In returning to a BCS bowl, the Utes have become the flag-bearer for have-nots. Once is a surprise but twice is a campaign. They have more wins against BCS schools (15) since 2000 than any other non-BCS team. They are 10-3 against the BCS since 2004.

All of which brings up the issue of "mid-majors" — a convenient but offensive term to non-BCS teams.

"You don't get to be 12-0 being a mid-major team," said Utah cornerback Sean Smith. "I'm sorry."

Receiver Jereme Brooks rejects the mid-major label as well. Asked if he could explain exactly what it means to be a non-BCS team, Brooks replied, "I don't even know. It means you're not in a BCS bowl automatically. But I'm not worried about it. I mean, we're a good team. BCS is just a term people use."

Now another year is here and the underclass keeps knocking on the door. Until now, it was all sort of cute. Pitt was an undeserving, 21st-ranked team in 2005 when Utah met the Panthers. Oklahoma was ranked only 10th when it played Boise State. Georgia was ranked No. 5 last year, but did what it was supposed to do — obliterate the Warriors.

So while the "mid-majors" made some noise by getting there, they didn't fully make their point.

Alabama, though, was ranked No. 1 for five weeks this year, which puts it in an entirely different category.

If the Utes win Friday, it will be more than a nice victory.

It will be like winding up and punching the class bully right in the mouth, while everyone in class cheers.

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E-mail: rock@desnews.com