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Utah Utes football: There's lots of sweet talk from 'Bama
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Politics | 12:41 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Don't you hate it when football players and coaches play the role of
politician to appear politically correct? No one outside of Utah expects the
Utes to win, but everyone outside the SEC wants them to win. Utah has a great
opportunity to take out a team from the most talented conference in college
football. I think Saban respects te Utes, but sincerely thinks his team will
destroy Utah.
rvalens2 | 1:28 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Respect is earned. Win the game Utah and you'll get it. Lose by more than a
touchdown and the naysayers will come out of the woodwork saying the Utes were
over-rated.
Now ... take that chip on your shoulders and beat Alabama by the same margin Florida did! 31-20
Now ... take that chip on your shoulders and beat Alabama by the same margin Florida did! 31-20
JD | 4:26 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Saban is saying all the right things, he has to, but deep down he knows Utah
isn't in the same league and is bitter that they have to play the Utes
instead of a formidable opponent, like Texas. Tide by three TDs, no doubt.
Comments continue below
sarah jane | 7:06 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Sorry, the Utes don't stand a chance and everyone including Sabin knows it.
It would be great if they could win. I don't think it is possible. I
watched Alabama win over LSU. They are an awesome team. The Utes are brave to
go up against them.
Crimson Club | 7:14 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Go Utes! Let's make this season the real "Quest for Perfection"!
Rip the utes | 7:25 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Roll Tide!
Mick | 7:55 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
I think Utah will win. They beat a team this year that was a national champion
in 84!
JC | 7:58 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Blah, blah, blah. Bama is soooooo good. They got ripped by a depleted Florida
team who got ripped by an Ole' Miss team. It will be a good game. The
Utes play up to their opponents level.
Ernest T. Bass | 7:59 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
BYU would make the game closer than Utah will. I really think byu would beat
these guys.
Kyle is superman now | 8:06 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
He finally matched Gary Crowton's conference title count.
Enjoy the beat down yewts. Roll tide.
Enjoy the beat down yewts. Roll tide.
"roll tide" | 8:06 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
I love how all of a sudden all of the utah county folks have learned how to say
"roll tide" so well. Looks like they all got the Alabama version of
Hooked on Phonics for Christmas and, consequently, have picked up the
Tide's lingo. Must be a lonely time of year for you guys....I guess you
have to do something to pass the time.
As for "respect", I think that Alabama respects the Utes the same way Utah respects every other team in the MWC. That said, you don't have to believe your team is good to respect them. Whitt respected Sonny Lubic in his last years at CSU, but never thought they would beat him. Alabama has the BCS mentality that Utah is not part of their group and doesn't have the ability to hang with them.
One of my biggest concerns is that Utah will be without Fotu in the game, who was one of the better run stoppers on defense. With the Tide's running game, he will be sorely missed.
That said, someone will fill in the gap and step up. I'm hoping for a competitive game. Go Utes.
As for "respect", I think that Alabama respects the Utes the same way Utah respects every other team in the MWC. That said, you don't have to believe your team is good to respect them. Whitt respected Sonny Lubic in his last years at CSU, but never thought they would beat him. Alabama has the BCS mentality that Utah is not part of their group and doesn't have the ability to hang with them.
One of my biggest concerns is that Utah will be without Fotu in the game, who was one of the better run stoppers on defense. With the Tide's running game, he will be sorely missed.
That said, someone will fill in the gap and step up. I'm hoping for a competitive game. Go Utes.
Re: Mick | 8:17 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Mick--let it go, dude. We've got all the ability in the world to beat
'bama, and I, for, one, am convinced we will. But, a reference to a season
24 years ago is, actually, fairly lame.
Anonymous | 8:21 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Utah doesn't have a chance!!!!
RE JC | 8:29 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
HA HA ARE YOU SERIOUS THEY WERE THE # 1 TEAM IN THE COUNTRY FOR A LONG TIME THIS
YEAR AND WERE BEATING FLORIDA IN THE 4TH QUARTER.... GOOD ARGUMENT! I HOPE
YOU'RE ATLEAST RIGHT ABOUT THE UTES PLAYING UP. I'M A A UTE AND THINK
THE KEY TO THE GAME IS NOT LETTING BAMA GET OFF TO A GOOD START... IF THEY GET
UP AND CAN RUN THE BALL ON 1ST AND 2ND DOWN THEY WILL WEAR US DOWN... WE NEED TO
GET UP EARLY AND FORCE EM TO THROW AND THEN THEY'LL BE PLAYING TO OUR
STRENGTH...BEING ABLE TO USE THE SPEED OF MISI AND KRUGER TO PUT PRESSURE ON
J.P. WILSON
Re: Crimson Club 7:14 | 8:28 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Should I really by surprised? In an article exclusively regarding Utah and
Alabama, leave it to a Ute fan to be unable to restrain itself, taking a cheap
shot at a team not even mentioned in the article.
