That game was awesome!! and to think I could have gone to it with my dad and bro in law (big ute fans)!! I'n so happy the utes won!!
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
This was the biggest win in the History of Utah and MWC football. I think the world now knows the difference between the MWC and the WAC.
FSU_Ben
· 11 months ago
Doesn't call it the biggest win ever diminish the achievements of the teams that have national championships in the MWC (TCU, BYU)? Or are we saying this is the biggest win just since the MWC broke off from the WAC? I can agree with the latter but there are some great games in the history of BYU and TCU (especially TCU).
That was an awesome game performance by Utah though. I have said Boise winning against Oklahoma that Oklahoma still looked the better team and Boise got by on luck, prayers and trick plays but Utah clearly looked the better team. They looked the better team against Pitt but I think most of us felt they were better going in. I certainly didn't think Utah was better going into this one!
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
The WAC has a rich history of their own, and should not be confused with their descendant, the MWC.
While some institutions of the MWC have more significant achievements in the past, Utah does not.
FSU_Ben
· 11 months ago
Ah Ben, I think I came close to getting beat up today getting my haircut at Renegades barber shop (a local chain in Tallahasse named for our more dominant local college football team -afterall we have two here-). A man getting his haircut next to me was a self identified 'bama fan and his barber asked him if he watched the game, I started snickering to myself and between the clipper noise and the fact the other patron had his eyes closed he thought it was his barber and asked "why you laughing, your a bama fan too and that game was not funny". The way he said it sounded quite hurt and his barber didn't correct him but glared at me so I just looked away. He went on to say that he thought bama was making a comeback for a little while but it didn't pan out and i'm thinking Utah won the game in the first 9 minutes what comeback? I did stifle a "how 'bout those Utes". I am generally not tolerant of football fans from other teams (other than the two in Tallahassee) and can be a bit of a prig to them. I know how hard it is to be a 'nole in Miami or central florida and how easy it is to be a 'cane or gator here and think I should make it harder. Root for your local friggin boys especially when the schools (and thier football programs) are so important to our local economy. It's state government and the universities there really isn't much else here.
You can like another team but they need to come second and if you like an competeing program you need to stay in the closet!
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
The third quarter was beginning to look like the anti-first quarter, when Alabama brought it to within 4 with the Punt return for a TD. Then Utah slammed the door in their face.
Cougar_Fan
· 11 months ago
As much as I'm partial to BYU, I would still say Utah Alabama was bigger. If this season was played with the same criteria as '84, Utah would win the national championship, and it would be much less controversial than BYU's national championship in 84... Of course I'll still take the national championship. Can't wait to see the preseason rankings next year, TCU Utah and BYU should all start top twenty, and BYU starts of with a bang hosting a likely top 15 Florida State to kick off the season.
FSU_Ben
· 11 months ago
And if we lose it's time to fire a coach, no offense!
NMLSooner
· 11 months ago
Are you speaking of BYU's "epic" victory over 6-5 Michigan in the Holiday Bowl to win the NC? That championship is a JOKE! It belongs to the 11-1 Washington Huskies. Utah blew the doors off of Alabama in the first, and scored the final ten points of the game. Alabama's two touchdowns were a punt return and a 35-yard drive! This was a team ranked #1 for five weeks! You can add the entire history of the WAC, and TCU and it's STILL the biggest win in conference history. Since Utah can't win this year's NC, they should drive to Prove and take theirs. They are more deserving of it.
FSU_Ben
· 11 months ago
TCU's SWC history is substantial and they were one of the first teams to win an acutal national championship if we start with 1937 (the start of NCAA record keeping -- they won in 1938). Just because it isn't recent doesn't mean we should discount it.
I agree BYU's bowl was not impressive and neither was the competetion during the year but they took an actual national championship (disputed or no) something Utah hasn't accomplished. This is NOT to say Utah hasn't earned a shot but the door is pretty much closed to them under the current rules. They technically won a championship game, a big win just for that fact (I guess not technically because it wasn't a BCS certified championship game which all conferences agree is the only championship in a given year unless you are USC).
WAC is like 20 teams now one of which is SMU (of 3 disputed national championship fame and a horde of conference championship in a much more major conference) another is Rice BOTH have big games in thier past that include major upsets over teams like Texas.
