Before the year started, I thought it unlikely that Utah and BYU would play in the Vegas Bowl. I thought Utah would win enough games to be placed "higher" in the pecking order. But, alas, Utah lost too many games down the stretch. And they did not do it prettily.

So, then, here we are. But before anyone accuses me of disrespecting BYU, let me say this: the only thing I like about my Utes playing in the Vegas Bowl is the fact that our opponent is BYU. For me, this adds luster to the game that would not have been there otherwise. I happen to like the rivalry game (even if I don't like some of the foolishness that accompanies it), and I have good Cougar friends that enjoy it with me. If we had been relegated to playing a lesser team from the Mountain West, my disappointment would have lasted much longer. As it is, my disappointment is pretty well gone (because, hey, what can you do), and I am ready to think about the game.

A few thoughts about some things I've seen people posting about.

1. Disappointment. I really hope none of my Utes (meaning the ones who actually play the game) holds onto any disappointment he might feel about the way things turned out. I think hopes were high this year (mine were), but any team that cannot get up for the next game does not deserve to be called a great team. Here on CB, I have often heard it said that the reason Utah beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl a few years back was because Alabama did not want to be there. I have never agreed with that. I think great teams respect every opponent and play every game. So, no lame excuses.

2. Injuries. Every team suffers from them. Utah has had the misfortune of losing some key offensive players at the end of the season. BYU lost a couple at the beginning of the year. I think the timing of these injuries gives BYU's offense a slight edge, but injuries are practically inevitable. The next man just has to step up. The loss of Booker was huge for Utah, but his backup, Williams, filled in for him well in the last two games. I think Utah's biggest problem is its WRs. It looks like Covey is out (it's crazy that a freshman being out is such a blow to the team), and I think Scott might be out, too. Some other guys are going to have to step up big. I'm also hearing that one of Utah's best defensive players, Paul, might be out (but, man, I hope not). But, again, the next man just has to step up.

3. Tickets. Say what you will, but the Vegas Bowl gave BYU a nice advantage by announcing BYU's acceptance early. I hope you Cougars (along with other re-sellers) gouge a lot of Utah fans! Otherwise, the bowl might be mostly blue in the stands. When I went to the Vegas Bowl site to look at tickets today, I could not find a single ticket for sale. Not one. It was not likely that I would travel out from Missouri to see the game, but it became a certainty that I would not when I started looking for tickets on StubHub, etc. (I suspect that the biggest problem here is that re-sellers saw the opportunity to make some bucks and bought up all the tickets they could find. If I am right, then perhaps there will be plenty of Utah fans there after all. We'll see!)

I have to say that my excitement for the game is growing now that it is a reality. I really wanted a different bowl, and, accordingly, I did not feel much (any) excitement when the announcement came. But as a fan, you watch the games you are given. On the other hand, my Cougar wife was really happy about the announcement, and she said, "I so want BYU to CRUSH you guys!"

I love my wife, so I had to tell her the truth. Utah will win.

Go UTES!