Time to get mad: Beating the Buffs for Our 8th Win

[LA Ute]

The title says it. Post away.

[sancho]

I'll be there, it will be close, and we'll win. Ralphie is the best starting game tradition in college football. Makes the rock and the grove and the wagon look like kindergarten.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Hopefully the whole team is embarrassed, pissed, and takes it out on the Buffs. We can still have a record season since PAC-12 inclusion. Let's finish the season out with pride.

[sancho]

Hopefully the whole team is embarrassed, pissed, and takes it out on the Buffs. We can still have a record season since PAC-12 inclusion. Let's finish the season out with pride.

Remember when Anu Solomon gathered his team and gave them a pep talk? Who do we have for that job? Do we have anyone?

5-4 is worth fighting for. Our WR corps is a mess, but we'll have to squeeze something out of them in Boulder.

[DrumNFeather]

We win by two TDs minimum.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

We win by two TDs minimum.

We have to score twice?!? Crap.

[DrumNFeather]

We have to score twice?!? Crap.
Yessir!

[sancho]

Speaking of getting mad, I saw RichRod chew a player out today. I saw Graham do it last week in his OSU loss. I really don't like seeing it - I think they look like clowns getting in their players' faces. But is it necessary sometimes? Kyle never does it anymore. He's mellowed out a lot. Shaw never does it. Ditto Peterson. Leach locks kids in a closet. I don't know about other coaches in the conference - Riley, Dykes, McIntyre, Sark, Mora, Herzlich. Brian Johnson did it for us last year to no effect.

[chrisrenrut]

Speaking of getting mad, I saw RichRod chew a player out today. I saw Graham do it last week in his OSU loss. I really don't like seeing it - I think they look like clowns getting in their players' faces. But is it necessary sometimes? Kyle never does it anymore. He's mellowed out a lot. Shaw never does it. Ditto Peterson. Leach locks kids in a closet. I don't know about other coaches in the conference - Riley, Dykes, McIntyre, Sark, Mora, Herzlich. Brian Johnson did it for us last year to no effect.

Kyle has chewed out players this season. I'm trying to remember specifics. I cant remember the exact situation, but He got in Bubba Poole's face earlier this year when he came off the field.

[DrumNFeather]

Game at 1:00 p.m. Eastern, presumably on the Pac 12 Network.

[Sullyute]

Unfortunately, we are down two team captains. With Dres and J. Paul out we do lack some of that senior leadership that helps rally a team. I think that everyone likes Travis as a person but not sure how motivating he is on the field.

I hope the team gets mad too and puts a lick'in on the buffs.

[UtahsMrSports]

I dont think any injury hurt as badly as Gionni paul. Man, we missed him. Im just hoping we have enough to beat colorado. I think we will.

[Diehard Ute]

I think many people missed Hunter Dimick leaving early yesterday with an injury. He never returned. It hurt.

[LA Ute]

I think many people missed Hunter Dimick leaving early yesterday with an injury. He never returned. It hurt.

I did not see that, but heard about it on the post game show. Apparently his replacement was the one letting the Arizona running backs get outside over and over.

[Diehard Ute]

I did not see that, but heard about it on the post game show. Apparently his replacement was the one letting the Arizona running backs get outside over and over.

Yup. Greg Reese struggled and AZ went right at him.

[UtahsMrSports]

Yup. Greg Reese struggled and AZ went right at him.

Orchard is fairly weak holding down the outside as well (2nd touchdown for Az is a perfect example.) Once dimick went out, AZ knew theyd have a field day either side and they did.

[Old Standing ute]

We have to score twice?!? Crap.

Then Clay better return one for a TD, as our O is only good for 1 per game.

[U-Ute]

Kyle has chewed out players this season. I'm trying to remember specifics. I cant remember the exact situation, but He got in Bubba Poole's face earlier this year when he came off the field.

He definitely wanted to know what happened right before the half when Phillips squibbed that kickoff out of bounds.

Kyle hasn't slowed. He just chooses his spots a bit more carefully than most coaches. If you blow up every time a player screws up, they'll tune you out.

[Applejack]

I dont think any injury hurt as badly as Gionni paul. Man, we missed him. Im just hoping we have enough to beat colorado. I think we will.

Agreed. I like Whittingham, but he's not Gionni Paul.

For the record, I have never watched Utah play Colorado. I don't know why, but I can never get excited about this game. Can we switch it for BYU but have it count as a conference game?

[DrumNFeather]

Agreed. I like Whittingham, but he's not Gionni Paul.

For the record, I have never watched Utah play Colorado. I don't know why, but I can never get excited about this game. Can we switch it for BYU but have it count as a conference game?

Partially because the last two years it was a game that helped us get to 5-7...

[sancho]

Agreed. I like Whittingham, but he's not Gionni Paul.

For the record, I have never watched Utah play Colorado. I don't know why, but I can never get excited about this game. Can we switch it for BYU but have it count as a conference game?

I've been to two of the last three. They were both good, close games with exciting moments. The trick to enjoying a Utah/CU game is pushing out of your head the thought that we really should be beating these guys by 3 TDs. If you dwell on who CU is, it's kinda depressing to be in a close game with them.

[LA Ute]

I've been to two of the last three. They were both good, close games with exciting moments. The trick to enjoying a Utah/CU game is pushing out of your head the thought that we really should be beating these guys by 3 TDs. If you dwell on who CU is, it's kinda depressing to be in a close game with them.

We do seem to play down to their level. Ugh.

[USS Utah]

Utah was one play from a comfortable win over the Buffs last year. Instead of a Murphy touchdown catch, the play was called as a touchback on a fumble.

[DrumNFeather]

I've been to two of the last three. They were both good, close games with exciting moments. The trick to enjoying a Utah/CU game is pushing out of your head the thought that we really should be beating these guys by 3 TDs. If you dwell on who CU is, it's kinda depressing to be in a close game with them.
Throw the records out the window when these two rivals lock horns.

[LA Ute]

Utah is a 10 point favorite in this game. Why does that not make me feel better?

[DrumNFeather]

Utah is a 10 point favorite in this game. Why does that not make me feel better?

You've read one too many Gordon Monson columns?

[UBlender]

Utah is a 10 point favorite in this game. Why does that not make me feel better?

That line is absurd. This game has scared me for several weeks and even moreso right now with how beat up Utah is on both sides of the ball. Colorado isn't a great team but they have improved and are good enough that they should not be going winless in PAC 12 play. They feel the same way, no doubt, and will be throwing the kitchen sink at Utah to get that monkey off their back. Will Utah match their passion? If not, it could be ugly.

[LA Ute]

That line is absurd. This game has scared me for several weeks and even moreso right now with how beat up Utah is on both sides of the ball. Colorado isn't a great team but they have improved and are good enough that they should not be going winless in PAC 12 play. They feel the same way, no doubt, and will be throwing the kitchen sink at Utah to get that monkey off their back. Will Utah match their passion? If not, it could be ugly.

