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Utah Utes football: Sugar high — 13-0 Utes roll over one of the BCS' best

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Andy | 11:07 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Utes, you played an awesome game tonight. Your defense was smothering and your offense productive. Congratulations.

Cougar fan.
CONGRATULATIONS UTAH | 11:05 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
WOW, WOW, WOW.....My BLUE COUGAR tinted glasses went RED......I mean BRIGHT RED tonight. Thank you Utes for representing your team, fans, and the CONFERENCE the way you did tonight. Wow, im beaming with PRIDE tonight for the MWC...sorry my Cougs didn't help out any by losing our bowl game. Wow....what was even better is just like you did in your first BCS game, you took it to them and played talent for talent with them...you didn't do a BSU Fiesta bowl or what they tried against TCU and relied on TRICK plays to win the game. Coming all the way from boise idaho...CONGRATULATIONS UTAH.
MTJ | 11:07 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
What a great game to watch! Congrats to the whole Ute team. They have claim to the national championship title as much as any other team in the nation.
I say no automatic bids for the MWC or any other conference. The BCS automatic bids only serve the good ol' boys. Playoffs are the only answer.
Comments continue below
No More Cougar Posts | 11:09 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Your team did nothing to help our conference and aren't even close to the level of Utah. Utah fans don't care if you are happy for us. Go be happy somewhere else. Utah deserves a better conference and we'll take TCU with us. Kyle will get great recruits with even more speed and strength. We will win the conference again next year.
BYU Fan | 11:09 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Congrats UTES! Solid, solid win making all of Utah and the MWC proud. Congrats Wittingham, coaches,and players! Carry your heads high--you guys deserve every great accolade and sweet emotion from this win and a great season. We will be cheering against you in Provo next year, but tonight we are so happy for you and your fans. Way to go UTES!
Runnin' Ute | 11:11 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
M Dog you put it well- the quest for perfection has moved North and yes Alabama is overrated.
It is so funny you almost bet someone $20 that Utah would win. But $12 is just as good along with the Utah pride! Whats up with spelling "Utah" like "Ewwwtah" that is just plain weird. Utah is undeafeated and pretty much the best team ever! Alabama ranked #3 College team and that will probabley slide down because Utah was ranked #6. So the rankings will change baby! HA!
GO UTAH UTES and I'm sure that there won't be any rolling of tide for a while!
Peace love and Utah pride the best things in life involve the Utah utes!
Tide Rolled! | 11:11 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
From a BYU fan to the Ute team!

You're awesome! #1 in the Nation!

BCS can POUND SAND!

Congrats!
Ute Girl | 11:12 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
I hardly watched the game, but when I heard my dad shouting, I would cheer Go Utes!
Go Cougars! | 11:12 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Anyone who doesn't think Utah is number one this season is drinking BCS koolaid. They beat OSU, Michigan, TCU, BYU(sadly), and now Alabama. 13-0, enough said, enough done, Utah really is number 1. Thanks Utes for giving all the MWC conference RESPECT.
Coug ID | 11:13 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Nice run of luck Yewts. You caught Alabama at a bad time, from what I saw UA would have handled either of you. We will see next year without your OC, DC and QB, it should be comical. Revel in your little bowl win but remember there has only been one national champ in the MWC (WAC), and of course it is not yours.
Seattleview | 11:17 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
What a great game by Utah! My congratulations to both the players and the coaches. I will include the classy Utah fans as well (for those that qualify).You really made the MT West proud and improved the conferences reputation.

What a great example to BYU (who I pull for) on how to set team goals (do it and not just talk about it) and in how to play defense. Utah has always been great at getting up for big games and winning bowls games. Another great example for the BYU coaches.

See what is possible when you are serious about sports and dont put it as a fifth priority.

Great job Utah!
True Blue | 11:18 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
My2Cents | 10:59 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009 wrote:

"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."

First of all, congragulations to the Utes (I never thought I would say that). You represented the conference well. Second, I think Utah will also be ranked number 2 and they will get alot of number 1 votes (they deserve it). Good job!
Awesome win | 11:03 p.m. | 11:17 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Great win, but not the greatest. Sorry the TDS has done better and there is a Trophy to prove it.

