The Utes and No Shave November

It's officially "No Shave November" and not only will I be growing an awful beard, but the Utes will not take part in any shaving, either—shaving of their perfect record, that is. That's right, I'm assuming, no, I'm telling you that the Utes are going undefeated.

Utah's season is like a beard. A beard that starts out as questionable, but progresses into a beard finer than the one donned by "The Most Interesting Man," himself. As you get more and more adjusted to the beard, you begin to dig it more and more.

Since the beginning of the season, I've thought Utah didn't have a better beard than TCU, but Utah suddenly is rocking its beard better than Randy Moss and Zack Galifianakis, combined. The Horned Frogs' beard looked flawless, it looked as if it could be the best in the nation. Suddenly, however, the Utes have every hair growing into the right spots, filling its beard in to the fullest.

Yes, everything is falling into place for the Utes. With the fifth-ranked team in the nation, third-ranked offense, and sixth-ranked defense, things look promising for the Utes.

My beard will be horrible, like Jordan Wynn's "mustache" he shows off from time to time. That doesn't mean it's not something to be proud of, because Jordan Wynn is a stud, regardless of his mustache's status. I'll rep my beard, Wynn will rep his 'stache, and we'll all be fine.

I know BYU technically can't grow beards, but for the sake of my rant, I'm giving them one.

BYU's beard will be awful, but they'll think it's as beautiful as Brigham Young's masterpiece of facial hair—when in all actuality, it's terrible. Their beard will be the kind that you constantly want to shave and pretend never existed. Maybe the final product—BYU's bowl game—will serve as some sort of consolation prize, that is if they make it to one. I wouldn't be surprised if they failed to go the distance, though, they'll probably have to shave at some point—it's in the rules.

Once the end of November arrives, not only will the Utes shave and begin to prepare for the biggest game of their season—possibly even the history of the University of Utah—but also will I be erasing the nasty, month-long beard I have cherished.

Note: I would like to thank one of my best friends, Matt Ohrenberger, for the idea that sparked this random blog.

Pac-10 Move Has Its Good and Bad

While Utah will reap the many benefits from their recent decision to jump to the Pac-10, but it's not all golden in the new conference.

Don't get me wrong, it is absolute that the move is what's best for Utah, but it's not flawless.

Since there are only a few negatives that could come as result, let's get those at of the way first. 

The Holy War, the rivalry football game between Utah and Brigham Young University, has been around since 1922—the basketball teams have met even longer, 1909. However, the longstanding rivalry could begin to fade away because of different conference affiliation. With little to win and much to lose, Utah would be smart to avoid a yearly game against their longtime rivals. The rivalry has been around for years and I believe it will be missed, but it's for the best—no sense in playing a team for nearly nothing.

Although I am entirely confident they will be able to immediately compete in Pac-10 play, the Utes will face much tougher competition in their new conference—the perfect seasons under their belt will be much more difficult to come by. Joining the Pac-10 will mean playing powerhouse teams, and while I do believe they can compete, it will take greater effort to make a great season. 

Now this can go either way, but increased travel distance will affect the road game attendance—for better or worse. Sure, road trips to California and Phoenix are more desirable than those to Colorado Springs, Colorado and Laramie, Wyoming, but they are also more expensive. Utah's new conference affiliation will make it a longer drive or flight, and will be a heavier hit on the wallet's of fans. However, fans may be more likely to travel to watch their team play against top-tier programs, rather than to Wyoming. If fans are willing to take the trip, road attendance will jump higher—like I said, it could go either way. 

The best thing that will come from the move is respect—something Utah has been yearning for a while now. Due to Utah's recent success, they have become a more respected program, but are still considered a mid-major school that plays "nobody" in the eyes of many fans. With the opportunity to play in the "conference of champions," Utah could find itself the nation's elite programs. Respect is close for the Utes and now all they have to do is earn it—easier with a Pac-10 affiliation.

Money, money, money. It's always about money. Utah's move to the Pac-10 will bring in a huge increase of revenue. Utah made $1.2 million in TV revenue last year, but could up that amount by over $10 million.

With a skyrocket in revenue, the Utes can look to stadium expansion. Currently, Rice-Eccles Stadium holds 45,017 people, but plans to expand the stadium could boost that number to anywhere between 60 and 70 thousand fans. 

