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Utes finish No. 2 in AP poll

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My take on the AP poll | 8:07 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Number of SEC teams in top 10: 2
Number of Big 12 teams in top 10: 2
Number of Pac-10 teams in top 10: 2
Number of Big 10 teams in top 10: 2
NUMBER OF MWC TEAMS IN TOP 10: 2
Number of ACC teams in top 10: 0
Number of Big East teams in top 10: 0

Average ranking of two SEC teams in top 10: 3.5
AVERAGE RANKING OF TWO MWC TEAMS IN TOP 1O: 4.5
Average ranking of two Big 12 teams in top 10: 4.5
Average ranking of two Pac-10 teams in top 10: 6.5
Average ranking of two Big 10 teams in top 10: 8.5
Average ranking of top two ACC teams: 18
Average ranking of top two Big East teams: 20

Conclusion: At least this year, MWC deserved an automatic BCS bid much more than did the ACC or Big East. System needs to be fixed.
Chucky D | 8:12 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
It's what happend to BYU in 83-84. That is what is so infuriating when Ute Fans talk about an astrisk by 84, this whole conversation went back 2 years back then, tons of frustration, but it takes 2 great seasons for teams like Utah and BYU to get a NC.

Maybe next time some smarmy Ute Fan says something about 1984, you can remember this and understand how much work it takes teams like ours to make NC.

If you have the same season next year, Utah will get the respect.

This is what we mean when we say BYU has a tradition in football. Utah is building theirs, and it is only better for the conference, and the state.

Congrats again on a great season.
Now you have the target on your back too. You wil see what it is like. You will understand what you consider "whining" from cougar fans, is what the Utah AD, coaches, SLC's Mayor etc. is now what the Ute Fans would consider whining, when it's only looking for fairness.

Being #2 is the best thing in the world for the conference, and good luck next year.
utefan | 8:22 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Upper...you are obviously Justin's dumber twin brother, equally oblivious to what the Utes accomplished. You provide no rationale for your thoughts...perhaps because you have none. Keep believing as you do, don't let reality smack you in the butt...you might not get your dream job as the future SEC or Big 12 commissioner.
Comments continue below
UpperUS | 8:21 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
A few years ago Tulane was undefeated and won a bowl game. Did they deserve to be #1?? Not a chance. They played the Little Sisters of the Poor and a team from China.

Face it Utes had a great season. Live with the good and quit all the whinning.
Unkown | 8:22 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
RE:Utefan
I'm a cougar fan and I have a lot of respect for the Utes and what they accomplished this year. Don't give your hopes up about Collie. It's not offical that he's going pro next season. My dear ute friend don't count your chickens quite yet
by errrr Who?? | 8:22 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I love hearing zoobies say how texas, usc, florida, and oklahoma would pound our utes. Arent these the same jokers who said we would get pounded by Alabama as well? Keep your gums flappin zoobies and I cant wait to hear the theme Bronco will give us next year.
Utah better than USC | 8:27 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Why is everyone so high on USC? They were beaten by Oregon State. Their season schedule consisted of patsies like UCLA (lost 59-0 to BYU), Washington (finished 0-12), Washington State (2-10), etc.

USC's big claim to fame is beating #8 Penn State by 14 in the Rose Bowl (a home game). Utah beat #4 Alabama by the same margin in an AWAY game.

Utah beat Oregon State. USC could not.
BYU Fans for 13-0 Utah Utes | 8:28 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I've created a Facebook group of the same name. Check it out.
BCS System Worked | 8:33 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Utah is not #1 nor will be, because they play in a weak conference. Yes they beat Alabama one time, play Al, Fl, LSU, TX, OU, TX tect, Penn State, MI State every week, like the other conference do. Better yet fix the MWC to make it stronger, dump the bottom feeders and get some better team in the MWC. Quit whining about the BCS, coaches and AD's came up with the BCS system so that #1 & #2 will play for the NC, it worked #1 OU played #2 FL not # 6 Utah jumps eaither them for the NC. That is not how it works, The MWC is not in the BCS, who's fault is that, do what it takes to get in (improve the MWC). But no one want's to do that they want to be a BCS Buster, then complain when they get passed over yelling that "its not fair".
To :Not even close | 8:32 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
You're obviously biased. Utah couldn't beat the elite teams? What was Alabama? BTW, Florida's margin of victory was less than Utah's over Bama.