Dr. Chad | 11:16 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Definitely the greatest win for Utah Football. I hope that this will push the NCAA to get a playoff to determine a legitimate national champion just like all the other sports. I must admit that Brain Johnson played some awesome games down the stretch and our defense really played like a national champion. Congrats on a great undefeated season and you will be number 1 in my eyes no matter what the polls determine. Congrats to Coach Whittingham. I will wear my Utah gear proudly!!!
Utah - National Champs | 11:17 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Qwest for Perfection = Achieved! Utes are the national champs in my book. The best team in the history of the WAC/MWC, the best team in the history of the state of Utah. Period.
BlueCoug | 11:19 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
CONGRATS on a great win Utah!

You deserved it.
GO UTAH KEEP ON ROLLING!!! | 11:17 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Just a year and a half ago win the UTES lost to UNLV alot of people doubted the program...well what now!!! UTAH and Coach Whit are the BEST!!! People from down south can say all they want with their SOPHOMORIC COMMENTS...but...REMEMBER UTAH HAS BEEN TWICE TO THE BSC and HAS WON BOTH GAMES CONVINCINGLY!!! GO UTAH!!! NUMBER #1 BABY...NUMBER #1!!!
As a Coug fan | 11:21 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
I say congrats to Utah...they deserve to be #1!
Info man | 11:18 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
The Utes dominated in every phase of the game (except maybe punt coverage ha ha).
This game was even more impressive then the BSU-OU Fiesta bowl because of the way the Utes man handled Bama strait up. 8 sacks and holding this team to under 40 yds rushing!! Putting up 31 on their D!! This was a statement win on how Utah and other Mnt, teams really stack up against BCS powerhouses!
The Utes peaked at the end of this year and I really believe they could play with Fla, OU, Tex, USC, etc.
We need a playoff system in college football!
By the way did anyone feel like Utah was the recipient of some bad calls? I was scratching my head! Bad ball spot on 3rd down, delay of game, questionable PI call, No holding calls on Bama and a phantom holding call that was a great run block against Utah. Maybe the officials had a little BCS incentive in this game? OK I'll stop and enjoy the win graciously.
Great win Ute's!!
Snikeys | 11:20 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
This game was dominated by Utah from the start, I'm from Cali and was impressed by Utah's Offense and Defense. They could have beaten anybody tonight.. Alabama complained that they were missing players, but anybody they put out there, Utah would have rolled over them..This game was close just because Utah allowed a punt return and fumble to let Alabama have a short field..Other than that Alabama could not muster any offense.. Utah's defense was tremendous..And they deserve the national championship..They are the only undefeated Division I football team and beat everyone they played.. Florida and Oklahoma should be playing for second place.. Until the BCS is fixed, Utah and other non-BCS conferences will go undefeated yet will not be known as the national champs.. But too many college fans Utah is truly the National Champs..Congrats Utah...
Beat 4 Teams With a NC | 11:19 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
What a game!!!

What a year!!!

The Utes beat no less than four teams who have one or more national championships in the past:

Michigan
TCU
BYU
Alabama

13-0 baby and it's our turn.
Thanks from all of us | 11:21 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
From one die hard BYU fan to every coach,player, and fan of Utah...THANK YOU for representing the state, the conference, and every non-BCS team in the country in such a classy and resounding way. What a win leaving no doubt who the better team was tonight. The only thing left to argue is how the BCS stuffed shirts can explain Utah's absence in a discussion of a national championship.

We are so happy for Witt as he seems to have transcended Myers' accomplishment with this win. Scary that he will be around next year, but he and his players will be a class act in the MWC for years to come. Way to go Utes!


Utah - National Champs | 11:17 p | 11:21 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
No...great team for the 2008 season, I have seen better teams, so don't knock yourself out.

PS: Too bad you did not play USC, they would have cleaned utah's clock.
Moab Ute | 11:23 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
#77 Zane Taylor we are all proud of you. Way to shut down Alabamas "great all-american nose guard".
Utes are #1 | 11:21 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Ohio State upsets Texas (#3)
Florida (#2) beats Oklahoma (#1)by 1
USC won, but over #8
Utah beat #4

If all of the above happened, where would you rank Utah? #2 at worst. Could AP rank them #1 and we have co-champs? C'mon Urban, what do you say?

And I think they need to re-vote on Coach of the Year. Saban was outcoached in every way tonight.

Wonder who will be first to offer Wittingham $3 mil+ per season to go to a bigger program.

