Utah Utes football: For six former Utes and current assistants, Pac-12 is dream come true

"Being a former player it's special being back here as a coach. It's a dream job for a person in my profession to come back to your alma mater," he said. "Taking that step into a BCS conference is even more exciting."

It's a big, big deal — and not just financially.

"I think it's awesome. I think it's a long time coming. I think the guys like Whit and the guys before him have really prepared this program to do that," said Davis, who was named Utah's Most Inspirational Player in 1980 and just started his second tour of duty as an assistant coach with the Utes. "They've done that by hard work, passion and getting after it. So it's really going to be fun to watch it on Saturday."

It'll also be intense.

"The spotlight's on us and we're looking to have a good showing," said Hill, who has the unique perspective of playing for the Utes in both the WAC and MWC, followed by 11 years of coaching in the latter. He credits Ron McBride for starting the program's transformation and taking things to the next level. Then came the success of Meyer and Whittingham, culminating with membership in the Pac-12.

"It's been pretty special to see as a player and as a coach," Hill said.

Pac-12 opener

Utah (1-0) at USC (1-0)

Saturday, 5:30 p.m. (MT)

TV: Versus Radio: 700 AMTotally invested

Current Utah football coaches who played for the Utes:

NORM CHOW, offensive coordinator

Offensive guard (1965-67): 1st team All-WAC as a senior.

Utah's conference affiliation as a player: WAC (1965-67)

Utah's conference affiliation as a coach: Pac-12 (2011-present)

TIM DAVIS, offensive line coach

Utah's conference affiliation as a player: WAC (1978-80)

Utah's conference affiliation as a coach: WAC (1990-96), Pac-12 (2011-present)

JAY HILL, cornerbacks coach/special teams coordinator

Utah's conference affiliation as a player: WAC (1998), MWC (1999)

Utah's conference affiliation as a coach: MWC (2001-10), Pac-12 (2011-present)

BRIAN JOHNSON, quarterbacks coach

Utah's conference affiliation as a player: MWC (2004-08)

Utah's conference affiliation as a coach: MWC (2010), Pac-12 (2011-present)

CHAD KAUHA'AHA'A, defensive line coach

Utah's conference affiliation as a player: WAC (1993-96)

Utah's conference affiliation as a coach: Pac-12 (2011-present)

MORGAN SCALLEY, safeties coach/recruiting coordinator

Utah's conference affiliation as a player: MWC (2001-04)

Utah's conference affiliation as a coach: MWC (2006-10), Pac-12 (2011-present)

Pac-12 opener

Utah (1-0)

at USC (1-0)

Saturday, 5:30 p.m. (MT)

TV: Versus Radio: 700 AM

Email: dirk@desnews.com

Twitter: @DirkFacer