Deseret News | Utah Utes football: A close win still counts as a win

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Utah Utes football: A close win still counts as a win

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Moose on the Loose | 11:40 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I will have to admit that the Yewts have been very lucky in their wins as Coack Kyle said.

But that is the difference between my Bronco and Utah. We win by a bigger margin.

When the Yewts play TCU and BYU, they won't be so lucky. As I predicted, the yewties will lose by 40+ points to the Frogs and by 20+ to the Cougars.

If they played my Broncos, I would predict that B.S. would win by 17.

GO BOISE STATE!!!!!!

bigutefan | 12:38 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

The Utes have won 28 of their last 30 games, that is absolutely amazing. Winning is a habit, Utah just continues to do that, WIN. Just imagine what will happen when the Utes begint to hit on all cyclinders.........it will be lights out. Sorry Yners that you peaked in week one. While the Utes continue to learn and grow each week. Wyoming is going to give you fits on Saturday.....Love Them Cowboys, GO UTES!

Good Teams Find Ways To Win | 1:08 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

While this is not the same team as the 2008 squad, both teams have found ways to pull out the close ones.

If the Utes can keep it close in Fort Worth, they'll win.

As for the game in Provo: Throw away all predictions and prior records, it's always a war like no other.

Comments continue below

KISS THE BABY... | 1:16 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Moose!...you must be the slowest person I know..haha!!..listen buddy, news flash!!!..if your JV team(bsu) wins out in the "big bad wac"..they still Won't get a BCS bowl game..why you ask? Because you play in a rink-a-dink league...We (UTAH) are the "darlings" of the bcs, they respect us..your JV team has gotten jumped twice now in the bcs polls(cincinnati & a MWC team) tcu..lol..and I would also like to make my prediction right now for the tcU game...everybody and including the so called "professionals" are picking the Frogs to not only win the game,but hand my UTES a beat down!..I'm here to tell U people, when my UTES set foot on that field in ft. Worthless, they are goin to shock the college football world again!..and could end up gettin a bcs game..makin my UTES the ONLY non-aq school to reach a bcs game for a 3rd time!..now! All u bywho? Fans are like, hey don't forget about us...please!..we're goin to make yall(tcu&bywho) KISS THE BABY!!...

Muah...KTB!

KISS THE BABY... | 1:35 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Moose..! What the difference between "lucky" win and "comeback" win or any other type of win..a loss is a loss and a win is a win!..plain and simple chocolate moose!..so who cares how many points your JV team(bsU) beats the wacky wac teams..in the big BCS picture, y'all (bsU) don't matter, and y'all goin to feel it this year, becaue even when my UTES beat tcU in Ft.Worthless, y'all will get jumped again by either cincinnati or yours truely...the mighty Utah Utes baby!!..so three words for Bywho and TcU..get ready to "KISS THE BABY"

HeyMoose | 2:40 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Psst, No where in the artice does Coach Whit say the Utes have been lucky to win.

It has been said, "that luck is nothing more than preperation meeting opportunity." So is it possible that are physical preperation and staying close in games gives Utah the ability to outscore its opposition by 3-1 in the fourth quarter.

Of course BSU wins by larger margins. Especially when the competition is the equal of St. Marys' Prep for fine young woman.

So Moose, please in the future do not misquote Coach Whit on things he did not say.

Thank you

Anonymous | 4:19 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Hey Moose,

Sure, every fan loves it when their favorite team wins big, but given the choice of beating quality opponents or winning by huge margins over mediocre teams, which would you take? Put another way, which would be more satisfying - finishing last season 12-1 with huge winning margins against any number of WAC opponents but losing in the bowl game, or winning every game, including the bowl game against TCU, by fewer points?

Even though I am a Utah fan, I have to admit that I expect the Utes to lose to TCU this year. THey look like a complete team, able to compete with anyone this year. However, I don't expect the Utes to lose by 40+ as you predict.