I do not want to take anything away from Utah so please understand. Alabama lost the game before this in which they lost both a chance to play for a national championship and lost the SEC championship. They got a runner up bowl (yes thier first trip to the BCS level bowls (and the BCS period) for a while but when they were expecting SO MUCH MORE). I suspect they just didn't want it bad. Utah also likely played an overachieving Alabama considering roughly the same team was 6-6 last year (and barely won against a not too hot LSU). Mississippi also had a extreme turnaround one the same side of the same league. SMU had a glorious golden age (albeit in the SWC). It's long over now but that is quite a history for that former WAC team. I just find it hard to buy that this win (a great win for Utah no doubt) was as epic as you now suggest but I guess that should be obvious since I questioned the earlier suggestion that it was the best in just the MWC.
NMLSooner
· 11 months ago
Who knows, maybe I'm just building it up to help bury OU's loss to Boise State. I guess I didn't know SMU had been a part of the WAC. i know they have a lot of great history from Doak Walker to the Pony Express. I wore 19 in high school because of Eric Dickerson! That was a good Alabama team. For 12 games they imposed their will on everyone they played by running the ball when and how they wanted, and playing stellar defense. An egregious voting error 24 years ago does not change how big this win is. I still think they should drive to Provo and take their trophy!
FSU_Ben
· 11 months ago
Well none of thier wonderous accomplishments were in the WAC but of the 20 odd teams that are current or former members (more than 20 I think and 16 teams at one point not too long ago. It is an old conference although zero founding members are still in it. 2 left to join the Pac-10 (Arizona and Arizona State). The other 4 are Utah, BYU, New Mexico, and Wyoming who are now, as many know (at least about the first two), members of the MWC.
Hawaii is the WAC's oldest current member joining some 20 years after it's creation (1958). By my rough count 22 teams including every western team not a member of the PAC-8 in div 1-A as well as 4 Texas schools and Tulsa have all been members at one point or another. Some of those programs have history and some don't.
I certainly had no intention of suggesting Boise's win was close to Utah's win. Those aren't similar stories unless you are one of the .63%-ish of the US population residing in Idaho.
Cougar_Fan
· 11 months ago
In BYU's defense,Washington had the chance to play BYU for the national championship and opted to take more money and a different bowl. So the reality is that Washington sold out and gave BYU the championship. That's how the system was set up, the rules were in place, and Washington missed their chance.
GoCougs!
· 11 months ago
Hold up there, they're telling Utah now that if they want a championship they have to go undefeated two years in a row, that was what they told BYU in '83, well they did it back to back undefeated seasons. And don't forget that the Huskies were offered a chance to play BYU for the championship and they declined, those sellouts didn't deserve the national championship. Oh and don't forget the combined record of their opponents was only slightly better than BYU's, Washington did not have that stellar of a schedule. It's not BYU's fault the system was flawed, usually the flaws worked against them but for once it supported them.
grover
· 11 months ago
Sorry Ben, I think 95%+ of college football fans would have a tough time picking out MWC vs WAC teams. I put up an online test if any of you want to try:
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
I tried it, but when I submitted it I ran into a broken link.
I agree with your premise though.
FSU_Ben
· 11 months ago
I can name all of them and what conferences they were pretty much ever in for every school in 1-A I can also name quite a bit of 1-AA conferences especially CAA, big south, Ivy, and southern and since they get so much TV exposure MEAC and SWAC are pretty memorable too.
Kevin @ Fanblogs
· 11 months ago
Great game, Ben. The Utah fans looked great on TV, too. They were jumping like crazy. Utah out-played, out-coached... out-everything-ed Alabama. If nothing else, Utah has positioned themselves as a pre-season top 10 for 2009 and put themselves (and the MWC) in a great position to make statements for several years to come.
Tom_Blogical
· 11 months ago
Ben, you were right about the Utes. I was wrong. Phenomenal, enjoyable game. I'm happily eating my crow knowing Bleed Crimson is somewhere crying in his beer!
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
Just like I did all season with Ohio State...
Good luck in the Fiesta Bowl, I am finally on your side.
Tom_Blogical
· 11 months ago
"Good luck in the Fiesta Bowl, I am finally on your side."
Thanks. They're going to need all the help they can get.
BamaBorn
· 11 months ago
Congrats on your great victory. Enjoy.
Bama_Babe
· 11 months ago
Congrats, Ben. Utah simply came to play, and Alabama did not.