I have a dilemma. As a Y fan, in the interest of the MWC, I'd love to see the Utes beat Alabama. On the other hand, the chance to see the (increasingly more common) smug, arrogant Ute fans have their team get destroyed is almost too good to pass up...
Who to root for...what to root for...?
I have a dilemma. As a Y fan, in the interest of the MWC, I'd love to see the Utes beat Alabama. On the other hand, the chance to see the (increasingly more common) smug, arrogant Ute fans have their team get destroyed is almost too good to pass up...
Who to root for...what to root for...?
Alex D | 8:28 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
In the east they ask, U of Who? pfffff.... not a chance...!, not even close...!,
I'm sorry utes, not this time...
Anonymous | 8:32 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Utah is way, way, way overranked. They just barely managed to avoid losing
several games this year because they had a easy road schedule. They had a much
easier road schedule than BYU.
I'll be cheering for them, but they're going to get their BUTTS kicked.
I'll be cheering for them, but they're going to get their BUTTS kicked.
Zell | 8:37 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
It was a nice season Utes, but marginal wins over Oregon and TCU does not prove
you are in the same league as bama. Alabama by 14.
The best.... | 8:38 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
of luck to both teams. I can't wait to watch it with a big bucket of KFC
and drinking my beer....
and... | 9:00 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
"...and, oh ya, we'll win by at least 30. 40 if we don't turn it
over."
justme | 9:02 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Utes have a chance ONLY IF they can stop Bama's running game. If they
can't, the Utes' offense will be spending the game on the sidelines
while Bama chews up the game clock. Good luck Utes. You're gonna' need
it...
JC...What? | 9:00 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
You are out to lunch. No way the Utes are even in the top 15. TCU was the only
quality opponent that they played this year, and that game was handed to them.
They nearly lost 2 others to very average teams. BYU was better on paper;
Bronco was out-coached. This will be ugly for the Utes; Hawaii all over again.
Football is 90% about speed at the skill positions; Utah does not have SEC
speed. They will get ROLLED by BAMA! As much as I would like to see them win,
these are the facts, and they are undisputed.
That being said, they have had a great year for a MWC team...they beat everyone put in front of them. It will be a long time before they get another BCS invite...no 7-4 Pitt patsies this year. They would have gotten rolled in 04 as well if they had been given Texas, USC, etc.
That being said, they have had a great year for a MWC team...they beat everyone put in front of them. It will be a long time before they get another BCS invite...no 7-4 Pitt patsies this year. They would have gotten rolled in 04 as well if they had been given Texas, USC, etc.
Shecky | 9:07 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Good luck Utah! A win here would really substantiate the MWC. Utah beats TCU
by three...TCU beats Boise State by one...they all clobber BYU (BSU would also
beat the Zoobies). I am normally nor much of a Utah fan, but I'll be
pulling for them big time against the Tide. Roll, Utes, Roll!
Bosoxnut | 9:08 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Re: Mick:
Uh, I think he was joking, dude.
Uh, I think he was joking, dude.
BYUTE | 9:20 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
I enjoy BYU and Utah football through the years, but this petty rivalry talk is
just the efforts of futile minds to express themselves naively. The fact of the
matter is that Utah did very well and that the Tide are a in a whole different
league. Utah will lose and BYU will love it. Next year will come and BYU will
dominate Utah and Utah will turn on Wittingham. They'll fire him and BYU
will refuse to hire him as their defensive coordinator and he will be the head
coach of Hillcrest High in 2011. There you go. I love you both but the facts
are the facts.
HSFAN | 9:20 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
All the hype is just that.... HYPE!! Teams offer press conferences for the
Sports writers, so they have something to write about!
But this is a good article... it breaks down what is real and true.....
Go Utah...talk is cheap...leave it on the field...
But this is a good article... it breaks down what is real and true.....
Go Utah...talk is cheap...leave it on the field...
RE: Ernest T. Bass | 9:25 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
The article doesn't even mention BYU, but Mr. Bass thinks BYU would quote
"beat these guys." Yeah, much like BYU beat Arizona in Vegas,
right?!
Alabama will probably win, but I don't see Utah getting blown out of the water like Hawaii did last year vs. Georgia.
Alabama will probably win, but I don't see Utah getting blown out of the water like Hawaii did last year vs. Georgia.
Smart Lenders | 9:28 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
The smart and solvent bankers in this state are lending all the money you want
to get if your betting "Bama".