Access to the Rose Bowl year in and year out will be nice for Utah, and an undefeated season spells out more than just a BCS bowl. If the Utes drop a game or two, or any amount for that matter, all it would take is winning the conference to play for the roses. 

Utah recruiting should see a bump with their new conference affiliation. Coming off its best recruiting class in school history, the Utes are already finding their 2011 class to be full of talent. It will be much easier to keep the in-state prospects that have been lost to schools of BCS affiliation in the past. Utah's recruiting competition with BYU should be easier as well, considering they will have the edge due to its conference affiliation alone. It will be hard for BYU recruiters to look a kid in the eye and get him to commit over Utah, when that same kid is being told by Utah recruiters of shots at the national title—the Utes could have top-dog status in college football, making it much easier to land studs out of high school.

There are many reasons why Utah's move to the Pac-10 is beneficial, and they will begin to feel those gains as soon as 2011 comes around.

A Day To Remember

What could be the biggest accomplishment in Utah Utes history, came today as Utah President Michael K. Young signed papers to join the Pac-10.

The roller coaster is over ladies and gentleman, exit on your left. The Utes have officially joined the "conference of champions."

As President Young picked up the pen to ink the deal, he joked "I have been authorized by board of trustees to sign this to accept. Should I?"

And just like that, the Utes overcame years of mid-major status. 

The Utes have become the twelfth member of the Pac-10, and joins Colorado as the league's newest members since 1978, when the conference added Arizona and Arizona State. 

Utah is a good fit academically, athletically and geographically, said Larry Scott, Pac-10 commissioner. 

It is a possible option that the Utes become a member of the South division of the conference, which could be made up with Utah, Colorado, USC, UCLA, Arizona and Arizona.

The Utes will begin Pac-10 play in 2011, and will endure a three-year process before becoming a full member of the Pac-10—being a full member will give Utes access to revenue. On the other hand, Colorado's agreement does not require them to go through the same process. 

"It's a great day to be a Ute," President Young said. 

Why Utah to the Pac-10 is a Done Deal

Today was the most telling day of all amongst conference football expansion talk. Nebraska to the Big Ten and Boise State to the Mountain West are the two latest dominoes to fall and four more Big 12 schools are expected to follow as early as Tuesday. Will Utah make a move as well?—I definitely believe so.

Why the Pac-10 Will Expand More

There is no way the Pac-10 is done expanding after only adding Colorado, so it's more than safe to say they have plans to further expansion. The Pac-10 wants to get to at least 12 teams—giving them a conference championship game. With an expiring TV contract, the Pac-10 is looking to do everything they can to bring in the biggest moneymaking deal possible.

Expansion to 12 teams would spell success for the Pac-10, but with all the ideas of super-conferences forming the Pac-10 is likely to get a head start on other conferences and grow to 16 teams.

Who the Pac-10 Will Take

At the moment, Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech are believed to all make the jump to the Pac-10 by Tuesday. Texas A&M was originally believed to be joined at the hip with Texas, but now it seems there will be separation as Texas A&M seems more interested in the SEC than the Pac-10—sorry Big 12, you're gone. 

If the talk of Texas A&M's interest in the SEC holds true along with the SEC having interest in the school, expect Texas A&M to bail on its dancing partner, Texas. 

The Pac-10 likes the idea of pairing off teams as rivals, and Utah could be the answer for Colorado. Utah is geographically fit to play in the Pac-10 and naturally pairs with Colorado to develop a rivalry. Texas and Texas Tech pair as rivals, as well as Oklahoma and Oklahoma State—of course every team can have more than one rival, I wouldn't expect the Red River Rivalry to dry up anytime soon. 

Utah is also a perfect fit because it would round out a potential division for the new super-conference. Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, and Texas Tech would be a division that makes complete sense. The division would be geographically logical and pair up the rivalries—I know Utah fans would be excited to see Texas and Oklahoma play at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

When It Will Go Down

The Pac-10 began expansion Thursday by announcing Colorado as its newest member. Friday the Pac-10 watched the MWC add Boise State and the Big Ten add Nebraska. The Pac-10 watched speculation on Texas A&M's interest in the SEC, and noticed the interest from the SEC to add them. The news came that Texas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State would announce as early as Tuesday their plans to join the Pac-10. 

