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Brad Rock: Utes show affinity for happy endings

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Jake | 12:27 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Way to go Utes! Sure it wasn't a blowout or the prettiest of games, but once again they found a way to win their bowl game.

Thanks for a great season!
Hmmm | 12:32 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Don't get too excited Ute fans--you barely beat a team that many athletes can't play for due to rigorous academic standards and very specific height/weight limitations. The fact that Navy kept Utah out of the endzone on fourth and inches is a joke--Air Force (with the same standards) did the same thing to Utah. With the exception of the Fiesta Bowl (where they still even played a pretty poor Pitt team), the Utes play cream-puffs in their bowl games...that's what happens when you finish 3rd or 4th in the Mountain West...you get to go play a cream puff in your bowl and you SHOULD win those games. Try winning a conference championship and playing a better team in a bowl...your bowl winning % will adjust accordingly.

By the way, who is that ANNOYING announcer on 700 AM? One of the Utes announcers just drives me NUTS as he whines the entire time........
MadMax | 12:49 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
TO: Hmmm
Do you mean by winning the MWC Championship that the better team we could play is a 6-6 UCLA team which finished 5th in the PAC 10? Thanks, I'd rather play Navy at 8-4,now 8-5. The fact that the Utes actually win their bowl games is in contrast to BYU which has trouble with that in spite of the 'weak' teams they have played.
Congratulations to the Utes and their miraculous turn around of their season, once at 1-3. 9-4, with a record tying 7 straight bowl wins is a record of which they can be proud. GO UTES!
Comments continue below
Congrats | 1:00 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Congradulations Utes on Extending the Bowl Winning Streek to Seven.
To Hmmm, aka ill-willed byu fan | 1:04 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
The Utes battled; they won. They didn't officiate. Don't try to rob them of their time to celebrate.

The Utes went to a BCS bowl. They have seven consecutive bowl victories.

BYU's two latest victories against Utah both came with miraculous, and atmittedly very exciting, plays at the end of good close games. Don't pretend you're far and away the dominant team.

Seven consecutive bowl victories isn't something to scorn. I hope BYU wins, but not for your sake, ill-willed byu fan.
Remarkable turnaround | 1:07 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Incredible job by the Utes to turn around the 2007 season. If anybody was told when Utah was 1-3 with five starters at that point out with injuries that they would finish the season 9-4 with a bowl win, they would have told the teller that they were crazy. Not many teams in the country would have the resiliency to turn around their season the way Utah did, concluding with tonight's game.
Hey Hmmm.... | 1:15 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
I usually don't do this but I feel inclined to feed the troll, why don't you like creampuffs? May I suggest waffles?

Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Waffles

3/4 cup of mashed, cooked sweet potatoes or canned pumpkin.
1/2 cup of flour
1 Egg
3/4 cup of milk
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. of cooking oil or butter

Enjoy!
Lu's Massage Parlour | 1:26 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
I didn't know that happy endings were part of the Poinsettia bowl package. I thought this was only reserved for the BCS bowl games.
Utah Thailand | 1:30 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
I agree with Mad Max. Is Hmmmm suggesting that by winning the conference BYU is getting the better opponents? Utah beat UCLA 44-6, and did so without Brian Johnson. In fact if BYU had beaten UCLA the first time around, UCLA would have a losing record and wouldn't even be legally eligible for a bowl game. His comments remind me of the year BYU won the national championship by beating a 6-5 Michigan team that I don't think was even ranked. What other team has ever won the national championship with that caliber of an opponent? So much for your tough bowl games.
Dale Newton | 1:38 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
To Hmmm:

Who's getting too excited? It was a close win - but an entertaining game - over an 8-4 team that also led the nation in rushing offense. Not a bad accomplishment. Nobody is doing cartwheels, but a win is a win and the Utes should be proud. This has been a good season of perserverance expecially after a 1 and 3 start and with the still missing starters. Brian Johnson struggled in the first half but played a sterling second half. There is reason for much optimism regarding the 2008 season. Congratultions to Kyle and all the players and coaches.
TheHailstorm | 2:21 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Dear HMMmmmm,
The Announcer was directing his whineing just to drive you nuts, as if you need any help.
It's you and the blue bloods that put the nuts into the UTES Christmas pudding.
Congratulations Utes !
They must be iving right.
Now if BYU could win 2, yes 2, in a row then they could look around campus and see if they can find a chest to thump.
Gary S. | 4:51 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
I'm a true blue CougarFan and I can't believe I'm saying this, but: well done Utes. Sure they took advantage of playing an average team 3,000 miles from their home, and yes they almost lost, but the point is that they won. Like they do almost every year in bowl games.