Tonight, you just saw the greatest win by a non-BCS team in bowl history.
Arizona | 11:24 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
From a BYU fan--I take my hat off to the Utes--they had a heck of a season!
re: No More Cougar Posts | 11:22 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Great win Utah!

Sadly, too many of Utah's fans like "No More Cougar Posts" will always be losers.

Utah Alum
To Older BYU Fan | 11:22 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
"Does this score mean that BYU is as good as Alabama?" Of course not - we beat Bama by 14, and beat you guys by 24! And as much fun as we had on 11/22, I have to say this win was quite a bit sweeter (pun intended). Go Utes!!
Anonymous | 11:23 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
re: re: red rocker | 8:07 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009

Thanks. It was meant 2B tongue in cheek. Actually, Bowling for Soup cares about 1984 too.
Boston Ute | 11:23 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
College football this year needs to get rid of the BCS (Bias Conference Superiority) and instead install a national playoff. This is the second time Utah has been undefeated in a season without an
opportunity to play for number one.

Congrats Utes (and any other team) that proves away with the BCS!
Favorite Sign at the game | 11:26 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
"There will be a low Tide in the bayoU tonight"

Go Utes!
slow down | 11:26 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
who you trying to kid...utes number one in the nation? Not even close. Good game "tonight".Enjot it..even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then......talk to us (BYU fans) when you have actually won a National Champion, and not just one in some fans head. And also beat a legit #1 ranked football team (Miami) until then Utes, keep trying to put your program on the map, because we've been there done that!
Why Barry is Barry | 11:28 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
What many fail to realize is that in 1984 Barry's Oklahoma team was undefeated and he made the same arguments against BYU that he made against Utah -- though he wouldn't play them in a title game because OK would've had to take a smaller paycheck. Then his Sooners were beaten by Washington, and BYU and Washington split the national title. Barry is still bitter about that, which is why he runs down a Utah team in the same situation that BYU was in 24 years ago.

BYU played Michigan by default, because Barry wouldn't play the Cougars for less money.

The next fall BYU pounded Washington.
No negative at all | 11:31 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
No fan of sports in the state of Utah, no matter what team they affiliate with, can find a negative in this game. Aggies, Cougars, WebCats or whatever else, we are all Utes tonight. I had friends around the country cheering on the Utes as well because it might hasten the fall of the BCS empire.
Frank Castle | 11:30 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
re: Re: Kevin | 11:06 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009

>>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 believe that Switzer's biography was called Bootlegger's boy and he has forgotten what it was like to be an underdog. He is now and for many yrs been all about the establishment & maintaining the status quo. Sell out?

He did win the NCAA title w/ his talent but it was Jimmy J's people that won the Super Bowl for Barry... he just did not mess it up.
True Blue Cougar | 11:28 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
I didn't think the Utes could pull it off but, OH what a game! You have got to hand it to the Utah coaches and team for such a thorough and well executed game plan. Alabama was on their heels the entire 1st quarter and much of the game. I watched Nick Saban the whole game and he did not know how to counter and stop the Ute offense. He spent much of the game swearing under his breath and walking back and forth scratching his head. I am an ex BYU cheerleader who could not be more proud of what coach Whittingham and his team did to put the University and the State of Utah on the map. They were nothing but class in how they pulled off this upset...nobody in the national media thought it could happen. This was by far and away the best post season bowl game this year. Kyle should have waited to negotiate his contract...
BYU FANATIC | 11:29 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
F A N T A S T I C! Well done Utes. As far as this fan is concerned you are National Champs as well as MWC Shamps. You deserve all the glory you have earned. You were OUTSTANDING!
Utah Red | 11:29 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
"Utah caught Bama at a weak time."

What is this supposed to mean? Bama had ample time to prepare for the game. They were #1 for more weeks than any other team this year. If they played poorly, that's THEIR fault (and their coaching staff's).

Isn't that part of the game - to exploit your opponent's weaknesses?

Stop showing your football naivete and either congratulate the Utes on the biggest win in their history or just stay off the post.

Mr. Peabody | 11:33 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
re: slow down | 11:26 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009

Sports has a very what have you done for me lately mentality which means only Historians and BYU fans give a hoot about what happened 25 yrs ago.
RE: No More Cougar Posts | 11:32 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Now your comments are "total class"....NOT! I'm a Cougar fan and sincere in my congratulations but some of the Ute fans can't even be gracious winners!

