The Utes are in Laramie, Wyoming today seeking to improve to 10-0. The thought of playing in sub-freezing weather with a chance of snow is hardly fun. It could be worse, you could play for Wyoming and know that you chose to play in this weather several times a year!
Things to consider: Wyoming is 6-3, and 5-0 at home this year. The Utes are only 3-2 in their last 5 visits to the frozen rodeo arena in Laramie. Wyoming's offense looks finely tuned as they have averaged 48 points per game the last two weeks and have scored over 50 twice this year. Okay, before I sound like Lou Holtz trying to pump-up McNeese St. and why they are undoubtedly the fiercest team in the country, I should note that the oddmakers say its Utah favored by 23. Utah will win this game, but I have a hard time not thinking it could be their closest game of the year (under 14 pts).
On a warm day, or even just a decent day for football, I would see something along the lines of 50-28 for this game. There is definitely the argument that Utah could blow the doors off the Cowboys well running truck. After all, Utah has one of the top offenses in the country, and Wyoming's defense in near last in the conference against the run and the pass. Despite Wyoming's perfect home season, the Utes have won their last nine road games, a streak that nearly covers the last two seasons. Urban Meyer hasn't allowed the Utes to look past anyone this year.
Even with all the talk about the BCS, Urban's coaching future, and the big game against BYU next week, I expect the Utes will be focused. However, I expect the weather to have some impact and look for more like 35-21. That is about as pessimistic as I can get. Barring a complete blizzard in Wyoming tonight, I just can't see the Utes getting slowed down enough for the Pokes to get passed them.
Speaking about the Urban Meyer coaching future. I know a guy, who knows a guy, who's sister's brother's friend's dad's uncle, delivered a Pizza to his house. Apparently, there are no moving boxes in sight around the Meyer house. So there, its official. He stays in Utah for at least another year. Okay, perhaps my inside source isn't so 'real', but given the comments I've heard this week I'd say the Pizza guy inside my head is right. He stays and is here at least another year of love in Salt Lake City.
Speaking of traditions....the call "Utah by 5" has forever been a mantra shouted by the Ute fans when asked about an upcoming game. In these days however, the expectations are so high, people would be disappointed with such a weak prediction.
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