You receive the non-homer of the week award for fanblogs with that pick, Ben. Congrats!
Now, if I could just unload the 'best thread hijack' award I'm carrying around. I might consider it for whomever mentions the gymnastics team again...
WarEagleFan
· 1 year ago
Didn't yesterdays hijacking of that FL thread win hands down with the absence of a SEC is better than everyone thread?
TheMayor
· 1 year ago
Good luck tomorrow night BP.
Tommy_Trojan
· 1 year ago
Ben:
It just depends on which TCU team shows up. The Frogs can look extremely good on occasion. Almost overpowering on defense. Utah is clearly a very good team also. Seriously, I liken TCU to Oregon State in "basic power rating". Utah does have that game under their belt - and did come back to win it. The point is that that was a tough hard-nosed game that Utah got. I don't really think that TCU has been involved in that kinda close game.
Your numbers that you posted tell a very even story. It looks as though TCU would have just a slight edge on the ground. If this game stays close - it really doesn't hurt the loser too bad. The winner may get a bump in the standings. It'll be a shame, if either of these two teams finish up at 11-1, and don't get a BCS invite. Both of these teams are very good. Of course, the way that the BCS pollsters have been voting this year, they'll probably have to severly penalize the loser - no matter what. I understand that Barack Obama has said that he'd like to get rid of the BCS system. Pete Carroll and Urban Meyer are both "mad as hell". I hope you don't have to "feel the wrath", of these pea-brains, for a real tough close loss.
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
Urban Meyer is no fan of the BCS. He has spoken out fro a plus one even since his departure for Florida.
Their is no doubt in my mind the winner of this game should be ahead of Boise State. Utah would significantly close the gap between them and USC with a win. TCU would be very close to Boise State.
I don't see Utah falling below BYU or TCU falling below Michigan State with a loss.
The Obama Monday Night Plan, as it stands today:
Top 7 conference leaders: Alabama, Texas Tech, Penn State, USC, Utah, Boise State, Ball State
1 at Large: Texas
Alabama vs Ball State Texas vs USC
Texas Tech vs Boise State Penn State vs Utah
1Tomcat
· 1 year ago
Hey Ben Looks like El Gato gotcha distracted again, I read your thread and thought that it looks like Utah lost a couple, they are 9-0,ought to be a good game, yall got the Frogs at home Adios Tomcat
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
Fixed the CSU game, had the scores flipped.
Glass_Joe
· 1 year ago
Your score for the UNLV/Utah game is also wrong.
I'm also having a hard time seeing Utah win this game tonight. As much as I want them to, TCU just looks better on paper and has been playing better as of late.
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
TY, fixed the score.
Utah can win if they show up. TCU has played better and more consistently so far this year.
Either way, kickoff in only 6 more hours, and in HD!
Ben
· 1 year ago
Utah will Crush TCU, I look forward to reading about your excuses tomorrow!
Kevin @ Fanblogs
· 1 year ago
The only excuse that could possibly exist.... the bus didn't show up for the Horned Frogs. I think you're about to see TCU stake their claim for the BCS.
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
If you are right, I will be celebrating tomorrow, not making excuses.
U.of S.C.1978
· 1 year ago
Are you fellas sure you done talking about politics here? Maybe one of you can come up with a story about gay players wanting to get married, legally, in colorful new uniforms? I hope not. To me, this game is damned near irrelevant. they are both last years Hawaii to me. Parity is coming, it's not here yet for these teams.
TampaGator
· 1 year ago
Kindly delete this post, USC'78...it's a new day...back to business as usual.
GO GATORS!!
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
As you are an SEC fan I under stand that we non BCS teams all look alike to you all.
Ball State is like what Hawaii was last year.
Boise State is where they were in 2006, and TCU looks to be right there as well. So far Utah has looked to me to be slightly over rated, and a step behind TCU.
TCU and Utah actually have defensive speed and a decent line, things most non BCS teams lack. The focus these teams have made on building state of the art training facilities is represented on the field.
None of these teams are to the level of Utah 2004.
If Utah wins big my opinion will change dramatically, as the inhibitors will fall off completely. With a solid 21+ point lead Utah would jump to near Florida-Oklahoma territory in where I think they deserve to be, though I would still not expect them to jump USC.
TampaGator
· 1 year ago
If TCU is predicted to win, then it should be a slam dunk for the Utes...
...it's THURSDAY NIGHT...and the hometeam is predicted to lose?
Forgetabout it...throw out the stats....
