hawaii | 11:25 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
This just goes to show you how good the cosching staff really is at Utah. I never doubted they had they chance to wim this. They are the only team from Utah (pro or college) that doesn't choke in the big game..
GREAT JOB
BYU Fan | 11:30 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I realize it is hard for most Utah and BYU fans to get this, but the Utes awesome victory last night only makes the MWC (including BYU) look better in the eyes of the nation. So, Utes, thanks.


Ute Fan: blah, blah, blah...why do you get so offended?
Anonymous | 11:34 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
boo hoo!!! i love beating sabin hes a putts he is such a baby always crying complaining and makeing excuses. well bama got handle last night and go utes!!
Comments continue below
SoCalBYU | 11:52 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Utah was awesome last night and I cheered like a Ute. All year I've questioned whether an SEC defense could stop a good MWC offense, and we got our answer. If that game is played 10 times, Utah wins 8 of them. I think BYU could have put up big points on Bama (but still would have lost due to a bad defense). The MWC showed that it is arguably stronger than the SEC this year. Our worst (Wyoming) is better than their worst (Tenn.) and our best (Utah) is a lot better than their 2nd best (Bama) and probably better than Florida. Utah has a legitamate claim to being #1. Would love to see the two teams play.
To Randall | 12:07 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Go suck on your big toe. All I ever hear from Ute fans is how arrogant and condesending Cougar fans are and now that some true FOOTBALL/CONFERENCE fans are expressing their sincere appreciation and congratulation to the Utes for a truly AWESOME outcome in that game, all you can say is you don't need the Cougar Fans' praise. You are an idiot. Go hide under the rock you crawled out from. To the rest of the world of MWC football, and especially Utah football, I can truly say I am glad at least two of the teams showed up and played like they wanted to be in a bowl game. Cougs, go back to the drawing board and figure out that all the offense in the world cannot win every game. Congrats Utah!

An impressed Cougar fan.
mikey | 12:25 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Congratulations to the Utes and their coaching staff.Only one thing would have made last night any better.Put coach Whit and pretty boy Saban in a cage and let Kyle beat the crap out of him for charity,That would have capped off the Butt kickin the UTES gave Alabama.
RE: Randall | 1:06 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Your "by-line" should be "classless Randall" then we will know to bypass your comments.

Cougar congratulations on here are sincere and real! Maybe the Utes winning this game will take the sportsmanship in our rivalry up a few notches.

Nice job Utes! Enjoy every minute of this win!

P.S. Go Cougars against Wake Forest tonight!
St. George Fan | 1:31 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I am an avid BYU fan. However, how can any Utahn not be proud of the Utes for their accomplishments. I was a big-time Utah fan last night, and I'm glad they represented, not only the State of Utah, but the Mt. West well. They dominated a powerful SEC team. Can't the Cougar fans see that this helps pave the way for next years BYU run at a BCS game? Good job Utes!
akk | 1:35 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Great game UTES!!!! You took it one game at a time... no catchy slogans... no excuses when you didn't play your best. Coaches focusing on what they get paid for. You had a great season and did it with class!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!
TucsonUte | 3:12 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
It was a great night last night as a Utah fan and a Utahn. I was happy for BYU back in 1984 and glad to see the number of BYU congrats here on the comment board. I remember back in 1998 when the Utes lost to Kentucky in basketball and there were plenty of nice things said about Utah B-ball by Cougar fans. It was a good night for the State of Utah and the MWC.
Miami Dolphins fan | 4:12 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
re: Ernesto de Bajo | 1:42 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

>>Saban is class<<

No! He isn't. I may be biased. Point 1) He questioned Zach Thomas' manhood & 2) Look at the way he left Mich St, LSU, & the phins
Anonymous | 4:20 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
re: BYU Fan | 11:30 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

>>I realize it is hard for most Utah and BYU fans to get this, but the Utes awesome victory last night only makes the MWC (including BYU) look better in the eyes of the nation. So, Utes, thanks.

Ute Fan: blah, blah, blah...why do you get so offended?<<

There are some real idiot BYU fans and few very few classy Cougar fans. Then, there are yahoos who don't know how too feel so they try to play all sides by spinning it so the state and conference.