But when does the Pac-10 invite Utah? I believe they will announce the Utes as the newest member in the next 72 hours. If I had to pinpoint a day, I would say Monday—the day before the Pac-10 announces four Big 12 schools as new members, their final move on expansion.

Friday's news is information that becomes forgotten, Monday's news sets up the rest of the week's talk—it's how the media works for the most part. Expect at the very least, Utah to join Monday, then the big splash will follow.

Why Utah to the Pac-10 Seems a "Done Deal"

During the most exciting week of conference expansion, Utah athletic director, Chris Hill found himself on vacation—perhaps to get away and relax. 

Hill came back from vacation and supposedly is aware of a Pac-10 invite for Utah. This would make sense because there is no reason why Hill should take backseat to the thought of being left out of conference expansion—especially when a few months ago everything seemed absolute. 

I find it very telling that there is discussion and rumors of the Pac-10 inviting only four more Big 12 schools, bringing them to 15 schools—if elementary school taught me anything, 15 is an uneven number. They will look to add one more school, and Utah is the best option left.

Utah is competitive in the aspects of athletics, academics, research, and brings a decent TV market. 

Watching Boise State's press conference Friday, I noticed a little "big whoop" attitude—thanks to my buddy Jake, who asked me to pay attention to the animosity of Robert Kustra, BSU President. It seemed they were excited to join the MWC, but didn't act like it was going to be the best thing in the world.

While discussing scheduling, Boise State athletic director, Gene Bleymaier talked about the schools they played 30 years ago and compared them to the schools they will play starting in 2011.

"BYU, TCU, (pause) Utah, and Air Force," Bleymaier said. The pause in the statement wasn't very long, but it was long enough that you could tell Utah's departure was forthcoming. A team like Utah should have been spit out much quicker, and not behind BYU and TCU—probably not even in the same sentence as Air Force. 

Also, the phone interview with MWC commisioner, Craig Thompson, told a lot if you listened to his voice. It seemed Thompson was glad to have Boise join, but it seemed like he didn't care too much. If you ask me, Boise is a replacement for Utah and the MWC will look other places to expand—making Boise like Colorado and Nebraska, just the beginning of the shift. 

Prediction For PAC-10 Expansion

There are countless options as to who the Pac-10 could add to build a bigger and better conference, and the first school has been added. 

With Nebraska going to the Big Ten and Colorado to the Pac-10, conference expansion as we know it has begun. But there are still numerous questions as to how the college football landscape will look when all is said and done. 

Does the Pac-10 add five more Big 12 schools? Do they add Utah and four Big 12 schools? Do they add only Utah and call it quits at 12 teams? Do they stop after adding only Colorado? 

The answer is unknown and will stay that way for now—at least until tomorrow, when things can shake up all over again. 

If I had to make my boldest prediction as to what happens with the Pac-10 next, I would guess they add Utah, followed by four Big 12 schools. 

I believe the Pac-10 added Colorado to stop Texas from being in the driver's seat and calling all the shots—like insisting an addition of unwanted Texas Tech and Baylor. 

If the Pac-10 wants complete control of expansion, the conference should add Utah next—leaving four spots for expansion.

If the Pac-10 adds Utah, they will have successfully reached the team requirement for a conference championship game, which will be attractive to any TV deal the conference might look into. 

With four spots left, the Pac-10 should extend offers to Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State.

The addition of these six teams brings in natural rivals and is perfect for the conference split of divisions.

Colorado and Utah, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, and Texas and Texas A&M all pair off as rivalries. Add Arizona and Arizona State and the Pac-10 is looking at one of its two divisions. 

By adding Utah first, the Pac-10 gives Texas no way to drag unwanted Baylor and Texas Tech to the conference.

I expect the next domino to fall soon with Utah being invited.

Let The Rollercoaster Do Its Thing

He says this, they say that, we think this, you think that--it's a never-ending rollercoaster ride of denials and admittances. Yes, I'm talking about all the discussion of conference expansion and its constant change of direction. Through all the ups and downs of the idea of a shifting college football landscape, people are left confused as to what they can believe anymore. 

