Rumble in the Rockies Utah vs. Colorado 2015

[DrumNFeather]

With just one game left to play in the regular season, our beloved 8-3 Utes take on the 4-8 Buffalos of Colorado. To say that our transition into the Pac 12 has been smoother than theirs is an understatement.

The Buffs are in the third season of the Mike MacIntyre era and are just 10-26 under him. The Buffs are currently riding a four game losing streak and over all have lost 7 of 8 this season. MacIntyre is 0-2 vs. Utah, but both games have been close 24-17 (2013) and 38-34 (2014). They are also without QB Sefo Liufau for the season.

This game is an opportunity for Utah to "get right" heading into the bowl game. Some people might find it to be largely a meaningless game, but I think there is still plenty to play for, namely pride. Play for the seniors too. There are a number of guys who will be suiting up in Rice Eccles for the last time, and deserve to go out with a win. It's also an opportunity for the Utes to finish with a 6-3 record in conference play and finish second in the division (picked 5th preseason).

I expect that much like last year we'll see Travis have big game against the buffs (311, 3TDs in 2014). Joe Williams will continue to get better, and hopefully we'll see some throws to Scott as well as he rounds out his career at Utah.

Defensively, it'd be nice to get some guys back, but either way we should be able to contain their offense.

I'm sure like most of our games, it won't be pretty, but I expect a win and a comfortable one at that.

[LA Ute]

I'm sure like most of our games, it won't be pretty, but I expect a win and a comfortable one at that.

I'll be there but will do my best to have no expectations other than to witness a Utah football game. Oh, and to be dressed for cold weather -- the high is forecast to be 37 degrees that day.

[U-Ute]

Covey out this week. Tevin Carter too.

No word on Dimick or Reginald Porter.

And, yes, you must use Reginald Porter's entire name when referring to Reginald Porter. It just so fun to say.

[DrumNFeather]

Looking now like Carter will play.

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[Ma'ake]

The receivers have been called out, by Whitt. http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3218793-155/utah-football-whittingham-says-passing-game

Ken Scott and Covey will be gone. What are the rest of the guys made of?

[NorthwestUteFan]

I hope the WRs go back to the huddle and say, "Trav, I am open EVERY SINGLE TIME you look the other direction. Look off the LBs and Safeties, and then throw it back to me!"

Hiring a qualified QB coach has to be the #1 priority this offseason.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I hope the WRs go back to the huddle and say, "Trav, I am open EVERY SINGLE TIME you look the other direction. Look off the LBs and Safeties, and then throw it back to me!"

Hiring a qualified QB coach has to be the #1 priority this offseason.

That is a good idea, because I am absolutely sure that the current QB coach tells Travis to only look at one side of the field, make sure to stare down the receiver, and only throw into double coverage. While you are at it Travis, make sure you only throw of your back foot.

The other possibility is that TW is a flawed quarterback who is still the QB who understands the offense best, makes the best presnap reads(he actually does a very good job at this), and makes fewer mistakes in practice than the other QB's on the roster.

As much as everyone wants to make our QB troubles about Whitt or A-Rod or BJ, our problems are mostly about talent. A problem that has been significantly addressed with this recruiting class. Williams and Huntley are both better than anyone on our current roster. Cox is finally healthy and week be in the mix as well.

[DrumNFeather]

That is a good idea, because I am absolutely sure that the current QB coach tells Travis to only look at one side of the field, make sure to stare down the receiver, and only throw into double coverage. While you are at it Travis, make sure you only throw of your back foot.

The other possibility is that TW is a flawed quarterback who is still the QB who understands the offense best, makes the best presnap reads(he actually does a very good job at this), and makes fewer mistakes in practice than the other QB's on the roster.

As much as everyone wants to make our QB troubles about Whitt or A-Rod or BJ, our problems are mostly about talent. A problem that has been significantly addressed with this recruiting class. Williams and Huntley are both better than anyone on our current roster. Cox is finally healthy and week be in the mix as well.

He's Kirk Cousins! (The pro version).

[Redbird]

Utah -16.5 is laughable. The margin of victory since these two teams joined the P12 is 15 over 4 games in favor of Utah. No way Utah wins by 17.

[concerned]

Utah -16.5 is laughable. The margin of victory since these two teams joined the P12 is 15 over 4 games in favor of Utah. No way Utah wins by 17.

I would guess that line is a function of the injury to their qb. How bad was their backup last week? They only scored 3 against a defense not as good as ours. Mabye Las Vagas thinks we can score a touchdown this week. They could be way off on that.