I guarantee that if it were BYU in The U's place the zoobs would not be as humble or modest.

p.s. I wonder how Michael Irvin feels about the real "The U" winning?
Thank you BYU Fans... | 4:58 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
The comments coming from BYU fans on all the boards pertaining to last night's game are congratulatory and totally first class. There is one individual with an unmistakable writing style who is making BYU fans look bad (Jus' Wondering... | 12:28 a.m.). Forget about him.

BYU fans are demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship and support of Utah's accomplishment. BYU...we thank you!

Go MWC!!!
Ute Fan in Iowa | 5:45 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Great game and GREAT season. You came through like I knew you would. Class of 74 Graduate
Mike | 5:59 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
It is great to see BYU fans cheer for the Utes... classy.... I would of cheered for BYU if they were in the same position... again thanks Y fans... and Go Utes!...
Magna Ute | 6:49 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I love the camaraderie on the posts today. A great victory is celebrated with great sportsmanship from Utah fans and many rivals. Thanks to all our rival's fans who have shown such class!

Go MWC, Go state of Utah, Go Utes!
By my book | 7:21 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Utah should have two national championships. Undefeated is undefeated no matter what conference you are from and the Utes proved that. Congrats and maybe with this win we can get rid of the BCS.
Yes, Denigrating | 8:19 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
"Mid Major" is indeed a denigrating and ill-defined term. Where the heck did it come from?

Certainly is does not apply to Utah in the sense that, e.g., Iowa and Arkansas are not mid majors but Utah is.

Other terms that should be roundly rejected: "FBS" (Football Bowl Subdivision) and "BCS conference" when applied to any sport other than football.
AU 4EVR | 9:50 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Congratualtions to the Utes! The Auburn Family were rooting for you all the way. You got the job done and don't let Saban take this win away from you. They underestimated you and you proved them wrong. If I could vote for #1, you would have my vote!
War Eagle and How 'bout those Utes!!!!
BYU LOST | 11:21 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
to ARIZONA . . . . enough said.
tv ratings | 11:37 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
make no mistake about-it the bcs games are about revenue. tv ratings for the sugar bowl was pretty good at 12.6 compared to the rose at 13.5, and 8.2 for the orange bowl. you made another good argument utah. excellent job!
It's a Be-a-Ute-iful day | 12:18 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009
This was a conference win all the way. Just like everyone is Irish on March 17th, today everyone is a Ute.

The best defense the Utes's played was not Bama it was TCU.

And the best offense was not Bama it was BYU.

That which does not defeat us makes us stronger.

If next year BYU or TCU happens to run the table I will be there cheering when they play for the national championship because of Utah's win last night.

Of course, they've got to get there through us first.
Excuses | 4:52 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009
"So why is it that if a BYU fan mentioned Alambama played without 2 of their 5 starting offensive lineman in this game that would "whin".

First Bama was missing only 1 starting O lineman in the 1st Qtr by 4:01 left in the 1st:
Utah 21
Bama 0

and the game was basically over.

Second the mighty SEC Bama with so much more talent and athletes, as per Barry Switzer pregame analysis, Utah was over matched and were going to get pounded.

So any excuses now are considered "whining".
Wallyworld | 5:38 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009
As a BYU fan, I'll be the first to say way to go Utes'Thank you..So what if the Bama Tide did not have this player or that player, there is no I in team. Utah was the better team that night. If a so-called "ranked" team is suppose to be "that good" then they should win regardless of who is or who is not playing.
Awesome Win! | 6:30 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009
As a BYU fan, this is one of those twice-in-a-decade moments where I can feel proud for the Utes.

It was nearly as exciting for me to see the Utes win as it is to watch the Cougars win. Too bad the Cougars and Falcons were unable to win their bowl games.

I was one to think that TCU was the best in the conference, until the Utes won this game! That was the best defensive game I've seen in a long time, certainly the best all year.

Congrats! I look forward to next November!
BYU fan | 8:32 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009
Great win from start to finish! Good job utes! Now give the MWC an automatic bcs bowl bid!
Eugene | 9:36 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009
Way to go, Utes!!! I may be a true blue Cougar, but it was sweet to watch the Utes pound on a supposedly-invincible Alabama team.

