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Utah Utes football: 2 backs, zero problem for Utes
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BYU fan | 1:59 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
With Brian Johnson healthy, this backfield is on par with my team down in Provo
(sorry fellow Cougar fans). I'd love to see both teams stay healthy and
roll through the season up to the finale in November. Good luck against
Michigan!
Maggie | 7:08 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Just start Mack... he's got the most "moves"
Bowl Goal | 7:21 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Will this be the year Utah finally gets to play a ranked team in a bowl?
Comments continue below
carter | 7:31 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
asiata and mack are both animals, and both have the potential to put up over
1000 yd seasons. im so stoked to watch the utes go to the big house. good luck
mwc, lets start to earn respect instead of just beggin for it
Re: Bowl Goal | 8:17 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Utah played a ranked team in a bowl two years ago in 2005 in Georgia Tech and
destroyed them. Calvin Johnson was shut down by Eric Weddle who held him to two
catches.
Asiata | 8:20 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Is he a Junior or Senior?
Hitting the hole?? | 8:26 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Two years ago I would never have listed Mack as a starter. He gingerly hit the
holes and was quite tentative. Asiata's one or two runs last year were the
complete opposite; quickly and powerfully hitting the hole.
Even after Mack's incredible year last year, I still get the feeling he's not as powerful of a back as the Utes need him to be. Regardless, having two backs is a great problem to have!
Even after Mack's incredible year last year, I still get the feeling he's not as powerful of a back as the Utes need him to be. Regardless, having two backs is a great problem to have!
Ute | 8:26 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
I am just glad that Asiata was able to recover from last years injury. I still
cringe when I recall seeing his leg break on that play... I hope he does well
this year and lives up to his reputation.
Re: Asiata | 8:26 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Junior
2 Talented Backs | 8:50 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
I am way excited to see this tandem. Utah has had some pretty good 2 back
combinations over the years. Fuamatu Ma'Afala-Juan Johnson, Omar Bacon-Mike
Anderson, Dameon Hunter-Adam Tate, Quinton Ganther-Marty Johnson, and now
Mack-Asiata(don't forget Ray Stowers as a back that can come in as well)
This should be a fun year watching both of these running backs split the
duties.
Go UTES!
Go UTES!
Re: Ranked Bowl Teams | 9:40 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
The final polls show that Utah has only played 4 ranked teams in their bowl
history, and two of those teams were only ranked in one poll.
Year...Team......Rec...AP...Coaches
1992...Wash St...9-3...15...17
1993...USC.......8-5...---...25
1994...Arizona...8-4...20...20
2004...Pitt......8-4...25...---
Year...Team......Rec...AP...Coaches
1992...Wash St...9-3...15...17
1993...USC.......8-5...---...25
1994...Arizona...8-4...20...20
2004...Pitt......8-4...25...---
BCS | 9:50 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
I think both these backs are legit. Utah's running game is going to be very
powerful. With the O-line we have, with Asiata and Mack, then throw in the plays
they run for Casteel, Brooks, and the Louks package (kid runs a 4.4), the Utes
could get around 300 rushing yards a game. Plus if BJ's arm is healthy as
it appears to be, and with all our receivers (Godfrey, Brown, Casteel, Brooks,
Wesson, Key, Reed), the Utes offense will be scary for opponents. Look out
Michigan, and look out BCS!
Go Utes!!!
Go Utes!!!
Re: Bowl Goal | 10:09 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Utah beat 2 ranked Bowl opponents since 2004 (Pittsburgh, Ga. Tech). BYU
hasn't beat a ranked Bowl opponent since 1996 (Kansas St.). That may have
even been the last ranked bowl opponent they've faced up to now. Will this
be the year the cougars finally play a ranked opponent in a Bowl game?
Re: Ranked Bowl Teams | 10:14 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
The 2004 Pitt team was ranked #19. They didn't drop to 25 until AFTER the
Fiesta Bowl. The 2005 Ga. Tech team was ranked #25. They didn't drop out
of the top-25 until AFTER the Emerald Bowl.
UteNation | 10:17 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Two great running backs, an experienced and healthy QB and a solid O-line should
equal a lot of touchdowns and wins up on the hill this year (assuming the
defense continues its great tradition). I'm projecting Mack as the starter
at Michigan just because of what he did last year, but Asiata should get a lot
of reps as well. Good luck to both young men and the entire Utah squad.
