Utes Become Bowl Eligible, But Sights Set Much Higher

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – By beating Arizona State over the weekend, the Utes picked up their sixth win of the season and became bowl eligible. It seems no one is talking about it.

This program has come a long way, as it was only a handful of years ago – when I played – that becoming bowl eligible felt like a major accomplishment.

When you remember that you’re bowl eligible. 😄#6and1 #UBoyz pic.twitter.com/F6dR3HxjKS

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 20, 2019

During fall camp every year, the team gets together for nightly meetings where they write down team goals for the upcoming season. During 2012-15, the years I was a part of the football team, one of the team goals was to become bowl eligible. Every year.

This season, it feels as though the team could care less about becoming bowl eligible. Knowing they were always going to achieve that goal, it is evident they have their sights set on bigger accomplishments.

Six Wins Used To Mean Celebrate

I vividly remember Coach Whittingham addressing the team after we beat USC on October 25 in 2014. Coaches’ post-game message to the team consisted of jubilation and excitement as we were now going to a bowl game, despite having five more games left. It was the first time Utah had become bowl eligible in three years after 2012 and 2013 were both seasons the Utes went 5-7.

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It was a big accomplishment for us back then.

However, when Utah beat Arizona State over the weekend and became bowl eligible, coach Whittingham did not mention bowl eligibility once. In fact, nothing was said about it at all.

The players after the game were not asked about how it felt, nor did they talk about it on their own.

This team is different and has its sights set on achieving much bigger goals. A change in attitude from where the Utes were just six or so years ago.

This Week’s Matchup

The Cal Bears come to town this Saturday in what will be the “Ute Tribe” game. The Utah equipment staff have also dubbed this game as ”dark mode”, combining both the annual blackout game with the Ute Tribe game.

Be sure to wear black and blend in with the night sky.

⚫️ Dark mode activated ⚫️@JavKFootball28 | @UtesEquipment pic.twitter.com/GJ27ZOlmWn

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 22, 2019

Despite starting the season with four consecutive wins and being the last team in the Pac-12 that was undefeated, the Bears have lost three on the trot.

Losses to Arizona State, Oregon and more recently, Oregon State has Cal struggling to maintain any hope in the Pac-12 North.

Especially considering the Oregon Ducks have a three-game lead over the next closest opponent.

The game will be televised on FS1 with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

Reminder

Be sure to get caught up on your Utah football news and notes by listening to the Special Forces Gang podcast. Former Utes Isaac Asiata and I talk about the happenings of Utah football and what you should expect this weekend against Cal.

To listen to Special Forces Gang, click here. It is available on iTunes, Google Play or wherever podcasts are found. Don’t forget to rate and subscribe!