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Utah Utes football: Who's No. 1? Utes feel like they've made their case
78 comments | Read story
Should be #1 | 12:48 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
since they beat 4 top 25 teams (two of which were top 10 at the time they played
them) and one ever game they played (13-0). Has Texas done that, what about
SC?, Florida?, OU, didn't think so, enough said.
BCS = BS | 12:54 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Division 1 College Football is the only sport I can think of where a team can go
undefeated and not win the championship!
NCAA Playoff | 1:00 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
The ONLY way to determine a TRUE NCAA major college football champion is by
playing a 16-team playoff with the 11 conference champions and the next 5
highest ranked teams seeded according to the combined AP/Coaches poll
rankings.
Each Saturday beginning the first Saturday after Christmas -- Dec 27, Jan 3, Jan 10, Jan 17 this season.
All of the other bowls could be played as usual, but not on playoff days.
First round at the home of the higher seed.
Second round games in the Orange, Sugar, Fiesta and Rose Bowls.
Semi finals in two of the four bowl site.
Finals at one of the other four bowl sites.
Each Saturday beginning the first Saturday after Christmas -- Dec 27, Jan 3, Jan 10, Jan 17 this season.
All of the other bowls could be played as usual, but not on playoff days.
First round at the home of the higher seed.
Second round games in the Orange, Sugar, Fiesta and Rose Bowls.
Semi finals in two of the four bowl site.
Finals at one of the other four bowl sites.
Comments continue below
Barry Inscore '71 | 1:37 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Let's see . . . There's one undefeated team in the country. They
totally dominated a 12=1 SEC team that was #1 for almost half the season.
Alabama outscored their opponents something like 113-37 in the first quarter.
Score 21-3 Utah. Alabama had been behind in games for a total of 45 minutes all
season long. Utah led all but the 4 minutes it was 0-0. The Utes dominated in
every statistical category but turnovers and field goals.
And who will be #1 at the end of the BCS jokefest? Somehow, I doubt it will be Utah.
If this season doesn't put a nail in the BCS coffin, noting will.
Utah by 5! Thanks for a great run. Most of the nation knows now who is really #1. The deck was stacked from the get-go, but the Utes earned it!
You did us proud!
And who will be #1 at the end of the BCS jokefest? Somehow, I doubt it will be Utah.
If this season doesn't put a nail in the BCS coffin, noting will.
Utah by 5! Thanks for a great run. Most of the nation knows now who is really #1. The deck was stacked from the get-go, but the Utes earned it!
You did us proud!
Blumancrew | 1:52 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Way to go Utes! You guys were awesome tonight. I'm Cougar blue through
and through, but I was proud of the Utes tonight.
Utes Number 1 | 2:20 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Lets start a grass roots campaign to name the Utes the "disputed National
Champions"! I would love to get a t-shirt with like that! The Utes have a
better case for #1 than anyone else. We need a class action lawsuit to take
out the BCS and give control back to the NCAA for a playoff. The
president/congress doing the same (as they have already hinted at) would be
another good option to bring fairness back to college football.
CONGRATS UTES! YOU'RE #1!
CONGRATS UTES! YOU'RE #1!
Robert | 4:30 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Another perfect season, way to go Utes!! 13-0!! My vote is going to the Utes for
National Champions! Plus, bring on the Gators! Let's settle this BCS
garbage once and for all. The Utes have proven that they can handle any team in
the country...twice.
Utah Made the Case... | 6:30 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Coach Whittingham is correct that Utah should absolutely be "in the
discussion" for number one, but so should Texas, USC, and the Florida /
Oklahoma winner.
Utah may or may not be the "best" team in the country. Sadly, they will never be given a chance in the current system unless they start the year in the top 10, go undefeated, and still get awfully lucky. This games proves that the BCS will never "get it right" and that the best teams must prove it on the field.
If I had a vote, I would definitely give it to Utah. They may not be in one of the media's "top conferences," but they beat everyone they faced!
p.s., I loved to see how Barry Switzer, former coach at Oklahoma and so called expert, had to twist and turn in a post-game show after saying very forcefully on earlier programs that Utah (and other non BCS teams) are not worthy to be considered for any type of title consideration. By the way, it is a total joke that Oklahoma is playing in the title game instead of Texas. Nice job, Barry and the BCS.