Go Utah!!!!!
Go Utah!!!!!
Subjective Ranking | 10:50 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
So Utah fans count their ranked opponents by their opponents rank when Utah
played them, but counts everybody else's ranked opponents by final
ranking.
So, Utah beat #19-ranked Pittsburgh in 2004, but BYU beat unranked (#3-ranked, when BYU played them) Pittsburgh in 1984.
How convenient.
So, Utah beat #19-ranked Pittsburgh in 2004, but BYU beat unranked (#3-ranked, when BYU played them) Pittsburgh in 1984.
How convenient.
Crimson | 10:57 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
I like the 1 and 1A idea, why not have two legitimate backs share the duty?
This year�s team has me so stoked for the football season. I'm praying there are no significant injuries this year; last year was brutal injury-wise. If they can stay healthy, this year should be a blast to watch!
GO UTES!
This year�s team has me so stoked for the football season. I'm praying there are no significant injuries this year; last year was brutal injury-wise. If they can stay healthy, this year should be a blast to watch!
GO UTES!
Jason Payton | 11:04 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
The Utah Utes also have a uproven back in Bo Hikila. From Seattle he will be the
underdog for the starting position for Running Back. Bo Hikila if given a chance
will shock the nation.
Ranked BYU Bowl Opponents | 11:12 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
"...1996 (Kansas St.)... may have even been the last ranked bowl opponent
they've faced up to now."
WRONG!
BYU has faced 2 UNDEFEATED Top 10 bowl opponents and 4 ranked bowl opponents overall since 1996.
Year...Team........Rec...AP...Coaches
1976...Okla St.....9-3...14...14
1978...Navy........9-3...---...17
1979...Indiana.....8-4...19...16
1980...SMU.........8-4...20...20
1982...Ohio St.....9-3...12...12
1985...Ohio St.....9-3...14...14
1986...UCLA......8-3-1...14...14
1989...Penn St...8-3-1...15...14
1990..Texas A&M..9-3-1...15...13
1991...Iowa.....10-1-1...10...10
1992...Kansas......8-4...22...23
1993...Ohio St..10-1-1...11...10
1996...Kansas St...9-3...17...17
1998...Tulane.....12-0...7...7
1999...Marshall...13-0...10...10
2001..Louisville..11-2...17...16
2005...California..8-4...25...25
WRONG!
BYU has faced 2 UNDEFEATED Top 10 bowl opponents and 4 ranked bowl opponents overall since 1996.
Year...Team........Rec...AP...Coaches
1976...Okla St.....9-3...14...14
1978...Navy........9-3...---...17
1979...Indiana.....8-4...19...16
1980...SMU.........8-4...20...20
1982...Ohio St.....9-3...12...12
1985...Ohio St.....9-3...14...14
1986...UCLA......8-3-1...14...14
1989...Penn St...8-3-1...15...14
1990..Texas A&M..9-3-1...15...13
1991...Iowa.....10-1-1...10...10
1992...Kansas......8-4...22...23
1993...Ohio St..10-1-1...11...10
1996...Kansas St...9-3...17...17
1998...Tulane.....12-0...7...7
1999...Marshall...13-0...10...10
2001..Louisville..11-2...17...16
2005...California..8-4...25...25
full house backfield | 12:10 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Having a two back rotation is pretty much par for the course now days. Look at
what Auburn did with Ronnie Brown & Cadillac Williams.
It seems like the wise thing to do regardless. It would be nice to have a speedy change of pace RB to compliment Mack & Asiata.
Of course, this all hinges on Ludwig using more of Urban's scheme and less of the old school Ron McBride approach.
It seems like the wise thing to do regardless. It would be nice to have a speedy change of pace RB to compliment Mack & Asiata.
Of course, this all hinges on Ludwig using more of Urban's scheme and less of the old school Ron McBride approach.
Re: Ranked BYU Bowl Opponents. | 12:19 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
You have a very valid point there. By the way what was the result of those
games against their ranked opponents? Oh that's right, more bowl losses
for bywoo
haha | 12:26 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
ute fans are so fickle! selective memory seems to be an overwhelming trait up
north. Comparing both schools bowl history is like comparing BYU's post
season success to snow college! really your bowl record is inflated because
your playing teams like east high school. Your pitt opponent was ranked, but
with 4 losses! that is just big east love because they didn't want their
number one team to be unranked. And G tech did not finish ranked, neither
should have pitt. Go ahead and beat the Navy's of the world in your bowl
games, which you almost lost btw. anyway, why am i trying to reason with such
irrational people?? BYU is worried about bigger things. If you ever want to
know how it feels to have a quality coach stick around let me know! if only
your program could do the same good luck in the pop warner bowl!
