SB Nation User Blog: JazzyUte

Gary Andersen in Logan, possibly to accept USU job.

JazzyUte — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:49:55 -0000

Gary Andersen in Logan, possibly to accept USU job.

Looks like Utah may be replacing defensive coordinator Gary Andersen.

Looking at possible coaching changes in the coming weeks

JazzyUte — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:37:16 -0000

Update: It does appear Andersen very well could be going to Utah State, so maybe you can already add one of these names to the list.

The worst part of success is that everyone else wants a piece of it. We saw this first hand when Florida stole Urban Meyer from us and UNLV went after our offensive coordinator. When Whittingham took over officially after the Fiesta Bowl, things were pretty much a big mess. Players were leaving, coaches had left and the future of the program was in doubt. Which explains why Ute fans are currently awaiting news about future hires, because I don't think any of us want to relive the events following Urban Meyer's departure four years ago.

Not every coach is going to leave, but it's very likely some do. So let's look at the possibile changes for the 2009 season.

Kyle Whittingham

Whittingham's name has been thrown around quite a bit in Seattle as a replacement for Ty Willingham, who the Huskies fired a few weeks ago. While Washington is a BCS program, it's one in pretty bad shape and would most likely require the biggest rebuilding project in the country. Though I think Whittingham could eventually turn around a program like that, it's not going to be easy and will most likely take years. That's where things get tricky, because it could be four or five seasons before he even sniffs a winning record there. If that were the case, does Washington have the patience to keep him, even if fans are howling and does Whittingham risk it? I am not sure he does. That means, if I had to bet, I would say Washington is not Whittingham's next stop.

Andy Ludwig

Ludwig is probably not going to land a head coaching job and I think he's just fine with that. However, becoming the offensive coordinator for a big time program is not out of the question. It's not clear what job he would take and it probably won't be until a few more hires are made. Since generally new coaches who are hired happen to be assistants, some solid programs are going to be in the market for them. That's where Ludwig comes in.

Gary Andersen

Andersen is very likely to leave Utah for a head coaching gig one day. It might not happen this season, but it will come soon enough. I do not, however, see Andersen leaving to become a coordinator at another school, unless it's a major program like Florida or USC. Florida is probably a more likely option than the Trojans, since Urban Meyer is still connected to Whittingham & Utah, but outside of that, if he bolts, it's probably for the top spot.

The thing is, right now, Andersen's best option is Utah State and that isn't a very good one. The Aggies are a mess and Andersen has to know going there will pretty much kill any future head coaching dreams if he fails. Of course, the success at a program like that could be used as a springboard to greater oppertunity at a more known school, but how likely is that?

Andersen very well could take the Aggies job, but I would lean toward him not taking it, holding out another year and maybe getting a better job at a more respectable non-BCS school. Andersen also probably has his eye on the Utah job if Whittingham leaves, so if he's open to the Aggies this time around, it could signal Whittingham is going to stay for at least another year.

Outside of the three major coaches on the team, position coaches are likely to change. I won't get into that because the list would be too long, but if there is going to be a turnover, it's most certainly going to come from there than at the top. So when will that happen? Well I guess we just have to sit back and wait.

Fire Ludwig!

JazzyUte — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:04:26 -0000

Fire Ludwig!

Actually, no, go vote for him here as offensive coordinator of the year!

BlogPoll Week 14 Rubbish

JazzyUte — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:59:37 -0000

While I've been slacking on getting reader input, I have been submitting my ballot every week, so at least I've been doing something right. But since there isn't much to talk about right now, at least not until tomorrow (MWC awards) and the seventh (BCS bowl announcments), I'll post this week's ballot and ask for input, as per the usual.

Rank	Team	Delta

1	Alabama	--
2	Oklahoma	--
3	Florida	--
4	Texas	--
5	Utah	--
6	Boise State	--
7	Southern Cal	--
8	Penn State	--
9	TCU	1
10	Ohio State	1
11	Ball State	2
12	Texas Tech	1
13	Oklahoma State	1
14	Cincinnati	3
15	Georgia Tech	3
16	Boston College	4
17	Oregon	4
18	Brigham Young	1
19	Mississippi	6
20	Georgia	5
21	Missouri	7
22	Oregon State	6
23	Northwestern	1
24	Michigan State	2
25	Virginia Tech	1

Dropped Out: Florida State (#23).

You'll notice the top-8 has not changed one bit since last week's poll. There is a reason for this, none of those teams lost. Now the biggest debate comes from the top, specifically between Oklahoma and Texas. I put Oklahoma in the second slot, but realistically, there isn't much seperating Oklahoma, Florida and Texas. I do believe Florida is playing the best football right now in college football, but I can't justify ranking a one-loss team over an undefeated team from the same conference. Thankfully, Alabama and Florida will play each other Saturday in the SEC Championship, most likely knocking out the loser from title contention. We aren't as fortunate with Texas and Oklahoma, who both have a legitimate argument as to why they should be in the championship game.