May I add to that list of cheers you have? The only negative thing I have to say about the Ute fans was their chant before the game began: "Ur-ban Mey-er" (clap clap clap clap clap..in the form of the gator chomp.) Sure he was your previous coach, but Kyle Whittingham did just the thing he did at Utah, if not more. So the chant of Meyer just because his Gators beat us definitely didn't sit well with me. I was like "Man, you pass those fans on the street and they are so quiet, but you get them all together and they are evil!" ;)
Oh, Ben, btw- I have a video that I recorded of a Ute fan sitting near me that I thought could possibly be you....but you might have cleared yourself with the mustache description. I'm going to link it soon anyway, just for the enjoyment of everyone else. :)
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
A significant portion of the Utah faithful have a strong dislike for Rban Meyer (their never really was any U in him). A strong component of that cheer was that we got back to the BCS, and to a better match up, without him.
Bama_Babe
· 11 months ago
See, my thoughts were that I wouldn't think y'all would like him too much. So I didn't understand why y'all would be cheering his name along with the hand motions of his current school. It's just WAY too ironic that he was the only coach to lead his team to a victory over Bama before Friday.
It could have meant what you are saying, but that would be like LSU fans chanting Nick Saban's name after they won it all last year. And trust me- you can even ask TE - the only chant LSU fans have cheered that included Saban's name also had two words in front of it. I think you can guess which two...
Hope you had a safe trip back home.
Tom_Blogical
· 11 months ago
"the only chant LSU fans have cheered that included Saban's name also had two words in front of it. I think you can guess which two..."
I know, I know! It's "Love you", right?
As for the game...I feel your pain, but Bama will be back stronger than ever next year.
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
See, we are split in half on the issue, so the cheer had both meanings depending on which side of the issue the individual Utah fan had.
Personally, I support Meyer and his decisions. He left on VERY good terms.
Zac
· 11 months ago
Meyer arguably did at UT what Rodriguez did at WVU. The only difference: Meyer left UT gracefully. I can only hope WVU will at the very least achieve that which UT has. Congrats again, Ben!!!
Bama_Babe
· 11 months ago
Understood. But I'm sure most of the Utah fans were doing it to get under the Bama fans' skin...
Whittingham certainly picked right up where Meyer left off. He is doing an awesome job there, and I know you are proud of the program.
The title of this thread sums it up. Go Utah. 2 BCS wins in 5 years is not too shabby.....heck, that's as many BCS wins in 5 years as Alabama's BCS appearances in 10. But the latter will soon change ;) The first is certainly looking to continue.
Great season for the Utes. Hate that they are left out of most conversations concerning being named National Champions. But hey, maybe yall can order some NC rings like Auburn did in '04 ... http://www.fanblogs.com/sec/004777.php ;)
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
Personally I thought Utah fans doing the gator chop was rediculous, and abstained from it.
When Meyer was hired at Utah I thought at the time Whittingham was the person for the job at the time, and he was the #2 guy. After 2004 I stood corrected about Meyer. Now I am vindicated, with a choice between Meyer and Whittingham in 2002 Utah was in a win-win situation.
I like the average BCS Bowl MOV of 21 points...
I think the media is picking up the hot potatoe. They have been waiting for a legitimate opportunity to split the title, and now we have one. It appears to me that the conversation is growing.
It will be interesting to hear the commontators opinions of Utah during the BCS NCG.
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
I'm still waiting to see what you thought I might look like, though my image is not hard to find online.
Just look up University of Wisconsin, Whitewater Baseball.
Just kidding..., thats not me.
jcobb007
· 11 months ago
If there is anyone that would talk about the upcoming season for Alabama football, go to http://jcobb-alabamafootball. blogspot. com/. There has been alot of good stuff coming in. Updated daily.
grover
· 11 months ago
I don't think it is possible. Even if Ohio State beats Texas and Florida wins a boring game against Oklahoma, I don't see 30-40 AP pollsters jumping Utah from #7 to #1. Just too big a leap.
It is a shame since Utah had such a good season against so many quality opponents. The elite of college football is just a very tough place to break in to.
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
#1 and #3 would have lost and fell out. We beat #4 and #5 beat #6. This would give us a solid #2 spot, as we jump #5. It would certainly take a lot of audacity by a lot of people to get the rest. They do all have a vested interest in making a news story and stirring the pot.
The Sugar Bowl win is also fairly unprecedented.
PittsburghTiger
· 11 months ago
Just one more result of the 85 scholarship limit. Makes for a lot of terrific teams out there.
In the old days 'Bama would have had the depth to overcome the injuries and suspension on the OL. Today, no matter what team, depth is an issue.
Great game by Utah.