CrimsonUte | 12:40 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Re: haha
Thank you for your insightful banter about how BYU plays better teams in bowl games than Utah. It is obvious to me now that BYU is much better than Utah, and I am going to the Cougar Athletics website to buy season tickets right now...
Thank you for your insightful banter about how BYU plays better teams in bowl games than Utah. It is obvious to me now that BYU is much better than Utah, and I am going to the Cougar Athletics website to buy season tickets right now...
Re: Haha | 12:45 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Its not only Utah fans with the selective memory. The only things BYU fans can
remember is 1984.
re: haha | 12:55 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
"Go ahead and beat the Navy's of the world in your bowl games, which
you almost lost btw. anyway, why am i trying to reason with such irrational
people?? BYU is worried about bigger things."
speaking of "selective memory", remember how byu nearly lost to UCLA in their bowl game, remember how the Utes handed it to UCLA? These bigger things you mentioned, do you mean the BCS thing that the Utes already did?
This will be a good season for both teams and I look forward to seeing how it goes.
GO UTES!!!
speaking of "selective memory", remember how byu nearly lost to UCLA in their bowl game, remember how the Utes handed it to UCLA? These bigger things you mentioned, do you mean the BCS thing that the Utes already did?
This will be a good season for both teams and I look forward to seeing how it goes.
GO UTES!!!
Re: Ranked Bowl Opponents | 1:07 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Here's the difference.
'04 Pitt was ranked #19 at THE END OF THE REGULAR SEASON with a record of 8-3.
'84 Pitt was ranked #3 at the BEGINNING of the regular season and went on to finish the year 3-7-1.
If BYU wants credit for beating the MOST OVERRATED team in pre-season history. Ok, good for BYU, they beat a TERRIBLE Pitt team that finished with a losing record.(applause)
One other note for BYU FANS, it makes your bowl record look even WORSE when you say that Utah's is only so good because it is easier to go to a bowl game now. Last I checked, in this era of 'watered down bowls, Utah is on a 7 game bowl-win streak and BYU is an 'AWESOME' 2-4 in their last 6 bowl games. Woo-hoo for BYU.
Maybe BYU can try to beat a conference champ in a bowl game, something they have NEVER done but Utah has done at least 4 times: West Virginia, Fresno St., Southern Miss, Pitt.
'04 Pitt was ranked #19 at THE END OF THE REGULAR SEASON with a record of 8-3.
'84 Pitt was ranked #3 at the BEGINNING of the regular season and went on to finish the year 3-7-1.
If BYU wants credit for beating the MOST OVERRATED team in pre-season history. Ok, good for BYU, they beat a TERRIBLE Pitt team that finished with a losing record.(applause)
One other note for BYU FANS, it makes your bowl record look even WORSE when you say that Utah's is only so good because it is easier to go to a bowl game now. Last I checked, in this era of 'watered down bowls, Utah is on a 7 game bowl-win streak and BYU is an 'AWESOME' 2-4 in their last 6 bowl games. Woo-hoo for BYU.
Maybe BYU can try to beat a conference champ in a bowl game, something they have NEVER done but Utah has done at least 4 times: West Virginia, Fresno St., Southern Miss, Pitt.
DUMB PEOPLE | 1:25 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Byu fans please stop leaving dumb comments on a ute page gosh is that all you
guys do everyday dang comment on your own articles!!!
Re: haha | 12:26 | 1:26 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
The Pitt opponent Utah faced had THREE losses. By the time they ended up with
4, they were no longer our opponent. As far as the Big
East�s #1 team, it WAS going to be Boston College until
they dropped their final game of the regular season, so your reasoning is
�irrational�.
Since BYU�s bowl record is so pathetic, do their fans have a leg to stand on for criticizing Utah�s victories?
Since BYU�s bowl record is so pathetic, do their fans have a leg to stand on for criticizing Utah�s victories?