2011 is an unforgettable bad memory.

[Solon]

Utah is a 10 point favorite in this game. Why does that not make me feel better?

The Utes have been on the wrong end of 2 blowouts (Oregon & AZ), but all of the conference wins have been nail-bitingly close.
Plus, somehow this team is better on the road than at home.

We're due. The Utes are going to roll.

[DrumNFeather]

The Utes have been on the wrong end of 2 blowouts (Oregon & AZ), but all of the conference wins have been nail-bitingly close.
Plus, somehow this team is better on the road than at home.

We're due. The Utes are going to roll.

I agree. Ask yourself: How much momentum did we gain by beating them last year and the year before to get to 5-7? Answer: Not much. I don't think we're going to see a suddenly talent-rich and motivated Buffs squad. We still have one of the toughest and nastiest D's in the conference, which I believe will slow them down significantly. I suspect we'll get a special teams score of some kind (we're due for that too) and Booker will probably run for 200 yards, while Wilson will manage the game well, make a few nice throws, a few bad throws, and run for probably 50 yards.

[sancho]

Common opponent rundown:

ASU. Both lost. CU lost by 14.

OSU. Utes won in OT. Buffs lost by 5.

USC. Utes won a close one. Buffs lost by 4 TDs.

UCLA. Utes won a close one. Buffs lost in 2OT.

Zona. Utes got clobbered. Buffs kept it close (down 4 in the 4th) most of the way but lost by 18.

Oregon. We both lost by a lot of points, but the Utes kept it close until the 4th.

[USS Utah]

Zona. Utes got clobbered. Buffs kept it close (down 4 in the 4th) most of the way but lost by 18.

I watched the football in 60 replay last night. Utah was in a position to cut the lead to 3 (21-17) with a third and 3 inside the 30 -- this, despite just having a punt return for a TD called back by a penalty. At that point, the 3rd quarter ended, and the weather worsened as the 4th began. a bad snap led to a sack taking Utah out of field goal range. On the previous Arizona possession, Hunter Dimick went out with an injury and did not return. Next Wildcat possession saw a long run by Wilson up the middle for a touchdown. Next Utah possession ended with an INT off a tipped ball, which was followed by another Wilson TD on a run up the middle. Utah changes QBs, and Mannion throws a pick six.

The wheels came off big time in the 4th quarter, and Utah was struggling early, but for a moment, at least, Utah was threatening to get back into the game.

[LA Ute]

I think the air started coming out of the balloon with the holding call on Clay's runback.

[USS Utah]

I think the air started coming out of the balloon with the holding call on Clay's runback.

True, but the offense still had a nice drive going until the bad snap and sack.

[sancho]

True, but the offense still had a nice drive going until the bad snap and sack.

Yes, that play was a killer for momentum. We needed points on that drive. We had two drives where we were in FG range and game away with nothing.

[LA Ute]

True, but the offense still had a nice drive going until the bad snap and sack.

Yeah, that was the final nail.

[chrisrenrut]

Common opponent rundown:

ASU. Both lost. CU lost by 14.

OSU. Utes won in OT. Buffs lost by 5.

USC. Utes won a close one. Buffs lost by 4 TDs.

UCLA. Utes won a close one. Buffs lost in 2OT.

Zona. Utes got clobbered. Buffs kept it close (down 4 in the 4th) most of the way but lost by 18.

Oregon. We both lost by a lot of points, but the Utes kept it close until the 4th.

Nice breakdown. Unfortunately, it made me feel worse about our chances on Saturday. Hopefully the power of the lucky button has regenerated since last times it was at a game.

[Ma'ake]

Colorado won't be easy, especially now, especially on Senior Day for some gutty kids who stuck through some crappy times.

I saw we should let it out on offense. Just go for it. Our defense is good enough to bail us out in most scenarios vs CU, and we simply *have* to get better offensively, or we're looking at a 3 game skid to end the year.

Have fun, guys, it's time to get back to fun football, especially on the offensive side.

[Solon]

Colorado won't be easy, especially now, especially on Senior Day for some gutty kids who stuck through some crappy times.
.

Yeah, nobody lays an egg on Senior Day.
Oh, wait! :Ashamed:

[DrumNFeather]

Colorado won't be easy, especially now, especially on Senior Day for some gutty kids who stuck through some crappy times.

I saw we should let it out on offense. Just go for it. Our defense is good enough to bail us out in most scenarios vs CU, and we simply *have* to get better offensively, or we're looking at a 3 game skid to end the year.

Have fun, guys, it's time to get back to fun football, especially on the offensive side.
I kind of agree. Throw the ball down field and challenge your WRS to be play makers.

[Applejack]

I kind of agree. Throw the ball down field and challenge your WRS to be play makers.

I just saw that Adam Schulz is in competition with Manning for the backup spot. That is disheartening.

[DrumNFeather]

I just saw that Adam Schulz is in competition with Manning for the backup spot. That is disheartening.

Where did you see that?

I still believe that they should've pulled Manning or Cox's redshirt last year instead of starting Shultz.

[EutawStUtesFan]

where did you see that?

I still believe that they should've pulled manning or cox's redshirt last year instead of starting shultz.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865616462/Utah-Notebook-Hackett-on-ESPN-Schulz-in-mix-for-Saturday.html


schulz in the mix: whittingham said thattravis wilson looked very sharp in practice tuesday and said “it looks that way” when asked if he’ll start saturday against colorado — although he added that nothing is set in stone. As for the backup spot, junioradam schulz is battling redshirt freshman conner manning for the job this week. Whittingham said redshirt freshman brandon cox is behind them.schulz, who started three games last season, has yet to take a snap in 2014.
“all he’s done all season long is work and prepare and do what he can to help us,” whittingham said.

[Applejack]

Where did you see that?

I still believe that they should've pulled Manning or Cox's redshirt last year instead of starting Shultz.

From my daily dose of the DezNewz: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865616462/Utah-Notebook-Hackett-on-ESPN-Schulz-in-mix-for-Saturday.html


Whittingham said thatTravis Wilson looked very sharp in practice Tuesday and said “it looks that way” when asked if he’ll start Saturday against Colorado — although he added that nothing is set in stone. As for the backup spot, juniorAdam Schulz is battling redshirt freshman Conner Manning for the job this week. Whittingham said redshirt freshman Brandon Cox is behind them.Schulz, who started three games last season, has yet to take a snap in 2014.
“All he’s done all season long is work and prepare and do what he can to help us,” Whittingham said.

[DrumNFeather]

From my daily dose of the DezNewz: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865616462/Utah-Notebook-Hackett-on-ESPN-Schulz-in-mix-for-Saturday.html

Maybe one or both of those guys is looking at a transfer. Here comes the Isom era!