FSU_Ben
· 11 months ago
85 scholarships is enough to constantly have an awesome team. I suspect it was that teams like Notre Dame and Alabama were able to lock up extra players that they would never need under the old rules. Seems like Florida still attempts to do this as they had a rumored interest in Robert Marve when they have all the quarterbacks the need for a long time already. What else could they possibly want Marve for? Keep him away from LSU and Tennessee is my suspicion (and Tennessee could use him!). It would seem a measure of parity has been achieved although I am forced to wonder how many kids don't get scholarships that they may need due to this change to "make college football more competetive". Maybe it is better that we let these schools lock up as much talent as they can afford and some less talented kids can go play at these now successful schools that have trouble attracting a following, and geograpically speaking, probably always will (Boise moreso than Utah).
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
If it where the academically strong universities that was granting scholarships to lock away players the argument would hold better.
Why would a good player be willing to sit on the bench when they could play elsewhere and be the hero?
FSU_Ben
· 11 months ago
As to your first statement, Notre Dame was a pretty big culprit in locking away talent, that said they had a pretty select group of targets and they were pretty much the only academically strong university with the means to do this unless you consider Michigan I guess, but it has achieved a greater stature in the last two decades academically.
In response to your question, I ask myself this all the time. So many greats go to big schools I guess because they feel they can unseat the resident quarterback. That rarely happens. Davis got a lot of attention this year at ball state and will likely be drafted. Cutler had a 5-6 or so season his last season at Vandy and was drafted. Going out and being the starter is probably what you want to do, whatever the school. Ap State's quarterback will likely be drafted as well... I know FCS division quarterbacks have gotten at least as high as 9th in heisman voting so people notice you wherever you play but it must simply be these kids thinking they are so wonderful or something when many are not. It's not to say that riding the bench won't get you to the next level, Tom Brady is a pretty good example of an unspectacular college quarterback who didn't see a lot of playtime at Michigan.
I would say be the hero at some small school in a heartbeat. Florida and Florida State and Miami (three teams I watch the recruiting for closely) horde quarterbacks and many will never be used or used sparingly to close out games or when the starter is injured. Florida and Miami havn't sent many from the quarterback position to the NFL and none of them were fantastic if they did go, I can think of one decent FSU quarterback in the NFL and he was a benchwarmer at FSU (Johnson). I don't follow pro football all that well though so there may have been others but heisman winners Gino Torretto and Danny Wuerful leap to mind and we all know Wienke and Ward never went pro. I mention qb's because it seems RB's do spread out a bit more, it's hard to find 3 -4 or 5 star- RB's all lined up behind the starter waiting for a shot, it seems more a position where you need to post numbers.
I'm saying it's not like the big schools are golden tickets (well FSU and Miami are as far as there are any golden tickets but certainly not for that position). LSU has a pretty famous story regarding Russel and Flynn, and recruiting Periloux that I would be telling on the road if I were trying to poach talent for a small school from some of these big time programs.
Zac
· 11 months ago
I don't think it should matter what happens between OSU & TX. In fact, given Ole Miss beat both FL & TX Tech, and given TX Tech beat TX, who beat OK, I no longer think it matters what happens between FL & OK. As for USC, forget not that UT beat OR St, who beat USC.
UT played a sound competative schedule. They found a way to win each and everyone of their games. They won their lucky 13th against a team once ranked #1 just like OK & TX & USC. In my opinion, they are deserving of the NC, or a share of it.
In fact (Where's WarEagleAtlanta when I need him?), let us at Fanblogs hold are own poll & declare our own NC. I for one vote UT. Anyone else? (Once again, you'll notice I left out the dreaded "P" word.)
The_Central_Scrutinizer
· 11 months ago
Props to da Utes Ben, but it looks like it's harder for the Nicatollah to win with Shula's talent than Tide Nation thought.
Mighty glad y'all had a good time in the Emeril™ City. Come back for Mardi Gras.
TigerEducated
· 11 months ago
Ben...Ben, Ben, Ben, Ben Ben...
The real question I have for you is quite simple...
Did you stop at one Hand Grenade?
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
I had to drive eventually and I had a few rum and cokes in me from the game. As I said, they were too sweet and had way too much lime flavor for my taste.
So yes, just one Hand Grenade.
TigerEducated
· 11 months ago
Pooswaaa...LOL!
The sweet is to cover up the booze...I'd hoped to get you to finish one off. They're one of those libations that "sneak up" on one if you're not careful, & in the City That Care Forgot, that's easy to do.
I was truly hopeful you took it upon yourself to treat this trip with an almost Hunter S. Thompson zeal...We need more details!