Texas has no claim at all. They won on a generous spot and a fluke play by 3 over the #10 team. And they had one loss.

USC has no claim. They had one loss to Oregon State, a very easy schedule, and beat Penn State (ranked 8th) on their home field by 14 - same margin that Utah beat Alabama in hostile territory. And Utah did what USC could not do. Beat Oregon St.

Oklahoma has no claim. They had 2 losses. End of story.

Actually, Florida's claim is pretty weak. They had a loss to Miss (not a powerhouse), and their margin over Bama was closer than Utah's.

Utah beat #6 Bama, #7 TCU, Oregon State, BYU, Michigan - actually Utah beat EVERYONE they played this year. Were you even watching? I was.
re:Not even close... (to sane) | 8:34 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
And 2 weeks ago you would have put Alabama in that top 5 right as an elite team? I love it. You are so concerned about Utah not "deserving" to be in the top five mainly because of the name that you are willing to make yourself look foolish. You honestly think with the beating that Utah put on Alabama that Utah would have been pounded by Florida, Oklahoma, Texas or even USC? Dreaming fits you well, I would consider keeping your delusions to yourself though.
re: Haters | 8:37 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
(this, from a BYU fan)

Seriously, Notevenclose? Utah has a great chance against any of those teams you put ahead of them. Utah's secondary is awesome--much better than Oklahoma's, so they would definitely have a chance against UF. They're definitely playing good enough to compete with Ok and Tx. SC would be tough right now, but I still think Utah could hang with them.

And seriously, Should Be No. 3? USC's bowl win was more impressive than Utah's? Well, I personally think Utah's game against Oregon St. was more impressive than USC's, but I guess that's arguable(?). USC is a solid team, but they lost! (with a weak schedule, at that)

It's been fun to waive the '84 NC in front of Utah fans, but the U deserves it this year. They peaked at the right time, and their fans have been pretty classy (probably more so than BYU, unfortunately). Congrats, Utah, national champion.
To Not Even Close | 8:39 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
You said "Honestly, you couldn't have beaten any of the elite teams this year." Really?! We just beat Alabama that was #1 for over a month by 2 touchdowns, and the only reason it was that close was they were able to score their only offensive touchdown on a short field after the Utes' only turnover!

When they had to drive the length of the field, they couldn't do it! And lest you say "ya, but they didn't have Andre Smith," let me remind you that a) he's only 1 person on an 11-man team, and b) he doesn't play defense!
Millie | 8:45 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Being undefeated does not make automatically make you No. 1. Most sports, if not all, have champions who have lost games. No where does it state that you are #1 because you are undefeated.

Besides, playing teams like San Diego State, doesn't help the cause. The Utes may have won all their games, but they didn't dominate. They got lucky with TCU and Oregon State.....

If Utah played Florida, Ute would get CRUSHED!
True Blue Coug | 8:49 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Congratulations to the Utes - Best Team In Red Ever, I think. I'm a lifelong Bleed Blue BYU fan, but I recognize greatness when I see it. And frankly, I think the Utes COULD have hung with Florida OR Oklahoma, and would've at least been competitive and maybe even squeaked out a win against either one. And without a legitimate playoff this year, the Utes will always be able to credibly claim they were #1.

Now . . . I hope this satisfies all those Ute fans who for twenty years have taken more joy in seeing BYU lose than in seeing the Utes win. But get ready for another Harline Answered Prayer . . . if this BYU fan's prayers are answered, lol.

In the end, let's all remember it's just a game. A very BIG game, but just a game nevertheless.
sob | 8:50 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
to all sec fans

yak yak yak and more yak
call yourselves what you want
but then count the losses
BCS Influence | 8:53 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I can't wait until the NFL starts to follow the BCS pattern for awarding the Superbowl to the deserving team (Last years New England Pats), also on seeding the teams in the playoffs according to strength of schedule & conference ... I'm joking, relax!
Not so Rich | 8:59 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
If this Ute team is so great, how many NFL first round draft choices do you think you will have? I project none. Even a disappointing team like Ohio State is projected to have four. The pros don't give diddly squat about conference reputation, only talent.
Lame arguments | 8:57 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I love the many lame arguments on these and other posting boards. Usually they go something like this: "Utah would not beat USC...or Florida" or "Utah would not go undefeated in the SEC".