[LA Ute]

I think the next monkey we get off our backs is the always-close game against Colorado. The Utes are going to come out angry and focused. We win by three scores at least.

[UBlender]

I think the next monkey we get off our backs is the always-close game against Colorado. The Utes are going to come out angry and focused. We win by three scores at least.

Are those three scores going to be PATs or safeties?

[LA Ute]

Are those three scores going to be PATs or safeties?

You saw through my clever ambiguity. I'll take a chance and say we win by at least 3 field goals.

:onalimb:

[LA Ute]

I just drove by the tailgate lot and there are people out there. It is below 20° and the windchill must be even worse. Those people are crazy.


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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

I just drove by the tailgate lot and there are people out there. It is below 20° and the windchill must be even worse. Those people are crazy.


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Those people are drunk.


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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

The seniors. This gives me heartburn for next year.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/28/f96cd54603a9c8fa295e4fefd82bd67c.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/28/036cee2b4c52d65990947bf0e280eb2c.jpg


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[DrumNFeather]

The seniors. This gives me heartburn for next year.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/28/f96cd54603a9c8fa295e4fefd82bd67c.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/28/036cee2b4c52d65990947bf0e280eb2c.jpg


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Hopefully they get sent out the right way.

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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Nobody tell Funk that we're throwing long on first downs.


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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Nice looking TD pass Travis to Scott. Offense looked great on that drive.


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[OrangeUte]

Defense making mistakes and giving up big plays early.

[OrangeUte]

I'd like to see us hold them to a field goal here.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

I'd like to see us hold them to a field goal here.

Would be big. That penalty was crap.


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[OrangeUte]

Or get a pick. Nice!

[OrangeUte]

Would be big. That penalty was crap.


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For sure. Defense tightened up nicely there.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

That'll do. One more step inside and he could have taken that to the house.


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[OrangeUte]

Turnover! That one was all on Williams. Defense didn't even look like it contributed to it.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Come on, Joe! Hopefully it's a fumble "injury." I 'm not sure who's next in line. Bubba?


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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

That's the Tevin Carter that we've been missing.


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[OrangeUte]

Joe Williams is tough. Tevin Carter made a great play.

[DrumNFeather]

Boobie is a dope. Call a fair catch man.

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[OrangeUte]

Jeez boobie.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

What a boob.


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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Muffer punter!


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[OrangeUte]

Nelson spruce is good. I want Britain Covey to become him.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Inspiring stuff.


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[OrangeUte]

Nice pick!

[justaute]

Utah offense...what a mess. Ineptitude certainly comes to mind.

[OrangeUte]

That's not PI.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Drive for a field goal or take a knee?


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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Boom.


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[OrangeUte]

Kenneth Scott. Good grief. That's one of the dumbest things I've seen.

[DrumNFeather]

Such an undisciplined football team.

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[OrangeUte]

This is pathetic. You're right. Very undisciplined.

[DrumNFeather]

Our fans are great...

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[justaute]

haha...

[OrangeUte]

Kwhitt looks pissed. I hope the drive shows some halftime chatter.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Captains.


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[mUUser]

Two things that haven't improved since day 1: WR blocking and team captains taking foolish penalties. I don't get it. Kenneth Scott is taking care of both these problems all by himself today.

[OrangeUte]

I cannot believe Scott did that. I'm still baffled by it.

[OrangeUte]

There is some shoving and talk out there. Looks like a nice nasty rivalry is starting to develop. Right?

[DrumNFeather]

I'd like to see Butler-Byrd on offense.

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[LA Ute]

It's cold here. If we could get a comfortable lead I'd go home and watch the rest of the game on TV. But now that it's 10-7 at halftime, I'm staying until the end, with a morbid fascination over whether we'll actually find a way to lose this one.


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[OrangeUte]

This half is going to be exciting. I can feel it in the air

[OrangeUte]

Damn that's going to hurt his tailbone.

[DrumNFeather]

Out of curiosity, have we handed it off on that fake sweep at all this season?

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[OrangeUte]

I love gionni Paul.

[DrumNFeather]

I love gionni Paul.
He's been great.

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[OrangeUte]

Another huge tackle by carter.

[DrumNFeather]

Another huge tackle by carter.
Seems to have some of that lateral speed back.

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[DrumNFeather]

Out of curiosity, have we handed it off on that fake sweep at all this season?

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Well, that answers that.

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[DrumNFeather]

Hate to see Scott go out like that.