Sconedawg | 9:35 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
What a bunch of malarkey. Who really knows what will happen. It all depends on
the players attitude when the strap up the helmet. Who ever want sit most will
win in this one
bubba | 9:35 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
i is a ute fan butt i think we waz ray overratted do to our not playing any
good teams except tcu whom we were berrie lucky to win..i is scared to play the
tide...i sure hope we can win.
Ute Fan | 10:09 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
All this talk about the Utes being overrated makes me laugh. They may be
legitimate underdogs in this one but of the two teams, Alabama is the more
overrated team. When you look at their record and the teams they played, they
have similar opponents and wins. Seemingly half the teams they played were just
terrible teams and they struggled in some of those games. I was surprised they
played Florida as well as they did. This was their national championship game
and Florida was not at full strength.
Utes can win this game!
Utes can win this game!
Tide | 10:14 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
I like my tide with bleach.
fr | 10:23 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
I've got advice for the Utes -- pretend you are playing the BYU Cougars and
you will win. I never thought I'd ever say this but here goes... Go Utes
Re: BYUTE | 9:20 a.m. | 10:30 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
"I love you both but the facts are the facts."
What a stupid post. There is no such thing as a future fact except in the mind of a delusional BYU fan.
BYU will dismantle Utah? Really?? The FACTS indicate that BYU was starting to tank at the end of this season and Utah continued to improve. If the trend continues...well, you do the extrapolation.
Given the lack of control Mendenhall has on his team, I think BYU is in for a very looooooong 2009.
What a stupid post. There is no such thing as a future fact except in the mind of a delusional BYU fan.
BYU will dismantle Utah? Really?? The FACTS indicate that BYU was starting to tank at the end of this season and Utah continued to improve. If the trend continues...well, you do the extrapolation.
Given the lack of control Mendenhall has on his team, I think BYU is in for a very looooooong 2009.
Ogden Icebreakers | 10:28 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
I�m sure the Y and U football programs rank right up there
with West Ogden High Icebreakers� one of the most
formidable teams imaginable. Recently, our county just won state in
�can�t budget�
and �most snow packed roads�.
Go Yewts, go Mountain, go West, go Snow Removal Anything.
Go Yewts, go Mountain, go West, go Snow Removal Anything.
Pee Wee | 10:51 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Saban thinks the Utes are good????
He is obviously not privy to the insights of Cougar fans, Dirk Harmon, or any of the other Utah sports media.
He is obviously not privy to the insights of Cougar fans, Dirk Harmon, or any of the other Utah sports media.
An SEC Cougar fan | 10:51 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
"RE: Ernest T. Bass
The article doesn't even mention BYU, but Mr. Bass thinks BYU would quote "beat these guys." Yeah, much like BYU beat Arizona in Vegas, right?!"
Assuming this Ernest T. Bass is the same person who always comments as Ernest T. Bass, he/she says things that are controversial just to be controversial. For example, he consistently attacks the LDS Church whenever there is a story about the Church. He's like the Michael Moore of DN article commenters.
In any case, not all people in the SEC are cheering for Alabama - I'll be cheering for Utah all the way (I'm a Cougar and Gator fan). Utah's going to have to play a perfect or near-perfect game to beat 'Bama though.
The article doesn't even mention BYU, but Mr. Bass thinks BYU would quote "beat these guys." Yeah, much like BYU beat Arizona in Vegas, right?!"
Assuming this Ernest T. Bass is the same person who always comments as Ernest T. Bass, he/she says things that are controversial just to be controversial. For example, he consistently attacks the LDS Church whenever there is a story about the Church. He's like the Michael Moore of DN article commenters.
In any case, not all people in the SEC are cheering for Alabama - I'll be cheering for Utah all the way (I'm a Cougar and Gator fan). Utah's going to have to play a perfect or near-perfect game to beat 'Bama though.
Its all Strategy | 11:02 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Saban and the Bama staff are trying to prop up the Utes to be best team in the
country. That way, when Alabama squashes the Utes it looks so much better for
Bama. Its all strategy. Keep talkin' Saban! Utah has NO IDEA what a top
5 team is like. Anyteam in the MWC conference would be surprised how talented a
top 5 team is. I'm cheering for Utah to win the game but I'm afraid I
will be sorely disappointed.
Okie Cougar | 11:09 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
On behalf of the entire MWC, go Utes!!
Make us proud!
P.S. Ignore Ernest T. as he/she is an "instigator"
Make us proud!
P.S. Ignore Ernest T. as he/she is an "instigator"
1998 | 11:23 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Utes don't have a chance just like they didn't have a chance in
basketball back in 1998 when they BEAT THE DEFENDING NCAA CHAMPIONS, ARIZONA.
THEN THEY BEAT #1 NORTH CAROLINA WITH ANTWAN JAMISON AND VINCE CARTER.