Lame arguments. Because they are completely un-testable. Like Pete Carroll saying "nobody could beat the Trojans". Did you mean nobody outside of Oregon State??

Going into last night's game, OU's best win was TCU and Florida's best win was Alabama. Utah beat both those teams. I graduated from Florida and would put Utah #1 in my poll based on what they did on the field, who they beat, and the major fact that they have ZERO losses to explain.
ONLY UTAH CHAMP | 8:59 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
BYU remains the only football national champion from Utah.
jyazzieWindowRockAZ | 9:04 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Last night, the gators played like being in the swamps. it wasn't even worth being in the national championship game showcase as the media displayed all week long. BCS is embarrassing, the whole country knows it except for SEC people, there minds are so clot up like gators in the mud. They can't accept their one lost.. BCS saved them. The UTES are NO. 1 in the land.
usc | 9:07 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
USC should be number one. Utes number two. Florida number three. Texas # 4. Okla. #5.

But we will never find out will we.

Thanks BCS.
Dale | 9:09 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Burden of proof.
Who has that burden?
The 1 loss teams have the burden of proof that they are better than Utah.
Utah has proven that they can beat ever team they have played, they have proven.
Now it is up to the others to prove, the burden is on them. Alabama did not.
TCU did not.
The other top ten teams did not get a chance.
Is Utah the #1 team? They are just as deserving as Alabama was 6 weeks ago.
Would they beat Florida head to head? We will never know.

For what it is worth, I am from Indiana and I am not a Utah fan but I think it is an injustice to deny the Utes a chance.

Bender Rodriguez | 9:13 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
#2 in the AP isn't that like its an honor to be nominated for the Oscar?

Seriously, thank you BYU for 1984 otherwise we would not have the system we do now. The BCS is flawed but its better that what it was.
To: Not So Rich | 9:22 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Your theory and thinking is as stupid as the BCS! Scouts don't always get it right. Not all the best players in any league are first rounders. I could name hundreds of examples.

Besides, the Utes epitomize team. That's why they are so good. They are extremely talented at a lot of positions. For example: Mack and Asiata share the running back duties. Both could and should be starters but they sacrifice for the team to be the best. Congrats Utes!

You were the best team. And brought us fans so much excitement this season with every game. GO UTES!
Anonymous | 9:32 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
To all the Bitter BYU Fans:
Stop raining on our parade. Utah did something that BYU hasn't been able to do- beat TCU and go to a BCS bowl twice. All your comments show how juvenile and jealous you are of Utah and their season. Utah proved that we can play with some of the best and we deserved a shot at the National Championship. BYU couldn't even hold their own against Arizona. I was embarrassed by their performance. However, there is no use in crying over spilled milk. Utes are #2 in the nation and next year, we are gonna take it all.
Re: Not so Rich | 9:35 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
A great team does not necessarily mean having the greatest players. Regarding individual talent, Utah isn't better than Alabama, Florida or USC. As a team, however, they were outstanding. Who cares about who gets drafted? This is college football. Utah has learned to play as a team and deserves the accolades they have received.

Although I am a BYU fan, I think it would have been great for them to be number #1. They deserved it. It would only have helped the state and the conference. Hopefully, BYU will improve so they can beat Oklahoma and be ready to play Utah next year.
BYU Fan#8 | 9:38 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
As a life-long BYU fan, I just want to sat that MOST of us are very proud of the Utes. You deserve to be number 1 and we all know that you are. Great season, and hopefully we can put up a little better competition for you guys next year. Great job!!!
Second FIddle | 9:39 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
#2 in basketball title game.
#2 in football (even after running the table).
#2 University in the State of Utah.

Face it, the U has become second fiddle in everything. Oh ya, girls gymnastics have put you on the National scene, my bad.

