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Utah Ute football: Openers have been tough tests

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JMT | 4:46 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I read last night that the starting tailback for Michigan has been suspended for the Utah game.

I have not followed Michigan at all but this must be good for Utah. Certainly can't hurt.

I'm a diehard Cougar fan who prays Utah loses only one game this year: The Holy War baby!

Having Utah undefeated for that game only makes victory that much sweeter. And by one point or fifty I could care less.

In all seriousness I hope Utah beats Michigan. Good for Utah, MWC, BCS busting and also BYU.

Go BYU!

JIMI | 7:27 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

this artical has nothing to do with byu. there for, if you have something to say about utah, thats great. but do not talk about something that has nothing to do with this page. (byu).

DSW | 7:57 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I'm a diehard Ute fan and I'd love nothing more than for the final regular season game to come down to undeated Utah and BYU teams...with a huge smackdown of the Cougars on Utah's field.

Comments continue below

Reply to JIMI | 8:23 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

BYU is the class act of the Mountain West as proved on the field the last two years (can't argue that point).
You ought to be happy that there's a Cougar Fan willing to waste time reading and supporting your utes excluding one game of the year. Helk, I don't think the Utes get that much support from most of their fans.
That said, I also hope the utes win all their games up until the BYU game. How sweet it would be.
Go Cougars.

Buckeye ute | 8:37 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I like the Ute's chances in this game. Michigan has not named a starting QB yet. Rodriguez has been a mess as a coach since the first day. The Ute's return some great starters and have experience, plus the played them tough a couple of years ago so hopefully we can win this one a start the season well. Plus as a Buckeye I like to see Michigan lose.

michigan will be a cake walk | 8:45 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Let's stop the hype. The only thing utah is doing this weekend is going to Michigan, a storied past. Presently, the wolverines are in shambles. If utah doesn't win it will be embarassing.

Go Utes | 8:45 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Utes will lose to Michigan, They are to talented for them. Utes will finish third in the MWC, same old same old for the Pukes.

re jimi | 8:48 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Hey practice what you preach baby. I see your moniker all over byu articles.

Preseason Polls | 9:04 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Some Preseason Polls rank Michigan at 23 and 24 and don't even recognize BYU or Utah in the top 25. Michigan's defense was great at the end of last year and most of those players are back. And they are a storied and high profile school where all their players are extremely talented and highly recruited. Don't discount Michigan, the rest of the country isn't. They may not have their best team ever but theyï¿½ll be a really good team. It should be a great game.

But the Utes will be the team smiling at the end.
GO UTES!

TheHailstrom | 9:33 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

AS is usually the case in order to elevate ones ego out the opponent down. This is the reason enough to have the BYU fans slamming Utah.
Blue bloods what do you even bother, there are articles about the '" Y "' that leave the door open for your schools comments. Leave it alone and get s life.

Timing is right. | 9:35 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

If you are going to play Michigan in an opening game... well, this is the year.

New coach, new system, players that weren't recruited for this system.

The timing may be right.

Good luck Utes.

"Key" loss | 9:38 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Can someone please explain to me how a Jr. college professor has not posted grades yet when school is already starting up again? How is that even possible? Why hasn't anyone brought this up with Dr. Hill or Whit? Dr. Hill needs to get on the phone with Mount San Antonio College and figure out what the crap is going on down there.

All I care about... | 9:40 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

is that Utah will get pounded this weekend. Michigan's program may have fallen a bit, but a bad Michigan program is still A LOT better than a good Utah program. And, Utah's program is not as good as it once was.

Bad Michigan Program vs. Mediocre Utah Program = Michigan beats Utah easily.

TheHailstorm | 9:40 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

As usually is the case in order to elevate ones ego out the opponent down. This is the reason enough to have the BYU fans slamming Utah.
Blue bloods what do you even bother, there are articles about the '" Y "' that leave the door open for your schools comments. Leave it alone and get s life.too bad that they find meaning in life by putting others down and living vicariously through their football team.

No win Situation | 9:44 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Unfortunately, the Utes can't win on this one. If they beat Michigan, folks will say "of course they beat Michigan, Michigan is a terrible team." If they lose, folks will just say, "see, even a crappy Michigan team can beat a good U team."