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[OrangeUte]

Never want to see a player get hurt.

Looks like we get to punt again.

[OrangeUte]

Boobie almost fumbles again

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

I miss Covey already.


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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

I cannot believe Scott did that. I'm still baffled by it.

According to UteNation, the DB there is Scott's Godbrother. Friendly jawing that was misread by the official. Still...


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[OrangeUte]

They are ready for nearly every run play.

[OrangeUte]

According to UteNation, the DB there is Scott's Godbrother. Friendly jawing that was misread by the official. Still...


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That's too bad. I read the article on their history.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

So excited for this game!


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[DrumNFeather]

Exhale...

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[LA Ute]

We got our 9th regular season win and now have a chance to win a 10th game. And...we are PAC-12 South Division co-champs. I'll take it, even if we can't get a game-ending first down when we really need to!

Lots of Utes to love after this season. Gionni Paul, Jared Norris, Devontae Booker, Travis, with all his warts and all his warrior traits, so many others. I'm glad we have another game to watch most of them in one more game. Also, Kylie Fitts is going to be special.

[Applejack]

Out of curiosity, have we handed it off on that fake sweep at all this season?

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Saving it for the bowl game!

[Redbird]

And...we are PAC-12 South Division co-champs.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[LA Ute]

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

:D.

Continuing my valiant effort to accentuate the positive...we will likely be in a better bowl game than we've been in since the Sugar Bowl.




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[U-Ute]

I cannot believe Scott did that. I'm still baffled by it.

I don't know if they showed this on TV, but on an earlier drive the DB got in Scott's face after a failed fade in the end zone.

Scott did the same thing back on that PI. Inconsistent officiating.

[U-Ute]

According to UteNation, the DB there is Scott's Godbrother. Friendly jawing that was misread by the official. Still...


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Oh man. That makes the officiating even worse.

[U-Ute]

:D.

Continuing my valiant effort to accentuate the positive...we will likely be in a better bowl game than we've been in since the Sugar Bowl.




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I know I'm excited in our school's continued effort to collect trophies from each of our conference's bowls.

[Redbird]

I know I'm excited in our school's continued effort to collect trophies from each of our conference's bowls.

what happens when we fill up the punch card?

[Redbird]

Continuing my valiant effort to accentuate the positive...we will likely be in a better bowl game than we've been in since the Sugar Bowl.

If we go to the Alamo or Holiday, yes. Otherwise, it's arguable at best if it's better than the Sun Bowl.

[LA Ute]

If we go to the Alamo or Holiday, yes. Otherwise, it's arguable at best if it's better than the Sun Bowl.

OK, I'll keep trying. 6-3 is our best PAC-12 record yet, even if we can't get a first down when we need one to put away the game.

[LA Ute]

These were surprising stats (Utah's numbers are on the right):



Fumbles: Number-Lost
2-1
7-2


Penalties: Number-Yards
3-31
9-92



I didn't realize we had 7 fumbles.

[SeattleUte]

LA, let me see if I can help you.

We have a great basis for moving on. The Utes are recognized as one of the two most physical teams in the toughest conference top to bottom in the country, we're just off a 9-3 season and 6-3 in the Pac 12 and with some memorable wins including finally one over Oregon and in Eugene, and Kyle’s finally got a recruiting class that is respectable by Pac 12 standards, the best one we've ever had by far. This is the season in which we've cleared the MWC-Pac 12 adjustment hump.

[LA Ute]

LA, let me see if I can help you.

We have a great basis for moving on. The Utes are recognized as one of the two most physical teams in the toughest conference top to bottom in the country, we're just off a 9-3 season and 6-3 in the Pac 12 and with some memorable wins including finally one over Oregon and in Eugene, and Kyle’s finally got a recruiting class that is respectable by Pac 12 standards, the best one we've ever had by far. This is the season in which we've cleared the MWC-Pac 12 adjustment hump.

I think it is a mixed bag, with more on the positive side than the negative side. As I've said in other posts (which you have no doubt studied carefully):



6-3 is our best record in the PAC-12 ever.
We actually have a piece of a division championship.
Only 5 Utah teams have ever won 10 games, and this one may become the 6th.
We have a chance at being in a better bowl game than any since the Sugar Bowl (assuming we do better than the Sun).
Rivals ranks us 28th in 2016 recruiting (https://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/teamrank) (6th in the PAC-12, which is good for us).