Where will Utah find itself when the dust of college football expansion settles? Man, I wish I could tell you.

For Ute fans who follow conference expansion religiously there has been moments of celebration for Utah joining the PAC-10, but there has also been those moments where everyone reaches for the panic button in fear of being shut out of the conference realignment.

At one point in time, Utah to the PAC-10 was imminent--it was a done deal with no questions asked. It was only a matter of time before the Utah Utes would find themselves among the elite conferences in college football. But now, nearly everyone finds themselves checking Twitter, message boards, Google-searching expansion news, and talking to any "inside" source they may have to get the low-down on what is about to change college football as we know it. 

In wake of the rumors of the PAC-10 reaching out to six Big 12 schools to bring the NCAA a new PAC-16, Utah fans find themselves on either the pessimistic or optimistic sides of the fence. 

If the PAC-10 were to offer six invites to schools from the Big 12, assuming each school accepts, Utah will face a similar situation of being left out of the big picture.

When it comes down to it, like almost everything in this world, it's all about money. If the PAC-10 could bring in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech, we would be looking at our first super-conference in the PAC-16. However, if all holds true in the "everything is about money" argument, Utah just might be on the outside looking in.

However, I find it hard to believe that current PAC-10 teams are going to accept the idea of Texas joining the conference and calling every shot by barking orders. If the PAC-10 is bringing in three Texas schools--possibly four if Baylor gets the nod rather than Colorado--the PAC-10 would be insane. Utah brings a decent TV market into the picture, not to forget its higher level of academics and athletic competition than some of the supposedly invited schools mentioned above.

At this point, it seems everyone has a source that says one thing or another, but nothing has yet been confirmed. Chip Brown, with OrangeBloods.com and the most followed reporter on expansion talk as of lately, seems to have the answers and inside information on everything expansion related, but as soon as he releases information it is almost instantly denied. Brown could be telling the truth, he could be receiving false information, he could be given information from Texas officials that is Texas' view, or everything he is saying could be true--we won't know the answer until all is said and done. 

An inside source could give Brown information, knowing he will relay the ideas to thousands of readers, but that doesn't necessarily mean it has one-hundred percent truth to it. Granted, most of the things he says is backed up by other reports, but how often is a report Brown gives denied and claimed as incorrect? Almost every time. 

The bottom line is that the next few days will bring answers or at least clear the picture just a little more--satisfying some, but disappointing others.

Hang on for the rollercoaster and please keep all hands and feet inside the ride at all times--the last thing we need is more confusion.

With all that has gone on in the past few days, it seems anything can happen and no one can be trusted except the people making the decisions themselves. Until an official announcement is made, the rollercoaster ride will continue.

Let the Dust Settle

Amidst all the conference realignment, everything that happens has a reason for it. The latest news that the Mountain West Conference will not extend an invite to Boise State may seem absurd, but of course there has to be reason for it.

I believe the MWC is smart in not inviting BSU to the conference at this time. Yes, Boise is a good addition—they most definitely add a more competitive edge to the conference and bring the Utes closer to being a part of an automatic qualifier conference. However, the timing of an invite is slightly off.

If the PAC-10 does expand to 16 teams, it is a likely result from the Big 12 falling apart because of the Big Ten snatching Missouri and Nebraska from the Big 12. If this were the case, the Big 12 would have some leftovers—scraps of teams that could generate more money for the MWC. The MWC could add Kansas, Kansas State, and Baylor/Colorado—all schools that bring more money to the conference and also brings the MWC to being able to add a conference championship game.

It’s fair enough to say the MWC is interested in seeing where the dust settles before extending, more like settling, for BSU. If the Big 12 stays intact, then the MWC would offer BSU, it makes too much sense. If the Big 12 falls apart, the MWC would look to clean up the leftovers from the Big 12.

Craig Thompson has said there will be continuation on the topic of conference expansion sometime between June 15 and June 30—a time period where I believe conference expansion will be a little clearer.

On June 11, Nebraska and Missouri need to give the Big 12 their plans for where they plan to be in a couple years from now as far as conference affiliation. Shortly after the June 11 mark, the MWC will be revisiting the issue—with a better knowledge of what to expect out of the mess of conference realignment.

