Assuming Utah goes to the PAC (which is still an assumption)...

[FountOfUte]

So, before we actually start playing each other - ergo, hating each other, let's use this calm before the storm to get to know each other.

First off, I don't go to other boards to talk smack. So I'm not here for any of that BS. I'm just a Regular Joe Ute Fan who loves the school and my Utes. I grew up in a suburb of SLC and am a Ute alum from the late '90s. I've spent time living in California and Arizona, so I have an appreciation for the PAC and collegiate sports in the west.

So, I'll answer whatever questions I can about the Utes, SLC, Utah (state of). I'm not some wealth of info, but I can at least give you my opinion from a pretty average Ute fan.

Here are a few ice breakers:

1) What should Ute fans know about CU (nuances, traditions, etc.)?
2) What is CU's greatest sporting achievement aside from the '90 NC?
3) Who do you consider your rival? Where will Utah be in that pecking order?
4) Besides USC, who are you most excited about playing in the PAC on a regular basis?
5) How do you perceive UU sports (I'm just talking football and mens hoops) in relation to you guys based on where both programs are TODAY? Even? Just ahead? Just behind? Other? Feel free to address each sport separately.

Here the Ute versions of my own questions:
1) Until the last ten years, I think we considered ourselves a basketball school. Our football has been great since Urban Meyer came here in '03 and has continued with Kyle Whittingham (KW). KW was actually a linebacker on BYU's '84 championship team. His family is from Utah, and he loves the state and the school. While I'll "never say never," I think it's unlikely he ever leaves the UU if we end up in the PAC. If anything, he might try his hand in the NFL in some capacity (his dad was an assistant in the NFL back in the day).

2) Our greatest achievement was beating down 'Bama in the Sugar. So I'll throw that out. Our next best it tough. It is a choice between: Being the first non-AQ to bust into (and win) a BCS game (Pitt, '04 season). Or it's our current bowl winning streak of 9 games (including 2 BCS bowl wins). We have two basketball championships, and our (not so) recent 2nd place finish to Kentucky in '98. I wasn't alive for the basketball championships, so I'd pick our hoops run in '98.

3) BYU is our rival today. That said, if we end up in the PAC, I see CU potentially (if not, likely) bumping BYU out of that spot. We've changed main rivals before. For much of Utah's history, Utah State was our biggest rival, and those who've done the research tell me that CU was actually a pretty heated and regular rivalry back in the '60s and prior. I don't know what will happen to the BYU rivalry. I assume we'll still play annually in football, albeit in September rather than late November. We hate them and always will. I'm just not sure how much ambivalence will creep in now that we'll be in different conferences.

4) For me, I'd say Oregon. There's just something hate-able about them, yet they are a worthy opponent. I know I'm in the minority among Ute fans on this one, but I'm excited to see ASU regularly. I lived in PHX for several years, and my wife's family is still in that area. I'd love to drive down to Tempe for some late fall fb and winter hoops.

5) I'll start this by saying that I'm not flaming. This is an honest opinion. That said, I see Utah football being much healthier than CU. You could definitely beat us (especially in Boulder) but I just see Utah as a step above. Our program is healthy. Our coaches get along and work their butts off, and have hit a real sense of stasis and momentum. As long as KW stays at the helm, Utah FB ain't going anywhere. For the shorter term, we have QB (Wynn) who started mid-season last year in his true Frosh year. He's a special player and, like Moore at BSU, I think Utah will have a heck of a run as long as Wynn is under center.

Our hoops are currently in some dark days. We have not struggled like we have the last 4-5 years in any other time in my life. Still, I cannot remember any stretch of CU basketball worth noting in my lifetime. I think our hoops will get good (or 'bounce back') before CU's does. But please enlighten me on that. I'm not really familiar with CU hoops, so I'm largely talking out my arse.

Fire some questions or thoughts my way. I'll try to come back and address them. I'm interested in your thoughts on CU.

Otherwise, I offer my peace pipe. Even if we end up at each others' throats, I'm not going to come here to be one of those pricks. I hope to be a respectful rival poster that you don't want to run off on a rail.

 

[leftybuff]

1. Ralphie is the best mascot in the country, the Flatiron setting for Folsom is epic, and the bags of urine, battery filled marshmallow rumors are just that...for the most part.


2. Salaam's Heisman, Big Al's Butkus award, CU had some good runs in the '70' late '80's, early 90's, one Big 12, three Big 8 titles, a slew of B12 N titles, we've had some good years, and some pretty damn awful ones, like the last four, for instance.