If you are willing to put your money where your mouth is, I am ready to take up gambling.

Regarding Boise State, I really like what they do on the field. I look forward to the three game Utah-BSU series that begins in 2011. I just hope they are conference opponents by that time.

Idaho Statesman | 6:30 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Moose, you're confusing D-News with the Idaho Statesman. I'm sure all seven people who read the Statesman would love your posts. You and all the other spuds can discuss the tough upcoming games with La Tech and New Mexico State.

Wynn 2 Win! | 6:41 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Luck has nothing to do with it in sports, you make your breaks. If Witt wants to continue to make his breaks he should bench Cain, he is extremely weak in leadership and the long ball, other teams see it on film, they play the O so tight that we don’t have the balance of good run and pass game. Witt should learn from Pete Carroll, he started a freshman (unpopular by fans at the season start) and now has a great future Q for four years. Apparently Cain and Wynn were neck and neck with 2 days before the season start, if you have 2 Q’s that close why are you not starting the freshman? You have a 2 year bonus with that choice.

Winning close games... | 6:57 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

is the result of:

1) toughness of the players --mentally as well as physically
2) good coaching

SoCalUtahFan

wyo | 7:27 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

weber state scored 22 @ wyo
utah scored 22 vs wyo at home
weber is an fcs subdivision

Keep on rolling | 7:52 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

So far the Utes have found ways to win every game except one - which even then, they still had their chances.

They are 7-1 and still haven't played their best football - I like our chances for finishing out strong.

Whit's teams always improve through the season, he makes adjustments and is constantly tweaking the program to put them in position to succeed.

It should be an exciting month of football.

Go Utes!!!

rvalens2 | 8:15 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Moose ... please go post your thoughts elsewhere. No one here wants to read them.

While I support and root for the Utah, I'm also a BSU fan. I just don't constantly beat the drum for the Broncos on a newspaper website that writes articles about a Utah team.

Why you continue to post your inane thoughts about BSU here is beyond me?

re; wyo | 8:23 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Utah 7-1 #14 BCS
BYU 6-2 Not in BCS standings
Wyoming 4-4 Not in BCS standings
Weber State 5-4 Duh

This isn't horseshoes or gymnastics. You either get a win, or a loss, that's it. Close doesn't matter, and style points are a smaller and smaller part of college football as the competition across the board gets closer.

Rebuilding year and looking like at least 9 wins for the Utes, with tough road games @ Oregon, TCU & BYU. Pick off the kittens at LES, not exactly an impossible feat this year, and a 10 win rebuilding year for Utah. With a QB set for the next 3 years.

Poppinga | 8:23 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Yewts are 1-7 in Poppinga losses!

LaVar the Utah Cat | 8:47 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Re: The Insane Moose
Utah fans making comments ought to just ignore the juvenile rantings of the BYU/BSC inciter named above. Moose is a BYU supporter who is just pulling your collective chain. Ignore the fool.

moose on the loose | 9:02 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Hey fake moose on the loose, I see that not only do you want to be either a Utah fan or a BYU fan, but that you also love to use other people monikers. I started the moose on the loose and you have stolen it. Like BSU is trying to steal the history and respect that BYU is known around the country for. Why don't you come up with your own original name for a BSU fan, like "skinhead on the loose" or "Sheeps-n-farmers on the loose". What a sad little person you are for taking a my moniker. Go away BSU fan and leave the smack talk to me. You see, when I show the ute fans what clowns they have become, it spins their little heads in circle not knowing why the moose is a BYU fan and a BSU fan.

The Original moose on the loose (and #1 ute fan hater)

Discovega | 9:26 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Utah...what a season this is turning out to be. Wow!

The dynasty has started and the Utes will dominate college football for many years to come.

BSU and TCU will only be flashes in the pan; Utah shows depth, strength, poise and dominance. Utah has become a Football Institution that other program will attempt to emulate.