That's the one piece that keeps BYU from being completely dominant over Utah in football: our sad history in bowl games. The Cougs are on their way to fixing that record, but for today, the Utes deserve our congratulations. Nice work!
NC Fan | 6:14 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
As a BYU fan, I want to congratulate the Utes. Well done!
to HMMM | 6:29 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
1984 is way in the past!!!
Vernal roid; | 6:43 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
I can't believe all of the ute and BYU fans still bashing each other no matter if they win or lose, Reality is neither team is really that good and only played close to there potential one time this year,I couldn't stay awake for the 2nd half of the utes bowl game, because I was thinking that the utes would really blow out Navy, Sure they one but I thought that they would play alot better game,should have eaten your Wheaties not Fruit Loops
Because I thought your effort was weak, I hope that BYU can blow out UCLA but I doubt it, They will probally be lucky to win. Just being truthfull.
Jimmy's Sneakers | 6:45 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Jimmy also has an affinity for happy endings...

...Jimmy just never knows how much to tip for the extra service. ;-o
To Hmmm | 6:54 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
You just must be one of those BYU fans that nobody can stand. There are too many of you guys out there.

Also, you might not want to talk too soon. You have a game this weekend against UCLA that you haven't won yet. Don't get too carried away.

And if you hate our announcers, stop listening to our games. Your world revolves around the BYU Cougars, remember?

Pittsburgh Ute | 6:57 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Forget about those jealous BYU fans. Why don't you Cougars go whine in your own blogs about your poor bowl opponent and your abysmal bowl record.

This is Utah's moment of triumph!

Brian Johnson totally took over the game in the 2nd half. He was stellar!

Props to the Navy players for their tenacity. These are the kinds of men that I want to have defending our country.

But the Utah players are the ones I want to see carrying the Poinsettia Bowl Victory trophy!
Lou Holtz | 7:04 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
My favorite comment of the game came near the end of the 4th quarter when Jereme Brooks fumbled the ball onto the pylon (which should have been ruled a touchback, with Navy taking possession on their own 20). While the replay guys were trying to figure out what happened on the play, Lou Holtz dubbed Utah, "The best non-BCS football team in the country." Does he really think that the MWC team that got shut out by UNLV is much better than Hawaii, Boise State, BYU, or Air Force? What a nut. Even still, congratulations to Utah on another bowl win.
5peat | 7:05 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
THIS IS SOMETHING THE LIKES OF BYU CAN ONLY DREAM ABOUT. ONCE AGAIN WE CARRY THE CONFERENCE IN THE POST SEASON.
Michigan fan | 7:12 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
I watched the game and add my congratulations to Kyle and his band of Utes.
You want annoying | 7:15 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
If you want annoying, listen to Greg Wrubell. I'd like to gouge my eye out with my hot chocolate spoon after listening to him for 2 minutes.
UtahUte72 | 7:19 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
One common thread that has run through the comments on the Ute fan site is how classy the Navy fans were even in a loss. It is amazing to me how a supposedly church sponsored school attracts such low class fans as Hmmmm. To those BYU fans offering congrats I applaud your classiness (even Gary S. who couldn't resist the BYUism, no you're not even close to dominance in spite of two last minute wins), to those of you who are modeled after Hmmmm, way to represent your school
HMMM | 7:19 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Hmmm has a point! Niether BYU nor Utah are playing very respectable teams this year in their bowl games. But given the choice between the two, I'd much rather play a 6-6 BCS team rather than an 8-4 non-BCS team. I guarantee that if BYU can beat UCLA that it will give them much more respect than beating NAVY!
Random Thoughts | 7:25 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
1. Utes didn't play their best and still beat a good Navy team.

2. Signs of a good coach: Teams get better after halftime, teams get better in the second half of the season, and few offensive penalities (Colin Cowherd, ESPN, not my original thoughts). Ute's defense in third quarter was great. Utes were a great second half team last night (minus one long touchdown pass).
to hmmmm | 7:36 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
"utah has the best athletes of any NON BCS teams in the nation!" ...lou holtz. he said that twice last night! just for you cougar fans.
Y Grad Y Dad | 7:45 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Well done, Utes! You have (again) walked the walk. No more taunts or rips from Y fans, at least today, I hope.