Re: Subjective Ranking | 10:50 | 1:26 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
BIG difference between Ute fans criticizing BYU�s victory
over then-#3-ranked Pitt (1984) and Utah�s victory over
then-#19-ranked Pitt (2004). Utah�s Pitt opponent won more
than 3 games that year. Utah�s Pitt opponent deserved to
be ranked. One team�s Pitt opponent was GROSSLY OVERRATED.
The other team�s Pitt opponent was ranked right about
where it should be for a conference champion, from a BCS conference, with an 8-3
record. It also finished right about where it should be for a conference
champion, from a BCS conference, with an 8-4 ranking.
One team claims to have earned their lofty ranking by squeaking by an eventual 3-win team, as well as 4 other mediocre opponents. The other team claims to have earned their lofty ranking by an ENTIRE SEASON of dominating ALL of their opponents.
One team claims to have earned their lofty ranking by squeaking by an eventual 3-win team, as well as 4 other mediocre opponents. The other team claims to have earned their lofty ranking by an ENTIRE SEASON of dominating ALL of their opponents.
Final Results | 1:34 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Final, end-of-the-season, all-said-and-done,
the-only-records-and-polls-that-really-count:
Bowls
Utah�13 (10-3)
BYU�26 (9-16-1)
Average Record of Bowl Team
Utah�8-3
BYU�10-3
Average Record of Bowl Opponent
Utah�8-4
BYU�9-3
No. of Ranked Bowl Opponents
Utah�4
BYU�17
No. of Wins Over Ranked Opponents
Utah �2
�1994 Arizona (20 AP, 20 Coaches)
�2004 Pittsburgh (25 AP)
BYU�2
�1980 SMU (20 AP, 20 Coaches)
�1996 Kansas St (17 AP, 17 Coaches)
Top 25 Finishes
Utah�3 AP, 4 Coaches
BYU�14 AP, 14 Coaches
Conclusion:
Utah has a MUCH better win/loss record in bowl games, but BYU has played a MUCH tougher schedule than Utah.
65% (17/26) of BYU's bowl opponents have finished the season ranked in the Top 25.
31% (4/13) of Utah's bowl opponents have finished the season ranked in the Top 25. Two of Utah's ranked opponents were barely ranked - #25 in only one poll. Pittsburgh won the Big East in a FOUR-WAY-TIE for 1st.
BYU has played 2 undefeated teams, 2 one-loss teams, 4 Top 10 teams, and 10 Top 15 teams in bowls.
Utah hasn't played a team with less than 3 losses and has never played a team ranked higher than #15 in a bowl.
Bowls
Utah�13 (10-3)
BYU�26 (9-16-1)
Average Record of Bowl Team
Utah�8-3
BYU�10-3
Average Record of Bowl Opponent
Utah�8-4
BYU�9-3
No. of Ranked Bowl Opponents
Utah�4
BYU�17
No. of Wins Over Ranked Opponents
Utah �2
�1994 Arizona (20 AP, 20 Coaches)
�2004 Pittsburgh (25 AP)
BYU�2
�1980 SMU (20 AP, 20 Coaches)
�1996 Kansas St (17 AP, 17 Coaches)
Top 25 Finishes
Utah�3 AP, 4 Coaches
BYU�14 AP, 14 Coaches
Conclusion:
Utah has a MUCH better win/loss record in bowl games, but BYU has played a MUCH tougher schedule than Utah.
65% (17/26) of BYU's bowl opponents have finished the season ranked in the Top 25.
31% (4/13) of Utah's bowl opponents have finished the season ranked in the Top 25. Two of Utah's ranked opponents were barely ranked - #25 in only one poll. Pittsburgh won the Big East in a FOUR-WAY-TIE for 1st.
BYU has played 2 undefeated teams, 2 one-loss teams, 4 Top 10 teams, and 10 Top 15 teams in bowls.
Utah hasn't played a team with less than 3 losses and has never played a team ranked higher than #15 in a bowl.
No love for the Golden Bears | 1:44 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
The 2005 Cal team was neither ranked before nor after their Las Vegas Bowl
destruction of the TDS.