I'm proud to be an Alum.

Northern CA Runnin' Ute!

TWO Blowout home losses! | 10:07 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Nuff Said.................

Building, Not Rebuilding | 10:13 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Discovega: Not so much a rebuilding year as a building year. The Utes are not as good this year as last year, but they don't have to undertake a total rebuilding. The past 10 years have built a solid base for the Ute program, and now they just need to keep adding to it. The fact the Utes can be 7-1 in a year when they would supposedly be "rebuilding" proves the point.

BSU BRONCO!! | 10:22 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Yeah BSU will only be a flash in the pan! Right I think ive heard that from you in the past. Its more like Utah will be a flash in the pan they put up a good team every 4 or 5 years while Boise is dominat year in and year out. Utah struggled to beat a team that we just destroyed by 38.

And now you yewte fans are calling Wyoming a quality oppenet, Wow standards are low in the state of Utah!

Yeah Utah is an institue of dominance, except win they play the Broncos right. 0-4 all time. Beat us and then talk.

Green Wave | 10:40 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

The Only way the Utes will beat TCU is if they change there defensive scheme. On 2nd down they need to line up in punt formation, It will throw TCU completely off and confuse them, The QB would probably even be faked into punting it.

Utah 38
TCU 17

Go Utes

I feel for Moose on the Loose | 10:58 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

I really feel sorry for you to be so negative and hateful of a person or group of people for their fandom. You must have some deep seeded issues to exercise such hatred towards Ute fans. I hope that one day you will be able to deal with those issues and learn just enjoy the rivalry and end the hate.

NOT a Ute | 11:23 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Green Wave - "change THEIR defensive scheme" That's what you get when you pay for a public education!!!!

Boise | 11:30 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Boise is right where they belong, once again sitting behind the best MWC team. Doesn't matter what Boise does in the JV league, aka WAC.

Didn't Boise and their undefeated squad last year lose to the 2nd place MWC team?

Ouch. So much for being dominant. Boise is dominant....as long as they are playing in the WAC.

Stop Acknowledging.... | 11:36 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

the Moose guy. Seriously, all of you that reply to him in your post is fueling the fire. If we all can just leave his thoughts unaddressed, he'll go away. Honestly, there's not much to do in Idaho so all of you are his main source of entertainment.

As for the Utes, I think they will be able to stay in everyone of their remaining games. Unlike BYU, Utah has a defense that is capable of staying with the fast, athletic offenses in college football. The defense is good enough to keep them in the games. Now, if we can see Wynn improve and run the offense a little bit better....who knows....Utah could possibly beat TCU and BYU.

BSU BRONCO!! | 11:37 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

"And now you yewte fans are calling Wyoming a quality oppenet, Wow standards are low in the state of Utah!"

Whats a oppenet?

DRLL | 12:26 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Can we please keep the little brothers from BSU back where they belong in I-D-A-H-O potatoes we grow. Serisouly, as long as you keep playing on that ridiculous blue field in a ridiculously weak conference nobody cares and nobody respects you.

Playing with Fire | 1:29 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

The problem with constantly playing close games is that the margin for error is much slimmer; one tipped pass or one fumble can quickly turn a win into a loss.

The Utes have been VERY lucky in close games the past couple of years.

If the Utes continue playing close games, however, especially against teams they should dominate, those close wins are eventually going to start turning into close losses, just like they did in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Re: Fake Moose | 1:38 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

So the BSU Moose by his own predictions puts BSU as a lesser team than TCU and BYU. He predicts that both teams beat the U by bigger margins than BSU so using his own logic BSU must not be as good as either of them. Funny when you demonstrate your own stupidity.

RE: DRLL | 1:39 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

"Serisouly, as long as you keep playing on that ridiculous blue field in a ridiculously.."

What's Serisouly?

re: Playing with Fire | 1:59 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Please list a DI school who hasn't been fortunate to win at least 1 game the last 2 years.......

