Go Cougars | 7:28 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Great job Utes. You guys DOMINATED Alabama and deserve the national championship.

Normally, I can't stand the Utes or their fans, but last night I was cheering loudly for them. Well done. What a flawlessly executed game plan. Your defense was sensational. 8 sacks!!! 8 Bowl wins in a row. That alone is very impressive. I wish BYU had that track record in bowls.

I hope all true BYU fans will give credit where credit is due. The Utes were the better team this year and have done our conference proud by their POUNDING of a highly ranked Alabama.

The rest of you BYU whiners that can't recognize a great win need to just go pound sand.
yes | 7:48 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Yes, my dear, there is a Santa Claus.

What really stood out was how cool the Utah coach was and how upset and mad the Alabama coach was. When are the leaders of young men going to realize that losing your mental, physicial, and psychological control in a game, getting mad, screaming, etc., does not work. It simply makes you look like a fool. A big jerk. In combat you die if you lose your cool. Keep focused and be positive.

Congrats to the utah coach for being cool at all times. That is............ well....... cool.

Love yah Utes! Love yah!!
Lady Ute -Class of 95 | 7:47 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Congratulations Utes!! Outstanding performance.
I will go to work on Monday and rub it in!! Too many co-workers made fun of me for being a Ute fan. I warned them that Utah will beat Alabama. Sooo I will go to work Monday with the biggest, cheese smile on my face. Thank you Runnin Utes for an amazing season.
Comments continue below
gravedigger | 7:48 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Good job Utes, I live in SEC country and to beat Bama is an amazing accomplishment It shows that the BCS is politically arranged for the bigger schools. This proves that a playoff is needed. The Utes should be the national champs.
The Shadow | 7:52 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Saw game on tv. Utah quicker. Utah more enthused. Utah not afraid to take chances, pass, pass, pass, pass. Utah has great kicker. Utah looks focused.

Bama looked big. Bama looked slow. Bama started making excuses, at least the announcers did, early on too. Bama coach lost his cool. Bama fans looked sullen and struck with a fever or something.

Quickest team, most focused team, team that wanted it the most ------------- won.

Moral of the story: don't overlook any team that has a perfect record. There might be a reason they are undefeated.

The Shadow Knows.

The Shadow salutes the Utes!!!
USC Fan 909 | 7:50 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Great win by the Utes, but we all know that USC absolutely DOMINATED their game and should be the rightful #1 team. Alabama found themselves just a bit ahead of schedule in terms of rebuilding, and would definitely crush Utah if they both played again next year. Congrats again, but just remember that PAC 10 dominance will always consistently reign supreme over spotty MWC play.
BSC Goodbye | 7:53 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I REALLY don't like the BSC system; BYU deserved a higher ranking, and Utah deserved the BSC bowl. I love BYU, but I couldn't help but cheer on the Utes. Congrats Utes!
RE: Goodbye Utah | 7:59 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
You probably are still sleeping this morning after eating a good portion of humble pie you Zooobie.
Hello!!! | 8:03 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Think about this...a teacher chooses a A- student as the best student in the class because the teacher feels that student only had a A- on a test when the student was having a bad day.
How would you feel if your son/daughter who is the straight-A student in that class by getting all A in exams regardless of bad or good day?

(I posted the same in ESPN board)

SoCalUtahFan
Ute in Gatorland | 8:06 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
And there was much rejoicing....
Terp Fan | 8:08 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Utah deserves to be number one, no ifs or buts about it. I am not a Utah fan but Utah did what they were suppose to do and deserve to be National Champs.

Undefeated = National Champs.

And by the way, Utah was a MUCH better team then Bama. The style of play Bama plays looked like they were from the olden days compared to Utah.
elaine | 8:09 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Fantastic performance, Utes! As a proud Colorado State fan, this was a great night for all the Mountain West. Never thought I'd cheer so hard for you guys, but you deserved it!!
Honored Cougar Fan | 8:13 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I am a huge BYU fan, but this is a great day for the Utes, Utah, the Mountain West, and all non-BCS schools everywhere. Congratulations Utes! Thank you for representing your university and the rest of us so well. You made me very proud to be your rival last night.