Tom_Blogical
· 11 months ago
"I was truly hopeful you took it upon yourself to treat this trip with an almost Hunter S. Thompson zeal..."
I'm glad you said almost, because his "zeal" for life didn't seem too good at the end...but his zeal for death sure was.
TigerEducated
· 11 months ago
Tom...Have you read him at all? His ENTIRE LIFE was about the visceral experiences on the edges of the envelope. That's where the real American Dream exists...
I'd go into much greater detail, but suffice to say, the every reason he ended his life was because he could no longer enjoy it the way he wanted to...
Read his "suicide note"...
Tom_Blogical
· 11 months ago
"I'd go into much greater detail, but suffice to say, the every reason he ended his life was because he could no longer enjoy it the way he wanted to..."
Nah, save your time. If he was such a "creative" guy, he would've found even the most benign experiences of life enjoyable. He would've at least found writing and expanding his mind enjoyable. IMHO, that's the epitome of being closed-minded. Irony...his offing himself haz it.
(Allow me to edit this part...in the interest of preventing arguments...) Plus, I strongly disagree with his opinions on politics, certain Argentine Marxist revolutionaries, and certain debunked conspiracy theories, so I have no desire to read anything about him.
Anyhoo, back to our regularly scheduled programming here at Fanblogs...
GO BUCKS!!! BEAT THE LONGHORNS!!!
TigerEducated
· 11 months ago
Well, the guy was a loon...I think my admiration for the man can be separated from the man's politics.
It's sort've like Les Miles. I could give a crap less whom he votes for or who he thinks 86'd JFK, but I love the man's football teams.
He grabbed life by the throat. If life was a keg, he was the one wanting to do keg stands till the end.
I don't subscribe to suicide as an answer to any of life's problems. But, I think I've gained an understanding of how the man ticked by looking at how he wrote what he wrote about, that begin's to explain why he reached the point that he did.
There are some great YouTube's on the man, his demons, and his life if you'll go search. Some good friend's of his, as well as some old reel's. Charlie Rose has a GREAT interview with HST up that is insightful.
Also, Growing Up Gonzo is a cradle to the grave retelling of the man and his life, through the eyes of those around him. It's an absolutely brilliant book for those looking for the essence of the man.
I can appreciate where you're coming from with the 9/11 crap, and I'll admit I simply could not read Fear & Loathing On The Campaign Trail (Whether it was the subject matter and how he was an advent of it, the laboriousness of the read, or a combination of the two). It's sort've on the kooky side.
But, you're talking about a guy who had a lifelong relationship-some would say problem-with drugs and alcohol. You KNOW he was gonna be a tad bit on the weird side with some of his takes.
Guess I just found some genius through the filter he wrote through.
To each their own, I guess...
Tom_Blogical
· 11 months ago
"To each their own, I guess..."
That's very true, and I'm glad to see you believe he was a loon as well. Perhaps someday I'll be bored and will research the guy extensively, but I typically don't waste my time with loons...life's too short and I'm already halfway done! LOL! ;-)
TigerEducated
· 11 months ago
I've found the weird ones help me understand life, much less the takes I have that lie in direct and diametric opposition.
That's why a lot of folks don't quite know how to take me when I'm out for drinks, or in other social settings. I'm the world's worst Devil's Advocate. They'll get frustrated by me, and finally complain that I've actually said I'm on the other side of the issue.
It's just that looking at something from the opposite side of the spectrum typically shows you where the holes are on from your end, and it can often help give you a new perspective on what you think and how you come across.
I'm delving into weekend bar-room talk...My apologies!
Tom_Blogical
· 11 months ago
"It's just that looking at something from the opposite side of the spectrum typically shows you where the holes are on from your end, and it can often help give you a new perspective on what you think and how you come across."
I wholeheartedly agree.
"I'm delving into weekend bar-room talk...My apologies!"
No apology necessary, I enjoy this. I really regret not having the $ to go down to New Orleans last January and looking you up now. I think we'd have had a hell of a great time!
TigerEducated
· 11 months ago
I'll put it to you like this...
Ben would've renounced all his religious beliefs after a night in the Quarter with me.
B_B...Well, she's lucky I spent my 30th on the River and didn't amble down there to find her & Ben and show them what the Nolia's all about...
Next time you're down, make it a point. First few are on me...
GeauxTigers0107
· 11 months ago
You had to make a stop in the Cat's Meow, I hope....and Pat O's piano bar. Too much fun man. Glad you enjoyed yourself and congrats on the awesome win.
