Deseret News | Reader comments: U. season greatest in our history

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Mike Sorensen: U. season greatest in our history

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Little Brother Shines | 1:20 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Every four years Utah football has made history.

BYU program, well they still have 1984.

So you tell me what is the better program? Big brother living in past glory days while envying the spotlight on little brother.

Another words, the program that achieved Quest for Perfection twice in 5 years or the one that just talks about it?

The program that needs Harline and 4&18 or the little brother that throttles big brother and then goes on to win BCS games?

Facts back the Utes!!

Sugarbear | 1:37 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

As a BYU fan and graduate, I just wanted to say--Way to Go UTES!!! Awesome game and you deserve all the praise you can muster. You represented yourself, the conference and the state very well. Any Y fan that thinks your win over us was lucky, just doesn't know football. This years team has to be the best that Utah has turned out. Wish you luck next year, with the exception of the BYU game, then I hope the wins on the Blue side. Congratulations on a great season and even more awesome Bowl victory.

I second that... | 1:50 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

the greatest win, yes!..the best utah team?..but I might be a little biased, my cousin played on 04 team. Both teams were Awesome!...I don't think we've seen the best ute football team yet...maybe next years squad might be the best yet!..and that's bad news for the BCS schools...let me be the first to say " Utah in the National Title game 2010" and to win it all!!

Mark my word!

Comments continue below

Amnesia | 2:04 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Let's attempt to be realistic. This years Utes team was good, fortunate, lucky; but not great. One game doesn't make a season, and beating Alabama was great, but the 04' Utes destroyed everyone they faced, and they would do the same to this years Utes. Trying to compare either team to the 84' Cougs is tough because of the differences in the way the game is played today. I think the 3 best teams of the last 15 years are the 96' Cougs, the 04' Utes, and this years Utes. Having said that, this years Utes would lose to the 96 Cougs or the 04 Utes, and if they played in the SEC like Alabama, they would have more than one loss. Simply beating Bama doesn't make them better, and one would have to be very high to think that Utah would be better than .500 in the SEC. Enjoy the moment; this team went undefeated; but the strenght of schedule and the league they play in do matter. Utah would have struggled in some of the better conferences, and winning one big game doesn't change the fact that the MWC is weak compared to the SEC or Big 12.

It's Still 1984 | 2:28 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Sorry Mike, but you are wrong. Utah had a very impressive season and neither they or BYU's 84 team controlled who they played; but one team has a solid place in college football history along side Oklahoma, Florida, Miami, USC, Nebraska, etc. as a national champion. While the other had an excellent season that will be forgotten by everyone but Utah fans within three years.

california love | 4:30 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

So I'm in Louisiana for 2months working, so my coworkers and I were at a bar watching the game...it might as well been an SEC BAMA headquaters...so one guy turns to me and says..."Utah has no idea what kind of football or the style of football we play down here" so asked him...what do mean?...this red-neck said"well utah players probably have never been in this type atmosphere before"...I just laughed in his face...he then asked me what was so funny?...and I just told him...look I'm from CALIFORNIA and WE KNOW ALL ABOUT THIS "FOOTBALL ATMOSPHERE"...In fact, let me show you something...that's when I proceeded to point out #17 (two int) #4 (1on 1)on julio jones, #56 in (jpw mug) #10 (3 sacks 7tack) from vegas by way of LA...#4 (1 t.d) #35(4xtra 1 fg) #92 (monsta in the middle) also had 1 sack, #41 (makin tackles all nite) #88 (12 catches 125yds) #8 (1catch 12yds) #5 (1td) punt return #85 made nice catch at 2yd line and scored last ute t.d..so after i pointed out all the california kids to this red-neck...I then pointed out the most important # 31 - 17 utah.

cougdad | 5:24 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Perhaps the season was the most impressive in Utah history but the fact is that there is still a National Football Championship. That doesn't require much explaining. If not for that, Utah might well have had a championship. Remember, the BCS was originally created (or at least the forerunners of the current system) to keep BYU out of a national title. In 1996, Florida replayed Florida State (then No. 1) so they wouldn't have to let BYU have a chance. BYU finished at 14-1. Because it was obvious BYU got shafted (like Utah did in 04), the conferences got together to form a kind of BCS (which has since morphed).

