Gotta feel for Utah

[PlutoDroid_rivals108229]

Their fan base outnumbered Ohio State (WHO usually do that to their opponents), they rolled out those custom uniforms, they were one of the best teams at the end of the year, and they held a double digit lead over an opponent who really didn't even care about being there. Ohio State had several opt outs and covid pullouts. This was Utah's shot to make a mark for both the Pac 12 and themselves. This game clearly meant more to them. Yet their usually strong defense blew the game. Their ball control, melt the clock offense didn't finish.

They could have really put a stamp on the possibility of making the playoff next year. Instead the pundits will forget how well they played. This is what everybody will remember. I would have liked to see the team that really wanted to be there win. Instead it was another blah. Just like Alabama likely winning another title. Oh well, maybe next year Utes.

 

[OlegeezEER]

Their fan base outnumbered Ohio State (WHO usually do that to their opponents), they rolled out those custom uniforms, they were one of the best teams at the end of the year, and they held a double digit lead over an opponent who really didn't even care about being there. Ohio State had several opt outs and covid pullouts. This was Utah's shot to make a mark for both the Pac 12 and themselves. This game clearly meant more to them. Yet their usually strong defense blew the game. Their ball control, melt the clock offense didn't finish.

They could have really put a stamp on the possibility of making the playoff next year. Instead the pundits will forget how well they played. This is what everybody will remember. I would have liked to see the team that really wanted to be there win. Instead it was another blah. Just like Alabama likely winning another title. Oh well, maybe next year Utes.

If Utah wins the pac 12 next year and runs the table or has 1 loss at the most they have a chance to make the playoffs. OSU was missing quite a bit of personal for that game but their roster is filled with 4 an 5 star players in the two deep. Utah relies mostly on coaching up 3 stars to play like 4 and 5 stars. There is a difference.

 

[PlutoDroid_rivals108229]

If Utah wins the pac 12 next year and runs the table or has 1 loss at the most they have a chance to make the playoffs. OSU was missing quite a bit of personal for that game but their roster is filled with 4 an 5 star players in the two deep. Utah relies mostly on coaching up 3 stars to play like 4 and 5 stars. There is a difference.

I like the way they play. They play smash mouth hit you on the nose on both sides. They will never get the four or five stars like Ohio State, but they bullied Oregon twice and did the same to Ohio State for a half. They just couldn't stop the big plays from happening.

 

[KingCoal]

C. J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba actually cared about playing in the Rose Bowl, and were too much for the Utes. Ohio State's defense was terrible in the first half, but righted the ship in the second half. Stealing Oklahoma State's Defensive Coordinator should pay dividends for tOSU next season.

 

[WVUALLEN]

Utah's problem is they're in the PAC 12. When was the last time the PAC made the playoffs?

 

[steeleer]

Um...Utah's problem was that they had a RB playing CB. Don't overthink this. Utah with a decent starter there wins by 2 TDs

 

[KingCoal]

Um...Utah's problem was that they had a RB playing CB. Don't overthink this. Utah with a decent starter there wins by 2 TDs

What a bunch of woulda, coulda, shoulda bullsh!t. Ohio State didn't have 19 players for this Game, including five starters on Defense, who would have made a huge difference. Oh, and four of the missing players are projected NFL First or Second Round Draft picks. Utah had almost every advantage in this Game, but still lost.

 

[OlegeezEER]

C. J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba actually cared about playing in the Rose Bowl, and were too much for the Utes. Ohio State's defense was terrible in the first half, but righted the ship in the second half. Stealing Oklahoma State's Defensive Coordinator should pay dividends for tOSU next season.

The only people that said OSU didn't want to be there were blowhards in the media. I never actually heard any of the players say that.

 

[KingCoal]

The only people that said OSU didn't want to be there were blowhards in the media. I never actually heard any of the players say that.

I don't follow you. Four draft-eligible players decided to skip the Rose Bowl Game, and each had been named to at least one All-American Team.