Visualize this: next year, TWO teams from Utah destroy their opponents, TWO undefeated top 10 teams converge at RES at the end of November that means something from coast to coast, and the Mud Puddle West Conference has to settle for sending it's number 3 team to Las Vegas because TWO teams from Utah earn BCS bowl berths.

It could have happened this year; next year, let it be so.
Officials... | 7:50 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Hhhmm, funny how no one has talked about the most obvious missed call in recent memory that helped the Utes win. After the BYU game that's all you Ute fans could talk about, funny how when the call goes your way nothing is said. I'm talking about the fumble that hit the pylon and should have been a touchback, from ESPN:

"Afterward, the officials released a statement saying a mistake was made, and the play should have been ruled a touchback, with Navy getting the ball at its 20."

That was a huge missed call, if Navy gets the ball at the 20 instead of the 1 they have the momentum and easily go down the field and score, cause the Utes sure like to give up last minute TD's to give their fans heartbreak!
Call | 7:50 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Wow - nothing about the officiating. That's all we were hearing about after the BYU game. I guess when it goes in your favor you're ok with it - huh Utes ? How the refs can screw up that fumble that hit the pilon is amazing. That was crucial too field position and ended up being the difference in the game. Utes are LUCKY to have won this game.
BYU Fan 14 | 7:50 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Congratulations to the Utes on a great win. A well-fought turn around season. It's great to see the Mt West win.
Ernie Hemple | 7:52 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Fun game. Great defense! Definitely made the MWC and the State of Utah look good. Congratulations from a die hard, true blue, BYU fan! Too bad BYU can't get invited to a real bowl game. Who set-up the Las Vegas Bowl arrangement anyway? UCLA 6-6?? BYU has everything to lose and nothing to win. We're spending $500,000+ a year on Bronco (what a great name for a football coach) Mendenhall, Let's get a better end of the season deal!See all you Ute fans in church on Sunday!
SBA | 7:53 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Congratulations! What an exciting and entertaining beginning of the college bowl season. You represented the MWC well. Here's hoping the other MWC teams win in the coming days as well. Great showing.

By the way, I refuse to say anything demeaning about BYU or their fans. I wish them well - beat UCLA.
Texas Cougar | 7:58 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Congratulations, Utes. You beat a very good Navy team, and the score was a lot closer than the actual distance between the teams. Congratulations also on the 7 game bowl wins streak. Please ignore my fellow BYU fans who are too myopic to appreciate your accomplishments.

I do have one thing to add. I've noticed its a favorite claim of Utah fans to discredit BYUs national championship based on the record of their bowl opponent (Michigan: 6-5). That 1984 Michigan team beat Miami (ranked #1) at the beginning of the season. Their only non-conference loss of the year (other than to BYU) came to Washington, who was also up for national championship consideration. The next year, that same Michigan team was named national champions by both Matthews and Sagarin. They beat Ohio State, Notre Dame (back when it meant something), and Nebraska. On top of all of that, Robbie Bosco played the majority of the game with a torn ACL. Basically, I'm asking that certain Utah fans not run their mouths about something they know little to nothing about.

That said, enjoy your bowl win...and your 7 game bowl winning streak. They are both major accomplishments.
Great Job | 7:59 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Congradulations Utes on finishing the season strong. Next up the BIG HOUSE!
GoodGuyGary | 8:04 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
congratulations from a BYU fan here. Way to go, Utes, let tem see what Mountain West is.
dennyG | 8:06 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Winning is Winning.
High Five to the Utes once again in post seaseon.
HMMMMM....have a cup of coffee and relax.
MWC Unity | 8:07 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Way to go Utes... I think most people agree (whether Blue or Red), all MWC teams need to cheer for each other in the preseason and postseason. We ALL need to win for the sake of the MWC. Go UTES, COUGS, LOBOS, FALCONS, and FROGS!!! Let's go 5-0 in our games!
Dutchman | 8:09 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
To Hmmmm: Why don't you go ask Pete Carroll, Norm Chow, and Carson Palmer of USC if Utah played and beat a cream puff in the Las Vegas Bowl. Last time I checked Pete Carroll is still at USC, Norm Chow is the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, and Carson Palmer is a starting QB in the NFL. Your post is idiotic and shows your lack of knowledge of Utah football.
BYU Grad | 8:10 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Great job and fun game to watch. Whenever our state's teams have an opportunity to shine we should stand behind them....
Anonymous | 8:10 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
The recent posts prove that mosts BYU fans are good sports and support the Utes in their bowl game. It's the minority of fans that feel the need to disparage their rival at every moment. Utes players and coaching staff did a fine job. Did any one else feel that the game mirrored their season. Slow start with a strong finish.