Congratulations to the Utes (the little brother) but realistically, the powers that be will now try to rig the rules again to keep such things from happening.

The silver lining in the Utes win (since we'll be hearing the gloating for years) is that it further exposes the fraud the BCS is. Give the Utes a playoff this year and all other schools will have hope.

Any fan... | 5:41 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Any BYU fan that thinks the 84 team is better or even comparable to this year's Utah team is not a true fan of the game. Instead of living in the past, BYU needs to look at Utah's recruiting, coaching and game-time adjusting if they want to become recognized on the national stage, like the Utes. Until then, good luck when, every year, you look forward to the "Veg".

Charles Stewart | 5:58 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

It just doesn't get any better than this last weekend for a Utah "Man". The BYU basketball team lost. Oh, yes, and by the way the politically incorrect "Utes" won the Sugar Bowl. I wonder which event means more to a true Ute fan?

CougarKeith | 6:33 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

As a Cougar Fan I have to say that Utah really deserved everything they got this year! They earned it hands down and really were impressive in the Sugar Bowl victory!

Every game they came to play and did whatever it took to win. They really did a bang up job. There were a couple of places I saw a great oportunity for a fake punt, but I guess you don't do that when your winning against a team that might actually get mad enough to beat you, kind of like swatting a hornets nest right Kyle? (Had to get my "Kyle" dig in)

What can you say, the Utes did everything they had to do all season long to get where they are today and it wouldn't surprise me to see them ranked #2 when the season is said and done with! Maybe now Rice Eccles will sell out a few times during the year, what do you think???

John | 6:47 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

The Utes not only brought national spotlight on our state but also our institution of higher learning.
We are fortunate to have the coaching staff assembled that proved Urban Meyers was not the only
one that could bring the Utes to national contention.
Great Job! to all the coaching staff and players, thanks for representing our Universty and our beautiful state.
Let's hope the Assosiated Press throws a clinker in the works and votes Utah as the National Champs.
A Y fan...again great job.

Not one of those fans | 6:55 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

I was no Ute hater (being from CA helps) but I hardly followed the Utes. They made a fan out of me with their win. They were great and deserve all the respect - no apologies, no ifs, not buts. I will follow the program and root for them against all comers save BYU. The Utes were superior in speed, coaching, and ATTITUDE. The most disappointing aspect of BYU's season is not the finish, but the hype that led to a demoralizing feeling after they lost 3 big games.

I don't look to the past, but look forward to BYU finally being able to show up in big games, beat ranked opponents, and win bowl games (2-2 in 4 years doesn't count, 8-0 does, in 8 years does). Until them, I give Utah the edge for program strength. But competition fosters greatness on both sides, so let's stop the hating and enjoy the competition year in and year out.

Also, fellow Cougarfans, if Joseph B Wirthlin can root for the Utes, can we not as well? I believe 9 of the 15 most recent apostles were U grads/students. Enjoy the competition of two respectable football programs.

RE:Coug Pa and Amnesia | 6:57 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Great article D News. I am surprised it is coming from you vs. some other media outlet but as an unbiased 3rd party who remembers 84 very well, this is not even a comparison. BYU's schedule that year was laughable, still the Cougars did go undefeated so props for that but in no way shape or fashion does it hold a candle to Utah's season.

Again Utah has a legitimate claim on practically every angle you can come up with in terms of them being deserving, too bad the two BYU posters above don't have a clue about football and still feel their "Quest for Perfection" was cut short only because BYU didnt play to their potential. (Or they just got dominated a couple of times, particularly when the team had a record over .500):)

Nice work Utes!!!