3. The cornshucks are our rival, but that looks dead.

4. UCLA, we've got some unfinished business with their HC.

5. Utah has impressed. Right now I'd say the FB is a head to head matchup, maybe even a shade in favor of UU, but CU is ebbing and UU is peaking. If we can get a HC who knows his head from a hole in the ground, I would expect CU to be in the hunt for the Pac 10 title regularly, maybe not every year, but close. CU was a National Powerhouse, and could be again with the right leadership. UU has never been there, so I'll tilt the field long term to CU, and yes, I am a homer. Our BB is in perennial rebuild mode, but a new HC gives some hope.

Lastly, I'd much rather have UU and a Pac 12 without UT and the rest of the B12 hick division.

 

[Buffnik]

FOU,

Glad to have you around and I'm rooting for your Utes to be our partner in at least a Pac 12. Be good to keep you around.

As soon as there's an announcement, I'll be more than happy to answer your questions and fire off some of my own. Until then, this thread seems like a lot of work and this is pretty accurate: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Colorado_at_Boulder. :smile:

 

[Highflyer]

Not a flame, but I'm guessing you are pretty darn young.

I'll take a swing at your questions

1) What should Ute fans know about CU (nuances, traditions, etc.)?

CU is a school with plenty of success and tradition. We can lay claim to a NC, a Heisman winner, Butkus Winner, Thorpe Winner, Outstanding Lineman (Prior to Outland Throphy), Doak Walker Winner, John Mackey and Ray Guy winner. We have the best mascot in all of Sports in Ralphie. There's no debate. We are a top 25 of all time football program

2) What is CU's greatest sporting achievement aside from the '90 NC?

Personally it was the 1994 season. I was a freshman and we lost just one game to the NC champs Huskers. Rashaan Salaam won the Heisman and it was coach Mac last year.

3) Who do you consider your rival? Where will Utah be in that pecking order?

It has been NU. It'll be pretty easy to hate another red team.

4) Besides USC, who are you most excited about playing in the PAC on a regular basis?

the Ducks. We had a good run of whooping their ass in Bowl games and then they put it to us in 2001. We have battled them for recruits over the years as well. I have a strong dislike that will probably work up to hate here shortly.

5) How do you perceive UU sports (I'm just talking football and mens hoops) in relation to you guys based on where both programs are TODAY? Even? Just ahead? Just behind? Other? Feel free to address each sport separately.

The Utes have had a pretty good run the last 10 years or so. The thing that sticks out to me is having the #1 pick in the NFL and NBA in the same year. Pretty crazy claim to fame. I grew up an AFA fan and Utah was always a thorn in AFA's side (this was when AFA was routinely winning 9+ games a year during the 80s under DeBerry. There's no debate that you guys have a better football program right now. AS for B-Ball, I think we found our man this off season in Tad Boyle. Very excited about the future of our basketball squad. We are the best skiing program in the country though!!!!!

 

[sackman]

Here are a few ice breakers:

1) What should Ute fans know about CU (nuances, traditions, etc.)?
2) What is CU's greatest sporting achievement aside from the '90 NC?
3) Who do you consider your rival? Where will Utah be in that pecking order?
4) Besides USC, who are you most excited about playing in the PAC on a regular basis?
5) How do you perceive UU sports (I'm just talking football and mens hoops) in relation to you guys based on where both programs are TODAY? Even? Just ahead? Just behind? Other? Feel free to address each sport separately.

1 - Our tailgating is legendary.
2 - 1994 Heisman Trophy, 2001 B12 championship, beating UT in Dallas. Very solid track teams & cross country teams. Skiing teams are also very, very strong. Multiple National championships for each of those teams.
3 - Nebraska is our rival. That's going away. I have no idea who the next rival will be. That will work itself out over time.
4 - No single team in particular. I'm looking forward to all of them, save for WSU.
5 - UU is way ahead of CU right now. Our football team is led by an incompetent moron. We're working on a lot of little things.

 

[FountOfUte]

Thanks for the replies Nik and Highflyer.

I hope there is reason for me to come back, too.

As for being young, I'm mid 30's, so take that for what it's worth. My recollection of CU football is that they were always in the national mix until recently. Those are my CU thoughts in a nutshell.

HF, I agree that CU football is a *when,* not an *if,* for getting back in the spotlight. I respect your program and don't think you'll remain down. I agree with others' comments on this board who think CU in the PAC will be a shot in the arm for recruiting and fan enthusiasm. I'm sure there's good reason for your outlook to be rosey. Also, I agree with you that our year of two #1 picks NFL/NBA was a cool thing. Bogut has slowly warmed up with his best days still ahead.

As for Alex Smith, of course I'm an apologist, but I can't claim his career has been anything but lukewarm AT BEST. But, I'm hearing good things out of SF, and I think with a consistent coaching staff and new, talented targets like Crabtree, Smith could still muster a decent career. He's still only 27 (middle-age by NFL standards). He could put a good 3-6 year run together with some luck.