If all goes well for Ute fans, Notre Dame will realize its need to join a conference, and will do so by joining the Big Ten. Notre Dame joining the Big Ten would mean the conference has no desire to expand further, meaning Nebraska and Missouri will be in the Big 12. If the two schools remain in the Big 12, the PAC-10’s plans to invite half the teams in the Big 12 would be off. The PAC-10 will then be revisiting the original scenario, the original plan, of adding Colorado and Utah.

The MWC is holding out to see what will be taken from their conference, as well as what teams could be added to the conference amidst the mayhem.

Texas has made it clear they would like to stay in the Big 12, and all they need to do is convince other Big 12 schools to do the same. Currently Texas is our best friend and worst enemy.

There is a lot of bluffing going on right now, and the puzzle is almost solved. Until then, hold on to your seats—things are about to get crazy. 

Speculation Kills

Conference expansion is all about money, no matter how you look at it.  Hell, when you’re trying to make some cash you’ll do anything short of dancing in a G-string to make the extra dollar—and if you would dance in a G-string, more power to you. When it comes down to it, almost everything in life boils down to money—yes, even college football. Money, money, money.

College football conference expansion is the constant talk among the sport’s fans—and it comes at a time where there’s nothing else to talk about—sorry, I have no interest in sports as soon as the NBA Finals finish, hockey just isn’t my thing.

The problem is, I spend all day worrying about what happens to Utah as soon as the dust is settled with conference expansion.

My good friend and pigskin talking buddy, Dave Mundt, put it the best way possible: “I’m more worried about this (conference expansion) than my girlfriend and mine’s relationship failing.”

Honestly, Mundt hammered the nail with this statement. It’s ridiculous how much time anyone following the conference expansion talk thinks about the matter, I know for a fact I’m not the only one.

It baffles me to think the PAC-10 and Big 12 would discuss partnership possibilities not too long ago, and now talk about picking through their conference and taking everything worthwhile from beneath them. Supposedly, the PAC-10 is looking to extend offers to Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Colorado—like I said, everything worthwhile.

If the PAC-10 pulled in all six teams and the Big Ten pulled in Missouri and Nebraska, the Big 12 would be left with four teams—Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State and Iowa State—remember, the Big Ten was previously rumored to have offered Missouri and Nebraska.

A Big 12 with four schools is like roadkill waiting for vultures to clean up the mess that just happened.

Sure, the Mountain West Conference could pick up the leftovers and add them to their conference, that’s if they can beat the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big East to them.

If Utah is left looking from the outside in, Utes football might become irrelevant to college football while college football drastically changes to four super-conferences that take over. Four super-conferences could become it’s own level of college football, above Division I football—leaving out all the outsiders.

However, all of this seems too ridiculous to me. What it comes down to is the fact people speculate way too much on the conference expansion and all of a sudden an idea becomes an actual action—without the idea ever being confirmed or acted on. Possibilities become concrete and any option becomes the solution.

I believe every conference has an ideal plan of what they want to consist of and how they will react when the dominoes start to fall. You might wonder why the conferences haven’t pushed over the first domino yet—I believe it is because each conference wants to know what everyone’s plans are before acting. If the PAC-10 was going to honestly pursue Texas because it brings in the most money, they should be keeping it as quiet as possible.

Texas is in a position that it could do whatever it wants—the SEC, Big Ten, and PAC-10 are all rumored to chase Texas. The problem is, Texas makes a ton of money in the Big 12 and are treated very generously—there’s no way they would just walk away from that. The Big 12 has unequal revenue sharing, which allows Texas to get the biggest piece of the pie.

There’s no way the PAC-10 is going to gain Texas if they can’t give a bigger piece of pie. Every member of the PAC-10 would have to agree to receive a lesser share in order to get Texas on board. Texas isn’t going to just bail on the Big 12 so they can make less money and be further from it’s opponents—which costs even more with travel expenses.

Likewise, the Big 12 will not openly allow Texas to just walk out the door. The Big 12 will do whatever it takes to keep Texas, they do it now so why would it change?

If the PAC-10 offers those six schools, I believe it is a bluff—and nothing more. I believe the PAC-10 is trying to stir the pot and get other conferences to react, that way the picture of what could be possible becomes clearer.