[sancho]

End of year assessment:

Utah is once again in a difficult situation. DC has done nothing to make anyone think he is the answer for our offense. I mean, the offense is as bad as it's ever been. But we can't bring in yet another OC, right? So we just move forward with a guy we don't believe in, hoping an extra year will somehow make a difference.

How would we feel if DC weren't back next year? Embarrassed to need our 7th (or is it 8th? I can't keep track anymore) OC in about as many years? Yes. Excited that the new guy might make something happen? Yes. What about if he stays? Who's feeling hopeful? All my hope would basically ride in Donovan Isom and/or Chase Hansen plus a couple JUCO WRs. The idea of continuity in system is really enticing, but there has to be something attractive about the system in question. We've not even seen a glimpse of a system worth developing.

So what is the answer? We've tried the new OC route so many times that I guess it's time to try the stick with your OC route.

[Applejack]

Maybe one or both of those guys is looking at a transfer. Here comes the Isom era!

Don't forget about Chad Hekking!


End of year assessment:

Utah is once again in a difficult situation. DC has done nothing to make anyone think he is the answer for our offense. I mean, the offense is as bad as it's ever been. But we can't bring in yet another OC, right? So we just move forward with a guy we don't believe in, hoping an extra year will somehow make a difference.

How would we feel if DC weren't back next year? Embarrassed to need our 7th (or is it 8th? I can't keep track anymore) OC in about as many years? Yes. Excited that the new guy might make something happen? Yes. What about if he stays? Who's feeling hopeful? All my hope would basically ride in Donovan Isom and/or Chase Hansen plus a couple JUCO WRs. The idea of continuity in system is really enticing, but there has to be something attractive about the system in question. We've not even seen a glimpse of a system worth developing.

So what is the answer? We've tried the new OC route so many times that I guess it's time to try the stick with your OC route.

The Arizona game really forced you off the bus, Sancho. Look, that game was a true poo-fire, but it didn't reveal anything new about our Utes.
(1) We have a terrible, terrible offense. It is partly the lack of an adequate QB, partly the result of poor receivers (plus an injury to Dres), partly the result of a mediocre Offensive line, partly the result of crappy coaching.
(2) We have a really great defense, but it's not super deep. We played the second half of the Arizona game without 3 of our best 5 defenders (Dimick, Carter, Gionni). Our backups are always going to be a step down.
(3) We have some sweet specialists!

Now, I'm agnostic about DC. I don't think he's very good, because I've watched some really crappy offensive football this year. But I'm also pretty sure that whoever we bring in won't be much better because I've watched some really crappy offensive football over the past seven years. Personally, I'd let the kids choose. If they really hate DC, he's gone. If they live and die by him, I keep him. Is he a recruiter? I haven't heard him bringing in too many big names.

What's Brian Johnson up to?

[DrumNFeather]

Don't forget about Chad Hekking!



The Arizona game really forced you off the bus, Sancho. Look, that game was a true poo-fire, but it didn't reveal anything new about our Utes.
(1) We have a terrible, terrible offense. It is partly the lack of an adequate QB, partly the result of poor receivers (plus an injury to Dres), partly the result of a mediocre Offensive line, partly the result of crappy coaching.
(2) We have a really great defense, but it's not super deep. We played the second half of the Arizona game without 3 of our best 5 defenders (Dimick, Carter, Gionni). Our backups are always going to be a step down.
(3) We have some sweet specialists!

Now, I'm agnostic about DC. I don't think he's very good, because I've watched some really crappy offensive football this year. But I'm also pretty sure that whoever we bring in won't be much better because I've watched some really crappy offensive football over the past seven years. Personally, I'd let the kids choose. If they really hate DC, he's gone. If they live and die by him, I keep him. Is he a recruiter? I haven't heard him bringing in too many big names.

What's Brian Johnson up to?

I'm just going to throw this out there...

What are the chances that DC goes to Kyle at season's end and says "I can get this offense humming with Jason Thompson (QB he brought with him from Wyoming)? I mean, the kid is a junior, so he's got two years as the starter. If DC makes it an open competition between TW, KT, and his boy from Wyoming, along with the freshmen, it's hard for me to imagine his boy doesn't win the job.

[concerned]

Is he a recruiter? I haven't heard him bringing in too many big names.

Oh how quickly we forget. Doesnt DC get tons of credit for the qb/safety he brought from Wyoming? man I hope that guy stays even if DC leaves.

[sancho]

Don't forget about Chad Hekking!

If he does a mullet like his brother, he should get the starting nod. I don't care if he stinks; I'm used to that at QB anyway. The mullet would be a great attention-getter for the team. Good or bad, he would be front page news and a Twitter trend waiting to happen.

I like your plan. Let the players decide. I hate that we lost Dres. I just knew that was going to hurt. Patrick was pretty good, too.

[SeattleUte]

Crabapple, it isn't the personnel so much as the coaching. Look at Washington State. They throw for 400-800 yards win or lose. Their record setting quarterback suffers a season ending injury and a new guy comes in and is as good. It's a matter of will and priorities, like with our defense. WSU's personnel is about the same as ours. I heard a Washington coach on the radio describe their system which he labeled bizarre but very effective. Where's our offensive system, our scheme, our philosophy, our ideology?

[SeattleUte]

Washington State is averaging 33.5 points and 530.4 yards per game -- since their original starting quarterback was injured.

Don't tell me we're doing the best we can on offense with our personnel.

[DrumNFeather]

Washington State is averaging 33.5 points and 530.4 yards per game -- since their original starting quarterback was injured.

Don't tell me we're doing the best we can on offense with our personnel.
They're also 3-8.

[Mormon Red Death]

From my daily dose of the DezNewz: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865616462/Utah-Notebook-Hackett-on-ESPN-Schulz-in-mix-for-Saturday.html

Is dave Christensen actively trying to get fired so he has some severance money while looking for a job?

Playing a walk on when we have 4 scholarship players?? Wtf is going on?

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[NorthwestUteFan]

They're also 3-8.

WSU isn't 3-8 because of their offense.

There are zero valid reasons why we can't seem to find an offense that works, and to train our players to be more effective. I have to wonder if Mike Leach and Rich Rod just use better drills and are more effective at teaching their QBs the reads and decision points.

But then I look at UW and Chris Petersen. He has better players at every position, and is deeper at every position, than he has ever had. I appreciated watching the offense he had at Boise State, especially under Kellen Moore. But that absolutely has not translated to success at UW. Perhaps that will change with a few years of time in the program. Hopefully his wtf decisions won't get him fired before then.

[SeattleUte]

They're also 3-8.

Offense is only one part of the game. I'm addressing only that aspect. Obviously, we could have a better offense with our personnel. That's all I'm saying.

[LA Ute]

Is dave Christensen actively trying to get fired so he has some severance money while looking for a job?