Texas beat Oklahoma straight up. That has to count for something, right?
Well it would have not mattered had Texas not lost to Texas Tech a few weeks ago. If the Longhorns would have won out, they would be playing for the Big 12 Championship and most likely the national championship. They did not.
Oklahoma managed to really take it to another level since their loss to Texas, even going as far as defeating the team the Longhorns lost to in dominant fashion. Oklahoma also had their schedule backloaded with some of the toughest games of the season, in fact, ending it over the weekend on the road against a very good Oklahoma State program. That has to count for something, right?

The fact is, neither Texas or Oklahoma went undefeated, so each has that one game they lost to blame for their current position. Sure, the Sooners' loss came at the hands of the Longhorns, but even after defeating Oklahoma, Texas still failed to win out, losing a heartbreaker to Texas Tech. Which makes this entire situation the biggest mess we've probably seen since the BCS began. The only real solution would be to have a playoff, since this would he avoided, but that isn't happening. So, both teams have a case to make for playing in the national championship and it's essentially a toss-up as to who will get in. For every point made for Texas, a counterpoint can be made for Oklahoma.

Outside of all that, I moved TCU to 9th, Ball State to 11th, dropped Texas Tech to 12th after they struggled against Baylor at home, moved the Cowboys down a spot because of their competitive loss against the Sooners, while Cincinnati and Georgia Tech round out the top-15. Once you get out of the top-15, it really doesn't matter. So that's my ballot, anything strike you as being off? Let me know.

New poll up on Utah's BCS opponent

JazzyUte — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:35:37 -0000

You can view it on the left or here. Go vote for who you want Utah to face, assuming, of course, they don't make the national championship (which isn't going to happen).

For me, it's between Texas in the Fiesta & Alabama.

Utah-Texas Fiesta Bowl?

JazzyUte — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:38:33 -0000

The new BCS rankings are out and the Utes remained sixth, while Texas, who had occupied the 2nd spot last week, dropped to 3rd. That means, unless Oklahoma loses to Missouri in the Big 12 Championship, Texas will not be playing for the national championship. Since their ranking pretty much guarantees them Oklahoma's spot in the BCS if the Sooners play for the championship, it's very likely Utah faces Texas in the Fiesta Bowl.

Now this isn't set in stone and it's possible the Fiesta picks Ohio State over Utah, since their fans always travel well, but right now, it appears this could be more likely than Utah playing the loser of the SEC Championship in the Sugar Bowl. Personally, playing Texas in the Fiesta would be a pretty great get for Utah, since the Longhorns have been one of only handful of teams to really dominate this decade. But it also would pit the Utes against a program that was unjustly snubbed from the national championship. That might not be a great mix for the Utes, since you never want to play an angry team, especially when they want to take their anger out on you.

Of course, a victory over Texas would be monumental and well worth the risk of defeat. Add in the fact Utah could get a great number of fans to Glendale and it's probably the best scenario for the Utes.

It'll be interesting to follow this the rest of the week, since now I'm starting to think the Sugar Bowl is becoming a less likely destination for Utah. Even if Oklahoma were to lose to Missouri, I think they would still pit the Utes against the Tigers in the Fiesta, move Oklahoma over to the Sugar to play either Alabama or Florida, while Texas gets into the national championship.

But we'll see. Thoughts?

Happy Thanksgiving

JazzyUte — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:20:50 -0000

He's cooked...

Giving thanks

JazzyUte — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:12:34 -0000

There are many things I am thankful for outside of the sports world. But since this is not my personal blog, I won't get into that. Instead, I will discuss what I am thankful for in the sports world on this Thanksgiving and I'm guessing many of you will agree with me.

In 2004, I remember waking up very early on the morning of the Holy War, taking a shower and then heading, alone, to Rice-Eccles Stadium to watch GameDay. None of my friends wanted any part of that early morning experience and I guess I couldn't blame them. It was cold, it was Saturday and when I ventured down to the stadium, light still hadn't pierced the darkened sky. I parked at the Unitarian Church on 1300 East and then walked the few blocks to the stadium, where I stood with my sombrero in sea of red. It was pretty cold and I couldn't really hear what was being said on the stage, but I remember that moment so well.

I also remember every aspect of that Utah-BYU game. I went to the game with my cousin, because the person I originally had planned to go with was sick. Our tickets were located in the BYU visitors section, which I was dreading, because I wanted to spend this moment among Utes, not with BYU fans.