GOOOOOOOOO Cooooooooooougars!
AggieCoug | 9:43 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
As a long-time BYU fan, I say hats off to the Utes for a great season. You did as well as you possibly could, considering the way the deck is stacked against teams from non-BCS conferences.
Mike M. | 9:43 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
To Finally:

How can you say that Utah is the champion of the losers when they are the only team who hasn't lost? How can you say Florida is so much better than Utah, when Utah beat just as many top 25 teams as Florida (if not more) I am not saying that the Utes would beat the Gators, but the sad thing is, we will never know the true champion, because the only way you got into that bowl game was based on votes. Yeah you were voted the national champion, but that doesn't make you the true national champion. Until their is a playoff instated, there will never be a true national champion! NOT EVEN IF UTAH WAS VOTED NATIONAL CHAMPION- because there was no playoff! So, be greatful that you are in a "power confrence" and that you can buy your way to your national championship, because with out it, you might be the champion of the losers!
1st round draft picks | 9:43 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
If Utah doesn't have any first round draft picks, doesn't that just speak volumes for the coaching staff and how they were able to utilize the players they have?

I think that makes it an even better season, knowing that utah can get it done without the 1st round draft picks...

You just proved a point that the Utah team was in fact the best "team," and the coaching staff was the best coaching staff. They may not have the fastest, strongest, and most talented players, but they were on a mission this year to prove that they are for real.

One offensive tackle for Alabama may have helped prevent a couple of sacks, but you can't explain that defense that gave up 21 points on the first three possessions...

Florida is a great team, but their defense is suspect...They got extremely lucky like 4 times in the game yesterday to not let Oklahoma score. They bent but certainly didn't break. However, they also only scored 24 points on a terrible Oklahoma defense. I would love to see them face Utah's defense. Florida would definitely be the favorite, but so was Alabama...
BCS = poop | 9:59 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Congrats to the Utes for having a perfect season. Its too bad there aren't enough people with any guts voting on these polls. Its hard to argue with perfection but its harder to argue with a nice fat paycheck. We will never know if Utah could have been National Champs because the current system will not allow teams to prove themselves on the field. What more could they have done? I couldnt be happier with the way the Utes played this year, I guess thats what really matters.
re: Whining | 10:04 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
HUH???! Utah has four wins in the top 25 with no losses. Compare that to USC! USC has three ranked wins in one poll, and four in another. They have a win over Penn State, Ohio State, Oregon, and California (one poll). Very good, but slightly less than Utah's accomplishment of four wins in both polls. Then there's that little problem about USC having lost to Oregon State! A team who beat USC badly! A team who would've won the PAC 10 if their running back hadn't been injured for the Oregon game!
Bitter why fans...... | 10:09 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I love hearing from all these bitter why fans....

All of your talk is so weak...crabs in a bucket. I know it's hard to accept that we have been to two BCS games in four years and won both of them. We have been more "fully invested" and have had two complete "qwests for perfections." You all have such short little warped memories. Enjoy your qwest for 3rd - because with all of your fireside players, that is as good as it's going to get for you. The days of LaVell are long gone.

What the Utes did this year tops anything the coogs have ever done - period. Your '84 championship is one of the main reasons the BCS was created. The football powerhouses wanted to make sure that would never happen again.

Please get over yourselves and give Utah the credit they deserve - you're really just embarrassing yourself.
Congrats Utes! | 10:09 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I am a BYU alum and a true-blue fan...but can we leave BYU out of this discussion?

Congratulations to Utah on a great season,a great team, and great coaching. I wish the Utes would have had the chance to play for the "championship". There's always next year. But enjoy the successful year, nonetheless.
haters | 10:08 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I wish all of you haters would get a chance to line your team up against this UTAH team (or already have and are in a dark room under the covers shivering at the thought of Utah's "D"). I really do... Then you could have your own off season of Saban shame...
re: re: Whining | 10:08 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I forgot to mention that Utah doesn't have any of those problems because they haven't lost a game! I get ticked as some the sportcasters that point to some of Utah's close games. Since when does winning a close game actually fall below losing?! Everybody else fell in the losing category! Utah never did! If Utah had lost a game, I wouldn't complain, but since they are the only undefeated team, and since they've won just as many ranked teams as Florida, I have a problem! Utah is the National Champion! Florida is the winner of the BCS, and won the AP beauty contest!
SO I thought... | 10:11 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
This article was about Utah. Why are there so many Utah fans taking shots at Utah, and why are Y fans even responding ? Pathetic on both sides. Utah had a great season, only undefeated team, but the writers and the BCS got it right, Florida is the best team and the National Champion. I think Utah is overrated with its No. 2, as I am sure that USC, Oklahoma, Texas, and probably Penn State and Ohio State would beat this team 99/100 times. So I think 5 or 6 would be more appropriate, but it does show that the MWC is getting more respect when TCU jumps to 7 and a three loss BYU is still in the top 25. Congrats to the MWC, congrats Gators.
Southern Inbred | 10:10 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Utah was lucky to be #2...they couldn't beat the likes of Alabama or TCU, and USC would roll them too! Utes can't beat teams from the powerful PAC-10 like Oregon State that BEAT USC!

