown of Hawaii at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday. Cougar Insiders Dick Harmon, Jeff Call and Brandon Gurney break down Wilson’s game and discuss what his addition to the starting lineup could mean to the Cougars moving forward. The Insiders also explore the Cougars’ bowl outlook, talk recruiting, and take a look at the BYU basketball team. Could this veteran squad make some noise come March? Find and subscribe to this and other podcasts from the Deseret News at DeseretNews.com/Podcasts. Or find us on iTunes, Google Play or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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