Conference Call

Sporting News, The, Oct 9, 2000

THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT: Disappointing teams

They're talking turnaround now, looking for something--anything--to shake off their unexpected slow starts.

Alabama and Penn State, two of the nation's most storied programs, top that list. But just as disheartening is Utah's plummet in the Mountain West.

The Utes, preseason favorites along with Colorado State, began the season 0-4 for just the second time in a quarter century. A victory over rival Utah State last week hasn't even soothed the sting.

Ron McBride, one of the most successful coaches you've never heard of, is staring at his most disappointing season in 11 years in Salt Lake City. Signs the season was slipping away showed up as early as two weeks ago, when the Utes held a players-only meeting to address frustrations.

"A lot of players got up and vented," says senior wideout Chris Christensen.

As bad as it looks for Utah, there is still hope. The Utes are loaded on offense and have a defense many think is the best in the league. But not playing up to that potential is where it all began for them this season.

Underachievers

ACC: Virginia (3-2)

Big East: Syracuse (2-2)

Big Ten: Penn State (2-4)

Big 12: Colorado (0-4)

Conference USA: Houston (2-3)

MAC: Akron (3-2)

Mountain West: Utah (1-4)

Pac-10: California (1-3)

SEC: Alabama (2-3)

WAC: Hawaii (0-3)