Deseret News | Utah Utes football: Saban knew Utes were good, but team didn't believe

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Utah Utes football: Saban knew Utes were good, but team didn't believe

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Jus' Wondering... | 12:28 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

So why is it that if a BYU fan mentioned Alambama played without 2 of their 5 starting offensive lineman in this game that would "whining" but Ute fans will verrrry likely not mention that little tid-bit of info in the days and weeks to come?

Hmmmmm....

Go Utes | 12:52 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

You should be #1 after a giving a whopping like that.

JoeF | 1:00 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

I am so sick of excuse makers. You heard Barry S. at the 21-0 mark, "Alabama wants to be playing in the National Championship, Utah WANTS to be playing in the Sugar Bowl." We heard it about Oregon v. BYU three years back, and at other times.

Garbage.

You can't tell me that Alabama did not come to win. You can't tell me that their minds were elsewhere because they were playing an 'inferior' opponent. But we've already heard it, and will hear it again.

Know that any lips dropping that drivel belong to the natural-born loser. Newsflash: parity CAN and DOES exist in college football throughout the nation; and the gum-smacking forced on our ears that only coastlines and the South can produce talent is simply fear for that their heavily protected back-yards might have to play fair.

Congratulations, Utah.

Comments continue below

Fruit Heights BYU Fan | 1:32 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

to:Jus' Wondering... | 12:28 a.m. --

Bama had 11 players plus a few officials to beat, and they beat them.

Please do not disrecpect the Utes in their game, their moment.

Congrats to Utah. Respect earned should not be questioned, give them their due for this season. We have a shot at them next year, but they earned the game tonight.

Best team in the country comes from the MWC.

jus Wondering | 1:42 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

You play with whose available, the utes were without one of their LB's, they did not whine,they kicked butt! Stay off the blogs BYU fan, your jealousy is so un-attractive. P.S., trying winning a bowl game against a average opponent. Hmmmmm...

Ernesto de Bajo | 1:42 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Saban is class; Switzer is, well, I guess the last three letters would work. Never has an analyst panelist looked so bad. I really thought that Fox might boot him for the halftime and post-game segments but, since they didn't, gosh it was fun to watch him twist in the wind. That's that most wiggling I've seen since I last went fishing with sharp hooks and fresh worms.

kevin4byu | 1:47 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Hats off to the Utes! Great game and great season. Thanks for taking the MWC to the top. You topped off a great year and let everyone know that the conference should not be taken lightly! Thanks for hlping our loss to you look a little better.

to Jus Wondering... | 2:06 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Do you sit around and have pretend conversations with yourself in which you predict what others will say?

Utah outplayed Alabama tonight, end of story. It will be interesting to hear the spin that is put on this game as the BCS lovers try to explain what exactly happened. But for those who know football, and obviously the Utes know football, Utah was simply the better team. Enough said.

Stein | 2:26 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Alambama ? Is that how they spell it at the school down south? The first lineman broke the rules, the second lineman got his butt whooped, then the rest of the team got in line. So the Utes had an advantage on defense, what was Alambamas excuse on defense?

Awesome Win | 3:55 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

I don't care who you are, that was a serious win. Everyone who cheers for any non-BCS school should be pleased as punch, even Boise, TCU and BYU should be jumping for joy. Well played Utes, very impressive.

Re: jus Wondering | 4:00 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

I hope my fellow Coug fans won't be so shallow. This isn't about us! I couldn't be more proud of the Utes and the team they developed as the season went along. I was a huge Ute fan last night. Awesome victory for the Utes and every non-BCS team in the country.

Maybe... | 5:02 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

it's because the 'Bama players, coaches and fans aren't congenital whiners like the poor losers 40 miles to the south of us.

Aggie | 5:40 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

You can slice it, dice it, make excuses, analyze it any way you want, but the fact is the U of U flat out kicked their butts in every aspect of the game. You can't blame all of that on the loss of 1 or even 2 offensive lineman.

