Utah Utes football: How sweet it is

This is how big it is for the University of Utah to play in the Sugar Bowl: Its opponent has a quarterback so important he has two first names; a nose tackle who is, well, a landmark; a legacy so strong it brings to mind a certain houndstooth hat.

After four years of feeling not quite vindicated, the Utes have a second chance. This time it's not a watered-down Big East champ they're playing in a BCS bowl. It's Jan. 2 against the Alabama Crimson Tide, a team that has been to 56 bowl games.

"We're 12-0 for a reason," said receiver Brent Casteel, "and we're gonna prove it."

Amazing how time flies when you're practically perfect. Seems only yesterday the Utes were playing the most famous opponent in their history. Wait. That was yesterday, or close to it. They opened the season with a win at Michigan's "Big House," launching their oversized plan to take over the planet — or at least the ESPN highlights. Turned out Michigan stunk like, well, Lake Michigan.

Still, it was a start.

"We started the season against Michigan in the Big House and we're finishing in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama," said Ute coach Kyle Whittingham. "That's a pretty good season."

Now they are playing a fearsome opponent, and one that isn't overrated. Not necessarily bigger in name than Michigan, but a lot better. And far better than the Pitt team Utah demolished in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl.

Alabama was ranked No. 1 for five weeks and undefeated in 2008 until Saturday's loss to Florida.

So the Utes have their shot to make a strong impression.

"I've said all along I think we're an elite team in the country," said quarterback Brian Johnson, "and I think we'll get a chance to prove ourselves."

The team got the word of its destination along with the rest of the country Sunday night. Players, coaches, media and fans gathered at Rice-Eccles Stadium to watch the TV proceedings on a big screen. Red accent lighting offset a large Utah logo on two walls. Tables were decorated in bowl themes, with oranges, corn chips and sugar bowls as centerpieces.

In anticipation, someone thoughtfully placed one of the sugar bowls at the center spot of the rostrum. So maybe it wasn't a total surprise. When the pairing was announced, fans cheered loudly nonetheless. Whittingham received a standing ovation, as did players Brian Johnson and Louie Sakoda.