I hope you enjoy this win for a long time. And I hope you get some first place votes: you deserve them.
BYU Alum | 8:14 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I cheered hard for the UTES hard tonight and wouldn't have enjoyed the win any more if BYU had been playing. Of course the Cougars weren't playing, they didn't deserve to be. Thank you Utah for making our state and the MWC proud.

Any BYU fan or fan of another MWC school who isn't happy for Utah right now has some serious self-examination to do. With the exception of the excuse of having a loved one playing for Alabama you're most likely being a childish jerk.
Kalamazoo Cougar | 8:24 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Looks like the National-Coach-of-the-Year-Award was made too soon, because it belonged to the coach on the opposite side last night. Coach Whittingham deserved it- no questions!

Stunning and convincing win! What a season for Utah fans! If this had been 1984, Utah would be National Champions. I wouldn't question it at all. The licking they put on the SEC made a tremendous point! I hate the fact we have the current system which won't give the Utes their deserved National Title.

F. Brown was incredible and so was the defense! I couldn't help but cheer so loud each time they sacked that Bama punk.

To the classy Utah fans, relish and savor it. You all deserve it! Thank the Utah Utes (and TCU) for raising the conference to new levels! An impressive team and victory! The coaching staff did an amazing job, as they always do around bowl time!
matt | 8:24 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I agree with whoever said this is not about instate rivalry. Yeah, we argue with our closest sibling, but this is bigger than that. I'm a Cougar, but I say congrats to the Utes. It was an outstanding win for their program and the conference.

And, though I hate to admit it, I do think there are things Bronco could learn from Kyle about preparing for big games/bowl games, and having a great game plan then executing it.

Let's admit it, Utah has made a great case for a national championship, which sadly won't happen thanks to the blatant corruption which is the BCS.

Jay | 8:27 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Goodbye Utah said: "We'll see you after the annihilation. You're going down--the Tide are going to roll right over you. I feel bad for some of your players but who will suffer this, but not your coaching staff nor most of your fans."

What was that? I hope you are eating your word for breakfast right now. The Utes showed the nation last night that we are the only legitmate Mt.West team. BYU could never have pulled off what the Utes did this season. The Utes are the real deal and with Whittingham staying around- expect more for years to come. No longer are we BCS busters... but BCS Regulars.


GO UTES!!!!!
Re: BYU Fans Biggest Whiners Ev | 8:31 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Are you even reading these posts?
Anyways, another BYU fans here who couldn't help but cheer for and appreciate the accomplishment of the Utes last night. That defense was sensational. Period.
If I had a vote, they'd be number one. They're undefeated, beat TCU, BYU (sigh), Michigan away, and Bama' on a neutral field. The scoreboard has spoken, they should be number 1.
...Can't wait til' next year to get another crack at ya, but this year, Utes are on top of the mtn. Congratulations...
...To all Ute fans to arrogant to accept a congratulations from Cougar fans, you need to show some class. I know that's new and unusual to you, but give it a whirl, see what you think.
WOW! | 8:33 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
The Utes deserve to be champions.

So did the Cougars in 1984, they won all their games. They beat the teams on their schedule.

1984 is part of Cougar tradition; for sure the high mark. May people continue to dispute weather or not the Cougars were legit champs or not... In fact, the BCS was established to prevent "outside teams from winning National Titles.

The Utes have done everything possible to win the NC. People who fail to vote them Champs have no respect for the game. Played at Michigan (our win created the down turn for the Wolverines - and the game was scheduled before the downturn happened), Played Oregon State and won (Just to point out the Beavers beat USC thus giving the Utes a greater claim to the title than the trojans), Ran the conference Table - one that included 2 top twenty teams (In fact TCU will be in the TOP 10). The win over Bama is Huge - Bama was 4 minutes from NC game. We beat them at there place - this was not a neutral site. The Big 12 bowl record is lacking. The Utes have the best contention for the title "Champions!"
Kate | 8:35 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
To everyone that doubted OUR UTES, its time to EAT YOUR WORDS!!!
I hoped and it happened | 8:34 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I believed in this team. Thanks guys for doing it!!! It took hard work, discipline, heart, and a desire to win. I am a Utah alumnus and am very proud of my school.
I'm a byu fan | 8:38 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
nice win Utah... hate the SEC more than the boys in red... thanks for bringing some respect to MWC because BYU and Air Force sure didnt show up this bowl season. And any byu fan out there who spouts off about 1984...man, I would like to beat you with a rubber hose. Utah brings it to the big games and byu does not, plain and simple - so quit embarassing yourself and the cougar faithful with talk of 1984. Hopefully this will motivate Bronco to Blitz more - the Ute defense was awesome last night!! (as was their offense)
Jeff R | 8:35 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Bama' got completly man handled by the Utes. Something even FLORIDA, who is in the National Champ game, couldnt do. Utah dominated the whole game. They used only one trick play and that was it. Straight up good win for UTAH and the non BCS. Down goes the BCS for another year. Let us hope this starts a revolution to over through the BCS.
What? | 8:37 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Yesterday news today? This is in the past, move on to something more exciting like the TRUE National Champions Game next week.
Kitty Litter | 8:41 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Qwest for perfection accomplished only it was the up north team. Congrats utes for an amazing season. You did us proud. BYU this is where you wished you were.
Frank | 8:40 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Just to correct the score card for the Bowls:

Utah wins
TCH wins
Colorado State wins
BYU loses
Air Force loses
Can't remember did New Mexico play a Bowl game?
Mark | 8:43 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Wow what a game. I am glad that I taped it. I will watch it until the tape fall apart.

Way to go Utes ! You guys took it to the Tide and truly played some smash mouth football. Congratulation on such a convincing win. My hat is off to you. I am going shopping for U U hat now without hesitation.

I am so glad that the Longhorns did not play the Utes.
Where are the real | 12:37 a.m. | 8:42 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Wake up to a reality dose. Best ever from the state of utah? I have seen better, much better then what I saw this season.
JG | 8:46 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
It's too bad BYU lost their bowl game to a less-than-mediocre opponent. They may have had something to be proud of--having only lost to 2 top 10 teams. Actually i should have said --having been SMOKED by 2 top 10 teams--that were WAY out of their league. It also would have added power to UTAH's schedule. I think what must have happened was--The Utes lived more righteously than the cougs, therefor God blessed them, and made MAGIC happen. That Collie guy cracks me up!
BYU fan | 8:52 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Congratulations to the Utes on a great win and season. While as a BYU fan I admit some envy, it was great to see a local team, and MWC team, destroy a "top SEC team" and make the BCS (and B. Switzer) look ridiculous once again. Good job. Despite my BYU loyalties, I'm proud of the U.
AZ Ute | 8:52 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Levi,
I hate to insult your intelligence�or lack there of, but I feel like I have to. First of all congratulations on your National Championship�..but if we were still under that same system WE (the UTES) would be National Champions 2 times over�and not living in the past 24 years ago. So all I have to say is Scoreboard!!!! Go Utes
AZ Dave | 8:59 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Slow down skippy. The Utes are ONE of the best. You crashed the party, but need to do it again and again to be not another footnote
BYU Fan | 8:56 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I hope Mendenhall saw how the Utah offensive plays were unpredictable. 'Bama never knew what was coming, unlike BYU's offensive play choice. And DEFENSE! Take some pointers, Coach.
Clearfield Cougar | 9:02 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Congratulations Utah on a great win. One of two complete games you were able to put together this season... The other one was BYU.
Celebrate now. Next season will be a different story.
You should be National Champs. Anything less would be robbery.
GO COUGARS!
Sammy | 9:06 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
2008 National Champs!!!!
Robo | 9:08 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I'm as big a BYU fan as they come and have no love for Utah. That said, Utah is a powerful team this year and should be national champions. They are the only 13-0 team and beat a #4 team in a major BCS bowl. They are the champions. Great season Ute players and coaches.
Montanacutter2 | 9:06 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
They are National Champions!! They beat a team that was #1 for most of the year. Beat six teams that went to bowl games, beat Bama by more points than Florida did, beat three BCS teams, beat three nationally ranked teams. Both Oklahoma and Florida can not say that!!

