1. Can the BYU men’s basketball team maintain its hot startfi

• DICKSON: Probably not, simply because the competition becomes a lot tougher from now on. Having said that, I've been impressed by the Cougars ability to win a couple of times on the road, which is something they've struggled with early in other seasons. I really like how they share the ball. I think they're better defensively this year for a couple of reasons: Jackson Emery is a terrific perimeter defender and center Chris Miles never takes any plays off.

• FRANCHUK: At the beginning of the season, I was one of two or three voters (of around 20) that thought BYU would win the Mountain West Conference. Though I can't brag, because I didn't think the team would come along at this kind of pace. I've thought BYU's guards -- Emery and Jimmer Fredette, for example -- would provide more versatility than last year's seniors. How that translates in league play, where steadiness, experience and toughness reign, remains to be seen. I'd say two games could get away -- the obvious ones, at Arizona State (Dec. 20) and against Wake Forest (Jan. 3). But this isn't a team you can count out of either. BYU doesn't look nearly as shaky on the road as it has in past seasons, and anything can happen at the Marriott Center.

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• DICKSON: Just be glad this game isn't in the Spectrum, which is a madhouse for a BYU game. Still, there ought to be a good number of Aggie fans in the building to heckle the Cougars. The atmosphere should be fun. Former Utah Valley prep stars Tai Wesley (Provo) and Tyler Newbold (Payson) are going to work extra hard to show BYU what it missed out on. This one is a pick 'em.

• FRANCHUK: BYU by 10, but hopefully the ESA deal is a rarity. Yes, more fans can fit in there than either home court. But the Marriott Center and the Spectrum is where a series like this is supposed to be played. BYU's depth will win out, and Lee Cummard will be too much in a game when a lot of players (on both teams) will be intimidated by an NBA arena.

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• DICKSON: It was a long season and Mendenhall is simply following his philosophy of limiting contact to keep his players healthy. And it wasn't like there was any momentum coming out of the Utah game. But this is a team that has fallen short of expectations. Wouldn't you think they need the extra workfi And how well rested do you need to be to beat the fourth-place team in the Pac 10fi The MWC has owned the Pac 10 this year.

• FRANCHUK: Bronco's just doing this because he's grown tired of fans and media not being able to question his decisions. Now that his program has slipped to third in the MWC, and rival Utah is on top, we're free once again to question every little thing. But seriously...with all of the injuries, time off the field is more important than time on it right now.

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• DICKSON: It will be Las Vegas, but for the wrong reasons. Las Vegas wants to fill its stadium and hotel rooms, and the competitiveness of the game is secondary. That really tells you all you need to know about the ridiculous bowl system in college football. Viva, Las ... never mind.

• FRANCHUK: I've gotten the feeling lately that DD is sick of the Vegas routine. Wonder why. But you cannot blame Vegas for taking the Cougars. Even though fans won't drink or gamble, they still bring a lot economically (no small feat right now). Poor TCU, though. Getting the shaft like it is could mean losing its coaching somewhere down the road. How long is Gary Patterson willing to have his program be snubbed, just because it wouldn't be a popular choicefi

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• DICKSON: He's had an amazing season, and I believe he will play in the NFL someday. Collie is one of the best route runners I've ever seen and he's a real student of the game. But I don't think his draft status will be any different this year or next. He's a third or fourth round guy, in my opinion. It all depends on whether he wants the college experience for another year. I think he'll stay and have a great 2009.

• FRANCHUK: The trick to these decisions is finding people whose opinions you trust, then listen to them. It's been interesting to talk with other coaches (MWC and beyond) who have been in the NFL. Some swear by Collie's talents, others say he's not fast enough to be a standout at the highest level. My guess is we won't be talking about him leaving Provo early. Along with his friend, quarterback Max Hall, there's some unfinished business.