Keep Speculating... | 6:58 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Perhaps the 1984 BYU team would have won, perhaps the 2004 Utah team would have won, who knows. The author of the article does not know, but the fact is that the current Utah team has the most impresive accomplishments. Through no fault of their own, the other two teams never had the chance to dominate a team like Alabama in what was essentially a road game. Since our interests actually align on this, let's all line up behind the Utes this year to do what we can to abolish the BCS. It is in both teams' interest in the future. BYU will be back eventually and face the same BCS glass ceiling. Great season Utes...you deserve to be national champs.

Bama Pride | 7:13 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

To all you Utes,

GREAT GAME. You deserve the respect of all Bama fans (especially Nick Sabin) and SEC fans alike. You executed with great detail and I for one was like every Bama fan at the game, SHOCKED. You deserve atleast a share of the National Championship but I have a feeling that it will not come. Good Luck in the future and anytime we play again, you are more than welcome at my TailGate Grill.

Bama Pride

IF I was a Y fan | 7:37 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

I would be scared for next year. Utah's recruiting will only get better after the Sugar Bowl victory and we are returning almost the entire defense. We're the premiere team in the MWC. I'm 99% sure that we will beat the cougars in Provo next year as well as win the conference. The only way you beat us in 2006 and 2007 was last second plays. And on top of that, we have a way better coaching staff. Let's be honest, Mendenhall is not that great, and Max Hall is on the decline and will not be remembered as one of the great BYU quarterbacks. I can't wait to see what motivating slogan Bronco comes up with for next year. How about "Quest to win a game that actually counts"?

@ CougarKeith | 7:47 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

The Utes averaged 46,000 fans this year, and the stadium holds 45,000. Every game was sold out, and most of them were above capacity.

Attendance smack is the lowest form of smack talk, particularly when you don't check your facts.

1984! | 7:46 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

That 1984 Cougar team was the best. The way we squeaked out a victory over Michigan (6-5) shows how dominant we were.

We rock. We are the best....

Tom in South Carolina | 7:54 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

CougarKeith needs to check his facts on sell-outs at RES. The Utes AVERAGED more than stadium capacity this season - yes, standing-room average for all games in 2008. And, while I was having some service work done on my car Saturday morning (while wearing my Utah apparel, of course), I was given a couple of high-fives because of the Ute victory. Same thing happened when we went out to lunch afterwards. They live and breathe college football in the South, and they know a good team when they see one.

great season | 8:00 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

How many players will both Utah and BYU lose next year? Both teams played well this year. I enjoyed watching both teams. What will next year bring to both teams. Or will TCU be the team to watch. The MWC is getting better. 5 teams made it to a bowl game was great more money for the MWC. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

Votes will tell. | 8:05 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

We'll see if it was the best when the vote comes out. The nation voted BYU the best team in '84 with all the same things against it Utah faces now. This year the voters aren't convinced yet.

bill | 8:09 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

I think the UUTAH smashing of overrated ALABAMA was great. The other UTAH state teams/BYU-USU-WSU can take solace that they played the the NUMBER 1 team in the nation in 2008!

Perspective | 8:14 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

The Utes had a nice season. If I had an AP vote, I'd give it to Utah. As far as I'm concerned, they're National Champs. But the greatest season in the State's history? Every loyal BYU fan will point to 1984 or perhaps even 1996. As for the Greatest game in the State's history -- gotta be BYU v. Miami. And I don't think that's even debatable.

Majic Happens | 8:15 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Utes are the national champs. at 13-0 and only unbeaten team they beat teams that ultimately or directly beat Oklahoma, USC and florida allowed more points to alabama on a more fan friendly field. so utah is national champs now. outstanding. start printing the T-shirts....great call on the Utes to honor Elder Wirthlin on their helmets...very classy....

Mike M | 8:17 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

I was one of the fortunate fans to see the game in person. I sat on the end of a row. Before the game began a Bama fan came up the isle with his would be celebratory brew. He paused, leaned down and, with a grin on his face said, "we;re going to kick your ___". Shocked at such an attitude I simply smiled. After the second touch down he came up the stairs with a sorrowful brew. I hailed him over and asked, "now what did you say?" He mumbled and went to his chair above me. After the third touch down his chair was empty and remained so for the rest of the game.