UTAH #1 !!!!!!!!!
BYU Fan | 9:08 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Congratulations, Utes!!!
DC based | 9:07 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
As a BYU fan, I am thrilled for the U! Go Utah, and go MWC!
James | 9:11 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Utah defeated Michigan, Air Force and nationally ranked TCU, Oregon State, BYU and Alabama. Great year! Congratulations on finishing in the Top 5 and on bringing more respect to the MWC.
jr | 9:14 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Nevada BYU fan, you put the Ute fans down as being the most prideful and lamest fans, what a pathetic person you are as I would have to say when it comes to fans it all balances out on both team sides. Couldn't you have just congratulated the team and coaches and be proud Utah represented the area well. No wonder I lost respect for BYU and what it represents, it is too hyprocritical for its own good.
Boise Cougar - I mean Ute | 9:18 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
This Cougar fan couldn't be more proud of the Utes! I am officially a Ute for an entire week. The BYU football program from top to bottom could learn a TON from this season's Utes. They did it right week in and week out. Way to go Utes you made a lot of people very proud.
Redstone | 9:21 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
In the eyes of the people, Utah won the National Championship the old fashioned way: They earned it. NOBODY else is 13-0.

USC lost to Oregon State. Utah beat Oregon State.

Utah beat Alabama worse than Florida beat Alabama.

Florida is not undefeated. Oklahoma is not undefeated. Texas is not undefeated. USC is not undefeated. Utah IS undefeated.

Championships should be won on the field, not on the BCS official's yellow pads. What if the BCS controlled the PGA? "Let's see, now. Tiger has won a bajillion tournaments; he has won a truck load of majors; he has won more money than anyone in history; he is obviously the best golfer in the world. Let's just dispense with the actual, on-course competition and give him all the rest of the titles because we know he would win them if the tournaments were actually to be played."

C'mon guys, let's right this wrong.
OC BYU Alum | 9:21 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Congrats to the Utes! They played an outstanding game. Any BYU fan who can't be happy for Utah doesn't understand what kind of credibility this game gives Utah and the MWC overall.

The East Coast media bias makes SEC, Big 10 and Big 12 teams larger than life. USC and Utah would give Florida, Oklahoma or Texas a run for their money.

The best sign of the night being held by Utah fans was "Respect Us". Hopefully, they will.
Re:USC Fan 909 | 9:21 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Who beat Oregon State?
Hooray!!! | 9:25 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Hooray for the Ute Players!!

Hooray for the Ute Coaches!!

Hooray for the Ute fans!!

Hooray for the Mountain West!!

Hooray for the public undressing of the shameful excuse for commentators like Barry Switzer and Jimmy Johnson that Fox put on last night!!

Hooray for the "outcast" conferences!!

Hooray for the underdogs, everywhere!!

Hooray for classy BYU fans who supported the Utes!!

Hooray for how much money 'Bama fans lost betting on their boys!!

Hooray for how stupid the ESPN prognosticators look who said, 3 or 4 weeks ago in their College Football Bowl Game Special, that last night's game was "lock" (no, "double-lock") for Alabama.

Hooray for the memory of "Speedy Wirthlin" on Ute helmets!!

Hooray for the whatever small amount of good the Utes may have done to help those who know the BCS system is one of the more sameful scams on the planet!!

Hooray for playing the game, to find out who really deserves to win!!

Hooray for the entertainment!!

Hooray for the Utes!!
MattMO | 9:33 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
That is totally awesome for Utah and for the MWC. To me the UTES are #1 this season. Undefeated and embarrassed a team that was #1 for most of the season. Great football. Keep on rolling MWC.
The real "Just Me" | 9:31 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
The Tide was high but the Utes moved on. I think they should be #1.....Number One.....
the only team in the nation to be undefeated should be the National Champs!
Mike Johnson Fallon, NV | 9:34 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
I am glad I made the trek to the game. What a great game. We were outnumbered about 6-1 by Alabama fans, but they (most) were among the nicest fans I have ever met. And they realized they were dominated almost from start to finish by the Utes. Nick Saban said that Brian Johnson was the best quarterback he faced all year.
Davis Rogers | 9:36 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009
Not a Utah fan. However, if I were Utah's coach, I would have my own National Championship Rings made for each of my players. They are the only team that can claim they beat top 20 ranked teams throughout this season and still remain unblemished. All other teams in contention now were granted at least one loss to get to the championship. How many games does Utah have to play? It's like they got to play until they get beat by someone so everyone can shove their credibility aside. Why does Utah have to prove anything? To me the others should be proving they could have beat Utah. No college team in America has proven they can beat the �Mighty Utes�!!! Way to play ball you guys, the only difference between you and the Big Dogs is � well, I really don't know because you are the Big Dogs. The �Other BIG Dogs� get to beat someone else who was beaten by someone you beat. Great job for you and your conference!!!

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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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