Playing a walk on when we have 4 scholarship players?? Wtf is going on?

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

At the end of last season I said I never wanted to see Adam on the field for Utah again. We've almost made it. I hope we can go one more game without having to see him out there.

[SeattleUte]

WSU isn't 3-8 because of their offense.

There are zero valid reasons why we can't seem to find an offense that works, and to train our players to be more effective. I have to wonder if Mike Leach and Rich Rod just use better drills and are more effective at teaching their QBs the reads and decision points.

But then I look at UW and Chris Petersen. He has better players at every position, and is deeper at every position, than he has ever had. I appreciated watching the offense he had at Boise State, especially under Kellen Moore. But that absolutely has not translated to success at UW. Perhaps that will change with a few years of time in the program. Hopefully his wtf decisions won't get him fired before then.

Way too early to judge Petersen. Who cares about wtf decisions; those are discrete instances and vs. Arizona it was bizarre that the rb even fumbled. The smart money is on him turning Washington into a powerhouse because he did it at Boise. He knows how to build a program, and he has a proven ability to do it where he's not getting the cream of the recruits. He's a tough sob like Urban Meyer.

Speaking of Washington, look at the trajectory of Cyler Myles this season compared to our quarterbacks.

[LA Ute]

Crabapple, it isn't the personnel so much as the coaching. Look at Washington State. They throw for 400-800 yards win or lose. Their record setting quarterback suffers a season ending injury and a new guy comes in and is as good. It's a matter of will and priorities, like with our defense. WSU's personnel is about the same as ours. I heard a Washington coach on the radio describe their system which he labeled bizarre but very effective. Where's our offensive system, our scheme, our philosophy, our ideology?

I don't think Utah has had an offensive identity since 2008. Maybe 2004.

[sancho]

WSU isn't 3-8 because of their offense.

I don't really know why, but there are very few teams that manage to play well on both sides of the ball. Why does LSU always struggle offensively when they have so many good athletes?



There are zero valid reasons why we can't seem to find an offense that works, and to train our players to be more effective. I have to wonder if Mike Leach and Rich Rod just use better drills and are more effective at teaching their QBs the reads and decision points.


There is clearly something about the system in Leach's case. It doesn't take a special QB to run it effectively. None of his big number QBs have gone on to NFL success. It would be interesting to see if an Air Raid could work at a school with elite talent.

I think a lot of it is having a well-defined and simple system that the entire offense can learn and play. It helps them that their system is unusual, so teams have a hard time prepping for it. Once their system is in place, they can just plug people in. We have no offensive identity, and it hurts.



But then I look at UW and Chris Petersen. He has better players at every position, and is deeper at every position, than he has ever had. I appreciated watching the offense he had at Boise State, especially under Kellen Moore.

Moore is the secret there. He was a once in a lifetime QB for Petersen. A guy that good does not come along often. He wasn't just another plug-in like a Leach QB. I'm not sure that Peterson has better players at every position right now than he did during BSU's best years. During those years, they had defenses where half of the starters would end up in the NFL. They had RBs and WRs who were being drafted.

[utefan]

They're also 3-8.
True, but they did beat us.

[USS Utah]

End of year assessment:

Utah is once again in a difficult situation. DC has done nothing to make anyone think he is the answer for our offense. I mean, the offense is as bad as it's ever been. But we can't bring in yet another OC, right? So we just move forward with a guy we don't believe in, hoping an extra year will somehow make a difference.

How would we feel if DC weren't back next year? Embarrassed to need our 7th (or is it 8th? I can't keep track anymore) OC in about as many years? Yes. Excited that the new guy might make something happen? Yes. What about if he stays? Who's feeling hopeful? All my hope would basically ride in Donovan Isom and/or Chase Hansen plus a couple JUCO WRs. The idea of continuity in system is really enticing, but there has to be something attractive about the system in question. We've not even seen a glimpse of a system worth developing.

So what is the answer? We've tried the new OC route so many times that I guess it's time to try the stick with your OC route.

Despite any similarities between DC's offense and whatever offense Utah ran last year, this was still the first year with a new offense. It is reasonable to expect improvement in the second year; that expectation becomes even more reasonable if the QB competition in the offseason is wide open and the best fit for the offense wins the job. If TW is the QB next year -- an unlikely prospect at this point -- then the expectation becomes less reasonable.

[USS Utah]

Washington State is averaging 33.5 points and 530.4 yards per game -- since their original starting quarterback was injured.

Don't tell me we're doing the best we can on offense with our personnel.

WSU is in year three with Leach's system.

[justaute]

The way we go through OCs, we'll never get to year "3". haha. But, if Whit can't seem to identify the "right" OC, would you want the OC to stay 3 years -- that's also a different can of worms with Whit's offensive "management".


WSU is in year three with Leach's system.

[Solon]

Please post this in the correct thread

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

Those 2 posts have been moved to the Hostess Cupcake basketball thread.
http://www.utahby5.com/showthread.php?1630-The-Official-Four-Game-Cupcake-Thread-Presented-by-Hostess

[SeattleUte]

WSU is in year three with Leach's system.

We are in the tenth year of Whittingham's offensive "system".

Look, Whittingham has a 100 years of goodwill with me for a whole bunch of reasons, including that he picked us in a bidding war vs. BYU, 2008, the outcome first time he headcoached against BYU, etc. Were I king of the Utes he'd have a job for life, like a federal judge. But that doesn't make you anything other than a fucking company man. You always sing the same tune. Were you the king of the Utes we'd still have that imbecile Boylen as our head coach. You have no credibility, you perpetual apologist.

[USS Utah]

We are in the tenth year of Whittingham's offensive "system".

Look, Whittingham has a 100 years of goodwill with me for a whole bunch of reasons, including that he picked us in a bidding war vs. BYU, 2008, the outcome first time he headcoached against BYU, etc. Were I king of the Utes he'd have a job for life, like a federal judge. But that doesn't make you anything other than a fucking company man. You always sing the same tune. Were you the king of the Utes we'd still have that imbecile Boylen as our head coach. You have no credibility, you perpetual apologist.

Kyle is ultimately responsible because he is the head coach. He is responsible for the fact that Utah has had so many OCs in so many years. As I posted at UF.N, Kyle is the captain of the ship that is Utah football (originally posted in October 2006, linked to on Monday this week):

http://www.utefans.net/message.php?id=391760


Utah is in the first year of whatever the latest OC is trying to do. It seems reasonable to expect some level of improvement in year two. I don't think that make me "a company man." But I will confess that I am awfully slow to turn on coaches -- the grass, as they say, is not always greener on the other side.

