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Doug Robinson: Champs? Gators claim BCS crown, but Utes earned it on field
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Booooo..... | 1:07 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Get over it: The Florida Gators are the BCS and AP National Champions, which
means that Utah earned no part of the title, none at all,so sorry quit talking
about it. As an SEC honk, I do have to admit that I love watching the lower
conferences, with help from the BCS haters around the country, work themselves
into a frenzy over the BCS every time one of their teams manages to beat out
SDSU, Utah State, UNLV, Nevada, Hawaii, and all of the other powerhouses in the
MWC or WAC to go undefeated. It really makes me laugh beyond all control. And I
don't know what this writer is thinking, but 48 first place votes to 16
doesn't seem like a controversy. I think those votes are pretty clear...
Florida Gators, BCS and AP Champs. So please quit whining about the BCS and
thank the big conferences for sharing their money with you.
JR | 1:37 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Great job Doug...as always! I was waiting up to see what the AP would do and
you said it best! Maybe Obama will add this to his list of things to fix.
History has been made and the Sugar Bowl is a game that will never be forgotten.
The execution and precision in tonight's game was not even close to what
the Utes did last week. You're the best...I love the way you write!
Alaska Ute | 1:42 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I think I have gone through the whole grief cycle this week trying to understand
why we are not the national champs...glad the AP poll is out and it is over,
albeit dissappointed at the spineless AP voters.
I hope we don't forget that it was Coach Mcbride that rose this program from the ashes. He picked a great D. Coordinator in Coach Whittingham and that's where this story began.
I am so proud to be a Utah Man.
GO UTES!!!
I hope we don't forget that it was Coach Mcbride that rose this program from the ashes. He picked a great D. Coordinator in Coach Whittingham and that's where this story began.
I am so proud to be a Utah Man.
GO UTES!!!
Comments continue below
smutz | 3:09 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Pete Carroll after watching the championship farce, said that we cannot know who
is best unless we have a playoff. He also noted that from his perspective, USC
would have greatly enjoyed preparing to face the winner. Hey, why not USC vs.
Utah for the trophy. We'll flip a coin to see which city the game is
played in. We will accept the news media--if they wish to come. We will
televise the game with NO announcers. Put the ball in play, and let Utah and SC
get after eachother.
After that, eliminate the BCS--it is unworthy.
After that, eliminate the BCS--it is unworthy.
rvalens2 | 3:30 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Doug,
I can only hope that the Utes do the impossible and yet again go undefeated next year.
What's going to be the BCS excuse then for keeping the Utah on the outside looking in?
"Well two other teams from REAL BCS conferences also went undefeated. So we can't allow you guys in the Championship game. After all ... you do play in a lesser league."
I hope the Federal government gets involved and orders the BCS and the NCAA to come up with a playoff system that allows all 11 conferences to compete for a REAL National Championship!
Not this FAKE, imaginary championship that is held every year.
Let's end this nonsense!
I can only hope that the Utes do the impossible and yet again go undefeated next year.
What's going to be the BCS excuse then for keeping the Utah on the outside looking in?
"Well two other teams from REAL BCS conferences also went undefeated. So we can't allow you guys in the Championship game. After all ... you do play in a lesser league."
I hope the Federal government gets involved and orders the BCS and the NCAA to come up with a playoff system that allows all 11 conferences to compete for a REAL National Championship!
Not this FAKE, imaginary championship that is held every year.
Let's end this nonsense!
Afghan UTE | 5:04 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Boooooo... Just because UofU seal-clubbed the 'tide in the Sugar bowl may
not make them the best in the nation, but we'll never know. Will we?
Florida may be ranked #1, but they never proved it on the field. There's
still an undefeated team waiting to play. Why isn't Urban clamoring to
settle this once and for all and prove his team is the best? I know why. The
lesser conference of the Mountain West went 6-2 vs the Pac 10, 2-0 vs the Big 10
and, oddly enough, 2-0 against the vaunted SEC this season.
Eye roller | 5:15 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
The lone unbeaten team? Boise State finished their season undefeated as well
and you don't see them getting any press. (I'm well aware they lost
the Poinsettia Bowl. Who's ever heard of the Poinsettia Bowl? I
hadn't until this year. Why did Utah get to play Alabama and not Boise
State? They both had flawless season records.)
Utah played one impressive game. During season play, they only competed against two ranked teams: TCU and BYU. They should've lost to TCU (and while we're at it, to New Mexico the previous week).
