Sugar Bowl: Utah 31, Alabama 17 (Final)

[Evan]

We beat 6 teams with bowl victories. You?

Let's see, the discussion here is about Utah, so:

Air Force - bowl loss (lost bowl by 6 to Houston)
Oregon St - bowl win
Colorado St - bowl win
TCU - bowl win
BYU - bowl loss (lost by 10 to Arizona)
Alabama - bowl loss (duh)

So hey, 3 bowl winners, 3 bowl losers...not to shabby, especially since they worked over Alabama more than you guys did

 

[jwinslow]

Getting owned by a mid-major is one thing. Getting owned by Stevenson Sylvester the Sixth is classic.

 

[buckeyes_rock]

Getting owned by a mid-major is one thing. Getting owned by Stevenson Sylvester the Sixth is classic.

LOL! Picture to follow?

 

[Evan]

My point is not how good per say each team was but the level of athletes each oponent had. Florida took a beating most games. Florida State's D hit, MWC teams, not so much.

Utah didn't have to get beat up every week. LSU sucked because they didn't have a QB not because their D didnt have athletes. Same with Miami

I see...lets not talk about records and stats...let's talk about something arbitrary like how "hard" the defense hits. Ask the pac10 how hard the MWC defense hit. Ask Alabama how hard the Utes defense hits...you see the face of the 'bama player sitting at the table during their post game presser? looked like he got hit pretty hard.

 

[JXC]

My point is not how good per say each team was but the level of athletes each oponent had. Florida took a beating most games. Florida State's D hit, MWC teams, not so much.

Utah didn't have to get beat up every week. LSU sucked because they didn't have a QB not because their D didnt have athletes. Same with Miami

You are right. MWC teams don't tackle or hit at all. They just let the other team run on by them and score TDs all day long. The difference between the way a MWC team hits and a ACC team hits is not that big of a difference, and unless you've played against both personally, I don't see how you can say different. All Div1A football players hit hard. You act as those the MWC defenses have weak guy on them or something. I'd rather not get hit by them all game long. Going thru ANY D1A schedule without losing is tough in itself.

The smaller conferences have shown that they aren't that far behind the bigger conferences. Have you watched TCU? They hit pretty damn hard! Ask Oklahoma if they hit...considering they never scored less in a game than they did against TCU.

I just don't buy the argument. You are either good...or you aren't. Utah is good. They didn't lose. What more do they have to prove? The SEC isn't as tough this year as they usually are. The MWC was MUCH tougher than a mid major has been in a long time. But people can't get past previous biases.

 

[jwinslow]

[FONT=arial,helvetica] Quarterback John Parker Wilson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is hit as he throws by defensive tackle Greg Newman #56 of the Utah Utes in the first quarter during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica] Wide receiver Bradon Godfrey #81 of the Utah Utes celebrates with teammate Freddie Brown #88 after Godfrey caught an 18-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica] Wide receiver Bradon Godfrey #81 of the Utah Utes celebrates with teammate Freddie Brown #88 after Godfrey caught an 18-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica] Head coach Kyle Whittingham of the Utah Utes looks on during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Quarterback John Parker Wilson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs by a diving Paul Kruger #11 of the Utah Utes in the second half during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Wide receiver Freddie Brown #88 of the Utah Utes fights for more yards after the catch as both Marquis Johnson #24 and Rashad Johnson #49 of the Alabama Crimson Tide attempt to tackle him in the fourth quarter during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Wide receiver Bradon Godfrey #81 of the Utah Utes runs after making a catch as he attempts to avoid a tackle by Rolando McClain #25 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first half during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica] Wide receiver Bradon Godfrey #81 of the Utah Utes runs after making a catch against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first half during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks down in the first half while taking on the Utah Utes during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Quarterback Brian Johnson #3 of the Utah Utes runs the ball as he is chased by defensive end Luther Davis #96 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first half during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] (R-L) Wide receiver Bradon Godfrey #81 of the Utah Utes attempts to avoid a tackle by Rolando McClain #25 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first half during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks down in the first half while taking on the Utah Utes during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica] Wide receiver Nikita Stover #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide has the catch broken up by cornerback Sean Smith #4 of the Utah Utes in the second quarter during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Wide receiver David Reed #16 of the Utah Utes makes a 30-yard catch over cornerback Marquis Johnson #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first half during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica] Quarterback John Parker Wilson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is hit as he throws by defensive tackle Greg Newman #56 of the Utah Utes in the first quarter during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica] Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson (14) is sacked by Utah linebacker Stevenson Sylvester (10) in the first half of their NCAA football game in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Utah wide receiver Freddie Brown (88) is upended by Alabama cornerback Kareem Jackson (3) in the first half of their NCAA football game in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica] Utah wide receiver Brent Casteel (5) dives for a touchdown in front of Alabama cornerback Kareem Jackson (3) in the first half of their NCAA football game in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Matt Asiata #4 of the Utah Utes reacts after he scores a two-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica] Matt Asiata #4 of the Utah Utes scores a two-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Utah defensive back Robert Johnson (17) gestures after intercepting a pass against Alabama in the first half of their NCAA football game in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Utah's David Reed (16) catches a pass in front of Alabama defensive back Marquis Johnson (24) in the first half of their NCAA football game in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Linebacker Stevenson Sylvester #10 of the Utah Utes reacts after sacking quarter John Parker Wilson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first quarter during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Linebacker Stevenson Sylvester #10 of the Utah Utes reacts after sacking quarter John Parker Wilson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first quarter during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica] Wide receiver Bradon Godfrey #81 of the Utah Utes catches a 22-yard pass in front of safety Rashad Johnson #49 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first quarter during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Quarterback John Parker Wilson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is sacked by linebacker Stevenson Sylvester #10 of the Utah Utes in the first quarter during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica] Wide receiver Brent Casteel #5 of the Utah Utes reacts with teammate Zane Beadles after Casteel scores a six-yard touchdwon against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter of the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica] Wide receiver Brent Casteel #5 of the Utah Utes scores a six-yard touchdwon as he dives into the endzone by Kareem Jackson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter of the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Image