As for Boylen, I essentially gave up on him at the end of January in his final season. My concern was about the timing of making a change -- after just four years, after having given Giac just three -- and, btw, I was actually quicker to give up on Giac. I worried that Utah might get a rep of having a hair trigger on firing coaches, making it harder to attract good coaches. I was also worried about having to pay off Boylen's contract and paying the new coach while entering a new conference where Utah was receiving not TV revenue the first year. In the end, when it came right down to it, I accepted the firing and hoped Utah might hire someone like Bennett from St. Mary's. I was not enthused at all with the hiring of Larry K, but he has slowly won me over, and I am now completely on board. I happily admit that the Larry K. hire has worked out much better than I hoped for.

Finally, you will always be an a$$.

[Sullyute]

Finally, you will always be an a$$.


You have no credibility, you perpetual apologist.

Happy Thanksgiving!

[U-Ute]

Happy Thanksgiving!

It is these kinds of touching family moments that keeps me coming back.

:')

[Applejack]

Crabapple, it isn't the personnel so much as the coaching. Look at Washington State. They throw for 400-800 yards win or lose. Their record setting quarterback suffers a season ending injury and a new guy comes in and is as good. It's a matter of will and priorities, like with our defense. WSU's personnel is about the same as ours. I heard a Washington coach on the radio describe their system which he labeled bizarre but very effective. Where's our offensive system, our scheme, our philosophy, our ideology?

I'm not shielding our coaches from blame. The fact that our offense has sucked since the second half of 2008 is on Kyle. I'm with you that Kyle gets 100 years of solicitude from me for (a) owning BYU (b) 2008 (c) SUGAR BOWL and (d) owning BYU. I have no such loyalty to Christensen, however. If Kyle (and more importantly, the players) don't want him around, I don't want him around. If they do, I do. It's pretty simple.

[SeattleUte]

I'm not shielding our coaches from blame. The fact that our offense has sucked since the second half of 2008 is on Kyle. I'm with you that Kyle gets 100 years of solicitude from me for (a) owning BYU (b) 2008 (c) SUGAR BOWL and (d) owning BYU. I have no such loyalty to Christensen, however. If Kyle (and more importantly, the players) don't want him around, I don't want him around. If they do, I do. It's pretty simple.

Great allusion to one of my all time favorite books.

[Applejack]

Great allusion to one of my all time favorite books.

Really? I just reread it last year and I think it's overrated. Not even Marquez' best, in my opinion.

[SeattleUte]

Really? I just reread it last year and I think it's overrated. Not even Marquez' best, in my opinion.

I haven't reread it recently, except for discrete passages. But I can't let go of its initial impact on me; I wouldn't want to. I think partly it's great because it broke new ground but I think the successors have jaded you. The ending still haunts me. I love the imagery of the two crazed lovers amid the crumbling colonial edifices in the jungle and the voracious ants. For me the stylized rural Latin American quality is more important than the magic realism.

Among novels published the past 50 years this one and Blood Meridian are the two I see most often cited by established writers as inspirations or influences. If you think this book is overrated then Marquez is pretty much caput because there isn't a whole lot else. Which one do you like better? Love in the Time of Cholera? I like that one too.

[Applejack]

I haven't reread it recently, except for discrete passages. But I can't let go of its initial impact on me; I wouldn't want to. I think partly it's great because it broke new ground but I think the successors have jaded you. The ending still haunts me. I love the imagery of the two crazed lovers amid the crumbling colonial edifices in the jungle and the voracious ants. For me the stylized rural Latin American quality is more important than the magic realism.

Among novels published the past 50 years this one and Blood Meridian are the two I see most often cited by established writers as inspirations or influences. If you think this book is overrated then Marquez is pretty much caput because there isn't a whole lot else. Which one do you like better? Love in the Time of Cholera? I like that one too.

Yes, I think Love in the Time of Cholera is superior.

Like you, I love the Latin American rurality in the book. When I read it the first time, fresh off the boat from my mission in Brazil, I absolutely LOVED it. I thought it was among the greatest pieces of literature ever written. But now I think part of my love was a homesickness for South America.

[sancho]

Yes, I think Love in the Time of Cholera is superior.

Like you, I love the Latin American rurality in the book. When I read it the first time, fresh off the boat from my mission in Brazil, I absolutely LOVED it. I thought it was among the greatest pieces of literature ever written. But now I think part of my love was a homesickness for South America.

Too cool for 100 Years? Like the guy who says Memento is his favorite Christopher Nolan film because he doesn't want to say Inception like everyone else. The guy who doesn't want to say that Sabotage is the best Beastie Boys song because he thinks it doens't sound smart enough.

Nothing wrong with loving a book because it connects you to past experiences. That's what it's all about.

[concerned]

I haven't reread it recently, except for discrete passages. But I can't let go of its initial impact on me; I wouldn't want to. I think partly it's great because it broke new ground but I think the successors have jaded you. The ending still haunts me. I love the imagery of the two crazed lovers amid the crumbling colonial edifices in the jungle and the voracious ants. For me the stylized rural Latin American quality is more important than the magic realism.

Among novels published the past 50 years this one and Blood Meridian are the two I see most often cited by established writers as inspirations or influences. If you think this book is overrated then Marquez is pretty much caput because there isn't a whole lot else. Which one do you like better? Love in the Time of Cholera? I like that one too.


I would also pick 100 years and Blood Meridian as my two favorites too from the last 50 years.

[Applejack]

Too cool for 100 Years? Like the guy who says Memento is his favorite Christopher Nolan film because he doesn't want to say Inception like everyone else. The guy who doesn't want to say that Sabotage is the best Beastie Boys song because he thinks it doens't sound smart enough.

Nothing wrong with loving a book because it connects you to past experiences. That's what it's all about.

No, not too cool. Maybe not smart enough. When I reread it, there was just a huge portion of the book that seemed like meanderings of a great writer, rather than great writing. Frankly, i didn't get it the second time around. I still love the feel of the book, but the actual story isn't the greatest.

I like 100 Years. It still reminds me of my love for South America. But I've found a lot more meaning in other books.

[SeattleUte]

Yes, I think Love in the Time of Cholera is superior.

Like you, I love the Latin American rurality in the book. When I read it the first time, fresh off the boat from my mission in Brazil, I absolutely LOVED it. I thought it was among the greatest pieces of literature ever written. But now I think part of my love was a homesickness for South America.

Here is a very enjoyable literary novel centered in Brazil. It's Brazilian, 800 pages, written by a Frenchman originally in French, won distinguished French literary awards. What could be better? In this instance ignore the nitwit customer reviews and pay attention to the ones by professionals, especially the one from the NPR critic. It's very strong stuff, but the narrative moves and the ending will blow you away.


http://www.amazon.com/Where-Tigers-Are-at-Home-ebook/dp/B0084UQIEU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417220207&sr=1-1&keywords=where+tigers+are+at+home

[concerned]

I haven't reread it recently, except for discrete passages. But I can't let go of its initial impact on me; I wouldn't want to. I think partly it's great because it broke new ground but I think the successors have jaded you. The ending still haunts me. I love the imagery of the two crazed lovers amid the crumbling colonial edifices in the jungle and the voracious ants. For me the stylized rural Latin American quality is more important than the magic realism.