Most Utes on here tonight appreciate the fact that we are acknowledging a GREAT TEAM! GREAT WIN! and GREAT COACHING! Thank you for representing the conference so well!

Not looking forward to meeting up with you next year!

Tonight is your night...enjoy!
Ute, Class of '95 | 11:36 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
By the way, the tribute to Joseph B. Wirthlin on the Utes' helmets was awesome. The Utes are a class act, Whittingham is tops in the nation, let alone the state, and the year and the night is theirs and theirs alone.
National Championship | 11:35 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
The era in which BYU won their national championship was prior to the BCS, so we really can't use it for comparison. BYU didn't beat any tough teams that year and played a 6-5 team in their bowl game. In the BCS era, the '84 BYU team would have been regarded like Boise State was this year, needing the bowl win to finish somewhere in the middle of the top 10.

Although I'm a Ute fan, I was thrilled when BYU won the title. However, we're kidding ourselves if we think the '84 Cougars could have competed with the Trojans, Gators, Sooners, Tide or Utes of 2008.
PV Coug | 11:37 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Yewts showed up against an over-rated SEC team. Sorry it doesn't amount to much and of course we have you next year at LES. See you next year minus very key pieces of your staff and offense; I'll call it now BYU 52 Utah 17. Nice job but in two weeks no one will remember BUT of course a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP (1984) will be remembered for eternity..Go Cougs
Two things | 11:39 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
What is so great about this game is nobody can blow it off like they did with BSU/OK saying they won on trick plays - the Utes flat out played better than Alabama in all aspects of the game. The game wasn't even as close as the score indicates.

BYU fans - some of you are showing class, while others still have to bring up the '84 championship... Give it up, this win is better. Sure we don't get the national championship, but we soundly beat a very good, highly ranked team. As opposed to miraculously barely beating a 6-5 Michigan team (lest we forget the BCS system was set up to at least prevent undeserving teams from winning the championship). So those of you who are still hanging on to 24 year old memories, I repeat - give it up.
This team could easily beat the '84 team (especially since the players from the '84 team are so old now).

Go Utes! Wow, this is so awesome. Dare I say that I feel giddy? Man... the Tide rolled... over and played dead. What now Saban?
True Blue Athletic Supporter | 11:39 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
I haven't enjoyed a game this much since the Boise State vs. Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl.

Just awesome!
What a weak performance | 11:40 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
by alabama. This marks the 4th team the utah has played this season that did not show up for the game. No wonder utah has got so lucky.
Tarheel Ute | 11:41 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Hopefully this win demonstrates the need for a better system of determining the CFB National Championship. After watching most of the post-game comments, most comments were directed at how bad Alabama played and how good Utah played, and very little props were directed toward the MWC, whose strength great wins and games seperated Utah from Boise.

Even the Alabama's coach spent most of his comments addressing his team weaknesses, as though up to this point it should have been obvious. We now know who the coach of the year truely is.

The MWC accomplished just about everything that could have been done, but I do not think it will matter. Alabama will be thrown under the bus, rather than admit the MWC has at least in the same ball park now with some of the BCS best.

I'm glad to see the congrats of BYU fans, I hope to see the rivalry remain but not at the expense of the conference.

May the best team in the MWC repeat next year. I would have other teams and their fans enjoy tonight as my family nad friends did.

Go Utes - Go MWC!!
re slow down | 11:41 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Couple things to compare here: In 84 the cubers went undefeated. In 2008-9 the Utes did as well. In 84 the cubers were voted the national champs because they were undefeated and won their bowl game. Again same with the Utes (except the voting, there's still timefor that). And now for the difference... In 84 the cubers beat a low ranked team with a 6-5 record to get their NC. In 2008-9 the Utes beat a team that was ranked #1 for five weeks. The record for Alabama was 12-1 (that's better then 6-5) You may have the trophy down at YBU but we actually deserve it. Something you war kittens cant say. Now please stop the negativity. Just because you couldn't represent the conference, try to support the team that does.
Does BYU love Orweel or what? | 11:43 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
What's with all the 1984 references from BYU fans?

Is that some sort of Orwellian term of endearment for their campus rules and regulations?
Y and U fan | 11:43 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Great game. I'd vote Utah #1. Johnson rocked.

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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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