Geaux Tigers Geaux SEC
Ramblin' Gator
· 11 months ago
I'm very thankful that nobody had a video camera the last time I was in the Cat's Meow.
TigerEducated
· 11 months ago
I had the best experience with Auburn fans ever in Cat's Meow back in 2001...
Good times...
Ramblin' Gator
· 11 months ago
I can sum up my Cat's Meow experiences this way...
3 Hurricanes 2 Tequila Shots You've Lost That Loving Feeling 1 bitter hangover made more bitter by my friends reminding me that I am neither one of the Righteous Brothers.
Still, it is a cool place that seems to naturally loosen one's inhibitions.
Ramblin' Gator
· 11 months ago
Congrats, Ben - that was a quality win. Coincidentally, I was in the French Quarter Saturday night (having dinner with my family at K-Paul's on our way back to Florida from Houston) and saw numerous happy Utah fans, so I stopped to congratulate a few of them. Also stopped to console a few defiant Bama fans still dressed in their colors.
Coincidentally, I took my daughter to Battleship Park in Mobile yesterday and bumped into the Tulsa Football Team!! The GMAC bowl committee was having some sort of pre-game reception and we got to meet a bunch of the players.
NMLSooner
· 11 months ago
"SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC!" Thought I'd get that chant in since it was nowhere to be found at the Sugar Bowl.
TigerEducated
· 11 months ago
You must remember that chant from the 2004 Sugar Bowl, huh?
:)
OU_Ron
· 11 months ago
I thought that chant was SABAN SABAN SABAN SABAN, amazing how a Tiger legend can go from King to Crapper in just a few short years...;-)
NMLSooner
· 11 months ago
Yeah, they probably said it then too. I mainly remember it from that lame Ga. over Hawaii victory from last year. I also remember that ball going just past Kejuan Jones fingertips. Maybe OU can play for a national championship in an Oklahoma City bowl game someday. :)
All Comments
That was an awesome game performance by Utah though. I have said Boise winning against Oklahoma that Oklahoma still looked the better team and Boise got by on luck, prayers and trick plays but Utah clearly looked the better team. They looked the better team against Pitt but I think most of us felt they were better going in. I certainly didn't think Utah was better going into this one!
While some institutions of the MWC have more significant achievements in the past, Utah does not.
You can like another team but they need to come second and if you like an competeing program you need to stay in the closet!
Can't wait to see the preseason rankings next year, TCU Utah and BYU should all start top twenty, and BYU starts of with a bang hosting a likely top 15 Florida State to kick off the season.
I agree BYU's bowl was not impressive and neither was the competetion during the year but they took an actual national championship (disputed or no) something Utah hasn't accomplished. This is NOT to say Utah hasn't earned a shot but the door is pretty much closed to them under the current rules. They technically won a championship game, a big win just for that fact (I guess not technically because it wasn't a BCS certified championship game which all conferences agree is the only championship in a given year unless you are USC).
WAC is like 20 teams now one of which is SMU (of 3 disputed national championship fame and a horde of conference championship in a much more major conference) another is Rice BOTH have big games in thier past that include major upsets over teams like Texas.
I do not want to take anything away from Utah so please understand. Alabama lost the game before this in which they lost both a chance to play for a national championship and lost the SEC championship. They got a runner up bowl (yes thier first trip to the BCS level bowls (and the BCS period) for a while but when they were expecting SO MUCH MORE). I suspect they just didn't want it bad. Utah also likely played an overachieving Alabama considering roughly the same team was 6-6 last year (and barely won against a not too hot LSU). Mississippi also had a extreme turnaround one the same side of the same league. SMU had a glorious golden age (albeit in the SWC). It's long over now but that is quite a history for that former WAC team. I just find it hard to buy that this win (a great win for Utah no doubt) was as epic as you now suggest but I guess that should be obvious since I questioned the earlier suggestion that it was the best in just the MWC.
Hawaii is the WAC's oldest current member joining some 20 years after it's creation (1958). By my rough count 22 teams including every western team not a member of the PAC-8 in div 1-A as well as 4 Texas schools and Tulsa have all been members at one point or another. Some of those programs have history and some don't.
I certainly had no intention of suggesting Boise's win was close to Utah's win. Those aren't similar stories unless you are one of the .63%-ish of the US population residing in Idaho.
I agree with your premise though.
Good luck in the Fiesta Bowl, I am finally on your side.
Thanks. They're going to need all the help they can get.