Florida killed ranked teams--LSU, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida State--in their season games. They, too, ousted Alabama on a neutral playing field for the SEC Championship. They deserved the title.
Utah played one impressive game. During season play, they only competed against two ranked teams: TCU and BYU. They should've lost to TCU (and while we're at it, to New Mexico the previous week).
Florida killed ranked teams--LSU, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida State--in their season games. They, too, ousted Alabama on a neutral playing field for the SEC Championship. They deserved the title.
Scotty | 5:33 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Florida defeated four Top Ten teams this season, compared to one for Utah. The
first time Utah has ever defeated a Top Ten team.
Kudos to the Utes for a great season.
Kudos to the Utes for a great season.
Investigation | 5:39 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Is Mark Shurleff going to launch an investigation into the AP voters?
Florida Gators - NATIONAL CHAMPS!
Florida Gators - NATIONAL CHAMPS!
Butchie in Florida | 5:41 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Yes, lets see another game, Utah and Florida Gators can settle this like
'real pros', on the turf.
A team can go 13 and 0 in a league that is made up of schools that are made up of 'struggling' start-up franchises and can 'appear' to be top notch. But we have to see em play in a bowl game to really appreciate the 'stength' of that top notch team.
Personally, I don't think Utah and handle Gators, period..!
BCS is no more than "Another rating system".
If there were 'play-offs' and structure, then we would not have all the 'ambiguity'.
A team can go 13 and 0 in a league that is made up of schools that are made up of 'struggling' start-up franchises and can 'appear' to be top notch. But we have to see em play in a bowl game to really appreciate the 'stength' of that top notch team.
Personally, I don't think Utah and handle Gators, period..!
BCS is no more than "Another rating system".
If there were 'play-offs' and structure, then we would not have all the 'ambiguity'.
UTE Fan In MS | 5:39 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Great article. As a Ute fan living in the middle of of SEC country, this season
has been special, regardless of what the Polls or the system says about Utah
football. Working with dozens of Bama fans everyday, and getting to give them
grief over their beloved team getting their butts kicked, has been great. The
Utah football team, knows how good they are and will always be proud of what
they have accomplished this season. I'm proud to be a Ute Fan, I know who
is the real national champion, the team the earned it on the field, not in the
popularity polls. Go UTES!!!
utefan | 5:53 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Boooo...you are obviously still drunk on Gator Aide...don't laugh too much
while you are drinking it cause you might inadvertly aid the nation's gene
pool...Florida won the BSC National Chapionship game...a game devised by a group
of selfish, already rich schools that don't wish to share the large pot of
TV money with anyone else...when Utah goes undefeated and soundly beats the
reputedly best defense in the SEC and the MWC has a overwhelming win margin over
the PAC and lowly Wyomiing goes into Tennessee and whips them...then your
rantings about BCS schools superiority is just so much fantasy! Get
real...Florida #1 and they lost at home to Ole Miss, a team lost three games!
They are national champs? IN NAME ONLY! UTAH...the ONLY UNDEFEATED 1A FOOTBALL
TEAM - TRUE NATIONAL CHAMPION!!! GO UTES!!
RE: Boooooo | 6:02 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
your an idiot, when the year starts %75 of all teams in college football do not
have a chance at the national championship. heck it might be higher than %75. I
guess that even some of the BCS conference teams would get shut out for some BS
reason, could you see Northwestern getting in a NC game or vanderbilt. It is not
just the non BCS teams. We are not saying we would win we just want a chance.
There is something wrong than that.
Too Bad | 6:21 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
The fact of the matter is you have to string a few good years together to even
be considered. The two or three years before this one have been less than
stellar. Be grateful for where you are after a magical season that left everyone
with a lot of memories.
The fact of the matter is nobody thought your record was that great until you beat Alabama. Not even most Utah fans thought the Utes were good enough to hang with the best until they pulled the upset of the decade.
With all that being said I was impressed with the Utes this year, and if nothing else they do deserve a chance to prove it on the field. But that isn't the system that is out there and the Utes knew that going into this season so you have nothing to cry about.
The fact of the matter is nobody thought your record was that great until you beat Alabama. Not even most Utah fans thought the Utes were good enough to hang with the best until they pulled the upset of the decade.
