Utah Utes football: Super-sweet matchup

NEW ORLEANS — Unbeaten Utah has played plenty of big games.

None, however, may compare to today's Sugar Bowl contest against fourth-ranked Alabama. The two-time Bowl Championship Series busters are getting their best shot to shine on one of college football's biggest stages.

The Utes tackle the Crimson Tide at the Louisiana Superdome before a packed house and a national television audience.

Can it get any sweeter than this?

"Maybe 30 years from now we can answer that question. It's a big game. There's no doubt about it," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "Is it the biggest? I can't say. I've heard that statement three or four times this year. We had the biggest game, then the next one was the biggest, and then the next one. So who knows? But it is certainly an important game. It's a national spotlight game and we need to go play well."

There's a lot riding on it for the Utes, who are decided underdogs against the Crimson Tide.

"It would put us on the map. We would get recognized, and it would get us some media love. What I've been hearing all season is that we were on the bottom end of everybody's lists. So maybe a win would get us some more love," said linebacker Stevenson Sylvester. "That's kind of what I'm hoping for. It would just be a great thing for this program. We've been in the spotlight a couple of times and it's great to be here again."

Unlike the 2005 Fiesta Bowl, where the Utes overpowered Pittsburgh, there will be a formidable foe on the field.

"Alabama is steeped in tradition. They are a tremendous opponent for us," said Whittingham. "You look at tape, and the first thing that jumps out at you is the physicality of their football team. We have our hands full, but our guys are excited about the opportunity to go up against a football team like the Crimson Tide."

Of the many rewards that would accompany success, a victory would give Utah the distinction of finishing the season as the only undefeated team in the nation. A 13th win also would be a school record.

"We certainly have talked about that," acknowledged Whittingham. "In this day and age of college football it's very difficult to go unbeaten through the entire regular season and bowl season. That doesn't happen very often."

Alabama coach Nick Saban knows it. The Crimson Tide were 12-0 before falling to Urban Meyer and Florida, 31-20 in the SEC title game.