Because.... | 6:01 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

It doesn't matter. Alabama could have played their 3rd stringers all game and it would not matter. I'm a BYU fan, but Utah did everything they needed to do to win each game their played this season, including the Sugar Bowl. They soundly beat BYU - give them their props.

BYU Grad - GO UTES!!! | 6:13 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

I am a BYU grad and love my Coogs. However, I also know when to give props where they are due. Accordingly . . .

Go UTES! What a pheonomenal performance! Enjoy the glow -- you earned every minute of it.

See ya next year!

Levin | 6:38 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

I'm wondering why a BYU fan would so foolish as to say anything about a Utah season that easily compares to BYU's 1984 season. And a bowl win that trumps BYU's 1996 Cotton Bowl victory. If anything, whine about how BYU didn't get a chance to play a top 5 team either of those years.

This is a great win. Go Cougars and Utes. Let's hope for Utah to maintain solid coaching with a new OC and DC.

UTES! | 6:40 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

BYU has Johnson envy!

Red Blood | 6:48 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

To: Jus' Wondering... | 12:28 a.m.

Come back when byu actually beats someone of significance.

Your BCS-envy is showing.

Anonymous | 7:07 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Because all BYU fans do is cry and whine, kinda how you just did. You have a point, but when it comes from a compulsive whiner it's discredited.

BotchedExperiment | 7:08 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

The O-line has nothing to do with the Tide defense giving up 31 points, not being able to cover receivers, and not being able to tackle.

The Alabama offense had the ball longer than the Ute offense, so you can't blame the Tide O-line for the defense getting tired.

NCBYUFAN | 7:13 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

RE:Jus'Wondering. Get a grip!!!! Great job Runnin'Utes and thanks for the what you did for YOURSEVES and the MWC! You done us all proud!!

Chuck | 7:19 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

I'm a BYU fan and who cares if they were missing 2 out of 5 lineman. This is a big with for the UTES and Mountain West. They won and that is all that matters. If BYU players ever learn to stop making stupid mental mistakes, at least we could have at least won the Vegas Bowl and ended up in top 20. The UTES played a great game and deserve the year to glory in it. You make you're own luck and that is exactly what Utah did.

Georgia Bob | 7:29 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Hey "Jus' Wondering", you sound a little like sour grapes. Get over it.

Congrats Utes on an impressive win. I firmly believe Utah would have won even with all of Alabama's starting line. The Utes had the heart to win, Alabama didn't.

To "Jus' Wondering..." | 7:43 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Shut up. Why would you want to throw water on what was an amazing performance in every way. You show your immaturity and lack of class. I'm a diehard Cougar fan, and I take my hat off to Utah. They've earned the nation's respect and they deserve it all the way. CONGRATULATIONS UTAH!!

Jus' Answering | 8:12 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

You're right. Alabama played without 2 of their 5 starting offensive lineman so we should just give them back the Sugar Bowl trophy cuz we didn't deserve it. I'm sorry but a team like Alabama with the money and recruiting advantages that they have should have no problem plugging in a 5 star recruit to replace the other 5 star recruit that went down.

You're right, we won't mention "that little tid-bit of info." And why not? Because even if Andre Smith played, Utah still wins this game convincingly. We put pressure on Wilson from ALL sides, not just the side Andre Smith would have played.

Hmmmmmm.....sounds like you've got a serious case of Zoobie mentality.

Gordon | 8:17 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Hey folks, from a true blue cougar. Way to go Utah. They showed the world up. By chance did anyone see the egg on Barry Switzer's face?
It was a great game to watch. And the players played with class.

Non BYU or Utah fan | 8:22 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Jus'Wondering you just had to say that didn't you. That was a great win and let it go at that.

Diligent Dave | 8:36 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

(parody on Monkees song, 'I'm A Believer')-

I thought (losses could) be true only in fairy tales,
Meant for some (other team) and not for me,
(Utah's defense) was out to get me,
That's the way it seemed,
(Turnovers and sacks spoiled) all my dreams

Then I Saw (them play)
Now (We're) Believers
Not a Trace of Doubt
In (Our) Mind(s)!!!