....improptu student body pep rally scheduled for immedialtely after the game, on the field!
GO GATORS!!
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
I forgot that stat. Thursday night home dogs.
Thank you vegas!
U.of S.C.1978
· 1 year ago
BenP, We all love team speed. Add that up with team size. Factor the whole mess, 1.90 this, 3.12 that. I'm starting to get some some off color sublime chill, from statistics! NOT!
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
Ok, I will summarize for you...
Its gonna be a really good game.
Tonight, 8 Eastern on CBS College sports, formerly CSTV, and Dish Network 152 and Direct TV 613.
Tyler_Tech
· 1 year ago
I will be tuning in good luck Ben.
GA_Boy
· 1 year ago
Why wouldn't ESPM put this game on? I am in GA and I would much rather see TCU and Utah play than this. Now USC 78, you want to talk irrelevant, VA Tech and Maryland, now that is irrelavant.
GO DAWGS!
1Tomcat
· 1 year ago
Ga-Boy need to hook up a disc or Cable for CBS college sports, good channel shows alot of C-USA and MWC games better broadcasters too than ESPN like Bryan Jones former Texas player and Trev Alberts former Nebraska player
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
The Mountain West does not have a contract with ESPN. They turned them down to get more saturday games but they each play at least one thursday night game on Versus or CBS college sports.
You will not see a MWC team on ESPN unless they are visiting someone else.
TampaGator
· 1 year ago
I was disappointed; I thought the game was going to be on ESPN. I also thought the Browns v. Bronx was going to be on... forgot about the No Fan Love network deal...so we were stuck with the Turks v. the Twerps.
...not that it was a bad game, but it certainly left you wanting more...
b/t/w: never go against homedog on thurday night!
...and congrats!
GO GATORS!!
Glass_Joe
· 1 year ago
The over/under for this game is 43. Does anyone buy that? I don't see how these two teams' defenses will allow that many points, especially in the cold weather. Would like to put a boatload on the under but then again is that just a sucker bet? Vegas usually knows better!
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
23-20 is on the high end of a reasonable score for this game. I to like the under bet. I think the Vegas line is influenced strongly by uninformed gamblers who confound Utah and TCU for Hawaii and Tulsa, which would be a shoot out.
40 isn't that cold for this time of year in SLC.
1Tomcat
· 1 year ago
Hey Ben congrats to the Utes on a 4th quarter drive and a INT in the final seconds beating a good TCU team. TCU has only two losses for the season both to top ten opponents and this win along with the Oreg St win should help the Utes SOS arguement. I heard Pete Carrols rants, however big wins over Wash and Wash st doesnt really help your team with the current system. Perhaps when the US president elect hollers for a change in CFB his influence may help teams like Utah make it to the big show in the future. Lets say that with the current system that Bama drops one and so does Texas Tech, would we see a PSU vs Utah MNC game? perhaps? leaving the powers Fla, USC,Tex, OU outside looking in Hookem-Horns Gigem-Aggies beat the H outa OU Go Cowboys- did I say that Geaux Tigers
Glass_Joe
· 1 year ago
Yep, shoulda mortgaged the house and drained the kids' college funds and put it on the under. What was I thinking?
Congrats Utes!
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
But then it woulda been a shoot out...
Funny how that works.
You guys are up in two weeks, after a short trip to SDSU.
lbu828694
· 1 year ago
I thin Utah is gonna pull it out in a close one. I have a feeling they'll win on a late 4th quarter drive ala Oregon St.
lbu828694
· 1 year ago
They didnt win the Oregon St. game on a late drive they came behind my bad
OU_Ron
· 1 year ago
If they're behind late in the 4th, I think they lose, TCU's defense is too good.....
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
Apparently not.
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
Utah tied the gamelate in the fourth quarter, then Oregon State mismanaged the clock allowing Utah enough time to kick the game winning field goal as time expired.
Glass_Joe
· 1 year ago
That was a Beaver coaching blunder but I think they figured they had a better chance of winning that game with a last possession in regulation than winning it in overtime. Or else they could've rundown almost all of the clock.
MarkS
· 1 year ago
As you intimated, if a loss means Utah never goes with the black uniforms again, then I almost want a loss. They could always donate them to Georgia...
Zac
· 1 year ago
Maybe it's just the way I'm seeing it, but I'd say TCU's defense is better than advertised. Not to mention, it looks as if their offense is beginning to impose its will. Should they hold on for the win as Ben has predicted (Brave pick, Ben.), I agree; they belong in the BCS, provided they win out.
