Utes ready for Fiesta adventure

PHOENIX — Urban Meyer is getting a taste of what Norman Dale went through.

Like Gene Hackman's character in the movie "Hoosiers," Meyer is coaching a team that has unexpectedly reached one of sport's biggest stages.

The fifth-ranked Utes (11-0) are scheduled to arrive at Sky Harbor International Airport this afternoon to begin their historic journey to the Bowl Championship Series. They are the first team from a non-BCS conference to make into the financially lucrative system.

"We'll get the jaw-dropping out of the way and get ready to play," said Meyer, whose squad faces Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday (6:30 p.m., KTVX, Ch. 4).

As for a Hoosiers moment, like the one where Hackman brought out a tape measure to show his team that the basketball hoop in Indianapolis was the same size as the one back home, Meyer won't be measuring the goal posts at Sun Devil Stadium.

There won't be time.

Utah's first visit to what Meyer calls "college football at its highest level" begins as soon as the team's charter flight arrives in Arizona. The Fiesta Bowl traditionally welcomes its participants by literally rolling out a red carpet at the airport.

Following a press conference on the tarmac, the Utes will check into their hotel and begin their first BCS adventure. They're scheduled to practice at Scottsdale Community College tonight. Appearances, activities and other workouts associated with the bowl will follow in the days leading up to the game.

"Once we get off the plane fans will start coming in," said senior Paris Warren, who played in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl with Oregon. "It's going to be a great week."

And the end of an era.

When the Utes return home early Sunday morning, Meyer may not accompany them. He'll likely hit the recruiting trail on behalf of his new employer, the University of Florida.

Meyer's impending departure and Kyle Whittingham's promotion from defensive coordinator to head coach headline a series of potential distractions since fifth-ranked Utah's season-ending 52-21 win over BYU on Nov. 20.

The Utes are headed to the Fiesta Bowl without four of the 10 full-time members of the 2004 coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Mike Sanford, linebackers coach Kurt Barber and tight ends coach Keith Uperesa now work for UNLV, while cornerbacks coach Chuck Heater has already started at Florida.