 

[OlegeezEER]

I don't follow you. Four draft-eligible players decided to skip the Rose Bowl Game, and each had been named to at least one All-American Team.

Yeah they didn't want to be there but four guys don't make a team. Every single player on the side line that dressed yesterday wanted to be there.

 

[OlegeezEER]

I don't follow you. Four draft-eligible players decided to skip the Rose Bowl Game, and each had been named to at least one All-American Team.

For programs like Wvu and Utah four draft-eligible players skipping out is a kick in the balls. For a program like OSU its a minor inconvenience. The guys replacing those four will probably be future draft prospects just not well seasoned at this point. Teams like Wvu and Utah don't have that luxery.

 

[.Bodhi.]

osu had its cake and ate it, too. In the first half, the audience kept being reminded that osu didn't want to be there. In the 2nd, it was how lasered in they were and how this game would catapult them to a top preseason favorite next year.

 

[PlutoDroid_rivals108229]

Utah's problem is they're in the PAC 12. When was the last time the PAC made the playoffs?

2016. Washington got blown out by ....... Can anybody guess in the semifinals? At least they have one playoff win. If you are throwing shade at conferences , the Big 12 hasn't had any member win one game. The ACC and B1G have had one member do all the lifting in their playoff history with both having a champion. One conference has really owned this whole thing though. Which is why I am confused as to why the other conferences have fought expansion. Yes that means more SEC teams, but it also guarantees a presence for at least one program every year from the Pac 12 and Big 12.

 

[WVUALLEN]

2016. Washington got blown out by ....... Can anybody guess in the semifinals? At least they have one playoff win. If you are throwing shade at conferences , the Big 12 hasn't had any member win one game. The ACC and B1G have had one member do all the lifting in their playoff history with both having a champion. One conference has really owned this whole thing though. Which is why I am confused as to why the other conferences have fought expansion. Yes that means more SEC teams, but it also guarantees a presence for at least one program every year from the Pac 12 and Big 12.

Don't care if PAC 12 falls off into the Pacific. There are 5 P5 conferences and 1 is going to be forced apart. Big 12 is on life support and PAC not far behind. ACC is severely damaged with Clemson slipping now.

There will come a day soon when it all blows up and only 30 to 40 teams survive.

 

[PlutoDroid_rivals108229]

Don't care if PAC 12 falls off into the Pacific. There are 5 P5 conferences and 1 is going to be forced apart. Big 12 is on life support and PAC not far behind. ACC is severely damaged with Clemson slipping now.

There will come a day soon when it all blows up and only 30 to 40 teams survive.

The SEC and B1G are just at another level as far as stability and financial support. There were rumors of USC defecting to the B1G, there would need to be more added for that to make any sense. I see there being closer to 50 teams involved if there is a major conference mashup. Some have speculated 60. I don't see any current B1G or SEC programs being dumped as there is conference unity there. I would dump Vanderbilt, Purdue, Rutgers, Northwestern , South Carolina and the Mississippi schools. But they will all have a seat at the table imo. You then look at the ACC and say Clemson, Miami, Florida State, North Carolina and the Virginia schools are safe.

The Pac 12 likely includes USC, UCLA, Washington, Oregon and the Arizona schools. As far as the Big 12 I really have no clue. For many the best option would just have the Big 12, Pac 12 and ACC continue. Expand the playoffs.

 

[GhostofGraves]

I like the way they play. They play smash mouth hit you on the nose on both sides. They will never get the four or five stars like Ohio State, but they bullied Oregon twice and did the same to Ohio State for a half. They just couldn't stop the big plays from happening.

