UNDEFEATED

Utah 31 - Alabama 17
On Friday night I had the pleasure of watching my alma madre, the University of Utah, finish off an UNDEFEATED season in college football by beating up on the Alabama Crimson Tide, the former #1 team in the nation, in the Sugar Bowl in New Orlteans. Because of previous Christmas vacation commitments, my trip to the Big Easy was a bit hectic and short (I was only there for about 16 hours!) but it was well worth it. Although they probably won't win the national championship (thank you BCS), they can proudly say that they are the only undefated team in the country.



I don't think, in my entire life, I have ever been nervous at a sporting event before. But even when Utah jumped out to a 21-0 lead, I still couldn't shake the feeling that there was no way they were going to beat Alamaba! I know, I'm a bad fan. I think it was because this is the first time I had ever shelled out real money and travelled to a major sporting event where I had a vested rooting interest. (Although, thanks to my friend Shane Cannon, who's company is a sponsor of some alumni events, we had free tickets - which saved me a lot of cash!)


This was the view from our seats. We were right on the 50 yard line, but pretty high up. It didn't matter - since we had a great view of the field. We were surrounded by a lot of Alabama fans, and they were pretty hilarious. They were talking a lot of trash before the game, but they were pretty good natured and didn't get offended when we talked a little back. I think one family was trying to do their part to save the economy through the consumption of stadium nachos. Others were definitely trying to save the economy through the consumption of stadium beer! I have to say, I have never seen a group of fans (those for 'Bama) that were more into and critical of their team. It was crazy. They were booing after Alabama's second series! People were calling for Saban to be fired at half time, and he was the National Coach of the Year! But to be fair, after the game they were really polite and everyone we saw, either at the stadium, walking back, or taking our brief walk down Bourbon Street, cngratulated us on the win, and said what a beat down it was. I read somewhere that the New Orleans police said that this was the first year they hadn't seen fights break out between fans, either before or after the game. So, that's cool.

I don't really have anything else to add, except that I'm really happy that I went, even though I wasn't there very long and I had to be at the airport at 6a.m. the next morning to fly home. Being in DC, this was the only Utah game I was able to attend this year, and I have to say I think I made a good choice! Although since the Utes went undefeated, everyone who attended a Utah game saw a victory!

While I doubt that the Utes will be voted #1 in the country (like they should), it is still pretty cool that they were the only undeated team in the nation.

Now if only I hadn't come home to see that someone hit my car...