 

[FountOfUte]

I grew up an AFA fan and Utah was always a thorn in AFA's side (this was when AFA was routinely winning 9+ games a year during the 80s under DeBerry.

I couldn't let this comment sneak by. I love AFA. Ute fans across the board have nothing but the utmost respect for the Academy. We all pucker a little the week of the AFA game because they are so hard to prepare for, and they play every second, every down until the clock reads triple zeros in the 4th - no matter the score. Same thing in hoops.

 

[Junction]

So, before we actually start playing each other - ergo, hating each other, let's use this calm before the storm to get to know each other.

First off, I don't go to other boards to talk smack. So I'm not here for any of that BS. I'm just a Regular Joe Ute Fan who loves the school and my Utes. I grew up in a suburb of SLC and am a Ute alum from the late '90s. I've spent time living in California and Arizona, so I have an appreciation for the PAC and collegiate sports in the west.

So, I'll answer whatever questions I can about the Utes, SLC, Utah (state of). I'm not some wealth of info, but I can at least give you my opinion from a pretty average Ute fan.

Here are a few ice breakers:

1) What should Ute fans know about CU (nuances, traditions, etc.)?
2) What is CU's greatest sporting achievement aside from the '90 NC?
3) Who do you consider your rival? Where will Utah be in that pecking order?
4) Besides USC, who are you most excited about playing in the PAC on a regular basis?
5) How do you perceive UU sports (I'm just talking football and mens hoops) in relation to you guys based on where both programs are TODAY? Even? Just ahead? Just behind? Other? Feel free to address each sport separately.

Here the Ute versions of my own questions:
1) Until the last ten years, I think we considered ourselves a basketball school. Our football has been great since Urban Meyer came here in '03 and has continued with Kyle Whittingham (KW). KW was actually a linebacker on BYU's '84 championship team. His family is from Utah, and he loves the state and the school. While I'll "never say never," I think it's unlikely he ever leaves the UU if we end up in the PAC. If anything, he might try his hand in the NFL in some capacity (his dad was an assistant in the NFL back in the day).

2) Our greatest achievement was beating down 'Bama in the Sugar. So I'll throw that out. Our next best it tough. It is a choice between: Being the first non-AQ to bust into (and win) a BCS game (Pitt, '04 season). Or it's our current bowl winning streak of 9 games (including 2 BCS bowl wins). We have two basketball championships, and our (not so) recent 2nd place finish to Kentucky in '98. I wasn't alive for the basketball championships, so I'd pick our hoops run in '98.

3) BYU is our rival today. That said, if we end up in the PAC, I see CU potentially (if not, likely) bumping BYU out of that spot. We've changed main rivals before. For much of Utah's history, Utah State was our biggest rival, and those who've done the research tell me that CU was actually a pretty heated and regular rivalry back in the '60s and prior. I don't know what will happen to the BYU rivalry. I assume we'll still play annually in football, albeit in September rather than late November. We hate them and always will. I'm just not sure how much ambivalence will creep in now that we'll be in different conferences.

4) For me, I'd say Oregon. There's just something hate-able about them, yet they are a worthy opponent. I know I'm in the minority among Ute fans on this one, but I'm excited to see ASU regularly. I lived in PHX for several years, and my wife's family is still in that area. I'd love to drive down to Tempe for some late fall fb and winter hoops.

5) I'll start this by saying that I'm not flaming. This is an honest opinion. That said, I see Utah football being much healthier than CU. You could definitely beat us (especially in Boulder) but I just see Utah as a step above. Our program is healthy. Our coaches get along and work their butts off, and have hit a real sense of stasis and momentum. As long as KW stays at the helm, Utah FB ain't going anywhere. For the shorter term, we have QB (Wynn) who started mid-season last year in his true Frosh year. He's a special player and, like Moore at BSU, I think Utah will have a heck of a run as long as Wynn is under center.

Our hoops are currently in some dark days. We have not struggled like we have the last 4-5 years in any other time in my life. Still, I cannot remember any stretch of CU basketball worth noting in my lifetime. I think our hoops will get good (or 'bounce back') before CU's does. But please enlighten me on that. I'm not really familiar with CU hoops, so I'm largely talking out my arse.

Fire some questions or thoughts my way. I'll try to come back and address them. I'm interested in your thoughts on CU.

Otherwise, I offer my peace pipe. Even if we end up at each others' throats, I'm not going to come here to be one of those pricks. I hope to be a respectful rival poster that you don't want to run off on a rail.

