Football, basketball musings on transition to Pac-12


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SALT LAKE CITY - As frustrating as this football season might be, I don't share the same frustration. This is what I wanted. This is what we all wanted isn't it?

I am sure no Utah fan wanted to be 4-4 at this point in the season, but I think the Utes are what I thought they would be. I thought they would be pretty decent. I would have loved to see what they could have done the whole year with Jordan Wynn under center the entire year, but that is not realistic for Wynn. He has gotten nicked up every year.

This is what the PAC 12 is though. This is one of the top leagues in the country and it doesn't stop. Every week the teams just keep coming at you.

I have been asked many times recently if I feel discouraged as a Utah fan. After thinking quite a bit about that question, my response is no. I love it. In order for the Utes to win, they have to play a borderline perfect game. I love the competition. I love that every week someone is right there to hand you your lunch sack. I love that in order for the Utes to win in this conference, they have to be better, much better. They have to play better, coach better, recruit better, train better, practice better, they have to do everything better.

Football, basketball musings on transition to Pac-12

I always expect Utah to win their non-conference games. I expect them to beat BYU. I expect them to beat teams like Pittsburgh. What I have learned this year is that wining in the PAC 12 is no certainty. I feel rejuvenated as a fan by the fact that the Utes have to be better to win in this conference and I think they will be.

As the football season winds down, the hoops season ramps up. I am dying to see exactly what Utah has in its team. I am really anxious to see some drastic changes in the coaching. I think we will see much more teaching of the fundamentals. I have seen Tommy Connor coach since his days as an assistant at Utah with Rick Majerus and also as a head coach at Westminster. He is a stickler for the fundamentals. I think head Coach Larry Krystkowiak will own the sideline. I think he demands respect from his players and that his players respect the game. He is a worker and he will demand the same from his players. I love that the two head guys on the coaching staff are workers. I believe that translates. It might not translate this season, but nothing changes quickly, especially after what the Utes have been and where they need to go. Utah has a great opportunity right now as well with the NBA Lockout. It is time for them to win back fans. Coach Krystkowiak knows how to do it as well. He knows the fans in Utah, whether for the Utes or the Jazz, want to see a team that plays hard every day like the old Jazz teams. I see Krystko as a guy who doesn't want to talk about doing it, think about doing it, but to just go out on the floor and do it. There will be many teaching moments this season and Krystko and Connor embrace that.

What are your thoughts about the football season to this point and the upcoming hoops season? Email: mgrant@ksl.com Twitter: @mikegrantksl

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