Utah may or may not be the "best" team in the country. Sadly, they will never be given a chance in the current system unless they start the year in the top 10, go undefeated, and still get awfully lucky. This games proves that the BCS will never "get it right" and that the best teams must prove it on the field.
If I had a vote, I would definitely give it to Utah. They may not be in one of the media's "top conferences," but they beat everyone they faced!
p.s., I loved to see how Barry Switzer, former coach at Oklahoma and so called expert, had to twist and turn in a post-game show after saying very forcefully on earlier programs that Utah (and other non BCS teams) are not worthy to be considered for any type of title consideration. By the way, it is a total joke that Oklahoma is playing in the title game instead of Texas. Nice job, Barry and the BCS.
Anonymous | 6:40 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
There is really nothing to comment on here. Utah didn't leave any room for
argument about the strength of their team. Congratulations Utes!
Chris in Texas | 7:21 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I love the idea of the Rocky Balboa style match-up. Wouldn't that be
great!?! I would love to see the broken system get fixed with a game like that.
We really need a playoff system to replace the BCS one. We could take the old
bowl games and make them the regional, quarter final, semi final, and
championship games. The pros do it. NCAA b-ball does it. Why can't
college football.
Bottom Line - whoever "wins" the championship has a big fat "*" to tarnish it. Good job Utes! Great season! You made the whole state of Utah (including this BYU alum) proud of you!
Bottom Line - whoever "wins" the championship has a big fat "*" to tarnish it. Good job Utes! Great season! You made the whole state of Utah (including this BYU alum) proud of you!
Anonymous | 7:25 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Utes have stated their case with a win over Alabama! Lets see what the Gators
can do to sell their story. Hats off to the Utes for playing a great game when
they needed to win.
Army Cougar Fan | 7:27 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I'm a Cougar Fan all the way but I must say that Utah played a fantastic
game. Coach Whittingham and the heart of the players really showed through.
You've made Utah and the Mountain West Conference proud and thrown the BCS
into a spin. You have a legitimate argument for #1. For me just watching Barry
Switzer eat his words was gratifying enough.
So congratulations on a great season Utes. The Cougars are looking forward to the next round!
So congratulations on a great season Utes. The Cougars are looking forward to the next round!
Granny | 8:05 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
The Utes made a believer out of me, a die-hard true blue Cougar fan. You
deserve the national title.
BamaGunny | 8:08 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
The Undefeated Utah Utes Are #1. Y'all broke my heart last night. Great
game. great team, great coaching, and great fans. When I saw all of the Ute
fans in the Superdome, I told my wife it was not going to be pretty. We had a
good year. No shame in getting beat by two great Utah teams (U.Meyer) in one
year.
Yes, Utah #1!!
Yes, Utah #1!!
Mark Steinagel | 8:10 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I am a huge BYU fan, but this is a great day for the Utes, Utah, the Mountain
West, and all non-BCS schools everywhere. Congratulations Utes! Thank you for
representing your university and the rest of us so well. You made me very proud
to be your rival last night.
I hope you enjoy this win for a long time. And I hope you get some first place votes: you deserve them.
I hope you enjoy this win for a long time. And I hope you get some first place votes: you deserve them.
byu fan | 8:23 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
AS a BYU fan I want to congratulate Utah. They have shown that the mountain west
can compete With the big schools. The mountain west has three great football
schools (BYU TCU and Utah) and as Utah demonstrated they are capable for running
over the supposed "great" football teams.
Last night game wasn't even a contest. Personally I hope to see byu do the same next
Last night game wasn't even a contest. Personally I hope to see byu do the same next
Sad but True. | 8:29 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
This is truly a sad day. Utah destroyed Bama and even Florida could not do
that. This Utah team is a National Champion in my opinion. Even as BYU fan, I
am not that color blind. This Utah team has done more than any of the other BCS
contenders. They beat a 12-1 Bama team. The others beat up on 2 or more loss
teams that were barely in the top 10. Go Utah and thanks for helping the MWC be
the contenders that we truly are. This will resonate throughout college
football to eliminate the descrimination of football throughout the south.
Mountain West Conference rules and we truly deserve an automatic birth.
Mountain West Conference rules and we truly deserve an automatic birth.
