NevadaUTE | 10:37 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Hats off to the majority of Cougar fans giving the Utes their due. These Utes now have:
1)The longest winning streak in the country
2)The longest bowl winning streak in the country
3)Undefeated Season
4)Undefeated in BCS
Without question the 2004 and 2008 Utes are the best teams to ever come out of the State. GO UTES!!
So.... | 10:36 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Now the SEC knows how we do it in the Mountain West.

Way to go UTES!!!!!!!!!

Didn't Nick Saban win coach of the year honors?? Well, he was schooled by Whittingham and company!!!!
True Blue is Red Tonight | 10:39 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
From a Coug fan: We are all Utes tonight! You did us all proud.
Comments continue below
Cougar Pride | 10:36 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
I hate the Utes but must admit they had a great season and are deserving of their ranking.
Gretzky | 10:37 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
great win for MWC! good job. well done. can't wait to play you later this year at Lavell Edwards Stadium.
Ute in Washington | 10:38 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
The University of Utah has produced Nobel Prize winners, heads of multi-billion dollar companies, BCS busting football teams, and prophets. I am proud of my alma mater. I have gotten back my investment in tuition many times over since graduating in 2002. Thank-you University of Utah. Go Utes!
Y Fan - U Deserves Title Share | 10:40 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Way to go Utah. I'm true blue, but did not hesitate to root for you all night. Haters are miserable people - regardless of who they hate or root for.

Utes should be voted as co-nat'l champs - with whomever wins the Florida/OK game. They beat Bama worse than Urban's Gators, and they are undefeated. Now, we all need to sue the BCS for discrimination!

Congrats U - you played terrific, even if Saban didn't give you the credit you deserved after the game.
Coug Fan Says Utes #1 | 10:41 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Way to go Utah! It's maddening to think you won't be allowed an opportunity to be voted #1. It's ridiculous. I'm so glad you never took your foot off their throat and that you dominated them the entire game so no one could make excuses--although they attempted to at the end with their sad story about the missing Offensive lineman--as if every team doesn't experience some of that.

Will someone please smack Barry Switzer up side the head?

I agree with other posters asking for some of our fellow BYU "fans" to give it up already and admit that Utah deserves praise for what they accomplished. Don't be so myopic. If you're going to be upset, be upset that we wussed out and got our butts kicked by Utah and that we need to put up or shut up.

Again, Congrats Utes.
To My Observation at 10:24 | 10:40 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
I don't agree with you. I am an avid BYU fan yet I have many avid UTE friends. I think they would be just as gracious. Just because there are some "dweebs" who can only hate does not make all of them that way. Utes deserve all the attention and I am in agreement, 1984 is 1984. Today is today and that is all that matters. Too bad that the NC has to come down to Florida/Oklahoma otherwise, Utah did just win the national championship no matter what the voters have to say. BCS, what a crock and Utah just busted it big time.
Anonymous | 10:44 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
This win can only do wonders for recruiting. The Utes are no longer Urban's team and a one-year wonder. Utah is the place to be, and I'm sure recruits will take notice. The only thing that might hold them back is the stupid mtn.
metamoracoug | 10:42 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
A 100% cougar fan extending a 100% congratulations to the Utes for a HUGE win and total domination over an SEC team that was supposed to cream them.

Your win takes away a little of the sting of your win over BYU. Coach Whittingham is voting for the Utes for #1 and there should be more regardless of what happens between Florida and OK.

Keep up the great work and keep raising the bar for the MWC.

Now, do me a favor and cheer my cougs to a win over #6 Wake Forest.
Gretzky | 10:43 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Whit was trying to sell his team as #1. not going to happen unfortunately. the only way they get a shot is if Florida beats OK and you look at the scores against bama. utah is undefeated and held bama to 3 fewer points. tie goes to Utah in that case. TCU got robbed remember at ricebowleccles stadium by the hometown homering refs. byu was homered the first half of their game until hall took the paycheck and threw the game. couldn't help but laugh at Switzer and the boys still trying to play down the BYU championship title 24 or so years ago. interesting that it would even matter after today's game. bizarre that ute fans or switzer and the boys would still be interested in a quarter century ago. nobody even remembers the year before or after 1984 winners.
B. MacDonald | 10:43 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
I'm from Salida Colorado and can't imagine Utah not being the #1 college football team in the nation. With their win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, Utah proved they can defeat any team in todays college football ranks. In my opinion the season is over and Utah is unquestionably the best team in the nation. I'm not even going to waste my time watching the other bowl. Neither team in that bowl has an undefeated record. Maybe we should all boycott that "other bowl" and let the API know who the people think is the actual number one college football team in the nation.
Great job Utes...
Texan Cougar | 10:45 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Props to the Utes!!!! Great game and outstanding team!!! Thanks Utes for reaffirming that the BCS system is broken and and that Barry Switzer is a CLOWN!!!!