WVU alum, live in Utah. I agree, Utah usually plays tough but they got gouged in this one.
Overall, Utah's program is in great shape and climbing. They were in the Mountain West Conference until 2010 and have quickly become a power in the Pac12, which admittedly has been bad the last few years. The University of Utah is in Salt Lake City, which is growing rapidly, as is all of Salt Lake County. Salt Lake County has a population of over a million, and Utah's population is exploding. There are a lot of good D1 players in Utah, particularly from the large Polynesian community in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, and the proximity to California makes that a great recruiting area as well. The Utes have benefitted from BYU not being in a Power 5 and it will be interesting to see how in-state recruiting adjusts to BYU joining the Big 12. The Utes have had 21 players taken in the NFL draft over the last 5 years (WVU has had 11) plus numerous free agent signees. The Utes have a streak of 66 straight sellouts at Rice-Eccles Stadium and the program enjoys great support here.

 

[WVUALLEN]

The SEC and B1G are just at another level as far as stability and financial support. There were rumors of USC defecting to the B1G, there would need to be more added for that to make any sense. I see there being closer to 50 teams involved if there is a major conference mashup. Some have speculated 60. I don't see any current B1G or SEC programs being dumped as there is conference unity there. I would dump Vanderbilt, Purdue, Rutgers, Northwestern , South Carolina and the Mississippi schools. But they will all have a seat at the table imo. You then look at the ACC and say Clemson, Miami, Florida State, North Carolina and the Virginia schools are safe.

The Pac 12 likely includes USC, UCLA, Washington, Oregon and the Arizona schools. As far as the Big 12 I really have no clue. For many the best option would just have the Big 12, Pac 12 and ACC continue. Expand the playoffs.

I just think the whole thing changes. Top teams will split from their conferences to form other so called P4 Super conferences. Leaving behind the SEC, B1G, PAC, ACC and Big 12. They would separate into 4 super conferences of about 32 teams. There will be a commissioner of the new super conferences. They will pay salaries and recruit very few High School players and take the rest from the teams that remain in the NCAA. Transfer Portal sets up perfectly for it. The new league will be a mini NFL. There will still be the 4 year or 5 year eligibility.

Now the NCAA still exist but has no control over P4 Super Teams. SEC, B1G and all other conferences in NCAA will remain and be under the NCAA.

Just my crazy thought because the money is so out of control.

 

[PlutoDroid_rivals108229]

I just think the whole thing changes. Top teams will split from their conferences to form other so called P4 Super conferences. Leaving behind the SEC, B1G, PAC, ACC and Big 12. They would separate into 4 super conferences of about 32 teams. There will be a commissioner of the new super conferences. They will pay salaries and recruit very few High School players and take the rest from the teams that remain in the NCAA. Transfer Portal sets up perfectly for it. The new league will be a mini NFL. There will still be the 4 year or 5 year eligibility.

Now the NCAA still exist but has no control over P4 Super Teams. SEC, B1G and all other conferences in NCAA will remain and be under the NCAA.

Just my crazy thought because the money is so out of control.

That would essentially just wipe out any hallucination of college football being anything but a feeder league to the NFL. There are positives to that, most importantly bringing out all the cheating in getting top recruits and making it legal. The negative is college football will lose whatever pageantry it has left. I know several diehard college fans who would spend to go to a game, but not to their favorite NFL team. Schools with less prestige, big money boosters or companies willing to pay players will essentially be left out.

I am for players getting paid. I am for the transfer portal. I just think that it is relatively new and things will even out. When coaches don't have to honor contracts , the kids who were sold promises should get the same shot.

 

[PlutoDroid_rivals108229]

WVU alum, live in Utah. I agree, Utah usually plays tough but they got gouged in this one.
Overall, Utah's program is great shape and climbing. They were in the Mountain West Conference until 2010 and have quickly become a power in the Pac12, which admittedly has been bad the last few years. The University of Utah is in Salt Lake City, which is growing rapidly, as is all of Salt Lake County. Salt Lake County has a population of over a million, and Utah's population is exploding. There are a lot of good D1 players in Utah, particularly from the large Polynesian community in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, and the proximity to California makes that a great recruiting area as well. The Utes have benefitted from BYU not being in a Power 5 and it will be interesting to see how in-state recruiting adjusts to BYU joining the Big 12. The Utes have had 21 players taken in the NFL draft over the last 5 years (WVU has had 11) plus numerous free agent signees. The Utes have a streak of 66 straight sellouts at Rice-Eccles Stadium and the program enjoys great support here.