Very nice post. Appreciate you coming in peace. But make no mistake - you'll get some smack talk around here. It's just who we are. Most of it is meant in good fun. The rest is more entertaining... :smile2:

I really, really want UU to end up in the Pac-____ with CU. And not simply because I live almost exactly half way between SLC and Boulder (although a November drive through Price and over to SLC for a Buff game wouldn't be a bad thing.)

To answer your questions:

1. Aside from the unquestioned awesomeness of CU, what should UU fans know about CU? Well, there has been a great football tradition at Boulder - which is in hibernation for the moment, unfortunately. CU is definitely more of a FB school that BB in general, but right now I think there's a bit more optimism around the BB program. Jeff Bzdelik got some progress started, and Tad Boyle has made a good impression so far in the offseason. The football coaching situation, as you have probably gathered, is less of a source of positive feelings. But I think many of us feel that with a new coach, the new west coast exposure from the Pac and some facility improvements the Pac money will allow, CU football can rise from the ashes. Traditions?? Ralphie charging down the field at Folsom is probably the greatest. The best mascot in CFB, bar none. I'll let some of the long-timers fill you in more on those. Oh, and some fusker scum will be along to tell you our traditions include things like pissballoons, vandalizing cars, spitting on kids and physically assaulting grandmothers at CU/UNL football games. Ignore them. What they're saying is 100% true, but if you acknowledge them, they take it as some sign that you like them. And that happens so rarely they'll just annoy the hell out of you for years looking for more affection.

2. Greatest achievement, national title aside? Hard choice. I'll stay in the 80s-today since it's hard to get perspective on the older stuff. As much as CU had great players in the 80s and 90s (Hagan, Stewart, Bieniemy, Williams, McGhee, Salaam and way, way too many to list) I'll go with the 2001 Big XII title team here. They were basically one INT against Fresneck away from the national title game, beat down then #1 Nebraska, and beat Texass in Texass for the conference championship. And while that was a good team, the talent didn't begin to compare to some of Coach Mac's CU teams. To me, that made it a greater achievement.

3. Nebraska has been our rival for a long time now. Coach Mac started emphasizing the game as a way to push his rebuilding teams in the 80s. The fuskers deny the rivalry, but that's just because it makes them feel better about themselves to pretend they're above such things. The poor folks in Madison, Iowa City, Urbana, West Lafayette, etc. have no idea what they're in for. I'm sure the mass mailings proclaiming the approach of the "classiest" fans in college football are already in mailboxes. See, the fuskers just can't wait to tell you how classy they are - much classy than you (whoever "you" happens to be). Maybe the Big Tenners can get through to them just how classless that is... :lol: After all this shakes down, I think we're all expecting you all to be our biggest rivals, assuming you come with us. Geographically it just works, and as you say there is history there. CSU keeps applying for the job, but as so often happens, that CSU on the resume' keeps them from even getting an interview... :lol:

4. I'll agree with you re: Oregon. We've fought a lot of recruiting battles with them over the years, and haven't always liked how they've gone about it. Plus, they keep winning... And then there is those God awful uniforms. Phil Knight must actually hate this program even more than he claims to love them... :lol: UCLA is on this list for as long as they employ Slick Neuweasel. ASU didn't make a lot of fans the last time we played them in Tempe, mostly because Erickson's team was in full cheap shot form, typical of his teams. Aside from that, I'm also looking forward to the AZ schools. Washington is another school I'm anxious for us to face. Partly because it's a beautiful site and a program I've always liked. And partly so we can finally talk some serious trash to our resident Husky, who is normally too impossibly nice to actually harass enjoyably... And U$C is on this list for everybody, I assume..

5. I hate, hate, hate to say this, but I agree with you. Except I think you're being too kind. Your FB program is far ahead of ours at the moment. But enjoy the moment. We don't intend to stay down here... CU hoops was once great, but before either of us was born. In fact, I think we have a title that was won against UU sometime back in the 40s. Maybe DBT will remember... :smile2: Lately, we had a second round NCAA tourney run with Chauncey Billups last decade, and even played UNC well. But Dean Smith was chasing some milestone that night, and there wasn't a snowballs chance CU would be allowed to win. We have two great players in Cory Higgins (SR next year) and Alec Burks (SO next year, but may go pro after that) that we are trying to build around. We need a big man desperately. Jeff Bzdelik did some good things at CU before he went to chase ACC money this spring. But one thing his teams have never had at the college level is a true big. Tad Boyle will need to correct that. We also have a transfer from UU, although his name slips my mind at the moment. I'd be curious about your thoughts...

Thanks again for not coming here as a prick. A smart move on your part, as we already have a full quota of pricks... :smile2:

 

[Highflyer]

Thanks for the replies Nik and Highflyer.

