Saturday's game against Boise State is more than just an out of conference battle between two of the top non-BCS teams over the past 5 years. It's a statement game from a program nearly two years removed from an undefeated season. This battle, between the Broncos and the Utes, could position the Utes back at the top of the non-BCS pack, something they lost a bit after last season's mediocre 7-5 finish.
What will take place Saturday afternoon will probably have long lasting implications for the Utes. A win would undoubtedly put the Utes in a elite company once again but most importantly would build strong momentum and high confidence heading into their biggest conference game of the season. After Boise State, Utah does not get a break as only 5-days later they turn around and face Texas Christian. That game could be for the conference championship and, if things go Utah's way, a BCS bowl bid. Defeating two ranked opponents in two subsequent weeks would ultimately dismiss Utah's poor performance to start the season and once again put the program back into the national spotlight.
But it won't be easy for Utah because Boise State and TCU are two legitimate top-25 teams. Utah now needs to prove that they can return amongst the ranked and it all starts this Saturday. This two-game stretch will define the season and will either prove the Utes are contenders, or nothing more than glorified pretenders that only feasted on weaker opponents.