With all that being said I was impressed with the Utes this year, and if nothing else they do deserve a chance to prove it on the field. But that isn't the system that is out there and the Utes knew that going into this season so you have nothing to cry about.
Secret fan in SEC | 6:37 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Ok, I am a diehard UGA bulldog fan, raised and living in Athens. If they
aren't playing then I go for any SEC team (ok, maybe not LSU). But have to
agree, the Utes had a great season and it was fun watching them. I felt torn
watching them againest Alabama and found myself cheering for the Utes to the
horror of my family. Not only did the Utes win give them the respect they
deserved but hopefully the whole mountain west conference got a boost
up(I'm also a closet BYU fan since my daughter coaches there!)I agree with
this story, there has to be a change in the system and the BCS elite need to be
thrown out the window. Come on Mountain West those of us in the SEC welcome
ya'll!!!
re: Booooo | 6:52 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Alabama was #1 in the same polls until Florida beat them. If we stopped then,
Alabama would've been the National Champion. Do you think they
would've had it right? The subsequent games say no! Well guess what?!
There is a team that has a better record than Florida! Utah beat four top 25
teams, and lost none! Florida beat four top 25 teams, and lost one! I think a
Utah/Florida game would end up changing the polls just like the Florida/Alabama
game! You can think otherwise, but the fact that the pollsters have got it
wrong most of the season says volumes! How many picked Utah to beat Alabama?
Why even have a football season? USC was crowned #1 by the polls, they must be
right? Oh, and then they go and play and we see how wrong they were. A
Utah/Florida game would show the polls were wrong once again! Don't
believe it, that's your option, but in absence of a head to head game, I
would have to defer to the team with the better record than the team picked by a
bunch of pollsters that have been wrong week after week. That team is Utah!
AP Doesnt get to complain | 6:59 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Every AP voter that stood up to be counted with the BCS by not voting Utah
number one does not get to complain about the lack of a playoff in college
football.
It is a shame that they didn't make a statement when they had a chance. Not hold them responsible.
BTW- Florida wants no part of a game with Utah. Utah far and away dominated like no other team in the BCS. Assuming all BCS teams are equal then that says something. Put an asterisk by Florida's name because they are content with this train wreck and know that they did not prove it on the field.
It is a shame that they didn't make a statement when they had a chance. Not hold them responsible.
BTW- Florida wants no part of a game with Utah. Utah far and away dominated like no other team in the BCS. Assuming all BCS teams are equal then that says something. Put an asterisk by Florida's name because they are content with this train wreck and know that they did not prove it on the field.
re: Eye roller | 7:05 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
First you said it yourself, Utah played ranked teams. Boise State didn't.
I think Boise State is a great team, and should've been in a BCS game, but
Utah was ranked higher because they had the better schedule. That said,
let's look at your contention that they should've lost to TCU. TCU
missed two field goals, but Utah dropped a few passes in that game that
would've resulted in TDs. What's the difference between a bad kick or
a bad pass? I don't even know how you say they should've lost to New
Mexico other than it was a close game. I would accept a close game as a reason
for disqualification if there was somebody else that was undefeated, but the
fact is nobody else is undefeated! That means that other teams not only had
close games, but they lost them!!! How about Florida losing to Mississippi at
home!!!! How about USC losing to Oregon State, and badly?! How about Texas
losing to Texas Tech?! To use your argument about close games, I think we can
rule the 2004 team National Champs since they didn't have any close games
and the rest of the undefeated teams had some squeakers!
FryerTuck | 7:08 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
In the old, pre-BCS-mess system the SEC winner went to the Sugar Bowl, the
Big-12 to the Orange, etc., and 2, 3 or even 4 of those bowls had "national
championship implications" because after the bowls, the major polls picked
the national champ. In that old system, Utah may have been national champ,
maybe split with USC or Florida. But that wouldn't mean anything either.
There will never be a real national champion until there is a real playoff. So
every year, someone will complain that the system is unfair. That's only
because the system is unfair.
Re: Eye Roller | 7:07 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Utah "KILLED" Alabama down South. Florida barely eeked by Alabama in
the 4th quarter.......... You are irrational.
Ross | 7:10 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Stop whining. Urban Myer after the game said that Florida is the national champs
and he doesn't care about any one else making the claim that they are by
any stretch of the imagination.
re: Eye roller | 7:13 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I also have to dispute your comment about Florida's schedule: LSU is not a
ranked team, and neither is SC!! They were, but they are no longer. LSU almost
lost to TROY!!! They then turned around and lost to Arkansas! You have to
look at the teams rankings at the end of the season when you know how good they
were. That said, Florida beat Georgia, Alabama, Florida State, and Oklahoma!