I hope there is reason for me to come back, too.

As for being young, I'm mid 30's, so take that for what it's worth. My recollection of CU football is that they were always in the national mix until recently. Those are my CU thoughts in a nutshell.

HF, I agree that CU football is a *when,* not an *if,* for getting back in the spotlight. I respect your program and don't think you'll remain down. I agree with others' comments on this board who think CU in the PAC will be a shot in the arm for recruiting and fan enthusiasm. I'm sure there's good reason for your outlook to be rosey. Also, I agree with you that our year of two #1 picks NFL/NBA was a cool thing. Bogut has slowly warmed up with his best days still ahead.

As for Alex Smith, of course I'm an apologist, but I can't claim his career has been anything but lukewarm AT BEST. But, I'm hearing good things out of SF, and I think with a consistent coaching staff and new, talented targets like Crabtree, Smith could still muster a decent career. He's still only 27 (middle-age by NFL standards). He could put a good 3-6 year run together with some luck.

Huh, my age roughly. For some reason you came off a little younger, but not in a bad way.

Oh, and stay awhile. You may enjoy yourself here.

 

[absinthe]

FOU- I like how you guys punched an SEC team in the mouth on national TV.

 

[Bone Buff]

I'm kinda hoping you keep those idiots from provo on your Non-con. Max Hall dumped bp-oil spill amount of gasoline onto that fire.

 

[The Guest]

No love for Jim Hansen, All Big-8 tackle and Rhodes Scholar? I always found him to be one of the more inspiring CU players.

Welcome Ute--I hope the Pac 10 gives you a reason to stick around. Anything you'd like to share about your school?

 

[FountOfUte]

Re: Carlon Brown

We also have a transfer from UU, although his name slips my mind at the moment. I'd be curious about your thoughts...

Carlon Brown. Good luck with that guy. He is VERY athletic. Has some SICK dunks if you do some YouTube searching.

At the end of the day, he and Utah's coach, Boylen, didn't see eye to eye, so I hear. The word on the street was that Carlon was a locker room cancer. I have no inside knowledge of this, just passing along what I heard from others.

What I saw with my own eyes was a guy who had lost the will to play for the team and coach toward the end. He was just going through the motions. I don't know what went wrong, but it was addition by subtraction to have him leave, IMO.

That said, if your coach can get his ear and have him play some team ball, he'll be a great piece for the one year you'll have him. He plays no D, but he is a slasher and prolific scorer. He thinks he's better than he really is, and that was always the problem. If he can look in the mirror and see objectively, he should end his college career on a high note. I'd say he's no real threat as an NBA prospect. Too small.

 

[FountOfUte]

I'm kinda hoping you keep those idiots from provo on your Non-con. Max Hall dumped bp-oil spill amount of gasoline onto that fire.

Yes... yes, he did.

Can't wait until they come up to SLC this year. It'll get ugly.

 

[BuffNut99]

Let me add something here:

6) What is probably the greatest misconception about Colorado football?

That the 1990 National Championship was "lucky." GA Tech won the Coaches' Poll by one point after Tom Osborne voted Colorado #4 in the final poll - you know, because we weren't a rival or anything. That season, Colorado played the toughest schedule in the nation (the only NC team to ever do that), playing the defending Big 10, Pac 10, SEC and SWC conference champions in non-conference play, then Notre Dame in the bowl. Lost at Illinois by a point in final minute, tied by Tennessee late on a neutral field. Won at Missouri in "fifth down game," a sequence in which Coach Mac knew the referee's mistake and changed his strategy accordingly - in other words, CU didn't necessarily win because of fifth down, but they used the situation to their advantage. Won the Orange Bowl 10-9, a game remembered for a clip on a Rocket return in final minute. It was a clip, even Lou Holtz has stated so whenever asked about it except for right after the game. CU didn't get to play GA Tech, but the Buffs went 11-1 and played for NC the previous season (lost to Notre Dame in '89 Orange Bowl) and continued to be an elite team into the late nineties. GA Tech had exactly one other season in the '90s where they finished ranked.

 

[FountOfUte]

FOU- I like how you guys punched an SEC team in the mouth on national TV.

That was a good day, Absinthe.

 

[FountOfUte]

Let me add something here:

6) What is probably the greatest misconception about Colorado football?