Once an official offer is on the table from one of the big six conferences, the dust storm will start and it will take a while for the dust to settle. It will be a big chain reaction and the college football landscape will change, and it will change fast. I do not believe the super-conferences are going to happen quite yet, I see each conference moving to championship games first—getting to the NCAA’s 12-team requirement. That will be the first shift in college football we will see, and then in about ten years we will all be holding onto the edge of our seats again for the same old rollercoaster.

Hopefully when this rollercoaster ride starts Utah fans will be anxious to see who is joining their soon-to-be super-conference.  

Chances for Utah’s move to the PAC-10 are still high, and I’m still in the camp Utah will be headed to the PAC-10—and of course, I’m still comfortable. 

Just a matter of time...

All this talk of expansion keeps me busy—anxious, but busy. My mind tends to go back in forth between the Utes joining the PAC-10 and the Utes being stuck in a Mountain West Conference hoping to become an automatic qualifier. In all honesty, I know I’m wasting time by doubting the thought of us making it to the PAC-10—it’s going to happen—it’s just a matter of time.

When will it happen? That’s the question that really bugs me, and I’m sure it bugs most Ute fans and those concerned with the conference expansion discussion that has taken over college football. Whether it be in the next three weeks—yes, it could be that soon—or if it’s at the end of the year, the PAC-10 will announce their plans for conference expansion, said Larry Scott, commissioner of the PAC-10. I’m not worried about the decision of whether to expand or not, I feel the PAC-10 isn’t stupid—they’ll expand. Larry Scott was brought in as the commissioner of the PAC-10 for this reason, the college football landscape is changing.

The PAC-10 needs to expand to keep itself from getting left in the dust of college football. The Big 12, SEC, and ACC all bring in big bucks and large amounts of viewers for having a conference championship game, something that the PAC-10 lacks—and will continue to lack as long as it has less than the 12 required members needed to host a conference game—the PAC-10 currently has 10 teams.

If the PAC-10 were to choose and stay with their traditional conference and not expand, the conference would be missing out on lots of money opportunity. The rumors have already rumbled that the Big Ten plans to extend in order to add a championship game—is the PAC-10 honestly going to allow itself to become the underside of the BCS conferences? Absolutely not, the PAC-10 has hired Creative Artists Agency to explore expansion possibilities.

The PAC-10 has sealed lips about a definite decision, but rumors with legs have made their way into the ears of college football fans across the country. An expiring TV contract looms for the PAC-10, a conference looking to capitalize on a major deal—one with lots of cash. Adding a conference championship game will attract a larger TV deal, bringing in the wanted lump some of money. If the PAC-10 looks to go fishing for a top-of-the-line TV deal without as big of a moneymaking feature such as the conference championship game, it will not be catching anything bigger than goldfish. Birds are telling everyone that walks by that the TV deal is expected to be huge—along the lines of the $3 billion the SEC has with its TV deal—does a deal like this go to a conference who already struggles keeping up with the SEC, Big 12, and Big Ten?—absolutely not.

It’s no longer the question of if the PAC-10 will expand, it’s just a matter of when the conference will expand. The conference will announce its decision on expansion before the year’s end, Scott said. Dec. 31 marks the end of the calendar year, but the PAC-10’s fiscal year ends June 30—possibly Scott is using a play on words. Scott said before the year’s end, that doesn’t necessarily mean on the last day of the year. June 11, the start of the World Cup, often is believed as the day college football’s dominoes will fall—conferences across the country would shift for better or worse if the PAC-10 triggered expansion. If announcement were to not come before the start of the World Cup, the expansion announcement is likely to take place before the last day of the fiscal year, June 30.

If confirmation of expansion does not come before the beginning of July, everyone and anyone interested will have to hold on to their seats for up to six months.

Either way, expansion is going to happen, trust my word—word that comes from talking to people “in the know” of things.

I want to talk about the possibilities for Utah if the PAC-10 chooses against expanding, but I cannot justify doing so—it’s a waste of time due to the stupidity of the idea.

Utah is a good fit for the PAC-10—it’s bound to happen—just give it time. I have my sources that lead me to sit in the camp that Utah is joining the PAC-10—I’m not packing camp any time soon, I’m comfortable here. 