Go Cougars in '09...but Utes, the moment is yours. It's a shame the Utes aren't playing for the championship...looks like the BCS worked, no repeat of '84. However, Utes, you will start next year ranked high enough that if you have another undefeated season, you probably will be playing in the championship game.

The way the Utes played tonight, they would have beaten USC, Penn St., Va Tech & Cinci. Ohio State doesn't belong in the Fiesta Bowl or a BCS game. For that matter, TCU & BSU (notice I didn't include BYU) would probably have beaten all of the above mentioned teams. Texas, Florida and Oklahoma are all pretty tough, too bad there is no playoff system to determine the true college champion.
Anonymous | 10:44 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Congrats Utes on a perfect season and convincing wins over 4 ranked teams!!!
M Dog | 10:48 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Who am I, sir, a Utah man am I:
A Utah man, sir, and will be till I die: Ki! Ki!
We're up to snuff: we never bluff.
We're game for any fuss.
No other gang of college men dare meet us in the muss.
So fill your lungs and sing it out shout it to the sky.
We'll fight for dear old crimson for a Utah man am I!

- I remember on the announcment for the Sugar Bowl and the announcers didn't even say one word about the Runnin' Utes! They just said that the Utes better watch out! Well, boy were they wrong. I bet some one $12, when this someone wanted to bet $20- I backed down. So I only bet $12, but that's still some cash for my stash! :) Brian Johnson played so well. Alabama is overated! The Utes still remain undefeated- so GO UTES! And for all of you BYU fans: The quest for perfection has moved North!

GO RUNNIN" UTES!
Kevin | 10:46 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
What a night. I think Idaho State would have beat 'bama the way they played. Nice Utes but you still play second fiddle here. See you next year and yes we have you at home!!!!
sob | 10:46 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
purrrrrefect

nuf said
Lehi Ute fan | 10:48 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
I am ecstatic. How I love my Utes. Thank you, thank you, thank you. B. Johnson and Whit and the entire defense were awesome. The O-line, the receiving corps, King Louie. Everyone, it was a total team effort. They played an SEC team straight up and dominated. Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is the biggest win in state history and helps everyone in the league. Utah is clearly a national power now. How many teams have 2 BCS wins. We will miss all the seniors and NFLers but what a legacy. Enjoy all the celebration, I think I'm hyperventilating.

Go UTES!
Ute Class of 2001 | 10:47 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Utah is the best non-BCS program. BYU fans take your 84 team and go live in the past.

Ute D DOMINATED bama tonight. Question for all Ute haters: How many sacks did Utes have tonight and how many did the mighty SEC defences have on Bama all year long?

8 Utes
13 Sec
MEB | 10:51 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Congrats, Utes! National Champions! I don't care what the 'voters' say. You are the National Champions!

Awesome year!!

Thanks for the support, BYU fans.
HELLO!!! | 10:51 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
A weak overrated Bama team. Didn't prove anything by playing them. And Ewwwtah still doesn't have a national championship!!!
Crimson Club | 10:53 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
13-0 The Real QUEST FOR PERFECTION!!!
Linus | 10:55 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
I am a BYU graduate and a Cougar fan. I am also a citizen of the state of Utah. All I can say is "You did us proud, Utah Utes!" We had a large gathering of Cougar fans watching the game and cheering very loudly for you. You struck a might blow against the lame BCS. The BCS champion most years is no more legitimate than the Cougars were in 1984, who were, by the way, the only undefeated team left standing at the end of the year. I hope the BCS dies soon, and a playoff system is born. All of us who hope this, owe you, Utes, a huge thank you. You done good! Congratulations!
LDS Texan | 10:54 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Way to go UTES!!!!!! I knew you could do it!!!!!
Running Ute | 10:56 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Utah will be ranked no lower than #2. They will also get a fair share of number one votes.

Go Utes!!!!
Respect | 10:53 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
There is an enormous amount of congratulations coming from BYU fans tonight and that is first class...Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Still no respect | 10:55 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Watching sports center and the only highlight from the game in the top ten plays is the Bama punt return. And its number ten. All the rest of the highlights are from basketball. what a joke
utes fan | 10:58 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
good job utes they just proved they should've been in that bcs bowl game and that they could defeat one of the better and best teams in ncaa
Henry Drummond | 10:55 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Wow what a game! The defense won this game every bit as much as the offense. Eight sacks! Less than 1 yard rushing and some great fumble recoveries and interceptions. Utah has shown they deserve a shot at playing Florida for all the marbles.
To Maddog | 10:35 p.m. | 10:56 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Sure leave your tickets at the door. We don't need fans like you routing for BYU. Go and enjoy yourself, while the u will be losing next year!
UTES SYCO | 10:58 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
RESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECTRESPECT RESPECT we deserve it!!
My2Cents | 10:59 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Oregon State
TCU
BYU
Alabama