Jeff R | 8:30 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Simply put, ' Awsome"! Yet another reason for a 16 team playoff. The
so called Big Six was exposed yet again. Dont get me wrong, i dont want to take
anything away from Oklahoma or Florida, but what about USC, who romped Penn
State, or Utah, who proved last night they could hang with the big boys. This is
another big bullet thrown twards the big SIX and there lac lust way of deciding
who is good enough to be Champs. The so called BCS, which some people
unfortuneatly think is the best way to crown a National Champ, will yet again be
under fire. Utah redemed Hawaii's dismal attempt against Georga last year.
So where do we go from here. Some one needs to get some guts and sue the BCS and there BS way of doing business. The 32 bowl games this year were all about worthless. All they did was say, hey!... good job
So where do we go from here. Some one needs to get some guts and sue the BCS and there BS way of doing business. The 32 bowl games this year were all about worthless. All they did was say, hey!... good job
Tron | 8:58 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Utah beat Alabama, Alabama beat Ole Miss, Ole Miss beat Florida and Texas Tech,
Texas Tech beat Texas, Texas beat Oklahoma. Utah is the only undefeated team. AP
national champions? If this was 1984 then yes but a non-bcs team is no longer
able to do that. 2008 Utah is the best non-bcs team ever and maybe the best
team regardless of conference this year.
Anonymous | 9:01 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
You caught a team of guard and one that did not want to be there. A team that
lost the best offensive lineman in the country. You will never be considered for
no. 1 and you will have a losing record next year so enjoy this one.
No matter.... | 9:08 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
what, you will always be number one in the eyes of your loyal fans here and
everywhere else in the nation and abroad.
Go Utes!!
Go Utes!!
BYUTE | 9:20 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Anytime someone in the WAC can deliver it is a great thing for everyone!
Utah was AWESOME this year and I hope they can keep up the momentum for another great season next year.
Of course, I would like to see the Y do well too.
Utah was AWESOME this year and I hope they can keep up the momentum for another great season next year.
Of course, I would like to see the Y do well too.
HELLO!!! | 9:27 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Wittlessham is crazy. No way they could beat USC, OU, or UF. In comparing
Florida and utah playing a similar opponent in Bama, typical mindless utah fans
conveniently forget that Florida played the Florida - Bama game without Percy
Harvin.
haunyocker | 9:31 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Congrats to the Utes. The offense was great but did you see the faces of the
Tide. They looked like they'd been hammered so hard by the defense that
they were zombies who were trying to figure out what hit um!
The Utes have put the ridiculousness of the BCS system squarely in focus.
The Utes have put the ridiculousness of the BCS system squarely in focus.
loyal BYU fan | 9:28 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Man, great job Utes. Totally impressed. There were a lot of times this season
when I felt Utah was lucky and should have lost a game or two. But they came out
to play last night and I'm happy to change my thoughts about the Utes and
Whittingham. Two years ago, even last year, I thought Kyle was not up to the
job, but what can I say now? He did really well. He learned how to be a terrific
head coach. I think Utah, TCU and Boise State are all better than half the teams
in the BCS bowl games. BYU better start recruiting athletes with speed,
otherwise Utah and TCU will leave the Cougars behind.
Person | 10:14 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Robert you're really a cougar fan. You liar!
BYU Fan says Go UTES | 10:15 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I am a BYU grad and BYU fan. Last night, I was also a fan of Utah, and enjoyed
their win as if my own team had won. What a tremendous victory! Next year, the
Utes will come to Provo to play BYU, and I will be rooting for my beloved
Cougars. But between now and then, I am going to let the "U" at the
end of BYU stand for the great Utah Utes football team, the best team in the
country for the 2009 season, bar none!
re: Anonymous 9:01 ,HELLO!!!9:27 | 10:13 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Here we go again, Bama did not want to be there, Utah could not compete or
compare with SC, OU or Florida. Bottom line 13-0, 3-0 against teams from the
mighty BCS infact, Utah beat a team USC could not!!!! The system is broke,
Utah, Boise and TCU for that matter should all have had the opportunity to play
for a title in a playoff system. If these "non BCS" teams can't
compete WHY ARE YOU ALL SCARED TO GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY?????? I AM A UTAH
MAN SIR!!!!