Heck, BYU was lucky last year to not lose 6 games. Washington, UNLV, CSU all were close games that could have been losses.

It's always ideal to beat the tar out of everyone, but not realistic. And don't you think all the close calls the last 2 years have made this group of players tougher mentally? They were mentally strong enough to pull out the win versus OSU and TCU last year. While BYU was mentally weak enough to get beat by 31 points at home to TCU.

This program has moved past the years when they couldn't win close games. Whit will never have the flashy team that Urban did, but he's turned this program into a defensive minded, mentally tough team who is in every game and now wins close games.

SUU > BSU !!! | 2:01 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

The SUU Thunderbirds, on the road, manhandle UC Davis, while the Bronclets eke out a win against UC Davis on their blue abomination home field. Even SUU would take down BSU on a neutral field!

BSU fans are secretly hoping that Utah does pull the upset on TCU... otherwise, they know deep down that they will be exposed just like Hawaii was against Georgia.

A noose 4 the Moose | 2:50 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Stop responding to this insecure loud mouth and he'll go away. By responding to him we feed his ego and he keeps prodding the commentators here.
Give the Moose a goose and don't take the bait.

Last year | 3:04 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

I do believe I heard many doubters as the Utes were winning games by small margins, much smaller than that of BYU or TCU and yet they beat both of those teams. This year wont be an undefeated season like last but still pretty good. I am sick of doubters

Not convinced... | 3:09 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

that Utah has moved past the stage of losing close games

one year hardly establishes a track record of consistently winning close games

the corollary to the article's title

"A close win still counts as a win"

is

"A close loss still counts as a loss"

remember Harline is still open and 4th and 18

Utah has already lost to the only decent team they've played, so far, and it's doubtful, the way the Utes have struggled against lesser opponents, that Utah will be able to beat TCU or BYU

even if this season's Utah defense manages to keep those games close, Utah's offense hasn't proven that it's capable of winning a close game against a quality opponent

Kissel25 | 3:23 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

The Utah Utes- worst 7-1 (soon to be 8-1) team in the nation! Once again we have 2 mediocre teams in the state- and I think BYU is better!

re: Not convinced.... | 3:38 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Going to the Harline is still open and 4th and 18 smack eh?

Come on bro, that's so played out. Fact is, Utah has a better record than your kitties, and those games were 2 and 3 years ago. You know this team is mentally tougher than those teams were.

Kruger is still open.

Would rather lose a close one on two miracles than get my face caved in every time a big game rolls around.

Re fake moose on the loose | 3:55 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Hey why dont you change your name so that it fits on the Utah papers. Like 7 brides for one brother.

Reasons why Idaho is a better state you can drink a real beer, play the lottery, stay out past 9 o'clock, when you go out hunting you dont risk your life on a battle field. You can still buy a nice house for 150, and you dont have to pay 500 to register your car every year. As far as Utah goes you to have one good thing coming out of your state and thats I-15 heading north.

What? | 3:57 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

This has the most dumb comments I've ever seen. Remember Utah had the best argument to be National Champions last year besides Florida? They're on a rebuilding year and they're sweeping The Mountain. At the end of the season, a two loss record is a success!

Even if you say Utah is the worst 7-1 team, they're still in the top 15. If I were Boise State, your best chance for the BCS is for Utah to beat TCU (and you still might not get to the BCS).

re: Not Convinced... | 4:29 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

You're concerned about Utah going up against BYU because they haven't blown out teams like CSU or Wyoming.

But you're not concerned about BYU going up against a team like Utah, who has an athletic defense that gives Max fits. BYU clearly has played very well against teams like Utah this year haven't they! FSU ran right over BYU, and hasn't been able to run over anyone else they've played. And TCU just embarrased BYU in every facet of the game.