On the down side, we have one of the most sophisticated football people on this board -- one with deep familiarity with the Utah program -- posting like this:

http://www.utahby5.com/showthread.php?1900-Expectations-at-season-s-end&p=67016&viewfull=1#post67016

Maybe the offense will get better. There are some grounds for hope, because we are up to 9th in the conference in total offense, unless today's less-productive performance drops us back into the bottom quartile, where we've been since we joined the PAC-12.

What we must hope is that Kyle and his staff can figure out how to have an average, middle-of-the-conference offense, because without that we cannot be truly successful -- at least if the statistical records of those who do succeed in the conference mean anything. The pieces are there, as you note, because recruiting has improved. But there is nothing in KW's record since joining the conference that suggests he has modified his view that great defense + great special teams + a grind-it-out, ball control offense running a power run version of a spread offense will be a sustainable model for success in the PAC-12. Maybe with the added talent his vision will prove successful in the near future. I hope so, because he's going to be our coach for some time to come and HardRod will be around at least another year or two. So maybe next year when we play the worst team in the conference -- at home -- we will see an offense that can get a first down in crunch time, or more than 108 net yards passing. It won't happen if Kyle doesn't make it happen.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Side note:
Today I learned that SeattleUte's sister sits in front of my parents' seats.

[SeattleUte]

I think it is a mixed bag, with more on the positive side than the negative side. As I've said in other posts (which you have no doubt studied carefully):



6-3 is our best record in the PAC-12 ever.
We actually have a piece of a division championship.
Only 5 Utah teams have ever won 10 games, and this one may become the 6th.
We have a chance at being in a better bowl game than any since the Sugar Bowl (assuming we do better than the Sun).
Rivals ranks us 28th in 2016 recruiting (https://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/teamrank) (6th in the PAC-12, which is good for us).


On the down side, we have one of the most sophisticated football people on this board -- one with deep familiarity with the Utah program -- posting like this:

http://www.utahby5.com/showthread.php?1900-Expectations-at-season-s-end&p=67016&viewfull=1#post67016

Maybe the offense will get better. There are some grounds for hope, because we are up to 9th in the conference in total offense, unless today's less-productive performance drops us back into the bottom quartile, where we've been since we joined the PAC-12.

What we must hope is that Kyle and his staff can figure out how to have an average, middle-of-the-conference offense, because without that we cannot be truly successful -- at least if the statistical records of those who do succeed in the conference mean anything. The pieces are there, as you note, because recruiting has improved. But there is nothing in KW's record since joining the conference that suggests he has modified his view that great defense + great special teams + a grind-it-out, ball control offense running a power run version of a spread offense will be a sustainable model for success in the PAC-12. Maybe with the added talent his vision will prove successful in the near future. I hope so, because he's going to be our coach for some time to come and HardRod will be around at least another year or two. So maybe next year when we play the worst team in the conference -- at home -- we will see an offense that can get a first down in crunch time, or more than 108 net yards passing. It won't happen if Kyle doesn't make it happen.

Do you realize what Stanford's win tonight means? Had we beaten Arizona and UCLA, and had Stanford beaten Oregon, we'd be one win from the final four. We aren't that far truly elite status. And we definitely belong in this conference. We can have a middling offense; all we need is a halfway decent passer. Our O line and running game are incredible.

[Redbird]

6-3 is our best record in the PAC-12 ever.
We actually have a piece of a division championship.
Only 5 Utah teams have ever won 10 games, and this one may become the 6th.
We have a chance at being in a better bowl game than any since the Sugar Bowl (assuming we do better than the Sun).
Rivals ranks us 28th in 2016 recruiting (https://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/teamrank) (6th in the PAC-12, which is good for us).


1 and 3 are legitimate fact. 4 is relative. But #2 is sheer crazy talk. I don't think actual division winners are going to claim "2015 (x conference)(y division) champs!" if they lose next weekend. It's absurd to say we have some claim when we are a part of a tie-break procedure that clearly places us 3rd.

[SeattleUte]

Our starting quarterback next season:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8VhlsDnRsM

[Devildog]

Do you realize what Stanford's win tonight means? Had we beaten Arizona and UCLA, and had Stanford beaten Oregon, we'd be one win from the final four. We aren't that far truly elite status. And we definitely belong in this conference. We can have a middling offense; all we need is a halfway decent passer. Our O line and running game are incredible.

This is ridiculous. For all your faults, I thought you were intelligent. This statement is stupid.