Just Guessing | 10:15 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
One week ago, HELLO!! would certainly have added Alabama to the list of teams
there was "no way" Utah could beat. From a cougar fan, way to go
Utes, and sorry the Cougs didn't add credibility to your impressive victory
by showing up for their bowl game.
A BYU FAN | 10:25 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I didn't think there was any way that Utah would be able to pull this game
off against Alabama. My hat is off to this team. I am convinced. That
thumping my Cougars took at the hands of this Utes team is a little more
bearable seeing what they were able to do to a very good Alabama team.
Congratulations on a great win and a great season.
LA Cougar | 10:32 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Seeing the look on Saban's once-arrogant face was priceless. Good work
Utes.
Mike Lewis | 10:37 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Coach Whit,
Nice win bro. You are doing a great job up there. I love it.
I liked seing the JBW stickers on the back of the helmets. Class act all the way. A great honor to a great former Ute.
Utah has come a long way. Keep the hammer down and let's take over this place.
Nice win bro. You are doing a great job up there. I love it.
I liked seing the JBW stickers on the back of the helmets. Class act all the way. A great honor to a great former Ute.
Utah has come a long way. Keep the hammer down and let's take over this place.
cindy | 10:46 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
The Utes are #1 - they deserve that honor. (The Utah Marching Band is really
good, too!)
Congratulations!! - from a U of I, WSU, BYU and BYUI family.
Congratulations!! - from a U of I, WSU, BYU and BYUI family.
Zeke | 11:27 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Utah Utes are the Champions of Division one football no if and buts about it.
The only team in the nation to go undefeated with as tough of schedule as
anyone. I would like to congratulate coach Whitingham and his team for a great
season.
Anonymous | 11:29 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
wow great game!!! utah ap national champion!!!! lets keep this rolling!!! and
repete it next year!
hagen | 11:32 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I am a fan of the SEC and ACC, however after seeing the way Utah played this
year they should be rated #1 or at least co-champions. They were one of the
finest coached teams and had some of the finest players I have seen.
Richard | 11:39 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Speaking as one who cheered and hollered in favor of Utah from a room full of
BYU fans, congratulatiosn to Utah! You have done what everyone called
impossible. The sportscasters have to eat their words, Nick Saban looked
dejected and in my opinion, the BCS has lost all credibility. The current system
is obviously flawed, so hopefully Utah has provided the catalyst to bringing
down what should be an illegal monopoly.
UTE FAN FOREVER | 11:53 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
This is for all those athletes on Utah who never got credit. Eddie Johnson, Del
Rogers, Erroll Tucker, This team made me proud to be a Ute fan. They smashed a
great SEC team at their own game--SPEED.
Great job to the players for their dedication and the coaches for their preparation. This is the greatest moment in UTE HISTORY.
I AM A UTAH MAN SIR
Great job to the players for their dedication and the coaches for their preparation. This is the greatest moment in UTE HISTORY.
I AM A UTAH MAN SIR
Anonymous | 12:10 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
For all the utah people out there if you actually think you can beat the FLORIDA
gators then your crazy! Tim tebow will run matt kruger and slyster over. U cant
stop the best quaterback in the nation! Tebow is a legend as to were a brian
johnson that got a undisputed mwc player of the year which shoulda went to
AUSTIN COLLIE!
Utah is the Nat'l Champ | 12:10 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
this season. The bcs title game is now irrelevant.
And I am a die-hard BYU fan.
And I am a die-hard BYU fan.
Jeff Kelley | 12:21 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Way to you Utah!!! Finally, we now have a local football team we can say has a
winning tradition -- not just a fluke. I think Utah should be #1. This team
overcame a lot of adversities this year. They have a long-standing track record
of winning bowl games. What else can you say, they should be playing next week.
And now for that team down south that wears white and blue. I went your school. I have always supported you. But, I hope more than anything that this victory burns in your craw, reminding you about how big of wusses you really are. Get your act together next year and play like the Utes!!!!
And now for that team down south that wears white and blue. I went your school. I have always supported you. But, I hope more than anything that this victory burns in your craw, reminding you about how big of wusses you really are. Get your act together next year and play like the Utes!!!!
Chuckbama | 12:27 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
You guys had a great plan good players
great coaching . You deserve to be #1.
great coaching . You deserve to be #1.
