Utes should knock off Michigan

Most of the "gee whiz" factor should be over by now.

That's not to say the Utes could beat such teams every week, but give them one game and they're mean-dog dangerous.

The Utes should probably be more worried about their Nov. 15 game against San Diego State than Michigan. Utah almost always gets ready for big games; it's the old familiar faces that give them trouble.

Two decades ago, teams like Utah might have lost to Michigan's second string. (Point of fact: Utah lost 64-6 to Ohio State in 1986.) But with scholarship limitations and expanded TV coverage, more good players are choosing to go to non-BCS schools.

"College football is to the point where the ones (starters) pretty much across the board can play with each other," said Utah safeties coach Morgan Scalley.

Added Scalley, "We've played teams with speed — UCLA, Oregon State, Louisville. We should respect everyone but fear no one."

Since McBride arrived in 1990, the Utes have fared quite well against bigger programs. Aside from the aforementioned opponents, they've also beaten Minnesota, Kansas, Oregon, Stanford, Southern California, Washington State and Indiana — all BCS teams.

McBride didn't win titles, but he did teach the Utes not to be intimidated.

Oddsmakers this week put Utah at about a 3-point underdog.

That's just one dead-eye Louie Sakoda kick.

Which is reason enough to pick the Utes right there.

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E-mail: rock@desnews.com