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
How do you get better than the #1 run defense in the land?
I will agree, they are better than that.
Lennie Collins
· 1 year ago
TCU should have worn all black...their offense looked dead! Utah in black jerseys and black pants...silly.
GotliebTX
· 1 year ago
With their win over TCU, Utah moves their Win Factor to 34, temporarily placing them in 2nd behind Texas at 37. The winner of the Tech-Oklahoma game will leapfrog them on Saturday, as will most of the Win Factor Top 10 (Florida, Alabama, Penn State, Boise State, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan State). The Utes will most likely be hanging around 11th or 12th on the Win Factor standings come Sunday.
Texas Tech needs to beat OSU and get some help from their downline (teams they have beaten) if they are to pass up Texas this week. They are the only team in striking distance this week and they own the Longhorn's wins for their Win Factor. Assuming Texas beats Baylor with their 2 FBS wins and gets three wins from their downline (Oklahoma, Colorado or Arkansas, Missouri) they will raise the #1 spot to 42. Tech will need 14 to get there from where they sit currently at 28. They can get 7 from beating OSU and would need all 7 of their downline teams to win to get to 42 to tie Texas for the top spot. With the tie-breaker in their possession, they would be the #1 team in the country.
U.of S.C.1978
· 1 year ago
I had to read some stories and the stats. Could not watch the game. While both of these teams are having great seasons, neither is ready for prime time.
OU_Ron
· 1 year ago
I think if SC played either TCU or Utah, you would change your mind.....
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
Post game analysis:
OOPS! MY BAD!!! I though TCU could kick a field goal. Apparently their kicker thinks you get bonus points for hiting the uprights.
I'll eat those delicious 17-14 words. Standing corrected never felt so sweet. I did find myself accidentally cheering for the wrong team of a second or two as the black just does not look like Utah. I hope I never see those uniforms again.
I have been holding off judgement on my team until this game. This game has come, and it is time to tell it like it is.
Utah is not a top 10 team, unless you happen to be looking at the actual rankings.
Alabama, Florida, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoam State and Penn State are head and shoulders above Utah. While I think Utah could hold their own vs Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, USC and Missouri, I think they lose more than they win against these opponents. Utah is a top 15 team and better than Boise State or any other team outside the BCS cartel. The lone exception may very well be the TCU team we just defeated.
The BCS system is very generous to cinderellas, and this should allow Utah to significantly reduce the gap between them and USC in the BCS standings. TCU will not fall lower than Ball State, and should not fall lower than BYU. One can still argue they may be better than Utah.
Utah may very well be headed to the BCS to face the #2 SEC or #2 Big 12 team. BYU might have a thing to say about that between now and then, but I like the odds of getting there. I don't like the odds once we get there, but Whittingham is excellent at getting teams up for a big game and playing Florida or the Big 12 #2 would be the biggest game in school history.
Indeed some say last night's game was the biggest in school history as Utah had never played a game where both teams were ranked in the top 15, with conference title and BCS eligibility on the line to boot.
I did have a dream this past weekend where it was the start of the third quarter in the Sugar Bowl and Utah was up by three. After convincingly holding Florida to three and out, Utah marched down the field with impunity and scored a quick TD and took all the momentum. The commentators began discussing whether Meyer was regretting his choice to leave Utah, and the perplexed look on Meyer's face was priceless.
Then I woke up. I can still dream.
Zac
· 1 year ago
WOW!!! Talk about a game of missed opportunities. Just when it seemed like TCU was wear'n em down, sack, boink, and UT survives another threat.
It just goes to show a quote from an ole nemesis, still trying to get his system to work...elsewhere, really does make sense. "You can't give the other team hope. You have to finish." Rich Rodriguez couldn't stand it when his (then) Mountaineers were up by 21, 28, or even 35, when the defense would yield 17 or so straight to let the other team back in the game "...giving them hope" as he would frame it. With each missed opportunity, TCU gave UT new hope, and with less than a minute to play, the Utes finally said, "Thank you very much," and cashed in. Frigg'n amazing! Congrats on the, ahem, "bad pick", Ben. I can see you're all just so broken up about it.
This game reminded me a lot of S FL/WVU last year. The guys who put up the impressive numbers didn't win it. I just hope this doesn't set to ruin TCU's fine season. They really are a good team.
Cougar_Fan
· 1 year ago
Oh my goodness! I can't believe Utah pulled that out!!! I wanted Utah to win but I'm not sure that they're the better team, I think TCU would perform better in a BCS bowl bid!! but I guess we won't know. Go utes, I'm ok if they beat my cougars as long as we don't just roll over! Unless Boise State loses, in that cases go Cougs take em down!!