They also lost to Mississippi at home!! Utah beat Alabama, TCU, Oregon State
and BYU, and lost none! I count that the same # of ranked wins! Both had two
wins in the top 10, and two other wins from the top 25. Utah beat Alabama the
whole game where Florida pulled out the win in the last half of the 4th quarter,
and you said it yourself, Florida beat Alabama on a neutral field. Utah beat
Alabama in the equivalent of their home since it was right next to Alabama
versus half a continent away for the Utah fans!
Enough said... | 7:14 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
"Why They Shouldn't Be No. 1: There's no question that playing in
the Mountain West helped Utah go undefeated for the second time in five years.
The MWC was rated the seventh best conference in college football, just ahead of
the Mid-American, by Jeff Sagarin, and according to Sagarin and CollegeBCS.com,
Utah played by far the easiest schedule of any of the national championship
contenders. It's hard to register on national radars when you're
beating up on UNLV, Utah State, Air Force, Weber State, Wyoming, Colorado State,
New Mexico and San Diego State."
re: Scotty | 7:18 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Florida beat two top ten teams, not four!! They beat Alabama and Oklahoma.
Others may have been in the top 10, but that doesn't make them any good.
It's where you end up that matters. My best example is LSU. They were in
the top 10, but they lost to Arkansas, and almost lost to TROY!!! Utah beat
two top 10 teams as well! Alabama and TCU! Florida beat four teams that were
in the top 25, but so did Utah. Florida lost to Mississippi, but Utah lost to
none!
Anonymous | 7:18 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
GO GATORS!!!!!!!!
re: Investigation | 7:33 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Georgia is the National Champs because they were picked in the preseason poll!
Oh, there was a game or two that decided that wasn't so accurate? Then we
must go with USC! They were picked next for four weeks! But wait, the polls
were wrong, they lost a game! It must be Oklahoma! They were on top for two
weeks, but wait, then they lost! Then it must be Texas! But wait, they lost
after three weeks! It must be Alabama. They were on top for five weeks! Oh
wait, they lost to Florida! Funny how those polls keep getting it wrong!
There's a team that joined Florida as being one of the two teams that beat
Alabama. You know, the team that was on top until Florida beat them in the 2nd
half of the 4th quarter. Oh, but they dominated Alabama the whole game. They
also have beaten as many ranked teams as Florida, even two in the top 10 just
like Florida. That team has no losses, but Florida has a loss to Mississippi at
home! Unfortunately, they haven't played Florida because of the BCS, but
I'm sure the polls got it right this time! Undisputed? Right?!
Black Knight | 7:34 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Hopefully, this absurd situation will contribute to the demise of the BCS system
sooner than later.
A big help would be for the MWC champion (whoever it is) for the next several seasons to do what the Utes did this season, and thereby force a national playoff. Unfortunately, the U will likely finish about #4 or 5 when the final rankings come out later today (behind Florida, USC, Texas, and possibly Oklahoma). Not fair.
By the way, no way would the 2004 Utah team have finished ahead of national champion USC, also undefeated that year with such stars as Matt Leinart (Heisman trophy winner) and Reggie Bush.
A big help would be for the MWC champion (whoever it is) for the next several seasons to do what the Utes did this season, and thereby force a national playoff. Unfortunately, the U will likely finish about #4 or 5 when the final rankings come out later today (behind Florida, USC, Texas, and possibly Oklahoma). Not fair.
By the way, no way would the 2004 Utah team have finished ahead of national champion USC, also undefeated that year with such stars as Matt Leinart (Heisman trophy winner) and Reggie Bush.
David | 7:38 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
As a gator fan I can imagine that if we were stuck with an undefeated season and
no number 1 ranking I would be complaining too. So have at it.
I think it is worth mentioning just how impossible it is to account for rating so freaking many college teams and selecting ONE as a champion. Even if we had a playoff there would be complaints.
Sadly the only option is for Utah to do it again and prove that they are not another Hawaii. If they have another great (or even good) season they will earn cred enough to be considered for the highest honors. As it is there is no way of knowing if they are yet another flash-in-the-pan program.
Congratulations on a great win and a hard-earned no. 2 spot. It will be a lot of fun to watch you guys next year.