Another Historic Season for the Utes on the Horizon?

As the summer slump begins, so do the minds of anxious college football fans. The upcoming season means a new team, a new season, a new set of leaders, a new possibility, and much more—the question of “how good will we be” comes forth.

The future looks bright for the Utah Utes, and by future I mean everything that happens from this minute forward. Coach Whittingham and the crew recently put together the best recruiting class the Utah football program has ever seen. Prior to this recruiting class, Utah was already stacked in the depth charts, but the addition of the 2009-2010 recruiting class will stuff those depth charts even more.

Utah’s future is different from the past due to the depth at each position—something that was strongly lacking in previous seasons. Five or six years ago if the Utes’ star player went down for the season with a torn ACL, everyone would have rummaged through everything looking for the panic button. Nai Fotu out for season? Wait, we have how many linebackers to fill the void? Exactly. Whittingham has done a great job at piecing together a football team that is deep and talented—something that will show in the next five years, at least.

Enough about the future of the Utah football program, let’s take a look at what our two-time BCS busters may do this season.

With a schedule that favors Utah—home games against Pitt, TCU, and BYU—the Utes have a chance to run the tables for a third time, one-upping Boise State on BCS-busted bowl wins. An undefeated season would include victories over Pitt, TCU, Notre Dame, and BYU—a good chunk to boost our rank throughout the season if the victories fall in line.

Would an undefeated season send Utah to a BCS bowl? Absolutely. Would an undefeated season send Utah to the national championship? It’s possible, but not very likely—even with a Boise loss. Unfortunately, Boise State will start out much higher ranked than Utah and still need things to fall into place in order for the Broncos to go to the national championship—Utah starting off ranked may help, but it would take a lot of cards, all falling in the right places.

Expect an explosive offensive season from the Utes. Jordan Wynn is improving, the run game is nasty, the receivers are more talented, and the offensive line is seasoned. The Utes should have no problem doing whatever they please when the ball is in their possession. With three stud running backs, the Utes will have all the energy needed to run the ball up and down the field—whether it be by powerful Matt Asiata or quick and tough Eddie Wide, don’t forget Shakerin will be in the mix too—like I said, the run game is nasty. The offensive line will open up holes for the backs to get up field, as well as give Wynn time to dissect opponents’ defenses through the air.

An offense that looks to excel could come at no better time. Although Utah never fails to have a stellar defense, Utah has to fill some big holes on the defensive side of the ball—which could give the Utah defense some struggle early on. We have depth—don’t fret now. While Whittingham figures out the defense situation and what works best, the offense will be able to relieve the pressure by lighting up the scoreboards.

By mid-season the Utes should be rolling on all cylinders, on both sides of the ball—which couldn’t be more perfectly in time for tough games against TCU, BYU, and a game on the road against Notre Dame.

If the Utes get past Pitt in the season opener, it gives the Utes nearly two months to figure out all the kinks before hosting TCU in Salt Lake City. With that much time to smooth things out, the Utes should play a good game against TCU—it will be tough to beat TCU if Utah isn’t fully prepared come Nov. 6.

I look at Pitt and TCU as the two roadblocks for Utah this season—it will be difficult to win either of these games, and doing so would lead the Utes to another historic season.

The trip to Notre Dame and the Holy War at Rice-Eccles Stadium are both impressive games for our strength of schedule, but I don’t believe for a second we are dropping a game to an inexperienced Notre Dame—nor do I believe BYU has a chance at beating us. I’m calling it now, Wyoming will beat BYU this year—call me crazy.

A trip to a BCS bowl or even the national championship should be on the minds of Ute fans and athletes as the season approaches—whether you want to believe it or not, Utah football is going to impress again.

Let’s all root for a Boise State loss in their season opener against Virginia Tech, and see what the season has in store for the Utah Utes. If Boise goes undefeated, Utah has no chance of passing them up for an at-large bid or an appearance in the national championship.

During the spring I asked a few players, along with Coach Whittingham, about where the team sits right now compared to the 2008-2009 season—they all shared the same answer—the Utes are right up there with the 2008-2009 season, and if they want it they can get it.

How did I end up a Ute fan?