(They are the winners)
(We're) Believers
We (could hardly score
when we) tried!

BYU Fan | 8:38 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Saban coach of the year? Yeah, sure. My vote goes to Whittingham! Congratulations Utes!!!

Walt Bolic | 8:37 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

BYU always whines regardless of the situation. So BYU fans should enjoy their cut of Sugar Bowl and realise that Utah kicked butt regardless of injuries.

Thanks.... | 8:44 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Coach Saban. It's over and done. The boys played their best, but Utah was just better on the football field and won the game deservingly. Thanks for an awesome season and keep on rolling next season...

Gretkzy | 8:44 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

TCU has to be wondering if it should have been them. you forgot to mention that Utah beat all 3 of the other ranked opponents on their own homefielded referereed field as well...TCU, OSU, and BYU. however, great teams beat the refs too usually. utah will have some fun next year at BYU and TCU. will be interesting to see how utes do in the next few years without both currently outgoing coordinators.

'Jus' Wondering' get real | 8:51 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Utah won because they scored more points. All of their defense was there. They pulled out there all-american behemoth noseguard because he was ineffective against a faster team... Utes smashed them. BYU was wishing they were there.... 1984 rocks! Michigan ruled!

Hey Jus' Wondering..... | 8:58 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

It's the same reason that BYU fans never mention that in 2007 Utah lost to the Coogs while playing without their top three offensive players and an injured QB.

Sammy | 9:02 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

They played without ONE of their guys who's head wasn't right anyway. He was looking past this game.

The other guy we knocked out so he tried to give us his best shot but couldn't handle it.

We can talk again next week if you want. But what is going to change?

Good job Utah!!!

DC based | 9:26 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

As a BYU fan, I am happy for Utah and the MWC. Michael Wilbon (WashingtonPost/ESPN) and some others in the media have been saying all season that the MWC might be one of the top three conferences this year (with Utah, TCU and BYU). I think he was right. Kudos to the MWC - all the teams - for a great year. BYU fans, revel in Utah's success. Our team was good, but not the best, in the MWC. Utah and TCU delivered in their bowl games, BYU did not. It is time for BYU to raise its game. BYU's players know it and made no excuses, so should the fans.

Alagal55 | 9:36 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Congrats to Utah. We just didn't play hard enough. No excuses. I don't blame Sabin. I think he tried to warn our boys this was going to be a tough team and they maybe didn't listen. Maybe next year. I agree that if you are an undefeated team; you should be considered as a #1 team. Utah had an incredible season.

BobJ | 10:06 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Everyone said that Alabama would win this game! it was unfortunate that Bama lost 2 players, but, Utah was without a starting linebacker. It was a great game to watch, and brought humility to most. GO UTES

CougarKeith | 10:24 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Obviously, you all know that I am an idiot for the stupid things I said about Wittingham. He is a wonderful coach and clearly showed he was better than Saban. I also noticed his coaching style was so much more mature and effective with his team. I am going to shed the blue and be a Utah fan after I get my Frontal Lobotomy finished.

Randall | 10:30 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

coug fans:
We don't need your praise.
It's another Saturday night.
Stay home and close the drapes.
The Utah Utes Will Party!

Sierra Blue | 10:33 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

I was so happy to see Switzer proven to be the idiot he is. Remember Switzer is the one who groused loudly about BYU winning the 1984 championship (when he thought it should go to his Sooners or to U dub).

Seems to me like the West Valley City Council considered naming their sewer system the "Barry Switzer memorial sewer" or something like that.

See the problem? No one from the BCS conferences believes a good football team can come from the Mtn. West.

As pleased as I am to see the Utes clean Bama's clock, until the Mtn West frequently wins these statement games, there will be no respect for the MWC.

