Sharitt, who considers himself an Alabaman by proxy since his parents are from the state and they moved back there when he was 6-years-old, is eager for the impending contest in New Orleans.

"Obviously I don't have much to do with the game itself. And once the game starts it's out of my hands," Sharitt said. "But I'll be there cheering and doing my job. Hopefully, we'll all be pulling in the same direction and get it done."

EXTRA POINTS: The Utes will wrap up their Salt Lake City practices today and tomorrow before breaking for Christmas. They'll reconvene Dec. 27 in New Orleans ... The campus bookstore is giving Utah fans who have tickets to the game a 30 percent discount on Sugar Bowl apparel ... The Sugar Bowl is hosting a "Legends Luncheon" in New Orleans on Jan. 2. Head coaches and past MVPs have been invited back as part of the game's 75th anniversary celebration ... Sharitt's career includes a three-year stint with the New York Mets.

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com