Utes have a chance for history
Why be modest when you can be intimidating? It has an enormous fan base, the highest winning percentage in college football history and more conference titles than any team.
Not to mention a stadium the size of a country.
People love Michigan the way they love Starbucks or Microsoft. Whoever said bigger isn't better has never sat in Michigan Stadium on game day.
"They're steeped in tradition and history, and they have great resources," said Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham. "You name it, they've got it."
Thus, the Utes open their season Saturday at the stadium known as The Big House. You could literally put the combined populations of Liechtenstein and Andorra in it and still have room for the marching band.
Michigan's normal 107,501 capacity is just bigger than Penn State's 107,282. Technically, Michigan dropped to No. 2 after reducing capacity to 106,201 during stadium renovations, which won't be finished for two years. But when the work is done, the House is expected to hold 108,000.
That should make room for one giant wave.
In any case, the stadium and its team merit serious bragging, and Michigan isn't above doing so. (Is anyone?) In the Wolverines' media guide this year, it anoints Michigan "the most decorated (program) in college history."
While that may be true, Notre Dame would beg to differ.
Don't you love it when the beautiful people bicker?
The two legendary football teams meet Sept. 13 at South Bend, which lends itself to the possibility the Wolverines might overlook the Utes this week. After all, they overlooked Appalachian State last year.
That's the thing about being Michigan. There are a lot of fish to fry. There are the big rivalries, like Michigan-Michigan State, Michigan-Minnesota and Michigan-Penn State, and then there are the otherworldly ones. The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry has been rated the best in sports by ESPN.com.
At the same time, there's the rivalry with Notre Dame. They are the winningest programs in college football history.
Michigan has the most wins (869) and highest percentage (0.745), while Notre Dame is second in both (823 wins, 0.739).
Picking between Michigan and Notre Dame is like deciding between double cheese and extra bacon.
There's not a wrong choice.
Michigan has drawn at least 100,000 fans to 208 consecutive games. Notre Dame has recorded 199 consecutive sellouts, but its capacity is a mere 80,795.
Michigan's media guide says the winged helmet is "the most recognizable symbol in college football," though Notre Dame could make an excellent case for its fabled gold helmet.
Recent comments
who won this one, anyway?
Anonymous | Sept. 2, 2008 at 1:24 p.m.
Having been to both Notre Dame and the Big House. Notre Dame's...
Anonymous | Aug. 29, 2008 at 6:54 p.m.
"The only way for Utah and BYU to get some respect is to play and win...
re:Chris | 3:11 a.m. | Aug. 29, 2008 at 5:07 p.m.
- Blazers offer Millsap 4-year deal 7:25 p.m.
- 'Drop Dead Diva' is frothy fun 6:14 p.m.
- Look for face of God in others 6:14 p.m.
- Bishop on a mission 6:14 p.m.
- Vail's mountain cross inspiring 6:14 p.m.
- Religion briefs 6:14 p.m.
- Teachings on adultery after Sanford 6:14 p.m.
- Church camps closing doors 6:14 p.m.
- Religion around the world 6:14 p.m.
- Did daughter not pay for car? 6:13 p.m.
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- Jazz talking Boozer trade?
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
- Jazz in back of line for free agents
- A primer for the 6th Potter film
- Okur signs two-year extension
- Jazz won't meet Lopez on Europe trip
- Restaurant destroyed by fire
- Blazers offer Millsap 4-year deal
- Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Letters: Palin mistreated
141 - Teachers struggle with district cuts
137 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
135 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - LDS seminary principal arrested
109 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
92 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
74 - Letters: Single-payer system best
71
Two California high school receivers have given the University of Utah
The recent Poly camp in Bountiful opened the eyes of recruiters to at...
I hope you realize that implicit in your post is an admission that BYU fans...
So, teams are making moves, and folks want the Jazz to do the same. ...
That is all there is too it but all signs indicate the Jazz are going to pay...
You are kidding right? It's not "just churches in Utah" that have wide...
Time for leaders to lead with inspiration and not to be impressed with smooth...
I don't mind giving up Boozer. I mind locking Millsap in at PF for the next...
Posted a long time ago...dude, what are you on? It's dated July 10th. That...
I have known people that live a double life doing extreme good in an effort...
To me, Portland has paid too much money for this Paul Millsap. And my fellow...
Folks love their violence. How about a fight to the death? It's coming.