Most of the Alabama folks were very pleasant but had an ere of confidences that made the victory soo sweet. I loved the game.

Thanks Utes for the great ride and bye, bye Bama!

Re: IF I was a Y fan | 8:28 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

You Ute fans crack me up. Why would BYU be "scared" for next year?

In 2005 the Utes followed up their 12-0 season with an impressive 7-5 campaign. While BYU went on to win two consecutive conference championships in '06 and '07 the Utes failed to finish better than third both years.

The Utes are going to be replacing both their offensive and defensive coordinators and are losing several key players on both sides of the ball, most notably the two players largely responsible for this season's success: Brian Johnson and Louie Sakoda.

Not to mention that they have to play BYU and TCU on the road next year.

The Utes are very likely going to drop off next year, if not have another mediocre 7-5 season. It will be amusing to read in the DesNews comment pages next fall Ute fans calling for Whittingham's head after the Utes lose at Colorado State or UNLV.

Oh, and regarding BYU "squeaking" out a win in 1984: Considering the Cougars had 5 turnovers in that game and outgained Michigan by over 300 yards of offense and STILL won, I'd say it was a dominant performance.

re: BAMA PRIDE | 8:40 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Everyone was shocked. Not just BAMA fans. Ute fans were shocked too. I would say less than half the fans at the super dome rooting for the "U" thought they would actually win.

Everyone thought it would be close, or that the Utes would be able to hang in the first half, but I didn't talk to one Ute fan who thought they would win.

Good for the team. They believed and they made it happen.

Kyle was a big key.. | 8:37 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Lets not forget to show continued emphasis on the part Kyle Whittingham played in this big win. Through his leadership and judge of character, Kyle put together a great coaching staff to support him in his efforts as head coach. As great as the players were and are, I don't think this kind of a win happens without impeccable leadership at the top. What does everyone else think?

Anne | 8:51 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

To 8:28:

Having five turnovers in a game and still winning out tells me BYU was extremely lucky to win that game.

Luck had nothing to do with Utah's win. They simply dominated the entire game.

As long as BYU continues to have the same goals and mentality next year as they had this year, they will not win the conference.

Kyle Whittingham knows how to prepare a football team and it shows. Anyone who follows Utah football knows that Kyle is responsible for the defense, and the Utes will continue to dominate defensively, even without Gary Anderson. Now replacing Brian Johnson will be tough. He has got to be one of the smartest quarterbacks to ever play football in Utah, on any team.

Anne | 9:05 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

I feel a bit bad for dogging on the 1984 Cougars. I remember that game and the tenacity of Robbie Bosco. I have been a fan of his ever since.

Little brother | 9:22 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Utah is nobody's little brother.
Utah now has 8 undefeated seasons.
Utah has had more undefeated seasons in the last five years than byu has had in it's entire existance.
Utah has more total wins.
Utah has more bowl victories.
byu is 1-21 against top 25 teams in the past few years.
Utah has over 100 more victories than Utah.
byu will be chasing Utah for a long time.
The little brother resides in Provo and has an incredibly arrogant coach.

colleen | 9:31 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Not a Utah or BYU fan But loved seeing Alabama Coach, player and fans be humbled..Congrats to Utah on the season.

'04 team had better offense | 9:33 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Urban Meyer's '04 team had a more effective offense and the margin of victory was nearly 30 pts per game. But this year's Ute defense was more impressive (probably a reflection of Whittingham's coaching/recruiting).
As a Cougar grad, I've got to admit both Utah teams were better than the 1984 Cougars. The Cougs need to land All-Americans Kyle Van Noy and Manti Teo as outside linebackers to get back in the hunt for an improving MW football conference.

bergstro (Part II) | 9:43 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Both of these systems (in 1984 and 2008) are arbitrary because while they purport to provide the most accurate means of determining a national champion, they both fail to implement the most obvious and effectively means of doing so: a playoff. Until then, all we have to judge is popular opinion and strength of schedule/quality of wins to judge between two undefeated teams. In both of these categories, Utah of 2008 is clearly superior to BYU of 1984. Every pundit agrees, and the strength of schedule isn't even debatable.