Re:12:10 "anonymous" | 12:45 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I love the Cougars a ton, but why take away from the incredible performance of
last nights game?? Its people like you that make people hate BYU. Brian Johnson
and the Utes did something that the Cougars can't seem to do - Finish the
Quest to remain undefeated. Go UTES!! Best, most exciting game I've even
seen!
dito Re:12:10 "anonymous" | 1:18 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Right on bro. I too am blue thru & thru. But I hate those BYU (and Ute) fans
who think they are supporting their team by tearing down the other. Utah's
win last night elevated us all. Give them the credit they deserve. And props to
all those BYU fans who wrote congrats to the Utes. I hope you have almost as
great a year next year (12-1, with a single loss in Provo).
Hahahaha, You are kidding right? | 1:23 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
When you try to compare Utah to Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, or USC you have got to
be kidding right? They did beat up on Alabama, but Alabama is not Florida,
Oklahoma, Texas, or USC. You are comparing apples to oranges by trying to say
that Utah deserves anything more than a 4 or 5 ranking. For example, on October
11th when Florida played then No.4 LSU, Oklahoma played NO. 5 Texas and Utah
played Wyoming. So let's evaluate the strength of schedule just a little
bit. Utah, Boise, TCU, BYU or whoever you think could stand up to the best teams
of the bigger conferences every year, if given Oklahoma or Florida's
schedule would end up with 7-9 wins max. Get some perspective, blind Utahans.
Classy BYU Fans | 1:25 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I must say that I am, w/ an occasional Yner exception, very impressed w/ the
support and acknowledgment of Utahs' victory by BYU fans. I hope that my
fellow Utah fans can be as classy when/if BYU does the same. Way to go UTES!
No Doubt - Ute #1 | 1:54 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
The western conferences have been getting little respect and are as good a those
in the mid-west, east and southern US, From what I've seen out the the BCS
bowl games so far, the national champion game should have been between USC and
Utah.
Faust100F | 2:03 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I am a Texas Tech fan, but the best game I witnessed over the Holidays, was the
Ute's hammering Alabama. I think it is clear who is #1 in the country, and
that is Utah! All the announcers and big shots, are now eating crow, and I am
glad that the Ute's handed them the fork.
Re: Hahaha, your kidding right? | 2:14 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Wyoming beat Tennesee (again Wyoming beat Tennessee), Utah went 3-0 against
schools from the BCS including a win over Oregon State who USC COULD NOT BEAT!!,
and the Mountain West was 7-2 aginst the Pac-10 (the conference that won the
bowl championship and 5-0) with our "lower teir teams" incuding New
Mexico and UNLV getting the wins. So say what you want UTAH IS THE ONLY 13-0
with wins over 4 teams in the Top twenty five two in the Top 10. The ONLY
UNDEFEATED team in the country!!! Week in and week out every one said this is
the week Utah looses well guess what it still hasn't happend in the words
of coach Whitt let us know when and where we will be there! A UTAH MAN SIR!!!!
GO UTES!!!! THANK YOU FOR A GREAT YEAR!!!!
Calgary Cougar | 2:16 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Congratulations to the Utes and all their 'Nation'. What a beat down
of everyone; Bama, the SEC, and all of the know it all talking heads. No
question about it, the Utes should be number one or at least have the chance to
decide it on the field. I'd pay a lot to see Florida play Utah, and it
would be a pleasure to put on a red shirt and cheer for the Utes!
Can someone answer this: why doesn't the Mountain West invite Boise State, Fresno State and Hawaii into the conference and demand an automatic bid to the BCS party every year. With all of the BCS buster teams and those who are always expected to break through, we would be very hard to ignore.
Enjoy this off season Utah, I'm looking forward to next season and another great year of competition in the Mountain West.
Can someone answer this: why doesn't the Mountain West invite Boise State, Fresno State and Hawaii into the conference and demand an automatic bid to the BCS party every year. With all of the BCS buster teams and those who are always expected to break through, we would be very hard to ignore.
Enjoy this off season Utah, I'm looking forward to next season and another great year of competition in the Mountain West.
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Utah running back Matt Asiata (4) dives into the end zone for the Utes' second touchdown in Friday's Sugar Bowl win over Alabama.
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