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Utah fans from left to right, Maddie Eilke, Kate Taylor and Matthew Wilkin cheer their team before the start of the NCAA football game against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Brian Lawdermild)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Fans of the Utah Utes cheer on their team before taking on the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide cheers on his team before taking on the Utah Utes during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)[/FONT]

 

[lvbuckeye]

I still can't see anyone touching USC right now though

that's what Pete Carroll said. apparently he forgot about losing to Oregon State, who, quite conveniently, lost to Utah.


man, i love it!

 

[billmac91]

I wonder if any Utah players will say playing Bama was easier than facing New Mexico??

 

[3074326]

Why? Only playing 3 or 4 games a year where there a reasonable chance of defeat vs. 9 or 10 is a big difference.

Because you're throwing away performance in big games. That's fucking stupid. Sorry.

 

[Evan]

Why? Only playing 3 or 4 games a year where there a reasonable chance of defeat vs. 9 or 10 is a big difference.

please point out the 9-10 games that Florida had a "reasonable chance of defeat"?

 

[23Skidoo]

I see...lets not talk about records and stats...let's talk about something arbitrary like how "hard" the defense hits. Ask the pac10 how hard the MWC defense hit. Ask Alabama how hard the Utes defense hits...you see the face of the 'bama player sitting at the table during their post game presser? looked like he got hit pretty hard.

Bingo. The entire SEC myth is based on circular logic. Their entire argument rests on the premise that the SEC is better by default.

 

[lvbuckeye]

Although this game played out the way I wanted it to, let's not get ahead of ourselves on the national champions talk. I am a firm believer that navigating through a 12 game schedule in a major conference is much more difficult than getting pumped up for one game (that no one says you can win).

Regardless, congrats to Utah.

with TCU, BYU, and Utah, the MWC is just as good as any major conference this year. and let's not forget teh MWC's 6-2 record against the Pac Ten. Oregon got beat by BYU. Oregon State got beat by Utah, UCLA lost to BYU by FIFTY-NINE POINTS.

Utah deserves it. no doubt in my mind.

 

[milkman21]

that's what Pete Carroll said. apparently he forgot about losing to Oregon State, who, quite conveniently, lost to Utah.


man, i love it!

USC lost to Oregon State, but Oregon State lost to PSU, who lost to USC!

It's like an infinite loop of BCS BS. Perpetual motion.

 

[JXC]

[FONT=arial,helvetica]Quarterback John Parker Wilson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is hit as he throws by defensive tackle Greg Newman #56 of the Utah Utes in the first quarter during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica]Quarterback John Parker Wilson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is hit as he throws by defensive tackle Greg Newman #56 of the Utah Utes in the first quarter during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica]Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson (14) is sacked by Utah linebacker Stevenson Sylvester (10) in the first half of their NCAA football game in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica]Quarterback John Parker Wilson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is sacked by linebacker Stevenson Sylvester #10 of the Utah Utes in the first quarter during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) [/FONT]

These pictures have to be photoshoped or something. MWC teams don't hit!

 

[sphincter]

I proudly announce Utah as Sphincter's 2008 National Champions. Let me now present the trophy. . .