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Brad Rock: Utes have a chance for history

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Frankenberry | 7:00 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Hmm. . . a thoughtful, non-biased, objective article with none of the Jay Leno sarcasm we have come to expect. One question: Who are you and what have you done with Brad Rock?
Tyler | 7:25 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
I expected an article on Michigan and Utah, not Notre Dame and Michigan. At the least the opening and closing paragraphs mentioned the Utes.
NJ UTE | 7:33 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
"It's a great opportunity for our players and coaches to go to the Big House," Whittingham said.

Great opportunity for us UTE fans as well, my flight leaves tomorrow and I can't wait. I really hope that the UTES can make the most of this opportunity to play on such a big stage. Either way I am looking to have a good time, of course it will be a GREAT time if we can pull off a win and start the season off right. GO UTES!!!
Comments continue below
Nice writing | 8:26 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
One of your best t least for a nonbiased reader.
Grandma Ute | 8:57 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Oh my, how exciting this is! I DO hope our boys play well in the Big Home and don't fall down and get skinned knees and elbows. I hear the grass in Michigan can be very slippery due to the weather this time of year. I think I'll make the team a nice plate of cookies.
PolyCougar | 9:12 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
What agreat opportunity to show the country what Utah has to offer this year! Good Luck Utes! I hope you guys run the table until you face BYU, and then I have to say that I hope it's a close one. (But BYU will win). Big ups to my boyz Aaron Tonga and Nai Fotu! Good luck in the Big House!
Wiley Old School | 9:13 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Michigan area Ute Fans, I may have access to one extra ticket in the nosebleeds with the Ute faithful on Saturday. I've set up this special mailbox if you're interested in joining us:

utahversusmichigan@gmail.com

please leave a phone contact if you are interested!
Chance for history? | 9:17 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
I'm not sure what the title has to do with the story. What chance do they have for history? Would the Utes be trying to do something that no other college football program has done?

Michigan by a touchdown!
Big Daddy | 9:17 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
I'm a bit confused, the articles title line doesn't match the content. The basis of a good article rest on sticking to the topic and this was a complete miss. Can someone enlighten me on how comparisons of Michigan and Notre Dame, having the slightest historical barings to the Utes playing against michigan....??? GO UTES!!! know that there are times when you've got to write you own history, and this is one of those times... :) GO UTES
chance to become history | 9:24 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Yes, the yewts have a chance to BECOME history as they watch Michigan get win #870. But at least they'll get a big payday for their beating, which they can use to help them get a new head coach after they finish 3rd in conference again and rack up an 8-5 overall record. Go yewties!
Re: chance to become history | 10:26 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Don't be bitter, little Sally.
Cougar Fan | 10:32 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Good luck, Utah! You have a great opportunity to make a name for yourselves and the MWC. Hope you have a great season (at least until Nov. 22)!
big blue | 10:41 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
is utah in america?
geezer | 10:46 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Nice article, but I couldn't believe the comment that Michigan might overlook Utah because of the Notre Dame game. I doubt they've forgotten Appalachian State. If Utah wins it will be because they have a better football team and not because they were "overlooked." The more I read about Michigan's green offense the better chance I think the Utes have of winning.
Jack | 10:45 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Utes will make history for the first from the Mountain division to get walkover bad in the big house.
Michigan 48, Utes 9.
Been there, done that | 10:58 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
BYU has beaten both Michigan and Notre Dame before. Old news.
Awful | 11:03 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
What a terrible article. A stadium that could hold a country; is this the best you could come up with? Deciding between Michigan and Notre Dame is like choosing bacon or cheese; I don't even know what the hell this means. And what does this article have to do with the Utes making history? This article is about Michigan and Notre Dame, just because you put in a few lines about the Utes doesn't mean its an article about Utah. The DN gets worse and worse with every article I read.

