The AP poll isn't that much better in terms of being a popularity contest, but I trust it more than the coaches poll.

The CCR computer rankings had Utah 4th in 2008 and 3rd in 2004.

As for Utah's opponents, it's easier for me to think about teams that I actually remember. I was 4 in 1984, so I have no memory of that national title team. I am pretty sure it's a safe bet that it's hard to come up with a ranked team higher than #1.

That Notre Dame team you mentioned finished #2 in the CCR rankings, so perhaps they should be higher than Miami on that list.

I realize Miami finished 3rd, but I don't know how you put a team with 2 losses as the toughest team you ever played. That doesn't make any sense to me. Perhaps they were toughest when they were focuses and put it all together. But 2 blemishes on the schedule would immediately remove them from my consideration. And those 2 losses were against teams that finished 22 and 6 in the AP poll.

I would put USC at the top and probably Notre Dame #2 unless there is another candidate I am not aware of.