That the 1990 National Championship was "lucky." GA Tech won the Coaches' Poll by one point after Tom Osborne voted Colorado #4 in the final poll - you know, because we weren't a rival or anything. That season, Colorado played the toughest schedule in the nation (the only NC team to ever do that), playing the defending Big 10, Pac 10, SEC and SWC conference champions in non-conference play, then Notre Dame in the bowl. Lost at Illinois by a point in final minute, tied by Tennessee late on a neutral field. Won at Missouri in "fifth down game," a sequence in which Coach Mac knew the referee's mistake and changed his strategy accordingly - in other words, CU didn't necessarily win because of fifth down, but they used the situation to their advantage. Won the Orange Bowl 10-9, a game remembered for a clip on a Rocket return in final minute. It was a clip, even Lou Holtz has stated so whenever asked about it except for right after the game. CU didn't get to play GA Tech, but the Buffs went 11-1 and played for NC the previous season (lost to Notre Dame in '89 Orange Bowl) and continued to be an elite team into the late nineties. GA Tech had exactly one other season in the '90s where they finished ranked.

I won't nitpick any NC. Remember, we've been shooting holes through BYU's '84 MNC since the day it happened. Anything looks legit compared to that.

 

[NashBuff]

As someone who has rooted for the Nuggets for a long time...I still hate the Jazz from the Malone-Stockton days. The ski industries of both states compete against each other. I don't follow MLS soccer so I don't know about the Rapids and Real Salt Lake. When I was cheering for CSU in the 1990's (I admit my sins here), it was against Utah. Although I was born in 1979 which is far removed from the '40's to '60's, I can see the CU-UU rivalry revived sooner than later.

 

[MrFrumpylane]

1) Our incredibly resilient 420 tradition garners national news every year with crowd turnouts in the 1000s.
2) CU is credited with the first liver transplant, presumably as a result of heavy drinking associated with our athletic events.
3) nu is a has been. I predict Utah will soon be at the top of the list, which should infuriate CSU fans.
4) Excited to play Cal. CU has been called Berkeley of the Rockies, the two universities are often compared with one another.
5) UU has an impressive resume with football in recent times. I'd give them the upper hand on paper, but if this turns out to be the rivalry game as expected, all bets are off.

 

[14ers4me]

Here are a few ice breakers:

1) What should Ute fans know about CU (nuances, traditions, etc.)?
2) What is CU's greatest sporting achievement aside from the '90 NC?
3) Who do you consider your rival? Where will Utah be in that pecking order?
4) Besides USC, who are you most excited about playing in the PAC on a regular basis?
5) How do you perceive UU sports (I'm just talking football and mens hoops) in relation to you guys based on where both programs are TODAY? Even? Just ahead? Just behind? Other? Feel free to address each sport separately.

1. Folsom Field is the most beautiful place to watch a game and watching Ralphie run is a thrill every college football fan should experience.
2. The Miracle in Michigan hail mary. Partly because it was a great moment, but mostly because I was there to see it
3. The Fuskers no doubt. If UU goes Pac10 I think that would be a good assumption. If not (to quote our Idot HC), "We'll see".
4. I'm excited about all the schools, honestly. That's the main reason I don't want the TX schools joining the Pac10. If they do then we won't play them very often and that defeats the purpose of joining the conference IMO.
5. UU is ahead of CU right now. No doubt about it. CU has one of the finer FB traditions around, though, and it won't take much to put CU back in business. Everyone around here knows what that is and after next year it will finally happen. BB is on the upswing-at least next year. We have two VERY good players, but both will be gone after next year. If Boyle can recruit our BB should be OK. Honestly, they have nowhere to go but up.

Here's hoping the Big 12 (10) stays together and UU comes west.

 

[azbuff]

1) What should Ute fans know about CU (nuances, traditions, etc.)?

Boulder is unquestionably one of the greatest places in the United States. Ralphie is an incredible mascot. Sometimes I feel like we overrate Ralphie because we're homers and we love her and the tradition, but everytime I go to a game with my buddies who are alums from other schools they are truly impressed with the Ralphie run. Pearl Street is the place to go when you come for an away game. The St. Julien is the place to stay, if you can afford it (I'm well paid and still can't). CU is probably the most beautiful campus in the world. It can literally take your breath away. CU fans are often ridiculed as "apathetic." While that may ring true for some of the students, the fans that fill Folsom are pretty intelligent and passionate. Or, as my fiance said last year after the CSU game, "the craziest foootball fans I have ever encountered."

2) What is CU's greatest sporting achievement aside from the '90 NC?

I was 8 years old in 1990, so I remember little of that year, although I do remember watching the Orange Bowl and my Mom screaming that there was a flag on that Rocket return while I was about to start bawling. The '94 season was magical and I was old enough to remember all of it. Miracle at Michigan, Heisman trophy, ass-whomping of ND. Clinton was watching CU-kNU (I believe, ranked 2 and 3 at the time) on TV when some crazy opened fire from Pennsylvania Avenue. We were pretty close to the apex of our athletic prowess at that point. And I will always think that team would have won the mNC had kNU played at CU. That game haunts me.