Utes by 3, Northern Iowa by 14 (nice scheduling, Cougars, was Alabama Community College not available?)
Bromac | 12:11 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
No Alabama Community College was scheduled to play Weber State when we wanted to get them. Can you see the rocks from your glass house?
Gowolverines | 12:26 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Humm.....Wolverines vs Utes @ the Big House. Give it up Utes fans, The Wolverines will be ready and your pain and suffering will come to an abrupt end Saturday. Don't let all this "green" offense talk fool you. You are no Appalachian State. And for YBU fans, Northern Iowa? Huh? Couldn't get Weber State as a game opener, damn, too bad. Without a doubt, you are a BCS quality contender!
BYU Fans | 12:27 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Go eat Jello. Would you like some Fry sauce with that?
Utah | 12:28 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
may be overlooking Michigan as they prepare for a tough Weber State and Aggie team. Hope they can get Salt Lake CC on the schedule.
Been there, done that, NOPE. | 12:35 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Been there, done that. No you haven't. BYU never beat Michigan in the Big House! Big difference between playing them in a bowl they think they are too good for and playing a them on their home turf.
Oregonian | 12:40 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Utah lost to UNLV last year!!! BYU lost to Tulsa last year!!! Since that is now out of the way, everyone can focus on the games THIS YEAR!!

I think the Utes can win this game. Michigan is very shaky on offense. New coach, new scheme, no starting QB, freshman RB. Utes defense will stop them. As for offense, Utes score two touchdowns and their defense sets up another. Utah 24, Michigan 20.
Re: Awful | 12:49 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Before you run your smack about BYU scheduling Northern Iowa, explain the yewts scheduling Weber St. Scheduling Weber St. is no better than scheduling Northern Iowa.

Besides, you need to figure out what the Michigan/ Utah game is all about - these big-time BCS teams always schedule easy teams to play at the beginning of the year (just look at Ohio State). OSU schedules teams like Troy St, and Michigan schedules teams like Appalachian St. or Utah. Of course, Michigan's plan backfired last year, but recognize this game for what it is - Michigan scheduled a team they figure they can easily beat, which is Utah this year. This game is similar to the NFL preseason games - it's simply a way for Michigan to get their players ready for their conference games without having to exert too much energy or risk injuries to their key players.

Utah, you are nothing more than a patsy team to Michigan, and you will be beat!!
Re: Gowolverines | 12:52 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Didn't Michigan play, AND LOSE, to a I-AA team last year? Doesn't Ohio State, and other BCS "quality" contenders schedule I-AA teams every year? Using that argument to slam BYU, or any other non-BCS team for that matter, just doesn't work.
vaase | 1:35 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008

blah! blah! red sheep have you any wool?

yes Y! yes Y! strait two years losing 2 you
Re:Re: Awful | 1:49 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
And will you be back on Sunday to eat crow when Utah wins? Didn't think so.
Been there, done that | 1:51 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Where in my comment does it say that we beat Michigan at Michigan? And beating them in a bowl game they think they are too good for is a sweeter win than beating them in Ann Arbor, in my opinion. Especially when it is for an undefeated season and a national championship.

Let me counter that argument so that you don't have to. Ute fan: "Fiesta bowl, blah blah blah, BCS, blah, blah, Urban Meyer, blah blah"

Congratulations on winning the 2004 Fiesta Bowl, a bowl win only slightly more relevant than BYU's 1996 Cotton Bowl win. In any case, BYU has a national championship and a Heisman trophy.

Counter-argument. Ute fan: "Alex Smith, blah blah, Andrew Bogut, blah blah, draft, blah blah"

Alex Smith is the first and last name on a short list of great Utah quarterbacks. But it's looking more and more like he was a great player in an Urban Meyer system after his struggles in San Francisco.

