NEW ORLEANS — Even though they know there's absolutely no chance of it happening, it didn't prevent Utah players and coaches from making their case as the No. 1 team in the country.

When asked where he would rank the Utes, Sugar Bowl MVP Brian Johnson said, "Number one. What else do we have to prove? I mean our strength of schedule was actually higher than Alabama's and we beat Alabama by more than Florida did. So I think we deserve it and I definitely think, without question, we are one of the best teams, if not the best team, in the country."

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham agrees, saying, "I don't know what we wouldn't deserve consideration. Somebody has to explain what we wouldn't. There is one undefeated team in America right now in Division I football, and it's these guys right here. All you can do is go out and beat the people on your schedule."

"That's not up to me, but when you're 13-0, how can you not be up for the national championship?" said Mike Wright.

The Utes were ranked No. 7 in each of the three major polls and will easily finish in the top five of the polls and perhaps as high as No. 3.

SLY'S STATEMENT: Utah linebacker Stevenson Sylvester made a statement on and off the field. Besides making a team-high seven tackles (sharing top honors with Mike Wright), Sylvester also made three sacks and recovered a fumble. He also had plenty to say after the game.

"We had a little chip on our shoulder, everybody doubting us. It's the SEC (Alabama), but we're the Mountain West," said Sylvester.

"We're 12-0. Now 13-0, thank you. It was a great game."

And that's not all.

"I'd like to thank Alabama for the game, the city of New Orleans for hosting and the Sugar Bowl for inviting us," he added before noting it would have been nice to play in the BCS title game. "It would be great to see."

MEET THEM IN THE MUSS: Whittingham was asked if he would call his buddy, former Utah head coach Urban Meyer, if Florida defeats Oklahoma in the BCS title game and set up a "Rocky Balboa-Apollo Creed" style battle where the Utes and Gators would square off without cameras in an undisclosed location.

"You tell us where to be and when to be there, and we will be there," said Whittingham. "I can tell you that. Those are two great football teams. Those are two football teams that deserve to be where they are."

Whittingham then may delivered the first blow, in an unintentional kind of way.