3) Who do you consider your rival? Where will Utah be in that pecking order?

I know the old-timers disagree, but the team I hate to lose to the most is CSU. I hate those mother****ers. Utah can be 1a on that list, but depending on how the divisions shake out, ASU takes the cake for fanbase I would most like to collectively punch in the face.

4) Besides USC, who are you most excited about playing in the PAC on a regular basis?

First, I don't know if USC is the team anyone is most excited about. Personally, the Arizona teams are most exciting for me because I'm a selfish prick, live in Arizona and graduated from UA law school (but could care less about their athletic program, before or after this move). I, and I think most others on this site, are most excited about almost every school and roadtrip, save WSU and OSU. Arizona, Seattle, Eugene, San Francisco, LA sure beats the hell out of Lawrence, Columbia, Manhattan, Lincoln, Ames, Stillwater, Lubbock, etc. Which is why we all hope to God that the Big Texass continues to exist.

5) How do you perceive UU sports (I'm just talking football and mens hoops) in relation to you guys based on where both programs are TODAY? Even? Just ahead? Just behind? Other? Feel free to address each sport separately.

Well, historically, which doesn't answer your question, but I must point out, we got you in football. Reverse in basketball. Today, you caught us at the lowest point of my lifetime in both. You got us in both. I am very interested to see how Utah foootball reacts to playing BCS schools every week, but I suspect you would have been very good the last few years whether in the Pac or the MWC. But, Colorado has the resources to be excellent in football again. Basketball has always been iffy, but if we can get the proper facilities, we'll be okay. I don't see a NC in the Buffs' basketball future, but it should be a ****ing expectation to make the tourney. And people forget it wasn't that long ago we were beating Top-10 teams repeatedly at Coors (2002-03).

One of my best buddies from law school is a Utah alum and one of my best friend's fiance is a Utah alum, so I've always pulled for you guys. It looks like that is about to change. Oh, yeah, **** Utah for stealing Wynn from us. Assholes.

 

[FountOfUte]

As someone who has rooted for the Nuggets for a long time...I still hate the Jazz from the Malone-Stockton days. The ski industries of both states compete against each other. I don't follow MLS soccer so I don't know about the Rapids and Real Salt Lake. When I was cheering for CSU in the 1990's (I admit my sins here), it was against Utah. Although I was born in 1979 which is far removed from the '40's to '60's, I can see the CU-UU rivalry revived sooner than later.

There are definitely some built in frictions in this match up. We're just different and yet just similar enough to drive each other crazy. :smile2:

I don't follow MLS either. Apparently our team won the championship last year. Yea. :huh:.

Haven't skied CO before. But, I grew up a stones throw from many of the resorts that surround SLC. I'm sure Utes and Buffs will have years to bitch at each other about who has the best snow, slopes, etc. For now, I'll say that East Coast and West Coast skiing can't touch the stuff that falls on both sides of the Rockies.

How's that for diplomatic.

 

[buff4bcs1985]

As someone who has rooted for the Nuggets for a long time...I still hate the Jazz from the Malone-Stockton days. The ski industries of both states compete against each other. I don't follow MLS soccer so I don't know about the Rapids and Real Salt Lake. When I was cheering for CSU in the 1990's (I admit my sins here), it was against Utah. Although I was born in 1979 which is far removed from the '40's to '60's, I can see the CU-UU rivalry revived sooner than later.

as i am a rapids fan(a big one) i can vouch for our hatrid of Real Salt Lake

we have a chant for them that is less than classy... and since i am also less than classy ill share it with you haha

The Utah Way

OOOOOOH

You've got one dad and You've Got Ten mom's
UTAH UTAH
You've got one dad and You've Got Ten mom's
Thats the Utah way
Thats the Utah way
Thats the Utah way
You've got one dad and You've Got Ten mom's
Thats the Utah way


all jokes aside i cannot wait for the first game at rice eccles stadium i will be there... and I hope to welcome utah with us

 

[FountOfUte]

Thanks for the reply, AZ. Good stuff.

You hate CSU way more than I do. Most Utes have a healthy respect for them. Respect isn't the right word, because, hey, they've never been *that* great, even during the Lubbock era.

I agree: historically, you guys get fb in spades, and we get hoops in spades. Not even a contest in either argument, IMO. I'm sure you're dying over your fb as much as we are over our hoops. It just does't feel right to pine for the NIT. Hell, we used to assume we were in the Dance. The only questions were: What's our seed? And who are we playing in the second round? Oh yeah, there's also: Where's Kentucky? Are they in our bracket? $#!+!!!!!!