All of the Pac 12 schools have had more than 3 coaching changes since Utah lost Meyer. Utah has stability.

 

[KingCoal]

WVU alum, live in Utah. I agree, Utah usually plays tough but they got gouged in this one.
Overall, Utah's program is great shape and climbing. They were in the Mountain West Conference until 2010 and have quickly become a power in the Pac12, which admittedly has been bad the last few years. The University of Utah is in Salt Lake City, which is growing rapidly, as is all of Salt Lake County. Salt Lake County has a population of over a million, and Utah's population is exploding. There are a lot of good D1 players in Utah, particularly from the large Polynesian community in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, and the proximity to California makes that a great recruiting area as well. The Utes have benefitted from BYU not being in a Power 5 and it will be interesting to see how in-state recruiting adjusts to BYU joining the Big 12. The Utes have had 21 players taken in the NFL draft over the last 5 years (WVU has had 11) plus numerous free agent signees. The Utes have a streak of 66 straight sellouts at Rice-Eccles Stadium and the program enjoys great support here.

Utah's program is in great hands with Kyle Whittingham as HC. He understood that Ohio State had to play a converted running back and a converted tight end at linebacker, and exploited the raw backers by frequently calling pass plays to his tight ends in the middle of the field. His bowl record speaks for itself.

 

[KingCoal]

For programs like Wvu and Utah four draft-eligible players skipping out is a kick in the balls. For a program like OSU its a minor inconvenience. The guys replacing those four will probably be future draft prospects just not well seasoned at this point. Teams like Wvu and Utah don't have that luxery.

You have moved the proverbial goalposts as your point above is different than the one that you attempted to make earlier, but I don't disagree with your new point, in general. Ohio State's wide receiver room is the deepest that I have ever seen, so the Buckeyes were able to absorb the losses of two All-American receivers skipping the bowl game, but All-American DT Haskell Garrett's decision to skip the Rose Bowl was problematic, as blue chip D-Linemen are in short supply, and often commit to SEC schools. Because the Utes had not played in a Rose Bowl Game before, none of Utah's NFL draft eligible players opted out, but there were a few that could have done so, including star LB Devin Lloyd.

 

[GhostofGraves]

Utah's program is in great hands with Kyle Whittingham as HC. He understood that Ohio State had to play a converted running back and a converted tight end at linebacker, and exploited the raw backers by frequently calling pass plays to his tight ends in the middle of the field. His bowl record speaks for its

I just think the whole thing changes. Top teams will split from their conferences to form other so called P4 Super conferences. Leaving behind the SEC, B1G, PAC, ACC and Big 12. They would separate into 4 super conferences of about 32 teams. There will be a commissioner of the new super conferences. They will pay salaries and recruit very few High School players and take the rest from the teams that remain in the NCAA. Transfer Portal sets up perfectly for it. The new league will be a mini NFL. There will still be the 4 year or 5 year eligibility.

Now the NCAA still exist but has no control over P4 Super Teams. SEC, B1G and all other conferences in NCAA will remain and be under the NCAA.

Just my crazy thought because the money is so out of control.

I think you're right as it sure feels like that's what's happening right now. Alabama etc. sign who they want out of HS and then use the transfer portal to pick up any crumbs they missed the first time around. Tough for the majority of schools to get, and keep, top players.

 

[Cuyahoga Falls Eers_rivals]

Sounds by the score that it was an exciting game. I had to skip it to watch paint dry and clouds floating past my home.

 

[KingCoal]

Sounds by the score that it was an exciting game. I had to skip it to watch paint dry and clouds floating past my home.

After having watched the Debacle in the Desert, you probably shouldn't make jokes about other bowl games being boring.