BYU is in a similar situation with UCLA and Washington.

Ted | 9:44 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

The Uters are going to roll in the big house, they will beat Michagan like a drum. byu is going to loose against the high school all star team they are playing.

TheHailstorm | 9:45 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

As usually is the case in order to elevate ones lofty position in life the sickest way to satlsfy their ego is to put the opponent down. This is the reason enough to have the BYU fans slamming Utah.
Blue bloods what do you even bother, there are articles about the '" Y "' that leave the door open for your schools comments. Leave it alone and get s life.too bad that they find meaning in life by putting others down and living vicariously through their football team.
I can't read a Utah artcle without some genious slamming the Utes that doesnt have anything to do with the newspaper article.,

to: Preseason Polls | 9:48 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Correction. Both polls, that matter, have BYU ranked in the top 20. But you are correct, the Utes are not in the top 25.

Utah Cougar | 9:48 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I agree with Preseason Polls. Michigan will be good you can guarantee that. Even though they have a new coach, new quarterback and a lot of variables, it's Michigan and talent is drawn to that school. But Still if Utah prepares I think they can win. I am stoked to see how Asiata and Mack perform. Do well my Utah brothers, but watch out at the end of the season, for the cougars will lead to your demise!

Ernest T. Bass | 10:05 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

byu would win this game by a ton.

From Steve to: the Hailstorm | 10:15 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Get over it. As a Cougar fan, I genuinely wish the Utes well Saturday at the Big House. A victory there will be hard fought and bring glory to the whole state and to the MWC.

If you truly want to see opponent trashing-check out any BYU article (especially one of Harmon's) and count the number of Utah trolls-some masquerading as Cougar fans taking pot-shots at BYU.

It cuts both ways.

But, nevertheless-really hope Whitt has the boys ready and they do well Saturday in Ann Arbor.

Michigan ranked 9th...... | 10:21 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

nationally in overall defense according to an article yesterday in MSN sports. Utah will win in a low scoring game.

to Ernest T. Bass | 10:56 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

unfortunately for you and your team, the total score is measured in points, not weight.

Welcome to Ann Arbor | 11:14 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I'm afraid the Utah team will be leaving here with its tail between its legs. Rodriguez is a fabulous coach who has proven time and time again that he can win games. Utah will come to find that they are playing a team far superior in conditioning and athletic ability. Sorry Utah, no win on Saturday. In spite of what a few commentors may say here, Michigan will be ready!

Go BLUE!

Dick | 11:14 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Michigan went 9-4 last year with a win over Florida in the season ending Citrus Bowl.

They have won 9 or more games in 9 of the last 11 years. They have won at least 8 games a year in 22 of the last 23 seasons (since the 6-6 season when they lost to BYU in the 1984 Holiday Bowl).

I don't understand all the talk about Michigan being in disarray and in shambles. If Utah beats Michigan on Saturday, it will be a HUGE story.

I can't wait | 11:18 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I can't wait to for the Northern Iowa game. Go whatever the heck your mascot is!!!!

Answer me this... | 11:28 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

How is that these Ute fans think they're going to easily beat Michigan? True, Michigan is not the Michigan the college football world is used to seeing, but they certainly have not reached the depths of a Utah State. They may not be the top 10 program they have been in the past, but they're in the top 25 on one poll (USA Today) and just outside of the others. A so-so or a "down" year for Michigan, and you can argue 2007 for Michigan was a down year, would usually rank as a good year for Utah.

Utah, on the other hand, is still its mediocre self. Its yet to crack the top 25 in any poll, but like Michigan, they're just outside the three major polls. In the eyes of the those polled, Utah is ranked very closely to Michigan, so how is it that these Ute fans think they're going to crush Michigan? And, with both Utah and Michigan closely ranked together, Utah fans are of the mindset that the Ute program is good; however, the Michigan fans, and the college football world as well, are of the mindset that Michigan's program is poor.

about Ernest T. | 11:43 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Why does anybody ever respond to him? He goes on to BYU articles and talks like a delusional Ute fan and goes on to Utah articles and talks like a delusional Cougar fan. Yet people always take the bait...