Re: Final Results | 1:55 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
In 2005 Utah played Georgia Tech in the Emerald Bowl. Georgia Tech was ranked
either 24 or 25. I remember a big stink because they didn't want to play a
"weak" Utah team. They got blown out by the Utes by the way. When
Utah played Pitt in 04 they were ranked 19, not 25. The 25 ranking was AFTER
the Utes killed them. You may want to check the other facts so you aren't
embarrassed anymore...just trying to help
Big backs | 2:08 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
I love these message boards? It's unbelievable how an article about Utah or
BYU players turns into an all out war against the other team. Who knew that an
article about the Ute running backs would turn into a debate over bowl records?
I for one am curious to see Bo Hikla who had an outstanding spring ball along
with Ray Stowers thrown into the mix with Asiata and Mack. This gives Utah a
very full stable of running backs. Come on Ute fans? What are your predictions
for the running back position? What type of formations would you like to see the
Utes play: i.e.- 2 back, Power-I on the goal line and short yardage or Single
Back? Let's get some discussion going on the actual article? GO UTES!!
Recent History | 2:13 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
BYU's last four bowl opponents have an average record of 8 wins and 4.75
losses.
BYU is 2-2 in those games with their two wins coming against their two worst opponents with an average margin of victory of 15.5 points.
Their two losses were by an average of 12.5 points.
Utah's last five bowl opponents have an average record of 8 wins and 4.6 losses.
Utah is 5-0 in those games with an average margin of victory of 17.6 points.
So, what is BYU's excuse for their very mediocre bowl record in the 21st century?
BYU is 2-2 in those games with their two wins coming against their two worst opponents with an average margin of victory of 15.5 points.
Their two losses were by an average of 12.5 points.
Utah's last five bowl opponents have an average record of 8 wins and 4.6 losses.
Utah is 5-0 in those games with an average margin of victory of 17.6 points.
So, what is BYU's excuse for their very mediocre bowl record in the 21st century?
Pittsburgh 2004 | 2:14 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Utah deserved a much better opponent in their BCS game, just as BYU deserved a
much better opponent in their National Championship game.
Pittsburgh's pre-bowl #19 ranking was a gift. The BCS cartel couldn't afford to be embarrassed by sending an unranked BCS team to face a highly ranked non-BCS team. How would that look to congressmen who were already skeptical of the BCS cartel?
OVER HALF of the teams in the Big East tied for the conference championship in 2004 -- that has to be some kind of record for mediocrity in a so-called "major" conference. Pittsburgh's average point differential for the entire season was 3 points and 4 of their 8 wins were by 3 points.
Boston Col .....4-2 1st(4-way tie)
Pittsburgh .....4-2 1st(4-way tie)
West Virginia .....4-2 1st(4-way tie)
Syracuse Univ.....4-2 1st(4-way tie)
Connecticut .....3-3
Rutgers Univ.....1-5
Temple Univ.....1-5
Pittsburgh's pre-bowl #19 ranking was a gift. The BCS cartel couldn't afford to be embarrassed by sending an unranked BCS team to face a highly ranked non-BCS team. How would that look to congressmen who were already skeptical of the BCS cartel?
OVER HALF of the teams in the Big East tied for the conference championship in 2004 -- that has to be some kind of record for mediocrity in a so-called "major" conference. Pittsburgh's average point differential for the entire season was 3 points and 4 of their 8 wins were by 3 points.
Boston Col .....4-2 1st(4-way tie)
Pittsburgh .....4-2 1st(4-way tie)
West Virginia .....4-2 1st(4-way tie)
Syracuse Univ.....4-2 1st(4-way tie)
Connecticut .....3-3
Rutgers Univ.....1-5
Temple Univ.....1-5
Turn | 2:27 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Man NO NO NO to the power I on the goal line. How many times do I have to watch
that play choke before they try something else?
The only poll that counts... | 2:31 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
is the Final Poll of the Season AFTER the bowl games.
Did Utah finish 5th AP and 6th Coaches in 2004?
or
Did Utah finish 4th AP and 5th Coaches in 2004?
Pre-Bowl #1 means great season, so far.
Post-Bowl #1 means NATIONAL CHAMPION.
If Utah is going to count THEIR FINAL ranking for the season, they have to count their OPPONENT's FINAL ranking for the season. You can't have it both ways.
Did Utah finish 5th AP and 6th Coaches in 2004?
or
Did Utah finish 4th AP and 5th Coaches in 2004?
Pre-Bowl #1 means great season, so far.
Post-Bowl #1 means NATIONAL CHAMPION.