Many people have their stories of how they became a fan of "xyz" team, well here's mine.

I could count on both hands how many college football games I seriously sat down and watched prior to coming to the University of Utah as a student. Now, I can't count the number of games I've watched--whether it be the Utes or a non-relevant game. Before watching Brian Johnson engineer a come-from-behind victory over Oregon State on a Thursday night, I was convinced professional football is what's cooking in the kitchen--I'd like to take a second to come right out and say I was wrong.

It was that drive that converted me to a full-on college football lover--more specifically a die-hard Ute fan.

One might ask how I can love the Utes as much as I do after only following them for such a short period of time--just trust me, you'll see.

I went from sticking with my South Florida upbringings of being an all-around Miami fan--yes, I was a Miami Hurricanes fan--to crowning the school with the nickname "The U" from my former favorite to the Utah Utes--yes, I still am a Cane fan, but they sit second on my college favorites.

Two drives by Brian Johnson and the Utah Utes changed not only my favorite team, but the way I watch football.

When I moved from South Florida to Utah in 2004, I was immediately aware of the two sides of the fence--one was either a BYU Cougar fan or they were a Utah Utes fan. It took me four years to stop sitting on the fence and finally take a step onto the Utes' side of the fence--trust me, the grass is much greener on this side Cougar fans.

How did I get here? (Intro)

When I was six years old, I dreamed of being a professional football player. When I was 15 years old, I dreamed of being an engineer. After a year of chemistry and at the age of 16, I dreamed of being a lawyer--it hit me that science was not my best friend. When I finished my freshman year of college, my idea of being a lawyer was very present, but took a turn in November of my sophomore year of college--I found what Joshua Bennett, not only loved, but was talented at. That finding was my ability as a writer.

My close friend, Jake Hibbard, got me in at the University of Utah's school paper, The Daily Utah Chronicle, as a part time writer. Prior to being hired I had zero experience within the subject of news writing--nada, nil, zilch, ZERO. Jake, also an aspiring writer, took me under his wing and showed me the ins-and-outs of news writing--making sure I knew exactly what I needed to succeed.

After nearly two months of writing for The Daily Utah Chronicle as a part-time writer, I had improved not only my writing skills, but the awareness of what I truly wanted to chase in life. With those two months of improvement came promotion. I took on the full-time news writer position, with the student life beat. Full-time news writer meant not more money, it did, but more importantly greater responsibility. One or two articles a week as a part-timer, turned into one or more articles each day as a full-timer.

As the semester went on I had my ups and downs with writing--sometimes are just better than others. It wasn't until the end of the semester, around late-March, that I finally found consistency. Once I found that consistency I wanted to become more, so I applied for the soon-to-be vacant assistant news editor position. I knew it was a long shot, as I had only been with The Daily Chronicle for five months, but I still tried anyway--I'm not going to build any suspense, because there shouldn't be anyway. Wait, look what I just did, I dragged it on longer. I received the assistant news editor position.

When I stepped foot onto the University of Utah campus, I never would have thought my education would be paid for by scholarship for doing something I enjoyed--I thought that was only something my six-year-old dreams of being an athlete could do. Here I am, assistant news editor for a great paper--I'm trying to not be too biased here.

When I was told I was a respectable writer, I felt good. I love what I do, and I like to think I do a fine job at it. It makes me really wonder however, because if I am capable of doing fine work writing about the news--something I never paid much attention or interest to--what could I do with my writing if it were focused on something I have spent my whole life paying attention to and showing interest. That focus has been sports.

With the exception of the days I wanted to be an engineer, I always wanted my career to involve sports. Whether it be as an athlete, an agent to one, or writing about a world of them, I have always known I want to surround myself with my one true love--sports and every damn thing about them.

My writing isn't limited to The Daily Utah Chronicle, I am an intern for UteZone.com, a website that covers Utah Utes athletics in-depth. It was through my experience at The Daily Utah Chronicle that I landed the opportunity to have my at-bat with sports writing. To this point, I haven't done too much sports writing--that will change when Ute's football picks back up.

So that is my writing resume, if you will. If all goes as plans, this blog I'm starting will be something I can add to that list.

Where will I go next? I have no idea... Sports are what is on my mind, so that's what the reader gets.