Utes have a chance for history

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.

Michigan has had 157 straight televised games; Notre Dame has its own national TV contract.

Michigan has 11 national championships, Notre Dame 17.

Michigan has three Heisman winners, Notre Dame seven.

Michigan has been to 39 bowl games, Notre Dame 28.

Michigan has had 76 consensus All-Americans, Notre Dame 95.

According to its publicists, Michigan's maize and blue colors are "the most recognized colors in college history."

Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, Alabama and others might disagree.

Michigan claims "Hail to the Victors" is "the (nation's) most recognizable fight song," yet Notre Dame's "Victory March," has been ranked No. 1 in a book on fight songs.

Anyone who has seen "Rudy" would have a hard time disagreeing with that.

So beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But any way you view it, Michigan is at or near the top. (Incidentally, Utah is scheduled to play at Notre Dame in 2010.)

That said, this is a good year for the Utes to play Michigan. The Wolverines are picked to finish in the middle of the Big Ten. Their offense is inexperienced. They have a new head coach.

Still, it is Michigan.

"It's a great opportunity for our players and coaches to go to the Big House," Whittingham said.

A win over either Notre Dame in 2010 or Michigan now would rank as the highest-profile regular season win in Utah's history.

That, too, would be grounds for bragging.

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E-mail: rock@desnews.com