If Utah is going to count THEIR FINAL ranking for the season, they have to count their OPPONENT's FINAL ranking for the season. You can't have it both ways.
JAI | 2:35 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
What are you Ute fans referring to when you mention a BYU fan as
"TDS"?
re: turn | 2:43 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
I was referring to the Triple I (version 2005-Emerald Bowl) where you line up 3
running backs behind the QB under center. You have the option to go to the Tight
End on a flare route or you could simply go option either side of the formation.
If you don't want the I-formation then what do you suggest as the ideal
formation for certain situations?
Re: No love... | 2:43 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
California was ranked #25 AP and #25 Coaches after a narrow 35-28 win over BYU
in the Las Vegas Bowl.
--------------
Re: Final Results
The facts are all correct based on FINAL POLL results and records.
Give me an authoritative source to prove me wrong or you embarrass yourself.
--------------
Re: Final Results
The facts are all correct based on FINAL POLL results and records.
Give me an authoritative source to prove me wrong or you embarrass yourself.
Re The Only Poll That Counts | 2:54 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Ok that makes no sense, to beat a team is beating them AT THAT RANKING! The
ranking a team falls to after you beat them doesn't matter. Don't try
to diminish what a team has done to make your team look better. BYU had some
great bowls, but don't try to make the U look bad because you can't
count
Re: selective Recent History | 3:15 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Why use only the last 4 bowl games for BYU, but the last 5 bowl games for Utah?
Why not use the last 7 bowl games for both teams, since that includes
Utah's much talked about current 7-bowl-game winning streak.
BYU (3-4)
Average Opponent -- 9-3
Ranked Opponents -- 5
Two Undefeated Top 10 Opponents
Year...Team...Rec...AP...Coaches
1996...Kansas St...9-3...17...17
1998...Tulane.....12-0...7...7
1999...Marshall...13-0...10...10
2001...Louisville.11-2...17...16
2005...California..8-4...25...25
2006...Oregon......7-6...--...--
2007...UCLA........6-7...--...--
Utah (7-0)
Average Opponent -- 8-5
Ranked Opponents -- 1
Only one opponent with less than 4 losses
Year...Team........Rec...AP...Coaches
1999...Fresno St...9-3...--...--
2001...So Calif....6-6...--...--
2003...So Miss.....9-4...--...--
2004...Pittsburgh..8-4...25...--
2005...Ga Tech.....7-5...--...--
2006...Tulsa.......8-5...--...--
2007...Navy........8-5...--...--
BYU (3-4)
Average Opponent -- 9-3
Ranked Opponents -- 5
Two Undefeated Top 10 Opponents
Year...Team...Rec...AP...Coaches
1996...Kansas St...9-3...17...17
1998...Tulane.....12-0...7...7
1999...Marshall...13-0...10...10
2001...Louisville.11-2...17...16
2005...California..8-4...25...25
2006...Oregon......7-6...--...--
2007...UCLA........6-7...--...--
Utah (7-0)
Average Opponent -- 8-5
Ranked Opponents -- 1
Only one opponent with less than 4 losses
Year...Team........Rec...AP...Coaches
1999...Fresno St...9-3...--...--
2001...So Calif....6-6...--...--
2003...So Miss.....9-4...--...--
2004...Pittsburgh..8-4...25...--
2005...Ga Tech.....7-5...--...--
2006...Tulsa.......8-5...--...--
2007...Navy........8-5...--...--
Re; at that point | 3:24 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
So BYU's win over #3-ranked Pittsburgh on the road in 1984 is much more
impressive than Utah's win over #19-ranked Pittsburgh at a neutral site in
2004, because "beating them AT THAT RANKING!" is all that counts.
Re: BIG difference | 4:00 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
"One team�s Pitt opponent was GROSSLY OVERRATED. The
other team�s Pitt opponent was ranked right about where it
should be for a conference champion, from a BCS conference, with an 8-3
record."
Correction:
BOTH team's Pitt opponent was GROSSLY OVERRATED.
Pitt's pre-bowl 8-3 record included four wins by 3 points. And their "conference championship" was a FOUR-WAY-TIE with over half of the seven teams in the conference and only ONE game ahead of the FIFTH PLACE team in the conference.