I bet he's an Aggie, therefore full of football anxiety for all other schools in general, and especially those in Utah. Weber and SUU would probably give them trouble this year...

Ernest T. is a Ute | 11:46 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

although he sometimes seems to swing both ways just for the fun of it.

Hard to take old Ernest even a little bit seriously.

Go Utes! Beat Michigan!!

Bo Diddley Tech | 11:59 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Better than opening against Bo Diddley Tech (this week being Northern Iowa).

GO UTES!! EXPECT TO WIN!!

michael | 12:05 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Michigan has not named there QB and it is game week(neither one has any experience), new scheme with mismatched recruits, an offensive line made up of guys with no experience and a converted D lineman, starting RB out for a DUI and thats just the O. On the Defensive side U of M returns some studs but has 5 spots to fill. They also have a new D coordinator from stanford that is running a totally differant scheme.
The talent level is always going to be good but that is too much to over come for any team, michigan included.
If the U scores more than 17 they will win.

Palls | 12:18 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I normally would be worried for this game if it was a good offense (Utah) VS a good defense (Michigan). I know the UTES will have a great Defense this year. So itï¿½s like this, a good offence and defense VS a good defense.

GO UTES!!!!

Being Ernest | 12:22 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Just ignore the BassMan like a bratty little brother that will run and tattle to mommny if you touch him.

MJB | 12:25 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Utah by 5!

re;Hailstorm | 12:29 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Have read comments on BYU articles. You may want to start with what ute fans posted when Collie was injured.

I'd probably clean up your own fan base before worrying about someone else.

RE; Answer me this | 12:41 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Q: How is that these Ute fans think they're going to easily beat Michigan?
A: We don't. You have read a few comments by people who are excited to go and play Michigan, and we are supporting Utah.

"Utah, on the other hand, is still its mediocre self. Its yet to crack the top 25 in any poll, but like Michigan, they're just outside the three major polls."

A: If you believe in pre-season polls then you are not intelligent. No one knows how good you are until you play. Fans that put their hopes in polls and "experts" without seeing their team play are hopeless.
Do I think Utah should be top 25 pre-season, of coarse, I am a Utah fan, but does the fact they are not in the top 25 pre-season poll define how they will perform?, no.
Utah could win Saturday, It will come down to a field goal, and Sakoda will kick it in for the victory. I hope.

CRB | 12:51 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Yes Utah will have an opportunity to test themselves against two top 30 teams and see where they stand this year. Michigan is vulnerable but it is a stretch to think Utah can overcome the defense, the big house and their own first game monkey and win. Still, UM has no experienced QB, one returner on the Oline, RB's that need to step up, a new coach and a new system. There is no better time.

Unfortunately for BYU, they will never have an opportunity this year to have a similar test. The fact that Bronco is hyping Northern Iowa. The truth that the schedule is so weak that there are 4-5 teams with lower power rankings thatn a I-AA team. Pathetic. Watch for BYU if they go undefeated to top out around 13th.

re:answer me | 1:10 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

which ute fan on here believes the Utes will "crush" Michigan? I think any sane fan would agree that it should be a great game! I think Utah has a chance, and could easily pull off the upset.

Hailstorm | 1:25 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Too bad your comment doesn't have a spell check. The uofu has lots of remedial English classes, try one. Next time the Cougars have an injury watch for the low-ball ute comments. As someone who cares nothing about utah football, it would be great to have Michigan start the season with a loss.

Here's your answer... | 1:26 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

#1 we believe in our team.

#2 we have a lot of stability in our program, with several returning starters and other players with game experience.

#3 BYU is ranked in the mid teens and the last two years we've been in both games, barely missing the wins. And only because of devastating injuries in the 1st game of the season could have had an amazing year last year.

#4 the Utes rise to these games (see Louisville, UCLA, ect.)

re:CRB | 1:46 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Utah is definitely part of that weak schedule.

Re: Here's your answer... | 2:13 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

You're #4 answer is a joke - Utah soundly beat two pathetically bad teams. But, you can't really use that as answer - UCLA beat BYU earlier in the year, Utah beat the *BLANK* out of UCLA, Utah lost to BYU, BYU barely beat UCLA in the Las Vegas Bowl....blah, blah, blah....