As a Cougar fan, I'd be much more worried about a team who has now lost by a combined score of 92-35 in 2 homes games, than about a team with a very good defense who is developing a young QB, while still winning games. Not to mention had numerous chances to beat the now invincible Oregon on their home field.

Remember 48-24? Don't even need a catch-phrase regarding a miraculous play that won the game for Utah. It was a complete blowout, and implosion by Maxie.

Moose's Caboose | 5:34 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

I have found the Moose to be right on with his commentaries on BYU/Utah football. Yes, a win does count for a win for the Utes...even though it was UGLY. It is time for the Utes to get a legitimate offense....all you Ute fans think the Y is going down this year.
Perhaps...IF the U can develop some offensive game.
Just wait until TCU all you YEWT fans...

apples and oranges | 6:33 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

How BYU did against Florida State and TCU AND Oklahoma is about as relevant as how Utah did against Oregon. I love how Utah fans conveniently forget about BYU beating a Top 25 team on the road, but obsess about BYU's losses. Bottom line:

BYU is 1-2 versus good opponents.
Utah is 0-1 versus good opponents.

The only legitimate comparison, however, is how BYU and Utah have played against common opponents:

Utah State
BYU 35-17 (21-7 halftime, BYU lead 35-10 until a last minute TD by the Aggies)
Utah 35-17 (26-17 halftime)

Colorado State
BYU 42-23 (21-7 halftime, Rams never got closer than 12 points in the 2nd half)
Utah 24-17 (Utah trailed 10-17 with 10 min left in the game)

UNLV
BYU 59-21 (24-7 halftime, BYU scored as many points in the 2nd half as Utah scored in the game)
Utah 35-15 (28-6 halftime)

2A | 7:19 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Good ol' Zane Taylor....Another fine product of 2A football!

TJ | 7:33 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Comparing common opponents is pretty pointless. Go look at the games against Air Force, Wyoming, and UNLV from last year. The scores were pretty similar in favor of BYU and Utah but everybody knows what happened last year when BYU and Utah met in November. The bottom line is you can never say who's better until they actually meet. And by the way, BYU was up 28-10 over the Aggies with three minutes left when Max Hall was throwing for the end zone. Typical of BYU, they scored pointless touchdowns to make the game look more lopsided than it really was. Its another reason not to compare scores, Utah doesn't have that same tendency.

Re: Moose on the Loose | 7:48 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Your dreamin. Donkey State would not have a chance against TCU. I do recall they beat you last year. A win is a win. TCU is on a mission and they will exceed expectations in the college football world.

Re: TJ | 8:04 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Utah doesn't have that same tendency? Time for a history lesson...

Who Let the Moose Out?!? | 9:47 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Moose on the Loose | 11:40 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009
But that is the difference between my Bronco and Utah. We win by a bigger margin.

--------
Einstein you're bigger margin wins against non-ranked WAC teams proves that the conference is weak and you'll get passed by TCU for a BCS birth.

FYI the SOS after week 9 is:
TCU 39
BYU 82
BCS 84
Utah 89

RE: apples and oranges | 9:51 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Bottom line:

Utah 7-1
BYU 6-2

Bottom line Utah did not get PUNKED at home by a 4 win team.

Bottom line as of today BYU SOS is 82 while Utah is 89.

Convinced Yet | 10:15 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

Not convinced... | 3:09 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
that Utah has moved past the stage of losing close games

one year hardly establishes a track record of consistently winning close games

remember Harline is still open and 4th and 18

-------------

You are absolutely correct about consistency... how about this track record:

BYU is has 1-25 against ranked teams (maybe 2 wins if OU finishes in the top 25) over the last few years.

Or how about this for consistency:

TCU 38 BYU 7
FSU 54 BYU 28
Arizona 31 BYU 21
Utah 48 BYU 24
TCU 31 BYU 7

Your not losing to good teams your getting PUNKED!!!

Utah has new QBs this year with a new OC. What is your excuse with the senior Max Hall?

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