Before the season started, a lot of us saw the Oregon game as the key game that could define how Utah (and Oregon's) season would pan out. Despite all the hiccups, Utah is 2-0 like they should be and now they face the real true test of the year. I have no doubt that this game could very well be 'the crucial game"  that could define the 2009 campaign. To better illustrate my point  I'll go back to 2008 and reminisce what I believe was the game that defined us last year: Oregon St.

   Even though the Utes were 4-0 going into that match, they were still very inconsistent thus I didn't know  which team would show up: the team that barley beat Air Force or the team that dominated Utah St. and Michigan (the first half that is). I was sitting near one of the end zones watching with excitement and frustration. I remember Brian Johnson  throwing a pick that was returned  for a TD one minute, and then with horror, watching the Beavers score late in the fourth quarter taking the lead by 8. 

  I admit I was hanging my head and conceded that the game was lost, luckily BJ had other plans that night. My disappointment was quickly turned around when BJ ran the ball in for the two point conversion after the Utes got the quick score and then chanting "Louie!, Louie!" with the rest of the Ute crowd when we got the quick three and out and got in field goal range with 2 seconds left on the clock.   Not long after King Louie kicked the bulls-eye, I ran onto the field with the rest of the fans and was celebrating the great win. As I wandered  the field  (saying a quick hi to BJ and Matt Asiata), I noticed a TV camera filming a few fans and hearing them chant "BCS! BCS".  My first initial thought was BCS was a little too much to wish for at this point given that we still had BYU and TCU looming ahead but when I really thought about later that night I thought to myself this win could very well be the turning point from Utah becoming a good team to a great team. And so it proved to be.

Saturday's game against Oregon could very well be this years crucial game that the Utes could show everyone that they are a great team. I hope so. I'm not expecting undefeated but This could still be a great year.  Go Utes!

-GambitUte-