[LA Ute]

1 and 3 are legitimate fact. 4 is relative. But #2 is sheer crazy talk. I don't think actual division winners are going to claim "2015 (x conference)(y division) champs!" if they lose next weekend. It's absurd to say we have some claim when we are a part of a tie-break procedure that clearly places us 3rd.

Kyle is the one who keeps saying that we are Southern co-champs. I'm just repeating what he says as I try to look on the bright side of life.

Piper this morning:

"But Utah survived, Pac-12 co-champions, even if it is USC which will play at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., next Saturday."


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[LA Ute]

Do you realize what Stanford's win tonight means? Had we beaten Arizona and UCLA, and had Stanford beaten Oregon, we'd be one win from the final four. We aren't that far truly elite status. And we definitely belong in this conference. We can have a middling offense; all we need is a halfway decent passer. Our O line and running game are incredible.

You and I agree that we belong, and that a middling offense will get it done. I think it's more than a decent passer that we need, however. When a 5'8" freshman is your top receiver and losing him is devastating, you need to wonder why that is. Still, it looks like we will have the horses to be better offensively in the next year or two, and there's every reason to think Kyle "gets" that, so I'll keep hoping.



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[LA Ute]

I have to say. I had a great time at the game yesterday. Field/stadium looked great. My son is 8, which for him is finally old enough to really get into the game. I loved cheering our seniors on, and I loved relying on our defense at the end. Felt appropriate. D-FENCE!

6-3 is a great season. A shot at 10-3 feels pretty good.

It was fun. Everyone around us seemed to be having fun with the weather, and so did we. I was proud of our defense too. Yesterday reminded me of other Utah games where a sack and a strip sealed the victory. There was a BYU game in the mid- to late 90s that ended that way. I also got a huge kick out of watching the team sing "Utah Man" to the MUSS. The U. did a nice job with Senior Day too. Throughout the game they were showing brief thank-you comments from the seniors on the video screen. Those are some of the things you get from being in the stadium to see the game.


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[U-Ute]

Side note:
Today I learned that SeattleUte's sister sits in front of my parents' seats.

Did your parents stop going because of all the humblebragging? Or does she complain about him as much as we do?

[justaute]

Yup...we do need more than just a QB.



You and I agree that we belong, and that a middling offense will get it done. I think it's more than a decent passer that we need, however. When a 5'8" freshman is your top receiver and losing him is devastating, you need to wonder why that is. Still, it looks like we will have the horses to be better offensively in the next year or two, and there's every reason to think Kyle "gets" that, so I'll keep hoping.



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[SeattleUte]

Side note:
Today I learned that SeattleUte's sister sits in front of my parents' seats.

Then they also have a former McBride starter in front of them too.

[SeattleUte]

This is ridiculous. For all your faults, I thought you were intelligent. This statement is stupid.

Major Major, one thing I've learned from sports boards is to accept that sometimes my scribbling will be pearls before swine.

[Redbird]

Aren't we clearly placed 2nd by the tiebreaker?

Man, we were close. We had so many chances vs UCLA and Zona. Plus, CU was so very close against USC. I don't think we'd have had a strong chance against Stanford, as beat up as we are.

ugh, I'm an idiot.

[USS Utah]

It was fun. Everyone around us seemed to be having fun with the weather, and so did we. I was proud of our defense too. Yesterday reminded me of other Utah games where a sack and a strip sealed the victory. There was a BYU game in the mid- to late 90s that ended that way. I also got a huge kick out of watching the team sing "Utah Man" to the MUSS. The U. did a nice job with Senior Day too. Throughout the game they were showing brief thank-you comments from the seniors on the video screen. Those are some of the things you get from being in the stadium to see the game.


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34-31 Part II in 1994.

Bronzell Miller forced the fumble and Luther Ellis recovered.

[LA Ute]

Major Major, one thing I've learned from sports boards is to accept that sometimes my scribbling will be pearls before swine.


Can I have an "Oh, brother!" here?


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[U-Ute]

34-31 Part II in 1994.

Bronzell Miller forced the fumble and Luther Ellis recovered.

Walsh was the BYU QB IIRC.

[LA Ute]

Walsh was the BYU QB IIRC.

Right, I´d forgotten his name. It was a pretty spectacular strip sack.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Did your parents stop going because of all the humblebragging? Or does she complain about him as much as we do?

My mom couldn't stop gushing about her other brother...

[NorthwestUteFan]

Then they also have a former McBride starter in front of them too.

PM me his name. I couldn't place his face, but couldn't get over how much he looked like Ron Rivera.