Go Gators!
I think it is worth mentioning just how impossible it is to account for rating so freaking many college teams and selecting ONE as a champion. Even if we had a playoff there would be complaints.
Sadly the only option is for Utah to do it again and prove that they are not another Hawaii. If they have another great (or even good) season they will earn cred enough to be considered for the highest honors. As it is there is no way of knowing if they are yet another flash-in-the-pan program.
Congratulations on a great win and a hard-earned no. 2 spot. It will be a lot of fun to watch you guys next year.
Go Gators!
What's the Crying About | 7:40 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
All the coaches and AD's came up with this system so that 1 & 2 will
play for the NC. The BCS did what it was meant to do 1&2 played, case
closed. If there is a problem with the BCS system then the coaches and AD's
created it so they can fix it. Utah is going to join in with all the other teams
that got "left out" and now crying it's not fair when they need
to look no futher that their own coach and AD that help creat this system. Or,
the MWC can fix their conference get rid or the bottom feeder and get in the BCS
system just like the other conference did. Yes, beating Alabama was a big deal
but that was a one time deal, play Ga, Tx, Penn State, LSU, Fl, Al, etc each
week like the SEC, Big 12 and so on. Fl and OU won their championship games for
the right to play for the NC, Utah didn't.
Blame the NCAA | 7:37 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
IF the NCAA would do it's job, there wouldn't be an issue here and the
bowl system could probably survive. If they remove the "automatic
bid" for specific conferences, the voting would either become more biased
or more balanced.
I am sickened by the irony that the same organization that was so concerned about bigotry and image regarding team nicknames is the same one that turns a blind eye to competitive segregation.
Why do they allow a group with special interests control the outcome of a mythical national champion in football. If the NCAA would do their job and take it away form the BCS, things should get better. But then again, Myles Brand isn't nearly as smart as he thinks he is.
I am sickened by the irony that the same organization that was so concerned about bigotry and image regarding team nicknames is the same one that turns a blind eye to competitive segregation.
Why do they allow a group with special interests control the outcome of a mythical national champion in football. If the NCAA would do their job and take it away form the BCS, things should get better. But then again, Myles Brand isn't nearly as smart as he thinks he is.
re: UTE Fan In MS | 7:39 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Same goes for this Ute fan in SC! My friends rolled their eyes when I said that
Utah could beat Alabama. After the Sugar Bowl, I had many say that Utah
deserves the Championship because they are undefeated, and nobody else. The
rest said that they should be in the Championship game!
One more game! | 7:41 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I wish there could be one more game. Florida and Utah. Florida would win and
that would put an end to all this crying, but then Utah would be crying for
another reason, so I guess I'm wrong.
Go Gators!
Go Gators!
Clarification & Congrads | 7:49 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
The number occurrences of non-BCS schools playing in BCS bowls is actually
four:
Utah (2004, 2008)
BSU (2006)
Hawaii (2007).
Other non-BCS schools that have had excellent seasons (that would likely have been included in an equitable and fair playoff system) over the last 11 chimerical years of the BCS system include TCU, BYU, Fresno State, and perhaps Tulane and Marshall.
As a life-long BYU fan, I wish to offer my congratulations to Utah on an outstanding and likely National Championship season (runner-up is awesome too). Here's to the demise of the BCS cartel!
Utah (2004, 2008)
BSU (2006)
Hawaii (2007).
Other non-BCS schools that have had excellent seasons (that would likely have been included in an equitable and fair playoff system) over the last 11 chimerical years of the BCS system include TCU, BYU, Fresno State, and perhaps Tulane and Marshall.
As a life-long BYU fan, I wish to offer my congratulations to Utah on an outstanding and likely National Championship season (runner-up is awesome too). Here's to the demise of the BCS cartel!
wood1271 | 7:48 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
We need to call the Ute fans the Waaaamublance and the Care Ferry so they can
get their little hurt fellings fixed. Lets see, Florida plays teams like
Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas week in and week. Utah plays poowerhouses
like Utah State, Wyoming, SDSU, UNLV, need I say more? You no more deserve a
National Championship than BYU did in 84. Stop you crying and get over it.
