A Tale of Two Seasons: Part VII of XIII

The Utes played with fire this year, but thankfully didn't get burned.

More than ever I wished this year's Utes were the same team as last year. But all of my heartfelt appeals to a merciful football God will not pull off the impossible. They're like the child you wish paid a little bit of attention to you and actually cleaned his/her room once in a while, but no matter what you still love them.

As the team warmed up in War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyom., the skies were clear, the temperatures low and the wind blowing as everyone kept an eye to the west, praying an incoming snowstorm would wait until after the game to arrive.
Utah jumped out to an early lead against the University of Wyoming as Sean Smith snagged an interception and pushed it back 25 yards to score. The Utes never looked back, getting up by 34 points in the 3rd quarter and finishing the game with a 40-7 win. Just the thing to give fans the confidence that their team was great…but not really…
The offense accounted for two touchdowns and two field goals for 20 points; the other 20 came from the defense and special teams. The Cowboys' offense outgained the Utes, which gave me an uneasy feeling out on the field. If a 2-5 Wyoming team can perform better then a 7-0 team, what does that really say about the Utes? But that is how the Utes are, and I love/hate them for it.
As we left the stadium, it was obvious the storm was minutes away, but we had made the decision to go right home instead of staying another night in Laramie. Bad mistake. It proved to be hell as we nearly froze in my dad's tan Ford Taurus on Interstate 80, waiting and waiting and waiting to move. Ever tried walking on solid ice? Ever tried driving on it? But as bad as the drive was, it gave me the best non-football picture of the season as Tony Pizza, our sports editor, made a snow angel in the middle of the interstate.
Wyoming sucked, but since it's Wyoming, what else could I have expected?

This year we didn't have any travel issues because we played Air Force at home, and compared to Wyoming the weather was nice—I'll take rain over snow any day. But the story was similar with the Falcons' offense gaining more yards and controlling the ball most of the game. However, the Utes came out on top after the first OT.
It was an unnerving game to watch, but to be honest; we always have problems with Air Force. If the team can put together a good offensive and defensive game against Wyoming this year, then I might be able to sleep at night.
That being said, I bet the Utes win by less then 10. If you're an avid fan like I am, you just know these things. The team frustrates the Hell out of me, but in the end, they pull through.