May I add to that list of cheers you have? The only negative thing I have to say about the Ute fans was their chant before the game began: "Ur-ban Mey-er" (clap clap clap clap clap..in the form of the gator chomp.) Sure he was your previous coach, but Kyle Whittingham did just the thing he did at Utah, if not more. So the chant of Meyer just because his Gators beat us definitely didn't sit well with me. I was like "Man, you pass those fans on the street and they are so quiet, but you get them all together and they are evil!" ;)
Oh, Ben, btw- I have a video that I recorded of a Ute fan sitting near me that I thought could possibly be you....but you might have cleared yourself with the mustache description. I'm going to link it soon anyway, just for the enjoyment of everyone else. :)
It could have meant what you are saying, but that would be like LSU fans chanting Nick Saban's name after they won it all last year. And trust me- you can even ask TE - the only chant LSU fans have cheered that included Saban's name also had two words in front of it. I think you can guess which two...
Hope you had a safe trip back home.
I know, I know! It's "Love you", right?
As for the game...I feel your pain, but Bama will be back stronger than ever next year.
Personally, I support Meyer and his decisions. He left on VERY good terms.
Whittingham certainly picked right up where Meyer left off. He is doing an awesome job there, and I know you are proud of the program.
The title of this thread sums it up. Go Utah. 2 BCS wins in 5 years is not too shabby.....heck, that's as many BCS wins in 5 years as Alabama's BCS appearances in 10. But the latter will soon change ;) The first is certainly looking to continue.
Great season for the Utes. Hate that they are left out of most conversations concerning being named National Champions. But hey, maybe yall can order some NC rings like Auburn did in '04 ... http://www.fanblogs.com/sec/004777.php ;)
When Meyer was hired at Utah I thought at the time Whittingham was the person for the job at the time, and he was the #2 guy. After 2004 I stood corrected about Meyer. Now I am vindicated, with a choice between Meyer and Whittingham in 2002 Utah was in a win-win situation.
I like the average BCS Bowl MOV of 21 points...
I think the media is picking up the hot potatoe. They have been waiting for a legitimate opportunity to split the title, and now we have one. It appears to me that the conversation is growing.
It will be interesting to hear the commontators opinions of Utah during the BCS NCG.
Just look up University of Wisconsin, Whitewater Baseball.
Just kidding..., thats not me.
It is a shame since Utah had such a good season against so many quality opponents. The elite of college football is just a very tough place to break in to.
The Sugar Bowl win is also fairly unprecedented.
In the old days 'Bama would have had the depth to overcome the injuries and suspension on the OL. Today, no matter what team, depth is an issue.
Great game by Utah.
Why would a good player be willing to sit on the bench when they could play elsewhere and be the hero?
In response to your question, I ask myself this all the time. So many greats go to big schools I guess because they feel they can unseat the resident quarterback. That rarely happens. Davis got a lot of attention this year at ball state and will likely be drafted. Cutler had a 5-6 or so season his last season at Vandy and was drafted. Going out and being the starter is probably what you want to do, whatever the school. Ap State's quarterback will likely be drafted as well... I know FCS division quarterbacks have gotten at least as high as 9th in heisman voting so people notice you wherever you play but it must simply be these kids thinking they are so wonderful or something when many are not. It's not to say that riding the bench won't get you to the next level, Tom Brady is a pretty good example of an unspectacular college quarterback who didn't see a lot of playtime at Michigan.
I would say be the hero at some small school in a heartbeat. Florida and Florida State and Miami (three teams I watch the recruiting for closely) horde quarterbacks and many will never be used or used sparingly to close out games or when the starter is injured. Florida and Miami havn't sent many from the quarterback position to the NFL and none of them were fantastic if they did go, I can think of one decent FSU quarterback in the NFL and he was a benchwarmer at FSU (Johnson). I don't follow pro football all that well though so there may have been others but heisman winners Gino Torretto and Danny Wuerful leap to mind and we all know Wienke and Ward never went pro. I mention qb's because it seems RB's do spread out a bit more, it's hard to find 3 -4 or 5 star- RB's all lined up behind the starter waiting for a shot, it seems more a position where you need to post numbers.
I'm saying it's not like the big schools are golden tickets (well FSU and Miami are as far as there are any golden tickets but certainly not for that position). LSU has a pretty famous story regarding Russel and Flynn, and recruiting Periloux that I would be telling on the road if I were trying to poach talent for a small school from some of these big time programs.
UT played a sound competative schedule. They found a way to win each and everyone of their games. They won their lucky 13th against a team once ranked #1 just like OK & TX & USC. In my opinion, they are deserving of the NC, or a share of it.
