It at least appears this way, as they have the Utes playing in the Las Vegas Bowl this year. Which is surprising, since BYU has completely owned this conference the past two years. If CFN's predictions hold true, which they probably won't, BYU will be playing New Mexico State in the New Mexico Bowl, ouch!

So is this too big of an expectation for Utah? Probably not, as I've said a few times over the past few months that this is the year for Utah to win the Mountain West. They return a ton of talent, have a favorable conference schedule and it's the fourth year of Whittingham's tenure here. It's almost now or never, but it's good the Utes are once again getting some preseason buzz.

What do you think? Will Utah be playing in Vegas come December and will they be hoisting the Mountain West trophy at the end of the BYU game?