We entered the stadium through the south-east area, as we came from the tailgate lot and wandered up to our seats about 30 minutes before kickoff. To my surprise, the BYU visitors section lay mostly empty, though there were two men next to me on my row. The man directly beside me had no school colors on and I couldn't tell if he was a BYU or a Utah fan. In front of us was a row of Cougar fans, one of them had their face painted blue and on the end -- the very south-part of the this section -- a teen and what looked like his grandfather sat. We would have a bit of a back and forth when Alex Smith threw a pick and then Austin Collie followed it up by throwing one on a trick play -- a pass intercepted by Eric Weddle.

Though I entered the game expecting Utah to win, I was nervous. I was nervous because this was a rivalry game and I knew the Cougars were playing for Gary Crowton's job and they would come out fired up. When the game started and the Utes went nearly a quarter without scoring, it only added to my anxiety. Then Steve Savoy found the end zone and Utah was up 7-0, giving me some time to sit back and relax, but it didn't last.

Not too long into the second quarter, John Beck found Todd Watkins, tying the game up at 7-7. Since I was in a half-empty BYU section, you could understand how unbearable it was watching the Cougars score. I wasn't worried just yet, but I tightened up a bit when that happened.

The Utes followed that up with a Marty Johnson touchdown and BYU once again had an answer, as Curtis Brown took it in to tie the game at 14. After a promising drive began to fizzle in BYU territory, I started to panic a little. I remember looking to my cousin and telling him I needed to get a drink and use the bathroom, since it was almost before the half. I was walking down the stairs, toward the larger group of BYU fans, as the Utes were setting up to punt the ball. Something told me to stop before I walked through the tunnel to enter the concourse, so I did. I waited at the bottom of the steps, where security apparently didn't mind, and watched as the Utes faked a punt. Bo Nagahi took the fake and ran it for more than just a first down. It put Utah in the Cougars' redzone and three plays later, Alex Smith, I believe on a broken play, ran it into the end zone. Utah would take a 21-14 lead into the half.

Those two plays, that fake punt and subsequent score, really changed the game and I'm not just talking about on the field. Prior to that score, BYU was hanging around and it was putting me on the edge of my seat because I could not imagine this game coming down to the final moments. But since I took my time to watch those four plays unfold at the end of the half, by the time I was in line to buy a drink, the third quarter had already begun and Utah pretty much blew the game open.

The Utes had already kicked a field goal to put them up ten when Beck threw a pass to Jason Kukahiko, who then was hit and fumbled the ball. Bo Nagahi scooped it up and ran it in for the touchdown. In a matter of minutes, the Utes expanded their lead from 7 to 17. At that point, I knew it was over and by the time I made it back to my seat, I could relax and enjoy the game knowing that it was very unlikely BYU would make a comeback. They didn't and Utah went on to win the game 52-21.

As the final minutes played out, the fans began their celebration. The section we were in became even more empty and I remember waving goodbye to the BYU fans as they hurried out of the stadium. I don't think many stuck around and it left pretty much the entire 20 or so rows vacant. It was a beautiful sight, only topped by Steve Fifita's amazing touchdown run. At this point, the fans began venturing toward the field and we both decided to join them. We walked down the stairs and into where the BYU band was and lined up and waited for our turn to dive onto the field. At this point, though, I had lost my cousin, but it didn't matter, I had already found my way onto the field and lined up behind a FOX 13 news reporter on the sideline, just right and behind where the BYU bench was.

I snapped some photos with my camera, watched the clock tick and then we rushed the field. I remember almost flying into some BYU players, who obviously looked dejected, as they left the field. But there were no fights, no pushing and no exchange of words. I continued toward the center of the field and they continued on to the locker room.

On the field, I looked for my cousin and then wandered over to the south end zone, watching the dismantling of the field goal post. I saw Paris Warren and a bit of Urban Meyer and then a few minutes later, watched as the Liberty Bowl released Utah to play in a BCS bowl game. And then there was Urban Meyer's press conference. I don't exactly remember his words, but I do remember thinking this was the last time he'd coach in Salt Lake. It was painfully obvious that he had already checked out and very tough to watch, because Meyer had delivered us greatness. Though it put a slight damper on the night, I eventually met up with my cousin, grabbed a commemorative newspaper from the Tribune and then we left the stadium.

It was a great night and one I told myself I would never forget and when Urban Meyer eventually left Salt Lake for Gainsville and Kyle Whittingham was named the head coach, I conceded it might be the only time we here at Utah experienced such a moment. It wasn't a knock on Kyle, because I didn't know how good or bad of a coach he would be, but a realization that a coach like Urban Meyer only comes around once in a lifetime, so it wasn't unreasonable to believe the type of season he put together was a once in a lifetime deal, as well. Which made it even better to be apart of, since that whole moment from the start of GameDay to the celebration on the field felt like it could not be repeated. I knew that no matter what happened with Utah football, I still had those memories and even if we could not duplicate an undefeated, BCS busting season, at least I could say I was there for the first and only time it happened. And then this season came along.