I hope those days return, but it won't be next year.

I remember that game against Rocket. Classic, classic stuff.

Competitively, we'll be fine if we go to the PAC. We'll take some lumps, and dish some as well. I have no delusion of domination, nor of becoming WSU.

Interesting to hear your take on the AZ schools. I was surprised how apathetic that rivalry was. There was a little ribbing here and there, but those schools don't seem to hate each other 24/7 like Utah and BYU do.

Oh yeah. Thanks for Wynn. He's real good.

 

[FountOfUte]

i can vouch for our hatrid of Real Salt Lake

we have a chant for them that is less than classy... and since i am also less than classy ill share it with you haha

The Utah Way

OOOOOOH

You've got one dad and You've Got Ten mom's
UTAH UTAH
You've got one dad and You've Got Ten mom's
Thats the Utah way
Thats the Utah way
Thats the Utah way
You've got one dad and You've Got Ten mom's
Thats the Utah way


all jokes aside i cannot wait for the first game at rice eccles stadium i will be there... and I hope to welcome utah with us

Ha! It's going to be different to have the shoe on the other foot. We're used to dealing any Mormon-based smack at BYU, not taking it. Though, when I went to a game against UCLA, I was surprised at how much Mormon smack was thrown my way. So goes life.

Like you, I'm excited to get regular games underway against the Buffs. I'm surprised how little we've played each other in the last 40 years. Anyone have any insight to that? That's just too odd to simply be coincidence. Is there some bad blood, or was this the typical "We have nothing to gain by playing Utah" BS? Well, hopefully that is behind us.

 

[Darth Snow]

Fan****ing tastic.

 

[azbuff]

Its not BYU/Utah or even CU/CSU but UA and ASU have a healthy hate for each other. But Arizona sports fans are as apathetic as they come unless you're talking about the Suns. Actually, Arizona sports fans are the least loyal, most apathetic bunch I've ever encountered.

 

[FountOfUte]

Its not BYU/Utah or even CU/CSU but UA and ASU have a healthy hate for each other. But Arizona sports fans are as apathetic as they come unless you're talking about the Suns. Actually, Arizona sports fans are the least loyal, most apathetic bunch I've ever encountered.

That was my observation as well, AZ.

 

[azbuff]

Well, Utah is on the schedule for 2012 and 2013 regardless, so no, it isn't the "we have nothing to gain by playing Utah" excuse. One other thing about CU, our out of conference schedule rocks the bells. And always has.

 

[Ruckus]

NOTE: Replying without reading other 28 replies first, so I'm sorry if I repeat anything unnecessarily.

1. According to fans of teams we play, we throw piss balloons, marshmallow filled nails (yes I said that right), and we slash tires on cars after we push grandmothers out of their wheelchairs. You'll have to decide for yourself if this is true by coming out to a game in Boulder. Ralphie, our live Buffalo mascot is a beautiful beast and is the best mascot in all of sports. Sharks have a week dedicated to Ralphie.

2. Our greatest sporting achievements include the 1994 Heisman Trophy winner, Rashaan Salaam. Also, we are personally responsible for the demise of the super-power (almost puking typing this) NU used to be by beating that pussy blackshirt defense down in beautiful form 62-36 in 2001.

3. Our rival used to be NU. I don't care about them anymore. We need a new rival. We'll see.

4. I'm excited to play UCLA because it would be nice to beat down the clown, Slick Rick, although who knows how long he'll be there. I am also excited to exact some revenge on Oregon for a game I don't want to talk about. However, I am afraid to play Oregon, not for football reasons, but because I don't want our team to get anymore stupid ****ing uniform ideas from them.

5. I have cheered for Utah football the past few years because it is fun seeing an underdog come in and beat the big BCS schools. I agree you are in better shape than us right now and we know about Jordan Wynn. We we in a recruiting battle with you for him. I'll blame not getting him on having our coach's son as our QB. We know we can get our football team back to where it should be and hopefully it comes sooner than later. As for basketball, this off-season we actually acquired former Ute, Carlon Brown through a transfer. We believe he will help bring some leadership and immediate help to our young team. We are also very excited for our team. We have the Big XII Freshman of the Year, Alec Burks, who is projected 3rd overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft. We also have Cory Higgins, a three year starter back for his senior season and have had some good signings this off-season as well. Our former coach, Jeff Bzdelik, had a good thing going here before he split to Wake Forest, but we very excited about our new coach, Tad Boyle. He seems promising and we are very hopeful that he can keep our rise on pace and turn basketball into more of a revenue generating sport.



Aside from sports, I'm going to Park City for a few days in a couple of weeks. Are you familiar with the town? Suggestions?