Utes fan Logic | 7:48 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Number #2 okay! I"m a huge Utes fan, but I hate the dumb logic, utes fan
have here on this forum. Utes should be number one because we beat Alabama
better then Florida? Did you guys forget, we almost lost to TCU? which Okalahoma
destroy? then they got beat by the gators? So we played great against alabama,
but not TCU, which okalahoma destroy and was beaten by a great gator team, okay
#2 is where we belong. But after watching last nite game, utes would struggle
against that gator Defense!!
Anonymous | 7:59 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I guess the BCS mafia doesn't believe in civil rights. They just won't
quit fighting the civil war.
Statman on the Hill | 8:01 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Hey Eyeroller . . if you are going to post, get your stats correct . . or better
yet go back to one of your SEC academic institutions and learn how to do some
research so you get your facts right.In your post you reported Utah competed
against 2 ranked teams . . NOT CORRECT . . they also beat up Oregon State (who
incidentally beat USC and outgained them by 200+ yards). Further, in your
SEC-biased way of looking at the world you failed to mention that not only did
Florida get wasted at home in the SWAMP by Mississippi . . I believe Coach Meyer
said it best following that debacle(a former Utah-man no less) "not only
were we out gained statistically, we were out-played, out-classed, and
out-coached". End of story
Great Article!!! | 7:59 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
This is one of the better articles written on the subject. Along with
Feinstein's and Riley's, this lays out the case that Utah should be
national champs.
Listen, the proponents of the BCS dismiss a playoff because they say that the regular season is the playoff. If that's the case, then Mississippi knocked Florida out of contention if somebody else went undefeated. The UTES went undefeated.
I have a feeling that what the Utes did was far more important than finishing #2 and getting 16 first place votes. They caused enough controversy this year. Everybody from Rome to Dan Patrick spend a lot of quality time talking them up. What the Utes may have accomplished, though it may not happen for another year or two, was cause the BCS to officially wear out its welcome. We may soon see changes - whether that's making the MWC a BCS conference, whether that's making changes to automatic qualifiers, or whether it finally makes a playoff inevitable.
GO UTES!!!!!
Listen, the proponents of the BCS dismiss a playoff because they say that the regular season is the playoff. If that's the case, then Mississippi knocked Florida out of contention if somebody else went undefeated. The UTES went undefeated.
I have a feeling that what the Utes did was far more important than finishing #2 and getting 16 first place votes. They caused enough controversy this year. Everybody from Rome to Dan Patrick spend a lot of quality time talking them up. What the Utes may have accomplished, though it may not happen for another year or two, was cause the BCS to officially wear out its welcome. We may soon see changes - whether that's making the MWC a BCS conference, whether that's making changes to automatic qualifiers, or whether it finally makes a playoff inevitable.
GO UTES!!!!!
Congrats | 8:03 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Congratulations Utes on the highest finish you've ever had.
USU really jipped. | 8:07 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Utah State University will win the football thingy next year! They will Crush
the U and the Y, and the X.... You just watch they'll score more goals!
They'll get more of those points things too. Fear and tremble! Go Aggies!
Just some thoughts | 8:12 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Two problems with the BCS and College Football in General:
1- Florida/Utah cannot happen. Even if an additional game could be played, money says it's Florida/USC or Florida/Texas.
2- When and who was it decided "voting" the #1 team by press and coaches is right? How about we take that system to the NFL. If I was a journalist, I would vote for Detroit to play in the Super Bowl.
Voting should be for politics. Athletic Champions should be decided on a field of play.
My other fear is that NCAA Div-1 football is so wrapped up by money, the Mountain West would go away quietly if they were invited to be a BCS conference (I know it would never happen), instead of continue to push for the level playing field that every team deserves. Great article.
1- Florida/Utah cannot happen. Even if an additional game could be played, money says it's Florida/USC or Florida/Texas.
2- When and who was it decided "voting" the #1 team by press and coaches is right? How about we take that system to the NFL. If I was a journalist, I would vote for Detroit to play in the Super Bowl.
Voting should be for politics. Athletic Champions should be decided on a field of play.
My other fear is that NCAA Div-1 football is so wrapped up by money, the Mountain West would go away quietly if they were invited to be a BCS conference (I know it would never happen), instead of continue to push for the level playing field that every team deserves. Great article.
Anonymous | 8:13 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Let's see---"The Utes' case for a national championship is
simple: They won every game they played � and they were the
only team to do it."
If memory serves me correctly, this is the exact logic that Ute fans scoff at to discredit BYU's 1984 National Championship.