Tommy_Trojan
· 1 year ago
Ben Prather:
Congrats on another good win. The Utes can beat BYU and end up in a BCS bowl game. Going into the season, I vaguely remember, that Utah might have been picked 3rd in the MWC. They've been able to win every game that they played. I would agree that Utah should outrank Boise State. We may get two non-BCS teams into the games this year. I'm not too sure about Boise - but I sure wouldn't liken Utah to last years farce of a Hawaii team.
I know that USC can't get into the BCS National Championship game. That road looks impossible right now. So, I'll be rooting for Utah, Texas, Florida and Oregon State to "win out". Why would I want for Oregon State to win the PAC 10 Conference Championship? That's pretty easy. The last thing in the world that I want is to play in another Rose Bowl against any BIG 10 team. I'd like for Oregon State to go ahead and handle that task. Besides, it make Utah and USC look that much better. Should some kinda "miracle" happen - I would prefer that USC play Florida in the BCS Championship. With Oregon State in the Rose Bowl - USC could play in one of the other BCS bowl games. That's where Texas and Utah come in. Either will be fine. Texas more so, as the loss to Texas in 05' still stings, and the loss to Utah in 01' still needs some "pay back". It would not bother me too much if USC gets to play Utah in some other game. The Fiesta Bowl comes to mind. That sounds as if it would create quite a venue.
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
I think we can agree on this:
Utah 2004 >> TCU 2005 > Utah 2008 ~ Boise State 2006 ~ TCU 2008 ~ Boise State 2008 ~ Boise State 2004 > BYU 2007 > BYU 2008 > Hawaii 2007 ~ Ball State 2008
To get 2 BCS non AQ conference members in BCS Bowls the following must all happen:
1) Big 12: Only Penn State in top 14, Ohio State and Michigan State need to lose.
2A) PAC 10: USC champion, Oregon State needs a loss 2B) PAC 10: USC not in top 14, needs 2 loses.
3) ACC: Only champion in top 14. a myriad of permutations
4) Big East: Only Champion in top 14. Don't think this can not happen.
5) Two of the following must end up in the top 25 ( in pecking order ) Utah, Boise State, TCU, BYU, Utah (1 loss to BYU ), Ball State
TCU may end up ahead of Boise State.
Jared
· 1 year ago
Where would you rank Utah 2003 into your equation? I think ~ BYU 2007.
I ask because this year's Utah team, although undefeated, is much more often compared with the 2003 team than the 2004 team.
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
The first half of 2003 or the second half of 2003? That season saw tremendous improvement over the year while 2004 Utah was solid throughout.
This year also saw improvement throughout the year, but not as severe as in 2003. At no part in this season was Utah as bad as they were to start 2003. Utah dropped a few early games then went on a domination spree that lasted a year and a half and wrapped up 2 conference titles and 2 bowls. The early part of the season in 2003 ruined any BCS talk, also a different formula and criterion were used then.
The Utes at the end of 2003 were as good as the Utes at the start of the 2004 season. I suppose with all things considered I can't argue with your claim they were comparable to BYU 2007 in the list above.
Glass_Joe
· 1 year ago
I think BYU 2006 is better than both BYU 2007 and BYU 2008. And, If we had last year's defense, or even 2006's on this year's team, we could still very well be undefeated.
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
I can't argue with BYU's consistency the last 3 years. They could fit in between Boise State 2004 and BYU 2007.
All Comments
Now, if I could just unload the 'best thread hijack' award I'm carrying around. I might consider it for whomever mentions the gymnastics team again...
It just depends on which TCU team shows up. The Frogs can look extremely good on occasion. Almost overpowering on defense. Utah is clearly a very good team also. Seriously, I liken TCU to Oregon State in "basic power rating". Utah does have that game under their belt - and did come back to win it. The point is that that was a tough hard-nosed game that Utah got. I don't really think that TCU has been involved in that kinda close game.
Your numbers that you posted tell a very even story. It looks as though TCU would have just a slight edge on the ground. If this game stays close - it really doesn't hurt the loser too bad. The winner may get a bump in the standings. It'll be a shame, if either of these two teams finish up at 11-1, and don't get a BCS invite. Both of these teams are very good. Of course, the way that the BCS pollsters have been voting this year, they'll probably have to severly penalize the loser - no matter what. I understand that Barack Obama has said that he'd like to get rid of the BCS system. Pete Carroll and Urban Meyer are both "mad as hell". I hope you don't have to "feel the wrath", of these pea-brains, for a real tough close loss.
