Utah makes fans very happy

Yeah, and they're pretty happy in Salt Lake, too.

The Utes got their first shot at proving they belong in the Top 20 football rankings, Thursday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium. How did it go?

They treated Texas A&M like Dayton treated Tiffin, that's how.

If you didn't check that score, trust me, it wasn't respectful.

In Utah's 41-21 win over the Aggies, there may have been respect, but not much mercy.

To think, it was all launched by Blood, Sweat and Tears.

Surely you heard the hype. As part of the buildup to Thursday's game, the '60s band named after bodily fluids played its hits for Utah fans. Among its biggies: "You've Made Me So Very Happy."

Turns out, that's exactly what Ute fans were humming all the way home.

So how nice is this for Utah football? Clogged traffic arteries. A full house. National TV.

A legendary opponent.

Keeping a lid on expectations won't be easy.

Still, Ute coach Urban Meyer has tried to strike a delicate balance in this season of promise. On one hand, he made bold statements, such as the one about the impact Thursday's game might have. At the same time, he has worried for weeks the hype might outstrip reality.

But there's no turning back now. One game into the 2004 season, this is how his team appears: dangerous, ornery, supremely confident.

And speaking of bodily fluids, full of spit and vinegar.

That defense that was so tough last year? It's back and snarling. A&M didn't get its third touchdown until 10 seconds remained and the scrubs were cleaning up.

But the truly bad news for opponents? The offense has caught up.

Just one question: How come the Aggies didn't send their varsity?

If Meyer felt it was truly the biggest game in school history, he could hardly be blamed — even if the Aggies are coming off their worst season (4-8) in over three decades. McDonald's is still McDonald's and GM is still GM, even when profits are down, right?

People still pack Rolling Stones and Kiss concerts, even though their glory days are long gone.

Besides, playing the Aggies two straight years has given the Utes a taste of the good life. Who wouldn't want to draw over 70,000 for 17 of its last 18 home games? Who wouldn't want their stadium to be named No. 1 in the nation by CBSSportsLine.com?

Who wouldn't love to have hundreds of their fans to show up for a midnight rally — when the team is on the road? Or to be named No. 3 on the Princeton Review's list of "Best Jock Schools"?