It's hard to believe four years ago we were making history and now it's hard to believe four years later we're repeating history. But what I am thankful for is that I've been allowed to have that chance once again. No program at this level, the non-BCS level, can claim they've experienced the euphoria twice in a lifetime. When we stormed the field in 2004, it felt as if that was the pinnacle of Utah football. A height that probably would not be reached again. When we stormed it again in 2008, we realized this program isn't leaving. It will continue to succeed and reach for new heights, new moments and new memories. So on this Thanksgiving, along with my personal gratitude, I thank Utah football for providing me yet another unbelievable memory. One that I did not think I would experience again, especially this soon.

Flashback...

JazzyUte — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:28:34 -0000

If you've been reading Block U for a while, you know sometimes I let my emotions get the best of me. I'm not saying it's a good thing, but it happens and generally, I should probably have a cooling off period before I post. There have been some rare exceptions, like the 2006 and 2007 BYU games, as I hurt after the loss, but I didn't completely meltdown.

The same couldn't be said for the day of September 22nd, 2007. That was the day the Utes were shut out at Nevada Las Vegas. I still believe it was one of the darkest days in Utah athletics history, but it's proven to an awesome spark to what has been an amazing ride. It also makes me look totally and utterly foolish.

Here are the gems, which offers a great look back at just how bad it really was on that day.

My most offensive post ever on Block U, truly embarrassing.

Warning, I was angry, very angry and said some pretty stupid things. I won't re-post them, but yeah...

Slept on it, still angry!

This one was a bit better, as I had time to sleep on it and calm down a bit.

Is it over?

Yeah, I was convinced it was over and I even questioned Whittingham's coaching. Maybe at the time he still hadn't grown into the role, but I think he has now. After that loss, though, it looked very bleak for the future of Utah football.

A gameplan anyone?

Yeah, more whining from yours truly. I was a very angry person that week.

So, your team sucks, what next?

Here I tried to inject humor into the situation, but it didn't really work out very well.

Then again, maybe it was this meeting that changed things? Hm...

Anyway, it's interesting to look back at it all and see how much things have changed. A year and a few months ago, many had already given up on Whittingham (myself included) and it appears we were wrong. To those who thought things would get better, well, hats off to you. I didn't.

2004 versus 2008

JazzyUte — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:27:44 -0000

I'm not asking who would win, as that would probably be the 2004 team, but what season was more enjoyable?

For me, 2008 probably ranks higher than 2004, but it wasn't easy.

The reason I chose 2008 is because heading into the 2004 season, expectations were extremely high. Utah, even before a game was played, had already been pegged as the favorite to bust the BCS and once they easily dispatched of Texas A&M, it became clear this team would roll through its schedule. Every game was memorable, but mostly for the total beat down Utah would give each opponent. It ended, much like this season, with a clear and decisive victory over BYU. And though that moment was an amazing one, it didn't last very long. Only two days later, Notre Dame had fired Ty Willingham and Urban Meyer appeared to be on his way out of Salt Lake for the Irish, though he eventually went with Florida.

It was tough seeing Meyer leave, even though many of us expected it. Namely because he was the best coach to ever come through Utah and his short two-year stint was the best two years in program history. And every time there is change when you're at the top, there is some doubt. We didn't know what type of future Utah had post-Meyer, which put a damper not only on the weeks leading up to the Fiesta Bowl, but the moments shortly thereafter.

This year, it's different. Not only is there a good chance Kyle Whittingham returns, but the way Utah won was far more exciting and emotional than what we saw four years prior. The Oregon State, TCU and BYU victories were not only three of the most thrilling victories in Utah history, but two of the biggest. In 2004, there were big games, but it's hard to say they rival those three. Add in the fact it's even more likely Utah gets a tougher BCS opponent than their 2004 counterparts and I think 2008 will rank as a more enjoyable and gripping season than 2004.

Now obviously this season is not over yet and there is still one game left. But with what Utah accomplished this year, doing it when no one really expected it, it's tough to say this wasn't the most pleasing season in school history. Then again, it's also hard to diminish what the 2004 team really did, but that's what polls are for.

What do you think?

Poll

SB Nation User Blog: JazzyUte

Gary Andersen in Logan, possibly to accept USU job.

Gary Andersen in Logan, possibly to accept USU job.

Looking at possible coaching changes in the coming weeks

Fire Ludwig!

Fire Ludwig!

BlogPoll Week 14 Rubbish

New poll up on Utah's BCS opponent

Utah-Texas Fiesta Bowl?

Happy Thanksgiving

Giving thanks

Flashback...

2004 versus 2008

How does this season stack up with 2004?