Among novels published the past 50 years this one and Blood Meridian are the two I see most often cited by established writers as inspirations or influences. If you think this book is overrated then Marquez is pretty much caput because there isn't a whole lot else. Which one do you like better? Love in the Time of Cholera? I like that one too.

Of course, by referencing favorite books in the last 50 years, To Kill are Mockingbird, Catch-22 and Lolita are excluded from consideration.

[SeattleUte]

Of course, by referencing favorite books in the last 50 years, To Kill are Mockingbird, Catch-22 and Lolita are excluded from consideration.

yes, I said 50 because there is that whole generation of novelists that were groundbreaking during the civil rights movement and Vietnam.

[Applejack]

yes, I said 50 because there is that whole generation of novelists that were groundbreaking during the civil rights movement and Vietnam.

I posted my response in the Books We Read thread: http://www.utahby5.com/showthread.php?44-Books-We-Read-Listen-To&p=45789&viewfull=1#post45789

You know, in case people want to talk about the football game.

[LA Ute]

Looks like we are headed toward giving up a score on the opponent's first possession. Again. What is it about us that makes that happen again and again?

[mpfunk]

If our defense has given up or can't stop them, we are screwed.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

[Snowman]

If screen passes to Clay and hand offs to Booker can win this game we'll win.

That's how we won the other ones.

[LA Ute]

I hope Tonga is the last Ute today who drops a catchable pass.

[Snowman]

Looks like we are headed toward giving up a score on the opponent's first possession. Again. What is it about us that makes that happen again and again?

Colorado is going to put up some points. If we can't respond we'll hopefully get an easier Bowl opponent. Not easier than Colorado just easier than who ever the heck we might get with 8 wins.

[Snowman]

I hope Tonga is the last Ute today who drops a catchable pass.

Blame the OC, right?

[LA Ute]

Blame the OC, right?

Yes! It's his job to make the players make plays! ;)

[Old Standing ute]

Yes! It's his job to make the players make plays! ;)

The OC made a nice catch on that pass to Clay---might as well give him credit for once.

[LA Ute]

And Clay calmly hands the ball to the ref.

[LA Ute]

Their secondary blows a coverage and gives up a TD, then we do the same. I guess we wanted to even things up. Except our muff was an "almost" TD.

[mpfunk]

Well shit, that doesn't look good at all. He is putting no weight on it.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

[Old Standing ute]

Their secondary blows a coverage and gives up a TD, then we do the same. I guess we wanted to even things up. Except our muff was an "almost" TD.

Going to be hard w/o Dimmick, G. Paul & now Orchard to stop anyone-----

[Snowman]

And Clay calmly gives the ball to the referee. And while I'm typing this Automatic Andy not so much.

[mpfunk]

Our offense is going to have to win this one for us. That is a scary thought.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

[Snowman]

I hope we can make some adjustments on D because we aren't much for shoot outs.

[Mormon Red Death]

Going to be hard w/o Dimmick, G. Paul & now Orchard to stop anyone-----

Nate is back

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[Solon]

Nate is back

According to espn's box-score, Colorado has 14 first downs, is 7/10 on 3rd down, and has 283 first-half yards. Yowzers. That's not gonna get it done for the Utes.

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=400548319

[NorthwestUteFan]

Uh oh. This is about to get ugly. :(

[NorthwestUteFan]

What happened? I am following ESPN and it seemed like TW threw a pick on the Utah 37. Then we punted. Now Tonga scores.

The ESPN data input person is playing games with me...

[Mormon Red Death]

What happened? I am following ESPN and it seemed like TW threw a pick on the Utah 37. Then we punted. Now Tonga scores.

The ESPN data input person is playing games with me...

It wasn't a pick then we ran a fake punt them we scored

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[Mormon Red Death]

Damnit to hell! Its TMqs immutable law. You kick early and go for it late

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[Solon]

It wasn't a pick then we ran a fake punt them we scored

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
Exactly. The INT was reversed on replay, and then then Hackett ran on a fake punt for the 1st down.

[Solon]

Exactly. The INT was reversed on replay, and then then Hackett ran on a fake punt for the 1st down.

Time to blow these guys out. Step up, defense.

[Solon]

Time to blow these guys out. Step up, defense.

I prefer to think that Whit just goaded Colorado into wasting a timeout as the Utes lined up to go for 2, up 28-27, and that they'll come out of the timeout & kick it.
It's probably giving him too much credit, but it's the narrative I prefer.

Edit: sigh.
At least come out in the Duck or something.

[Mormon Red Death]

If we had kicked on the previous td that kick woukd have been for a 3 point lead.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[SeattleUte]

The adage that anyting can happen in a rivalry game is so true.

[Mormon Red Death]

It would sure be nice to have those two other points right now.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[Diehard Ute]

Travis is a count slow on almost every play.

[Solon]

Trevis is a count slow on almost every play.

They went to the well one time too many on that screen play. Hatfield was just waiting for it.
Great play.

[Mormon Red Death]

Again that 2 points would be might nice right now.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[Solon]

Again that 2 points would be might nice right now.

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Really nice 2nd half effort out of the defense. I think Colorado had about 150 yards in the 2nd half, 66 of them on the one long scoring play.
I also think they had only about 4 1st downs in the 2nd half.

[LA Ute]

I'm more relieved than happy, but still pretty happy. 8 wins, two more than most well-informed observers predicted. 5-4 in the PAC-12, our first winning record. Highest scoring output against a PAC-12 team (I think). I'll take it. Now fix the offense!

[Applejack]

8-4 baby! That, my friends, feels great.

Today was a fun game. I can't remember the last time we did any of the following, and we did them all today:

- Had multiple long touchdown passes in a game.
- Had someone besides Clay or Dres or Tonga catch a pass that went for 20+.
- Mixed up the play calling with some new wrinkles.
- Ended the game by kneeling the ball.

I also can't remember the last time we botched an extra point, but that's all in the past now.

Colorado has some talent on offense - really shifty receivers and Liufau isn't half bad. If they had any semblance of a defense they would have won more than 0 games in the Pac. They could beat some people next year.

Edit: Sancho, I'm looking forward to the update from inside the stadium. The Buffs fans seemed a little dazed.

[Solon]

I'm more relieved than happy, but still pretty happy. 8 wins, two more than most well-informed observers predicted. 5-4 in the PAC-12, our first winning record. Highest scoring output against a PAC-12 team (I think). I'll take it. Now fix the offense!

The offense looked a lot better today. Wilson is so up-and-down, but the kid definitely has some talent.
I'm really happy to have a bowl-game, if only for the extra practice-time.