All of these teams are ranked in the top 25 and Utah beat all of them. They are the number 1 team in the country. I don't care what the polls say.
Utah AP #1 | 10:58 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Utah may not finished ranked 1st in the BCS, BUT they should be ranked #1 in the AP.
Utes are Nat'l Champs!! | 10:57 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
No question about it. Only undefeated team. Beat the team ranked #1 at the end of regular season. Beat Alabama worse than Florida did. Beat the team that beat USC.

BCS system is broken... Utah is the National Champion!

GO UTAH!!!!
Fans | 10:58 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Most fans from both teams are classy. Its a small number that embarrass themselves by being unable to show respect. Both schools are great, this year Utah was better, next year Max is a senior. But this year and night belongs to Utah.
David | 10:59 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Utes - you made us all proud. We love ya!
Older BYU Fan | 11:00 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Congrats Utes! Does this score mean that BYU is as good as Alabama?
I Want to Hate Cougar Fan... | 11:00 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
But you are being so gracious tonight...

Go Utes!
Utah Man | 11:01 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
I'm not going to the U for college next fall, BUT I WILL BE A UTAH MAN TIL I DIE!!!

Go Utes
Co Champs | 11:00 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Only undefeated team to beat up the MIGHTY SEC team ranked #1 deserves to be the co champs with FL after FL beats up OK.

by the way | 11:01 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
you are welcome for the BCS money kewgs. Great game Utes!
AZ Fan | 11:04 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Yea!! Go Utes! AZ Loves you and No matter what anyone is saying---- You are #1 Go Utes! "The Red Flies Over Utah 2009"
RE: Crimson Cllub | 11:01 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
"The Real QUEST FOR PERFECTION!!!"

This quote and your cute little rip-off T-shirts show Utah fans in a nutshell.

You guys just had the biggest win in your history. You had the best season in your history.

And all you can still think about is BYU.
To Mack the Knife | 11:04 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
You say the Zoobies would have rolled the Tide 60-17? Are you suffering from amnesia? Max Hall is deathly afraid of the color RED!

You think Max Hall would have scored 60 on this team? He couldn't even beat ARIZONA -- the fourth-best team in the PAC-10!

Yes, put up your runner-up Las Vegas Bowl Trophy up against Utah's Sugar Bowl Trophy.
VegasCounselor | 11:01 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Congratulations to the Utes. Great team win with so many players contributing. I hope everyone in the Ute Nation savors the moment! What is the point of having a national championship if only BCS schools can win it. What a fraud of a system!
smfdaggie | 11:02 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Great game Utes!! I thought it was AWESOME that you shut up Barry Switzer. My sons and I watched the whole thing and it was beautiful. I am glad GA is coming to Utah State. I hope the Florida/Oklahoma game is a dog and maybe enough writers and coaches will put you where you belong! NO. 1.......
Re: Kevin | 11:06 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
You're crazy. Bama was #1 for 5 weeks and it was obvious how much speed an talent they had. They simply got outplayed tonight. Wittingham outcoached the "Coach of the Year."

Utah's win was a victory for all underdogs and a shot at the corrupt BCS system. Sorry if you see that as a negative.

Switzer's kind are dying off. They want status quo, with Oklahoma, Texas, USC or Florida winning it every year. They don't want up and coming teams. Switzer has won and NCAA title and a Super Bowl but with the talent he had, he should have won much more. Barry has forgotten what it was like in his early years - to be an underdog, a scrapper.

I'm very proud of the Utes - tonight and always.

UTE IN SEATTLE (U of U, 1989)
Awesome win | 11:03 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
This was the greatest win in the history of football in the state of Utah. Thanks to all of the Cougar fans who are showing a great deal of class. Ute fans, let's show class too and drop the "Quest" talk. This is a great win for the entire state.

The Utes will probably get a lot of AP votes for #1, and rightfully so!
DW | 11:03 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
1. BJ made quick, excellent reads and throws.
2. Kruger was a man among beef (er...umm...I mean boys).
3. That defense was stout, despite a few penalties.
4. JPW needs some floss to get the grass out of his teeth.
5. Barry Switzer needs to shut his yapper!
6. Thanks Ron, and Urban, and Kyle.
7. Tide rolled.
8. Thanks Utes for a great season. Yes sir, a Utah man am I.

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Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, left, and quarterback Brian Johnson hoist the Sugar Bowl trophy.

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