Biggest game in Utah history
by JazzyUte on Dec 8, 2008 12:09 PM MST
in Sugar Bowl
Email
PrintWe've used that statement now two times this season. The first was prior to the TCU game and the second a few weeks ago when Utah took on the BYU Cougars. They won both games and because of those two victories, they're now in position for that third biggest game in program history. Except this time, they have far more to gain from a victory than any time in Utah history.
Sure, the Utes' victory over Pitt in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl was a defining moment for the program, but it was also an expected one. Entering the Sugar Bowl, no one is giving Utah a chance. This might be the first time since the 1990s where the Utes are this big of an underdog. Which means a victory against Alabama would be monumental. No one is expecting it, the Tide would be only weeks removed from being the #1 team in the country and if Florida manages to defeat Oklahoma in the national championship, it could cause a firestorm of controversy with an undefeated Utah team owning just as good of victory over Alabama as the possible one-loss national champions. Of course, I'm getting ahead of myself just a bit, first thing first: figure out a way to win. And that isn't going to easy.
There will be time in the coming weeks to dissect every aspect of this game, so I'm not going to do that right away. But I will say this, with Utah being such an underdog and getting little respect from the media, Kyle Whittingham has been given an opportunity to use that as a rallying cry. And from what we've seen over the past few years, he does that extremely well. When Utah takes the field on January 2nd, they will enter that game with an Us Against the World mindset. It might not be enough to propel them to victory, but I am pretty confident in saying here that they will not go down without a fight. If people really believe this will be a repeat of last year's Sugar Bowl, they're going to be in for a very big surprise. These Utes fight and they're going to take that fight directly to Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
Now hopefully it's good enough for Utah to get that ultimate program defining victory.
8 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
no need to break it down
a Utah victory would have to focus on winning the trenches…and that is a formidable task against ’Bama.
The Maharg makes me look like an idiot.
Trenches . . .
Yes, looks bad there.
However, our D has been outmanned all year. Maybe they will find a wrinkle.
Off topic: How do I posta pic? I made a motivational poster I want to share.
Try this...
Post it here: http://www.sbnation.com/admin/entries/new?community_id=98&entry_type=FanPost
Click 
this icon and and, type the post and hit Publish. Should work.
The media may not be giving y'all a chance...
…but if we know how good Utah is and that Alabama is going to have to focus and play to the best of their abilities to win, you better know Nick Saban is fully aware of it. I’m glad we pulled y’all for opponents instead of tOSU or Cincinatti. I think the Utes will be a much tougher opponent than either of those, plus the Tide and the Utes have never played before.
What’s a UTE?
Sorry, Sorry…I couldn’t help myself…everytime I hear Utes that scene pops into my head. (And for the record I do know what a Ute, in the sense of your nickname, is)
I think most Bama fans, myself for sure, know that Utah will be a very tough opponent. I am looking forward to the matchup…I certainly don’t take it for granted. From what I’ve seen, you guys are a very good team, and play hard. I expect it to be a great game, and a very tough ballgame, and look forward to meeting fans from Utah.
Ha!
Yes, down here (Tallahassee, Florida) I get that all the time:
“What’s a Ute?” Classic line, great film.
Proud to meet you. I am extremely happy we are able to play a team of your caliber with such an amazing tradition and knowledgeable fans (and classy fans—the scene in Georgia was priceless this year was it not?).
Cheers, and best of luck to your team. There is no better way to end the season, win or lose, it’s great to be able to say we played in the Sugar Bowl, of all places, against the mighty Tide. Growing up, I never dreamed we’d get to a bowl like this against a team of your caliber, and I’ve been a Utah fan since I first watched football; so, about 45 years now.
Utah has been a big underdog lately
The record shows that Utah has been a big underdog lately.
In 2007 the Utes were 15 pt dogs at home against UCLA, a game they won 44-6. They were also 14 1/2 pt dogs at Louisville in 2007 (won 44-35).
Utah lost twice as single-digit dogs in ’07, at Oregon State and at Provo.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
- Urban Meyer
"Wow. Wow. Wow."
- Daryl Johnston after Utah took a 21-0 lead on Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl
Related FanPosts on Block U
Related FanShots on Block U
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
