Utes wanted it more
The Utes' win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl was as much about desire as it was about technicalities. Give props to the Utes for winning in both areas Friday. Whether it was Alabama coach Nick Saban pointing out his team was the only undefeated team from a "real BCS" conference or the national pundits making Utah a 10-point underdog, the Utes took all that criticism and steam-rolled over the Tide.
The first quarter knocked the Tide onto their heels. They came back a bit, but once Utah scored again it seemed all Alabama wanted to do in the fourth quarter was get out of New Orleans. Utah, meanwhile, wanted to simply celebrate. Celebrate they will too.
While Alabama's line no doubt had some issues with the absence of Andre Smith and the injury to his replacement, Mike Johnson who left the game in the first quarter, the Utes' defense did what it has done all season and held up well against the run.
All the technicalities can be dissected and replayed, but really, this game came down to a lot of heart for the Utes.
That steady play of the defense, combined with Utah's quick offensive start, was all the Utes needed to get the win. Well, maybe a whole lotta fire too.
This quote from Brian Johnson kinda says it all: "I know from my perspective I was angry. I thought not just because of what coach Saban said, but everything that was out there, us being ten-and-a-half-point underdogs, and watching ESPN and everybody was saying how big and strong they were. It felt like we were being completely disrespected."
The first quarter knocked the Tide onto their heels. They came back a bit, but once Utah scored again it seemed all Alabama wanted to do in the fourth quarter was get out of New Orleans. Utah, meanwhile, wanted to simply celebrate. Celebrate they will too.
While Alabama's line no doubt had some issues with the absence of Andre Smith and the injury to his replacement, Mike Johnson who left the game in the first quarter, the Utes' defense did what it has done all season and held up well against the run.
All the technicalities can be dissected and replayed, but really, this game came down to a lot of heart for the Utes.
That steady play of the defense, combined with Utah's quick offensive start, was all the Utes needed to get the win. Well, maybe a whole lotta fire too.
This quote from Brian Johnson kinda says it all: "I know from my perspective I was angry. I thought not just because of what coach Saban said, but everything that was out there, us being ten-and-a-half-point underdogs, and watching ESPN and everybody was saying how big and strong they were. It felt like we were being completely disrespected."
11:18 PM
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5 Comments:
Uteh rocks! They really made a sold statement for Mountain West Conference.
Congratuations!
Go Rams!
As a lifelong Alabama fan, I just have to commend you on the way you played. Without a doubt you did to us what we've done to the competition all regular season long.
Congratulations, Utah.
From a BIG TCU fan...Hail to the Utes! Utes rule! What a game! What a victory! What a season! Utah does not "deserve" to be No. 1. Utah IS Number 1!
The MWC finishes the season with two teams in the Top 10 and one of them at No. 1. If BYU hadn't choked, there would be 3 MWC's in the Top 20.
Regardless, Congrats Utes!
I was at the game and the UTES were awesome. The opening drive stunned 'Bama and the next two TD's took the crowd out of the game until the Ute fumble in the 3Q led to a 'Bama TD. Then BJ, as calmly as he has done all season, quieted the Alabama hopeful with another brilliant display of passing and shut the crowd up for the rest of the game. It was a wonderful night to be a UTE!!!
Utah Played that first quarter with their two minute offense. An offense that can drive it up the field with bullet passes and long bombs.
Many people have said they wished to see Sakoda out kick Bama's kicker. But you know what? He did. By doing what he has done all season by not missing his extra points or his one field goal. He is a man with a golden leg and should be celebrated as such.
Kudos to our Running Utes by showing the Crimson Tide our own Crimson Fury. We rolled them over onto their backs and showed the nation what the MWC is capable of.
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