NEW ORLEANS — Brian Johnson and the Utes had pretty good seats for Sunday's NFL game between the Saints and Panthers in the Superdome. Their chairs were on the sidelines, just a few yards off the field where Utah alumni Steve Smith and Jordan Gross helped Carolina secure the NFC South title with a thrilling 33-31 win over New Orleans.

"It was fun. That was a huge NFL game. It was unbelievable," Johnson said. "It was amazing to get there, be so close and get to see those players do what they do. We had a great time."

Smith had a particularly strong showing for the Panthers. He caught a 39-yard pass in double coverage on the game-winning drive, helping set up a 42-yard field goal by John Kasay with one second remaining.

The victory gave Carolina a first-round bye in next weekend's NFL playoffs — in the process, freeing up Smith's schedule.

"Now that we have a bye I'm going to the game on Friday," said Smith, who plans to bring his little boy to the Sugar Bowl game between Utah and Alabama.

It'll be the first time the all-pro receiver has had a chance to see his alma mater play since beginning his NFL career in 2001.

"I'm excited about watching them play," said Smith, who had five catches for 134 yards on Sunday. "I'm happy for the guys and I'm excited for the University of Utah."

The opportunity to play in the Bowl Championship Series, he added, gives the football program increased exposure and is good financially for the U. athletic department.

"It's just great overall," Smith said. "It's fantastic. Those young men, they've worked hard all season, they've got the opportunity and they seized the moment. Now they've got their final test."

And the alumni are a bit envious.

"It's awesome but I'm really jealous," said Gross, who turned pro in 2003. "We never won a big bowl game like that when I was playing, and it's a tribute to how far they've come the last few years."

Smith and Gross joined teammate Ma'ake Kemoeatu, who was inactive for Sunday's game, at Utah's practice Saturday at Tulane. They were among a group of former Utes who watched the team's first Sugar Bowl practice in Louisiana.

Former Utah quarterback Mike McCoy, who is now the Panthers' passing coordinator and quarterbacks coach, spoke to the team briefly on behalf of the group. Carolina secondary coach Mike Gillhammer, a Ute assistant under Jim Fassel, and ex-Ute Josh Savage of the Saints were also in attendance.

"It was a good experience for our guys to see those guys out there," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham.

Savage is expected to hang around the team for the next couple of days, as is ex-Ute Eric Weddle of the San Diego Chargers.

The support is appreciated.

"We're playing for all those guys. So we've got a chance," Johnson said. "Those guys are still connected to the program, and it was great to go out there and see them."

Utah's success has made the alumni proud and eager to back the Utes on Friday.

"I hear people, especially in Charlotte and the South, say those young men don't have a chance against Alabama," Smith said. "I think they are going to give them a run for their money and people are going to be surprised."

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Contributing: Brad Rock

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com