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Utah's biggest advantage? They've been here before

Jordan Wynn wasn't on the team last year during the Utes' 13-10 victory over TCU. However, many of his teammates remember and most importantly, so do the Frogs. Could that play a factor Saturday?

More photos » Colin E. Braley - AP

Jordan Wynn wasn't on the team last year during the Utes' 13-10 victory over TCU. However, many of his teammates remember and most importantly, so do the Frogs. Could that play a factor Saturday?

What has been overlooked as Utah enters Saturday's contest is the fact these Utes have been here before. Nearly every player on Utah's roster should easily remember last year's game against TCU. It was a game very similar to this one and the end result was a Utah victory.

You can't dismiss it because it's all about attitude in a game like this. The Frogs just have not been in this position. Now I'm not suggesting it will be the ultimate factor in a Ute victory, but it certainly will play a role. Especially if the game is extremely close entering the final quarter. 

There is nothing more important than understanding the pressures of a big game. So much focus has been on how the Frogs let one get away from them last season and that isn't exactly the case. They didn't just fumble a win away. Utah didn't luck into victory. The Utes stepped up and took that win from TCU. That's what good teams do and it's why, - when January 2nd rolled around - Utah was taking the field against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and not the Frogs. 

TCU also wilted away their chances in that fourth quarter. You can say that's giving the game to the Utes, but I think it's indicative of a bigger problem. When the stakes were at its highest, only one team took it to the next level. In a close game, you've got to wonder if the thought of last year's meeting will creep back into the minds of both teams. If that's the case, Utah will be in a better position to leave Fort Worth with a victory. 

Of course, this won't matter if TCU comes out and hits the Utes hard from the start. I suggested a few days back that Utah couldn't fall behind 10-0 like they did last season. If that happens, they're doomed to a blowout loss and no amount of history or confidence is going to resolve a deficit of that margin. 

That should be the key for the Frogs. They can't let the Utes hang around because every close contest then suddenly comes down to mental toughness. In this regard, Utah has an advantage because they've been here before and most importantly, they've won games like this before. 

TCU hasn't and until they actually do, that will be their biggest weakness in a game like this. 

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I get the feeling...

that you keep trying to convince yourself that the Utes can win this game.

I hope you’re right, but I just don’t see it happening.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Nov 13, 2009 4:49 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

Na'...

I mean, I’m not convinced of anything. I think it would be stupid to convince yourself of a win/loss.

I said I expect a win and still expect a win. The Utes will either win or they won’t.

Obviously I have my doubts. This isn’t San Diego State we’re talking about. But it isn’t necessarily about convincing myself, rather suggesting a path to victory.

Better than just posting: WE’RE FUCKED! right? ha

by JazzyUte on Nov 13, 2009 4:52 PM MST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know about that...

I mean, if you just posted that we’re fucked at least there’s nowhere to go but up from that!

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Nov 13, 2009 5:28 PM MST up reply actions   0 recs

I just have a feeling this is TCU's year...

Just like it was ours last year. I just get that vibe that TCU is not going to lose this season. That being said, the Utes are more than capable of winning this game, so who knows? I think we will play well against them, but after last year’s game I just don’t see TCU letting us win this year, especially on their field.

by seaute on Nov 13, 2009 7:26 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

Our biggest weakness could also be our biggest strength.

I am nervous about Wynn starting this game with so little experience. TCU is a far cry from New Mexico. I really hope I’m wrong but I predict that Wynn is going to make some big mistakes tomorrow. I’m guessing he’ll have least two picks and a fumble. The big question is can Wynn and the rest of the team keep their composure and recover from this? That much I am optimistic about.

That's none of your business...yet!!!

by beccers_pdx on Nov 13, 2009 11:20 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

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