BamaGunny | 11:32 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Lot of non-sense written on this site. Of course Utah is a good team. Alabama
is taking them seriously, like they do every team. There is no shame in losing
to Utah. If Alabama shows up and plays well, like they did in the SEC
Championship Game, that'll be okay. We'll see on game day. Either
team can win. All the rest is just words. Here's to a well played game.
Roll Tide
Anonymous | 11:29 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
BYU Fans:
Be excited for Utah to represent the MWC in a BCS Bowl.
As a BYU Fan I want to see the UTES win. End of Story. As a BYU Fan, I'd like to see our Cougs get better.
End of Story!
Be excited for Utah to represent the MWC in a BCS Bowl.
As a BYU Fan I want to see the UTES win. End of Story. As a BYU Fan, I'd like to see our Cougs get better.
End of Story!
RE: Its all Strategy..... | 11:33 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Its all Strategy says, "Saban and the Bama staff are trying to prop up the
Utes to be best team in the country. That way, when Alabama squashes the Utes it
looks so much better for Bama. Its all strategy."
Just to be clear this, DOES NOT mean that when an opposing coach praises the Cougars that it is just strategy. When an opposing coach praises BYU it is alway sincere, just ask Dirk Harmon.
Just to be clear this, DOES NOT mean that when an opposing coach praises the Cougars that it is just strategy. When an opposing coach praises BYU it is alway sincere, just ask Dirk Harmon.
College Football Fan | 11:51 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008
This will be Utahs highest rank bowl opponent ever. Their previous bowl
opponents average ranking has been around mid-30s ... that's why they have
a great bowl record. They have only had one previous bowl opponent ranked in the
top 20, which was Washington State at 18 ... and Utah lost that game. This is an
away game for Utah and their toughest road games so far this year were Air Force
and New Mexico, which Utah won by 7 and 3. The question is how much better is
Alabama and will they bring their A-game?
I love | 12:05 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008
all these BYU fans coming on here and saying how Utah is overated and will get
"rolled by Bama." Give me a break, we beat your team by 24 so if we
are as bad as you say, then your team has to be the biggest lame excuse for a
football team ever. For BYU fans to dog on Utah at all is such a joke after
your teams quest for a very average season of slow player football. As for the
actual game, too bad the BCS was so nervous about the 04 Utes who would have
beaten any team put in front of them, even USC (whom the UTES beat the last time
the played). BYU fans need to get a dose of reality, you are the little
brother, your overall record vs. the U in some many areas prove it. Enough of
your sour grapes.
Face Facts | 12:02 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Utah profited by a favorable schedule, PERIOD. Had they played TCU and BYU on
the road, the Utes would be enjoying their games in Las Vegas or San Diego. The
Tide is on a whole different level, offensively and defensively.
Tide by 21. This game will be over by the 3rd Quarter.
Tide by 21. This game will be over by the 3rd Quarter.
MWC Fan | 12:10 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008
As a BYU Fan I believe that Utah can beat Alabama. It all boils down to
stopping their run game. That is Alabama's strongest area and Utah weakest
area.
If Whittingham comes up with a good strategy to stop the run don't be surprised to see a Utah Victory. In all other areas I think Utah is on par with Alabama.
Don't forget Utah has the best special teams player in the nation as well. So if the game is close Utah has the advantage. Go MWC!
If Whittingham comes up with a good strategy to stop the run don't be surprised to see a Utah Victory. In all other areas I think Utah is on par with Alabama.
Don't forget Utah has the best special teams player in the nation as well. So if the game is close Utah has the advantage. Go MWC!
Alabama Fan | 12:14 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008
Just a random fan reading the Utah papers to see what yall are saying. From
reading this board it seems that Ute fans are more worried about BYU and their
fans rather than worrying about a true national power! Roll Tide. Can't
wait to hear the Ramma Jamma Bamma Chant at the end of the game!
ikenhowitzer | 12:31 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008
I think it is funny when everyone from outside of Utah keeps saying the Utes are
overated and undeserving of the Sugar Bowl...hmmmm it sounds like fear to me.
The Utes are a wild card that Bama doesn't quite know what to think about.
They will surprise the nation, all the Utes have to do is show up and play. The
Crimson on the other hand have to be weary about loosing to a MWC team, a loss
like that could scar a reputation forever. All of the pressure is on Alabama
which hasn't done so well against adversity. I cannot wait...Utes by 3.
ByuAZfan | 12:35 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008
The Alabama fan said it best. Utah beat BYU, it was no fluke and proved overall
they were the better team this year. Let it go. Bama is your foe now. I wish
the Utes the best as they will represent conference and state. I will be
rooting hard for them, haters aside. Yes to the Utes, No to the haters. Happy
New Year to All.
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