Good luck to BYU and all MWC teams. The conference needs you
The Truth | 8:17 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Fumble in the ENDZONE not given to Navy won the game for the YEWTS. Be thankful for the sub par perscription contact lenses of the oficials.

Watch the REPLAY!

Navy showed that when they want to they could walk all over the YEWTS. Their first dirve of the 2nd half prooved that.

New headline for this story: "Eaked out a squeaker...YEWTS barely beat Navy High School on a bad call."

Stand tall and be proud. You earned it!!
Army Ute | 8:23 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
What entails one football team being "completely dominant" over another in football? A 6-9 record over the last 15 games against each other? You're hilarious, Gary S.
"Gary S" is a loser | 8:24 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Hey Gary S, you are exactly why U fans can't stand cougar fans. I have never met a cougar fan who actually lives in reality. You guys are so ignorant when it comes to football and your team that I want to puke. Tell me again how you guys are "completely dominant over Utah?" Is it the overall head-to-head record? No!!!! Is it total conference championships? No!!!! Is it dominating since the formation of the MWC? No!!! we own that as well? Ok, it must be since Ron Mcbride took over? No!!!!! The only thing you have dominated us in is wins from 1972-1992. So get it straight moron
Go Zane Taylor! | 8:26 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
From your REAL NDN BUDDIES down south , represent brother!
Mike in Thailand | 8:27 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
I appreciate the couple of Y fans who offered their congratulations. I hate the Y with a passion but hope they clobber UCLA. I hope the Mountain West wins out in all their bowls. We are a pretty good conference and it would be nice to get a little recognition. Congrats Utes on an great ending to what started as anything but. I can't wait till next year!
HO_HO_HO | 8:27 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
hey HMMMMMMMM:
Navy(8-5) is ranked 49th, UCLA(6-6) is ranked 58th....there is no harm in cheering for both teams coming from this state. But if it makes you feel bigger, then the pressure is on you now! 7 bowls games in a row!......good job Utes!
Henry Kissinger | 8:28 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Boys, boys can't we just enjoy the moment. The Utes grabbed a nice win over a solid Navy team. I hope BYU lays the wood to UCLA in Las Vegas. Next year both teams return a bunch of starters including key skill position players and offensive lineman. Utah gets Michigan in the "big house" to open the season and if they can get the win they probably crack the top 25. If BYU beats UCLA in the bowl they should be in the pre-season top 25 next year. If both teams (BYU/Utah)can run the table, a BCS bowl invitation could be on the line when the rivalry game is played next November. Now that would be exciting. So please don't harsh my mellow this holiday season with this bickering back and forth. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Ike | 8:33 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
So why didn't anyone mention the bad call? I mean after the BYU game all I heard from Utah was how the calls were so bad. If you looked at the game there were a ton of bad call. Utah's DB's couldn't cover anything without facegaurding, which is a penalty by the way. It was never called. When it finally was called, properly, Utah whined about it.
In this game the REFS actually came out and said that after looking it was a bad call. It should have been a touch back. The fumble call was wrong. No arguing if it was good or bad. THE POST GAME REVIEW BY THE REFS SAID THEY SCREWED UP. Well way to boost your bowl record with a horrible call. This one needs an astrik.

Interesting | 8:34 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
Funny how the Ute fans don't complain about the referees when controversial calls go THEIR way.
Bowl games separate Y from U? | 8:34 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007
yeah I have a problem with what Gary S says that bowl games are the only thing separating the Y from the U...hmmmm try a all time 53-34-4 record that Utah holds in football over BYU...or Utahs record of 124-120 in basketball over BYU. These are the type of comments that just drive me insane about BYU fans, even when they are trying to be complimentary they are delusional about the facts. Good game Utah and hopefully next years you can have an entire season full of success and get things started by handing Rich Rodriguez his first loss at Michigan.

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Fireworks mark the start of the Poinsettia Bowl, in which the Utes defeated Navy 35-32 for another bowl victory.

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