Ute fan: "John Beck, blah blah, Miami Dolphins, blah blah blah"

Okay, you got me there. But he's only played one year so far, Miami is terrible, and at least he wasn't the #1 pick in the draft.
Re: Jack | 1:53 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Jack, you make no sense. I couldn't understand what you were trying to say. Maybe you should graduate from high school and then go to a college instead of just cheering for one.
Utah has no chance | 1:56 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Any team from an inferior league such as the MWC conference couldn't be any good. Michigan obviously only scheduled the Utes to pad their schedule and give the Wolverines a guaranteed win. Afterall, look where Utah is ranked in comparison to teams from the mighty Big Ten.
Palls | 2:00 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Ya a pasty team with a better Offense and a better Defense. Why don�t you worry about your cougars thinking that Northern Iowa is pasty?

Go UTES!!!
Not So Common Sense | 2:00 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Go away BYU homers.

It is silly for you to compare BYU's non conference schedule to Michigan or Ohio State.

BYU did not play a single team ranked in the top 25 last year. The MWC is terrible, just like the WAC.

The BCS conference teams actually play a difficult schedule no matter who they schedule out of conference.

If BYU wants to justify itself it needs to schedule non-conference opponents that are real teams.

Neither BYU or Utah can say much about their non-conference schedule with N. Iowa and Weber State in the mix. Then they go on to the oh so weak MWC games.

At least Utah scheduled a game in the big house that they could very well lose. BYU will be favored in every game on their schedule this year, with the possible exception of Utah if Utah is unbeaten at the time. (Unlikely).

Its kind of like taking a test you know all the answers to, its not really a test is it???

BYU wants to follow Hawaii's example from last year, get the easiest schedule they can and hope to go undefeated and potential BCS big money. Too Bad the Utes will spoil it.
UNI has no chance | 2:00 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Any team from an inferior college sub-division such as 1-AA couldn't be any good. BYU obviously only scheduled the Panthers to pad their schedule and give the Cougars a guaranteed win. Afterall, look where UNI is ranked in comparison to teams from the mighty MWC.
in one ear, and out the rear | 2:05 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Fact is Michigan fans, while your team may be stacked with talent your players abilities are not tailored to fulfill your new offensive schemes. Thats obvious as to why there will be so many underclassmen(FROSH) being called upon come saturday. I find it hard to believe that you should have any reason to overlook utah, then again i wouldn't call this team App. St. With all due respect to the Mountaineers, utah is bigger, faster and a more experienced. If we score 15 we win.

Michigan supporters can whistle in my all they want, im not buying your crap!

GO UTAH
Making history | 2:06 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Utah will make history, again, when they win in the Big House, smack Y-B-U all over the field, and play in a BCS bowl, again.
AzByuFan | 2:10 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Go Utes!!!!
Michigan of course is good but traditionally has boring, unimaginative offensive schemes, winning their share of games due to more sought after recruits. BYU is undefeated against them, thanks to the 1984 Holiday Bowl. That was a close game only because of the many BYU turnovers in that game. The Ohio St/Mich rivalry is the most well known but that does not make it the best. It is more of a geography thing there and does not have all the variables that we see in the Holy War. This year lets hope Michigan beat OSU because it would be nice to have a legit national championship game.
Anyway, here's hoping the Utes beat the wolverines.
Anonymous | 2:11 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Big Ten and Utah*
3 Ohio State
11 Michigan
16 Penn State
20 Wisconsin
30 Utah
45 Iowa
50 Purdue
51 Michigan State
64 Illinois
66 Minnesota
74 Northwestern
79 Indiana

MWC and UNI*
22 BYU
30 Utah
33 TCU
57 Air Force
61 New Mexico
80 Colorado State
81 Wyoming
84 Northern Iowa
88 San Diego State
112 UNLV

*Source: Jeff Sagarin's College Football Ratings
Go Utes | 2:15 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
As an avid Cougar - I really hope that they beat Michigan. After Hawaii was destroyed by Georgia last year, the mid-majors could really go for a good story. Every Ute complaining about Northern Iowa at BYU should check the Utes schedule for the next 3 or 4 years - they also have several DI-AA teams to play.
Bleed Cougar Blue | 2:16 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Yep, I'm a diehard Cougar fan!

