Roll 'Bama Roll has an interesting debate on Utah

by JazzyUte on Jan 7, 2009 10:11 PM MST in Sugar Bowl Comment 15 comments

Started over something I said here. I guess my wording has set off a firestorm because I hinted at the possibility of Utah being a football power. But I thought it was clear in my post that we were witnessing the birth of a power, not that the Utes had already become one. Sure, we can debate all we want as to whether the Utes are on the verge of becoming a national power, but that doesn't seem to be the debate they are having. Instead, it's turned into parsing my words and making me out to be the overzealous fan who lost any ability to think rationally.

For those Block U readers who have already read through there and defended Utah, thank you. For those who haven't ventured over, I'm not asking you to troll, but you might feel inclined to defend Utah's honor.

This is the post. Enjoy.

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Props to Utah

Only 18 of the 120 FBC teams have been to 2 BCS Bowls. Of those 18 only eleven have won 2.

We did this without the benefit of an automatic qualifyer for our conference.

How many teams during the BCS era have capped two undefeated season with an impressive BCS bowl win TWICE?

We have the longest bowl winning streak at 8, including wins over Fresno State, USC, Southern Mississippi, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, Tulsa, Navy and Alabama. Three of those teams have been to BCS bowls, compining for a 6-4 record. 6-2 if you don’t cound the loses to Utah.

In total points differential in BCS bowls Utah (42) stands at #4, behind USC (128), Florida (64) and LSU (61).

Was our season less impressive than BYU’s 1984 championship year? What about last years LSU title?

Can you argue that our 2004 season was less impressive than FSU’s 1979 season? What about this season with FSU’s 1987 season? They had 7 and 9 win season in between. They had nothing before this.

Miami’s rise was faster and higher. Making their first mark in 1983 they returned in 1985.

Utah is on the rise and appears to be on a path betwen somewhere between these two teams. If we can run off a few years of 10+ wins and our conference can continue to perform as it did this year we have a very bright future ahaed.

by utesfan100 on Jan 8, 2009 8:08 AM MST reply actions

One more note:

People like to ask how Utah would have faired in the SEC or Big 12 south.

Let me ask, How would Utah have faired in the Big East?

If West Virginia were undefeated where would they be now?

by utesfan100 on Jan 8, 2009 8:10 AM MST up reply actions

So...

Next year…are you guys reloading or rebuilding? Powerhouses only do one.

When you are an Alabama fan you are expected to hate Auburn, I hate Tennessee because I want to.

by bammer on Jan 8, 2009 1:29 PM MST up reply actions

We should be just fine.

Utah’s offense does lose most of its talent, but I’m expecting another solid season. They won’t go undefeated, but 10-wins is very likely.

by JazzyUte on Jan 8, 2009 1:38 PM MST up reply actions

You pessimist.

I still remember your predictions to start this year…

by utesfan100 on Jan 8, 2009 1:41 PM MST up reply actions

2008 was a rebuilding year.

We had a lot of questions going into this year, especially on our defensive line. They will be back for an encore, except maybe Krugar.

Our QB is leaving but I am excited to see Louks play next year. We always have a stable of running backs ready to go.

Our biggest vacancies will be in the secondary. I would much rather have questions on defense than offense. Whittingham always answers defensive questions.

In short, we will be much more optomistic about our team to start next year than we were this year.

I am more concerned with the MWC echoing their OOC perfromance next year than whether Utah can go undefeated.

TCU is overdue. If they can find an offense next year the country had better look out.

by utesfan100 on Jan 8, 2009 1:48 PM MST up reply actions

Our defense is going to be sick.

It was sick this season and next year it’s going to be even better.

As they say, defense wins championships. That alone should keep Utah in every game they play. Will it be enough to put together another season like this year? Probably not, but with a favorable OOC schedule (@ Oregon the only real test), the Utes are positioned for another great season.

BYU loses most of their offensive line, which will hurt them because Max Hall proved this year, the second you pressure him, he folds. If Hall struggles early, the season will be debacle.

TCU loses a lot on defense, so they’re going to be in the same spot as the Utes, but in reverse. Since the game is down there, I’d give them the edge, but who knows, Utah has pretty much owned the Frogs the last three years (yeah, the games have been close, but a win is a win is a win).

by JazzyUte on Jan 8, 2009 1:53 PM MST up reply actions

Also, until BYU gets a defense, they're suspect.

2009 could be like 2001 for the Cougars, but with Utah & TCU in the conference, plus a game against Oklahoma, it’s going to be tough for the Cougars to accomplish what Utah did this season.

They may have another 10-3 season.

by JazzyUte on Jan 8, 2009 1:54 PM MST up reply actions