If I were a voting member of the BCS-elite, I would vote Utah #1. Who cares what happens Thursday night since both Floriday and Oklahoma have one loss each!!

National play-off is coming, baby!! Utes should sue the NCAA and the BCS for unfair competition, racketeering and anti-trust violations. Let's elevate this to the courts. Obama favors the play-offs so let's get this done by executive order since it is a matter of national security!! (Okay, that was a bit over the line!)

Yeah, Utes!!
In response to the article... | 10:18 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009
and not BYU vs. Utah mumbo jumbo, since this was an article about Utah vs. Alabama.....

Saban holds responsibility for their preparedness, as he mentioned. Read the Alabama Birmingham newspaper articles on www dot al dot com (although responses vary depending on the sportswriter....some will give Utah credit and others will blow it off, typical SEC country attitudes).

Saban had a 2 am curfew for his boys, Whit had a midnight curfew. Who came to play? Utah.

Saban took his boys out to see Valkyrie a day before the big game, not sure what the Utes extracuricular activities were but it was evident that they were not distracted.

These larger conferences (BCS) are weaned to think they are the best. MWC had an excellent showing this year and they are starting to take note. BCS system will eventually change, as all systems change, but it will be a while.
yo mamma | 10:24 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009
utah utah utah utah utah utah utah
I have an idea.... | 10:35 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009
Write to Fox Sports and tell them to fire Barry Switzer because he made a fool of himself and the network. Sportscasters are supposed to be semi-unbiased......does he think that nobody outside of SEC country was watching????
Horned Frog | 10:39 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009
If TCU or Utah can return to a BCS next year, they will have to give the MWC an automatic bid.
TED | 10:53 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009
SABAN COULD HAVE SAVED FACE IF HE COULD HAVE ONLY SAID "WE GOT BEAT BY A BETTER TEAM TONIGHT"


WHO CARES WHAT SWITCHER, SWITZER, SWIFTER, WHAT EVER HIS NAME IS SAYS!
Switzer and Johnson | 11:24 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009
Bernard Switzer and Little Jim Johnson are not coaching anymore for a reason. They are front runners and benefited from coaching schools with established traditions and easy recruiting (Miami & Oklahoma). They could never have pulled off what Whittingham and the Utes did. My advice, stay in the TV studio you two washed up losers because you would never survive in todays world of college football. You've lost ALL credibility with college football fans!
Florida Football Fan | 1:10 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009
I just moved from Florida. I thought Gator and Seminole fans were obnoxious, but ... well, I feel right at home.

Thanx for beating Alabama, you Utes. Saban is despised in the state of Florida.
canadianwhiskey | 1:39 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009
Great Job UTES, and all the Coaches. The UTE Fans are the best fans and supported them fully through this epic season. We had hard fought wins home and away against great teams which added to the suspense of the season. The UTES are fearless and showed it at BAMA.
Coach Saben ought to do the right thing and give that NCAA coach of the year trophy to Coach Whitt.
BigPoet | 5:28 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009
The Utes simply wanted to win more than the Tide. They wanted to win, Alabama wanted to play in the game and get media attention--but Utah wanted to win and they paid the price. You could see that Utah gave more than their all--110% of effort.

From a die-hard BYU alum, congrats to Utah on a fine win and an excellent season. I may have to get a new Utah T-shirt, or an MWC T-shirt (I don't think they make them).
Wally West | 6:58 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009
re: Switzer and Johnson | 11:24 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009

I don't mind Jimmy. Never did like Barry.

re: Florida Football Fan | 1:10 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

As a Dolphins fan, I detest the Nicktator.
Anonymous | 7:03 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009
re: In response to the article... | 10:18 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009

>>Saban had a 2 am curfew for his boys, Whit had a midnight curfew. Who came to play? Utah. >Saban took his boys out to see Valkyrie a day before the big game, not sure what the Utes extracuricular activities were but it was evident that they were not distracted.<<

Interesting. The movie is a good way to keep your boys from the temptations of the French Qtr. On the other hand, the later curfew invalidates reducing temptation.