Their is no doubt in my mind the winner of this game should be ahead of Boise State. Utah would significantly close the gap between them and USC with a win. TCU would be very close to Boise State.
I don't see Utah falling below BYU or TCU falling below Michigan State with a loss.
The Obama Monday Night Plan, as it stands today:
Top 7 conference leaders:
Alabama, Texas Tech, Penn State, USC, Utah, Boise State, Ball State
1 at Large: Texas
Alabama vs Ball State
Texas vs USC
Texas Tech vs Boise State
Penn State vs Utah
Adios Tomcat
I'm also having a hard time seeing Utah win this game tonight. As much as I want them to, TCU just looks better on paper and has been playing better as of late.
Utah can win if they show up. TCU has played better and more consistently so far this year.
Either way, kickoff in only 6 more hours, and in HD!
GO GATORS!!
Ball State is like what Hawaii was last year.
Boise State is where they were in 2006, and TCU looks to be right there as well. So far Utah has looked to me to be slightly over rated, and a step behind TCU.
TCU and Utah actually have defensive speed and a decent line, things most non BCS teams lack. The focus these teams have made on building state of the art training facilities is represented on the field.
None of these teams are to the level of Utah 2004.
If Utah wins big my opinion will change dramatically, as the inhibitors will fall off completely. With a solid 21+ point lead Utah would jump to near Florida-Oklahoma territory in where I think they deserve to be, though I would still not expect them to jump USC.
...it's THURSDAY NIGHT...and the hometeam is predicted to lose?
Forgetabout it...throw out the stats....
....improptu student body pep rally scheduled for immedialtely after the game, on the field!
GO GATORS!!
Thank you vegas!
Its gonna be a really good game.
Tonight, 8 Eastern on CBS College sports, formerly CSTV, and Dish Network 152 and Direct TV 613.
GO DAWGS!
like Bryan Jones former Texas player and Trev Alberts former Nebraska player
You will not see a MWC team on ESPN unless they are visiting someone else.
...not that it was a bad game, but it certainly left you wanting more...
b/t/w: never go against homedog on thurday night!
...and congrats!
GO GATORS!!
40 isn't that cold for this time of year in SLC.
I heard Pete Carrols rants, however big wins over Wash and Wash st doesnt really help your team with the current system. Perhaps when the US president elect hollers for a change in CFB his influence may help teams like Utah make it to the big show in the future. Lets say that with the current system that Bama drops one and so does Texas Tech, would we see a PSU vs Utah MNC game? perhaps? leaving the powers Fla, USC,Tex, OU outside looking in
Hookem-Horns
Gigem-Aggies beat the H outa OU
Go Cowboys- did I say that
Geaux Tigers
Congrats Utes!
Funny how that works.
You guys are up in two weeks, after a short trip to SDSU.
I will agree, they are better than that.
Texas Tech needs to beat OSU and get some help from their downline (teams they have beaten) if they are to pass up Texas this week. They are the only team in striking distance this week and they own the Longhorn's wins for their Win Factor. Assuming Texas beats Baylor with their 2 FBS wins and gets three wins from their downline (Oklahoma, Colorado or Arkansas, Missouri) they will raise the #1 spot to 42. Tech will need 14 to get there from where they sit currently at 28. They can get 7 from beating OSU and would need all 7 of their downline teams to win to get to 42 to tie Texas for the top spot. With the tie-breaker in their possession, they would be the #1 team in the country.
OOPS! MY BAD!!! I though TCU could kick a field goal. Apparently their kicker thinks you get bonus points for hiting the uprights.
I'll eat those delicious 17-14 words. Standing corrected never felt so sweet. I did find myself accidentally cheering for the wrong team of a second or two as the black just does not look like Utah. I hope I never see those uniforms again.
I have been holding off judgement on my team until this game. This game has come, and it is time to tell it like it is.
Utah is not a top 10 team, unless you happen to be looking at the actual rankings.
Alabama, Florida, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoam State and Penn State are head and shoulders above Utah. While I think Utah could hold their own vs Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, USC and Missouri, I think they lose more than they win against these opponents. Utah is a top 15 team and better than Boise State or any other team outside the BCS cartel. The lone exception may very well be the TCU team we just defeated.