[Applejack]

The offense looked a lot better today. Wilson is so up-and-down, but the kid definitely has some talent.
I'm really happy to have a bowl-game, if only for the extra practice-time.

Not only that, but we'll be ranked for at least the next month, which is great for recruiting.

I'm still not sold on Wilson. I love the kid, but he's not the answer.

[Old Standing ute]

8-4 baby! That, my friends, feels great.

Today was a fun game. I can't remember the last time we did any of the following, and we did them all today:

- Had multiple long touchdown passes in a game.
- Had someone besides Clay or Dres or Tonga catch a pass that went for 20+.
- Mixed up the play calling with some new wrinkles.
- Ended the game by kneeling the ball.

I also can't remember the last time we botched an extra point, but that's all in the past now.

Colorado has some talent on offense - really shifty receivers and Liufau isn't half bad. If they had any semblance of a defense they would have won more than 0 games in the Pac. They could beat some people next year.

Edit: Sancho, I'm looking forward to the update from inside the stadium. The Buffs fans seemed a little dazed.

Agree. 8 wins!!

[OrangeUte]

8-4!

I haven't watched the game yet but looks like it was an exciting one!

[Mormon Red Death]

I'm more relieved than happy, but still pretty happy. 8 wins, two more than most well-informed observers predicted. 5-4 in the PAC-12, our first winning record. Highest scoring output against a PAC-12 team (I think). I'll take it. Now fix the offense!

Wtf??? I predicted 8 wins

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[Mormon Red Death]

That might be the ugliest and most confusing 8-4 season I have ever seen

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[Solon]

The Buffs fans seemed a little dazed.

There's a lot of weed in Boulder. (so I hear)

[Applejack]

That might be the ugliest and most confusing 8-4 season I have ever seen

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How dare you!? I think this is the fourth best Utah season of my short lifetime, behind only 2008, 2004, and 1994, in that order. The only other real competition comes from 1993, which wasn't a great season, but it was the year that Chris Yergenson tore down that wall.

[Applejack]

There's a lot of weed in Boulder. (so I hear)

That's what I was thinking. "A lot of these fans look like they've been toking the reefer, albeit legally."

[LA Ute]

Wtf??? I predicted 8 wins

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

I said "most well-informed observers." I left myelf weasel room.

[chrisrenrut]

Utah Passing



C/ATT
YDS
AVG
TD
INT
QBR


Travis Wilson (http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/531051/travis-wilson)
25/37
311
8.4
3
0
--


Team
25/37
311
8.0
3
0
--


It was against a defense that is not great, but the play calling was more creative and tailored to Travis' strengths. I don't recall any read-options.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Trav finally gets his 300 yd game

[SoCalPat]

How dare you!? I think this is the fourth best Utah season of my short lifetime, behind only 2008, 2004, and 1994, in that order. The only other real competition comes from 1993, which wasn't a great season, but it was the year that Chris Yergenson tore down that wall.

1995 easily trumps this year. So does 2003. This year reminds me most of 2001, where 7 points over three games is all that kept us from being 10-1.

[Applejack]

1995 easily trumps this year. So does 2003. This year reminds me most of 2001, where 7 points over three games is all that kept us from being 10-1.

1995? We went 7-4 and didn't beat any ranked teams. I agree that we had a lot of talent that year, but that was classic McBride football. I'll take 8-4 in the Pac (plus a bowl) over 7-4 in the WAC.

2003 is a better challenger. But I still take this year because we had bigger wins (UCLA, Stanford, USC) and 2003 had a loss that was even more braindead than WSU (New Mexico).

I've still got it at #4!

[sancho]

Me and the button just got back from Boulder! Had a great time. Beautiful day, run Ralphie, fake punt, 8-4!

[SoCalPat]

1995? We went 7-4 and didn't beat any ranked teams. I agree that we had a lot of talent that year, but that was classic McBride football. I'll take 8-4 in the Pac (plus a bowl) over 7-4 in the WAC.

2003 is a better challenger. But I still take this year because we had bigger wins (UCLA, Stanford, USC) and 2003 had a loss that was even more braindead than WSU (New Mexico).

I've still got it at #4!

Dog-stomped BYU at LES, miracle comeback against AFA and another great comeback against Fresno. All while undergoing a huge talent loss after our biggest year in school history. We also didn't have the bowl picture then like we do today. But your take there is reasonable and understandable. You ground crumbles like Travis in the face of a blitz when you try and say this year was better than 2003. Never mind the resume (and even the 2003 team's resume is superior -- the UNM-Wazzu comparison you make is totally off base), at the end of that season, we knew we were poised for something huge in 2004. Are you saying this year's team is poised to give us just that? Something that potentially blows the doors off anything the program has ever done?

[SoCalPat]

1995? We went 7-4 and didn't beat any ranked teams. I agree that we had a lot of talent that year, but that was classic McBride football. I'll take 8-4 in the Pac (plus a bowl) over 7-4 in the WAC.

2003 is a better challenger. But I still take this year because we had bigger wins (UCLA, Stanford, USC) and 2003 had a loss that was even more braindead than WSU (New Mexico).

I've still got it at #4!

Also, what we saw today was classic Whittingham football -- mismanaging the clock and timeouts at the end of the first half, going for 2 when it's not necessary, etc. Sometimes I feel we win in spite of Kyle, and not because of him.

[sancho]

Edit: Sancho, I'm looking forward to the update from inside the stadium. The Buffs fans seemed a little dazed.

Folsom is a great stadium - right in the middle of a beautiful campus, and it blends right into the campus architecturally. Ralphie is a really fun way to start the game. The stadium was more full than I expected, but obviously there were quite a few empty seats. It was 60+ degrees in the sun. Just a great day. The CU crowd was never loud, even when they were making plays. I was struck by how many African American and Latin American fans were right by us. Boulder is not exactly a diverse city. I was on the Utah/CU fan-border, and I did not see any taunting or fighting or even good-natured teasing. between fanbases. The CU fans got their hopes up in the 4th. The security staff moved down onto the field when there were about 5 minutes left to prevent a field storming. I do think the student section - which was pretty full - would have ran out to celebrate a win. My 7 year son, my wife, and I just had a wonderful time screaming for the Utes. There was at least 1 CU fan who took the loss really hard - a cute little 4 year old girl near us cried inconsolably at the outcome.

I think I would have been more frustrated had I been watching at home. But being there was mostly just fun. I'm so glad I'm living in Pac-12 country now and can see a game every once in a while. Did any of you see that fake punt coming? We were all still laughing at the overturned interception call when Hack took off. The back-to-back Booker first downs to close out the game were surprising and cool.

I have to think Hackett sealed the deal on the Ray Guy award today, right?

[UTEopia]

Also, what we saw today was classic Whittingham football -- mismanaging the clock and timeouts at the end of the first half, going for 2 when it's not necessary, etc. Sometimes I feel we win in spite of Kyle, and not because of him.