I gots to get to go, I got to walk my son to school..he and I are in the same grade!

Go Gadors! You rok HERBAN Minor!
re: Justin | 10:15 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
That Michigan game wasn't that close. The score was close as a result of some turnovers. Utah came close to losing TCU, but missed kicks are just as bad as dropped passes! Utah could've won the game with a bigger margin if they hadn't dropped some easy passes! That said, since when does winning a close game actually fall below losing?! Everybody else fell in the losing category! Utah never did! If Utah had lost a game, I wouldn't complain, but since they are the only undefeated team, and since they've won just as many ranked teams as Florida, I have a problem! Florida won two top 10 teams, and two more top 25 teams (Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Florida State)! Utah did the same thing (Alabama, TCU, Oregon State, and BYU! Unlike Florida, Utah never lost! Florida lost at home to Mississippi! I think that schedule speaks volumes! Utah is the National Champion! Florida is the winner of the BCS, and won the AP beauty contest!
TED | 10:19 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Re: Embarrassed at BYU fans

Why? What did they say? Most of the comments made by BYU fans congratulated Utah on a great season; which I agree with. GREAT JOB UTAH! �Justin� made some disparaging remarks but he never said anything about being a BYU fan (he never said anything about BYU period). That label was placed on him by others. �Not even close� ranked Utah as 5th, I disagree, I feel Utah should have been 1st (they are the only undefeated team in the nation), but I wouldn�t call that an embarrassing comment. That puts them with some very elite programs.
Anonymous | 10:21 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
This season Florida should have a big ole * next to their national championship
Florida #1*
Utah #2

Still a great season tho. Congrats Utes
Go Utes
re: Finally.... | 10:33 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
You're wrong. You're going to hear more about it because Florida didn't win the National Championship! They won the BCS, and the AP beauty contest! Florida won two top 10 teams, and two more top 25 teams (Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Florida State)! Utah did the same thing (Alabama, TCU, Oregon State, and BYU! Utah dominated Alabama unlike Florida who had to win the game in the last half of the 4th quarter. Unlike Florida, Utah never lost! Florida lost at home to Mississippi! I think that schedule speaks volumes! Utah is the National Champion! Florida is the winner of the BCS, and won the AP beauty contest!
TED | 10:36 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Re:Anonymous and by errrr Who??

Why are you giving BYU fans the credit for the negative comments? Go back and read the posts.
Who did Utah Lose to? | 10:40 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
I'm intrigued by all these "Who did Utah beat?" comments. Let me pose a different question:
Who did Utah lose to?
That's right, nobody. Not Oregon State, not 'Ole Miss (snicker), nobody. Everyone says that Utah's conference/schedule is weak. These are mostly "Bix Six" fans whose teams are too scared to play a team like Utah. Heaven forbid they have a non-conference loss, probably at home, to tarnish their ranking.
From BYU Fan | 10:40 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Yea Utah! Way to go. Very good and very deserving. Awesome! Here is hoping you do as well next year too. Now if BYU could just get a Defense. lol. Really though, You guys did great. Man that bowl game was awesome to watch. You made a believer out of me.
Avid BYU Fan | 10:41 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Congrats Utes! You won 16/65ths of the national title. (first place votes) Very impressive season. I didn't believe you were that good at first, but you proved me wrong. Congratulations on an amazing season.
Re:interesting | 5:45 a.m. Jan. | 10:48 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Pete Carroll gave up his Coaches poll Vote as he fells the current BCS system is unfair and he is a big proponent of the playoff. That is why USC does not have a first place vote in the Coaches poll. Mack Brown just wimped out on voting Texas #1 as he said he would, Whit Voted Utah Number one in the Coaches poll.
a BYU fan | 10:58 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009
Props to Coach Whitt for following through on his promise to vote the Utes at #1.

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