The BCS system is very generous to cinderellas, and this should allow Utah to significantly reduce the gap between them and USC in the BCS standings. TCU will not fall lower than Ball State, and should not fall lower than BYU. One can still argue they may be better than Utah.
Utah may very well be headed to the BCS to face the #2 SEC or #2 Big 12 team. BYU might have a thing to say about that between now and then, but I like the odds of getting there. I don't like the odds once we get there, but Whittingham is excellent at getting teams up for a big game and playing Florida or the Big 12 #2 would be the biggest game in school history.
Indeed some say last night's game was the biggest in school history as Utah had never played a game where both teams were ranked in the top 15, with conference title and BCS eligibility on the line to boot.
I did have a dream this past weekend where it was the start of the third quarter in the Sugar Bowl and Utah was up by three. After convincingly holding Florida to three and out, Utah marched down the field with impunity and scored a quick TD and took all the momentum. The commentators began discussing whether Meyer was regretting his choice to leave Utah, and the perplexed look on Meyer's face was priceless.
Then I woke up. I can still dream.
It just goes to show a quote from an ole nemesis, still trying to get his system to work...elsewhere, really does make sense. "You can't give the other team hope. You have to finish." Rich Rodriguez couldn't stand it when his (then) Mountaineers were up by 21, 28, or even 35, when the defense would yield 17 or so straight to let the other team back in the game "...giving them hope" as he would frame it. With each missed opportunity, TCU gave UT new hope, and with less than a minute to play, the Utes finally said, "Thank you very much," and cashed in. Frigg'n amazing! Congrats on the, ahem, "bad pick", Ben. I can see you're all just so broken up about it.
This game reminded me a lot of S FL/WVU last year. The guys who put up the impressive numbers didn't win it. I just hope this doesn't set to ruin TCU's fine season. They really are a good team.
Congrats on another good win. The Utes can beat BYU and end up in a BCS bowl game. Going into the season, I vaguely remember, that Utah might have been picked 3rd in the MWC. They've been able to win every game that they played. I would agree that Utah should outrank Boise State. We may get two non-BCS teams into the games this year. I'm not too sure about Boise - but I sure wouldn't liken Utah to last years farce of a Hawaii team.
I know that USC can't get into the BCS National Championship game. That road looks impossible right now. So, I'll be rooting for Utah, Texas, Florida and Oregon State to "win out". Why would I want for Oregon State to win the PAC 10 Conference Championship? That's pretty easy. The last thing in the world that I want is to play in another Rose Bowl against any BIG 10 team. I'd like for Oregon State to go ahead and handle that task. Besides, it make Utah and USC look that much better. Should some kinda "miracle" happen - I would prefer that USC play Florida in the BCS Championship. With Oregon State in the Rose Bowl - USC could play in one of the other BCS bowl games. That's where Texas and Utah come in. Either will be fine. Texas more so, as the loss to Texas in 05' still stings, and the loss to Utah in 01' still needs some "pay back". It would not bother me too much if USC gets to play Utah in some other game. The Fiesta Bowl comes to mind. That sounds as if it would create quite a venue.
Utah 2004 >> TCU 2005 > Utah 2008 ~ Boise State 2006 ~ TCU 2008 ~ Boise State 2008 ~ Boise State 2004 > BYU 2007 > BYU 2008 > Hawaii 2007 ~ Ball State 2008
To get 2 BCS non AQ conference members in BCS Bowls the following must all happen:
1) Big 12: Only Penn State in top 14, Ohio State and Michigan State need to lose.
2A) PAC 10: USC champion, Oregon State needs a loss
2B) PAC 10: USC not in top 14, needs 2 loses.
3) ACC: Only champion in top 14. a myriad of permutations
4) Big East: Only Champion in top 14. Don't think this can not happen.
5) Two of the following must end up in the top 25 ( in pecking order )
Utah, Boise State, TCU, BYU, Utah (1 loss to BYU ), Ball State
TCU may end up ahead of Boise State.
I ask because this year's Utah team, although undefeated, is much more often compared with the 2003 team than the 2004 team.
This year also saw improvement throughout the year, but not as severe as in 2003. At no part in this season was Utah as bad as they were to start 2003. Utah dropped a few early games then went on a domination spree that lasted a year and a half and wrapped up 2 conference titles and 2 bowls. The early part of the season in 2003 ruined any BCS talk, also a different formula and criterion were used then.
The Utes at the end of 2003 were as good as the Utes at the start of the 2004 season. I suppose with all things considered I can't argue with your claim they were comparable to BYU 2007 in the list above.