Guess the more things change the more they stay the same. Utah #2 both in the AP and in the state of Utah. You were better than us this year but you're still welcome to come see the state's only NC trophy any time you like.
If memory serves me correctly, this is the exact logic that Ute fans scoff at to discredit BYU's 1984 National Championship.
Guess the more things change the more they stay the same. Utah #2 both in the AP and in the state of Utah. You were better than us this year but you're still welcome to come see the state's only NC trophy any time you like.
boise ute fan | 8:18 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Great job Utah! Utah should be national champion. BYU got it in 1984 on far
lesser merit.
The only problem with Doug Robinson's article is he complaining about the Utes not being respected - to which I agree - but he is doing the same better- than-thou by overlooking Boise State's BCS victory and its contribution to the argument.
What all mid-major programs and their newspapers should be doing is promoting all, even their perceived lesser brethren. First, Dick Harmon naively disrespects Boise State's accomplishments and now Doug Robinson follows suit.
The record is clear. Out of the last four BCS games involving non-BCS schools, the BCS-busters are batting .750, three wins out of four. Utah now has two and Boise State the other. If that isn't kept in mind it diminishes Utah's argument of parity with the big conferences which the non-BCS schools have dominated.
Great success Utes - you should be #1.
The only problem with Doug Robinson's article is he complaining about the Utes not being respected - to which I agree - but he is doing the same better- than-thou by overlooking Boise State's BCS victory and its contribution to the argument.
What all mid-major programs and their newspapers should be doing is promoting all, even their perceived lesser brethren. First, Dick Harmon naively disrespects Boise State's accomplishments and now Doug Robinson follows suit.
The record is clear. Out of the last four BCS games involving non-BCS schools, the BCS-busters are batting .750, three wins out of four. Utah now has two and Boise State the other. If that isn't kept in mind it diminishes Utah's argument of parity with the big conferences which the non-BCS schools have dominated.
Great success Utes - you should be #1.
Wildcat Insider | 8:27 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
During the Sugar bowl I sat in amazement as Utah dismantled a very talented
Alabama team. If I was an AP voter, Utah would get my vote for #1.
Ohioan against BCS | 8:30 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I think the system is obviously broken and the automatic bid needs to be
eliminated. How does the Big Ten keep getting in Bowl games. If there
wasn't so much money, I think they would turn down the invites to save
themselves the embarrassment. I will never forget the hype when Ohio State beat
Michigan two years ago and a lot of people were saying the National Championship
game didn't even matter. That was until Florida sent Ohio State home with
their tails between their legs. As an Ohioan and fan of Ohio State, I usually
hope for a few losses from Ohio State, so they won't get a BCS invite and
embarrass us further. Utah deserved a shot this year and the BCS will never live
this one down.
Tim | 8:45 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I don't understand the argument for why the number six ranked team should
jump up to the top spot for beating the number four ranked team. I can't
believe they climbed to number two. The fact is they played a very uninspired
Alambama team, that frankly looked like they didn't want to be there. The
Utes would have lost to USC, Texas, Oklahoma, or Florida on a nuetral field. If
it weren't for some poor field goal kicking they would have lost to TCU and
were it not for some terrible coaching they would have lost to Oregon State as
well. They really only looked impressive in the Alabama game. Get over it
Utah. You finished where you belonged.
Here's the Difference | 8:46 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Compare and contrast college football to college basketball. One is an elitist
monopoly that has wrested possession of the national championship game from at
least half the college football players in the country. The other not only
allows no-name schools to compete but embraces them as yearly "Cinderella
stories."
Would there ever be a George Mason, Gonzaga, or Valpo in college football? Heck, no. Or at least not as long as the BCS can help it.
Talk about a stark contrast in fairness.
Would there ever be a George Mason, Gonzaga, or Valpo in college football? Heck, no. Or at least not as long as the BCS can help it.
Talk about a stark contrast in fairness.
Ken | 8:49 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
How ironic that the winning coach of this year's BCS champs is the only one
with real perspective on the comparative legitimacy of the Utah Utes'
claims for a national championship vis-a-vis the BCS teams....
AZ | 9:03 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I think BOOOOOOO is a BYU fan.....
John in Denver | 9:11 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
This article is dead on. Utes should be national champs (or at least now have
the chance to play for it.) The system is biased and unfair. It's all
about money. I hope we have teams like Utah every year that prove year in and
year out that the system is broken and needs an overhaul.
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