However, I hope that the Utes beat the livin' crap our of Michigan! I honestly hope that Utah wins every single game they have this year, that is, until they play my beloved Cougars.

What's good for Utah (or BYU or any other Utah school) is good for the state.

Good luck, Utes!
Jeff Sagarin | 2:16 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Where does Weber State rank on your list of teams?
Hmmm... | 2:24 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Question for the Utah fans from a BYU fan: is the team going to wear black uniforms at some point this year? I've heard rumors (vs TCU?) and apparently they're in the EA Sports game as well... they look cool, I'll admit. Would Utah dare wear them against BYU? I think it would be very cool if they saved the black uniforms for the BYU game (a la Georgia vs Auburn).

Might make a BYU win easier to swallow for the Utah fans. :)
Michigan | 2:34 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
After the Michigan beat down the talk of how good the Yewets are this year will subside. Playing Weber State and Utah State is like having an extra home game for both the Y and the u.
Kewgs | 2:36 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Yes, there is a difference between Weber State and UNI. Weber State is from the state of UTAH and UNI isn't. It is good for the state when BYU/UTAH plays Utah State. I think it's also good when they play Weber State. It's a guaranteed win for both BYU and Utah against their respective 1-AA opponents. Utah vs. Weber State is much more interesting for football fans in the state of Utah than BYU vs. Northern Iowa.
To: Jeff | 2:42 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Others*
24 Oregon State
27 Boise State
28 UCLA
54 Washington
55 Hawaii
60 Fresno State

144 Northern Arizona
145 Portland State
146 Utah State
147 Montana State

168 Princeton
169 Brown
170 Weber State

*Source: Jeff Sagarin's College Football Ratings
Re: Re: Awful | 3:04 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
By your logic, brother, Northern Iowa will mop up on BYU for their opener. Your comment is simply another data point in the long held theory that BYU fans are delusional and unable to think rationally.
UNI vs WSU | 3:07 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Northern Iowa is about as good as teams in the lower half of the MWC, better than most of the teams in the WAC.

WAC*
27 Boise State
55 Hawaii
60 Fresno State
84 Northern Iowa
86 Nevada
108 San Jose State
118 Louisiana Tech
138 New Mexico State
146 Utah State
155 Idaho

Utah State is about as good as teams in the upper half of the Big Sky Conference.

*Source: Jeff Sagarin's College Football Ratings
JBH | 3:24 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
I am a diehard BYU fan who is rooting for the Utes to clobber Michigan... sincerely. I hope the whole conference kicks butt in these outside games; I know that they have the ability to do so, especially Utah and BYU. Go Utes!

By the way, what time is the game? And is it on TV?
Re: JBH | 6:51 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
I have to Agree with your comment. Having BYU and UTAH win their non-conference games is important for the conference. I am a die-hard Ute but I want BYU to win their non-conference games. By the way Utah plays at 1:30 and it is on ABC
His-tor-yyyyyyyy!!!! | 8:05 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Utah made history last year, with the UCLA win, 0 point loss at Unlv, the loss to AFA, BYU, and the Wyoming Bird. Jeckel and Hyde.

Whay type of history will Kyle pull out at the Big House?

UCLA looked past Utah, and paid. Anyone who really prepared for Utah beat them. RR is not going to look past the first game of the season, his first as head coach at Michigan, a "Huge-athletic" team, ABC National TV, and a Big House of 100,00 fans.

Kyle will fold like a table, and the Utes will get spanked. A statement game for Michigan. Blowout to the point that the loss will kill the season, once again putting Utah in the "Must Beat BYU Mode"...

Worst thing that ever happened to the Utah program was a taste of Victory under Urban, Kyle's tenure as a Head Coach, and App State.

Yep, the Utes are History...

RES will be full of tumbleweeds again...
Lets go Blue! | 8:18 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
It's great you Utes can be so optimistic in the face of a 30 point laugher. Everyone brings up App state. Well how about that high powered Florida team in Michigans last game? That was good. App State is a champion. Good team. You Utes want some of App State? Didn't think so.

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