A pre-bowl ranking of #19 for a team with such mediocre credentials was nothing but a face-saving farce by the BCS establishment. Pittsburgh didn't even appear in the BCS Top 25 until November 27th, the week before the final BCS poll came out. They didn't appear in the Coaches and AP polls until December 2nd. Pittsburgh was a panicky end of year addition to the polls when it became apparent to the BCS cartel that Pittsburgh might actually qualify for a BCS bid.
Correction:
BOTH team's Pitt opponent was GROSSLY OVERRATED.
Pitt's pre-bowl 8-3 record included four wins by 3 points. And their "conference championship" was a FOUR-WAY-TIE with over half of the seven teams in the conference and only ONE game ahead of the FIFTH PLACE team in the conference.
A pre-bowl ranking of #19 for a team with such mediocre credentials was nothing but a face-saving farce by the BCS establishment. Pittsburgh didn't even appear in the BCS Top 25 until November 27th, the week before the final BCS poll came out. They didn't appear in the Coaches and AP polls until December 2nd. Pittsburgh was a panicky end of year addition to the polls when it became apparent to the BCS cartel that Pittsburgh might actually qualify for a BCS bid.
Rankings | 4:12 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
I love that person that decided we should be measuring where teams finished at
the end of the season instead of where they were ranked at the time of the bowl.
The problem with this is the obvious fact that if they are ranked before you
beat them then they will be ranked lots lower after you kill them as is the case
with 2005 Georgia Tech. Does anyone else not see a major flaw with this logic?
Anyone is going to fall in the rankings after you beat them in a bowl game and
only going to climb in the rankings if you lose to them.
Nathaniel | 4:16 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Teams that win their bowl games improve in the rankings. That is why so many of
the teams that play the team down south had their rankings improve after the
bowl game.
Teams that lose their bowl fall in the rankings. That is why so many of the teams that play Utah, ended up unranked.
This isn't rocket science.
Teams that lose their bowl fall in the rankings. That is why so many of the teams that play Utah, ended up unranked.
This isn't rocket science.
Re: Selective Recent History | 4:21 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Speaking of "selective", why is it that BYU fans seem to forget Ga
Tech was ranked when Utah played them? Selective? More than likely. And as
far as 1984 BYU beating #3 Pitt on the road, if you call #3 Pitt winning 3 games
through the year as "much more impressive", you can have it. I'm
glad you're "impressed" with that team. It just shows how easily
you're impressed. Not suprised you're a BYU fan, easily
"impressed"
I love this! | 4:25 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
I love reading the back and forth preseason banter. Part of what makes college
football so much fun is the trash talking. I like the fact that Utah represents
the MWC so well during the post season and wish that BYU could do better in that
category - hopefully they will. I'd really like to see both teams do
better in non-conference games during the season, though. Sorry Utes, but I
don't see you winning at the Big House. BYU can go undefeated this season
if they keep their heads on straight. I would love to see both teams do
extremely well this season so that in November we can have the boys from ESPN
Gameday at Rice Eccles like in 2004, and then have BYU win this time around.
Good luck to both teams, but GO COUGARS!!
2 backs is good | 4:57 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
I remember that the last time that Minnesota was good they had 2 running backs
that had over 1000 yards rushing and USC had 2 1000 yard rushes for 3 years and
had a chance at a National Championship all 3 years(won 2) and Arkansas last
year had 2 incredible backs and they did beat the BCS champions by running the
ball extremely well. Having 2 backs that are capable of putting up over 100
yards rushing is a problem I am sure any coach in the country would love to
have. I think most would say it is not a problem but a blessing. This should be
a great thing to watch this season
Yewt Dude | 6:06 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008
Asiata had to go to Snow to get noticed........makes me wonder how many other D1
were passed over and are now at Snow College.....
I bet Snow could beat WSU or USU 9 out of 10 times........
Hey Whittingham where were you when Asiata was signing to go to Snow College a couple of years ago?
Fire your staff and tell them as they are walking out the door-"you missed Asiata and in two years who else is going to walk in from Snow and remind me that we only get two years out of this guy when we should have had FOUR"!
I bet Snow could beat WSU or USU 9 out of 10 times........
Hey Whittingham where were you when Asiata was signing to go to Snow College a couple of years ago?
Fire your staff and tell them as they are walking out the door-"you missed Asiata and in two years who else is going to walk in from Snow and remind me that we only get two years out of this guy when we should have had FOUR"!
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