Re Little Brother. | 9:42 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

A Utah Man am I. I don't Don't claim this joker as my brother. His facts are made up in his own stupid head.....

to:Amnesia | 9:44 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Hey listen loser!...if utah was the SEC or PAC 10, they would "not only finish above .500" they would win confrence title...reason being, is very simple...as soon as you become a sec or pac 10 school...you'll (Utah) be recruiting the same players then....thus leveling the playin field...so you can't say Utah couldn't win if they were in another conference!

MadMat | 9:53 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

I have been a BYU fan ever since I transferred there in 1984.

Congratulations to the Utes on a great season and an impressive sugar bowl victory. That was definately one of the best played games I have ever seen.

The Utes were classier, better coached and clearly outplayed 'Bama on both sides of the ball. I will always cheer on a great team like that. (Especially since Barry Switzer never coached there...)

jhug | 9:56 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

PLEASE hang a 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS banner in Rice-Eccles stadium!
If the BcS won't recognize the efforts of this team...we should!!!

UTAH MAN | 10:14 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

I said it all last week! I knew the Utes were the better team going in to the game. All my Cougar friends thought I was crazy for saying that Bama was going down. HOW DO YOU LIKE US NOW?!?!

the HERD on ESPN... | 10:16 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Just heard a lame Yner fan call in and said the Utes should not be considered for a national champion...what a hater and a loser!...you under achievers!!

The Mighty Utes of Utah!

Tarheel Ute | 10:23 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

As a teenager and college student I saw two BYU teams that I would be hard pressed to say were inferior to this year Utes; the 1980 team that beat SMU in the Holiday bowl and the 1984 undefeated team. Alex Smith (2004) and Robbie Boscoe (1984) were on teams that rolled through their seasons, and generally dominated. The scores may have not demonstrated this, but for those that saw those teams play, generally they were the best on the field on any given day and won accordingly.

But for my money I would bet on desire, perseverance and toughness, and Jim Mahon (1980) and now Brian Johnson (2008), at the college level, came as close as Iï¿½ve seen to willing their respective teams to victory. No doubt they were surrounded by teams that were talented and well coached, but week to week found a way to win when the talent or the couching should have resulted in a loss.

Which is best? I believe the BYUï¿½s 1980 and Utahï¿½s 2008 team are the best each school has produced, and would only pick Utahï¿½s 2008 team to beat Mahonï¿½s because Iï¿½m a Ute.

Re: Charles Stewart | 10:24 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Ummmmmmm Charles, we really don't care much about your basketball team that couldn't win a first round NCAA tourney game if it was spotted 50 points.

FYI, I was cheering for your kewgs to defeat Wake Forest. I was also cheering for your kewgs to defeat Arizona but your team choked in both games. I always cheer for MWC teams to win outside the conference.... don't you?

MWC had a couple of shining moments this past week though with the Utes taking care of business with a basketball win over Gonzaga and the biggest football win the state of Utah has ever had in the Sugar Bowl!

Let's hope the AP voters get this one right and vote the Utes National Champions.

GO MWC!! GO UTES!!!!!!

Anne | 10:29 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

This victory couldn't be sweeter. My gut told me the Utes would win out- there is just something about this team!!! It was funny, the only poll that picked the Utes to win this game was the computer poll, the one that simply looked at statistics. Funny, how most of the country ignored that.

I believe this is the beginning of the end for the BCS system. Even if the Utes don't get what they have earned this year, I believe the tide will turn after their win on Friday. Change is in the air. Thank you, Utah for an incredible season!! You are not only the best team in the state of Utah but you are the best in the country!!

