| 2006 Schedule |
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| Quick Cap |
| To say Utah dominated Georgia Tech in the 2005 Emerald Bowl would be an understatement. Utah held the lead for the entire game and never let up, shutting the Yellow Jackets out in the second half. Utah also exhausted Tech's vaunted D, racking up 550 total yards and giving the Jackets its worst bowl loss in program history. The Utes won 38-10.
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| MWC Standings |
| (Coming '06) |
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| Monday, March 13, 2006 |
| 5 biggest games of '06. |
Every year there are games that make or break a team's season and last year was no exception for the Utes. There were five games (all losses) that every Ute fan looks back on in disappointment.
In each of Utah's 5 losses last season there was a turning point that hurt the Utes. Games where the Utes had a chance to win, but didn't. Actions that not only cost Utah a chance at a third straight MWC Championship, but a possible chance of going undefeated. In all 4 of their conference losses, the Utes lost by a combined total of 20 points. That's less than a three TD difference in 4 games. All but 1 were decided by fewer than 7 points. While a 7-5 record with a bowl win is decent, an 11-1 record would have looked a lot better.
This year's schedule is no different, as there are 5 games that can be characterized as the "biggest" of the season. These games will define the success Utah has this season and will almost certainly tell whether Utah is a conference contender or a conference pretender. The good news for the Utes is that all but one of these games is played at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
5 Biggest Games of 2006:
UCLA:
The opening game is always one of the biggest of the season, opening against UCLA at the Rose Bowl just ups the anti a bit. This is Utah's statement game, as a win would undoubtedly turn heads much like the win against Texas A&M did in '04. It's a big game for the Utes because it can set the course for either a very successful season, or a repeat of 2005. A loss won't hurt the Utes much, as it's an out of conference game, however the way the Utes lose very well could. A blowout loss to UCLA might set the wrong tone for a season just getting underway.
Boise State:
Battle of the two top non-BCS teams. This is a big game mostly because it'll prove which team is a legitimate threat to the BCS and which team is still not ready for primetime. Again, a non-conference game that can set the tone for the rest of the season. Boise State is a tough opponent and a win will draw some national attention to the Utes. A loss on the other hand would not only hurt the prestige of the Utah program, but the Mountain West Conference as well. The Utes dropping two out of conference games early may signal some troubles in the future, while a win may prove the opposite.
TCU:
This is Utah's second Mountain West Conference game (SDSU is the first) and probably the biggest. Not only will it be a game between the two "perceived" top teams in the conference, it could be a game where the Utes get a bit of payback after last season's loss in Fort Worth. After losing to TCU last season, the Utes tumbled downward, losing 4 of their next 5 games. That cost them a shot at the conference championship and pretty much guaranteed them a spot toward the middle of the conference.
This year, like last, the game is played early on in the conference. The Utes will need to beat TCU if they have a shot at winning the MWC, as a loss will probably take them out of the picture. Looking at the schedule, this is Utah's biggest game based on the fact it's against the defending conference champions. TCU knocked Utah off the top of the MWC last year, Utah needs to do the same to TCU this year.
Colorado State:
All that seperated Utah from a win against Colorado State was a yard and a decent O-line. The Utes were faced with 2nd and goal on the 1 yard line and still couldn't punch in the game winning TD. The loss didn't cost Utah much of anything (except it continued a 3 game losing streak and assured them of no more than 7 wins), but this season a loss to CSU could be devastating. Colorado State will probably be picked to finish toward the top of the conference and a win against the top-tier MWC teams always gives the program a better shot at claiming the MWC title. A loss here will probably kill any chance the Utes have of taking home the trophy.
BYU:
No matter what the records are between the two team, this will always be one of Utah's biggest games. It's a rivalry game and nothing fires up a team more than instate bragging rights. But this season the rivalry might have a bit more flare to it, as both the Utes and Cougars could be in the hunt for the MWC Championship. The Utes have beaten BYU 4 consecutive times and will look to run their streak up to 5 with a win. But most importantly, a win could bring the MWC title back to Salt Lake City and could -- if you're really optimistic -- put the Utes back into another BCS bowl game. No matter how the season plays out for either Utah or BYU, this will be a big game solely based on the fact both the Utes and Cougars are bitter instate rivals. It'll just be much more important if they happen to be playing for the Mountain West Conference championship.
Ranking the games:
1. TCU
2. UCLA
3. BYU
4. Boise State
5. CSU |
posted by Psycho Zombie From Outer Space @ 11:17 AM   |
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| The Blitz |
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Record: 7-5 (4-4)
Next Game: UCLA, 9-2-2006
Previous Game: 38-10 Win over Georgia Tech (Emerald Bowl)
See complete schedule
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