Utah usually does rise to the occasion, and I expect them to play a respectable game this weekend. But, they've yet to play in anything like the Big House, and a UM inexperienced player is not the same as an experienced UofU player. Don't underestimate the talent of their "inexperienced" players, nor the venue in which they'll play.

Whether you're a Utah fan or not, a Utah win will represent the MWC well. Even if they lose, which I fully expect them to, if they can at least play a respectable game then they'll still represent the MWC well.

GO BLUE!!!!

Re: Answer me this | 2:22 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

That you believe in polls tells a lot about you. It is time for a playoff system!!! Down with the BCS!!!

Dick (Not Harmon) | 2:30 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I think Utah has a very good chance at winning this game for all of the reasons previously stated (lots of returning starters who are good, Michigan has a new coach, new system, no QB, no RB, etc.). Two things that worry me though...Michigan's upset loss last year to App. St...they won't want another loss to an "inferior" opponent to happen again..and the fact that a number of "experts" on national sites are picking Utah to win.

Despite that, Utah has done fairly well in non-conf. games the last few years against BCS opponents. Whereas BYU has struggled anywhere east of the Rockies (Boston College anyone?).

JMT | 3:00 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Wow, hard feelings. So as a Cougar I'm not allowed to show support for Utah? Tell that to my Dad, Utah Class of 1968. He doesn't mind that I want Utah to lose only one game a year.

Michigan is a good team but last years team had, what may be, the starter for the Miami Dolphins running their show.

Go Utes | 3:14 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I'm a cougar fan but would love to see the Utes win. Even if they win though the media will discredit the win and say it really wasn't that great because they have a new coach, players have left, blah blah blah.

Utah is the next Appalachian State!!

Proud to Play Bo Diddleyanything | 4:49 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

re"Bo Diddley Tech":

You are as ignorant as Bryant Bumble when he coined the phrase.

Bo was a legend that I was lucky enough to see play several times. The world-renowned guitarist's signature beat -- usually played on an equally distinctive rectangular-bodied guitar -- laid the foundation for rock 'n' roll, and became so identified with him that it became known as the "Bo Diddley" beat. It was unlike anything else heard in pop music.

Among the artists who made use of the Bo Diddley beat were Buddy Holly ("Not Fade Away," later covered by the Rolling Stones), Johnny Otis ("Willie and the Hand Jive"), the Yardbirds (covering Diddley's "I'm a Man" and adding their own guitar stylings to the closing bars, which were later incorporated into the Count Five's "Psychotic Reaction"), the Strangeloves ("I Want Candy"), Bruce Springsteen ("She's the One"), U2 ("Desire") and George Michael ("Faith"). Hundreds of artists have covered Diddley songs.

Eventually, Diddley became a rock 'n' roll elder statesman. He was featured in the Thorogood video "Bad to the Bone," playing pool with Thorogood, and showed up during the Nike "Bo Knows" campaign starring Bo Jackson.

"Bo", synonymous with "CLASS".

Dude, "you don't know Diddley"...

"Happy in losing Ute bubble" | 4:54 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

"Though Whittingham acknowledges a lot of positives would come with a victory, he doesn't subscribe to the theory that one game will make or break a season."

What about three conference games? A goose egg at UNLV, a loss to AFA and BYU.

What does it take for Kyle's Kids to make or break a season?

Just line up the excuses now for this year too.

AZ ute | 5:15 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Ute fans should save their breath in a meaningless argument pertaining to talent in a bcs program as opposed to that of a non bcs program. Where was Michigans talent in home opener loss last year to App. St.? With all the talent Michigan has, doesn't change the fact that they are implementing 5 Frosh in the one and two deep at skill positions on offense. No proven QB, RB, or offensive line will lead to limited points by Michigans O. No head coach or fan for that matter should feel confident in an offense that lacks game time experience on the collegiate level. If utah can avoid turnovers and penalties they will win. Watch out for utahs fast and athletic defense come saturday! They have been lining up against the real deal all summer..

ramper | 5:43 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Last time I read such rancor within the country the Civil War broke out. Does Utah have a Mason-Dixon Line?

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