To: Re if I was a Y fan 8:28 | 10:29 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

The changes from 2004 to 05 are a bit different than 08 to 09. In 05 we had a new head coach and new coordinators, plus that team had far more senior stars than this one.

This time, we are losing our two coordinators, but the head coach is staying, and the new D coord is stepping up from within. Yes, we lose Johnson and Sakoda, plus Mack, Brown, Godfrey and Casteel. But there are experienced players at each of those positions: Louks, Vroman, Reed, Wesson, Key, as well as 4 of 5 on the O-line.

However, the thing that made this Utah team stand out was its defense, and we return 9 of 11 starters on that side of the ball. I don't think we'll get anywhere near 7-5 next year, even with TCU and BYU on the road.

If I were a Y fan, I'd be scared to death for next year, not because of anything happening at the U, and not because you don't have any offensive stars coming back, which you do, but because most of your horrible defense is back as well!

Great Teams | 10:34 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

This Ute team would have had a very difficult time with BYU's 1996 team.

If they played in Provo, BYU would win. They were dominant except for the hiccup at Washington. The Cotton Bowl victory over a top-ten ranked Kansas State team that featured great speed and terrific defense was the best bowl win in our history until Utah beat 'Bama (which is absolutely terrific!!!!).

I smile as I say it's a good thing so many BYU guys coach at Utah, that they have devotionals, and that they wear apostles' initials on the back of their helmets.

Re: Anne | 10:35 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

"As long as BYU continues to have the same goals and mentality next year as they had this year, they will not win the conference."

How were BYU's goals and mentality this year any different than the previous two years, when they went undefeated in MWC play and won the conference championship?

At least Bronco Mendenhall's teams lose to teams that are good; Whittingham's Utes have averaged at least one head-scratching loss a season prior to this year, and were it not for a few key plays they almost had one against New Mexico last November.

Pride, fall, Utes. Some assembly required.

Kathleen from Boise | 10:41 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Come on everybody....can we just give credit where credit is due???? Congratulations Utah. What a great game you played and way to go representing Utah. I dont think the big schools (and BSC) give the little schools (Boise State FEISTA Bowl, Utah, SUGAR bowl) any respect. I bet Oklaholma and Alabama are not as puffed up as they used to be!
Give us a chance...we can play with the big boys.

Boise State Fan

BYU till I die | 10:40 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

I can't speak for all BYU fans, but as for myself I just wanted to say how great the Utes played and represented the MWC and the state of Utah. This season has now made me jealous of Utah football and makes me realize the mistakes in the BYU system. So congrats Utah! You are now the premier football program in the State.....but that doesn't mean I don't hate ya'll! GO COUGS!

Re: Its still 1984 | 10:44 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

What a rediculous comment. 1984? They beat a mediocre Michigan team and went undefeated. They were made national champions because somebody said so not because they outright earned it. They didn't play in any NC game. Im glad you feel special about their place in history. You are just a jealous BYU fan who can't stand the great success of Utah.

Utes #1! | 10:45 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

I know the utes barely got by 5 of their opponents this year. I know Bama was without All American Andre Smith. I know everyone thinks Bama "didnt want to be there." But does any of this matter? NO! The Utes prevaled.
Let's examine a few plays that could have changed college football:
-If it isn't for a 58 yard FG Brent Guy possibly still has his job.
-If it isn't for a penalty and blocked PAT, BYU gives Washington its only win on the season.
-If it isn't for 3 fumbles, Florida is undefeated and there is no argument for who is #1.
-If it isn't for a last second touchdown, Texas is playing Florida as an undefeated team for the Championship.
-If it isn't for a last second FG, Penn St. is arguing for a shot at playing in the big game.
-If it isn't for a late interception against LSU, Bama isn't even playing in the Sugar Bowl.
There are so many things that could have been... BUT THEY'RE NOT! Let's stop the nonsense and just look at who won and who lost. Easiest way to pick the National Champion!

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