Its these types of inconsistencies that Nick has a habit of displaying that only submarine his process.
Anonymous | 7:50 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009
Just wondering if Bronco watched the game?
RE Jus wondering | 8:05 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009
How about this one. "We only won because all over our players were healthy." Wow you are a total bean bag. Let me guess if 3 O-linemen play for bama then Utah doesn't score 21 in the 1st quarter...Genius, way to connect the obvious.
Carl F. | 8:12 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009
I am not a Ute fan but in all fairness I believe that they have earned the national championship. The BCS is wired to the "name" schools and is controlled by the almighty dollar. It is long overdue to tank the BCS. If a few universities will get together it can happen. The sports slogan should be; Dump the BCS
TC | 10:58 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009
Alabama might have the more athletic football players. But Utah won that game:

first - by Whittingham and his staff outcoaching Saban
Second - great execution by Utah players
third - intensity and heart.

I'm a Cougar fan... I would like to congratulate the Utes on their perfect season, but... then again, some Ute fans don't need any respect or congratulations from their rival Cougar fans. All I can say is, "if you don't need any respect from Cougar fans... then don't expect any from the rest of the country." Cougar fans know how good the Utes are... the rest of the country might just think the Utes are a fluke.

Try to be gracious in victory Ute fans. Your team was perfect this year... just try to be close to that.
TC | 11:10 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009
I doubt Bronco watched the game. I'm sure he'll get the game film and watch it before the Cougars play the Utes next November. Remember, football is priority number 5 for Bronco... so he had 4 things better to do than watch Utah play football.

A lot of us BYU fans watched the game though. We were impressed by the Utes. We are going to have get much better (or Utah will have to get worse) for us to have a chance at beating the Utes next year.

Ahhh.. don't worry about next year - enjoy the fruits of your perfect season and Sugar Bowl victory now and celebrate. Congrats to Kyle... awesome football coach.
The Rule of Sports | 11:42 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009
In sports you are only as good as the score reflects. When two teams play the one that wins is the best. Excuses, past performances, reputations etc are foolish references made by those looking for a reason to justify an unexpected outcome. Good job Utah, you ARE BETTER than Alabama and the other 12 teams you beat this year!
mhelal2 | 12:37 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
As a Ute fan, I see that 99% of the BYU fans are so classy tonight.

As I said before, BYU pushes UTES to better and we should give them the credit for that.
LVCoug | 9:54 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
Props to the Utes, for sure. Well played. I was quite impressed watching you play 'bama. You've got the players, and your coaching staff did a great job getting them ready for the game.

And no, you don't need the congrats of another Coug (as some of you have made clear). Nonetheless, you deserve accolades for a great season.
Joe | 3:00 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
Give Utah their credit, they won the game fair and square!

But it was very obvious that Bama was mentally flat, and without two of their best lineman. You can't just pull another Outland trophy winner off the bench, the lose of Smith really hurt the offensive line.

Utah happened to catch Bama when they weren't at their best!
BYU Fan | 8:06 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
The only time BYU and Utah fans should be talking to eachother is right before the game against eachother; other than that, they should be pulling for eachother to show that the entire state of Utah knows what football is about. Utah and BYU have been the most consistent dominating teams in the MWC with the exception of a few years.

Great win Utah. Who cares if one lineman was missing, a good team will makeup for that. If they can't, they aren't a really good team.

Lets get some facts straight, BYU did win the national championship in '84 because that's how the championship was decided. If the other teams that were running for the championship didn't want to play BYU that's their fault. Now that the BCS is in place it's hard to win, or even bust it. So BYU fans stop trying to brag about winning in '84, and Ute fans stop making excuses because even though we had a weak schedule, you did too and you still didn't win it.
Jacob Patron | 12:46 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Thanks to the BYU fans who had the graciousness to come in here and give their congrats to a great Utah team. That takes a lot of heart.

And thanks to the Utah players who made this an unforgettable year and proved all the naysayers dead wrong! See you from the Orange Section next year!
Alabama Red Necks | 7:28 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
The tough thing for Alabama fans is the 2nd mortgage they had to put on their trailer home in order to go to the game. It will take a lot of moonshine to erase this memory. Plus Jr. had to sell his banjo to help pay for the tickets. I do admire their dedication.

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Alabama head coach Nick Saban wonders what is going on as Utah leads his team from start to finish Friday.

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