I agree with both of these statements. Kyle admitted that it was a mistake to chase the missed extra point in his post game comments. On the other hand, the fake punt was well timed and executed. The defense made adjustments and held CU scoreless the last 4 times it had the ball. Travis had his best day of the season. The play calling and execution were as good as they have been all season. The Utes were able to run out the clock with about 3 minutes left and not make the defense go back on the field.

[Solon]

Dog-stomped BYU at LES, miracle comeback against AFA and another great comeback against Fresno. All while undergoing a huge talent loss after our biggest year in school history. We also didn't have the bowl picture then like we do today. But your take there is reasonable and understandable. You ground crumbles like Travis in the face of a blitz when you try and say this year was better than 2003. Never mind the resume (and even the 2003 team's resume is superior -- the UNM-Wazzu comparison you make is totally off base), at the end of that season, we knew we were poised for something huge in 2004. Are you saying this year's team is poised to give us just that? Something that potentially blows the doors off anything the program has ever done?

Like 2003, we might have a named-game from 2014.
AFA 2003 is "The Ben Moa Game" just like UCLA 2014 might become "The Kendal Thompson Game".
And Oregon 2014 will probably be remembered as the Kaelin Clay game :Ashamed:

[SeattleUte]

This was the third most important season (after 2008 and 2004). Those were a substantial factor in getting us into the Pac 12. This season we proved that we belong in the Pac 12. In no other season have we beaten as many ranked teams as this one; it's not even close. Except 2004 and 2008 I don't think you can compare a bunch of wins over WAC and MWC teams to this team's accomplishments, however ugly. (I know people are understandably sentimintal about 1994 as it was our first really distinguished season in decades and there is a lot of affection for McBride; then there is the dramatic way be beat CSU. But this season was much more important than 1994. Fore one thing we didn't even win the conference title in 1994 and played in a super low bowl that no longer exists. Sometimes I wonder if many fans want the coach to be like an asshole buddy or a dad more than a winner.)

[DrumNFeather]

UtahDan can confirm, I called the fake punt. (Takes a bow)

[Applejack]

This was the third most important season (after 2008 and 2004). Those were a substantial factor in getting us into the Pac 12. This season we proved that we belong in the Pac 12. In no other season have we beaten as many ranked teams as this one; it's not even close. Except 2004 and 2008 I don't think you can compare a bunch of wins over WAC and MWC teams to this team's accomplishments, however ugly. (I know people are understandably sentimintal about 1994 as it was our first really distinguished season in decades and there is a lot of affection for McBride; then there is the dramatic way be beat CSU. But this season was much more important than 1994. Fore one thing we didn't even win the conference title in 1994 and played in a super low bowl that no longer exists. Sometimes I wonder if many fans want the coach to be like an asshole buddy or a dad more than a winner.)

I understand this sentiment. It's hard for me to be objective because I have such great memories of 1993 (searching this thing called ethernet to find out if people were talking about Utah vs. Colorado State; listening to Bill Marcroft on the radio for most games; being devastated, absolutely devastated when we lost to New Mexico and then Air Force (classic MAFU); and arriving at the games about an hour early to sneak down to the front row on the 40 yard line in the student section so we could get some random walk-on autographs.). Good times.

But that Utah team ended the year ranked in the top 10 in both polls. That is amazing for a WAC team not named BYU. We didn't beat up a ton of ranked opponents, but we stomped an Oregon team that won the Pac-10 (and eventually beat the #2 team in the country in the ROSE), plus we beat a very good Arizona team in the FREEDOM bowl; a team that finished second in the Pac. That's an outstanding year and it has nothing to do with my love for Mac.

This year's team beat three of top half of the Pac-12, when the Pac was really good. That's phenomenal. I think this year and 1993 are very similar seasons. Both of which I will remember fondly on my death bed.

[LA Ute]

This was the third most important season (after 2008 and 2004). Those were a substantial factor in getting us into the Pac 12. This season we proved that we belong in the Pac 12. In no other season have we beaten as many ranked teams as this one; it's not even close. Except 2004 and 2008 I don't think you can compare a bunch of wins over WAC and MWC teams to this team's accomplishments, however ugly. (I know people are understandably sentimintal about 1994 as it was our first really distinguished season in decades and there is a lot of affection for McBride; then there is the dramatic way be beat CSU. But this season was much more important than 1994. Fore one thing we didn't even win the conference title in 1994 and played in a super low bowl that no longer exists. Sometimes I wonder if many fans want the coach to be like an asshole buddy or a dad more than a winner.)

I agree.

[LA Ute]

Also, what we saw today was classic Whittingham football -- mismanaging the clock and timeouts at the end of the first half, going for 2 when it's not necessary, etc. Sometimes I feel we win in spite of Kyle, and not because of him.

I agree. It was the Statue of Liberty play on the 2-point conversion that got me.

[Applejack]

I agree. It was the Statue of Liberty play on the 2-point conversion that got me.

I really don't get chasing the missed extra point. I think it points to a complete lack of confidence in the offense. It can only be explained by reasoning such as "We probably only have a field goal left in us, so we need to take any points we can get."

[sancho]

I really don't get chasing the missed extra point. I think it points to a complete lack of confidence in the offense. It can only be explained by reasoning such as "We probably only have a field goal left in us, so we need to take any points we can get."

I was more bothered by not calling time outs at the end of the 1st half.

The 2 point conversion came after a review, so they had a lot of time to think/talk it over. I guess they liked the statue of liberty they had worked on. The 2nd one was an attempt to make up for the first one. In the end, the weird miss on the PAT cost us 3 points. But we don't beat the spread either way, so all's well that ends well.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I'm more relieved than happy, but still pretty happy. 8 wins, two more than most well-informed observers predicted. 5-4 in the PAC-12, our first winning record. Highest scoring output against a PAC-12 team (I think). I'll take it. Now fix the offense!

:finger1:

[SeattleUte]

As gauge of how well we did compare Washington. The Huskies are not a bad team; they outrecruit us every year by a material margin. Well coached. They rolled won at Cal 31-7, rolled over the Beavers, had the game won at Arizona but Petersen couldn't do simple arithmetic as the clock wound down (didn't know he only had to take a knee three times) and there was an unlikely fumble, and they are pistol whipping the Cougs in Pullman tonight. But WA appears to be on its way to finishing 8-5 and 4-5 in the easier Northern Division. The Huskies lost to UCLA and Stanford at home. Every team in the country outside the top 4 or 5 has had wtf losses.

[NorthwestUteFan]

...and FSU has a long string of wtf wins.

[LA Ute]

:finger1:
Of course a select few of us had the necessary insight to foresee what this Ute team would accomplish. Kudos to them, even if the unexpected wins they predicted are not the ones that we actually got. http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/kiss/blow-kiss-smiley-emoticon.gif