Aside from the fact the rich conferences are loath to share their multi-million dollar bowl payout with the "mid majors" (an incredibly denigrating term) the arrogance of the BCS schools is even more denigrating.

The BCS is totally corrupt, there is no credibility for whomever wins the 2008 national championship, and as long as money controls the system, the system will be flawed.

And BTW, congratulations to the UTES for a spectacular showing. But wait until next year, the rivalry continues in Provo.

Ute Fan | 10:55 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

I used to cheer for BYU, and hoped they did well. The BYU fans are why I now can't stand them. I can't believe what a bunch of excuse-makers the BYU people are. Utah just completed a great season, and you're going to start talking about an offensive lineman being out as the reason Utah won. AMAZING!!! Did Arizona have anyone hurt? Oh, that's right, nobody cares because it was insignificant, and you still can't put together a good effort for a bowl game. In the prior 8 bowl games, including a trouncing of Pitt., were there other injuries. Utah is a top notch program. Now, we have to listen to ,"let's see how they do with their two coordinators leaving". You said the same thing when Urban Meyer left. Looks like we're O.K. Swallow you're pride, and congratulate a great effort, for once. Go Utes!

Good For Utah | 11:13 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

If anything, it says the champ of the MWC is deserving of an automatic berth. TCU won against a top 10 team as well. The conference was very strong this year.

It will be strong next year as well. Whether BYU, TCU, or Utah comes out on top, they just need to play well in bowl games. That has happened for the most part. Cougs win the MWC the last 2 seasons and also win their bowl game. Utah does the same, on a bigger stage. I would like to see the stage stay bigger.

35 Year BYU Fan | 11:17 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Great Job Utah,
Great representation of the MWC
Good Job at Upsetting all of the "experts", the BCS, the "high-and-mighties" etc. etc.

** I seriously think that the "insecure (low self esteem) fans", should be banned from these forums, definitively,(both BYU and Utah), they ruin it for everyone.**

Nate

Re: Ute Fan | 11:22 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

you don't have to defend the Utes by trash talking the BYU fans...just bask in the glory of the moment okay.
Congrats Utes; hope you get the AP #1.

BYUTE Fan | 11:21 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Attended neither -- cheer for both. When they play each other, I generally cheer for the team with the best chance to make a difference on the national scene. This year, Utah deserves to be recognized as the best team in the nation.

Ute Fan, you are as bad as the people you complain about. Wah, wah, wah. Your team just won the biggest game in its history and you write a full paragraph griping about BYU fans. Why are so many of you (on both sides) so whiny and defensive. Win a game and go undefeated, do you need to say more than that? Your attempt to defend is childish. What are you so insecure about?

Congrats to the Utes. That was complete domination!

LAWMAN | 11:24 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Hey "Ute Fan." I have to agree with you that you are not a whining BYU fan . . . you are a whining Ute fan. If you read the posts ahead of you, you will see that there are many contratulatory posts by BYU fans, to which I will add. Way to go Utes! You represented the conference and yourselves to the utmost. Kyle was right, you should be voted number one.

Duh | 11:23 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Grow up those worthless UTE fans who are complaining about BYU fans. The majority of BYU fans are being congratulatory and all some of you can do is be classless and slam them down. Utah was flawless and those of us who know football recognize it. The Utes should be congratulated by everyone, not just UTE fans. You talk about whining BYU fans yet here at a time of perfection, you are whining the most, and UTAH WON! Grow up. Congrats Utah on a perfect season, you proved me wrong and you have my vote for Number 1!

Cool Breeze | 11:26 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

This Bama fan says Utes are the real deal. We are impressed and feel for your frustration. PS: We like your women! Looking Good they were. :-) Roll Tide!

Yeah, like he said | 11:25 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009

Ditto Sierra Blue.. Couldn't have said it better myself.

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Alabama head coach Nick Saban wonders what is going on as Utah leads his team from start to finish Friday.

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Utah Utes football: Saban knew Utes were good, but team didn't believe

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Utah Utes football: Saban knew Utes were good, but team didn't believe