In fact (Where's WarEagleAtlanta when I need him?), let us at Fanblogs hold are own poll & declare our own NC. I for one vote UT. Anyone else? (Once again, you'll notice I left out the dreaded "P" word.)
Mighty glad y'all had a good time in the Emeril™ City. Come back for Mardi Gras.
The real question I have for you is quite simple...
Did you stop at one Hand Grenade?
So yes, just one Hand Grenade.
The sweet is to cover up the booze...I'd hoped to get you to finish one off. They're one of those libations that "sneak up" on one if you're not careful, & in the City That Care Forgot, that's easy to do.
I was truly hopeful you took it upon yourself to treat this trip with an almost Hunter S. Thompson zeal...We need more details!
I'm glad you said almost, because his "zeal" for life didn't seem too good at the end...but his zeal for death sure was.
I'd go into much greater detail, but suffice to say, the every reason he ended his life was because he could no longer enjoy it the way he wanted to...
Read his "suicide note"...
Nah, save your time. If he was such a "creative" guy, he would've found even the most benign experiences of life enjoyable. He would've at least found writing and expanding his mind enjoyable. IMHO, that's the epitome of being closed-minded. Irony...his offing himself haz it.
(Allow me to edit this part...in the interest of preventing arguments...) Plus, I strongly disagree with his opinions on politics, certain Argentine Marxist revolutionaries, and certain debunked conspiracy theories, so I have no desire to read anything about him.
Anyhoo, back to our regularly scheduled programming here at Fanblogs...
GO BUCKS!!! BEAT THE LONGHORNS!!!
It's sort've like Les Miles. I could give a crap less whom he votes for or who he thinks 86'd JFK, but I love the man's football teams.
He grabbed life by the throat. If life was a keg, he was the one wanting to do keg stands till the end.
I don't subscribe to suicide as an answer to any of life's problems. But, I think I've gained an understanding of how the man ticked by looking at how he wrote what he wrote about, that begin's to explain why he reached the point that he did.
There are some great YouTube's on the man, his demons, and his life if you'll go search. Some good friend's of his, as well as some old reel's. Charlie Rose has a GREAT interview with HST up that is insightful.
Also, Growing Up Gonzo is a cradle to the grave retelling of the man and his life, through the eyes of those around him. It's an absolutely brilliant book for those looking for the essence of the man.
I can appreciate where you're coming from with the 9/11 crap, and I'll admit I simply could not read Fear & Loathing On The Campaign Trail (Whether it was the subject matter and how he was an advent of it, the laboriousness of the read, or a combination of the two). It's sort've on the kooky side.
But, you're talking about a guy who had a lifelong relationship-some would say problem-with drugs and alcohol. You KNOW he was gonna be a tad bit on the weird side with some of his takes.
Guess I just found some genius through the filter he wrote through.
To each their own, I guess...
That's very true, and I'm glad to see you believe he was a loon as well. Perhaps someday I'll be bored and will research the guy extensively, but I typically don't waste my time with loons...life's too short and I'm already halfway done! LOL! ;-)
That's why a lot of folks don't quite know how to take me when I'm out for drinks, or in other social settings. I'm the world's worst Devil's Advocate. They'll get frustrated by me, and finally complain that I've actually said I'm on the other side of the issue.
It's just that looking at something from the opposite side of the spectrum typically shows you where the holes are on from your end, and it can often help give you a new perspective on what you think and how you come across.
I'm delving into weekend bar-room talk...My apologies!
I wholeheartedly agree.
"I'm delving into weekend bar-room talk...My apologies!"
No apology necessary, I enjoy this. I really regret not having the $ to go down to New Orleans last January and looking you up now. I think we'd have had a hell of a great time!
Ben would've renounced all his religious beliefs after a night in the Quarter with me.
B_B...Well, she's lucky I spent my 30th on the River and didn't amble down there to find her & Ben and show them what the Nolia's all about...
Next time you're down, make it a point. First few are on me...
Geaux Tigers
Geaux SEC
Good times...
3 Hurricanes
2 Tequila Shots
You've Lost That Loving Feeling
1 bitter hangover made more bitter by my friends reminding me that I am neither one of the Righteous Brothers.
Still, it is a cool place that seems to naturally loosen one's inhibitions.
Coincidentally, I took my daughter to Battleship Park in Mobile yesterday and bumped into the Tulsa Football Team!! The GMAC bowl committee was having some sort of pre-game reception and we got to meet a bunch of the players.
:)